Review: Twice Upon a Time

Twice Upon A Time is a gripping time-twisting mystery adventure: an intriguing whodunnit which held me enthralled throughout.

The Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, were born in different years:  Merry, two minutes before midnight and Spike, 9 minutes into the New Year.  The two clocks in their home stopped at the time each was born, and the girls have kept a secret whilst growing up:  they can stop time.

When their mum gets a job at Fox House, restoring old paintings, Merry and Spike expect their time there to be boring – until they discover that the old house has held a mystery for the last 13 years – a mystery that they intend to solve.  Can they discover what has happened to Jenny Crocker who disappeared from the house, with her baby son, in strange circumstances?

So begins the most riveting, action-packed, thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, together with new friend, Ben, begin their investigations into Jenny’s disappearance.  Could foul play have been involved?  Who is the ghostly figure on the stairs?  And, does someone in the present have a vested interest in keeping the truth hidden? 

I absolutely loved uncovering clues with the three daring friends, following them as they piece together evidence and uncover possible culprits and motives.  Merry and Spike use their ability to manipulate time to perfect effect when getting themselves out of danger, and to help them to uncover buried secrets. 

The setting of the old, isolated house, owned by the reclusive Lady Belmont, with its turrets, well in the kitchen, locked rooms, forbidden areas, puzzles, maze and walled gardens is just perfect for this mystery.  There is a real sense of danger for the children as they unravel clues and find themselves edging ever closer to the truth:  a truth that someone will do anything to keep secret.

I adored the sibling bond between Merry and Spike who have very different natures, but who clearly love each other.  Merry is more cautious than Spike who is more impetuous and a rule-breaker.  Both girls show courage, determination and quick wits when piecing together the clues and extricating themselves from dangerous situations.  I really enjoyed their friendship with Ben, who is incredibly likeable, and someone they quickly trust with their time secret.    

I’m looking forward to purchasing a gorgeous finished hardback edition, with the stunning illustrations, on publication.

This is an utterly unputdownable mystery where time will stand still as readers lose themselves in a world of danger, intrigue and secrets.  Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers, Simon & Schuster, for a e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.