Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.