Jodi Taylor Author: The Time-Traveling Storyteller Redefining Historical Fiction
Jodi Taylor, author of the acclaimed Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, has carved out a unique space in the literary world by blending history, science fiction, humor, and strong female protagonists. Known for her witty writing style and thrilling adventures through time, she has become a favorite among readers who crave historical fiction with a twist. This article explores her literary journey, signature works, background, and what makes her writing so addictive, while also highlighting related topics such as authors like Jodi Taylor and Jodi Taylor author age.
The Rise of Jodi Taylor in Modern Literature
From Self-Publishing to Worldwide Recognition
Jodi Taylor’s journey to literary fame wasn’t paved by a traditional path. She began as a self-published writer, uploading her first novel, Just One Damned Thing After Another, to Amazon. Its success was organic, driven by word-of-mouth praise and reader loyalty. The book’s blend of humor, historical depth, and high-stakes time-traveling escapades struck a chord with readers.
Due to its popularity, Taylor caught the attention of Accent Press, and later, Headline Publishing Group, who helped bring her works to a wider audience. Today, she is an internationally celebrated author with multiple series and standalone novels under her belt.
Her Breakout Series – The Chronicles of St. Mary’s
At the heart of Jodi Taylor’s success lies The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, a series that follows the chaotic yet brilliant team of historians at the St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research. These historians “investigate major historical events in contemporary time,” or in simpler terms, travel through time while trying not to interfere with history—though disaster often follows them anyway.
The protagonist, Dr. Madeleine “Max” Maxwell, is a witty, courageous, and wonderfully flawed heroine who embodies Taylor’s talent for creating relatable characters.
Jodi Taylor Author Age and Background
Life Before Writing
Jodi Taylor was born in Bristol, England, and raised in Gloucester. Before dedicating herself to writing full-time, she worked for over 20 years with North Yorkshire County Council. Her background in library services, including managing library facilities, gave her deep insight into literature, storytelling, and what makes a book truly engaging.
How Old Is Jodi Taylor?
As of 2025, Jodi Taylor’s age is estimated to be in her early 70s. While she has kept some personal details private, her mature and nuanced understanding of history and character development reflects a life rich in experience and storytelling passion.
Other Notable Works by Jodi Taylor
The Time Police Series
Set in the same universe as St. Mary’s, The Time Police series explores a more structured organization that ensures history runs according to plan. The first novel, Doing Time, introduces a new cast of characters while maintaining the charm and energy that fans love. This spin-off appeals to readers who enjoy law-and-order structures mixed with temporal mayhem.
Elizabeth Cage Series
For those interested in psychological thrillers and the supernatural, the Elizabeth Cage series is a must-read. It begins with White Silence and follows Elizabeth as she navigates a shadowy world filled with secrets, lies, and eerie talents. The series showcases Taylor’s range beyond time-travel comedy.
Frogmorton Farm Novels
With titles like The Nothing Girl and The Something Girl, these novels delve into romantic comedy and self-discovery, proving that Taylor is more than just a time-travel author. These books focus on personal growth, quirky characters, and heartwarming humor.
What Makes Jodi Taylor’s Writing Unique?
A Master of Genre Blending
Jodi Taylor’s greatest strength is her ability to blend genres seamlessly. Historical fiction can often be heavy or academic, but Taylor injects it with life, humor, suspense, and emotion. Her stories are educational without being didactic, and thrilling without losing character depth.
Strong, Relatable Characters
Her protagonists—especially women—are smart, flawed, and dynamic. Whether it’s Max in St. Mary’s or Jane in The Something Girl, Taylor creates heroines who resonate with real-world emotions and challenges.
Fast-Paced and Addictive
Her books often read like a rollercoaster ride. They move fast, are filled with cliffhangers, and keep readers emotionally invested. Whether it’s battling dinosaurs or surviving the Great Fire of London, her scenes are vivid and exhilarating.
Authors Like Jodi Taylor
If you’re a fan of Jodi Taylor and looking for similar authors, here are a few names to consider:
Connie Willis
Known for her science fiction time-travel novels like Doomsday Book and To Say Nothing of the Dog, Willis combines history, suspense, and humor, much like Taylor.
Jasper Fforde
Fforde’s Thursday Next series mixes literature, mystery, and fantasy in a quirky universe. Fans of Taylor’s offbeat tone and love of books will find a kindred spirit in Fforde.
Diana Gabaldon
Best known for the Outlander series, Gabaldon offers a more romantic and serious take on time travel but shares Taylor’s knack for historical depth and character-driven storytelling.
Genevieve Cogman
Her Invisible Library series blends parallel worlds, espionage, and literature, making it a great pick for readers who love smart, adventurous narratives.
The Legacy and Future of Jodi Taylor
A Beloved Author with a Global Fanbase
Jodi Taylor has built a dedicated readership across the globe. Fan groups, forums, and online discussions about St. Mary’s adventures are lively and full of enthusiasm. Readers admire her for her wit, emotional storytelling, and how she turns historical chaos into literary gold.
What’s Next for Taylor?
With over a dozen books in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s, multiple spin-offs, and newer series in progress, Jodi Taylor shows no signs of slowing down. Her writing continues to evolve, offering fans new worlds and deeper character explorations with each release.
Conclusion
Jodi Taylor, author of the beloved St. Mary’s series, has become a staple in the world of historical and science fiction literature. Her unique blend of time travel, humor, and heart keeps readers coming back for more. Whether you’re just discovering her work or have been a fan for years, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in her literary universe.
