Booklog 77/2020: Jodi Taylor: The Steam Pump Jump – Audio

[jacey]

While Max, the usual viewpoint character of the St Mary's stories, is laid up in the infirmary with broken bones, having fallen off the roof in the previous St Mary's book, she has a brilliant idea which she leaves to Markham to carry out.

Peterson is about to lead a team of historians and security to the 1660s to see the first ever working steam pump, designed by Edward Somerset, Lord Herbert, long before Newcomen and Watt. Contemporary reports of the day indicate that the demonstration went well and there was no trouble, so it should be an easy assignment, however Sykes and North (historians) hate each other and take every opportunity to snipe. In addition Markham has been given an extra assignment by Max – get Peterson and Miss Lingoss together and give them a chance to make some kind of connection. Peterson is still in a deep depression after two bereavements. Markham has a plan which involves pushing Lingoss into a moat so that Peterson can rescue her. What could possibly go wrong?

The story is told entirely from Markham's point of view, which is fascinating. Markham is one of my favourite St Mary's characters, and Zara Ramm narrates his story in his Bristol accent which is perfect. There are some asides which might not mean much in this particular story, but in the context of revelations about Markham in the most recent St Mary's book 'Plan for the Worst' they make perfect sense. I didn't even notice them when I read this story the first time around but now I'm chuckling at them, understanding what they really mean. Priceless! All will be revealed… eventually.

 

 

 

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