I had high expectations of, The Clockmaker's Daughter, as i have enjoyed Kate Morton's previous novels, and i was not disappointed with this, her latest novel.
The storyline spans several decades, beginning in Victorian England, where a group of bohemian artists are staying for the summer, at the beautiful Birchwood Manor, recently purchased by Edward Radcliffe, one of the artists in the group. There stay, soon ends in misery, when one of their group is shot dead and a valuable gemstone disappears, along with the Edward's model and muse, Birdie.
Over the years Birchwood house is haunted by someone who was involved in the events of the murder and theft and the story revolves around people who stay the the house and are connected with the events, including a family who are evacuated there during WWII and an archivist, Elodie, aswell as numerous other characters.
I really was gripped by this story and loved the characters and i was also, so pleased to get a satisfying ending to the story.
I must say, that this is now my favourite of Kate Morton's novels, and one that i shall re-read again soon. I think that book would appeal to anyone who loves a Victorian mystery and different timelines.

What a brilliant book! With a time span of Victorian London to the present day the obvious constant feature is a house in the countryside. However, as the story unfolds, it gradually becomes clear that however improbable it may seem, there is a second constant thread through the years. The denouement when it comes late in the novel succeeds in making the unbelievable believable, thus creating an immensely satisfyingly read.

I’ve just finished this book, after galloping through it in about two days, and am marvelling at the complexity of the plotting. Layer upon layer of stories about people from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, all linked by a connection with a magical house, Birchwood Manor and a priceless jewel, the Radcliffe Stone. At the heart of the book is a heart-breaking tragedy which influences the lives of all the other characters. The reader is left guessing for a long while before that particular secret is revealed; I’m only sorry I did guess it. The many characters remain with you: all so different and all interesting and sympathetic. This is the perfect long read and I think it’s Kate Morton’s best yet.

Kate Morton writes a beautiful piece of epic interconnected historical fiction, with a strong fantastical element, through the ages, with the focus on the rambling Birchwood Manor by the Thames. In 1862, the owner of the Manor, the gifted artist, Edward Radcliffe, and a group of bohemian artists spend the summer there, hoping to be artistically inspired. However, it all ends in catastrophe as a woman is murdered, plus the orphaned artistic muse, Birdie Bell, the clockmaker's daughter, disappears suspected of the theft and Edward's life is shattered into pieces. What really happened? In the present, a young London archivist on the cusp of getting married, Elodie Winslow, is trawling through the archives of James Stratton, and in a leather satchel finds a photograph of a Victorian woman and a sketchbook with the drawing of a home by the river, which somehow feels familiar.

With multiple narrators, we learn of the history of Birchwood Manor, those who have resided there through the generations and their lives, intrigue and difficulties, throughout with the ghostly presence of Birdie Bell. All these disparate stories over time come to connect. Elodie delves into the mystery of the items in the satchel, unaware of her personal family connection and how her investigations will impact on her future and personal life. This is a story of Birchwood Manor, murder, mystery, theft, secrets, lies, art, love, loss and both world wars. The author gives us rich historical details in a narrative that goes back and forth in time in this atmospheric and complex tale. I found this novel entertaining and absorbing if a trifle over long. Many thanks to Panmacmillan for an ARC.

Another great read from Kate Morton. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for this advanced copy. I have enjoyed all her books and this one doesn’t fail to deliver. I’ve give it four stars only because I am Looking forward to her next book. I will. I will be recommending it to my book club.

This wonderful Book had me totally engrossed & captivated within a few short paragraphs. It's wonderful & intriguing characters especially Birdie had me captivated & enthralled in the story & all it's intricate links which worked like a Labyrinth drawing me deeper & deeper into it's depths. But it did leave me frustrated at times , I knew that Birdie was a Spirit or Ghost quite early on , but didn't realise how deeply I would be affected when I read how her death came to pass, I did in fact shed a tear at this point.
The Characters were all facinating & there were tiny hints & cracks within windows of their being that left you wanting to know so much more, for instance did Birdie & Edward marry before the unfortunate murder of Fanny? Did Elodie find the Radcliffe Blue where Tip had hidden it ? what happened after Elodie & Jack discovered the Coffin when the Japanese Acer was up rooted in the Storm & did they look inside? Did Tips mother realise the painting at Mrs Hammett's daughter in laws was Edwards missing painting or at least part of it of Birdie? what else happened in the relationship between Jack & Elodie? Who had Tips mother been writing to for over Twenty years ?
Question after Question do I have for the Author !
But in saying all of this I would highly recommend it for anyone to read.

Whenever I pick up a new Kate Morton novel it's always with a slight sense of apprehension, because I'm worried that it wont live up to my high expectations - I should know better. This, as with all her previous novels is a joy from start to finish, the plot moves along nicely as we switch from various time periods and perspectives to unravel the mystery of Birchwood Manor and its inhabitants. Although all of Morton's books use the device of links between past and current protagonists, they never feel forced or formulaic and this is a testament to her compelling writing style and creation of believable characters.

Thank you to Netgalley, Kate Morton and Pan MacMillian for my ARC of The Clockmaker's Daughter in exchange for an honest review.
Kate Morton is one of my absolute favourite authors and I've been waiting for a new book for what feels like ages, so I was really excited to get my hands on this one earlier than publication.

As is typical with her style, Kate weaves together storylines that span not only the decades but the centuries, to write a mystery story like none other I know.
Present day: Elodie is working at the archives of James Stratton when she stumbles across a satchel containing a sketchbook and a photo of an attractive woman. As she begins investigations into who the items could belong too, a mystery is uncovered relating to murder, a missing diamond and a love story like no other.

The writing was as always so beautiful and enjoyable, Kate Morton's gift is writing stories of immensely beautiful prose and interesting historical fiction with a twist and mystery which keeps the book in your hand until the last page, and The Clockmaker's Daughter was no different. I absolutely loved it.

Something happened at Birchwood Manor- what were the events that took place on that day? Intriguing read, covering a period of 150years, all centred around a house- Birchwood Manor- and the family who owned it. Great characters, mystery and intrigue keep you reading, as you try to guess exactly where the story is going and what happened. I enjoyed this book, although at times it did seem a little over long, I kept going as I was keen to find out what happened to the characters. The story covers different time periods, and different characters and their experience of their time in Birchwood Manor. A good read!

I have been recommended to read Kate Morton a lot but I did find this difficult to keep track of. The book covers quite a period of history and does jump about a bit. Not an easy read but it does all come together in the end.

Kate Morton is one of my favourite historical fiction authors. Her books are mammoth reads so I know I need to concentrate on the plots when I start her books.
The Clockmaker's daughter has a lot of characters which we meet in very quick succession. As the book is told over hundreds of years, I found that I couldn't quite keep up with which character was being portrayed in which decade and century.
The Clockmakers Daughter tells the story of a clockmakers daughter who loses her parents as a child and has to learn a new life as she is taken in by a poor family. Her life changes dramatically as she learns to be street wise. As the years go past, she becomes an artists muse and then disappears suddenly one day. It's deemed that she stole a valuable artefact and left the country. But there is obviously more to the story.
I did find the book difficult to keep up with, some characters were stronger than others. This wasn't my favourite Kate Morton read, however the ending was done brilliantly answering all questions and tieing everything together.

Another fantastic book by Kate Morton. Captivating and bewitching.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

Unnecessarily long and ended rather abruptly. I had an arc of this book so questioned whether it was complete but going by other reviews it appears they felt the same. The different strands of stories didn't connect well and some weren't concluded at all. This book just wasn't up to the author's usual standard.

Another epic sweeping dual time line / time slip novel by the super talented Kate Morton.

I have just finished this book and I already want to read it all over again already, it was that good. I think the first read of books such as this are all about the mystery and finding out how it all ends and the second reading is to digest slowly and soak up the atmosphere and beautiful surroundings the book conjures up.

Set between late 1850’s and early 1860’s, both wars and 2017 with Birchwood Manor, a house brimming with history and secrets, the tie that binds them all.

With such an immense time period there are an array of characters brought into play and it is told from several different view points, 1 of which transpires to be a ghost. I certainly wasn’t expecting that I must admit, but it worked! With historical stories there will always be ghosts but very rarely do they get given their own voice in such a way. She was probably my favourite protagonist from the start.

If you are already a fan of Kate Morton’s work then you are in for a real treat with this one, and if this is your first of her books you’ve read – I highly recommend The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden. Both are full of atmosphere and stunning surroundings as beautifully brought to life as The Clockmaker’s Daughter.

I am a huge Kate Morton fan, so was absolutely delighted to be able to read and review this advanced copy of her new book. Sadly however it did not live up to expectations. Yes, the much loved formula was very much there - superbly chosen language, attention to historical detail and deftly woven multiple timelines to name but a few - but unfortunately the storyline really lacked something for me and I quickly became bored. Hate that I'm having to say this, but on thus occasiin Ms Morton, in my opinion, has slightly missed the mark. Just hope this is a slight blip and her books return to form.