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Heather Garrett's avatar

I saw that someone on Blue Sky had trouble accessing this story, and here is Jodi responding as quickly as possible. Thank you Jodi! It is an absolute pleasure to read this story again.

You have brought me so much joy during some remarkably difficult times starting from 14 years ago when I first found Just One Damned Thing After Another. It was the first book I've ever bought after simply seeing the cover.

I didn't look at anything inside, I walked straight to the register, because that title said everything about my life in the moment. Now you are my favorite author alongside Ray Bradbury.

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Pamela Jay Paralikis's avatar

Dear Miss Taylor (or Mrs., I don't know),

I am currently rereading all of the St Mary's novels, and decided to write to you. I've wanted to do this several times over the years, and have quite a correspondence in my memory. Alas, I don't actually write the letters, because, I forget what I want to say as soon as I start.

I've never read another author who had me laughing out loud, I mean actually laughing, not smiling, but truly guffawing, in company, even.

Although, I've recently found Jasper Fforde, who is funny in a very different way. I was always taught that punning is the lowest form of humor. If you know him, please don't tell him I said that.

I find it hard to explain to my husband at 10PM and in bed, why I'm laughing like an idiot (although I suspect he knows I am). I try, but he's not a reader, so I can't just tell him to read it himself. Then too, I don't think he would get some of the Englishness, which I find so delightful.

So, I'm in bed, chuckling, and I can't tell him why, and I can't stop. You've put me in horrible state. I love you for it.

I'm reading Catalogue of Catastrophes right now (reading them in order again), and will soon, after a bit, be left with only the short stories. I'm also rereading the Smallhope and Pennyroyal outing.

Bravo, I say.

I can only beg for more.

I've read the other books as well, but don't like them as much. When can I hope for another St Mary's adventure?

Cordially,

Pamela Jay Paralikis

4651 Myrtle Beach Drive

Sebring, FL USA 33872

PS What is your problem with pissing and shitting? or Max's?

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Jodi Taylor's avatar

I’m currently working on another Smallhope and Pennyroyal story but St Mary’s 15 is next on my list. And there will be another St Mary’s Christmas story this year. How’s that?

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Jan Sutherland's avatar

I’ve just reread all of your St Mary’s and Time Police novels for the FIFTH time! Just can’t get enough of them and I’m eagerly awaiting the next Time Police novel, so thank you very much for this short story.

Re: toilet rolls: I used to watch out for Wilko’s delivery van and shoot down there at 7.30 am to snap up toilet rolls as they were pit on the shelf. Crazy times indeed!

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Wendy Jarman's avatar

But brilliant as per the norm

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Anita Kennedy's avatar

Thank you so much for this! I laughed out loud.

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Tina Fry's avatar

Thank-you so much for this. It brought much-needed entertainment in 2020, and still provides great amusement five years later 😁

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Elodie Holloway's avatar

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you!

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Jane Holbrook's avatar

Love, love, love this! Adding Turk to the mix was absolutely awesome!

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Cathy Monblatt's avatar

This was fun. Thank you for brightening my Sunday.

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Ian Fairbank's avatar

That was a lovely surprise.Thank you so much.Good you can make so much fun out of desperation,

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Stephanie's avatar

Really brilliant. Thank you for lightening up a Sunday !

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Nesta Oliver's avatar

Brilliant as always. I was laughing from line two. But a question. Where did St Mary’s get the massive horde of bog rolls from. Oops! From where did St Mary’s get the massive horde of bog rolls? ☺️

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Philippa's avatar

Two years ago I bought my brother Just One Damned Thing After Another for Christmas. Just before Christmas last year I received a message from him thanking me for buying him the book as few things are better than the sheer joy of laughing uncontrollably and unapologetically in public at something in the book you're reading. No other present has ever earned such a response. I'll have to let him read this too. Thank you for making me look good.

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Jodi Taylor's avatar

From one sister to another - you're very welcome.

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Chris Goulet's avatar

I loved it! Thank you for making me laugh!

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Anne Fletcher-Jones's avatar

Thank you, Jodi Taylor, for giving me a good laugh today. That was delightful.

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Sarah Pennington's avatar

Bloody bollocking hell, woman, only you could make toilet rolls side splittingly hilarious. You've done it again. Love it.

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