Lies, Damned Lies, and History

Name: Lies, Damned Lies, and History
Author: Jodi Taylor
ISBN: 9781472264282

St Mary’s · Novel 7 · 2016

In Lies, Damned Lies, and History, a reckless decision leaves Max facing consequences for her colleagues and the difficult work of putting matters right.

Book 7 of 15 in The Chronicles of St Mary’s · 14 published; 1 announced

AI-generated illustration inspired by Lies, Damned Lies, and History; not a book cover.

What it’s about

In Lies, Damned Lies, and History, a reckless decision leaves Max facing consequences for her colleagues and the difficult work of putting matters right.

The novel gives weight to responsibility within the Institute: what a leader owes to the people around her, and how difficult it can be to repair trust after events have moved beyond anyone’s neat plan.

Historical assignments remain part of the action, but the story’s emotional centre is the effect of choices on a close-working team. Max’s practical intelligence and loyalty are tested alongside her ability to accept that good intentions do not erase outcomes.

The title’s emphasis on truth also suits a series concerned with how evidence is gathered and interpreted, although the book’s interest is in people as much as records. This seventh instalment draws on the relationships built over the earlier novels, making its pressures feel cumulative.

It is best read in order, where its changes to the team’s situation can be understood without a plot summary giving away the turns.

Listen or read

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Can I start here?

This is book 7 in its series. Start with the first novel for its clearest introduction.

Reader questions

Do I need to read the earlier books first?

Read the preceding novels first. As book 7, this novel comes after an established run of adventures. The numbered route introduces the returning cast in sequence. Shorter companion pieces remain optional reading. Use the series list to check your place before starting this instalment.

Source: joditaylorbooks.com

Who narrates the Lies, Damned Lies, and History audiobook?

This novel has a UK audiobook narrated by Zara Ramm. The linked Audible listing gives that credit. Match the recording to the book title when browsing editions. Follow the same numbered sequence as print readers. The audiobook guide maps out the wider listening route.

Source: audible.co.uk

Where this fits

The seventh novel follows What Could Possibly Go Wrong? and leads into And the Rest Is History. Its central pressure grows from Max’s role among the team, so the preceding books matter.

The short story My Name Is Markham is placed just after this novel in the suggested sequence and offers a separate character-led visit.

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Why readers love it

Our view

This is a strong choice for readers who value emotional continuity as much as historical adventure. The stakes arise from the group’s connections, so even familiar work routines carry new meaning when trust is unsettled.

Max’s response is not reduced to a clever fix; she has to reckon with people and consequences in a way that gives the story room to breathe.

The blend of urgency, loyalty and dry humour makes it a memorable entry for readers invested in the Institute as a community.

Listening notes

Zara Ramm reads the UK unabridged edition, with a runtime of nine hours and thirty-one minutes. This is a full-length recording for listeners who want to remain with the consequences and conversations rather than jump straight to the next assignment. The single-narrator format matches the established audio series.

There is no separate full-cast version listed for this title, so the standard audiobook is the relevant recording to follow.