Killing Time (The Time Police, #5) Review: Jodi Taylor Takes Us on a Wild Ride
As an avid fan of Jodi Taylor’s Time Police series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Killing Time. Taylor has always had a knack for blending humor with heartfelt moments while twisting the concept of time travel in delightfully unexpected ways. However, as I turned the pages of this fifth installment, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions. Let’s dive into the chaos, shall we?
This novel is certainly not a stand-alone, and thank goodness for that! Taylor’s characters—Team 236—are back, replete with their familiar quirks and endearing complexities. I adore Luke Parrish, whose reckless facade hides a genuine desire to be more than just a wealthy wastrel. Jane Lockland steals every scene with her witty alter ego, Bolshi Jane. And then there’s Matthew Farrell, whose incredible backstory as a climbing boy adds layers of depth to his character. Their escapades are set against a historical backdrop involving the mysterious disappearance of the Zanetti train in 1911—a ghostly locomotive entwined with romantic notions of time and reality.
Taylor manages to introduce new twists while cleverly recalling previous quips from the series, a testament to her writing prowess. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps the narrative stumbled under the weight of its own ambition. The pacing felt a tad meandering, particularly in the middle sections, which made it a longer journey to navigate through the chaos.
It’s worth noting that the zaniness of the plot hinges on elements that seem so absurd, one might be tempted to judge the narrative harshly. But as I read about Lt. North’s investigations and their encounters with the train that seems to have mastered its own destiny, I couldn’t help but admire Taylor for pulling in real historical mysteries, threading fiction with genuine intrigue. Once I realized the elaborate mythos around the Zanetti train wasn’t entirely fictional, it earned an extra star in my book!
Moreover, Taylor’s talent for putting her beloved characters through hell was on full display. The grim reality of the asylum, Matthew’s near destruction of the Time Machine, and Luke’s agonizing predicament all dealt with themes of choice, destiny, and the human condition. It evoked a genuine emotional response, even if it occasionally started to feel a bit protracted.
Interestingly, the budding romance between Lt. Grint and Jane nudged the narrative forward, although I found myself yearning for the sheer unpredictability that St. Mary’s used to deliver. It seems like Taylor might be trying to wring every ounce of chemistry from their relationship, leading me to wonder if she too feels the weight of these characters. I longed for the carefree joy that St. Mary’s particularly encapsulated—perhaps Taylor could find herself revitalized after a break away from the Time Police.
In conclusion, Killing Time will resonate with die-hard fans of the series who revel in Taylor’s unique approach to historical and fantastical storytelling. Newcomers, however, might find themselves adrift unless they dive into the preceding books first. While it may not have left me completely fulfilled, it has certainly engaged my mind in ways I didn’t expect, leaving me curious about where Taylor will take us next. Here’s hoping she decides to revisit St. Mary’s for a more grounded adventure before plunging deeper into the world of time discrepancies and romantic entanglements!
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