By Michelle Harrison (author) , Natalie Smillie (illustrator)
"Myths and murder in a Cretan Museum of Cursed Objects: the mystery-solving, time-bending twins are back in legendary style."
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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.
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. For fans of Robin Stevens and Cressida Cowell.
Our story begins with identical twins . . .
Spike and Merry are back on the case - and this time they're in Greece. The cursed Medusa painting is up for auction, but anyone who looks at it directly, will die. When one of the bidders is found dead and the painting's owner goes missing, the twins use their time bending powers to investigate. Is it really a curse, or is someone out for revenge . . .?
Praise for Twice Upon a Time : 'Everything Michelle Harrison writes is gold dust and this is no exception. A thrilling mystery told by one of my favourite writers. I couldn't put it down' - Abi Elphinstone 'There is no-one who writes sisterly bonds quite like Michelle Harrison! A twisty-turny inventive read full of adventure and magic' - Hannah Gold 'A brilliantly plotted gothic mystery, children are going to love getting lost in Fox House' - Zohra Nabi 'Spell-bindingly good! A time-twisting triumph of mystery, magic, and mischief. Michelle Harrison has done it again. I wish I could rewind time to read it afresh' Jack Meggitt-Phillips 'A quirky, creepy, time-twisty murder mystery. I loved it!' Lucy Strange 'A thrilling and gripping murder mystery that plays out like an Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes novel.' Phil Hickes 'Fabulous!' Lisa Thompson
Michelle Harrison Michelle Harrison grew up in Essex and is the youngest of three sisters. She has a son Jack and three cats: Marmite, Sorsha and Widdershins. Her first novel, The Thirteen Treasures , won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. She also won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award for The Other Alice . Her work has been translated into over 20 languages.
Before she was published, Michelle’s jobs included working in a bar, a bakery, and an art gallery. She was then a Waterstones bookseller before becoming an editorial assistant in children’s books at a publisher in Oxford. She now writes full time and lives in Essex with her family.
Q&A with Michelle Harrison
Q. How would you describe your life in only 8 words? A. I'm a 'glass half-full' type of person.
Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be? A. Elvesden Manor.
Q. What’s your best quality? A. Optimism, or at least I like to think it is!
Q. If you could be any person or thing, who or what would it be? A. I sometimes think I'd like to be a cat, just for the sheer amount of sleeping they do.
Q. What trait is most noticeable about you? A. My Essex accent.
Q. Who is your favourite fictional villain? A. Beatrice Lacey in Wideacre by Philippa Gregory.
Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her? A. It would be Jack the Ripper. I like to think I'd demand to know his identity, but in all honesty I'd probably run.
Q. What is your biggest pet peeve? A. People who look down their noses at others.
Q. What is your favourite occupation, when you’re not writing? A. It depends on my mood, but drawing/painting, reading or watching a film.
Q. What’s your fantasy profession? A. Being an author and an illustrator!
Q. What 3 personal qualities are most important to you? A. Loyalty, a sense of humour, and integrity. On Books and Writing Favourite authors Hans Christian Andersen, Enid Blyton, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Martina Cole, Roald Dahl, Philippa Gregory, The Brothers Grimm, Julie Hearn, Eva Ibbotson, Christopher Pike, J.K. Rowling, Marcus Sedgwick, Sarah Singleton.
Q. Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
A. Read lots, write lots, and don't give up.
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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.
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