Behind the seemingly innocuous facade of St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research, a different kind of academic work is taking place. Just don't call it "time travel"--these historians "investigate major historical events in contemporary time." And they aren't your harmless eccentrics either; a more accurate description, as they ricochet around history, might be unintentional disaster-magnets.

The Chronicles of St. Mary's tells the chaotic adventures of Madeleine Maxwell and her compatriots--Director Bairstow, Leon "Chief" Farrell, Mr. Markham, and many more--as they travel through time, saving St. Mary's Institute (too often by the very seat of their pants) and thwarting time-traveling terrorists, all the while leaving plenty of time for tea.

The Long and Short of It collects all of Jodi Taylor's previously published St. Mary's short stories in one single volume. From Julius Caesar in Ancient Rome to a 1601 performance of Hamlet with Shakespeare himself playing the ghost, Max and the gang never seem to have trouble finding ways to insert themselves into prickly situations. And don't worry, there's plenty of Christmas cheer (and just a little of mischief) thrown in for good measure.

Stories Included:

When a Child is Born
Roman Holiday
Christmas Present
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
The Very First Damned Thing
The Great St. Mary's Day Out
My Name is Markham
A Perfect Storm