"The Clock Struck Murder" is an excellent book. I truly enjoyed it. It is well written. The characters and story line are well developed and touches on the history of how art disappeared during and after WWI. I highly recommend the book.

I read book 1 to prepare for this ARC and I am so glad I did! This was a great read and I loved all the historical references to real-life events. Her family is a bunch of dick bags and I love that she isn't letting that get her down and is living her life on her own terms. I can't wait for the next book in this series! This was my 1st foray into Betty Web's books and I am not sad I found her!

#TheClockStruckMurder
#NetGalley

Is there ever a point where there is too much going on in a story?

I didn’t think so until this book. The story is set in 1920s Paris and expat Zoe gets involved in solving the murder of vendor to the chagrin of her inspector boyfriend.

There was soooooo much going on in this story that I didn’t think all fit or was needed. It was a who’s who that was distracting from solving the murder.

I lost track of who was doing what and found I didn’t care. There was a subplot with Zoe’s boyfriend’s wife (not a secret and it was explained) that was really putting me off - not the relationship itself.

I figured out who did it and why way early in the story but continued on anyway.

Given this is the second book in the series, wondered what the backstory was in the first book given how MUCH was given in this one.
The narrator was great with all of the different accents and pacing. The story just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!

This was a fun read as an audiobook. The narrator was expressive and animated, and did a great job bringing the cast of characters from a variety of nationalities to life. I really did enjoy her narration. I would definitely listen to her again.

The premise of this cosy mystery was great. I loved the historical setting of post WWI, pre-WWII Paris. As it was an exciting time in history there were tons of name-dropping of many famous expats, artists etc. Following the main character, Zoe, as she investigates a flea market murder. The cast of characters was vibrant and engaging, and while I didn’t connect with all of them, I did enjoy following Zoe’s interactions with them. I was at times confused about POV from Henri's wife as she talked to the spider, it was weird, and I feel really didn't add anything to the subplot of Zoe's reading to her and being her husband's mistress. I don't know, maybe I missed something with that, but I feel like it could have been dropped. Zoe’s backstory, was good, and I felt helped us connect with her thinking and as a character. Overall, I enjoyed it and would read another book by this author. I didn't realize it was a second in the series until after I had read it, but I felt it could stand alone and was a good, cosy mystery. I would recommend this to others who like this style of mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

"The Clock Struck Murder" by Betty Webb is a delightful romp through 1920s Paris, filled with intrigue, mystery, and a dash of artistic flair. Set against the backdrop of the Lost Generation, this novel transports readers to a vibrant era of creativity and cultural upheaval.

Protagonist Zoe Barlow, an expat artist living among the bohemian crowd of Montparnasse, finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation after stumbling upon a lost Chagall masterpiece at a flea market. What starts as a quest for a replacement clock quickly escalates into a mystery as Zoe delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the painting and the murder of its previous owner, Laurette.

Webb's storytelling weaves together a plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Her vivid descriptions bring 1920s Paris to life, immersing readers in the bustling streets and colorful characters of the era.

While "The Clock Struck Murder" is the second book in the Lost in Paris series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Overall, I found it an okay read offering a glimpse into 1920s Paris. I don't feel compelled to read the previous book in the series, and rate it three out of five stars.

I received a copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. I listened to the the first book in the series a year ago, also from Netgalley and would rate it the same, rounding up from 2.5 stars. There's enough background so I don't feel you have to read the first book to grasp the storyline. As a lover of historical fiction this isn't a book that wowed me.

I loved the narration in this cute little murder mystery. It was an absolute delight! The characters were adorable and the setting was perfect. I loved the art scene!

The Clock Strike Murder is a cosy, historical murder mystery, which feels comfortably low stakes… aside from the murders!

I loved being pulled in through post WWII Paris with Zoe, as she investigates a flea market murder. The cast of characters were vibrant and engaging, and while I didn’t connect with all of them, I did enjoy following Zoe’s interactions with them. I particularly enjoyed the subplots with Henri’s wife and Zoe’s back story, and hope more will be revealed in the next book. The social upheaval of the war was well captured in the story, and interesting to explore.

This was a fun read as an audiobook. The narrator was expressive and animated, and did a great job bringing the cast of characters from a variety of nationalities to life.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

What a cute little murder mystery. This book had all of the traditional tropes of a story in Paris: an unassuming American, wary Parisians, cloudy weather and dialogue about Germans and WWII. It was a fun little pallet cleanser.

The Clock Stuck Murder, by Betty Webb is the second book in a wonderful series, however it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. This is a cozy mystery thriller set in post WWI Paris. The narrator did a beautiful job bringing the characters to life. I found the audio book wonderfully entertaining.

The Clock Strikes Murder follows Zoe Barlow an American living in Paris during the summer of 1924. Paris is filled with tourists flocking to the city to see the summer Olympics taking place there. One day Zoe goes to visit her favorite flea market and buys a beautiful clock, when she gets home she discovered that it was wrapped in paintings done by famous painter Chagall. When she returns to see if Laurette has any more paintings she discovers that Laurette has been murdered. Now Zoe is out to discover who murdered Laurette and if it had anything to do with the missing Chagall paintings.

I know that this was the second book in a series and while I didn’t read the first book I didn’t feel like I missed out on those plot points. The author did a good job of mentioning pertinent information about Zoe’s backstory prior to moving to Paris so that I didn’t feel lost with that part of the story. However, I had a hard time getting into The Clock Stuck Murder. There were a lot of side characters and side plots that didn’t necessarily all flow with the main story line. I finished the story but didn’t feel very gripped by the characters or the plot line.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the audio ARC in exchange for my review.

So this book was fun, but I was confused by the structure of this. This read like two different books. One was the cozy mystery with the death of vendor Laurette. But then there's the back story of the MC Zoe, who was really young in the book, yet felt like she was so much older. Her back story was tragic and intense, and didn't quite have the tone or the feel with the cozy part. But the setting...the setting was such a great setting...I mean, Paris hosting the 1924 Summer Olympics. Amazing setting. And the cozy part was fun and all, but then the back story became very intense. The back and forth threw me off, but each had its own well done storyline. It was also fun to read about some iconic names (Picasso, Chagall, etc).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. 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.

Well, now that I'm doing a review i see it book two in a series!
I did enjoy this book but it wasn't a favorite..

Publisher's summary
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.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC of The Clock Struck Murder!

The Clock Struck Murder
By: Betty Webb
Narrated by: Hope Newhouse
Series: Lost in Paris, Book 2
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Release date: 04-09-24

Thanks Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Set in Paris after WWI this book is charming in its setting and generous in name dropping the who’s who of the time- in books and art. Our heroine Zoe moved to Paris from Alabama after her husband’s death and her daughter disappeared.

I really enjoyed the narration of the novel, the voices had character and felt realistic to the era. I did occasionally get lost between the chapters when I didn’t catch which characters chapter it was. Pretty sure that was me being distracted rather than the fault of the story.

I enjoyed pieces of this book. I was a bit disappointed in the mystery not necessarily being a challenge and parts of the book felt pointless to the plot. But when the book was focusing on a plot part it was good. The climax of the book was mediocre and while I genuinely loved the end it was sudden. Regardless I still consider it a good read. I also did not read the first book but it stood okay as a standalone.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. I listened to the audio version of this book; the narrator was excellent and definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. This is the second story to feature Zoe Barlow, an American expat living in post WWI Paris. Exiled from her childhood home in Alabama, Zoe uses a weekly poker game to help fund her life as her inheritance is tied up. Zoe finds a dead body at a local flea market that she visits to buy a new clock. She quickly finds herself caught up in this murder mystery, while also trying to track down her missing daughter, and juggling her relationship with a married Parisian detective who's wife has been comatose for years.

I really like Zoe and find her to be likeable dispute her relationship with a married man. There is actually a really interesting sub-plot regarding the wife that I don't want to spoil, but definitely has me invested in. The mystery surrounding the murder is well done and kept my interest, but I also like the way the author has made Paris another character though the vivid descriptions of the city during this time. This book is set during the 1924 Paris Olympics which seems very relevant given the games will be held there again in just a few months. There is an interesting development toward the end regarding Zoe's missing child too. I hope that there are many future titles in the series as there are several threads that I need to see thru.

I recently had the pleasure of reading a captivating novel set in the enchanting city of Paris during the roaring 20s. From the outset, it was clear that the author had a deep love and understanding of the city, which made for a fantastic backdrop to a thrilling story.

Although I hadn't read the first book in the series, I was able to jump right into the story, thanks to the author's skillful weaving of Zoe's backstory into the narrative. I enjoyed the mystery elements of the story, which kept me intrigued throughout. And the characters were well-drawn and engaging, making me care about what happened to them.

However, I did find that the pacing of the novel was a bit slow, which detracted slightly from my enjoyment. Nonetheless, the plot was strong and kept me engaged until the end. I particularly appreciated Zoe's passion for helping struggling artists, which added a layer of depth to her character.

As a lover of all things Parisian, I would have liked to have seen more of the city and its environs in the novel. Nonetheless, the glimpses of life in Paris in the Roaring 20s were well done, and I appreciated the historical context.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for an engaging mystery set in the City of Light. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of this wonderful novel.

This is the second in a series, unbeknownst to me initially, but can be read as a standalone.

The clock struck murder is a fantastic title. The author obviously did a ton of work figuring out what Paris was like in 1920s and who all was there. Unfortunately it feels like every single person and every detail went into the novel. The plot itself was decent, but the overwhelming detail about everything was too much.
Additionally, there were passages where one of the characters is in a coma and talking to a spider. I'm not really sure of the purpose of those chapters.

Ultimately though, I was initially very excited about this book, I will not be continuing this series.

Interesting read that did a really great job of making you feel like you were in the time and place it’s written. I enjoyed the complicated characters, complicated, relationships, and the backdrop of the tension brewing between World War II and World War II.

A compelling story about the ways war affects all of us with a pretty great little mystery to boot. I would definitely recommend it.

Paris during the 1924 Olympics is a wonderful setting. Zoe, an artist, has been living in the city for 6 years, since she was exiled from Alabama. She has a lot of backstory, almost too much for one character. Anyway, she stumbles across a stolen Chagall painting and then the body of a murdered woman. She takes it upon herself to try to track down more of the paintings and also starts asking questions of people who knew Laurette.

The plot was fine even if the killer was a bit obvious. It’s also a who’s who among the expats in Pairs at the time. We either meet or hear gossip about Marc Chagall and his family, poet Blaise Cendrars, Ernest and Hadley Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, and Pablo Picasso and his first wife. We’re also introduced to several members of the American swim team. The author shoves a lot in to this book.

I actually liked Zoe. She’s kind and makes a decent amateur sleuth. She is also, of course, dating a detective, which leads to really the oddest parts of the book. Her detective is married, but his wife is in an unresponsive state due to a stroke and Zoe reads to her on a weekly basis. i couldn’t tell from the story if she knew her before the stroke or not. There are also several weird chapters from the wife’s point of view, inside her head. They felt out of place with the rest of the book and didn’t add anything to the mystery.

I listened to the audiobook book and the narrator did a good job. The accents were well done and the dialogue sounded natural.

The mystery itself was fine, even it the killer became rather obvious. For all the available suspects, not many had a legitimate reason to kill Laurette.

Overall, the book was fine, but I didn’t enjoy the characters enough to feel the need to read more in the series.