Illustrations by Stephanie Shafer
Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
The Clockwork Conspiracy is a gripping, enigmatic and fast-paced adventure brimming with danger, daring and deceit.
Twelve-year-old Isaac Turner is helping his father (who is a horologist) in his role as Keeper of the Great Clock (Big Ben) on the night the clocks go back. But, when his father goes to investigate a peculiar occurrence and does not return, Isaac goes to find him only to discover that his father, Diggory, has vanished, leaving only his broken pocket watch, and an enigmatic message, behind.
It is not long before Isaac meets Hattie, the daughter of his Godfather, Solomon Bassala, and Speaker of the House who lives in the Palace of Westminster as Solomon offers him a place to stay whilst a search ensues for his father.
Not willing to wait for the authorities to discover what has happened to Diggory, Isaac and Hattie, are determined to carry out their own investigation to find him and discover why he has been taken. And so begins an incredible, action-packed and intricate adventure as the two friends unravel cryptic clues and follow a twisty puzzling path, towards the discovery of a devious plot.
As they race through London landmarks, and over its rooftops, to save Diggory and time itself, they find themselves in increasing peril as someone will stop at nothing to implement a new law that will change the nature of time itself. Can these two determined children use their ingenuity to unmask the mastermind behind a dastardly play for power? Can they save those they love before time runs out for them?
I loved the political machinations, the secret society, the false trails, the code-breaking, the science of time through horology and chronometry and the many twists and turns that kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. I also loved learning more about the Palace of Westminster and thought this was perfectly weaved into the plot. Absolutely gripping and fascinating in equal measure.
An exhilarating, intriguing, locked-room mystery perfect for adventurers of 9+.
Thank you for the Publisher, Bloomsbury Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 