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Clock Shop Mystery #2
Clock and Dagger
Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands in the second Clock Shop Mystery from the author of Just Killing Time.
Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time...
Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 2016
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714 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 14, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Ruth has been busy updating both the Cog & Sprocket and her apartment above the shop. She is still trying to restore the local clock tour but keeps getting waylaid by the city manager. The owner of the new bookstore, Beckett Green, is giving all the Orchard merchants headaches as he plans to open a place selling much more than books, competing with almost every business on Orchard by selling the similar merchandise. He even tries to lure one of Ruth’s employees away from her. Sadly the young man ends up dead, and Beckett Green is Ruth’s prime suspect, but the police have another suspect in mind. Ruth works well with the local police chief, but the city manager keeps calling in the “staties”, which doesn’t sit well with either of them.
A lot takes place within these pages. The story ticks right along at the perfect pace. The book starts out with Ruth needing party supplies for several events including the grand reopening of the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather, her step grandmother’s surprise birthday party, and an event featuring most of the shops on the street. Add in a murder, a bit a jealousy, and a stranger coming to town and you have one heck of a story.
I am impressed with all Ruth has taken on and happy to see she has surrounded herself with some great people. She does realize that she really needs to learn more about each of them because they are quickly becoming friends and not just mere acquaintances. The author is doing an excellent job at making the characters more three dimensional and engaging. I have grown to like most of them very much.
The small town of Orchard is a great setting. Of course, it has it share of troublemakers and small town politics. Ruth’s grandfather used to be a favorite of all and a peacemaker when the need arose and his presence is greatly missed.
The mystery itself was puzzling. I wasn’t sure who was our killer until a twist at the end that was absolutely perfect.
I found the bits of knowledge about clocks and watches captivating. I love the idea of making jewelry out of the cogs and sprockets.
Don’t waste any time, this series should be on the top of your To-Be-Read stack!
Ruth has been busy updating both the Cog & Sprocket and her apartment above the shop. She is still trying to restore the local clock tour but keeps getting waylaid by the city manager. The owner of the new bookstore, Beckett Green, is giving all the Orchard merchants headaches as he plans to open a place selling much more than books, competing with almost every business on Orchard by selling the similar merchandise. He even tries to lure one of Ruth’s employees away from her. Sadly the young man ends up dead, and Beckett Green is Ruth’s prime suspect, but the police have another suspect in mind. Ruth works well with the local police chief, but the city manager keeps calling in the “staties”, which doesn’t sit well with either of them.
A lot takes place within these pages. The story ticks right along at the perfect pace. The book starts out with Ruth needing party supplies for several events including the grand reopening of the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather, her step grandmother’s surprise birthday party, and an event featuring most of the shops on the street. Add in a murder, a bit a jealousy, and a stranger coming to town and you have one heck of a story.
I am impressed with all Ruth has taken on and happy to see she has surrounded herself with some great people. She does realize that she really needs to learn more about each of them because they are quickly becoming friends and not just mere acquaintances. The author is doing an excellent job at making the characters more three dimensional and engaging. I have grown to like most of them very much.
The small town of Orchard is a great setting. Of course, it has it share of troublemakers and small town politics. Ruth’s grandfather used to be a favorite of all and a peacemaker when the need arose and his presence is greatly missed.
The mystery itself was puzzling. I wasn’t sure who was our killer until a twist at the end that was absolutely perfect.
I found the bits of knowledge about clocks and watches captivating. I love the idea of making jewelry out of the cogs and sprockets.
Don’t waste any time, this series should be on the top of your To-Be-Read stack!
August 25, 2016
A smart follow-up to series opener Just in Time. I love the world Holmes is building in this series.
July 29, 2017
Excellent book! As good as the first!
August 11, 2016
Ruth has a very busy week ahead of her getting ready for the grand reopening of Cog & Spocket. Tonight, however, she is working on the launch of a promotion to help all the businesses in town by cross promoting each other. The giant open house goes off well, until Ruth finds a dead body as the evening is winding down. The pocket watch next to the victim intrigues her. Is it a clue?
The book starts a little slowly reintroducing us to the characters while planting a few seeds for the mystery. Once it gets started, however, the plot picks up speed and heads in some surprising directions. I had a hard time putting it down at that point. I absolutely love this characters, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. One of the strengths is the relationship that Ruth has developed with her step-grandmother, and I loved how it was strengthened here.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book starts a little slowly reintroducing us to the characters while planting a few seeds for the mystery. Once it gets started, however, the plot picks up speed and heads in some surprising directions. I had a hard time putting it down at that point. I absolutely love this characters, and it was wonderful to spend time with them again. One of the strengths is the relationship that Ruth has developed with her step-grandmother, and I loved how it was strengthened here.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 3, 2016
I loved this second installment of the Clock Shop Mysteries. Ruth Clagen is fun, competent, and caring - even if she does tend to run late! Julianne Holmes (aka Julie Hennrikus) winds this story up at the beginning and it never stops ticking until the surprise ending. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2016
The old clocks held many secrets and time was running out for clockmaker, Ruth Clagan owner of her grandfather,G.T's clock shop, Cog and Sprocket who was brutally murdered . Beckett Green was Cog and Sprockets neighbor and new book shop owner who was making trouble for Ruth and other business owners by selling not just books in his new book shop but a little of what everyone in the town of Orchard, Massachusetts were selling including clocks and watches, gearing up to put Ruth and Cog and Sprocket out of business.
Mark Pine is a new watchmaker that Ruth hires for the shop and with four events to be held in the shop, an open house, a birthday party, New Years Eve and the official opening of the shop and trying to make her grandfather's dream of a town clock tower come true, Ruth had a lot on her plate. The night of the open house Ruth finds Mark Pine dead in her neighbor and friend, Ben's barbershop with an old pocket watch nearby. Ruth's step-grandmother who works in the shop has a passion for repairing watches and her and Ruth's relationship are on shaky ground, it is soon come to light her step-grandmother, Caroline has more secrets in her past that Ruth imagined.
Clock and dagger was one of those books that you can't wait to start and never want to end. I love clocks and watches, that is part of why I love the clock shop mysteries, clock and dagger has a premise you can't help but take the time to read and the other reason is Ruth and Caroline and the Cog and Sprocket and the other intriguing characters.
I love learning about the inner workings of clock and watch repair when Ruth was taking many notes in her note book and as the time ticks on while the murder is not solved Ruth knows she does not have much time. You will be on the edge of your seat until this murder is solved, time is of the essence. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next book in this series.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
Mark Pine is a new watchmaker that Ruth hires for the shop and with four events to be held in the shop, an open house, a birthday party, New Years Eve and the official opening of the shop and trying to make her grandfather's dream of a town clock tower come true, Ruth had a lot on her plate. The night of the open house Ruth finds Mark Pine dead in her neighbor and friend, Ben's barbershop with an old pocket watch nearby. Ruth's step-grandmother who works in the shop has a passion for repairing watches and her and Ruth's relationship are on shaky ground, it is soon come to light her step-grandmother, Caroline has more secrets in her past that Ruth imagined.
Clock and dagger was one of those books that you can't wait to start and never want to end. I love clocks and watches, that is part of why I love the clock shop mysteries, clock and dagger has a premise you can't help but take the time to read and the other reason is Ruth and Caroline and the Cog and Sprocket and the other intriguing characters.
I love learning about the inner workings of clock and watch repair when Ruth was taking many notes in her note book and as the time ticks on while the murder is not solved Ruth knows she does not have much time. You will be on the edge of your seat until this murder is solved, time is of the essence. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next book in this series.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
July 29, 2016
I’ve waited a long time to read CLOCK AND DAGGER . . . It was worth the wait!
Author Julianne Holmes has penned another amazing story with CLOCK AND DAGGER. Her attention to detail, and her very clear affection with this series, shines through with every word.
Hooked half way into chapter one, my time spent reading this second book in the Clock Shop Mysteries was indeed time well spent. Page after page of CLOCK AND DAGGER I became more immersed into this wonderful story. Between the subject matter of clocks, which fascinated more than I would have thought, and the marvelous writing, I found it practically impossible to put this book down.
Well done, Ms. Holmes! I’m already anxiously awaiting your next installment!
Author Julianne Holmes has penned another amazing story with CLOCK AND DAGGER. Her attention to detail, and her very clear affection with this series, shines through with every word.
Hooked half way into chapter one, my time spent reading this second book in the Clock Shop Mysteries was indeed time well spent. Page after page of CLOCK AND DAGGER I became more immersed into this wonderful story. Between the subject matter of clocks, which fascinated more than I would have thought, and the marvelous writing, I found it practically impossible to put this book down.
Well done, Ms. Holmes! I’m already anxiously awaiting your next installment!
September 21, 2016
See my review (and more) on at Mystereity Reviews
In Clock and Dagger, the second in the Clock Shop Mystery series, Ruth is once again plunged in the middle of a murder. The clock is ticking, can Ruth find a killer before time runs out?
It's just after Christmas in Orchard, MA and clock maker Ruth Clagan is busy with several events, and with troublemaker Becket Green's unreasonable plans. Just days before she's set to re-open Cog & Sprocket, word gets out that Beckett is planning a book store/coffee shop/corner market/clock shop to rival all the struggling businesses in Orchard. During an open house event staged to spur local patronage to the town's shops, one of Ruth's employees is found dead and shortly after, another is critically wounded. Can Ruth put the pieces together before it's too late?
Good plot, although I figured most of it out 2/3 of the way through the book. The murderer was a surprise (mostly because they weren't in the book much) and I loved Caroline's intriguing back story and I enjoyed all the random trivia about clocks.
The conclusion didn't do it for me, though.
Although likeable, Ruth is rather obtuse. At one point, the bad guy says, "One thing I've always liked about you is your intellect." and I snorted. Really? It took her until the end of the book to figure out why Ben was in a snit.
Overall, an enjoyable read, even with all the plot holes. I like this series enough to continue with it, and I recommend it as a nice, light mystery.
In Clock and Dagger, the second in the Clock Shop Mystery series, Ruth is once again plunged in the middle of a murder. The clock is ticking, can Ruth find a killer before time runs out?
It's just after Christmas in Orchard, MA and clock maker Ruth Clagan is busy with several events, and with troublemaker Becket Green's unreasonable plans. Just days before she's set to re-open Cog & Sprocket, word gets out that Beckett is planning a book store/coffee shop/corner market/clock shop to rival all the struggling businesses in Orchard. During an open house event staged to spur local patronage to the town's shops, one of Ruth's employees is found dead and shortly after, another is critically wounded. Can Ruth put the pieces together before it's too late?
Good plot, although I figured most of it out 2/3 of the way through the book. The murderer was a surprise (mostly because they weren't in the book much) and I loved Caroline's intriguing back story and I enjoyed all the random trivia about clocks.
The conclusion didn't do it for me, though.
Although likeable, Ruth is rather obtuse. At one point, the bad guy says, "One thing I've always liked about you is your intellect." and I snorted. Really? It took her until the end of the book to figure out why Ben was in a snit.
Overall, an enjoyable read, even with all the plot holes. I like this series enough to continue with it, and I recommend it as a nice, light mystery.
December 14, 2018
Great characters & a twisted murder plot make this a great read.
July 31, 2016
Clock And Dagger is the second book in the A Clock Shop Mystery series.
Another very enjoyable visit with the folks of Orchard, MA.
The New Year is approaching and Ruth Clagan has mixed emotions about it’s coming. She’s quite excited that she will be having the grand reopening of the Cog & Sprocket, but upset that matter with the lease of the town hall, which she inherited in addition to the Cog & Sprocket.
Several businesses have gotten together and are offering a card to customers will invite the customer to visit other stores with an incentive of discounts. As the kick-off party for this new plan is going on, the body of Mark Pine, a young man that Ruth recently hired to repair clock and who Beckett Green, Ruth’s nemesis, has been trying to hire away, is found dead in Ben Clover’s barbershop.
Ruth feels compelled to help find the killer as the young lady she has hired to design a website and the young man she has hired to shoot video and pictures for the site, are both persons of interest in the killing.
The little community of Orchard is going through a process of trying to entice residents to shop locally and to strive to keep it as locally owned businesses. All the folks are interesting and believable and are working hard to keep the community as it once was.
As a subplot, the appearance of Zane Phillips, an acquaintance of Caroline, Ruth’s step-grandmother, gives the reader a look at Caroline’s interesting past.
I love the characters and the community of Orchard and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Another very enjoyable visit with the folks of Orchard, MA.
The New Year is approaching and Ruth Clagan has mixed emotions about it’s coming. She’s quite excited that she will be having the grand reopening of the Cog & Sprocket, but upset that matter with the lease of the town hall, which she inherited in addition to the Cog & Sprocket.
Several businesses have gotten together and are offering a card to customers will invite the customer to visit other stores with an incentive of discounts. As the kick-off party for this new plan is going on, the body of Mark Pine, a young man that Ruth recently hired to repair clock and who Beckett Green, Ruth’s nemesis, has been trying to hire away, is found dead in Ben Clover’s barbershop.
Ruth feels compelled to help find the killer as the young lady she has hired to design a website and the young man she has hired to shoot video and pictures for the site, are both persons of interest in the killing.
The little community of Orchard is going through a process of trying to entice residents to shop locally and to strive to keep it as locally owned businesses. All the folks are interesting and believable and are working hard to keep the community as it once was.
As a subplot, the appearance of Zane Phillips, an acquaintance of Caroline, Ruth’s step-grandmother, gives the reader a look at Caroline’s interesting past.
I love the characters and the community of Orchard and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 29, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/cl...
Clock and Dagger
Clock Shop Mystery, Book #2
By Julianne Holmes
ISBN 9780425275535
Author Website: jahennrikus.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands in the second Clock Shop Mystery from the author of Just Killing Time.
Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time…(Goodreads)
Review:
It was such a delight to read this second book in the Clock Shop Mystery series! I had enjoyed the first in series, and Clock and Dagger exceeded my expectations. Ruth Clagan, expert horologist (one who has studied the art / science of measuring time), has come a long way in the few short months she has lived in Orchard, Massachusetts and managed the clock shop that her grandfather left her, the Cog and Sprocket, started by her great-great grandfather.
While updating the clock shop and her living quarters upstairs at the shop, she lived with her grandfather’s widow, Caroline and the shop cat, Bezel. She has been preparing for the grand re-opening as well as some local events, and has hired two people. Mark specializes in working with watches, which Ruth has less experience with, and Nadia to prepare a website and work on various special projects. Nadia’s boyfriend Tuck did some photography and digital work for Ruth.
There are a couple people in Orchard who don’t want the other small businesses to prosper. One such is a relative newcomer, Beckett Green, who is opening his new bookstore. He now gives away coffee, and sells snacks and other treats, clocks and watches, all of which would cut into the livelihood of nearby shops, including Ruth’s. Even Ruth’s new hire, Mike, has been offered a job at Becket’s, which he turned down.
One of the big nights to the community has finally arrived, the open house for the various merchants who chose to participate. Mike didn’t appear at the shop as planned during the festivities. The open house was very successful if the amount of people going through each shop was any indication. When it was over, Ruth went to the hair salon belonging to Ben, who had let everyone stage the paper products and various food items, including the cake for Caroline’s surprise birthday party. The surprise was on Ruth, however, when she found the power off and tried to find her way through the salon. The cake was upended, overturned on the floor, and next to it was the murdered body of Mike.
The shock and sorrow the friends and co-workers of Mike expressed following the grisly find and beginning of the investigation was immense. Even as each shop owner tried to keep business as usual, suspicion and fear were present.
Caroline continued to do the books and payroll for the shop. A woman of many talents, Ruth was startled to learn another skill she can offer to the shop when necessary. Caroline was very quiet and didn’t tell much of her life before being married to Ruth’s grandfather, and Ruth respected that, not being open about much of her life before moving to Orchard, either. What Caroline revealed about her past could very well have caught up to her in the present. And that could just set her up to be murdered, also.
The author has given us mostly people who are likable, and even the minor roles are defined perfectly. While I feel I know Ruth better than before, I definitely know Caroline better than before and appreciate her reasons for being cautious. I like her even better for being open when it matters! She is definitely a stronger woman than I would have thought, also. The problem I had with the various characters was determining who the real bad guy/ gal might be, wanting to point a finger…which might have ended the novel too quickly!
This series grabbed my attention in the first book. I was captivated in the beginning with the thought of the workings and beauty of so many clocks, reminding me of a Black Forest clock shop in a small town back home. It is the various timepieces which are central to the plot in this novel.. The twists and turns must be what driving on snowy mountain roads is like – relief at a level spot, then stressed on slippery slopes! While much of the story is serious, there are spots of humor that show how living in a small town can be interesting at times. The mystery was definitely puzzling, especially when my ‘pet’ suspects were eliminated. While the resolution was not entirely a surprise as I had just a tiny suspicion, the situation was more frightening than I had anticipated, giving many tense, edge-of-the-seat moments when I simply had to stay awake longer to finish the novel. Clock and Dagger has a more than satisfactory resolution.
I highly recommend Clock and Dagger; it can be read before the first-in-series, but some nuances of family relationships might be better understood if reading them in order.
Clock and Dagger
Clock Shop Mystery, Book #2
By Julianne Holmes
ISBN 9780425275535
Author Website: jahennrikus.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands in the second Clock Shop Mystery from the author of Just Killing Time.
Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time…(Goodreads)
Review:
It was such a delight to read this second book in the Clock Shop Mystery series! I had enjoyed the first in series, and Clock and Dagger exceeded my expectations. Ruth Clagan, expert horologist (one who has studied the art / science of measuring time), has come a long way in the few short months she has lived in Orchard, Massachusetts and managed the clock shop that her grandfather left her, the Cog and Sprocket, started by her great-great grandfather.
While updating the clock shop and her living quarters upstairs at the shop, she lived with her grandfather’s widow, Caroline and the shop cat, Bezel. She has been preparing for the grand re-opening as well as some local events, and has hired two people. Mark specializes in working with watches, which Ruth has less experience with, and Nadia to prepare a website and work on various special projects. Nadia’s boyfriend Tuck did some photography and digital work for Ruth.
There are a couple people in Orchard who don’t want the other small businesses to prosper. One such is a relative newcomer, Beckett Green, who is opening his new bookstore. He now gives away coffee, and sells snacks and other treats, clocks and watches, all of which would cut into the livelihood of nearby shops, including Ruth’s. Even Ruth’s new hire, Mike, has been offered a job at Becket’s, which he turned down.
One of the big nights to the community has finally arrived, the open house for the various merchants who chose to participate. Mike didn’t appear at the shop as planned during the festivities. The open house was very successful if the amount of people going through each shop was any indication. When it was over, Ruth went to the hair salon belonging to Ben, who had let everyone stage the paper products and various food items, including the cake for Caroline’s surprise birthday party. The surprise was on Ruth, however, when she found the power off and tried to find her way through the salon. The cake was upended, overturned on the floor, and next to it was the murdered body of Mike.
The shock and sorrow the friends and co-workers of Mike expressed following the grisly find and beginning of the investigation was immense. Even as each shop owner tried to keep business as usual, suspicion and fear were present.
Caroline continued to do the books and payroll for the shop. A woman of many talents, Ruth was startled to learn another skill she can offer to the shop when necessary. Caroline was very quiet and didn’t tell much of her life before being married to Ruth’s grandfather, and Ruth respected that, not being open about much of her life before moving to Orchard, either. What Caroline revealed about her past could very well have caught up to her in the present. And that could just set her up to be murdered, also.
The author has given us mostly people who are likable, and even the minor roles are defined perfectly. While I feel I know Ruth better than before, I definitely know Caroline better than before and appreciate her reasons for being cautious. I like her even better for being open when it matters! She is definitely a stronger woman than I would have thought, also. The problem I had with the various characters was determining who the real bad guy/ gal might be, wanting to point a finger…which might have ended the novel too quickly!
This series grabbed my attention in the first book. I was captivated in the beginning with the thought of the workings and beauty of so many clocks, reminding me of a Black Forest clock shop in a small town back home. It is the various timepieces which are central to the plot in this novel.. The twists and turns must be what driving on snowy mountain roads is like – relief at a level spot, then stressed on slippery slopes! While much of the story is serious, there are spots of humor that show how living in a small town can be interesting at times. The mystery was definitely puzzling, especially when my ‘pet’ suspects were eliminated. While the resolution was not entirely a surprise as I had just a tiny suspicion, the situation was more frightening than I had anticipated, giving many tense, edge-of-the-seat moments when I simply had to stay awake longer to finish the novel. Clock and Dagger has a more than satisfactory resolution.
I highly recommend Clock and Dagger; it can be read before the first-in-series, but some nuances of family relationships might be better understood if reading them in order.
December 2, 2017
Ohhh this is a good one! Good mystery that ties a couple of threads together. I really like Ruth. She's such a great character. And the different options for things to happen in a clock shop is very innovative. With the move to the clock tower I can see more good mysteries coming from this series.
April 11, 2017
Great mystery with 3-dimentional characters and a satisfying ending.
August 11, 2016
Clock and Dagger by Julianne Holmes is the second book in A Clock Shop Mystery series. Ruth Clagan is a horologist (clockmaker) and is getting ready to reopen Cog and Sprocket in Orchard, Massachusetts. Ruth made some changes to the store and apartment above after inheriting the shop from her Grandpa Thom (G.T. for short). Things have been made more difficult by Beckett Green. Beckett is opening a bookstore across the street called Been Here, Read That (which would be good for the town), but he has decided to add other services (to compete with local businesses). Beckett wishes to sell coffee and to sell clocks as well as offer repair services. He has been trying to hire Mark Pine away from Ruth. No one knows why Beckett is trying to antagonize his fellow shop owners. The opening party of Cog and Sprocket is going well. Ruth goes next door to Ben’s Barbershop (where they were keeping the food) and finds Mark dead. This definitely puts kink in Ruth’s plans. Ruth sets out to find the killer. But someone does not want her to solve this murder. Ruth has further complications with Kim Gray, the town manager, over the old town hall building (which the town leases from Ruth). The lease is set to expire on January 1. Ruth wishes to keep leasing to the town and repair the clock in the tower (which was a dream of her grandfather’s). However, Kim’s vision for the town does not line up with Ruth’s or the other shop owners. Will they be able to reach an agreement in time? Join Ruth on her latest adventure in Clock and Dagger.
Clock and Dagger has a wonderfully complex mystery (there is more to it than meets the eye). I was able to solve it, but I do not think most people will see the final twist coming (it’s a good one). I did not have the pleasure of reading Just Killing Time (first book in series) prior to reading Clock and Dagger. But that did not hinder my reading (or enjoyment) of this book. The author did a good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first novel. I found Ms. Holmes to be a very descriptive writer. I give Clock and Dagger 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I did find some information to be repeated a few times (which was unnecessary), but otherwise Clock and Dagger is a pleasurable novel to read. I will definitely be reading future books in this series, and I will go back and read Just Killing Time.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
Clock and Dagger has a wonderfully complex mystery (there is more to it than meets the eye). I was able to solve it, but I do not think most people will see the final twist coming (it’s a good one). I did not have the pleasure of reading Just Killing Time (first book in series) prior to reading Clock and Dagger. But that did not hinder my reading (or enjoyment) of this book. The author did a good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first novel. I found Ms. Holmes to be a very descriptive writer. I give Clock and Dagger 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I did find some information to be repeated a few times (which was unnecessary), but otherwise Clock and Dagger is a pleasurable novel to read. I will definitely be reading future books in this series, and I will go back and read Just Killing Time.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
August 8, 2016
My thoughts: 4.5 Stars
Ruth Clagan is a horologist. Horology is by definition the art or science of measuring time. This makes Ruth somewhat of an expert at clock and watch repair. So, it is no accident that she takes over the shoppe called the Cog & Sprocket for her late grandfather, GT. Ruth has decided that one of her missions is to refurbish the old clock tower but she is being blocked right and left by a lady on the city board. When the residents are getting ready for a downtown party which includes the reopening of the Cog & Sprocket, one of Ruth’s assistants is found dead with a strange watch located nearby.
I like how the town Sheriff unknowingly becomes somewhat of a foil for Ruth’s budding relationship with shop owner, Ben. I enjoyed all the twists and turns which I won’t get into here because that will just ruin the fun for the rest of you.
Ruth just can’t help but stick her nose into the investigation and ends up helping the Sheriff locate an old conspiracy that was kept hush hush by people close to Ruth.
This was an enjoyable mystery and even though it took me awhile to read it, that had nothing to do with the greatness of the book. That was only due to the business of my schedule. Definitely check this one out. It is the second book in the Clock Shop Mystery series. I am looking forward to checking out book one entitled: Just Killing Time.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Ruth Clagan is a horologist. Horology is by definition the art or science of measuring time. This makes Ruth somewhat of an expert at clock and watch repair. So, it is no accident that she takes over the shoppe called the Cog & Sprocket for her late grandfather, GT. Ruth has decided that one of her missions is to refurbish the old clock tower but she is being blocked right and left by a lady on the city board. When the residents are getting ready for a downtown party which includes the reopening of the Cog & Sprocket, one of Ruth’s assistants is found dead with a strange watch located nearby.
I like how the town Sheriff unknowingly becomes somewhat of a foil for Ruth’s budding relationship with shop owner, Ben. I enjoyed all the twists and turns which I won’t get into here because that will just ruin the fun for the rest of you.
Ruth just can’t help but stick her nose into the investigation and ends up helping the Sheriff locate an old conspiracy that was kept hush hush by people close to Ruth.
This was an enjoyable mystery and even though it took me awhile to read it, that had nothing to do with the greatness of the book. That was only due to the business of my schedule. Definitely check this one out. It is the second book in the Clock Shop Mystery series. I am looking forward to checking out book one entitled: Just Killing Time.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 25, 2016
This is definitely a series that I want to read - this second mystery is even better than the first! It is fresh, exciting, and different.
Ruth has refurbished the Cog and Sprocket and her living quarters upstairs to be more modern or in the case of her living space, more efficient. A few days prior to the grand reopening, the shopkeepers in the area have held a special open house for the community, but one of Ruth's new employees is conspicuously absent...until she almost trips over his murdered body in the neighboring barber shop/ salon.
Much to Ruth's surprise, Caroline, her late grandfather's wife, has secrets from the past that she has to reveal now before it is too late to capture the murderer.
I did enjoy this mystery very much! There were plot twists and red herrings, enough to keep me busy! As with the first in series, I was captivated from the very beginning of the novel and suddenly was at the last page. The descriptions of the New England winter almost gave me a welcome blast of chill in this desert summer; the author is excellent with characterizations, describing surroundings, and executing the perfect plot. Highly recommend! What a great read!
Ruth has refurbished the Cog and Sprocket and her living quarters upstairs to be more modern or in the case of her living space, more efficient. A few days prior to the grand reopening, the shopkeepers in the area have held a special open house for the community, but one of Ruth's new employees is conspicuously absent...until she almost trips over his murdered body in the neighboring barber shop/ salon.
Much to Ruth's surprise, Caroline, her late grandfather's wife, has secrets from the past that she has to reveal now before it is too late to capture the murderer.
I did enjoy this mystery very much! There were plot twists and red herrings, enough to keep me busy! As with the first in series, I was captivated from the very beginning of the novel and suddenly was at the last page. The descriptions of the New England winter almost gave me a welcome blast of chill in this desert summer; the author is excellent with characterizations, describing surroundings, and executing the perfect plot. Highly recommend! What a great read!
March 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, the characters and their reactions are realistic and believable. I love Ruth who is strong and ready to help anyone but admits to her mistakes, like not getting to know her step grandmother better (whom I also love). The talk of clocks and watches I find interesting but it doesn't try to overwhelm you.
When Ruth finds an employee she had hired dead we are taken on a story line that has twists and turns, a past that is found out, shady dealings with a new store owner that doesn't seem to want to work with the community and more. This book had me guessing and second guessing myself. I will definitely continue on with this series.
*I won a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.
When Ruth finds an employee she had hired dead we are taken on a story line that has twists and turns, a past that is found out, shady dealings with a new store owner that doesn't seem to want to work with the community and more. This book had me guessing and second guessing myself. I will definitely continue on with this series.
*I won a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.
January 31, 2017
I enjoyed this American small town mystery which focuses on competition among shop owners and the planning desires of the local authorities. The main shop involved is a clock shop, and the town hall with its handsome old clock features largely. But the human side is very much to the fore. Characters are well developed and used.
Have a good time with this craft cosy mystery.
I downloaded an ARC and wrote an unbiased review.
Have a good time with this craft cosy mystery.
I downloaded an ARC and wrote an unbiased review.
August 19, 2016
Twists and turns, murder and mayhem. And that at the beginning of the book. To my mind our intrepid author is really giving us a lot for our money. The storyline has multiple sub-plots to keep your mind running, and the interpersonal activity between characters will make your head spin.
BUY THE BOOK! YOU'LL LOVE IT!
BUY THE BOOK! YOU'LL LOVE IT!
May 24, 2020
Ruth Clagan inherited the Cog and Sprocket clock shop and the Town hall from her grandfather, and the grand re-opening is approaching rapidly. First, though, is the open house for the local businesses, which is also the kick-off for their co-op punch card program. When one of her shop assistants is found dead, Ruth thinks it’s the curmudgeon across the street who wouldn’t let his soon-to-open shop participate in the punch card program, but he has an alibi, so she pursues other clues.
I haven’t read #1, but I didn’t feel lost. Will probably go back and read it at some point, though, if I continue with the series.
I haven’t read #1, but I didn’t feel lost. Will probably go back and read it at some point, though, if I continue with the series.
July 23, 2019
Ruth gets to learn more and actually appreciate more the woman that her grandfather married Caroline. It is nice to get to know another main character. This has a combination of mystery, murder, and they finally find out what Beckett is up to and why. A good combination of some humor and murder. Luckily Ruth keeps her wits about her when things go wrong and Ben is to the rescue.
March 3, 2021
Enjoyable story about the small town of Orchard, Massachusetts and Ruth Clagan who owns a clock shop. Most of the merchants in the town want to keep it the way it is but a new merchant wants to get rid of the old and bring in well known stores. A murder happens and Ruth discovers the body which leads to another mystery. The book was a quick easy read.
October 16, 2017
Fell into a few more predictable tropes than its predecessor, but I loved how it just completely shut down the juvenile jealousy/misunderstanding threads almost before they started. Still a cut above the rest.
March 21, 2018
2nd in the series - my first.
A really good cozy mystery! I don’t know much about clocks or watches but this author achieved the balance exactly right - enough information to make it relevant and interesting without being overwhelming. A nice tale with good twists and Page turning moments!
A really good cozy mystery! I don’t know much about clocks or watches but this author achieved the balance exactly right - enough information to make it relevant and interesting without being overwhelming. A nice tale with good twists and Page turning moments!
February 24, 2020
Another nice and clean cozy. The romance is moving at a snail's pace, but I'm ok with that. :) I like how the author is continuing to develop the backstories of some of the important characters in this series.
May 23, 2017
Really, really enjoyed it. Will definitely look up the first in the series!
August 19, 2017
Really enjoyable read, love the town, the people and the clocks!!!!!!
August 24, 2017
Better than the first book but still not one of my favourite cozy mystery authors. Found it a bit slow at times. Basically I read it since the library had it.
September 24, 2017
Good read. Interesting setting, complex characters, good mystery. Starting the third book today!
January 3, 2018
Entertaining -- both this book and the series. Who knew horology would be so interesting.
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