This past weekend saw the Leonardo Hotel in Cheltenham transformed into something quite extraordinary. Over 80 guests on Saturday (and more than 70 on Sunday) stepped straight into a world of glamour, chaos, and high drama as A Murder Out of Time unfolded before their eyes. The atmosphere was electric — the kind of event where you could almost feel the excitement humming in the air.
The Scene is Set
The weekend opened in spectacular fashion with Jodi herself welcoming everyone to the BAD Awards — that’s Book Adaptation Disasters, naturally. On display was a gleaming black-and-gold award statuette (to be auctioned at Jodiworld Convention 2027). Posters of Calvin Cutter’s infamous films adorned the room — from Nightshade: The Story of Florence Nightingale to Brutus: Sword of Destiny starring Dirk Thrust — and proved such a hit that guests immediately began clamouring for copies. (They’re now available at the Jodi Taylor Shop in poster and framed print form for anyone who missed out.)
But the glitz and glamour didn’t last long. Jodi’s speech was rudely interrupted when Sergeant Clint delivered a note: Calvin Cutter, egotistical star and serial offender in all things cinematic, had been found dead in his room.
And so the mystery began.
Murder, Mayhem, and the Time Police
From that moment on, the hotel buzzed with whispers, suspicions, and wild theories. The Time Police, already investigating Cutter for his many “Time Crimes” (smuggling artefacts from history into his films), immediately seized control of the investigation. Captain Little led the charge, supported by Sergeant Clint and Officer Thrett.
Every guest became part of the story as the actors circulated, sitting at tables, introducing themselves whilst spinning tales and suspicions. They were so convincing that many attendees admitted they forgot it was all theatre — they were simply living the story. Dirk Thrust, meanwhile, kept the mood lively by insisting on taking endless selfies with anyone in reach.
But the body count didn’t stop at Calvin Cutter. Soon his long-suffering PA, Ophelia Payne, was found dead, followed swiftly by author Paige Turner, whose novels Cutter had gleefully mangled into screenplays.
Clues piled up, red herrings misled, and theories flew thick and fast. Guests filled out their investigation sheets, naming killers, motives, and methods. Not everyone guessed correctly — but the journey was half the fun.
Tea, Suspense, and Standing Ovations
Between interrogations and shocking revelations, guests fortified themselves with a splendid afternoon tea, much enjoyed by all. The Leonardo’s staff worked tirelessly throughout the weekend — with one young barman, Tino, becoming so captivated by the unfolding drama on Saturday that he volunteered for an extra shift on Sunday just to see how it all turned out!
Despite a few accessibility hiccups (the hotel lift was out of order), the staff pulled together to ensure everyone was accommodated, moving guests to ground-floor rooms where needed. Their enthusiasm and effort were hugely appreciated.
The Curtain Falls
As the mystery reached its climax, the killers were revealed, motives untangled, and applause rang out for the phenomenal cast who brought it all to life. The feedback was unanimous: everyone had an unforgettable time. The energy in the room was infectious, and as the weekend closed, guests were already asking — when’s the next one?
What Comes Next
Jodiworld Events are thrilled (and slightly terrified!) to announce that Heather Purple and Allie Twist are putting their lives on the line by leaping out of an aeroplane from a whopping 15,000 feet (yes, 15k!!) on 11th October 2025 in Salisbury.
This is the highest jump allowed in the UK, and they’re doing it all in aid of our chosen charity this year – Bookmark Reading Charity. All money raised will help primary school kids learn to love reading and help improve their future prospects by increasing their reading age before they move to secondary school. Please CLICK HERE to sponsor these brave idiots souls!
There was plenty of delicious Jodiworld chocolate and exclusive merch (the chocolate was so popular that it may become a regular feature at our Events). Most thrillingly of all, attendees received their copies of Out of Time in hardback ahead of its official 9th October release — with signed copies now winging their way to the Jodi Taylor Shop. Those of you who have pre-ordered should get them very soon! We also now have new stock of signed copies of the Chronicles of St Mary’s Companion Guide both in hardback and paperback, which will be available within a few days.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Plans are already underway for a spring 2026 event to mark the paperback launch of Out of Time, followed by an August 2026 celebration for the release of A Family Affair, the second in the hugely popular Smallhope & Pennyroyal series. And then, of course, there’s the big one: Jodiworld Convention 2027, running 28–31 May 2027, with a brand-new theme agreed with Jodi herself. It promises to be nothing short of bloody-bollocking-brilliant.
Until then, we’ll treasure the memories of a weekend filled with laughter, suspense, and more than a little murder…
 | A guest post by
|