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Lost in Paris #2
The Clock Struck Murder
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.
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2024
3 people are currently reading
3579 people want to read
About the author
Betty Webb
24 books202 followersAs a journalist and literary critic for more than 20 years, Betty -- a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, where her detective Lena Jones also lives -- has interviewed U. S. presidents, Nobel prize-winners, astronauts who’ve walked on the moon, polygamy runaways, the homeless, and the hopeless.
Now retired from journalism to write full time, she also contributes the Small Press column for Mystery Scene magazine and teaches creative writing at Phoenix College.
In her writing, Betty makes liberal use of her own varied background. She earned her way through art school by working as a folk singer but eventually gave up singing to concentrate on her art career. At various times she has picked cotton, raised chickens which laid blue eggs (Speckled Hamburgs), worked in a zoo, been a go-go dancer and horse breeder, taught Sunday School, founded a literary magazine, helped rebuild a long-abandoned 120-year-old farm house, and back-packed the Highlands of Scotland alone.
In 1982, Betty moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where her Lena Jones novels are set, but her roots are in Hamilton, Alabama, where most of her extended family still lives. In 2000 she published The Webb Family of Alabama: Survivors of Change, which focused on the descendants of her half-Seneca, half-English great-great-grandfather, William Douglas Webb, who ran away to sea at the age of 16, then after 14 wild years, settled down to farm peacefully in Hamilton. Recent DNA testing, however, has revealed that her seafaring ancestor harbored a big secret: he might not have been a Webb after all, but the descendant of a New Jersey colonist family named Price. Betty is now working to unravel this real-life mystery: did William Douglas Price change his name to Webb. Was he on the run from the law? (As a mystery writer, she kinda hopes he was)
On her mother’s side, Betty can trace her roots back to the Barons of Riddell in medieval Scotland. The Riddells, friends and financial supporters of the poet Robert Burns, did not always enjoy the best of reputations. The opera, Lucia di Lammermore, about a young bride who decapitates her husband on their wedding night, was based upon a real life incident in the Riddell family. But the Riddells maintain that Lucy (her real name) merely scratched her bridegroom, and that he simply overreacted when he screamed out, "Murder!" Anyway, that’s the Riddells' story and they're sticking to it.
"The impact of my unusual family upon my life has been profound," Betty says. "That's why I thought it would be intriguing to create a detective who had no idea of where she came from or who her parents were. Creating the orphaned Lena Jones has helped me appreciate my own ancestral heritage - both the good and the bad." About the recent DNA testing results, she adds, "All this time the Webbs were keeping an even bigger secret than the Riddells -- and they didn’t even know they were! How could I not have become a mystery novelist."
(from http://www.bettywebb-mystery.com/bio....)
Series:
* Lena Jones Mystery
* Gunn Zoo Mystery
Now retired from journalism to write full time, she also contributes the Small Press column for Mystery Scene magazine and teaches creative writing at Phoenix College.
In her writing, Betty makes liberal use of her own varied background. She earned her way through art school by working as a folk singer but eventually gave up singing to concentrate on her art career. At various times she has picked cotton, raised chickens which laid blue eggs (Speckled Hamburgs), worked in a zoo, been a go-go dancer and horse breeder, taught Sunday School, founded a literary magazine, helped rebuild a long-abandoned 120-year-old farm house, and back-packed the Highlands of Scotland alone.
In 1982, Betty moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where her Lena Jones novels are set, but her roots are in Hamilton, Alabama, where most of her extended family still lives. In 2000 she published The Webb Family of Alabama: Survivors of Change, which focused on the descendants of her half-Seneca, half-English great-great-grandfather, William Douglas Webb, who ran away to sea at the age of 16, then after 14 wild years, settled down to farm peacefully in Hamilton. Recent DNA testing, however, has revealed that her seafaring ancestor harbored a big secret: he might not have been a Webb after all, but the descendant of a New Jersey colonist family named Price. Betty is now working to unravel this real-life mystery: did William Douglas Price change his name to Webb. Was he on the run from the law? (As a mystery writer, she kinda hopes he was)
On her mother’s side, Betty can trace her roots back to the Barons of Riddell in medieval Scotland. The Riddells, friends and financial supporters of the poet Robert Burns, did not always enjoy the best of reputations. The opera, Lucia di Lammermore, about a young bride who decapitates her husband on their wedding night, was based upon a real life incident in the Riddell family. But the Riddells maintain that Lucy (her real name) merely scratched her bridegroom, and that he simply overreacted when he screamed out, "Murder!" Anyway, that’s the Riddells' story and they're sticking to it.
"The impact of my unusual family upon my life has been profound," Betty says. "That's why I thought it would be intriguing to create a detective who had no idea of where she came from or who her parents were. Creating the orphaned Lena Jones has helped me appreciate my own ancestral heritage - both the good and the bad." About the recent DNA testing results, she adds, "All this time the Webbs were keeping an even bigger secret than the Riddells -- and they didn’t even know they were! How could I not have become a mystery novelist."
(from http://www.bettywebb-mystery.com/bio....)
Series:
* Lena Jones Mystery
* Gunn Zoo Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 22, 2023
Zoe, an American expat living in Paris in 1924, goes to a local flea market to replace a recently-broken clock. When one of the flea market saleswomen is murdered, Zoe wants to find out who is responsible, even though her married paramour Henri, a police officer, asks her not to get involved. (She regularly reads to Henri's wife, who is severely disabled from a stroke.) She also has some issues with her family back in Alabama who were furious at her for loving someone they disapproved of. Then there is another murder, and Zoe has several suspect before she finally concludes her search. There's plenty of name dropping (Picasso, Hemingway, Chagall) in this historical mystery. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 31, 2024
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.
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.
April 3, 2024
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.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Want to read
November 16, 2023***A big thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy of this book.***
The protagonist, initially on a quest to purchase a clock, unexpectedly stumbles upon a collection of lost Chegal paintings, unraveling a series of intriguing events. Simultaneously, she makes a disconcerting discovery that adds another layer of complexity to the plot. Throughout the narrative, the historical elements captivated me, and the mystery surrounding the murderer kept me engaged until the final pages. The inclusion of a wronged, invalid wife further heightened the intrigue. Overall, the book proved to be an enjoyable read, though it didn't grip me entirely. Despite the promising description, something about the story failed to establish a strong connection. The historical fiction setting, while present, lacked a distinctive quality that would transport me to a different time. The characters, though part of a historical context, felt oddly disconnected, leaving me indifferent to their fates. Consequently, I finished the book, but it seemed to plod along without leaving a lasting impression or making the narrative truly memorable.
The protagonist, initially on a quest to purchase a clock, unexpectedly stumbles upon a collection of lost Chegal paintings, unraveling a series of intriguing events. Simultaneously, she makes a disconcerting discovery that adds another layer of complexity to the plot. Throughout the narrative, the historical elements captivated me, and the mystery surrounding the murderer kept me engaged until the final pages. The inclusion of a wronged, invalid wife further heightened the intrigue. Overall, the book proved to be an enjoyable read, though it didn't grip me entirely. Despite the promising description, something about the story failed to establish a strong connection. The historical fiction setting, while present, lacked a distinctive quality that would transport me to a different time. The characters, though part of a historical context, felt oddly disconnected, leaving me indifferent to their fates. Consequently, I finished the book, but it seemed to plod along without leaving a lasting impression or making the narrative truly memorable.
April 14, 2024
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
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
April 24, 2024
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.
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.
July 14, 2024
Zoe is an expat living in Paris as an artist in 1924. Her favorite clock is broken in a poker game. Zoe goes to the flea market to find a new one and walks away with a Chagall painting used as wrapping paper. Zoe is amazed at the find and goes back to speak with the sales girl. She finds more paintings and a dead body. The police are busy with the summer Olympics. Zoe decides to help investigate.
I really enjoyed this mystery set after WW1 in Paris. I liked the dual timeline and getting to know Zoe more. I read this as a standalone. The writing captivated me and I read it one sitting.
I really enjoyed this mystery set after WW1 in Paris. I liked the dual timeline and getting to know Zoe more. I read this as a standalone. The writing captivated me and I read it one sitting.
December 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this story set in Paris following World War I. There as lots of mystrigue, red herrings and a plot that kept me guessing in this who-dun-it. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2023
I was looking forward to intrigue, but this one just wasn't for me. I just couldn't hang in past 30% and skipped to the end to see if I'd missed anything. I hadn't. I just couldn't relate to the lead character, her relationships or her attitude. She's an American living In France, but perhaps for me just a little too French? Or Bohemian? Hmmm, I do hope others connect.
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen publications for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen publications for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
September 1, 2024
Probably closer to 3.5 stars, but of course, Goodreads doesn't allow half-star ratings.
Completely by chance, this is the second straight story I'm reading (after Andrew Cartmel's Ashram Assassin) that is the 2nd book in a series where I've not read the first one (in my defense, I just wander amidst the books until I find something intriguing) - however, with that said, this for the most part is pretty accessible as a standalone. Sure, there's some references to a previous mystery and what appears to be a few recurrent characters, but most of the seemingly important stuff from the previous story is rehashed for us anyways, so you don't really feel too lost (other than not knowing why exactly her previous go-around ended up with so many dead people).
A cozy little mystery (as cozy as murders can be) taking place in 1924 Paris - and without the sort of high-stakes, governmental/corporational conspiracy sort of angle that so frequently seems to intrude into stories (it can be fun, but it is also overdone) - we follow our lead character Zoe in what starts as a quick trip to a pop-up market to replace an accidentally broken clock and quickly turns into a murder investigation of sorts. Of sorts, I say, because she's not really a detective - an amateur, maybe, or maybe even nothing more than a step-up from armchair detective (because she does get up and go around and put herself in danger). I feel like 'amateur' is overcalling it, even if this is in fact her second such mystery, because it is more out of curiosity and "I sorta knew her" (them, once the second murder takes place) and less out of wont to be a detective (which is probably ideal, because aside from her apparent enjoyment in reading Poirot novels, she's not exactly got the mind of a detective).
Thrown in amidst the murders is a story about numerous missing paintings - it is actually the discovery of one of these missing paintings that actually gets Zoe on the move and has her discover the initial murder in the first place. From there, the story goes multiple ways - she tries to find more missing paintings, she tries to figure out who would murder the clock seller, she navigates the backdrop (1924 Paris, in the midst of hosting the Olympics and still reeling from the recent war and with the very prevalent anti-German feelings harbored by many), she tries to help out a neighbor in a very difficult-to-escape situation, and she recalls life growing up in the very racist south of America (with particular flashbacks to one person/sequence/event that truly changed her life). The intersection between these stories aside from involving Zoe, are fairly minimal. There's also a couple odd chapters given to us from the point of view of another character, which I'm assuming is setting up some sort of longer story arc that'll be dealt with in the 3rd book (or later) of this series, because otherwise it's just very out of place and unnecessary here, and it doesn't add anything (beyond word count).
Part of being a cozy with a hesitant "just helping out" investigator is that she is, obviously, not a competent detective. So she makes a bunch of mistakes, misses some pretty obvious seeming things, and of course, in 'very common in stories' form, upon figuring things out, decides to do stuff on her own without involving anyone else or letting anyone know. (Yes, in the story, this is explained away by her ending up on the phone with a very unhelpful cop, but like, then tell someone else? You've spent the whole story not being afraid of involving others, and now, at the worst time, you go alone?)
This mostly becomes a bit much after the second murder. After the first one, it makes sense that she's got a very broad list of suspects - but after the second one, I think it becomes very obvious who the primary suspect should be. The reason is still unknown, of course, but the 'who' is pretty obvious. And as the story unfolds, the 'why' also shows itself pretty clearly - and she just completely ignores it/misses it. Repeatedly. The story does do a decent job of trying to expand the pool of suspects with a simple thought of "maybe she saw something" (which, fun enough, ends up being the actual reason for death), but the stretches Zoe has to make to explain why other folks may be suspects seem a bit farfetched when she keeps missing the obvious suspect. Additionally, the whole 'missing painting' backdrop adds a few characters and scenes but, aside from a couple of unsatisfactory attempts to further investigate this previous 'crime' (which is pretty easily explained almost immediately) and one particularly unsavory character, it doesn't really add much to the story. Misdirection, I guess, but I wasn't a huge fan of how much it strayed off the path.
While there were many tangential stories mixed in that lead you down multiple weird, parallel alleys that never fully intersected (thus my description of them as parallel alleys), the story itself flowed pretty well. Zoe has a pretty tragic backstory that slowly unfolds to us and makes her seem a bit more sympathetic, especially when countered with the present-day Zoe who is sticking her nose into many places it doesn't belong (which is even more inexplicable given the apparent story of the 1st novel, which ended with many deaths). Sure it all ends well and she's able to help a bunch of people, but she's also not exactly blameless herself (in multiple ways). We do get to see 1924 Paris (Olympics, post-war, all of it) as a well-written, decently-explored backdrop that is well used to enhance the story. ... Again, I understand she's not even an amateur detective so this may not fully be her cup of tea, but, like - the answer was right there all along!
Completely by chance, this is the second straight story I'm reading (after Andrew Cartmel's Ashram Assassin) that is the 2nd book in a series where I've not read the first one (in my defense, I just wander amidst the books until I find something intriguing) - however, with that said, this for the most part is pretty accessible as a standalone. Sure, there's some references to a previous mystery and what appears to be a few recurrent characters, but most of the seemingly important stuff from the previous story is rehashed for us anyways, so you don't really feel too lost (other than not knowing why exactly her previous go-around ended up with so many dead people).
A cozy little mystery (as cozy as murders can be) taking place in 1924 Paris - and without the sort of high-stakes, governmental/corporational conspiracy sort of angle that so frequently seems to intrude into stories (it can be fun, but it is also overdone) - we follow our lead character Zoe in what starts as a quick trip to a pop-up market to replace an accidentally broken clock and quickly turns into a murder investigation of sorts. Of sorts, I say, because she's not really a detective - an amateur, maybe, or maybe even nothing more than a step-up from armchair detective (because she does get up and go around and put herself in danger). I feel like 'amateur' is overcalling it, even if this is in fact her second such mystery, because it is more out of curiosity and "I sorta knew her" (them, once the second murder takes place) and less out of wont to be a detective (which is probably ideal, because aside from her apparent enjoyment in reading Poirot novels, she's not exactly got the mind of a detective).
Thrown in amidst the murders is a story about numerous missing paintings - it is actually the discovery of one of these missing paintings that actually gets Zoe on the move and has her discover the initial murder in the first place. From there, the story goes multiple ways - she tries to find more missing paintings, she tries to figure out who would murder the clock seller, she navigates the backdrop (1924 Paris, in the midst of hosting the Olympics and still reeling from the recent war and with the very prevalent anti-German feelings harbored by many), she tries to help out a neighbor in a very difficult-to-escape situation, and she recalls life growing up in the very racist south of America (with particular flashbacks to one person/sequence/event that truly changed her life). The intersection between these stories aside from involving Zoe, are fairly minimal. There's also a couple odd chapters given to us from the point of view of another character, which I'm assuming is setting up some sort of longer story arc that'll be dealt with in the 3rd book (or later) of this series, because otherwise it's just very out of place and unnecessary here, and it doesn't add anything (beyond word count).
Part of being a cozy with a hesitant "just helping out" investigator is that she is, obviously, not a competent detective. So she makes a bunch of mistakes, misses some pretty obvious seeming things, and of course, in 'very common in stories' form, upon figuring things out, decides to do stuff on her own without involving anyone else or letting anyone know. (Yes, in the story, this is explained away by her ending up on the phone with a very unhelpful cop, but like, then tell someone else? You've spent the whole story not being afraid of involving others, and now, at the worst time, you go alone?)
This mostly becomes a bit much after the second murder. After the first one, it makes sense that she's got a very broad list of suspects - but after the second one, I think it becomes very obvious who the primary suspect should be. The reason is still unknown, of course, but the 'who' is pretty obvious. And as the story unfolds, the 'why' also shows itself pretty clearly - and she just completely ignores it/misses it. Repeatedly. The story does do a decent job of trying to expand the pool of suspects with a simple thought of "maybe she saw something" (which, fun enough, ends up being the actual reason for death), but the stretches Zoe has to make to explain why other folks may be suspects seem a bit farfetched when she keeps missing the obvious suspect. Additionally, the whole 'missing painting' backdrop adds a few characters and scenes but, aside from a couple of unsatisfactory attempts to further investigate this previous 'crime' (which is pretty easily explained almost immediately) and one particularly unsavory character, it doesn't really add much to the story. Misdirection, I guess, but I wasn't a huge fan of how much it strayed off the path.
While there were many tangential stories mixed in that lead you down multiple weird, parallel alleys that never fully intersected (thus my description of them as parallel alleys), the story itself flowed pretty well. Zoe has a pretty tragic backstory that slowly unfolds to us and makes her seem a bit more sympathetic, especially when countered with the present-day Zoe who is sticking her nose into many places it doesn't belong (which is even more inexplicable given the apparent story of the 1st novel, which ended with many deaths). Sure it all ends well and she's able to help a bunch of people, but she's also not exactly blameless herself (in multiple ways). We do get to see 1924 Paris (Olympics, post-war, all of it) as a well-written, decently-explored backdrop that is well used to enhance the story. ... Again, I understand she's not even an amateur detective so this may not fully be her cup of tea, but, like - the answer was right there all along!
April 17, 2024
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.
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.
June 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 Stars
It is 1924 and the Parisian Olympics are in full swing. Socialite Ex-Pat Zoe has been living and working as an artist in Paris. She is immersed in the culture and social scene but patterns herself a bohemian. After purchasing a new clock from a flee market she discovers the sales girl wrapped the item in fabric...a priceless missing painting from Chagall. She returns to see if the she has any other works only to discover the girl has been murdered. Despite stern warnings from the lead police detective, who also happens to be her lover, she integrates herself in the murder investigation determined to find the killer and more priceless works of art.
I had an idea of what I was getting into when I picked up this novel about an amatuer sleuth but this was flimsier than most. I loved the setting of Paris during the 1924 Olympics and the bohemian artist colony angle but that was about the end. I did not realize this was the second of the series. It might have filled in some of the backstory but overall this is a standalone book. The problems I had were things like the murderer was apparent about five minutes in and Zoe's nonstop medaling became annoying. A lot of the book is focused on her history and what brought her to Paris but none was relevant to the actual crime story. The writing is mostly told from her POV with a few odd chapters dedicated to Henri's almost comatose wife talking to a spider...why? The name dropping was ridiculous, she is friends with everyone from Hemmingway, Chagall, Picasso, Chanel and even a brush with Hitler...come on. A lot of the details are repeated multiple times making to pace flat and boring. By the end I really did not care anymore. I can do fluff crime solving novels but this was not one I would recommend.
I had the audio version read by Hope Newhouse who does a great job with the narration. She has good characterization and is easy to listen to.
2.5 Stars
It is 1924 and the Parisian Olympics are in full swing. Socialite Ex-Pat Zoe has been living and working as an artist in Paris. She is immersed in the culture and social scene but patterns herself a bohemian. After purchasing a new clock from a flee market she discovers the sales girl wrapped the item in fabric...a priceless missing painting from Chagall. She returns to see if the she has any other works only to discover the girl has been murdered. Despite stern warnings from the lead police detective, who also happens to be her lover, she integrates herself in the murder investigation determined to find the killer and more priceless works of art.
I had an idea of what I was getting into when I picked up this novel about an amatuer sleuth but this was flimsier than most. I loved the setting of Paris during the 1924 Olympics and the bohemian artist colony angle but that was about the end. I did not realize this was the second of the series. It might have filled in some of the backstory but overall this is a standalone book. The problems I had were things like the murderer was apparent about five minutes in and Zoe's nonstop medaling became annoying. A lot of the book is focused on her history and what brought her to Paris but none was relevant to the actual crime story. The writing is mostly told from her POV with a few odd chapters dedicated to Henri's almost comatose wife talking to a spider...why? The name dropping was ridiculous, she is friends with everyone from Hemmingway, Chagall, Picasso, Chanel and even a brush with Hitler...come on. A lot of the details are repeated multiple times making to pace flat and boring. By the end I really did not care anymore. I can do fluff crime solving novels but this was not one I would recommend.
I had the audio version read by Hope Newhouse who does a great job with the narration. She has good characterization and is easy to listen to.
March 26, 2024
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
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
April 5, 2024
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.
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.
August 17, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Clock Struck Murder is the second Lost in Paris historical mystery by Betty Webb featuring amateur sleuth and American expat artist Zoe Barlow set in 1920s Paris. Released 9th April 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Olympic games in Paris, expat Zoe is resourceful, intelligent, and plucky. She's surviving as best she can, but life as an artist is fraught and rarely affluent in the long term. She's again drawn into investigating a murder, this time a stallholder at a local outdoor street market.
MC Zoe is somewhat morally ambiguous (she's sleeping with a married man whose disabled wife she knows and reads to). The author herself is knowledgeable about the Paris of the 20's and much of the background research makes it into the book which makes it occasionally feel a bit cluttered and chaotic.
Overall however, it's well rendered and engaging, with complex characters and a mystery interwoven with real life historical events.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Clock Struck Murder is the second Lost in Paris historical mystery by Betty Webb featuring amateur sleuth and American expat artist Zoe Barlow set in 1920s Paris. Released 9th April 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Olympic games in Paris, expat Zoe is resourceful, intelligent, and plucky. She's surviving as best she can, but life as an artist is fraught and rarely affluent in the long term. She's again drawn into investigating a murder, this time a stallholder at a local outdoor street market.
MC Zoe is somewhat morally ambiguous (she's sleeping with a married man whose disabled wife she knows and reads to). The author herself is knowledgeable about the Paris of the 20's and much of the background research makes it into the book which makes it occasionally feel a bit cluttered and chaotic.
Overall however, it's well rendered and engaging, with complex characters and a mystery interwoven with real life historical events.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 5, 2024
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.
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.
April 11, 2024
The Clock Struck Murder cover featuring a young woman and a clock had this Nancy Drew wannabe intrigued in this historical fiction mystery set in a Paris teeming with tourists in town for the 1924 Olympics.
In her second Lost in Paris Mystery, Betty Webb winds a tale of longing, jealousy, prejudice and murder into a compelling story when artist and American ex pat Zoe Barlow finds a lost Marc Chagall painting as a canvas wrap for a Montpernasse flea market find. Discovering the treasure, she goes in search of the beautiful young French woman who had sold and wrapped her faux Louis XIV art nouveau clock, unearthing not only more of her friend’s paintings but the woman’s dead body as well.
Not wanting her married lover/police inspector to become involved with the case of her friend’s paintings, the 24-year-old takes on an investigation to find both the killer and the art thief putting her own life in jeopardy.
In true historical fiction fashion, Webb introduces us to the post-WWI Paris scene, other artists, writers and even Johnny Weissmuller, known more for his role as Tarzan than his five Olympic gold medals in this Francophile mystery. The author also brings the reader along through a more personal secondary investigation for Zoe, from her past in Alabama.
I recommend The Clock Struck Murder for fans of historical mysteries, especially those set in France. I received this advanced reader copy of A Clock Struck Murder from Poisoned Pen Press.
In her second Lost in Paris Mystery, Betty Webb winds a tale of longing, jealousy, prejudice and murder into a compelling story when artist and American ex pat Zoe Barlow finds a lost Marc Chagall painting as a canvas wrap for a Montpernasse flea market find. Discovering the treasure, she goes in search of the beautiful young French woman who had sold and wrapped her faux Louis XIV art nouveau clock, unearthing not only more of her friend’s paintings but the woman’s dead body as well.
Not wanting her married lover/police inspector to become involved with the case of her friend’s paintings, the 24-year-old takes on an investigation to find both the killer and the art thief putting her own life in jeopardy.
In true historical fiction fashion, Webb introduces us to the post-WWI Paris scene, other artists, writers and even Johnny Weissmuller, known more for his role as Tarzan than his five Olympic gold medals in this Francophile mystery. The author also brings the reader along through a more personal secondary investigation for Zoe, from her past in Alabama.
I recommend The Clock Struck Murder for fans of historical mysteries, especially those set in France. I received this advanced reader copy of A Clock Struck Murder from Poisoned Pen Press.
April 13, 2024
Betty Webb has struck another vibrant chord with this whodunit. With the backdrop of the 1924 Paris Olympics, Parisian flea markets, outdoor cafes, art and literary circles, The Clock Struck Murder is an enchanting mystery, that pulls you into many subsets of French life, even pig farming. Her main character Zoe is persistent to a fault, but well-intentioned and focused on getting to the heart of the crime, even though her lover Henri is the official assigned to solve the case. It all starts with Zoe’s purchase of a clock from the beautiful Laurette at a flea market. The author’s attention to detail pulls the reader in, and not only do we see, hear, feel and smell other items at the flea market, but these details continue through the story until the crime is solved. Along the way we meet Marc Chagall, his wife and daughter, who bring Zoe chocolate babka. There’s also Johnny Weissmuller creating a sensation in swimming events at the Olympic games.
Yes, the book is immersive. Two subplots also keep the reader guessing. Will Zoe ever find and be reunited with her daughter who was violently taken from her birthing bed? What will happen with Henri’s sick wife, bedridden after a stroke and focused on a tiny green spider. She implicitly intuits her husband is having an affair with Zoe and the wronged wife intends to kill her. Get in line because the murderer of two flea market workers also has set sights on Zoe’s demise. All in all this is Betty Webb at her best.
Yes, the book is immersive. Two subplots also keep the reader guessing. Will Zoe ever find and be reunited with her daughter who was violently taken from her birthing bed? What will happen with Henri’s sick wife, bedridden after a stroke and focused on a tiny green spider. She implicitly intuits her husband is having an affair with Zoe and the wronged wife intends to kill her. Get in line because the murderer of two flea market workers also has set sights on Zoe’s demise. All in all this is Betty Webb at her best.
March 10, 2024
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Poisoned Penn Press, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!
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!!
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!!
December 13, 2023
***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
The synopsis for this book was intriguing, unfortunately for me the book was not. The main character feels flat and two dimensional, even though she has enough back story for three characters - maybe that’s part of the problem.
I found the main character difficult to like, she’s contrary - has an issue with someone “stealing” paintings, yet has no compunction about stealing said paintings from another person herself; is sleeping with a married man whose stroke-afflicted wife she reads to each week. A character doesn’t have to be likeable to be readable, but I found too much about her to be less than compelling or understandable.
There’s a lot of historical name-dropping here, which reads as though the author has done an awful lot of work on what was going on in 1920s Paris, and couldn’t figure out what to leave out.
This is actually the second book in a series, which I didn’t realise, but there was enough background explaining that it didn’t seem as though the events of the first book massively impacted on this one.
Overall, not for me, although other readers may enjoy the historical fiction aspect.
The synopsis for this book was intriguing, unfortunately for me the book was not. The main character feels flat and two dimensional, even though she has enough back story for three characters - maybe that’s part of the problem.
I found the main character difficult to like, she’s contrary - has an issue with someone “stealing” paintings, yet has no compunction about stealing said paintings from another person herself; is sleeping with a married man whose stroke-afflicted wife she reads to each week. A character doesn’t have to be likeable to be readable, but I found too much about her to be less than compelling or understandable.
There’s a lot of historical name-dropping here, which reads as though the author has done an awful lot of work on what was going on in 1920s Paris, and couldn’t figure out what to leave out.
This is actually the second book in a series, which I didn’t realise, but there was enough background explaining that it didn’t seem as though the events of the first book massively impacted on this one.
Overall, not for me, although other readers may enjoy the historical fiction aspect.
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.
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.
November 9, 2023
Paris in the 20s? The murder of a flea market seller? Mysteriously missing and rediscovered lost Chagall paintings? Check, check, check! I was pretty excited to read this, but was completely let down by the story.
I do appreciate the historical accuracy, and the setting. But this book just dragged from the get-go, and I had to absolutely FORCE myself to keep going. Zoe just wasn't appealing, and the main parts of this story seemed disconnected. For quite a while, she barely seems to care that someone was murdered. She cares more about the paintings, and still, the momentum never really seems to build. Additionally, the side story of her sleeping with the detective, while also befriending his comatose wife and reading to her was weird. Even weirder were the odd chapters from inside the wife's head. They were completely unrelated to the mystery, and were put in at the weirdest times.
At 40% in this book, I kept wondering when it would get interesting, and sadly the answer was never.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I do appreciate the historical accuracy, and the setting. But this book just dragged from the get-go, and I had to absolutely FORCE myself to keep going. Zoe just wasn't appealing, and the main parts of this story seemed disconnected. For quite a while, she barely seems to care that someone was murdered. She cares more about the paintings, and still, the momentum never really seems to build. Additionally, the side story of her sleeping with the detective, while also befriending his comatose wife and reading to her was weird. Even weirder were the odd chapters from inside the wife's head. They were completely unrelated to the mystery, and were put in at the weirdest times.
At 40% in this book, I kept wondering when it would get interesting, and sadly the answer was never.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2024
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.
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.
April 28, 2024
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!
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!
March 30, 2024
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.
September 23, 2024
American expat Zoe has been living in Paris for six years. Its 1924, and Paris is filled with tourists to witness Olympics after the War to end all the Wars. Zoe visits a flea market to buy a clock, only to discover that the clock was wrapped in Chagall. She sets off again to visit Laurette, who sold her the clock, to find several Chagalls, and a dead Laurette.
Once the paintings are returned to Chagall, Zoe begins her investigation to find if its linked to the paintings being used as rags, or if there is another motive, while dealing with her insecurities and personal struggles.
The book is well written, I like historical fiction, and filling a story with real life artists or models makes it a fun to read novel. Although the story did not appeal me as it ended, I would still read more novels by this author.
Once the paintings are returned to Chagall, Zoe begins her investigation to find if its linked to the paintings being used as rags, or if there is another motive, while dealing with her insecurities and personal struggles.
The book is well written, I like historical fiction, and filling a story with real life artists or models makes it a fun to read novel. Although the story did not appeal me as it ended, I would still read more novels by this author.
April 9, 2024
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
April 17, 2024
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
January 11, 2025
The Clock Struck Murder brings a reprise of the adventures of Zoe Barlow, artist and American expatriate, living in 1920's Paris. Bodies are being discovered, and the police already have their hands full with the 1924 Olympics. Zoe's lover, the very-married Henri, wants her to keep away from danger, but Zoe is far too well situated to uncover secrets in the art community.
This is a fun series. There is a few interesting sub-plots involving Zoe's family and their past. Zoe's relationship with Henri's wife promises some interesting future stories. Lots of "Lost Generation" characters play cameo roles in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun series. There is a few interesting sub-plots involving Zoe's family and their past. Zoe's relationship with Henri's wife promises some interesting future stories. Lots of "Lost Generation" characters play cameo roles in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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