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The Time Keeper
Twelve-year-old orphan Malcolm McKenzie’s world is falling apart.
His mentor, clockmaker Jack Alexander, was found dead inside a locked clock tower.
His best friend — and Jack’s son — Peter is dying of a mysterious disease.
His only a puzzle inside a seemingly broken pocket watch that even Jack couldn’t fix.
The watch, a precious heirloom passed down through a family of proud physicians, must be the key to solving Jack’s murder and a miracle cure for Peter. But shadowy figures stalk the streets of Edinburgh, scheming to steal the watch and its secrets for themselves. Malcolm, alongside pickpocket and fellow orphan Maddie, must outsmart and outrun their enemies to solve the watch’s puzzle and save the family that saved him … before Peter’s time runs out.
His mentor, clockmaker Jack Alexander, was found dead inside a locked clock tower.
His best friend — and Jack’s son — Peter is dying of a mysterious disease.
His only a puzzle inside a seemingly broken pocket watch that even Jack couldn’t fix.
The watch, a precious heirloom passed down through a family of proud physicians, must be the key to solving Jack’s murder and a miracle cure for Peter. But shadowy figures stalk the streets of Edinburgh, scheming to steal the watch and its secrets for themselves. Malcolm, alongside pickpocket and fellow orphan Maddie, must outsmart and outrun their enemies to solve the watch’s puzzle and save the family that saved him … before Peter’s time runs out.
270 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Time is steady, true, predictable, and faithful. ’Tis men who play tricks. Men who aim to defy time, to deny its passage.
But, in the words of the great Rabbie Burns, ‘Nae man can tether time or tide’.”
Meagen Mahoney's latest middle-grade novel The Time Keeper is a heartwarming and fast-paced read where time is literally of the essence for its protagonist thirteen-year-old Malcolm McKenzie, the apprentice to James "Jack" Alexander, 'a watchmaker, a clock-maker, and, most importantly, a genius of invention' finds his master missing one morning, leaving only a mysterious note behind highlighting specific clock-repairing jobs that he has entrusted him to follow up on. ⌚ Eager to be worthy of his master's expectations and trust, while also inundated with the heavy despair that his best friend, Peter, Jack's son's health is steadily worsening by the second, he sets off on what he thinks is a simple task - only to find himself caught up in a race against time to not only find a mystical miracle cure to whatever ails Peter with the help of a mysterious clock he has to repair, but also to fend off all those who are determined to keep its whereabouts a secret for it poses a threat to the very doctrine that they follow. 😥
“How do you solve a puzzle when you aren’t even sure what the clues are?”
If I were to describe the book in three words, it would be these very words engraved upon a certain item in the book - 'Compassion, innovation, mortality.' For it is three core facets that made Malcolm such an endearing character, if not a realistically believable one. For you felt compassion for him and his desperation to save the one friend who has been by his side for all the good days that followed from his foster years. 'If there is even the tiniest, most miraculous chance... I must try. I’ll regret it forever if I don’t.' 😟 It is his eagerness and kindness that makes him feel scared and worried about those around him. He has a helpful and wholesome nature that shines with how he is not afraid to ask for help from his foster sibling, pickpocket Maddie, or does not shy away from expressing his concerns for those who even show him a morsel of kindness.
He was also thoughtful, innovative and creative by applying the skill sets he's learned from his master to try and solve the hints laid out that can lead the way to the cure. For it is also that fights to save Peter's life that puts his own life in danger, risking everything that he believes in to not give up until he has tried everything he can for his best friend's sake. The writing had heart and humor with a dose of friendship and adventure that resonated in the way in which Malcolm's fears and his choices felt very real. 🥺 He made mistakes, he was scared, he behaved like a child struggling to do what is right - seeking to find justice for those who have been wronged, but never faltered in his courage and his principles. The intrigue and excitement behind the cryptic codes hinted at various solutions, one which while leaping through many obstacles, kept you guessing till the final puzzle piece slowly fell into place. 👍🏻
“There’s nothing that binds us all together like the passage of time,” as Jack would say. “No matter if you’re a prince or a pauper, your fate is in the hands of time. The great leveler.”
Edinburgh in 1902 was a time where science and religion clashed over their doctrines - each fighting to prove that the ways of their principles were the only ones to be adhered to. It was also a time where female doctors were slowly entering the medical field, but not being taken seriously, despite their own capabilities. For these very components alone, the author incorporated these challenges into Malcolm's own conflict, which I thought made for a unique premise. It heightened the tension and tied the characters together for each was striving to win over the other, each not hesitating 'When power is threatened — by science, by change, by women — people and institutions will fight to keep it.' 🙂↕️🙂↕️ It shed light on a part of history that deserves to be noted at how change was brought about, despite the struggles & obstacles they faced. The author brought the streets and the lives of the characters to life in an interesting and engaging way that made me hopeful that as they set sail on another chapter of their lives that the author may in time consider revisiting them on another adventure of mystic and marvel. ✨
“Time is steady, true, predictable, and faithful. ’Tis men who play tricks. Men who aim to defy time, to deny its passage.
But, in the words of the great Rabbie Burns, ‘Nae man can tether time or tide’.”
Meagen Mahoney's latest middle-grade novel The Time Keeper is a heartwarming and fast-paced read where time is literally of the essence for its protagonist thirteen-year-old Malcolm McKenzie, the apprentice to James "Jack" Alexander, 'a watchmaker, a clock-maker, and, most importantly, a genius of invention' finds his master missing one morning, leaving only a mysterious note behind highlighting specific clock-repairing jobs that he has entrusted him to follow up on. ⌚ Eager to be worthy of his master's expectations and trust, while also inundated with the heavy despair that his best friend, Peter, Jack's son's health is steadily worsening by the second, he sets off on what he thinks is a simple task - only to find himself caught up in a race against time to not only find a mystical miracle cure to whatever ails Peter with the help of a mysterious clock he has to repair, but also to fend off all those who are determined to keep its whereabouts a secret for it poses a threat to the very doctrine that they follow. 😥
“How do you solve a puzzle when you aren’t even sure what the clues are?”
If I were to describe the book in three words, it would be these very words engraved upon a certain item in the book - 'Compassion, innovation, mortality.' For it is three core facets that made Malcolm such an endearing character, if not a realistically believable one. For you felt compassion for him and his desperation to save the one friend who has been by his side for all the good days that followed from his foster years. 'If there is even the tiniest, most miraculous chance... I must try. I’ll regret it forever if I don’t.' 😟 It is his eagerness and kindness that makes him feel scared and worried about those around him. He has a helpful and wholesome nature that shines with how he is not afraid to ask for help from his foster sibling, pickpocket Maddie, or does not shy away from expressing his concerns for those who even show him a morsel of kindness.
He was also thoughtful, innovative and creative by applying the skill sets he's learned from his master to try and solve the hints laid out that can lead the way to the cure. For it is also that fights to save Peter's life that puts his own life in danger, risking everything that he believes in to not give up until he has tried everything he can for his best friend's sake. The writing had heart and humor with a dose of friendship and adventure that resonated in the way in which Malcolm's fears and his choices felt very real. 🥺 He made mistakes, he was scared, he behaved like a child struggling to do what is right - seeking to find justice for those who have been wronged, but never faltered in his courage and his principles. The intrigue and excitement behind the cryptic codes hinted at various solutions, one which while leaping through many obstacles, kept you guessing till the final puzzle piece slowly fell into place. 👍🏻
“There’s nothing that binds us all together like the passage of time,” as Jack would say. “No matter if you’re a prince or a pauper, your fate is in the hands of time. The great leveler.”
Edinburgh in 1902 was a time where science and religion clashed over their doctrines - each fighting to prove that the ways of their principles were the only ones to be adhered to. It was also a time where female doctors were slowly entering the medical field, but not being taken seriously, despite their own capabilities. For these very components alone, the author incorporated these challenges into Malcolm's own conflict, which I thought made for a unique premise. It heightened the tension and tied the characters together for each was striving to win over the other, each not hesitating 'When power is threatened — by science, by change, by women — people and institutions will fight to keep it.' 🙂↕️🙂↕️ It shed light on a part of history that deserves to be noted at how change was brought about, despite the struggles & obstacles they faced. The author brought the streets and the lives of the characters to life in an interesting and engaging way that made me hopeful that as they set sail on another chapter of their lives that the author may in time consider revisiting them on another adventure of mystic and marvel. ✨
September 25, 2024
1902.
Edinburgh, Scotland is on the cusp of a new century. A new decade and new ways of thinking that often see established social issues, science and religion collide.
In the midst of this background of change, a former child factory worker, Malcolm McKenzie was offered a chance at an apprenticeship with a caring clockmaker named Jack Alexander.
Malcolm's ties to the Alexander family are further strengthened through his friendship with Jack's son, Peter and when Peter suddenly takes ill without warning, the bond is put to the test.
Within hours of visiting his ill friend, capable, responsible Malcolm is shaken to his core with overwhelming grief and fear when he discovers " the crumpled body of Jack Alexander at the bottom of the tower stairs." p. 20, a circumstance also witnessed by Peter's doctor Fiona MacIssac.
At this point Dr. MacIssac entrusts 'Mac' with a story about a possible cure found in a secret book and informing him that the secret is tied to the pocket watch inherited from her father. Time is of the essence as desperation fills Mac. He races through cobbled streets and the clock towers of Edinburgh, following cryptic clues, trying to decipher a series of clever enigmatic puzzles and codes.
Finger pointing and accusations are all part of the drama and suspense that make this historical narrative a riveting and spectacular read!
The Time Keeper, rich in detail, description and atmosphere, also has an intriguing array of supporting characters -- from a mischievous pickpocket to mysterious, cloaked figures. This narrative full of twists and turns is an explosive spellbinding action mystery that will engage any reader of any age!
FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended for classroom, school and public libraries!!!
Themes: Social issues; Family; Orphans; STEM ; Female Doctors; Mystery; Science
I wish to thank DCB marketing for an early copy to review.
Edinburgh, Scotland is on the cusp of a new century. A new decade and new ways of thinking that often see established social issues, science and religion collide.
In the midst of this background of change, a former child factory worker, Malcolm McKenzie was offered a chance at an apprenticeship with a caring clockmaker named Jack Alexander.
Malcolm's ties to the Alexander family are further strengthened through his friendship with Jack's son, Peter and when Peter suddenly takes ill without warning, the bond is put to the test.
Within hours of visiting his ill friend, capable, responsible Malcolm is shaken to his core with overwhelming grief and fear when he discovers " the crumpled body of Jack Alexander at the bottom of the tower stairs." p. 20, a circumstance also witnessed by Peter's doctor Fiona MacIssac.
At this point Dr. MacIssac entrusts 'Mac' with a story about a possible cure found in a secret book and informing him that the secret is tied to the pocket watch inherited from her father. Time is of the essence as desperation fills Mac. He races through cobbled streets and the clock towers of Edinburgh, following cryptic clues, trying to decipher a series of clever enigmatic puzzles and codes.
Finger pointing and accusations are all part of the drama and suspense that make this historical narrative a riveting and spectacular read!
The Time Keeper, rich in detail, description and atmosphere, also has an intriguing array of supporting characters -- from a mischievous pickpocket to mysterious, cloaked figures. This narrative full of twists and turns is an explosive spellbinding action mystery that will engage any reader of any age!
FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended for classroom, school and public libraries!!!
Themes: Social issues; Family; Orphans; STEM ; Female Doctors; Mystery; Science
I wish to thank DCB marketing for an early copy to review.
December 16, 2025
This was a good mystery with characters that you care about. A fun read for middle graders
December 24, 2025
12 year old Malcom has to find the cure 🧪 for his dying best friend while solving the mystery of his mentor’s death 💀 - this book sounds amazing ⭐️ and immersive - and it partially is. The beginning is hooking and interesting, a rare setting, a good plot 😁 and a fast paced start 📖. But, as we reach the middle, the book slows down. Malcom get trapped about 6 times throughout the whole book which gets too repetitive at some point and you just want it to move ooonnnnnnnn.
The code about the watch ⏱️ was interesting - it was actually quite brilliant, but the author sort of downplays its importance - she sort of talks less about how important the discovery of the code is and its cleverness and goes on about people trying to find the watch and Malcom getting trapped (again) 😭🙄.
I would have liked the ending to be tighter - the author misleads you not once, not twice, but three times about who’s guilty. Again, this is quite repetitive and left me quite confused 🤔. In addition to that, the author leaves some questions not answered that also leaves readers confused - like why did dr. McIssac say that her plan was going accordingly, even though she wasn’t guilty in the end….? 🙃🤔.
Overall the book had a lot of potential - the plot was good and it had a strong start, the writing throughout the book excellent, especially the Scottish touches like “jings!” that brought it to life 🤩 - but the author sort of loosely finished the book 😭. A great book for those young readers who like code breakers and mysteries, but not so much for those who like a thriller, fast paced book, and definitely not for those fantasy readers. ☺️😉🥰
The code about the watch ⏱️ was interesting - it was actually quite brilliant, but the author sort of downplays its importance - she sort of talks less about how important the discovery of the code is and its cleverness and goes on about people trying to find the watch and Malcom getting trapped (again) 😭🙄.
I would have liked the ending to be tighter - the author misleads you not once, not twice, but three times about who’s guilty. Again, this is quite repetitive and left me quite confused 🤔. In addition to that, the author leaves some questions not answered that also leaves readers confused - like why did dr. McIssac say that her plan was going accordingly, even though she wasn’t guilty in the end….? 🙃🤔.
Overall the book had a lot of potential - the plot was good and it had a strong start, the writing throughout the book excellent, especially the Scottish touches like “jings!” that brought it to life 🤩 - but the author sort of loosely finished the book 😭. A great book for those young readers who like code breakers and mysteries, but not so much for those who like a thriller, fast paced book, and definitely not for those fantasy readers. ☺️😉🥰
December 11, 2024
Malcolm McKenzie has to act urgently. His master, clock repairer and inventor, Jack Alexander, has left him a riddle to solve, a riddle that may heal Jack's son Peter, who is suffering from a mysterious illness. Now Jack is dead, killed under mysterious circumstances, and Doctor MacIsaac, one of Edinburgh's first female physicians, needs Malcolm's help to find a legendary serum that will, hopefully, cure Peter. The search for the legendary serum is bound to four of Edinburgh's famous landmarks as well as the timepiece the doctor's father had made to help him hide the recipe for the serum. Along the way, Malcolm and the doctor race time, outdated opinions within the Church of Scotland, and prejudice against female doctors, as well as a sinister plot to harm Peter to solve the mystery.
July 27, 2025
The Time Keeper is a fast-paced historical fiction novel for grades 5-7. Set in Scotland in 1900, orphan Malcom must solve the mystery and find the cure for his ailing friend. I appreciated the inclusion of the feminist movement in medicine, as well as the exclusion of the neglected orphan trope.
The Time Keeper is a 2026 Northern Light NYRCA nominee (but, once again, I'd consider it a better candidate for the younger Sundog list).
The Time Keeper is a 2026 Northern Light NYRCA nominee (but, once again, I'd consider it a better candidate for the younger Sundog list).
January 14, 2025
Nifty, twisty, and surprisingly dark tale of a Chosen One who has to make sacrifices and lose in order to win the game. Terrific setting with Edinburgh and orphans on the run trying to solve the mystery before all is lost. Great stuff!
December 24, 2025
It was a little slow to start, but once the story got going, it really picked up pace. I was left guessing whodunit to the very end. I often asked myself if someone was a red herring or the true culprit. An enjoyable read.
November 3, 2025
Historic Edinburgh with Blackthorn Key vibes.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews