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Isaac Turner Investigates #1
The Clockwork Conspiracy
A locked-room mystery packed with rooftop chases, hidden codes and mind-bending science, The Clockwork Conspiracy is a must for fans of the Adventures on Trainsseries and Sharna Jackson's High Risemysteries.
Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.
Hunting a trail of clues through London's landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father - and time itself.
Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.
Hunting a trail of clues through London's landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father - and time itself.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
40 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 2, 2025
An exciting adventure story that (although written for children) I really enjoyed!
Issac Turner's father is a horologist in charge of Big Ben & an expert on clocks & time. When Issac's father disappears from the clock's belfry on the night before the clocks go back Issac & his new friend Hattie embark on an epic adventure to find him.
This was a teriffic read & although contrived in places I had to remember that it was written for children. It quickly builds up from trying to find a missing person to meeting a villain with a plan worthy of a James Bond adventure.
This was a fun read all the way & I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Issac Turner's father is a horologist in charge of Big Ben & an expert on clocks & time. When Issac's father disappears from the clock's belfry on the night before the clocks go back Issac & his new friend Hattie embark on an epic adventure to find him.
This was a teriffic read & although contrived in places I had to remember that it was written for children. It quickly builds up from trying to find a missing person to meeting a villain with a plan worthy of a James Bond adventure.
This was a fun read all the way & I'm looking forward to the sequel.
January 5, 2024
Well, considering this is meant to be a book for middle graders, it taught me a hell of a lot!
This is a fun and action packed story full of mystery, mechanics and mind bending science. Theres alot of information in this book, you can tell the author has done extensive amounts of research for this story and it definitely pays off.
I've never been overly fond of clocks and the mechanisms that make them tick but this book makes it sound fascinating!
A perfect read to pass the time (😉) if you're a fan of Enola Holmes!
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun and action packed story full of mystery, mechanics and mind bending science. Theres alot of information in this book, you can tell the author has done extensive amounts of research for this story and it definitely pays off.
I've never been overly fond of clocks and the mechanisms that make them tick but this book makes it sound fascinating!
A perfect read to pass the time (😉) if you're a fan of Enola Holmes!
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2025
'The way we see time is going to change forever.'
In Dutch (sorry for you international readers, no English review for you) I'm already following up on the Adventures on Trains/Dader op het Spoor series, which Sam Sedgman is writing together with M.G. Leonard. And while I love trains, at the moment this book is even better.
He weaves a tale about time, a subject which up to now you probably had no clue can be so interesting that you can write a book about. It was a gamble, buying this book, and it paid off. There's a lot of information on time itself - its history, how we measure it, some more philosophical talks too - and the idea of changing it into a decimal system and what it that would entail. That's really the only negative point I want to mention here: Although the author does spend some time listing a number of things that go wrong when New Time is introduced so suddenly, I think it would have been better if there had even been more of that. Obviously, the whole world turns around and virtually all aspects of life are turned upside down, but I would have liked to see a bit more of that in action.
I also loved the glimpses we get regarding British culture in general: how Parliament works (and what the Houses look like), some of their weird traditions, discovering London... It was such fun!
All characters are nice as well. Isaac and Hettie stood out, for obvious reasons, and although no one else really grabbed my attention, I do think everyone is as well-formed as they need to be for the story. Although... Where is Isaac's mother? Is that mentioned? At the moment, I'm assuming she died sometime in the past (or maybe she supposedly-died-but-really-disappeared, this is a mystery book series after all).
I had my suspicions from the very start as to who Pascal would be calling to check in, and it turns out I was right, although another character did surprise me before that. Never saw that one coming, great plot twist!
Like in the trains series, Sedgman on his own also includes a short appendix on the real-life inspirations for this book. I always love such background, because it gives you a better idea of the actual history of it.
And just to add: changing time to a decimal system - or base ten, if you wish - would be a Really Bad Idea because 10 and 100 can't be divided nicely by 6, which is actually terrible. There's a reason why we're still measuring time and 3-D objects like Earth with longitude and latitude in what is basically base 60: because 60 can be divided by 6 (and by a whole score of other numbers as well).
Actually, it would probably be better if we changed everything that's now in base 10 into base 60...
8/10
In Dutch (sorry for you international readers, no English review for you) I'm already following up on the Adventures on Trains/Dader op het Spoor series, which Sam Sedgman is writing together with M.G. Leonard. And while I love trains, at the moment this book is even better.
He weaves a tale about time, a subject which up to now you probably had no clue can be so interesting that you can write a book about. It was a gamble, buying this book, and it paid off. There's a lot of information on time itself - its history, how we measure it, some more philosophical talks too - and the idea of changing it into a decimal system and what it that would entail. That's really the only negative point I want to mention here: Although the author does spend some time listing a number of things that go wrong when New Time is introduced so suddenly, I think it would have been better if there had even been more of that. Obviously, the whole world turns around and virtually all aspects of life are turned upside down, but I would have liked to see a bit more of that in action.
I also loved the glimpses we get regarding British culture in general: how Parliament works (and what the Houses look like), some of their weird traditions, discovering London... It was such fun!
All characters are nice as well. Isaac and Hettie stood out, for obvious reasons, and although no one else really grabbed my attention, I do think everyone is as well-formed as they need to be for the story. Although... Where is Isaac's mother? Is that mentioned? At the moment, I'm assuming she died sometime in the past (or maybe she supposedly-died-but-really-disappeared, this is a mystery book series after all).
I had my suspicions from the very start as to who Pascal would be calling to check in, and it turns out I was right, although another character did surprise me before that. Never saw that one coming, great plot twist!
Like in the trains series, Sedgman on his own also includes a short appendix on the real-life inspirations for this book. I always love such background, because it gives you a better idea of the actual history of it.
And just to add: changing time to a decimal system - or base ten, if you wish - would be a Really Bad Idea because 10 and 100 can't be divided nicely by 6, which is actually terrible. There's a reason why we're still measuring time and 3-D objects like Earth with longitude and latitude in what is basically base 60: because 60 can be divided by 6 (and by a whole score of other numbers as well).
Actually, it would probably be better if we changed everything that's now in base 10 into base 60...
8/10
February 7, 2024
This was a brilliant scientific mystery that was a real page turner!
Isaac's Dad is responsible to keeping The Great Clock (the proper name for Big Ben) running to time but when he mysteriously disappears, Isaac and his new friend Hattie (the daughter of the Speaker of the House of Commons) are determined to find him and discover what is going on. All this is set against the backdrop of a 'New Time' law being put into place where time is being decimalised, changing it to 10 hours a day with 100 minutes in each hour and 100 seconds in each minute. Some are for this change and some are against it and Isaac and Hattie end up mixed up in all kinds of dangerous situations as they investigate.
It was really cleverly written with lots of meticulously researched detail - it would be great for any child who loves science and mechanics but is not a huge fiction reader. The characters were relatable and the settings in Parliament and across London were really exciting. It was a challenging read at times, with lots of detail included, but reached a satisfying conclusion and there was a good mix of
A great book!
Isaac's Dad is responsible to keeping The Great Clock (the proper name for Big Ben) running to time but when he mysteriously disappears, Isaac and his new friend Hattie (the daughter of the Speaker of the House of Commons) are determined to find him and discover what is going on. All this is set against the backdrop of a 'New Time' law being put into place where time is being decimalised, changing it to 10 hours a day with 100 minutes in each hour and 100 seconds in each minute. Some are for this change and some are against it and Isaac and Hattie end up mixed up in all kinds of dangerous situations as they investigate.
It was really cleverly written with lots of meticulously researched detail - it would be great for any child who loves science and mechanics but is not a huge fiction reader. The characters were relatable and the settings in Parliament and across London were really exciting. It was a challenging read at times, with lots of detail included, but reached a satisfying conclusion and there was a good mix of
A great book!
June 2, 2025
May 2025:
Mind blowing! I love the setting at the parliament where young readers can understand how democracy works.
The idea of time in metric is awesome too! Never imagine such idea.
Too bad it's quite difficult to understand the mechanical part of the clock. But learned something new and it is interesting!
More interesting part is: Isaac and Hattie were seen to be hungry and eating - that's real characters!
Mind blowing! I love the setting at the parliament where young readers can understand how democracy works.
The idea of time in metric is awesome too! Never imagine such idea.
Too bad it's quite difficult to understand the mechanical part of the clock. But learned something new and it is interesting!
More interesting part is: Isaac and Hattie were seen to be hungry and eating - that's real characters!
February 6, 2024
OMG! OMG! OMG! I have been dying to read this book from the second it was announced. A slight worry that having waited so long it wouldn’t live up the hype. Can honestly say I was WRONG to even doubt for a second! This book was pure amazing from beginning to end. Tv twists, the discoveries, the links to things we take for grated. Only one thing is suitable….STANDING OVATION 👏👏👏👏
March 15, 2024
Just as the British did away with shillings, half-crowns and old pounds, equating 100 pennies to one New Pound — this middle grade tale speculates upon a new parliament vote that is pushing for New Time: 100 seconds in a minute, 100 minutes in an hour and ten hours a day.
“New Time will streamline our diaries, our watches and our minds.”
What is even more fascinating, is that we are given an insider’s view of the Big Ben, where Isaac Turner’s father works as horologist.
We enter this tale on a night Isaac is helping Dad to stop the clock (for clocks couldn’t be wound back) in order to lose an hour for daylight savings. When his father steps away to check on something, he vanishes, leaving only a smashed pocket watch.
The investigation brings Isaac and his new friend Hattie (who lives in the building with her father, the Speaker) to solve clues in a “locked room mystery”, also involving sitting in on a parliamentary debate, and historical hideouts within Westminster.
Young readers fascinated with clocks will also get to meet London landmarks like the Little Ben, the Chelsea Steam Clock and the 24-hour Shepherd Gate Clock, where all clocks in the UK used to be set from. And the Atomic Clock (and how it works!)
This turned out to be a middle grade tale with a fairly complex, involved plot. I think young mathematicians, aspiring horologists and anyone keen on an unusual premise created around the concept of time will enjoy this!
📚: @definitelybookskids
“New Time will streamline our diaries, our watches and our minds.”
What is even more fascinating, is that we are given an insider’s view of the Big Ben, where Isaac Turner’s father works as horologist.
We enter this tale on a night Isaac is helping Dad to stop the clock (for clocks couldn’t be wound back) in order to lose an hour for daylight savings. When his father steps away to check on something, he vanishes, leaving only a smashed pocket watch.
The investigation brings Isaac and his new friend Hattie (who lives in the building with her father, the Speaker) to solve clues in a “locked room mystery”, also involving sitting in on a parliamentary debate, and historical hideouts within Westminster.
Young readers fascinated with clocks will also get to meet London landmarks like the Little Ben, the Chelsea Steam Clock and the 24-hour Shepherd Gate Clock, where all clocks in the UK used to be set from. And the Atomic Clock (and how it works!)
This turned out to be a middle grade tale with a fairly complex, involved plot. I think young mathematicians, aspiring horologists and anyone keen on an unusual premise created around the concept of time will enjoy this!
📚: @definitelybookskids
June 19, 2025
Ik moest even door het begin van het verhaal heen komen, maar als het mysterie, beetje bij beetje ontrafeld wordt en alle stukjes steeds meer in elkaar vallen begint een spannende achtervolging en kun je niet meer stoppen met lezen
February 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the concept of New Time
March 21, 2024
I'll write a review later
May 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this it was fun, clever and has some really likeable characters. 4.5 stars.
October 26, 2024
Marketed as a children’s book needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is ingenious and completely believable.
April 3, 2025
Het is een Superleuk boek en heel spannend. Het is echt goed geschreven.
January 30, 2024
Quite the engaging young thriller, although based on hooey and flim-flam. At its heart is the fact that Isaac's father goes upstairs from the chamber up a tower he and his son are in, and is never seen again – with no way down inside or out. Key to the premise too is that the father is the man in charge of the clock that uses Big Ben to chime – the most notable timepiece in London. Given a place to doss the night he falls in cahoots with the daughter of the only man living in the Palace of Westminster, the Commons Speaker – who just happens to be a marvel of tomboyish parkour, roof-climbing, escapology and so much more.
When mysterious messages and a nasty with a shock of white hair and a Swiss accent inspire the two to collaborate, they find a lot out about the world. But this is where the thing falls into an iffy spot for me – Isaac is boasting of being mature as a twelve year old, ripe enough to learn his father's trade, and yet doesn't know what an MP is. He has to sound full of doubt about the biggest London timekeeping landmark, in case he comes across as a swot (and yet later be an expert on fire extinguisher science). She – Hattie – too has to be ignorant of some things lest she sound perfect. Oh, and the narrator does too, when a new law is passed and everything has to clam up about us needing Royal Assent first. And heaven forfend someone has a fire alarm.
What I really liked about this is the London base – I don't know people do walk from Victoria to Chelsea in fifteen minutes, or whatever is said here, but the heart of the matter being the heart of the country is something so many thrillers refuse to allow themselves. It remains a locked room mystery of much intrigue. And the chapters are replaced in breathless fashion – one is along almost every five pages, and the pace is certainly not allowed to drop.
What I didn't like about it was the whole driving point behind the whole book – a switch for the UK from the 12-hour standard time to a decimal, 100-minute hour, 10-hour day idea. And this might be only an adult thing but boy this smacked of being the worst possible Brexit allegory to choose. "A new second will be different to an old second" – you can imagine that being on a calamitously-received red bus. Yes, in concept of what the baddy wants, this is not a stair but a whole stepladder below the Kingsman films, into Derisory Dungeon. The elevator pitch of this can only sound daft as a brush. But in a way, that is not allowed to be an issue – ignore the stupid plot holes, cancel out the silliness with the inventive drama, and hide from all that is bad about this behind all that stands out, and you have a commendable read. Four stars is probably too generous, but it's an above average rip-roarer – three and a half, then.
When mysterious messages and a nasty with a shock of white hair and a Swiss accent inspire the two to collaborate, they find a lot out about the world. But this is where the thing falls into an iffy spot for me – Isaac is boasting of being mature as a twelve year old, ripe enough to learn his father's trade, and yet doesn't know what an MP is. He has to sound full of doubt about the biggest London timekeeping landmark, in case he comes across as a swot (and yet later be an expert on fire extinguisher science). She – Hattie – too has to be ignorant of some things lest she sound perfect. Oh, and the narrator does too, when a new law is passed and everything has to clam up about us needing Royal Assent first. And heaven forfend someone has a fire alarm.
What I really liked about this is the London base – I don't know people do walk from Victoria to Chelsea in fifteen minutes, or whatever is said here, but the heart of the matter being the heart of the country is something so many thrillers refuse to allow themselves. It remains a locked room mystery of much intrigue. And the chapters are replaced in breathless fashion – one is along almost every five pages, and the pace is certainly not allowed to drop.
What I didn't like about it was the whole driving point behind the whole book – a switch for the UK from the 12-hour standard time to a decimal, 100-minute hour, 10-hour day idea. And this might be only an adult thing but boy this smacked of being the worst possible Brexit allegory to choose. "A new second will be different to an old second" – you can imagine that being on a calamitously-received red bus. Yes, in concept of what the baddy wants, this is not a stair but a whole stepladder below the Kingsman films, into Derisory Dungeon. The elevator pitch of this can only sound daft as a brush. But in a way, that is not allowed to be an issue – ignore the stupid plot holes, cancel out the silliness with the inventive drama, and hide from all that is bad about this behind all that stands out, and you have a commendable read. Four stars is probably too generous, but it's an above average rip-roarer – three and a half, then.
December 24, 2023
This was incredible. Original, pacy + full of twists and turns. I loved it.
March 11, 2024
{16/2024} 4/5🌟 Middle-Grade Fiction (Action/Fantasy) 333 pages
“ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕥𝕪 𝕚𝕤 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕥 𝕠𝕟. ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕓𝕪 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕣𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤: 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕙, 𝕠𝕣 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕖, 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠. 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕤,
𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 ‘𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕠𝕤.”
Our whole lives, what we do on a daily basis are determined by time. Imagine when we lost track of time - most probably we could depend on the different parts of the day, but it won’t be the same. There could be chaos. We have always abided by a specific time to do certain things.
We are also so used to the 24-hour system, but imagine if there were a new world order to totally change the ways we calculate time? A change could be good, but how good enough could it be?
“The Clockwork Conspiracy” tells us about a very young guy who enjoyed science and technology. He lived in London, with his dad who was also a horologist specifically in charge of the Big Ben. One night, when the clock went back, Isaac followed his dad who would do his routine schedule, to the Big Ben. In the midst of restoring everything back to normal, Isaac’s dad vanished from the tower without a single trace, except leaving behind a smashed pocket watch and cryptic message?
What was Isaac’s dad trying to hide? Was he holding secrets without his knowing? England government was currently in the midst of changing the time system into a 10-hour daily system. Did his dad’s missing have anything to do with what was happening in the country? Who could he trust in this matter because everyone seemed to have their own motives.
Isaac had no choice. He knew his dad was kidnapped and hidden somewhere. It was up to him now, to search for his missing dad with the only clue that he left.
Although targetted for middle grades, this is something I know an adult (specifically if you enjoy solving puzzles, science, mystery and adventures) would enjoy too - because I did! And, seriously, I learnt a lot of new things especially about clocks and their mechanics!
I love the adventures that Isaac went through around London especially the ones involving real life clock landmarks, as each of them has its own special characteristics - a commendable effort for the author to explain about these landmarks in his author’s notes.
It has an action-packed plots plus all the science explanation, you would immediately change your mind that science is no longer only for nerds! Science is life! The description of every plot is very visually astounding (I can’t help as I am a visual reader, I play the movie in my head while I read!🤣), you would feel as if you were there with Isaac doing all the runnings, jumpings and fightings!
I was told that this is going to be the first installment in a new series of standalone mystery series featuring Isaac all the way.
Thank you #pansing for this review copy in exchange with my personal honest review.
#justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #MarchReads #MarchTBRs #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #letsmarchforbooks #bloomsburychildrens #definitelybookskids #samsedgman #theclockworkconspiracy #isaacturnerinvestigates
November 9, 2025
Ich bewerte hier die deutsche Ausgabe
Zwei Kinder gegen die Zeit-Verschwörung
**Inhaltsangabe Verlag:**
Isaac Turner ist zwölf Jahre alt. Sein Vater ist Uhrmacher in London – und für keine geringere Uhr zuständig als die im berühmten Palast von Westminster: BIG BEN! Als die Uhren für die Sommerzeit zurückgestellt werden, verschwindet Isaacs Vater aus dem Glockenturm. Er hinterlässt nichts als seine zerbrochene Taschenuhr und eine kryptische Nachricht. Auf der Suche nach Hinweisen, die ihn zu den Wahrzeichen Londons führen, kommt Isaac einem finsteren Komplott aus Regierungskreisen auf die Spur. In einem Wettlauf gegen die Zeit muss er seinen Vater retten … und sogar die Zeit selbst! Dabei ist der von Höhenangst geplagte Junge keineswegs der typische Action-Held. Erst durch die Begegnung mit einem Mädchen namens Hattie wächst er über sich hinaus. Hattie klettert auf jedes Dach, kennt jeden verbotenen Winkel und jedes noch so unerreichbare Versteck. Mutig, clever und immer etwas rebellisch schreckt sie vor keiner Gefahr zurück.
**Meine Inhaltsangabe:**
Der 12jährige Isaac liebt es, seinen Vater, dem Uhrmacher von BigBen, bei dessen Arbeit zu begleiten. Als es wieder so weit ist, hören die beiden im Turm ein Geräusch, Isaacs Vater geht dem nach und verschwindet spurlos. Isaac findet nur dessen Taschenuhr. Er kommt bei einem guten Freund seines Vaters unter, Solomon, der der Speaker des Parlaments ist. Dessen Tochter Hattie ist auch dort und die beiden freunden sich schnell an. Gemeinsam versuchen sie, das Verschwinden des Uhrmachers aufzuklären, wofür sie eine Art Schnitzeljagd durch London machen und den jeweiligen Hinweisen nachgehen müssen. Doch jemand verfolgt sie und beide befinden sich in permanenter Gefahr. Zumal sie einer großen Verschwörung auf die Schliche gekommen sind, in der auch die Regierung mit drinzustecken scheint.
Erster Satz: »In der Nacht, in der die Uhren zurückgestellt wurden, stieg Isaac Turner zu Big Ben hinauf, um seinem Vater dabei zuzuschauen, wie er die Zeit anhielt.«
**Mein Eindruck:**
Das Cover gefällt mir super (auch wenn Isaac darauf keine Brille trägt, obwohl er Brillenträger ist), man erkennt sofort, dass der Big Ben eine große Rolle spielt. Es gibt einige s/w-Zeichnungen, die mich persönlich jetzt nicht so ansprechen, aber das ist Geschmackssache. Die Kapitel sind kurzgehalten, so dass auch nicht ganz so geübte Lesende nicht überfordert werden. Die Story ist spannend und die Idee gefällt mir sehr gut. Für mein Empfinden wird jedoch zu viel erklärt (im Zusammenhang mit Uhren und mit dem Parlament), so dass die Spannung da ein bisschen drunter leidet. Das mag für Uhrenfans und politikbegeisterte Kids okay sein, für alle anderen eher nicht so. Von der Story her war ich total an den Da Vinci-Code erinnert. Diese Jagd durch die Straßen, den Hinweisen hinterher, hier was entschlüsseln und dort was herausfinden und dann auch noch dieser Handlanger Pascal, der mich sehr an den Handlanger im Film (Silas) erinnert. Sehr interessant fand ich die Frage, was alles passieren kann, wenn die Uhren angehalten werden, was für ein Chaos das überall auslöst. Ein spannendes Buch mit einem interessanten Thema und zwei mutigen Kids, viel London-Flair und Wissensvermittlung. 4/5 Sterne.
Zwei Kinder gegen die Zeit-Verschwörung
**Inhaltsangabe Verlag:**
Isaac Turner ist zwölf Jahre alt. Sein Vater ist Uhrmacher in London – und für keine geringere Uhr zuständig als die im berühmten Palast von Westminster: BIG BEN! Als die Uhren für die Sommerzeit zurückgestellt werden, verschwindet Isaacs Vater aus dem Glockenturm. Er hinterlässt nichts als seine zerbrochene Taschenuhr und eine kryptische Nachricht. Auf der Suche nach Hinweisen, die ihn zu den Wahrzeichen Londons führen, kommt Isaac einem finsteren Komplott aus Regierungskreisen auf die Spur. In einem Wettlauf gegen die Zeit muss er seinen Vater retten … und sogar die Zeit selbst! Dabei ist der von Höhenangst geplagte Junge keineswegs der typische Action-Held. Erst durch die Begegnung mit einem Mädchen namens Hattie wächst er über sich hinaus. Hattie klettert auf jedes Dach, kennt jeden verbotenen Winkel und jedes noch so unerreichbare Versteck. Mutig, clever und immer etwas rebellisch schreckt sie vor keiner Gefahr zurück.
**Meine Inhaltsangabe:**
Der 12jährige Isaac liebt es, seinen Vater, dem Uhrmacher von BigBen, bei dessen Arbeit zu begleiten. Als es wieder so weit ist, hören die beiden im Turm ein Geräusch, Isaacs Vater geht dem nach und verschwindet spurlos. Isaac findet nur dessen Taschenuhr. Er kommt bei einem guten Freund seines Vaters unter, Solomon, der der Speaker des Parlaments ist. Dessen Tochter Hattie ist auch dort und die beiden freunden sich schnell an. Gemeinsam versuchen sie, das Verschwinden des Uhrmachers aufzuklären, wofür sie eine Art Schnitzeljagd durch London machen und den jeweiligen Hinweisen nachgehen müssen. Doch jemand verfolgt sie und beide befinden sich in permanenter Gefahr. Zumal sie einer großen Verschwörung auf die Schliche gekommen sind, in der auch die Regierung mit drinzustecken scheint.
Erster Satz: »In der Nacht, in der die Uhren zurückgestellt wurden, stieg Isaac Turner zu Big Ben hinauf, um seinem Vater dabei zuzuschauen, wie er die Zeit anhielt.«
**Mein Eindruck:**
Das Cover gefällt mir super (auch wenn Isaac darauf keine Brille trägt, obwohl er Brillenträger ist), man erkennt sofort, dass der Big Ben eine große Rolle spielt. Es gibt einige s/w-Zeichnungen, die mich persönlich jetzt nicht so ansprechen, aber das ist Geschmackssache. Die Kapitel sind kurzgehalten, so dass auch nicht ganz so geübte Lesende nicht überfordert werden. Die Story ist spannend und die Idee gefällt mir sehr gut. Für mein Empfinden wird jedoch zu viel erklärt (im Zusammenhang mit Uhren und mit dem Parlament), so dass die Spannung da ein bisschen drunter leidet. Das mag für Uhrenfans und politikbegeisterte Kids okay sein, für alle anderen eher nicht so. Von der Story her war ich total an den Da Vinci-Code erinnert. Diese Jagd durch die Straßen, den Hinweisen hinterher, hier was entschlüsseln und dort was herausfinden und dann auch noch dieser Handlanger Pascal, der mich sehr an den Handlanger im Film (Silas) erinnert. Sehr interessant fand ich die Frage, was alles passieren kann, wenn die Uhren angehalten werden, was für ein Chaos das überall auslöst. Ein spannendes Buch mit einem interessanten Thema und zwei mutigen Kids, viel London-Flair und Wissensvermittlung. 4/5 Sterne.
April 14, 2024
Isaac loves doing stuff with his dad. Whether it is conducting science experiments in their backyard, rebuilding a classic motorcycle or helping him prepare Big Ben for England's daylight saving.
Digory (Dad) is a horologist - someone who specialises in watches and clocks, and his job is to look after the world-wide famous clock Big Ben in London. Big Ben cannot be turned back like most clocks at daylight savings time, but must be stopped then restarted at the right time. While Isaac is assisting Digory with the exact timing of this, Digory mysteriously vanishes.
Digory is all Isaac has, so he's worried what will become of him while the police begin their investigation, but luckily his godfather is the larger than life Speaker of the House in UK's parliament. 'Uncle Sol' is glad to have Isaac stay with him in he meantime in his apartment inside Parliament, and he reintroduces Isaac to his daughter Hattie. They had only met briefly years before.
With her father so important and busy with his duties, Hattie knows the Parliament buildings better than anyone working there, and she shows Isaac her secret hideaways and rooftops she likes to hang out on. She also shows Isaac where she saw a strange man inside Big Ben the night his dad vanished.
All Isaac has of his dad is his watch which must have been dropped and broken in a struggle. Isaac, determined to track down his dad, realises the watch itself holds a clue. With Hattie's knowledge and sneaky skills, they follow a trail of clues to a mysterious organisation Digory is part of, all the while avoiding not only the Parliament guards and security, but the white haired man Hattie saw that night. He wants something from them, but they have no idea what.
Despite warnings from Hattie's dad, the police and complete strangers to stay off the streets, Isaac and Hattie never stop in their search to find Digory. They quickly find themselves in terrible danger, with the knowledge that many lives are soon to be lost, and the entire world's time will be not only stopped but in complete chaos, all at the hands of a man with a God complex.
Can they save Digory, stop the madman and restore the world's time - in time?
The Clockwork Conspiracy has no boring bits! From the beginning, this plot races along with action, mystery, tons of interesting time facts and conundrums to work out.
Characters Isaac and Hattie compliment each other. Hattie is fearless, sneaky and equipped with the knowledge of places to avoid the authorities while they look for Isaac's missing dad, and Isaac is clever, determined and understands his father's horologist work. Together they discover terrible things are going to happen with time itself.
This middle-grade novel made me realise how much time rules our lives from small to old age, and much of it is in positive ways. It provides the structure in which we live. Chaos reigns in this story where time not only rolls back for daylight savings but jumps when it shouldn't.
A clever, fast-paced mystery from one of the authors of the hugely successful Adventures on Trains series.
Digory (Dad) is a horologist - someone who specialises in watches and clocks, and his job is to look after the world-wide famous clock Big Ben in London. Big Ben cannot be turned back like most clocks at daylight savings time, but must be stopped then restarted at the right time. While Isaac is assisting Digory with the exact timing of this, Digory mysteriously vanishes.
Digory is all Isaac has, so he's worried what will become of him while the police begin their investigation, but luckily his godfather is the larger than life Speaker of the House in UK's parliament. 'Uncle Sol' is glad to have Isaac stay with him in he meantime in his apartment inside Parliament, and he reintroduces Isaac to his daughter Hattie. They had only met briefly years before.
With her father so important and busy with his duties, Hattie knows the Parliament buildings better than anyone working there, and she shows Isaac her secret hideaways and rooftops she likes to hang out on. She also shows Isaac where she saw a strange man inside Big Ben the night his dad vanished.
All Isaac has of his dad is his watch which must have been dropped and broken in a struggle. Isaac, determined to track down his dad, realises the watch itself holds a clue. With Hattie's knowledge and sneaky skills, they follow a trail of clues to a mysterious organisation Digory is part of, all the while avoiding not only the Parliament guards and security, but the white haired man Hattie saw that night. He wants something from them, but they have no idea what.
Despite warnings from Hattie's dad, the police and complete strangers to stay off the streets, Isaac and Hattie never stop in their search to find Digory. They quickly find themselves in terrible danger, with the knowledge that many lives are soon to be lost, and the entire world's time will be not only stopped but in complete chaos, all at the hands of a man with a God complex.
Can they save Digory, stop the madman and restore the world's time - in time?
The Clockwork Conspiracy has no boring bits! From the beginning, this plot races along with action, mystery, tons of interesting time facts and conundrums to work out.
Characters Isaac and Hattie compliment each other. Hattie is fearless, sneaky and equipped with the knowledge of places to avoid the authorities while they look for Isaac's missing dad, and Isaac is clever, determined and understands his father's horologist work. Together they discover terrible things are going to happen with time itself.
This middle-grade novel made me realise how much time rules our lives from small to old age, and much of it is in positive ways. It provides the structure in which we live. Chaos reigns in this story where time not only rolls back for daylight savings but jumps when it shouldn't.
A clever, fast-paced mystery from one of the authors of the hugely successful Adventures on Trains series.
June 26, 2025
Isaac Turner woont met zijn vader, de klokkenmaker van de Big Ben in het hartje van Londen. Al van kleinsaf wordt Isaac betrokken bij het onderhoud van de klok. Op de avond dat de klok een uur teruggeplaatst moet worden in functie van de wintertijd, mag Isaac zijn vader hierbij helpen, maar plotsklaps verdwijnt zijn vader in het niets. Alleen zijn kapotte zakhorloge en een geheimzinnige boodschap blijven over op de plaats waar zijn vader het laatst gezien werd.
Isaac wordt tijdelijk opgevangen door zijn peetvader Salomon, die Speaker is van het Britse Lagerhuis.
Samen met Hettie, de dochter van Salomon, is hij vastberaden om het mysterie op te lossen en zijn vader terug te vinden.
Intussen start er in Engelang een verhit debat over de Nieuwe Tijdwet, waarbij 1 uur niet langer 60 minuten zou tellen, maar 100 minuten, een systeem dat veel meer aansluit bij ons decimaal stelsel.
Houdt de verdwijning van Isaacs vader hiermee verband of is het louter toeval dat een klokkenmaker vermist raakt tijdens de discussie over de tijdmeting? Slagen Hettie en Isaac erin het mysterie op te lossen?
Het duurde voor mij wel even om echt in het verhaal te komen, voor jonge tieners zal dit wellicht niet anders zijn, omdat er toch behoorlijk wat informatie in het boek verwerkt wordt over de werking van het Britse politieke systeem. De start van het verhaal voelt daardoor wat overweldigend aan, maar eens je in het verhaal zit en het avontuur van Isaac en Hettie zich beetje bij beetje begint te ontplooien is het een boek die je moeilijk kan weg leggen. Sommige elementen in het boek vond ik minder logisch, zoals het feit dat Isaac zijn peetvader eigenlijk niet zo heel erg goed kent of ook nog nooit had kennisgemaakt met Hettie, maar voor de rest zijn de personages wel goed uitgewerkt. Het boek werd ingedeeld in kortere hoofdstukken, wat ervoor zorgt dat het vlot leesbaar blijft en als lezer krijg je beetje bij beetje extra puzzelstukjes om het raadsel te ontcijferen. Dit boek krijgt af en toe wel eens de naam 'de Da Vinci Code voor kids' en tijdens het lezen kwam inderdaad hetzelfde bij me op. Door de diverse verhaallijnen die door elkaar heen lopen, zullen vooral kinderen die aangesproken worden door mysterie en detectives dol zijn op dit boek. Ben je eerder iemand die houdt van een 'duidelijke, eerder voorspelbare' verhaallijn, dan zal dit boek je niet kunnen bekoren. Ben jij een lezer die dol is op avontuur, onverwachte soms ietwat ingewikkelde verhaalwendingen, dan is het boek waar jij van zal smullen!
Ik kijk alvast uit naar deel 2 waar Hettie en Isaac opnieuw een wervelend avontuur mogen beleven!
Isaac wordt tijdelijk opgevangen door zijn peetvader Salomon, die Speaker is van het Britse Lagerhuis.
Samen met Hettie, de dochter van Salomon, is hij vastberaden om het mysterie op te lossen en zijn vader terug te vinden.
Intussen start er in Engelang een verhit debat over de Nieuwe Tijdwet, waarbij 1 uur niet langer 60 minuten zou tellen, maar 100 minuten, een systeem dat veel meer aansluit bij ons decimaal stelsel.
Houdt de verdwijning van Isaacs vader hiermee verband of is het louter toeval dat een klokkenmaker vermist raakt tijdens de discussie over de tijdmeting? Slagen Hettie en Isaac erin het mysterie op te lossen?
Het duurde voor mij wel even om echt in het verhaal te komen, voor jonge tieners zal dit wellicht niet anders zijn, omdat er toch behoorlijk wat informatie in het boek verwerkt wordt over de werking van het Britse politieke systeem. De start van het verhaal voelt daardoor wat overweldigend aan, maar eens je in het verhaal zit en het avontuur van Isaac en Hettie zich beetje bij beetje begint te ontplooien is het een boek die je moeilijk kan weg leggen. Sommige elementen in het boek vond ik minder logisch, zoals het feit dat Isaac zijn peetvader eigenlijk niet zo heel erg goed kent of ook nog nooit had kennisgemaakt met Hettie, maar voor de rest zijn de personages wel goed uitgewerkt. Het boek werd ingedeeld in kortere hoofdstukken, wat ervoor zorgt dat het vlot leesbaar blijft en als lezer krijg je beetje bij beetje extra puzzelstukjes om het raadsel te ontcijferen. Dit boek krijgt af en toe wel eens de naam 'de Da Vinci Code voor kids' en tijdens het lezen kwam inderdaad hetzelfde bij me op. Door de diverse verhaallijnen die door elkaar heen lopen, zullen vooral kinderen die aangesproken worden door mysterie en detectives dol zijn op dit boek. Ben je eerder iemand die houdt van een 'duidelijke, eerder voorspelbare' verhaallijn, dan zal dit boek je niet kunnen bekoren. Ben jij een lezer die dol is op avontuur, onverwachte soms ietwat ingewikkelde verhaalwendingen, dan is het boek waar jij van zal smullen!
Ik kijk alvast uit naar deel 2 waar Hettie en Isaac opnieuw een wervelend avontuur mogen beleven!
January 27, 2024
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE CLOCKWORK CONSPIRACY was absolutely amazing. It's a thrilling adventure with lots of fun facts about clocks, puzzles, and also introduces readers to the important of international measurement standards.
The story was so engaging - I sped through this on under an hour because I had to know what was happening next and how they were going to get out of the bind they were in. It's fast paced and keeps you on your toes as you try to solve the puzzles alongside Isaac and Harrie.
Also the settings were amazing - the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) is the centre piece of the book, giving readers an insight into the heart of UK democracy, both the landmark people are so familiar woth and the system of government ticking away inside.
It's also jam packed with facts about clocks and how they work, both analogue and the cutting edge atomic clocks. I love books packed with science and technology.
Something I loved was how this book demonstrates the importance of standards and international measurement systems. It's not something many people know about (I certainly didn't appreciate how important it is and all the work that goes into maintaining standards and researching improvements until I started my PhD there!) so the fact this book introduces readers to it in such a fun and exciting story is amazing.
I am based at the National Physical Laboratory (the home of UK measurement standards, and as this book shows, the home of UK Time) so I was very excited to see it featured in this book. The book is absolutely spot on about the role the UK and NPL plays in world time, and also the importance of the French equivalent (though you may be glad to know there are a lot more back ups and safeguards than in the book so you physically couldn't override the international time systems as happens in this book!) The book is also spot on about atomic clocks. The one thing is was wrong about what how it looks - this version is far more swish and impressive looking. Also it has far fewer wires in the lab than there should be.
THE CLOCKWORK CONSPIRACY was absolutely amazing. It's a thrilling adventure with lots of fun facts about clocks, puzzles, and also introduces readers to the important of international measurement standards.
The story was so engaging - I sped through this on under an hour because I had to know what was happening next and how they were going to get out of the bind they were in. It's fast paced and keeps you on your toes as you try to solve the puzzles alongside Isaac and Harrie.
Also the settings were amazing - the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) is the centre piece of the book, giving readers an insight into the heart of UK democracy, both the landmark people are so familiar woth and the system of government ticking away inside.
It's also jam packed with facts about clocks and how they work, both analogue and the cutting edge atomic clocks. I love books packed with science and technology.
Something I loved was how this book demonstrates the importance of standards and international measurement systems. It's not something many people know about (I certainly didn't appreciate how important it is and all the work that goes into maintaining standards and researching improvements until I started my PhD there!) so the fact this book introduces readers to it in such a fun and exciting story is amazing.
I am based at the National Physical Laboratory (the home of UK measurement standards, and as this book shows, the home of UK Time) so I was very excited to see it featured in this book. The book is absolutely spot on about the role the UK and NPL plays in world time, and also the importance of the French equivalent (though you may be glad to know there are a lot more back ups and safeguards than in the book so you physically couldn't override the international time systems as happens in this book!) The book is also spot on about atomic clocks. The one thing is was wrong about what how it looks - this version is far more swish and impressive looking. Also it has far fewer wires in the lab than there should be.
November 4, 2025
Wettlauf um und gegen die Zeit - packender London-Krimi für alle ab 10 Jahren
Den Autor Sam Sedgman kennen meine Kinder und ich schon von einer anderen Kinderkrimi-Reihe, die wir sehr gerne mögen. Ein Grund mehr für uns, auch sein neuestes Buch "Die gestohlene Zeit" zu lesen. Der Auftakt zu der neuen Buchreihe um den 12-jährigen Isaac Turner klang für uns sehr spannend.
Isaacs Vater, ein bekannter Uhrmacher aus London, verschwindet bei der Arbeit spurlos aus dem Elizabeth Tower des Palace of Westminster - besser bekannt unter dem Namen Big Ben. Weder die Polizei noch die Palastwachen können sein Verschwinden erklären. So begibt sich Isaac selbst zusammen mit seiner neuen Freundin Hattie auf die Suche nach seinem Vater. Dabei stoßen sie auf große Geheimnisse und eine Verschwörung, die bis in Regierungskreise reicht.
Isaac und Hattie sind ein tolles Team und zeigen, wie gut sich unterschiedliche Charaktere ergänzen können. Hattie ist mutig, klettert über Dächer und schreckt selbst vor einem Kampf nicht zurück. Isaac ist technikbegeistert und versteht viel von Uhren. Doch er schafft es vor allem dank Hattie, seine Höhenangst zu überwinden, den Gefahren zu begegnen und mehr über die Verschwörung um die "Neue Zeit" herauszufinden.
Dabei kommen die beiden ganz schön in London herum, und es ist spannend, hinter die Kulissen einiger der Sehenswürdigkeiten zu blicken. Es ist dabei auch interessant, wie viele Details zu Uhren und Zeit sowie Fakten zum politischen System in Großbritannien in die Geschichte eingebaut wurden. Für Kinder, die sich nicht sonderlich für Politik oder technische Feinheiten interessieren, könnten diese Abschnitte etwas langwierig sein; es lohnt sich allerdings dranzubleiben, denn gerade zum Ende wird es brandgefährlich.
Durch die kurzen Kapitel und den mitreißenden Schreibstil fliegt man dann geradezu durch die Seiten. Der Wettlauf um und gegen die Zeit schafft besonders zum Ende hin so viel Spannung, dass man unbedingt weiterlesen muss. Für alle ab etwa 10 Jahren, die gerne Kriminalgeschichten mit politischen oder technischen Bezügen lesen, ist "Die gestohlene Zeit" absolut empfehlenswert.
Den Autor Sam Sedgman kennen meine Kinder und ich schon von einer anderen Kinderkrimi-Reihe, die wir sehr gerne mögen. Ein Grund mehr für uns, auch sein neuestes Buch "Die gestohlene Zeit" zu lesen. Der Auftakt zu der neuen Buchreihe um den 12-jährigen Isaac Turner klang für uns sehr spannend.
Isaacs Vater, ein bekannter Uhrmacher aus London, verschwindet bei der Arbeit spurlos aus dem Elizabeth Tower des Palace of Westminster - besser bekannt unter dem Namen Big Ben. Weder die Polizei noch die Palastwachen können sein Verschwinden erklären. So begibt sich Isaac selbst zusammen mit seiner neuen Freundin Hattie auf die Suche nach seinem Vater. Dabei stoßen sie auf große Geheimnisse und eine Verschwörung, die bis in Regierungskreise reicht.
Isaac und Hattie sind ein tolles Team und zeigen, wie gut sich unterschiedliche Charaktere ergänzen können. Hattie ist mutig, klettert über Dächer und schreckt selbst vor einem Kampf nicht zurück. Isaac ist technikbegeistert und versteht viel von Uhren. Doch er schafft es vor allem dank Hattie, seine Höhenangst zu überwinden, den Gefahren zu begegnen und mehr über die Verschwörung um die "Neue Zeit" herauszufinden.
Dabei kommen die beiden ganz schön in London herum, und es ist spannend, hinter die Kulissen einiger der Sehenswürdigkeiten zu blicken. Es ist dabei auch interessant, wie viele Details zu Uhren und Zeit sowie Fakten zum politischen System in Großbritannien in die Geschichte eingebaut wurden. Für Kinder, die sich nicht sonderlich für Politik oder technische Feinheiten interessieren, könnten diese Abschnitte etwas langwierig sein; es lohnt sich allerdings dranzubleiben, denn gerade zum Ende wird es brandgefährlich.
Durch die kurzen Kapitel und den mitreißenden Schreibstil fliegt man dann geradezu durch die Seiten. Der Wettlauf um und gegen die Zeit schafft besonders zum Ende hin so viel Spannung, dass man unbedingt weiterlesen muss. Für alle ab etwa 10 Jahren, die gerne Kriminalgeschichten mit politischen oder technischen Bezügen lesen, ist "Die gestohlene Zeit" absolut empfehlenswert.
April 21, 2025
Sam Sedgman is already a much-loved author in our house, thanks to the Adventures on Trains series which he co-wrote with MG Leonard. My son and I were very excited to see what Sam would produce on his first solo offering. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
Our new hero is Isaac Turner, a shy, geeky kid who lives with his dad and loves to invent things. Isaac’s dad is the Keeper of Clocks at the Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben), which means that he is responsible for changing the clock in Autumn and Spring. It is on one of these occasions that we meet Isaac and his dad, and in a strange twist of events, his dad disappears whilst they are up in the tower. Luckily Isaac is taken in by his Godfather, who also happens to be the Speaker in the House of Commons, and his daughter, Hattie. Hattie is outgoing and adventurous, and together they decide to solve the mystery of Isaac’s dad’s disappearance.
The story that follows is a brilliant mixture of methodical clue-solving and codebreaking, history, politics, and high-tension adventure that leaves your heart in your mouth – and I LOVED it! I thought the setting was very unique in a children’s book – to have kids exploring the Houses of Parliament and exploring central London was great fun. And, showing the power of books, my son now wants to visit Parliament and go to the Strangers Gallery! A huge amount of research has obviously gone into writing the novel, but it is incorporated in such a way that you barely notice that you are learning about the history of time and clocks.
Isaac Turner is a fresh-take on a hero in middle-grade fiction – I loved that he was quiet, thoughtful, intelligent, and inventive, something which is very relatable for my son and me. It’s really nice to have a character in kid’s fiction who looks before they leap, but I think the author also did well to recognise that these children also respond well to having a friend who pulls them along into adventure. I look forward to seeing how Isaac’s character develops in the next book.
Our new hero is Isaac Turner, a shy, geeky kid who lives with his dad and loves to invent things. Isaac’s dad is the Keeper of Clocks at the Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben), which means that he is responsible for changing the clock in Autumn and Spring. It is on one of these occasions that we meet Isaac and his dad, and in a strange twist of events, his dad disappears whilst they are up in the tower. Luckily Isaac is taken in by his Godfather, who also happens to be the Speaker in the House of Commons, and his daughter, Hattie. Hattie is outgoing and adventurous, and together they decide to solve the mystery of Isaac’s dad’s disappearance.
The story that follows is a brilliant mixture of methodical clue-solving and codebreaking, history, politics, and high-tension adventure that leaves your heart in your mouth – and I LOVED it! I thought the setting was very unique in a children’s book – to have kids exploring the Houses of Parliament and exploring central London was great fun. And, showing the power of books, my son now wants to visit Parliament and go to the Strangers Gallery! A huge amount of research has obviously gone into writing the novel, but it is incorporated in such a way that you barely notice that you are learning about the history of time and clocks.
Isaac Turner is a fresh-take on a hero in middle-grade fiction – I loved that he was quiet, thoughtful, intelligent, and inventive, something which is very relatable for my son and me. It’s really nice to have a character in kid’s fiction who looks before they leap, but I think the author also did well to recognise that these children also respond well to having a friend who pulls them along into adventure. I look forward to seeing how Isaac’s character develops in the next book.
March 5, 2024
I loved the Adventures on Trains series by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, so when it was announced that Sam was writing his own adventure - A Clockwork Conspiracy - it went to the top of my wish list, and I wasn't disappointed.
On the night that the clocks go back, horologist - Diggory Turner - is working in the belfry of Big Ben with his son Issac.
When Diggory hears a noise he heads off to investigate; Issac thinks nothing of it, until his father fails to return.
Alone in the world, with his father's mysterious disappearance to solve, he is taken in by his godfather Soloman, who is Speaker of the House of Commons, and his daughter Hattie.
Befriended by the curious and resourceful Hattie, they follow the clues to discover Diggory's whereabouts.
The mystery is linked to a new Bill about to be passed in Parliament called New Time, where it is proposed that there should be a change in the number of hours and minutes in a day.
Sinister forces are at work to try and get the Bill passed, and a whole host of suspects emerge. When Issac and Hattie end up in a chase across London, visiting some of its most intriguing landmarks, they don't know who they can trust. With hidden codes to follow, cryptic messages and a curious pocket watch to aid them, can they save Diggory, and London's future before they run out of time?
This is such a well written page turner. I enjoyed all the detail that Sam includes about time and horology, making it a fascinating read. The main characters are likeable and you end up willing them to succeed, whilst the 'baddies' within the story add a really sinister element to the mystery.
This is definitely a book you can read in a few sittings as you twist and turn through the plot in this edge of your seat, race against time! Loved it!!
On the night that the clocks go back, horologist - Diggory Turner - is working in the belfry of Big Ben with his son Issac.
When Diggory hears a noise he heads off to investigate; Issac thinks nothing of it, until his father fails to return.
Alone in the world, with his father's mysterious disappearance to solve, he is taken in by his godfather Soloman, who is Speaker of the House of Commons, and his daughter Hattie.
Befriended by the curious and resourceful Hattie, they follow the clues to discover Diggory's whereabouts.
The mystery is linked to a new Bill about to be passed in Parliament called New Time, where it is proposed that there should be a change in the number of hours and minutes in a day.
Sinister forces are at work to try and get the Bill passed, and a whole host of suspects emerge. When Issac and Hattie end up in a chase across London, visiting some of its most intriguing landmarks, they don't know who they can trust. With hidden codes to follow, cryptic messages and a curious pocket watch to aid them, can they save Diggory, and London's future before they run out of time?
This is such a well written page turner. I enjoyed all the detail that Sam includes about time and horology, making it a fascinating read. The main characters are likeable and you end up willing them to succeed, whilst the 'baddies' within the story add a really sinister element to the mystery.
This is definitely a book you can read in a few sittings as you twist and turn through the plot in this edge of your seat, race against time! Loved it!!
December 3, 2023
Isaac Turner likes clocks, maths, puzzles, and motorbikes. His dad, Diggory, loves clocks and has a very important job as the Chief Horologist at the Houses of Parliament, where he looks after Big Ben! Sometimes Isaac goes along to help his dad but when Diggory disappears without trace on the day the clocks go back at the end of October, Isaac doesn't know what to do next but luckily help is at hand.
Harriet Bassala usually lives in Hong Kong with her mum, but right now, she is staying with her dad, who just happens to be the Speaker of the House of Commons and Isaac's godfather! Invited to stay at Uncle Sol's official residence, it isn't long before the two children are left to their own devices and begin the search for Isaac's dad. With big changes proposed for how time is measured, it soon becomes clear there is far more at stake than just a missing horologist. As the danger increases by the minute and not only for Isaac and Hattie, will they work out what's happening and why or is everyone's time running out?
This is a brilliantly original middle grade novel that I enjoyed enormously. Isaac and Hattie are great main protagonists even if they do stretch belief a little at times. There are all sorts of facts and figures here to do with clocks and time management, all of which I found fascinating.
*(There were no Author's notes with this arc which I hope will change in the final version as it's clear that a great amount of research has gone into this novel which definitely took it to the next level)*
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is brilliant and definitely highly recommended.
* Remove before publication date.
Harriet Bassala usually lives in Hong Kong with her mum, but right now, she is staying with her dad, who just happens to be the Speaker of the House of Commons and Isaac's godfather! Invited to stay at Uncle Sol's official residence, it isn't long before the two children are left to their own devices and begin the search for Isaac's dad. With big changes proposed for how time is measured, it soon becomes clear there is far more at stake than just a missing horologist. As the danger increases by the minute and not only for Isaac and Hattie, will they work out what's happening and why or is everyone's time running out?
This is a brilliantly original middle grade novel that I enjoyed enormously. Isaac and Hattie are great main protagonists even if they do stretch belief a little at times. There are all sorts of facts and figures here to do with clocks and time management, all of which I found fascinating.
*(There were no Author's notes with this arc which I hope will change in the final version as it's clear that a great amount of research has gone into this novel which definitely took it to the next level)*
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is brilliant and definitely highly recommended.
* Remove before publication date.
April 6, 2024
What an amazing MG adventure this book is! It’s exciting, pacy and action packed. What more would you expect from the co-author of the Adventures on Trains series. Despite a very modern day setting, there was still a ‘Dickensian London’ feel to it with the rooftop scrambles and secret underground passageways. It’s a bit steampunk, a bit Famous Five, a bit Dr Who - all the good stuff.
The UK parliament is set to vote on whether to adopt New Time, a revolutionary new way of measuring time using a decimalised system. Many experts are worried about the repercussions and opposition is strong, but is it enough to stop the vote being passed. Over the last few weeks, several of the world’s leading scientists and horologists have mysteriously disappeared. Is this linked to the implementation of New Time? When Diggory Turner, the technician in charge of maintaining the clockwork inside Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), goes missing, his son is determined to find out who is responsible and why.
The main characters, Isaac and Hattie, are ones which young readers will definitely warm to. Brave, slightly quirky and just that little bit rebellious. Hattie is bold, courageous and sharp-witted; Isaac is more introverted but determined, intelligent and a great problem solver. Together, they make perfect team to solve the mysterious disappearances.
As well as being thoroughly entertaining, this novel also included a lot of information: parliamentary process, longitude and latitude, time zones, atomic clocks… My mind was blown many times!
My younger self would have adored this book. And to be honest, the grown-up me was pretty impressed too!
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this eARC.
The UK parliament is set to vote on whether to adopt New Time, a revolutionary new way of measuring time using a decimalised system. Many experts are worried about the repercussions and opposition is strong, but is it enough to stop the vote being passed. Over the last few weeks, several of the world’s leading scientists and horologists have mysteriously disappeared. Is this linked to the implementation of New Time? When Diggory Turner, the technician in charge of maintaining the clockwork inside Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), goes missing, his son is determined to find out who is responsible and why.
The main characters, Isaac and Hattie, are ones which young readers will definitely warm to. Brave, slightly quirky and just that little bit rebellious. Hattie is bold, courageous and sharp-witted; Isaac is more introverted but determined, intelligent and a great problem solver. Together, they make perfect team to solve the mysterious disappearances.
As well as being thoroughly entertaining, this novel also included a lot of information: parliamentary process, longitude and latitude, time zones, atomic clocks… My mind was blown many times!
My younger self would have adored this book. And to be honest, the grown-up me was pretty impressed too!
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this eARC.
March 4, 2024
Is it ever a good idea to play with time?
Diggory Turner is the horologist in charge of the clocks on Big Ben and his son Isaac loves to help him sorting the weights & pennies out that make the clock one of the most important timepieces in Britain. But one night Diggory goes missing. Isaac is worried and mystified. His only hope is Hattie, the daughter of the Speaker of the House of Commons. Hattie knows all the shortcuts, staff only passages and broom cupboards throughout the Palace of Westminster and spends a lot of time up on the rooftop watching.
Is it coincidence that Diggory has gone missing just as a new law is being debated about New Time. The existing 24hour clock would be replaced by a digital clock. Ten hours in a day, one hundred minutes in an hour & one hundred seconds in a minute. It could cause chaos.
Isaac and Hattie discover a trail of conspiracy and deceit as they follow the clues that Diggory has left for them. Their adventure takes us around Big Ben, to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, and the National Physical Laboratory in S W London & we learn a lot about time, clocks & timepieces and how the Palace of Westminster works.
This is a great story, with Sam Sedgman taking us on a page turning adventure with wonderful illustrations by Stephanie Shafer & Thy Bui including a map and cross section of Big Ben. I really need to plan a visit to the Royal Observatory on my next visit to London. The good news is that there a plans for a second book about Isaac Turner.
Discover more books by Sam Sedgman including the amazing Adventures on Trains series here: https://childrensbooksequels.co.uk/au...
Diggory Turner is the horologist in charge of the clocks on Big Ben and his son Isaac loves to help him sorting the weights & pennies out that make the clock one of the most important timepieces in Britain. But one night Diggory goes missing. Isaac is worried and mystified. His only hope is Hattie, the daughter of the Speaker of the House of Commons. Hattie knows all the shortcuts, staff only passages and broom cupboards throughout the Palace of Westminster and spends a lot of time up on the rooftop watching.
Is it coincidence that Diggory has gone missing just as a new law is being debated about New Time. The existing 24hour clock would be replaced by a digital clock. Ten hours in a day, one hundred minutes in an hour & one hundred seconds in a minute. It could cause chaos.
Isaac and Hattie discover a trail of conspiracy and deceit as they follow the clues that Diggory has left for them. Their adventure takes us around Big Ben, to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, and the National Physical Laboratory in S W London & we learn a lot about time, clocks & timepieces and how the Palace of Westminster works.
This is a great story, with Sam Sedgman taking us on a page turning adventure with wonderful illustrations by Stephanie Shafer & Thy Bui including a map and cross section of Big Ben. I really need to plan a visit to the Royal Observatory on my next visit to London. The good news is that there a plans for a second book about Isaac Turner.
Discover more books by Sam Sedgman including the amazing Adventures on Trains series here: https://childrensbooksequels.co.uk/au...
March 12, 2024
This is truly a brilliant read, I massively enjoyed it. Sam Sedgman proves himself to be the Dan Brown for young people, he's brought a fast-pace adventure jam-packed full of action and end-of-your-seat moments as well as LOADS of interesting facts about clocks, time and time-keeping. I found the premise of the story very original and the short chapters made it nearly impossible to put the book down. Only reason I didn't finish in one sitting was the fact that I started reading this in the afternoon! Living in London myself and very close to all the landmarks mentioned, I was thrilled to gain so many exciting bits of knowledge and I felt like I was taking a virtual tour of the Elizabeth tower and the palace of Westminster alongside Isaac and Hattie. Who ever knew?! Finally, I don't know whether it was intentional or not, but I loved how we also got to learn a fair amount of parliamentary and law-making procedures, I think this will appeal greatly to young people.
Isaac's bond with his father came through beautifully and in Hattie he found a friend who is not afraid to take risks, questions authority and pushes him out of his comfort zone, exactly what he needs as he embarks on the adventure of finding out the answers behind his father's sudden disappearance. I think this books falls easily into the 'books young readers will love reading and adults will find themselves enjoying a bit too much themselves' category. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.
Isaac's bond with his father came through beautifully and in Hattie he found a friend who is not afraid to take risks, questions authority and pushes him out of his comfort zone, exactly what he needs as he embarks on the adventure of finding out the answers behind his father's sudden disappearance. I think this books falls easily into the 'books young readers will love reading and adults will find themselves enjoying a bit too much themselves' category. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.
December 21, 2023
Isaac Turner's father is the Chief Horologist, and his responsibilities put him in charge of Big Ben. When his father mysteriously disappears on the eve of an enormous change in the way that timekeeping is handled, Isaac is left with only two important clues to guide him as he starts his search for his missing parent.
Meanwhile, Parliament is voting on introducing a decimal system known as "New Time" which will be based on measuring the passing of time in increments of 100 seconds, 100 minutes and so on, rather than 60 seconds/minutes as previously. But is this planned change as neutral as it is touted as being, or is there in fact a bigger conspiracy behind the proposed changes?
All too soon, Isaac is plunged into an adventure beyond his wildest imagination, where he is forced to question everything he thinks he knows about the very nature of time. With the help of his new friend Hattie, Isaac embarks on a madcap rush through London following a series of clues to unravel the mystery...
This is, to put it simply, an excellent adventure. Isaac and Hattie are delightful characters and Sedgeman's storytelling is very creative, incorporating maths and scientific ideas in a way that feels entirely natural. This book is great fun and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Meanwhile, Parliament is voting on introducing a decimal system known as "New Time" which will be based on measuring the passing of time in increments of 100 seconds, 100 minutes and so on, rather than 60 seconds/minutes as previously. But is this planned change as neutral as it is touted as being, or is there in fact a bigger conspiracy behind the proposed changes?
All too soon, Isaac is plunged into an adventure beyond his wildest imagination, where he is forced to question everything he thinks he knows about the very nature of time. With the help of his new friend Hattie, Isaac embarks on a madcap rush through London following a series of clues to unravel the mystery...
This is, to put it simply, an excellent adventure. Isaac and Hattie are delightful characters and Sedgeman's storytelling is very creative, incorporating maths and scientific ideas in a way that feels entirely natural. This book is great fun and gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 19, 2024
I am a massive fan of the adventure on trains series that Sam and MG Leonard have written so I was interested in what a book by Sam by himself would look like.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
By the time I was half way through I had already learnt a lot of history and travelled around London.
Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.
Hunting a trail of clues through London's landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father - and time itself.
This was such a fantastic read, and as an adult I learnt so much. There’s a great mystery, loads of science facts and we learnt all how clocks work.
The two main characters Isaac and Hetty are fantastic and their friendship is brilliant.
As you read this you can tell alot of research has been done.
Authors like Sam are important because they write something completely different and they take readers places they never thought they would go.
And of course this is the first book in a series which I hope will be a long series.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
By the time I was half way through I had already learnt a lot of history and travelled around London.
Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.
Hunting a trail of clues through London's landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father - and time itself.
This was such a fantastic read, and as an adult I learnt so much. There’s a great mystery, loads of science facts and we learnt all how clocks work.
The two main characters Isaac and Hetty are fantastic and their friendship is brilliant.
As you read this you can tell alot of research has been done.
Authors like Sam are important because they write something completely different and they take readers places they never thought they would go.
And of course this is the first book in a series which I hope will be a long series.
March 12, 2024
12-year-old Isaac Turner’s father is a horologist, a clock expert, who takes care of the Big Ben. One night while working with Isaac at the belfry, he goes missing, leaving behind a smashed pocket watch and cryptic message.
His disappearance happens just as the United Kingdom is about to pass a New Time Law, which will change how time is measured. Brainy Isaac and his gutsy new friend, Hattie, must race against time to find Isaac’s father by cracking codes and deciphering clues that will also have them uncovering a conspiracy involving the new law.
This story unfolds like a mystery thriller movie with secret societies, double-crossings, shady villains and loads of twists and turns. Its interesting premise will also give readers food for thought on the concept of time and international standards. This is one book I’d love to see adapted into a movie - what an exciting one it'd make 😉
The Clockwork Conspiracy is the first book of the Isaac Turner Investigates series. I’d recommend this to tweens and those older who love a good adventure and mystery. Thank you Definitely Books Kids for sending this newly-released title over! This book is available at all good bookstores.
His disappearance happens just as the United Kingdom is about to pass a New Time Law, which will change how time is measured. Brainy Isaac and his gutsy new friend, Hattie, must race against time to find Isaac’s father by cracking codes and deciphering clues that will also have them uncovering a conspiracy involving the new law.
This story unfolds like a mystery thriller movie with secret societies, double-crossings, shady villains and loads of twists and turns. Its interesting premise will also give readers food for thought on the concept of time and international standards. This is one book I’d love to see adapted into a movie - what an exciting one it'd make 😉
The Clockwork Conspiracy is the first book of the Isaac Turner Investigates series. I’d recommend this to tweens and those older who love a good adventure and mystery. Thank you Definitely Books Kids for sending this newly-released title over! This book is available at all good bookstores.
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