Review: The Clockmaker's Daughter

The Clockmaker's Daughter

Kate Morton

Elodie Winslow is an archivist in London, responsible for managing a collection of papers and documents of James Stratton a wealthy Londoner who traveled extensively during the 1800's. When Elodie finds a satchel, long forgotten in the back of a coat closet, she stumbles upon an artist's sketchbook with drawings that remind her of a bedtime story her mother once told her of an enchanted house within a dark wood. Elodie's mother died when she was young, so she is unable to ask her whether the house existed. Elodie can't help feeling that the house isn't just a figment of her imagination. She is certain that the house in the story is the same as the one in the sketchbook. So, she sets out on her own to find this mysterious house.

Birchwood manor does exist. It has seen numerous occupants over the years, and it therefore has it's own stories to tell. Among them is the sad story of an artist known as Edward Radcliffe and his muse Lily Millington, who were deeply in love until one-day tragedy tore their world apart. And Elodie may find that her own family also had a connection to the house as she delves deeper into its history.

This complex mystery weaves together tales of love and loss across decades and generations, creating a captivating story that is both beautifully written as well as suspenseful and atmospheric. At times I found it hard to put down.

Thanks to Atria Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.