The Curious Clock Conundrum: A Grace Thompson Mystery Series Book 3

A Grace Thompson Cozy Mystery #3

by Ginger Ellington

When Bloomsville’s town clock begins ticking backward, it’s not just time that’s unraveling—it’s the town’s deepest secrets.

As the iconic clock tower spins in reverse, chaos descends on Bloomsville just days before the Founder’s Day celebration. Then Samuel Wainwright, beloved keeper of the clock’s legacy, is found dead—and his cryptic journal hints at long-buried truths hidden within the clock’s ancient gears.

Florist and amateur sleuth Grace Thompson, forensic specialist Chloe Sutton, and Rosie the ever-curious Westie race to uncover the mystery behind Samuel’s death. From whispers of hidden treasure to clues buried in the town’s founding history, every tick in reverse brings them closer to a secret someone will kill to protect.

The key to saving Bloomsville lies in solving the mystery—before the final chime rings in more than just the hour.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2024

Reviews

[R.S.05 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curios Clock Conundrum, the third book in the “Grace Thompson Mystery” series, has just dropped and I’m so here for it!

A cozy mystery, featuring our usual main characters Grace, Chloe, Rosie and of course, the newest addition, Tom!

This was a good book, but for some reason I wasn’t as big of a fan of this book as I’ve been of the other books in this series

It may be because of the tiny bit of repetition with words and actions I noticed, and also the fact that the person I was reading the POV from felt like the same person at times.

Other than that, there wasn't any major flaws with this book, which isn't shocking considering all the other wonderful books this author has published!

The story is cute and wholesome as always, the characters diverse with different personalities, and the writing style really good.

Plot- and suspense-wise, this book had me hooked. I was itching to turn to the next page, excited to see what the next chapters would bring.

The teeny tiny bit of romance that Ginger Ellington teases us with has me both screaming and swooning, wanting more.

Tom and Grace are too cute, even if I only get a few crumbs when it comes to their relationship. I love their genuine relationship and how Tom's always there for Grace, supporting and strengthening her - Considering that they're together, I would love to see more of them as a couple!

And let me not start on Chloe and Oscar... I'm excited to see more of them!

I can't wait to see how the connection between our couples continue growing in the next book(s) - A little romance never hurts anybody, especially not when it's in a cozy, mystery series👀

All in all, I think Ginger Ellington came out with a good book that contained a great story with an intriguing plot! A tiny bit tweaking and it will be even better!

I’m patiently waiting for the next book in this series - excited to see what our main characters are up to next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really was quite the conundrum . The clock whose movement does tock when it should tick whatever next ? Though it’s a neat trick ,what is the reason and is it a sinister plot? Well there’s only one way to find out and with a pair of sleuths so devout to work it out . We should swiftly move along and see if they can help solve this one too . They like conundrums they do.. Samuel Wainwright has been found dead . Egads so he cannot shed any light to the reason the clocks are acting so ,because he’s now a John Doe …well he would be if we didn’t know his name already… Anyway let’s make a start there isn’t a minute or hour or second to lose . With the Founders Day celebrations coming up ,what are they to do? You see Samuel he was into the inner workings of the timepiece and its secrets woven into its face and such a conundrum is commonplace if you know where to look .. long buried secrets of how things ticked along ,the same pendulum swing of a song . Grace Thompson along with her Westie Rosie weave through the clues along with Chloe Sutton Bloomsville’s Forensic specialist who is always on hand to lend an expert hand . This one is a doozy and leaves one quite woozy thinking of it . What rhyme nor reason would one have to upset the equilibrium of the universe so? Well that is something we’d all like to know so why not dive in Keith a big grin as it’s always a welcoming read that you do with greed and a stiff upper lip while reading this book full of puzzles and friendship. Great writing as ever from Ginger Ellington . I was immersed quickly into this book and quite a conundrum to brook . Very entertaining and made my mind tick over , I surely was in clover whilst reading this fine book .

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it is a really good addition. Taken in from the beginning, you keep turning pages through all the red-herrings, dead ends and twists and turns. The town clock is running backwards! Why? When they find Samuel Wainwright, the clock maker dead and the key to fix the clock missing. PIs Grace and Chloe are into the investigation along with the help of her adorable Westie and of course the Snoop Sisters who always put their hand in and Grace' friends,Tom, and Oscar all join together to help solve the murder and find the key to fix the clock so the Founder's Day even can come off. We are treated to cryptic letters and ledgers, a age old family feud, secret passages and town secrets they have been held for years. This fast paced mystery has you guessing to the end. I highly recommend this series and this third book is a great addition. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book and enjoy every minutes as Ginger Ellington seem to know how to keep you entertained. Grace & her Westie Rostie with Tom Harris the owner of Sweet Crumbs and Friend Chloe are the one who help the town to solve the mystery regarding the old Town Clock that is running backward and also explain why. There are lots of twist and turns regarding why it is happening but Grace won't stop until she figure it out. Grace know that there is someone trying to access the safe that is hidden in the clock tower but they have to figure out who it could be because Samuel Wainwright ha no family left to look after the town clock. The author has you looking at everything including anyone who worked with Samuel Wainwright. it was ver hard to put this book down until you finished it.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace, Chloe, Rosie, Tom, and now Oscar join together to solve a very dastardly crime of murder. An ancient Fued going back over one hundred years, the genius of the making of and blueprinting of a very special clock, a love afair, secret doors and passage ways, this story has all of this and more. It is almost dizzying just to keep up with each character. Most of all the realization of love and the protection and care of that love. Ginger is over the top combining all of these elements, keeping the reader on the edge of your seat. This book is truly worthy of six stars if possible but only five are available. If you want an enthralling mystery over the holidays then take the time and read this Curious Clock Conundrum.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW this was another great series. It was a cozy page turner and the suspense was totally worth the wait. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It will get your attention and mind blowing of chaos. So with Grace, Chloe, Rosie, Tom, and now Oscar came together to solve a very dastardly crime of murder. Will this mystery be solved in time or will it be too late. It was about an artificial that had an emotional attachment with something in this place where they were staying at. And it was very strange and creepy and even dangerous.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I've read in the last several years. It edges on a thriller as much as a mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the clock and it's supposed capabilities to adjust time, chimes, and know when they should be louder, etc. I found myself thinking could these things really be developed in a basically physical (gears and springs) clock using temperature and barometric pressure.
This is Book 3 of a series and though it can be read as a standalone, it was fun seeing the relationships grow and it is always fun when dogs help solve the mysteries. In this series we have Rosie, the Westhighland Terrier ever present!
I recommend this book and the others in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Javon50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding that a local man is found murdered has Grace Thompson and partner in a private investigation business, Chloe Sutton investigating the death. After the death of the clockmaker they discover that the clock’s key is missing, and the clock is now running backwards. If a solution isn’t found the town’s Founder’s Day event will not go as planned. This fast-paced murder has two determined women who will stop at nothing to solve the murder of a local clockmaker. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Samuel the clock-maker is found dead and the town clock is running backwards, Chloe and Grace investigate.The key to access the workings of the clock is missing and old letters and ledgers are written in code, which makes for a challenging case. Samuel's family secrets come to light during the investigation, which complicates things for a time, but the investigators are determined to get to the bottom of the problem. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Mystery To Be Solved!

In this, the third book in the Grace Thompson Mystery series, we have a clock running backwards and a dead clockmaker. Luckily, we also have The Snoop Sisters more than willing to help investigate. They even have help this time around too. Not to mention, Grace’s adorable Westie. These stories are always enjoyable to read, with the plot fast-paced and moving right along, the friendships that become even more close than before and of course, the adorable pets—always an added bonus in my book anyway!

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town is renowned for its clock - and it goes wonky!
WHY? How? Where is the man who takes care of it? And when he is discovered dead, who can fix the clock?? And so Grace tries to figure who killed him, why and how can they fix the clock?? This IS A SUPERB MYSTERY that will keep you guessing until the end!!! Totally loved it!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel the clockmaker is found dead and Chloe and Grace decide to investigate as "The Snoop Sisters" This is a very special clock as it is the towns very own special clock tower that is part of the towns history. The key to get to the workings of the clock is missing and currently the clock id running backwards. Old ledgers and letters are written in code that must be deciphered to repair the damage before the murder can be solved.

[CJ Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book of the series, Grace and Chloe investigate the sudden death of the town’s clockmaker and attempt to solve the mystery of why the town’s clock is now running backwards. This is a unique cozy mystery series, and not only are we watching the characters grow and become better known to us, but we are watching the author grow as a storyteller.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique story.

A clever and unique story featuring Grace as she investigates a murder of the local clockmaker. Family secrets are revealed as competitive tensions build with a rival clockmaker. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book by this author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of and enjoyed this book, but I have to admit not as much as the others in the series. Some of the text was repetitive which was off putting but it didn't detract too much from the mystery which was very intriguing. I love the characters as we are getting to know more about them and the story premise is good. I am looking forward to seeing how the series develops.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the clock maker dies and the clock tower suddenly runs backwards, there is clear that more is going on. Grace and Chloe dig into what happened.
A wonderful cozy mystery. A storyline that keeps you engaged to the very end, and characters that speak of teamwork and support. Really fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 3rd book was absolutely amazing. Not only is the beloved clock tower moving backwards but the caretaker is dead and the key to get inside is missing. Can Grace and the gang figure out the puzzle and get the clock back in order? Only time will tell. I especially loved the addition of Lucy the St. Bernard to the mix.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and Chloe do it again and a swear her little dog Rosie just continues to save the day. Wouldn’t be a Grace Thompson mystery without her furry sidekick. This a such a fun murder mystery series with clean romance in the background.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace, Chloe Tom and Rosie help locate the heir of the clockmaker when the key is taken and the clockmaker is found dead While searching for blueprints the friends get into the clock tower and get closed in! From page to page the cast is given a POV for that chapter and the reader gathers clues along the way!

[BeBop19 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Murder oh my!

Another Grace Mystery to solve, this time a murder and a clock that is turning back time. It is a cute and twisted of a funny sort with this mystery. What a treat to be a part of and tag along while they solve this. After the mystery is solved, we must fix the clock. I won't give it away, but it was very clever and entertaining.

[Marion Moxhay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. An intriguing end. Great characters to love Rosie

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

the curious clock conundrum:

Wow very good book.
I didn’t know who the killer was until the last.
Keep up the good books coming please

[Velma Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets and family.