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The Clockmaker
The Clockmaker waits for you...
A gripping supernatural novel set in post-blitz Scotland, the first of a planned trilogy.
“No man in this world may boast of his might, he is awake in the morning and dead at night.”
Widowed in World War 2, Annette and her young son face a completely different life as they exchange the devastation of post-blitz London for the slow pace of a small village. The house they have inherited is old, its bones still settling, creaking noises in the dead of night and the murmur of scritch-scritch in the walls. Located outside the village of Lochnagar, it’s been empty for many years – and for good reason.
The unfolding of how the Clockmaker made his plans, his meticulous preparations and macabre creations, all builds up to a series of gruesome, horrific murders. These have just one end in his release from that which has held him captive for centuries.
A chilling supernatural novel with characters you’ll come to care for, The Clockmaker will interest anyone who fears the dark – and what might lie in the shadows...
A gripping supernatural novel set in post-blitz Scotland, the first of a planned trilogy.
“No man in this world may boast of his might, he is awake in the morning and dead at night.”
Widowed in World War 2, Annette and her young son face a completely different life as they exchange the devastation of post-blitz London for the slow pace of a small village. The house they have inherited is old, its bones still settling, creaking noises in the dead of night and the murmur of scritch-scritch in the walls. Located outside the village of Lochnagar, it’s been empty for many years – and for good reason.
The unfolding of how the Clockmaker made his plans, his meticulous preparations and macabre creations, all builds up to a series of gruesome, horrific murders. These have just one end in his release from that which has held him captive for centuries.
A chilling supernatural novel with characters you’ll come to care for, The Clockmaker will interest anyone who fears the dark – and what might lie in the shadows...
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 18, 2018
This is an intriguing and interesting horror story but for me it was too slow. I didn’t feel anything much happened until well after a quarter of the book had passed. That’s not to say it wasn’t good and richly detailed but I’m someone who needs the action to start pretty early on.
The beginning splits between a woman widowed in the war and trying to start life again through a boarding house she has inherited and an old man who has fled the nazi’s and was forced to do unspeakable acts whilst captured. Circumstances happen which cause the two to end up sharing the house.
It does flow beautifully and I did enjoy the characters I just think it isn’t a book that best suits my reading needs however I would recommend it to those that don’t need as much instant gratification.
The beginning splits between a woman widowed in the war and trying to start life again through a boarding house she has inherited and an old man who has fled the nazi’s and was forced to do unspeakable acts whilst captured. Circumstances happen which cause the two to end up sharing the house.
It does flow beautifully and I did enjoy the characters I just think it isn’t a book that best suits my reading needs however I would recommend it to those that don’t need as much instant gratification.
August 10, 2019
This book had some really beautiful writing and begins very strong. There is definitely a mysterious, dreamlike quality about it. The book would have benefitted from some more action and some quicker plot movement, but it is generally an engaging read.
July 19, 2019
A fantastic ride through the realm of horror. Unique and well-developed. The Clockmaker once made toys for children, but after spending time imprisoned by the Nazis, his creations have become macabre. We follow him on his quest to meet his end. But is it the end he envisions or does the blue angel he has been trying to please have other ideas? Murders and deception are displayed with equal perfection. What a twist!
May 10, 2018
It is a bit confusing; this book can only be found on GR by searching for 'Drew Neary' and then you find an edition without a cover picture, and this one, with author Ceri Williams, with the beautiful cover.
The fact is, Drew and Ceri are co-authors and the beautiful cover is by Ana Priscila Rodriguez Aranda, a visual artist born in Mexico City but living and working in the Netherlands.
Anyway, I am happy to have read this book because it is quite unusual. It is very well written in a beautiful flowing style, where a lot is said between the lines. It is horror but it is more than that. It is also a moving story about love and understanding. The way Annette and her young son try to build up a new life after their great loss and the terrible things that happened in the war cuts right into your heart.
The fact is, Drew and Ceri are co-authors and the beautiful cover is by Ana Priscila Rodriguez Aranda, a visual artist born in Mexico City but living and working in the Netherlands.
Anyway, I am happy to have read this book because it is quite unusual. It is very well written in a beautiful flowing style, where a lot is said between the lines. It is horror but it is more than that. It is also a moving story about love and understanding. The way Annette and her young son try to build up a new life after their great loss and the terrible things that happened in the war cuts right into your heart.
March 14, 2019
A Spine-chilling Tale
'The Clockmaker' by Drew Neary & Ceri Williams is a spine-chilling tale set in post-blitz, Scotland. - Never before has parts of a book had the power to gross me out, whilst other parts drew me like a magnet.
I believe 'The Clockmaker' will appeal to older readers who are fans of deep, dark horror stories or sci-fi thrillers.
'The Clockmaker' by Drew Neary & Ceri Williams is a spine-chilling tale set in post-blitz, Scotland. - Never before has parts of a book had the power to gross me out, whilst other parts drew me like a magnet.
I believe 'The Clockmaker' will appeal to older readers who are fans of deep, dark horror stories or sci-fi thrillers.
June 29, 2018
Annette and her young son are going to live in Scotland in the childhood home of Annette's husband, Gordon. It is just after WWII and Gordon has been killed in the war. They meet a strange, elderly gentleman who (in true gothic style) is not what he seems........
I must issue a warning to all prospective readers. This is the sort of book that leaves you with just as many questions at the end as at the beginning. They may not necessarily be the same questions but this is not a book which wraps up all the threads neatly.
This is definitely gothic with a touch of steampunk in there. The old man was a clockmaker and makes clockwork toys - well sort of anyway. The character of the old man slowly unfolds as the book progresses - who or what is he?
I enjoyed this book. It has some gothic, is a bit historical, has some supernatural and a touch (but only a touch) of horror. This is not a blood, guts and gore book but a clever unravelling of a story where the human characters are not the most unnerving.
There is a fantastic climax in this book. It is a movie makers dream. I won't describe it totally as we don't want spoilers but in a true gothic style it includes a dark hillside and a storm. I was fortunately enough to be reading this at a brass band practice. (strange but true) As the scene unfolded in the book the band started to play "Spirit of Brass" which rose to a crescendo in perfect timing with the climax of the book. It was excellent and I am sure heightened the tension & suspense of the scene. There is a lot to be said for having a soundtrack to books - maybe I should patent soundtracks for ereaders!
The book is well written. There are two contrasting atmospheres throughout the book - that of Duncan and his Mother who seem to be quite happily normal & then there are the dark undertones of which they are seemingly unaware. It really is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
I must issue a warning to all prospective readers. This is the sort of book that leaves you with just as many questions at the end as at the beginning. They may not necessarily be the same questions but this is not a book which wraps up all the threads neatly.
This is definitely gothic with a touch of steampunk in there. The old man was a clockmaker and makes clockwork toys - well sort of anyway. The character of the old man slowly unfolds as the book progresses - who or what is he?
I enjoyed this book. It has some gothic, is a bit historical, has some supernatural and a touch (but only a touch) of horror. This is not a blood, guts and gore book but a clever unravelling of a story where the human characters are not the most unnerving.
There is a fantastic climax in this book. It is a movie makers dream. I won't describe it totally as we don't want spoilers but in a true gothic style it includes a dark hillside and a storm. I was fortunately enough to be reading this at a brass band practice. (strange but true) As the scene unfolded in the book the band started to play "Spirit of Brass" which rose to a crescendo in perfect timing with the climax of the book. It was excellent and I am sure heightened the tension & suspense of the scene. There is a lot to be said for having a soundtrack to books - maybe I should patent soundtracks for ereaders!
The book is well written. There are two contrasting atmospheres throughout the book - that of Duncan and his Mother who seem to be quite happily normal & then there are the dark undertones of which they are seemingly unaware. It really is well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
May 3, 2020
This was a very good story. Imaginative, very different from whatever I've read in the past. The language was literary, there was a lot of interiority, and the depiction of the characters was real. I found it exceptionally good that the chapters that were from a different character's point of view were also written in a different idiom. The atmosphere was fantastic–Scottish highlands! Very dark, gothic almost, I really felt it.
I'd have given this book a full five stars for story, content, and beautiful prose, only the syntax and grammar was so problematic that it seriously marred my experience. Apart from the many dangling modifiers, almost half the book consisted of inappropriate sentence fragments. In some occasions, words were used in so strange ways that I just couldn't understand what the sentence meant. I read a lot of literary fiction, I get literary fiction, and I understand that this was an attempt at literary fiction, but the language still has to work. Just separating modifiers from sentences by periods is not working. I'm not advocating for using perfectly correct syntax–no, literary texts are quirky. But this book took it several steps too far.
Still, I suggest you give this book a shot. The authors have great talent, and I'd rather read this than a boring retelling of the same tropes.
I'd have given this book a full five stars for story, content, and beautiful prose, only the syntax and grammar was so problematic that it seriously marred my experience. Apart from the many dangling modifiers, almost half the book consisted of inappropriate sentence fragments. In some occasions, words were used in so strange ways that I just couldn't understand what the sentence meant. I read a lot of literary fiction, I get literary fiction, and I understand that this was an attempt at literary fiction, but the language still has to work. Just separating modifiers from sentences by periods is not working. I'm not advocating for using perfectly correct syntax–no, literary texts are quirky. But this book took it several steps too far.
Still, I suggest you give this book a shot. The authors have great talent, and I'd rather read this than a boring retelling of the same tropes.
March 6, 2023
This is a unique creepy horror following Annette and Duncan after the passing of Duncan’s father. They move to Scotland to start a new life but on the way meet a strange old man, who turns out to be the clockmaker and ends up befriending Duncan and Annette, but the clockmaker is not the kind old man he seems to be! This one is a slow burn but subtle creepy horror parts throughout building upto the climax.
August 16, 2019
absolutely loved this book, the writing is beautiful, like poetry sometimes. thought the story very gripping with the tales of the old man lased in. A little bit dark and a little horror would recommend this to anyone who loves books and good writing.
June 5, 2018
OMG.! The ending of this book was really freaky. I wasn't sure what I was going to get when the description stated sci-fy, paranormal, and it sounds like a historical fiction. This book was AMAZING! The beginning has the story split between an old man that was captured by the Nazi's and forced to create things and a widowed woman and her son. There were a couple of times that I had to go back and re-read because I wasn't sure which story it was. Then the story seemed to merge and was much easier to follow. The Sci-fy element is steampunk-ish creatures made from gears and bones and the paranormal aspect happens at the end (can't say cause it will spoil it). This book had me creeped out, and I can't wait for the second one!.
May 11, 2018
Very Good
Received "The Clockmaker" as part of an eARC a few days ago and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book is a fabulous mix of many genres as the story has so many things going on. There's a bit of magic/supernatural, there's some sci-fi elements, history; we could even call it a thriller/ horror fiction. The story is about a little child, Duncan and his mother, Annette, who are moving to his father's ancestral place in Scotland, where they plan to start a lodging service. Duncan's father died in WW2 and the story is interspersed with soft, loving memories of the man. On their way to Scotland they meet a man whom they later find in their own village as a guest in their lodge. Who is this mystery man and does he have any role in the many strange things happening in this little Scottish village? The answer to these questions is what this book is about.
The book is a complete page turner and you won't be able to keep it down, once you have picked it up. The story flows beautifully from one view poit into another. While there defnitely are some loops left opened at the end of the story, I believe the closure to these would be attained in the sequel (really looking forward to it!). Overall, a great read!
#TheClockmaker #NetGalley #CeriWilliams #DrewNeary #TroubadorPublishing
May 2018
Received "The Clockmaker" as part of an eARC a few days ago and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book is a fabulous mix of many genres as the story has so many things going on. There's a bit of magic/supernatural, there's some sci-fi elements, history; we could even call it a thriller/ horror fiction. The story is about a little child, Duncan and his mother, Annette, who are moving to his father's ancestral place in Scotland, where they plan to start a lodging service. Duncan's father died in WW2 and the story is interspersed with soft, loving memories of the man. On their way to Scotland they meet a man whom they later find in their own village as a guest in their lodge. Who is this mystery man and does he have any role in the many strange things happening in this little Scottish village? The answer to these questions is what this book is about.
The book is a complete page turner and you won't be able to keep it down, once you have picked it up. The story flows beautifully from one view poit into another. While there defnitely are some loops left opened at the end of the story, I believe the closure to these would be attained in the sequel (really looking forward to it!). Overall, a great read!
#TheClockmaker #NetGalley #CeriWilliams #DrewNeary #TroubadorPublishing
May 2018
June 14, 2019
Dark, compelling and thrilling. This is definitely a page turner. It was a little difficult to get into at first but once I stuck with it I was glad I did.
September 3, 2018
“Plenty of potentials… that went unfulfilled”
Books that are either good or plain bad are relatively easy to review. But books like ‘The Clockmaker’ that have aspects of both are far more difficult to come to an objective conclusion.
‘The Clockmaker’ follows the journey of a peculiar old man and a widow and son as they both seek a new life in the Scottish Highlands, but all is not what it seems.
I fully understand the angle at which Ceri Williams is approaching this story and do thoroughly enjoy the idea behind it. Sadly, the execution leaves a lot to be desired, which ultimately leaves me unable to recommend this book to anyone.
The story starts in the right place if somewhat slowly, but its potential and backstory of the main characters are hinted at right from the start- a great way to get a reader hooked early.
Sadly, it's mostly downhill from there. The pacing is so slow that it only draws emphasis to the slight errors in the writing, at one point two events were written as if unfolding at the same time but (if any thought was given to it, it had to be hours apart) and even had a few paragraphs jumping randomly from 1st to 3rd person.
Then with no warning, the story would jump location and pace, where I spent a good few minutes trying to work out how this change of scene happened so rapidly, and completely out of context with a new location not hinted at before.
Which brings me to my main problem with this narrative, the characters, after the tantalising taster of backstory at the beginning of the book for the main 3 characters…little else is ever revealed. This is at best frustrating as their backstory is fleshed out in the writer’s head and may even be revealed in the planned trilogy to come but as for this book as a stand-alone, it was woefully lacking.
Ceri Williams certainly does an amazing descriptive job when it comes to location (and the sleepy little village in which it is set) but even for a small village there are next to no supporting characters…one would appear out of nowhere on the turn of a page and would just as quickly vanish with another turn, never to appear again. So fleeting are these intermittent occurrences that even now (a mere few hours from finishing it) I struggle to list one name that belongs to a supporting character- that was how brief (and utterly inconsequential) their existence was.
This book would have been somewhat decent, but it lacked one major component of any successful book from the ‘Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan to the Harry Potter books. They make you care about the characters, plot, and the ending. This was entirely lacking in ‘The Clockmaker’, that, try as I might, I just didn’t care.
I am aware there are many good reviews about this book, but for one reason or another, I simply didn’t seem to be able to get on board. Perhaps the best advice would be to give it a go (if you want) but if you feel like you’re getting frustrated with the pacing or outright bored, in my opinion, it would be best to leave it unfinished as it doesn’t get better.
Alex
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Books that are either good or plain bad are relatively easy to review. But books like ‘The Clockmaker’ that have aspects of both are far more difficult to come to an objective conclusion.
‘The Clockmaker’ follows the journey of a peculiar old man and a widow and son as they both seek a new life in the Scottish Highlands, but all is not what it seems.
I fully understand the angle at which Ceri Williams is approaching this story and do thoroughly enjoy the idea behind it. Sadly, the execution leaves a lot to be desired, which ultimately leaves me unable to recommend this book to anyone.
The story starts in the right place if somewhat slowly, but its potential and backstory of the main characters are hinted at right from the start- a great way to get a reader hooked early.
Sadly, it's mostly downhill from there. The pacing is so slow that it only draws emphasis to the slight errors in the writing, at one point two events were written as if unfolding at the same time but (if any thought was given to it, it had to be hours apart) and even had a few paragraphs jumping randomly from 1st to 3rd person.
Then with no warning, the story would jump location and pace, where I spent a good few minutes trying to work out how this change of scene happened so rapidly, and completely out of context with a new location not hinted at before.
Which brings me to my main problem with this narrative, the characters, after the tantalising taster of backstory at the beginning of the book for the main 3 characters…little else is ever revealed. This is at best frustrating as their backstory is fleshed out in the writer’s head and may even be revealed in the planned trilogy to come but as for this book as a stand-alone, it was woefully lacking.
Ceri Williams certainly does an amazing descriptive job when it comes to location (and the sleepy little village in which it is set) but even for a small village there are next to no supporting characters…one would appear out of nowhere on the turn of a page and would just as quickly vanish with another turn, never to appear again. So fleeting are these intermittent occurrences that even now (a mere few hours from finishing it) I struggle to list one name that belongs to a supporting character- that was how brief (and utterly inconsequential) their existence was.
This book would have been somewhat decent, but it lacked one major component of any successful book from the ‘Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan to the Harry Potter books. They make you care about the characters, plot, and the ending. This was entirely lacking in ‘The Clockmaker’, that, try as I might, I just didn’t care.
I am aware there are many good reviews about this book, but for one reason or another, I simply didn’t seem to be able to get on board. Perhaps the best advice would be to give it a go (if you want) but if you feel like you’re getting frustrated with the pacing or outright bored, in my opinion, it would be best to leave it unfinished as it doesn’t get better.
Alex
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
June 4, 2020
This is a very original story line, leaning to the macabre end of the scale. It starts out at a gentle roll that builds into waves, which threaten a nasty undertow. This novel is extremely well-written and nicely paced. Good built of tension. Satisfying resolution with a creepy, shocker ending.
Right off the bat I noticed the beautiful use of language, very literary in style. The novel is set just post WWII, and the author writes as though the book was actually being written in that time period. I the style reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s writing. The prose is rich and visual. Descriptions a
and characters are well fleshed-out. Much thought and research must have gone into the spot-on characterizations of village life in late 1940's Scotland.
Basic storyline: A WWII widow, Annette, and her young son, Duncan, set off from England to a small village in Scotland to re-open the home that is part of Annette’s deceased husband’s estate. In need of a fresh start, Annette is resolved to turn this very old but large home into a warm and welcoming country inn. On the train to Scotland they meet an odd, elderly gentleman who befriends young Duncan. This man is a clockmaker and a toymaker who survived Nazi Germany. Unable to find lodgings in the small Scottish hamlet, he shows up on Annette’s doorstep in search of a place to stay, even for one night. She has barely begun to unpack, but her good nature shines through and she allows this old man to be their first, unofficial guest. He settles in, shows Annette kindness, befriends her son, and soon is a fringe member of the family.
As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. As the novel unfolds, the reader slowly learns that the aura around this old man has a chilling edge and his intentions are anything but honorable. But…I don’t want to spoil the story, so you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens.
Right off the bat I noticed the beautiful use of language, very literary in style. The novel is set just post WWII, and the author writes as though the book was actually being written in that time period. I the style reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s writing. The prose is rich and visual. Descriptions a
and characters are well fleshed-out. Much thought and research must have gone into the spot-on characterizations of village life in late 1940's Scotland.
Basic storyline: A WWII widow, Annette, and her young son, Duncan, set off from England to a small village in Scotland to re-open the home that is part of Annette’s deceased husband’s estate. In need of a fresh start, Annette is resolved to turn this very old but large home into a warm and welcoming country inn. On the train to Scotland they meet an odd, elderly gentleman who befriends young Duncan. This man is a clockmaker and a toymaker who survived Nazi Germany. Unable to find lodgings in the small Scottish hamlet, he shows up on Annette’s doorstep in search of a place to stay, even for one night. She has barely begun to unpack, but her good nature shines through and she allows this old man to be their first, unofficial guest. He settles in, shows Annette kindness, befriends her son, and soon is a fringe member of the family.
As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. As the novel unfolds, the reader slowly learns that the aura around this old man has a chilling edge and his intentions are anything but honorable. But…I don’t want to spoil the story, so you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens.
May 28, 2018
‘The Clockmaker’ by Ceri Williams and Drew Neary is the first book I received by the platform NetGalley.
At the end of World War 2, the widowed Annette decides to move to Lochnagar in Scotland with her son Duncan to rebuild her life. During the journey on the train, they befriend a mysterious old man, who unexpectedly will occupy a room in their house. When strange and terrible murders shake the quiet village, Annette starts feeling that something is wrong, and her new and tranquil life has yet to come.
The dreadful deaths are part of a cunning and sickening plot planned by the old man - the Clockmaker - which involves Duncan and endangers his life.
Ceri Williams and Drew Neary’s debut novel is a scary and cringing supernatural story. The writing is engaging and intriguing, and the continuous succession of flashback slowly leads the readers to understand the meaningful past of the Clockmaker and the deep reasons behind his terrible actions.
Despite these positive aspects, I personally perceived some parts of the novel as thoroughly introspective and extremely focused on characters’ thoughts and doubts, decreasing the thrilling and shocking effects of the plot twists this horror novel contains.
I’d sincerely like to thank Matador, part of Troubador Publishing Ltd, for having sent a copy of ‘The Clockmaker’ to me and having given the opportunity to read this story.
At the end of World War 2, the widowed Annette decides to move to Lochnagar in Scotland with her son Duncan to rebuild her life. During the journey on the train, they befriend a mysterious old man, who unexpectedly will occupy a room in their house. When strange and terrible murders shake the quiet village, Annette starts feeling that something is wrong, and her new and tranquil life has yet to come.
The dreadful deaths are part of a cunning and sickening plot planned by the old man - the Clockmaker - which involves Duncan and endangers his life.
Ceri Williams and Drew Neary’s debut novel is a scary and cringing supernatural story. The writing is engaging and intriguing, and the continuous succession of flashback slowly leads the readers to understand the meaningful past of the Clockmaker and the deep reasons behind his terrible actions.
Despite these positive aspects, I personally perceived some parts of the novel as thoroughly introspective and extremely focused on characters’ thoughts and doubts, decreasing the thrilling and shocking effects of the plot twists this horror novel contains.
I’d sincerely like to thank Matador, part of Troubador Publishing Ltd, for having sent a copy of ‘The Clockmaker’ to me and having given the opportunity to read this story.
December 19, 2019
First of all, this book is very well written. The prose and the descriptions of London, war-ravaged Berlin, and most impressively Scotland, all created a beautiful aura that had a slow-burning undercurrent of horror beneath it. It takes a little while to figure out just what type of creature the villain is, but the authors left little clues throughout the early pages to create suspense. This is part historical and part something else. It's a wonderful read.
May 8, 2023
An eerie gothic historical horror, and a steampunk at that - what a great combo!
I loved the villain, who was a mesmerising character, very unique. Loved the small village vibe, the flawed characters - a brilliant book overall and I'm grateful for the gifted arc by the authors.
I loved the villain, who was a mesmerising character, very unique. Loved the small village vibe, the flawed characters - a brilliant book overall and I'm grateful for the gifted arc by the authors.
May 29, 2018
I chose this book because of the cover which looked darkly mysterious.
The novel is part supernatural, part horror but doesn’t sit comfortably in either I did enjoy reading this book but was left at the end feeling oddly unsatisfied in that not all the threads were fully tied up.
From reading other reviews it seems there is a next instalment which might explain it.
Recently widowed Annette and her son Duncan move to Scottish Highlands to live in the in-law’s ancestral home. The house is a typical unused haunted house with lots of creaks and dust. They meet a man on a train who eventually comes to live with them, but the man has an unhealthy interest in Duncan. In that he wants his heart to make clockwork killing machines.
This was where I felt dissatisfied with the novel in that the man and his relationship to his machines did not seem to be explored. We don’t learn why he makes them, and what he ultimately wants to do with them. Take over the world I presume but I seemed to have missed this. And take over the world from the remote Scottish Highlands seemed a bit unlikely.
Hopefully all will be revealed in the next instalment which I will certainly be buying as I need to find out what happens to Duncan,
The novel is part supernatural, part horror but doesn’t sit comfortably in either I did enjoy reading this book but was left at the end feeling oddly unsatisfied in that not all the threads were fully tied up.
From reading other reviews it seems there is a next instalment which might explain it.
Recently widowed Annette and her son Duncan move to Scottish Highlands to live in the in-law’s ancestral home. The house is a typical unused haunted house with lots of creaks and dust. They meet a man on a train who eventually comes to live with them, but the man has an unhealthy interest in Duncan. In that he wants his heart to make clockwork killing machines.
This was where I felt dissatisfied with the novel in that the man and his relationship to his machines did not seem to be explored. We don’t learn why he makes them, and what he ultimately wants to do with them. Take over the world I presume but I seemed to have missed this. And take over the world from the remote Scottish Highlands seemed a bit unlikely.
Hopefully all will be revealed in the next instalment which I will certainly be buying as I need to find out what happens to Duncan,
May 4, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Troubadour Publishing for the eARC.
Supernatural or horror are not my usual reading genre, but I
liked the description of the book and decided to give it a try.
Annette and her son leave wartorn London for the house in Scotland where her husband grew up. He died in WWII and Annette's little house was bombed out of existence; she's planning a makeover and try to make their new home into a guest house. On their train trip they meet an old man and her boy chats with him, earning himself a piece of beloved chocolate. The man ends up staying with them. The part of the story I liked was Annette and her boy. But the old man's story was a bit difficult for me to get into...I didn't really understand what was going on and how he became the evil clockmaker. I ended up rapidly flipping through the pages to the end. Maybe the fact this wasn't my usual fare contributed to my confusion and lovers of the genre will really enjoy this well-written book.
Supernatural or horror are not my usual reading genre, but I
liked the description of the book and decided to give it a try.
Annette and her son leave wartorn London for the house in Scotland where her husband grew up. He died in WWII and Annette's little house was bombed out of existence; she's planning a makeover and try to make their new home into a guest house. On their train trip they meet an old man and her boy chats with him, earning himself a piece of beloved chocolate. The man ends up staying with them. The part of the story I liked was Annette and her boy. But the old man's story was a bit difficult for me to get into...I didn't really understand what was going on and how he became the evil clockmaker. I ended up rapidly flipping through the pages to the end. Maybe the fact this wasn't my usual fare contributed to my confusion and lovers of the genre will really enjoy this well-written book.
June 8, 2018
I received an ARC from Troubadour Publishing and NetGalley. Thanks!
I am of two minds about this book. It was nicely atmospheric, with an evocative setting and a creepy, supernatural flair that I really appreciated.
But I was confused by the villain, who at times seemed like he was a friendly, if odd, old man, and at other times seemed to be a supernatural evil being. But rather than making him a more dimensional character, these two sides of him seemed unconnected, and he did not feel like a fully realized character with true motivations. Unfortunately, this was a large enough problem for me that I am only giving the book two stars.
I am of two minds about this book. It was nicely atmospheric, with an evocative setting and a creepy, supernatural flair that I really appreciated.
But I was confused by the villain, who at times seemed like he was a friendly, if odd, old man, and at other times seemed to be a supernatural evil being. But rather than making him a more dimensional character, these two sides of him seemed unconnected, and he did not feel like a fully realized character with true motivations. Unfortunately, this was a large enough problem for me that I am only giving the book two stars.
June 8, 2018
This supernatural thriller is set in the picturesque post war Highlands and centres around the characters of Annette, a young widow, her son Duncan and the mysterious old man known only as the Clockmaker.
Annette and Duncan seem to have found the perfect home after the trauma of the Second World War but their idyllic life shatters dramatically after a series of gruesome murders.
This twisting tale scattered with beautiful prose is the first in a series and a must read. I can't wait for the next installment.
Annette and Duncan seem to have found the perfect home after the trauma of the Second World War but their idyllic life shatters dramatically after a series of gruesome murders.
This twisting tale scattered with beautiful prose is the first in a series and a must read. I can't wait for the next installment.
December 22, 2018
An amazing Gothic thriller set in the Scotland Highlands with cinematic type prose that hooked from the beginning.
I enjoy any story about an old house with a secret and a touch of a supernatural element and what’s great about this book is that its part of a trilogy. So although you end this book with some satisfaction, you are left with a few questions, making it hard to not anticipate the next two books!
I enjoy any story about an old house with a secret and a touch of a supernatural element and what’s great about this book is that its part of a trilogy. So although you end this book with some satisfaction, you are left with a few questions, making it hard to not anticipate the next two books!
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