I met Zoe Barlow in this author’s first in the series, Lost in Paris. In both that book and this, the Paris of the 1920s comes to life. It was the time of the ex-pats with many, including the fictional Zoe, finding their way in a post war world.

This novel is set around the time of the 1924 Olympics. What will happen because a clock was damaged in a poker game? Suffice it to say, a lot and that includes murder! Even Chagall’s art figures into the story as Zoe detects.

In addition to the evocation of Paris, the murder and Chagall, readers of the first book will want to know how Zoe is doing. She is still searching for her daughter as the story begins; will there be an update?

Those who enjoy historical mysteries will enjoy this one. It is possible to read this without having read the first book although with that one’s story involving Hemingway (among others), there is a lot going for it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

"The Clock Struck Murder" by Betty Webb, narrated by Hope Newhouse, serves as a captivating sequel to "Lost in Paris," immersing readers in the vibrant world of expat Zoe Barlow amidst the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris. When a seemingly innocuous incident leads Zoe to stumble upon a murder mystery involving stolen Chagall paintings and a brutal killing, she embarks on a thrilling investigation that unravels dark secrets lurking beneath the city's artistic facade. As Zoe delves deeper into the case, her complex character shines through, offering readers a deeper insight into her motivations and resilience. With the backdrop of the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris adding to the urgency of the investigation, Zoe's quest for justice takes center stage, setting the stage for a riveting tale of intrigue and suspense.

The intricate plot of "The Clock Struck Murder" weaves together elements of art theft, murder, and betrayal, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Zoe navigates the treacherous waters of Parisian society. Zoe's evolution as a character is a highlight of the novel, allowing readers to delve deeper into her psyche and motivations. Her dynamic interactions with Inspector Henri Jules add an intriguing layer of tension and chemistry to the story, leaving readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds in future installments. The supporting cast of characters, including the enigmatic Laurette and the renowned artist Marc Chagall, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that enhance the overall reading experience.

Hope Newhouse's narration brings "The Clock Struck Murder" to life with her engaging and expressive delivery. Her ability to capture the essence of each character through distinct voices and tones enhances the audiobook experience, immersing listeners in the atmospheric setting of 1920s Paris. Newhouse's skillful portrayal of Zoe's emotions and the unfolding mystery adds an extra layer of depth to the storytelling, making for a compelling listening experience that keeps audiences captivated from start to finish.

"The Clock Struck Murder" is a masterfully crafted mystery that combines elements of historical fiction, art, and suspense to create a gripping narrative that will appeal to fans of the genre. Betty Webb's intricate plotting, coupled with Hope Newhouse's stellar narration, makes for a winning combination that keeps readers and listeners engaged throughout. As Zoe Barlow's journey continues to unfold, readers can look forward to further adventures, twists, and revelations that promise to keep them hooked until the very last page.

Betty Webb brings back ex-pat Zoe Barlow for a second delightful adventure in 1920s Paris. This shows all signs of being a strong, and long, series, with sharp characterizations, a perfect setting, and plenty of suspense and wild twists.

The ClockStruck zMurder by Betty Webb was a very enjoyable who done it. The main character, Zoe, is a person I felt a kindhip with and went with her when she decides to do s murder investigation herself. The story begins with Zoe, an expat, who has settled into her petite trinket of a home with an art studio and has become a very good artist. Her friends are artists and authors. It is post war 1924 the year of the Paris Olympics and the city is filled with tourists, pick-pockets and the likes, keeping the police with their hands full constantly. We learn that Zoe is involved in a relationship with Henri, a married Detective with a stroke victim for a wife. It begins poker night at Zoe’s, the usual crowd. Game night is ending and a drunk, Archie backs his chair into a table holding Zoe’s prized porcelain clock. Archie immediately says he will pay for a new one. Next morning, Zoe is off to the flea market to find the girl who sold her the first clock. However, she isn’t so lucky this time. She finds one that will suffice, but they don’t agree on a price immediately,, the girl throws in earrings to sweeten the deal but Zoe still doesn’t have enough. the girl, Laurette sweetens the deal once again and lowers the price to get whatever$ she can and wraps the purchase in rags; once she gets home and the housekeeper is unwrapping the purchases. She yells, this wrapping is a Chagall painting! Zoe goes back to the market is now closed but she finds out where Laurette lives to obtain more rags. She isn’t able to rouse Laurette or her sister. She does see more nailed to the roof of a rabbit hutch it knocks the hutch over. She frees the rabbits to go live in a park. She takes the rags. Turns to discover Laurette laying on the ground with her face bashed in. From there, Zoe attempts to find the killer. The book meanders around a bit but it is well worth the time. The book does appear to be well researched for the time of events. Yes I would definitely recommend this book. I would look forward to reading more following these characters would be fascinating. At the very least, I am looking forward Special thanks to Betty Webb’s next book.
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Publication Date: April 9, 2024

The Clock Struck Murder by Betty Webb is the second in the Lost in Paris series. American ex-pat Zoe is living in Paris, in love with Henri, a married detective, and gets caught up in an art mystery and murder.

Zoe finds a clock to replace another at a flea market. But it's not the clock which shocks her but the bit of cloth it's wrapped in. It happens to be a painting by Chagall, known for his childlike art. While searching for the clock vendor, beautiful Laurette, she finds other paintings used carelessly here and there. After discovering Laurette's lifeless body in an unsavory area, she teams up with Henri to investigate. But there is more going on behind the scenes. Henri's wife, severely disabled by a stroke, narrates some of the chapters which adds a layer of interest.

Though set in 1920s Paris, it didn't feel particularly like that era. I didn't feel an affinity for Zoe or her relationship with Henri. However, I did like the art connection and premise. My hope was to be enchanted with the story but I wasn't swept away.

My sincere thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this novel.

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

Oh I so wanted to love this. I love the time period and the independent American artist main character and the mystery itself sounded interesting. Unfortunately, by about 30% or so I found I just didn't care and the rest of the book was a bit of a slog.

This book is a fairly character forward mystery and we follow Zoe throughout her day to day life and part of that life involves searching for Chagall paintings and trying to figure out just who killed Laurette. The problem was I just didn't like Zoe and really didn't care what she wore or what she had for breakfast. As well, the flashbacks from her life in Alabama just seemed over the top and the reading to her lover's paralyzed wife seemed just unnecessary.

The mystery was good and the author did a great job of setting the scene but in the end I just didn't enjoy it and what's worse is that I didn't care.

Given that the market has been glutted with WWII fiction, including mystery novels, I've been keeping and eye out for titles set in WWI and its immediate aftermath. The Clock Struck Murder, however, didn't deliver what I was hoping for. The bottom line is that it's just too "cozy" for my tastes. The central character makes the kinds of mistakes that central characters do in cozy mysteries—the kind of mistakes that never let me forget that what I'm reading is 100% fiction. If you are a cozy fan, you should definitely check this title out. It's a good fit with the genre. If you're ambivalent about cozies the way I am, you'll want to keep looking for something else.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

The Clock Struck Murder is the second in a series, but it works as a standalone. Author Betty Webb is best known for her Gunn Zoo cozy mysteries — none of which I have read. So I was coming to this novel completely cold.

Zoe Barlow, an American artist with a bohemian flare, has been living in Paris for six years, ever since she was sent into exile from Alabama. It’s now 1924, and Paris is teeming with lots of famous expatriates, many of whom appear here, to greater or lesser extent: Marc Chagall and his family, poet Blaise Cendrars, Ernest and Hadley Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, Pablo Picasso and his first wife, ballerina Olga Khokhlova. Zoe discovers the body of a flea market dealer in clocks, Laurette Belcoeur, but not before she discovers that the dead woman was using stolen Chagall paintings to wrap purchases — clearly unaware of their value. How did Laurette come to possess those canvases? Were the Chagall paintings why Laurette was killed?

Zoe, generous, inquisitive, clever and with — dare I say it? — a joie de vivre, made for a most enjoyable sleuth and protagonist. I’m sure to pick up the first in the series, Lost in Paris, and cannot wait for No. 3 in this charming series.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.

An expat artist in 1920s Paris, Zoe discovers a lost Chagall painting. She tracks down the vendor, only to find her dead. As the 1924 Summer Olympics bring chaos to the city, Zoe investigates the murder, racing against time to catch the killer before it’s too late.

This atmospheric mystery immerses the reader in the art world of 1920s Paris. The story is more complex and character-driven than most mysteries. The audiobook narration was entertaining.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A timely (Paris Olympics!) historical mystery featuring Zoe, an American expat in Paris. It's the second in the series and readable as a standalone. It's not deep but it sent me off to find mind information on the artists whose work figures in the story. Thanks to Negalley for the ARC.

Paris: summer 1924. Zoe Barlow is distressed when one of the guests at her weekly poker game accidently breaks her favorite clock. Luckily the shop where she bought it still had one in stock. Laurette, the grumpy seller, wraps the clock in what appears to be a colorful rag, but when she gets home, Zoe recognizes it as one of Marc Chagall’s lost paintings. She retraces her steps to look for more of his work, but finds instead Laurette’s body.
Despite warning from her lover, police detective Henri, she sets out to find the girl’s killer, tracing the families of ancient aristocracy, uncovering secrets from the war years, and traipsing through pig farms
As in the first book in the Lost in Paris series, this volume makes the Paris of the 1920’s come alive in all its color, from the grittiest alleyways to the salons of the high and mighty. Among Zoe’s friends are stars in the art and writing world, including Chagall, Hemingway, Man Ray, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. The Olympics are taking place in Paris, and star athletes such as Johnny Weissmuller make cameo appearances. Thoroughly enjoyable.

If you love books set in Paris, this is an excellent option. Set after WW1, an American woman called Zoe is trying to make a life for herself after leaving some sort of unpleasantness behind in Alabama. Unfortunately for her, she is one of those characters who seems to attract dead bodies, this time in connection with an antique clock seller at a flea market. And somehow, some of the paintings an artist friend Marc Chagall lost to the War are tied up with the murder. Hopefully this is early days in a longer series, because this should be a fun series to follow.

Thank you for the ARC. I was so excited to read this based on title and cover, but I could not get into this book. The premise is exactly the kind of book I want to read but I DNF at about 30%. I kept waiting for something to happen and hook me but sadly that moment never came.

Historical fiction mystery that will have you hooked and engaged in the plot from the first moment. I like this book very much. It so happened that I found myself reading it during a stormy night at my apartment so .. it only added to the atmosphere of the mystery plot it had. I enjoyed following Zoe and her slow but steady journey through unveiling the truth of a murder happening so close to her. As it happens sometimes with this kind of books, it also had a quite more spectral aspect. One which I’m eager to read more about maybe in this next book in this series !!! I didn’t have the pleasure to read book one but after reading this one, I find myself quite interested in the first instalment. These are books in a series and although each and every murder stands on its own, the overall story of Zoe’s life and people around her follows a plot that is been developed in an ordered series so … I would recommend to read these books in order. And while I wait for the next one and to figure out what’s gonna happen to our FMC, her past and her present, and the next chapter in her investigative career, I would gladly read the previous one!!

Paris 1924 Exiled American, 23 year old Zoe Barlow discovers the body of clock seller Laurette Belcoeur, and decides to investigate. Add that to the thoughts of stroke victim Gabrielle Challiot, wife of the detective lover of Zoe. Plus her attempts to find her daughter, the reason for her exile, and stealing back paintings.
The story was really not for me, one of the reasons was I find Zoe an unappealing character and really not enough mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"One woman's trash is another woman's - lost Chagall masterpiece?!?

Expat Zoe Barlow has settled well into her artist's life among the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris. When a too-tipsy guest at her weekly poker game breaks Zoe's favorite clock, she's off to a Montparnasse flea market to bargain with the vendor Laurette for a replacement. What Zoe didn't bargain for was the lost Chagall painting that's been used like a rag to wrap her purchases! Eager to learn whether Laurette has more Chagalls lying about like trash, Zoe sets off to track her down at her storage shed. With no Laurette in sight, Zoe snoops around and indeed finds several additional Chagalls - and then she finds Laurette herself, dead beneath a scrap heap, her beautiful face bashed in.

With Paris hosting the 1924 Summer Olympics, the police are far too busy with tourist-related crimes to devote much time to the clock seller's murder. After returning the paintings to a grateful Marc Chagall, Zoe begins her own investigation. Did the stolen paintings play any part in the brutal killing? Or was it a crime of passion? Zoe soon discovers that there were many people who had reason to resent the lovely Laurette. But who hated the girl enough to stop her clock permanently? When Zoe discovers a second murder victim, the pressure is on to find the killer before time - and luck - run out."

Wait, I just realized are they doing the Summer Olympics in Paris this year because it's been a hundred years since these Olympics? Also, as much as I dislike the Summer Olympics, I'd totally go if I could find a lost Chagall masterpiece.

This was an amazing book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Great characters and a great plot. I will be looking for more books by this author. The book is superbly written. Lots of twists, turns and shocking turns of events. Quickly becoming a go to author for me!!!!

I loved the historical accuracy & the setting. I think being immersed in the setting was my favorite part. It’s a murder mystery and hits all the boxes for that. There is a secondary mystery/intrigue involved which I wanted to see solved, but not yet! It was alright reading this without having read the first in the series (didn’t know going in) as there was enough background information and flashbacks to fill in a lot of that. It wasn’t the most exciting ever, but it was enjoyable.

It took exactly half-way through the book for it to get interesting - then everything started to make sense. It wasn't exactly boring, but until something started to happen, it was slow going. The mystery was fairly good; I liked the real people and events from the 1920s whom she encounters - it added to the authenticity. There is adulterous sex going on, but minimal description. But I would have liked it better if the clocks really had something to do with the mystery! That's why I chose to read and review this book as an ARC via NetGalley.