Question about Chronicles of St Mary's books

[SkepticalCat]

Sorry if I'm being dense, but in the world of Chronicles of St Mary's, do people outside of the Institute know that they time travel investigate historical events in contemporary time?

Is the University of Thirsk (who funds them) aware of exactly what they do? When St Mary's go back in time, for example, to retrieve artefacts that would otherwise have been destroyed for Thirsk to "find" centuries later - are Thirsk aware of exactly how it was done??

I'm sure this is explained somewhere, but there are so many books and short stories, I wouldn't know where to start looking.

I have almost finished reading the series (started several years ago) and just have the last book and the second collection of short stories to go.

I love those books! I’ve always assumed Thirsk know as they’re referred to as their ‘employer’ and someone somewhere in ‘government’ but not otherwise known more widely. The chronicles of st Mary’s groups on Facebook are good for chatting about this kind of thing too if you’ve not already found them. Have you read the time police ones too?

Thanks @Hooplawho, that makes sense.

I love the books too. They are great when I need something not too heavy, but not lightweight either.

Ooh, thanks for the tip about St Mary's Facebook groups. I hadn't thought about looking on there for like-minded discussion.

I haven't read the Time Police ones yet, but I do intend to. Thought I'd better finish one series before starting another one!

Oh lucky you with some books still to go- I really liked the time police ones, we’re lucky she’s such a prolific writer! The Jodi Taylor book discussion group is probably the best one for chatting about plots (they have a 6 month ‘spoiler ban’) but as you haven’t read the last one you might want to join once you have, and the main group is friendly, but lots of memes and less talk of the books so depends what you like.

Sorry by the main group I mean the Fans of St Mary’s chronicles group on fb

I live these books too, but I think (as with most time travel books) it’s best not to think too much about the logistics of it all and just go with the flow!

I really enjoy these books too - can I ask a quick question while you are all here?
I'm currently reading Hope for the Best, and I can't remember what happened to a character from a previous book - Atherton. He was one of the trainees when North started. Thank you!

@ChessieFL - ha, yes I think you're right there!

@Hooplawho - thanks, I've found the Facebook groups and have joined the book discussion one. As you say, I might steer clear though until I've read the lady book.

@RolandOnTheRopes - I can't remember what happened to Atherton either, sorry!

• last book

I always assumed only one or two people at Thirsk know about what they do and they drop hints to the archeology dept as to where to find things.

I can't remember her name but the PA to the head of St Mary's has a sister. Isn't she high up at Thirsk and knows what they do?

I had no idea there was a Facebook group. Have now joined.

@SkepticalCat I can answer my own question - just started Plan for the Worst and Atherton is back. He just didn't feature in the previous book. Mystery solved!