The Clockwork Conspiracy

By Author / Illustrator

Sam Sedgman

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

ISBN

9781526665386

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-02-2024

Synopsis

A locked-room mystery packed with rooftop chases, hidden codes and mind-bending science, The Clockwork Conspiracy is a must for fans of the Adventures on Trains series and Sharna Jackson's High Rise mysteries.

Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.

Hunting a trail of clues through London's landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father - and time itself.

'Clever, inventive and a cracking read' - Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl. 'An ingenious mystery full of fascinating facts. Sedgman has cracked the code for an absolute triumph of a book' - A.F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. 'The Clockwork Conspiracy offers a captivating and perilous adventure that surprises and delights at every turn' - Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island. 'A taut, tense mystery with perfectly-timed plotting, this is guaranteed to make the time fly' - Maz Evans, author of Who Let the Gods Out?

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Reviews

Isaac Turner lives with his dad who is the Keeper of the Great Clock in the Palace of Westminster, tending the clock everyone thinks is called Big Ben, but isn't. On the night the clocks go back, Isaac's father disappears from the belfry, leaving only his broken pocket watch behind. Isaac is determined to find him and, with the help of Hattie, daughter of his godfather, follows a trail of clues across London, uncovering a sinister plot as they race against time.

After the fantastic Adventures on Trains series, I expected Sam Sedgman’s new book, The Clockwork Conspiracy, to be an excellent read - and it was! Not only is this a gripping, action-packed mystery, but the whole story is scattered with interesting facts, trivia and history, making it a richly satisfying read.

Isaac and Hattie make an excellent team. Complete opposites, they bring out the best in one another and make a formidable duo, as they face every challenge and puzzle thrown at them. Hattie is quick-witted, rebellious and impetuous whilst Isaac is cautious, methodical and conscientious.

As the minutes tick by (shown by the chapter headings), Isaac and Hattie scramble across the rooftops of London, deciphering clues and solving puzzles to save Isaac’s father and defeat those plotting to change time and take over the world! Tension builds as the story reaches its very satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader wanting another mystery for Isaac and Hattie to solve which there is a sneak peak of at the end of the book.

Notes at the end of the story by Sam Sedgman clarify some elements of the story, explaining where he has 'strayed from the truth' and which are real, all of which adds to the enjoyment of this excellent story.

368 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher