"Myths and murder in a Cretan Museum of Cursed Objects: the mystery-solving, time-bending twins are back in legendary style."
Set under the glow of the Cretan sun, this follow-up to Michelle Harrison’s Twice Upon a Time sees the time-manipulating twins solve a myth-steeped mystery centred on a Museum of Cursed Objects. For context, twins Merry and Spike have “a remarkable and magical effect on time” as manifested when uttering three little words (“Just a minute!”) enables them to freeze time.
A Clock Strikes Murder opens with the twins and their art restorer mum touching down on Crete. A little while later, the family meet their host, Yiannis, Mum’s friend from art school, who runs a Museum of Cursed Objects that houses “a spooky collection of items that were supposedly haunted or cursed”.
The museum’s cave location is legend-laden, as explained by Yiannis’ son: “There is a story, a legend that the underground springs that lead into the sea have healing powers”. In this intriguing context, the twins’ extraordinary gift leads them to discover the real reason several individuals, including a glamorous aristocrat and a handsome actor from one of Merry’s favourite TV shows, have gathered at the museum: to bid for a painting of Medusa that’s said to be cursed.
When one of the bidders is discovered dead and the painting’s owner goes missing, the twins utilise their time-stopping skills to try to solve a murder.
With its unexpected resolution sharing important truths about women’s history, and Spike’s tinnitus authentically represented throughout, A Clock Strikes Murder amounts to an action-packed middle grade mystery with depth. Simmering with suspense, it comes recommended for readers who are into detective fiction and magical mysteries.
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
Can stopping time solve a murder? Journey to a house on a clifftop and discover the secret of a cursed painting in a puzzling mystery from the bestselling and award-winning Michelle Harrison.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed A Clock Strikes Murder and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
A Clock Strikes Murder features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Crime & Mystery, Stories about Family and Friends, Fantasy / Magical, Science Fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism / Magical fantasy, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
A Clock Strikes Murder was written by Michelle Harrison and published by Simon & Schuster Children's an imprint of Simon & Schuster UK
A Clock Strikes Murder has 273 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
