A Family Affair by Jodi Taylor

 A Family Affair by Jodi Taylor

I'm a huge fan of Jodi Taylor so was delighted by the opportunity to read a new work. I rea;;y enjoyed this book. It's the second in the Smallhope & Pennyroyal series set in the St Mary's universe and it picks up where the last one left. Loved the humour in this book and the time travel, Taylor is an exceptional writer and the characters feel very real as does the world they inhabit. Cannot wait to read the next one after that ending. Really well plotted and kept me fully engaged throughout. Thank you to the author, the publishers, and to Netgalley for this ARC. 



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I think if I'd read the first Stanhope and Pennyroyal book I might have enjoyed this onemore. It has all the Jodi Taylor humour and flair but I just didn't engage with the characters as much as I do with St Marys and found myself skimming some chapters.. One to perhaps try again when the first book has been read.

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A new entry in the world of Smallhope and Pennyroyal is always welcome. Having said that, this one is missing something. It's a good story, interesting premise, but it sort of ends with the sensation of flat pop where it *could* have that little zing you're used to but it just doesn't. I didn't feel like it was a truly original story maybe because we've heard the back story so many times? On the other hand, it's not like I put it down and walked away, I kept coming back to finish and I'm not sorry I did!

This review is based on an advance copy that I received for free.

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This is the second book in the Smallhope and Pennyroyal series and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. However I wouldn’t recommend starting with these books first but rather, at the very least the Time Police series. Once again we’re briefly reunited with some of our friends from St.Mary’s and, the Time Police, as well as various miscreants from the Smallhope clan. There are even elements reminiscent, though totally unrelated, of the Elizabeth Cage series with the clinic at Hatton House.
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are, due to circumstance, currently taking some time apart , which in itself is a bit unsettling. Surely this can’t be the end of a beautiful partnership? Plus, shockingly, Pennyroyal even tries to kill Smallhope! As usual there are several storylines occurring at once, with some obligatory pod hopping up and down the timeline
There are sad moments, action scenes and also a touch of the madcap humour that we’ve come to expect with Jodi Taylor’s books. Throughout it all the theme of family persists, both actual and made. Lady Amelia certainly comes into her own whether dealing with Herodotus or the undesirable elements within her own family. She was always capable but without Pennyroyal by her side life just isn’t the same. To top it all we’re left with a cryptic little message leaving things nicely set up for the next instalment.

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Always a reliable read. It good continuation of this duos story who we’re always a little mysterious in the previous series.

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I've enjoyed Smallhope and Pennyroyal since they made their first appearance in a Chronicle of St. Mary's story and have read everything after that. I loved the first story and was anxious to find out more - about their relationship. their plans, their. . . drinking! LOL!

A FAMILY AFFAIR follows right on the heels of the BALLAD OF SMALLHOPE & PENNYROYAL and be prepared - you can hardly catch your breath once you begin. Surprises and bendy twists happen throughout the story - and involve both families. Very fast=paced with lots of details about each of our main characters and development of their pasts and present, we finally see the truth of their relationship....and (esp as a romance writer) I LOVED IT! And, as with the first book, the ending left me screaming for more.....

Since this is so closely connected to the first, I strongly suggest reading that first....and read the Chronicles of St. Mary's, too... Oh, it was great to see Major Ellis from the Time Police and Dr. Bairstow from COSM in this story - but each of them just left me wanting to know more -- IS NORTH OKAY?? IS ST. MARY'S STILL IN DANGER? Now I have to wait for the next installment.

Fast paced, interesting characters and a twisty plot, A FAMILY AFFAIR is a fabulous entry in the shared COSM/TP/S&P world of wonderful stories. Brava, Jodi!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to read in advance and will share this review on vendor sites when my purchased copies arrive!)

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Due for publication 6th August 2026
This follows straight on from the first Smallhope & Pennyroyal book with Lady Amelia Smallhope still recovering from a near-fatal shooting. She’s at home, keeping an eye on the estate (Starlings) and her nephew, George. She’s looking forward to a quiet time with master-butler, Pennyroyal, who has acquired a cottage just a short walk away from Starlings, over the fields. Pennyroyal is her business partner, but oh so much more… until… he gets a phone call he never expected. His sister, killed in the Middle East years ago when she was in the army, has been found, traumatised, but alive. Smallhope gives him the space he needs to help his sister’s rehab, but there is something seriously wrong somewhere, and Smallhope & Pennyroyal have to figure out what, and why, and how to fix things. This is Jodi Taylor’s usual mysterious, enthralling story with the return of much-loved characters. Expect, time-travel, family problems, a bit of gut-wrenching, some soul searching, a daring rescue, and a little bit of help from St Mary’s medical department. I had an advance reading copy from Netgalley, and loved it. I will probably go and put the audiobook on pre-order for a second ‘read.’

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another great read from Jodi Taylor. struggled to put the book down.
looking forward to listening to the audio version when it comes out
the cliffhanger at the end certainly leaves you wanting more
would highly recommend
5 stars

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A rip roaring adventure through time

I was delighted to get an advance copy of the brilliant Jodi Taylor’s new Smalllhope and Pennyroyal book and it didn’t disappoint.

Picking up where the previous book ended, Smallhope and Pennyroyal are planning their next heist and trying to stay two steps ahead of the law when a surprise visitor upends their plans. But not everything is as it seems and soon they are drawn into a sinister game of cat and mouse with shadowy figures and clever conspirators. Will they make it through - together?

With compelling characters, fast-paced action and plot twists at every corner, this is a great read. It is good to see Smallhope taking on worthy adversaries alone - and succeeding in her usual inimitable style. There are some cameos from St Mary’s which will please fans of Jodi’s other worlds. And conversation is always witty, emotions beautifully understated and gentle humour running through the whole story.

Overall, another strong outing for the daring duo - would highly recommend.

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