The Clock Struck Murder (Lost in Paris #2)
By Betty Webb

“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.”

I started this audiobook not realizing it was second in series. That might be a reason I didn’t truly get into this book. This book was an okay read it did not pull me in completely. I didn’t feel a strong connection to any of the characters so I felt indifferent about their fate.
I did enjoy listening to the Narrator. I think she did well performing the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this book and give my honest unbiased feedback.

Spoiler free synopsis:

Zoe just can’t help but get caught up in all that Paris has to offer…Art, wine, and murder. When the beautiful and boisterous flea market clock-seller is found murdered by Zoe, she is thrust into the whirlwind of secrets that only Paris can provide.

My thoughts:

I looooovvveeeddd this book! It had everything I was looking for: romance, murder mystery, French vibes. It was great! It was a quick, easy read and was thoroughly entertaining throughout the entire thing. I was lucky to be able to listen to this, and the narrator was absolutely perfect! Great French accent as well as a believable trans-Atlantic/southern accent. Please read this. You won’t regret it!

I was drawn to the appealing front cover of this book, and the promising description intrigued me, prompting me to request an advance copy on NetGalley, despite not being familiar with the author. To my surprise, I discovered that this book is the second in a series, but fortunately, it functions well as a standalone read. Special thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, Betty Webb, and narrator Hope Newhouse for providing this fantastic ALC (Advance Listening Copy). My review is given willingly, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

Step into the vibrant world of 1920s Paris with "The Clock Struck Murder," a historical mystery that keeps you hooked with its mix of artists, writers, and a baffling unsolved crime that challenges the wits and determination of its protagonist, Zoe Barlow. This entrancing narrative not only transports you to an era of disillusionment and change but also embroils you in a mystery that refuses to be ignored.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of post-war Paris, the story follows expatriate Zoe Barlow, who finds herself embroiled in a perplexing mystery when a party guest accidentally breaks her treasured clock. Her quest for a replacement leads her to a flea market and an astonishing discovery: a famous painting wrapped around her new purchase. This discovery propels Zoe into a deeper investigation when she returns for more paintings, only to find a vendor's shed empty and a chilling scene awaiting her. With no one to turn to, Zoe relies on her determination and wits to unravel the mystery. The book stands out in the historical mystery genre with its unique blend of historical authenticity and captivating mystery. Compared to other books in the genre, it offers a refreshing take on the disillusionment of the post-war era through the eyes of a diverse group of expatriates. The book meets and exceeds expectations for the genre, providing not just a puzzle to solve but also a deep dive into the social dynamics and cultural richness of 1920s Paris. Zoe Barlow, the protagonist, is a character readers will find themselves rooting for. Despite her lack of detective skills, her determination and resourcefulness make her investigation compelling and believable. The character arcs are satisfying, with each individual's development adding depth to the story and enhancing the overall narrative. The story grips you with its intricate plot and vivid portrayal of an era filled with intrigue and change. Specific moments, such as the discovery of the painting, resonate and drive the mystery forward. Themes of determination, the search for truth, and the struggle to find one's place in a changing world are effectively expressed, enriching the narrative. The ending provides a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose ends and answering lingering questions without leaving plot holes or inconsistencies. Despite its captivating setup and rich depiction of 1920s Paris, my rating for "The Clock Struck Murder" settles at 3/5 stars. The narrative promises an intriguing mix of historical detail and mystery, yet suffers from uneven pacing that occasionally slows down the story's flow. A particular aspect I found less appealing was Gabrielle's storyline, which felt forced and overly constructed. While the attempt to probe into her psyche is understandable, it seemed there could have been a more refined approach. Moreover, while the characters draw you in, their arcs lack depth, leaving certain plot elements feeling shallow. I also wished the clocks had a more integral role in the mystery itself. Betty Webb's writing is concise and evocative, capturing the essence of the era and the personalities of her characters. Hope Newhouse's narration adds a layer of authenticity and atmosphere, making the setting and dialogue come alive. The author's voice is compelling, successfully immersing the reader in the story and the historical period. Finishing the book leaves a lasting impression of satisfaction and curiosity about the era and the characters. The primary emotion is a mix of fulfillment and eagerness to dive into more of the series. Nevertheless, "The Clock Struck Murder" is highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries and anyone fascinated by the complexities of post-war Paris. The combination of Betty Webb's masterful storytelling and Hope Newhouse's engaging narration makes this audiobook a memorable journey into the past. With its intriguing plot and rich historical details, this book is a standout addition to the genre and a series that promises even more captivating adventures.

I liked this mystery, set in Paris against the backdrop of the 1924 Olympics. Zoe, an artist, stumbles upon the dead body of an acquaintance and is determined to discover how she died—despite the police telling her to not get involved. It was a bit formulaic, but interesting, especially the artists and discussions of art. One thing that I did not like, however, was the story of Gabrielle. The chapters telling her story were too contrived for my taste. While I understand that the author needed a way to capture her mindset, there has to be a better way to do it. I also felt that the narrator conveyed a sense of Zoe as more of an ingenue than she actually is, but the audiobook was entertaining. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review in exchange for the ARC.

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.

I really enjoyed the subplot of Zoe and her daughter. The story was well fleshed out but I got lost at times with the amount of detail.

The Clock Struck Murder written by Betty Webb and narrated by Hope Newhouse is a fanastic historical mystery that absolutely ticks all my boxes for this genre

This edition is Book 2 of the Lost in Paris series which is another that I have gleefully added to my TBR to catch up on!

The book is set in 1920's Paris where a group of writers and artists were united in a disillusionment of the post-war soceity and comprised mainly of expatriats that were coming of age at this time. Our protagonist Zoe Barlow is one such expatriat.

Zoe throws a party and a wayward guest breaks her treasured clock which leads her to buy another from a flea market. She is astounded to find that her new antique clock has been wrapped in a famous painting by the vendor, Laurette. Zoe returns to the vendor to see if she has any more paintings, but when she finds the shed empty, she investigates further, finding more paintings and one very unalive body. With no help to be had, Zoe launches her own investigation for which she is ill qualified aside from grim determination and her wits

This audiobook was read in glorious fashion by Hope Newhouse who created an authentic ambience throughout. The dialogue was on point and the narrative was steady away. Perfect for the genre

The writing is concise and methodical and I really enjoyed Zoe's thought processes and candour. The descriptions of the era and environment were perfect as were the sensibilities of the individual characters. A series I will certainly be looking out for

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media the author Betty Webb and narrator Hope Newhouse for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own