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Clock Shop Mystery #1
Just Killing Time
First in a new cozy series that ticks with excitement and mystery!
Ruth Clagan may be an expert clockmaker, but she’s always had a tendency to lose track of time. And when trying to solve a murder, every minute counts…
Ruth’s beloved grandfather instilled in her a love of timepieces. Unfortunately after her grandmother died and he remarried, Ruth and Grandpa Thom became estranged. She’s wanted to reconnect after her recent divorce, but sadly they’ve run out of time. Her grandfather has been found dead after a break-in at his shop—and the police believe he was murdered.
Now Ruth has been named the heir to Grandpa Thom’s clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, in the small Berkshire town of Orchard, Massachusetts. As soon as she moves into the small apartment above the shop and begins tackling the heaps of unfinished work, Ruth finds herself trying to stay on the good side of Grandpa’s bossy gray cat, Bezel, while avoiding the step-grandmother she never wanted. But as old secrets and grudges start to surface, Ruth will have to kick into high gear to solve the killer case before someone else winds up dead…
Ruth Clagan may be an expert clockmaker, but she’s always had a tendency to lose track of time. And when trying to solve a murder, every minute counts…
Ruth’s beloved grandfather instilled in her a love of timepieces. Unfortunately after her grandmother died and he remarried, Ruth and Grandpa Thom became estranged. She’s wanted to reconnect after her recent divorce, but sadly they’ve run out of time. Her grandfather has been found dead after a break-in at his shop—and the police believe he was murdered.
Now Ruth has been named the heir to Grandpa Thom’s clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, in the small Berkshire town of Orchard, Massachusetts. As soon as she moves into the small apartment above the shop and begins tackling the heaps of unfinished work, Ruth finds herself trying to stay on the good side of Grandpa’s bossy gray cat, Bezel, while avoiding the step-grandmother she never wanted. But as old secrets and grudges start to surface, Ruth will have to kick into high gear to solve the killer case before someone else winds up dead…
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
29 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 14, 2018
Good debut mystery. A likeable cast of characters. A bit too much information on clocks for me to absorb, however, the clocks certainly play a significant role in the overall plot.
June 13, 2017
Just Killing Time by Julianne Holmes is the first book in a Clock Shop Mystery series. Ruth Clagan inherits her grandfathers clock shop, the Cog and Sprocket, after he is murdered during a break-in at the shop. An interesting book which focused a lot on clocks and introducing the various characters and setting, rather than the mystery itself. The mystery itself was weak with the murderer revealing themselves rather than it being solved. I found the book a bit tedious with the clock descriptions and I would not have thought the shop would be very viable in todays digital world.
July 20, 2018
A really good first in series. Another very pleasant surprise found while working my way through the TBR mountain.
May 20, 2016
To be completely honest, I bought this book because the cover reminded me of the Coffeehouse Mystery Series' covers. I'm glad I did, because this was a very solid start in a series.
The MC was strong and unwaverable, but yet she was realistically strong. Some MCs keep a 'stiff upper-lip' in every single situation and it seems like they're superman. However, Ruth was appropriately strong, yet weak at the same time. The secondary characters were also wonderful, especially Caroline, I really hope we see more of her in the next book!
I loved Orchard, absolutely loved it. It was everything I'd expect in a New England town; clannish, yet not clannish at the same time. However, I honestly can't see a shop that has a small niche group of customers, like a clock shop, surviving and prospering in a town that small.
The only real down point of this story was the entire mystery aspect of it. The mystery was extremely transparent and I saw the killer coming early on in the story. It was extremely anticlimactic and the mystery just fell flat for me.
Overall a very solid first book. I'll be reading the next one; recommend.
The MC was strong and unwaverable, but yet she was realistically strong. Some MCs keep a 'stiff upper-lip' in every single situation and it seems like they're superman. However, Ruth was appropriately strong, yet weak at the same time. The secondary characters were also wonderful, especially Caroline, I really hope we see more of her in the next book!
I loved Orchard, absolutely loved it. It was everything I'd expect in a New England town; clannish, yet not clannish at the same time. However, I honestly can't see a shop that has a small niche group of customers, like a clock shop, surviving and prospering in a town that small.
The only real down point of this story was the entire mystery aspect of it. The mystery was extremely transparent and I saw the killer coming early on in the story. It was extremely anticlimactic and the mystery just fell flat for me.
Overall a very solid first book. I'll be reading the next one; recommend.
November 18, 2015
Cozy fans should be lining up for this new series filled with zany characters and coupled with the fascinating art of clock making, and small town charm.
When Ruth's grandfather, whom she calls G.T., passes away suddenly, she returns to Orchard, Massachusetts and discovers she was bequeathed Grandpa Thom's clock making shop “The Cog & Sprocket” along with a cat named Bezel. But, once she learns how G.T. died, she's determined to find out who-and-why someone is stealing clocks from the shop, which in turn led to G.T.'s death.
Arriving a little late to the cozy mystery party, I often struggle to find a series that doesn't already have twenty chapters under its belt. So, when I noticed this book was a first in a new series, I grabbed it up in a hurry, and I am so happy I did.
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https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
When Ruth's grandfather, whom she calls G.T., passes away suddenly, she returns to Orchard, Massachusetts and discovers she was bequeathed Grandpa Thom's clock making shop “The Cog & Sprocket” along with a cat named Bezel. But, once she learns how G.T. died, she's determined to find out who-and-why someone is stealing clocks from the shop, which in turn led to G.T.'s death.
Arriving a little late to the cozy mystery party, I often struggle to find a series that doesn't already have twenty chapters under its belt. So, when I noticed this book was a first in a new series, I grabbed it up in a hurry, and I am so happy I did.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews
To read the review in full click this link:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
October 5, 2015
Just Killing Time is the first book in the A Clock Shop Mystery series.
A great start to a new series and one that the reader will love losing a little time in.
Ruth Clagen has been off to a retreat hoping to achieve a peaceful Zen. Before returning to her home in Boston, she is going to stop in Orchard, MA and spend a little time with her Grandpa Thom(GT), who she hasn't seen or spoken with for five years. As she is checking her messages on her phone, she learns that GT has recently died from a heart attack suffered during a possibly a second robbery to Cogs and Sprockets, his clock shop. She also learns that he has left her the shop.
Once she arrives and talks to Jeff Paisley, she learns that the first robbery five valuable clocks were stolen and is suspected that the robber has come back for more valuable clocks.
She meets with her step grandmother, Caroline and learns that her grandfather has also upset some of the residents by wanting to keep the little community the way it is, and has been, by declaring the downtown area a historical area.
Glover Winters and GT had been working together to save City Hall from being turned into a mini-mall. Just before Winter's untimely death, he deeded city hall to GT, but nobody has been able to find the deed.
The author does an excellent job of describing the little community of Orchard and its residents. Next door to her shop is a unisex hair salon, with its owner Ben Clover. She nearly runs him over when she first arrives, but they are able to put that aside and he becomes a good ally. Next to Ben is the Sleeping Latte, coffee shop diner run by Nancy and Moriah Reed. Nancy's husband Pat works at the clock shop as a handyman and by also helping GT repair clocks.
With the shop having a lot of inventory, Ruth wants to get the shop organized and start selling some to get some revenue coming in, but also wants to find who attacked GT and why.
A wonderful setting, with people one would like to know.
Will be looking forward to the next book in this series to see Ruth will be able to move forward with GT's dream for the community of Orchard.
A great start to a new series and one that the reader will love losing a little time in.
Ruth Clagen has been off to a retreat hoping to achieve a peaceful Zen. Before returning to her home in Boston, she is going to stop in Orchard, MA and spend a little time with her Grandpa Thom(GT), who she hasn't seen or spoken with for five years. As she is checking her messages on her phone, she learns that GT has recently died from a heart attack suffered during a possibly a second robbery to Cogs and Sprockets, his clock shop. She also learns that he has left her the shop.
Once she arrives and talks to Jeff Paisley, she learns that the first robbery five valuable clocks were stolen and is suspected that the robber has come back for more valuable clocks.
She meets with her step grandmother, Caroline and learns that her grandfather has also upset some of the residents by wanting to keep the little community the way it is, and has been, by declaring the downtown area a historical area.
Glover Winters and GT had been working together to save City Hall from being turned into a mini-mall. Just before Winter's untimely death, he deeded city hall to GT, but nobody has been able to find the deed.
The author does an excellent job of describing the little community of Orchard and its residents. Next door to her shop is a unisex hair salon, with its owner Ben Clover. She nearly runs him over when she first arrives, but they are able to put that aside and he becomes a good ally. Next to Ben is the Sleeping Latte, coffee shop diner run by Nancy and Moriah Reed. Nancy's husband Pat works at the clock shop as a handyman and by also helping GT repair clocks.
With the shop having a lot of inventory, Ruth wants to get the shop organized and start selling some to get some revenue coming in, but also wants to find who attacked GT and why.
A wonderful setting, with people one would like to know.
Will be looking forward to the next book in this series to see Ruth will be able to move forward with GT's dream for the community of Orchard.
October 6, 2015
Ruth Clagan is devastated to learn that her grandfather has passed away. While they had been estranged recently, she had hoped to reconnect with the man who had been very important to her earlier in her life. Since she has inherited the family clock shop, she returns to Orchard, Massachusetts, to figure out what to do with the business. As she reconnects with old friends and makes new ones, she begins to question what happened to her grandfather. Was his death related to the recent burglary in the shop? Or maybe his work in town? Or is something else happening?
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I loved Ruth from page one, and that didn’t diminish as the book progressed. Her friends are just as strong and likeable, and her connection to her grandfather adds a nice layer to the book. The mystery was a little weak, and Ruth reconnecting with this part of her life was interesting and kept the pages flying. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 17, 2015
Being a fan of clocks, watches and timepieces and always having a OCD need to know what time it is, I wanted to give this first book in the A Clock Shop Mysteries a try and I wasn't disappointed. Author Julianne Holmes transported me into the world of the Cog & Sprocket Clock shop and I found myself not wanting the book to end.
Ruth Clagan deeply regrets not being there for her Grandfather Thom, whom Ruth affectionately calls G.T. after her grandmother's death. G.T. is a clockmaker who runs the Cog & Sprocket Clock shop and Ruth also is a clockmaker who has a passion for the craft.
G.T. is soon found murdered in his shop after a break and enter and Ruth inherits the Cog & Sprocket but not only does she inherit that but something else that’s a part of the town of Orchard that G.T loved so much. Ruth is busily trying to rush to finish repairs to unfinished clocks and the task seems endless.
Ruth is trying to come to terms with having a step-grandmother, the shop cat, Bezel and living in the not so functional upstairs quarters of the shop. G.T. shop was loved and he was a respected member of the community but a close-knit community like Orchard, Massachusetts as Ruth comes to find out has people with hidden lies and deep dark secrets worth killing for. Ruth needs to find the truth and who killed her grandfather before her time runs out.
Your time will be well spent reading this first book in the A Clock Shop Mysteries. I could feel the love Ruth felt for her grandfather through the page. I found myself crying at the end. Very emotional story that will tug on your heart strings and I found myself feeling a deep connection with Ruth and her step-grandmother. A unique premise to this cozy mystery series that will catch your attention like it did mine and will have you after reading waiting to read the next book in this series.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are our own and our reviews are honest.
Ruth Clagan deeply regrets not being there for her Grandfather Thom, whom Ruth affectionately calls G.T. after her grandmother's death. G.T. is a clockmaker who runs the Cog & Sprocket Clock shop and Ruth also is a clockmaker who has a passion for the craft.
G.T. is soon found murdered in his shop after a break and enter and Ruth inherits the Cog & Sprocket but not only does she inherit that but something else that’s a part of the town of Orchard that G.T loved so much. Ruth is busily trying to rush to finish repairs to unfinished clocks and the task seems endless.
Ruth is trying to come to terms with having a step-grandmother, the shop cat, Bezel and living in the not so functional upstairs quarters of the shop. G.T. shop was loved and he was a respected member of the community but a close-knit community like Orchard, Massachusetts as Ruth comes to find out has people with hidden lies and deep dark secrets worth killing for. Ruth needs to find the truth and who killed her grandfather before her time runs out.
Your time will be well spent reading this first book in the A Clock Shop Mysteries. I could feel the love Ruth felt for her grandfather through the page. I found myself crying at the end. Very emotional story that will tug on your heart strings and I found myself feeling a deep connection with Ruth and her step-grandmother. A unique premise to this cozy mystery series that will catch your attention like it did mine and will have you after reading waiting to read the next book in this series.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are our own and our reviews are honest.
September 8, 2015
I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries, so as soon as I heard about this new series I added it to my "to read" list and waited with bated breath to read it. Luckily, I received an advanced reader copy this week and was able to spend every spare moment since with my nose inside it. It was definitely worth the wait! While I love cozy mysteries, I am not a huge fan of the very fluffy ones based around very unlikely hooks. This series is written intelligently with meat to the story, sensible twists in the plot, depth to the characters, and an unusual and well-researched "hook" - horology or clock-making. I was especially impressed with the sense of place. Even though I've never visited the Berkshires myself, I almost immediately got a sense of what made Orchard, Massachusetts unique and special. It quickly developed into a clear picture in my mind - a small town with charms I could understand, shops I would like to visit, scenery I would love to see, and people I would enjoy meeting. I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice it to say that there is a mystery worth solving but that remains within the realm of reality, a bit of early romantic possibility, self-questioning and personal growth on the part of the protagonist, an exploration of how relationships can be affected by preconceptions and pride, a view of the personal sides and costs of small town politics, examples of the transformative quality of change as one door closes and another opens, and especially a sense of the importance of not letting time pass by with unresolved issues... in other words, lots of depth to make it more than a quick beach read, more near the Louise Penny & Julia Spencer-Fleming schools of mystery-writing. What's best of all is that this book introduces a town and multiple characters that you will want to know better, leaving you wanting more and looking forward to book 2 in the series! After all, the only thing better than a really great cozy mystery is a whole series of them!
October 6, 2015
A wonderful debut from author Julianne Holmes. The Clock Shop Mystery series is sure to stand the test of time.
JUST KILLING TIME had me in the first two chapters. My heart went out to protagonist, Ruth Clagan when she learned of her grandfather’s death. Normally we hear of a death in the lead character’s life. But being there when she is told made me feel connected to her.
Ms. Holmes has delivered an exceptional mystery with a fantastic storyline that brought on a wide range of emotions. It was uplifting to see Ruth welcomed by so many when she came back to town. There were fun moments that had me laughing. And the investigation into her grandfather’s death which was filled with many twists that kept me intrigued all the way through to the reveal. Add to that a heartwarming conclusion that had me in tears while reading, and tearing up even now as I write this review.
If Ms. Holmes keeps her gears turning in future books the way she did for JUST KILLING TIME, we readers are in for great times ahead!
Don’t waste any time getting your own copy. You’re going to love every minute and hour you spend reading this wonderful book!
JUST KILLING TIME had me in the first two chapters. My heart went out to protagonist, Ruth Clagan when she learned of her grandfather’s death. Normally we hear of a death in the lead character’s life. But being there when she is told made me feel connected to her.
Ms. Holmes has delivered an exceptional mystery with a fantastic storyline that brought on a wide range of emotions. It was uplifting to see Ruth welcomed by so many when she came back to town. There were fun moments that had me laughing. And the investigation into her grandfather’s death which was filled with many twists that kept me intrigued all the way through to the reveal. Add to that a heartwarming conclusion that had me in tears while reading, and tearing up even now as I write this review.
If Ms. Holmes keeps her gears turning in future books the way she did for JUST KILLING TIME, we readers are in for great times ahead!
Don’t waste any time getting your own copy. You’re going to love every minute and hour you spend reading this wonderful book!
January 21, 2016
A wonderful debut by a delightful author. This series has much to recommend it -- a strong lead, crunchy details about clocks and a well-crafted mystery. Well done!
January 19, 2018
Meet clockmaker Ruth Clagan! She has just returned to the small town of Orchard, Massachusetts to take over her beloved grandfather's business, the Cog & Sprocket clock shop. She learns that her grandfather was murdered in his shop, the killer hasn't been found and she is heir to the business. As she gets busy moving into the apartment over the shop, getting the backlog of repair orders caught up, and reconnecting with old friends, she starts to quietly investigate the murder.
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. The clock making subject, well drawn characters and a great murder plot all combined to make this a fascinating adventure. The writing is very descriptive and pulls you along as Ruth hunts the killer down and starts a new life for herself. I had no idea that clock making was so interesting, but the author has presented it in a way that will make you want to read more. A must read for any fan of mystery!
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. The clock making subject, well drawn characters and a great murder plot all combined to make this a fascinating adventure. The writing is very descriptive and pulls you along as Ruth hunts the killer down and starts a new life for herself. I had no idea that clock making was so interesting, but the author has presented it in a way that will make you want to read more. A must read for any fan of mystery!
February 23, 2020
While this wasn't riveting or thrilling, it was a solid cozy. I liked the small town vibe, the clean content, and the lack of any real romance. I enjoyed the re-establishing and forging of relationships in this story. Sometimes you just want a cute story with solid platonic relationships, and this book delivered. I'm looking forward to what happens next in this cute town.
November 2, 2015
Very good for a first in a new series. The plot dragged a bit in places, but I think a lot of that was trying to set the back story, the scene and the characters. That beings said, it was a bit heavy on the grief thing. It seemed like there was someone lamenting the untimely passing of the MC's grandfather on every page. Ok, I get it, it's a bummer. Stop bringing it up every 5 seconds.
Overall, a solid start and an enjoyable read. This is definitely going on the list of series to watch.
Overall, a solid start and an enjoyable read. This is definitely going on the list of series to watch.
May 16, 2017
2.5 stars. It seems like this mystery took a long time to set up and to get moving. I liked the small town of Orchard, but the main character took a bit to get used to. At one point she says that she has trouble getting to know people, which is exactly how I felt. There was no connection to her. I felt more for Bezel the cat! I guessed the "culprit" early on, although the motive wasn't as clear. I'm not sure if I would continue with this series.
September 29, 2017
This was ok. There was just not enough action, or even clues to keep me interested. There was too much "a day in the life of Ruth" and too little solving the mystery. I got so bored half way in, I literally found myself skipping whole sentences. I was so ready for this to be over! Overall the story, once I got through the fluff to know it, was alright. I just wished the plot had moved forward at a better pace. The real meat of the story took less then a 1/4 of the actual book!
October 25, 2015
I really, really loved this first book in a new cozy mystery series. The voice of Ruth was fresh and natural and it was almost as if I was listing to/reading about a friend. The story really flowed, and it was difficult to put this book down.
November 27, 2015
An accomplished series debut with an appealing protagonist, interesting details about clocks, and a cast of interesting characters.
September 25, 2020
A very enjoyable start to a series. Characters are believable and likeable. The main character, Ruth, has returned to the town her grandparents lived in. Ruth has inherited her grandfather's business and like him she makes and repairs clocks. Looking forward to the next book in the series. The book was a quick easy read.
January 20, 2018
Very well written cosy mystery, convincing characters and plot (too often missing in this genre) and interesting background. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 17, 2017
Cute first in a series cozy. There was a little too much repetition in certain areas, but I liked the setting and the characters.
October 14, 2015
A wonderful new series! Meet Ruth, the perpetually late clock maker, and the inhabitants of the wonderfully charming Orchard, MA. Nestled in the Berkshires, Orchard has old New England charm and new New England problems. Can the Town Hall be saved; will the killer of Ruth's beloved Grandfather Thom be found; will the deed to Town Hall be found; who stole the clocks; will Ben ever give himself a decent haircut? Ruth is a wonderful character who can fix a lot of problems, but not her tardiness. Time moves on whether we want it to or not, it's up to us if we move with it. Take the trip with Ruth, The Reeds, Ben and the rest of Orchard on the twisty tale of regret, murder, clocks and small town political intrigue.
November 2, 2015
What an impressive debut! Julianne definitely knows how to welcome the reader into the story immediately. We feel at home with these characters and have either frequented a town like this or can visualize it. One will feel like taking a drive to Orchard to meet and hang out with these people who are rich and fully-developed. But none of this would matter if the reader couldn't warm up to the main character, and Ruth is instantly charming and relatable. The mystery is intelligent and credible, and reading this cozy is a great time!
October 4, 2015
I loved this new series by Julianne Holmes. It fits the genre of cozy mystery perfectly without being silly or sappy. Progressive elements are threatening small town life in the Berkshires and the town of Orchard is having to take sides. When a longtime merchant is found dead, his granddaughter returns to continue his business, and gets drawn into the investigation. Interesting characterizations, an unique and different setting, and a page-turning amount of suspense make this a winner. Can't wait for the next installment to revisit this series.
May 26, 2016
My time was not wasted reading book 1 in the Clock Shop series! One of the things I enjoy about the cozy mystery genre is learning about new things that I had no idea I would be interested in. Just Killing Time caught me with its title--perfect for the story. I enjoyed being introduced to the horological world of Ruth Clagan. Throw in a mystery or few with people I wanted to read about in very suitable setting and I was ready for book 2 when I finished this one.
August 10, 2016
I loved this book. Ruth is returning to town to see her grandfather whom she's been estranged from only to find that he is dead.
The characters are real, the pace is smooth, and the feelings shine through of how Ruth felt about her grandfather. There is a secondary mystery of missing clocks. The secondary characters are all likable and the interactions felt genuine. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing, I loved the ending. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
The characters are real, the pace is smooth, and the feelings shine through of how Ruth felt about her grandfather. There is a secondary mystery of missing clocks. The secondary characters are all likable and the interactions felt genuine. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing, I loved the ending. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
February 3, 2017
Way to go! This book was awesome. I would recommend this book for anyone. I really liked the town and the characters. Ruth Clagan is an every day kind of girl. I love that the author didn't make a big deal about her divorce and sad story. I really liked Ben. I would love to read more about him. I think the author did a great job at keeping you guessing until the end. I will be reading the next clock shop mystery next!
February 18, 2016
This book caught my eye at the library. I'm so glad it did. I enjoyed reading this from the beginning to the end. I hope in the next one she continues the love interest between Ruth and Ben. Hopefully Ruth and Caroline get to know each other better.
March 7, 2016
The author needs to work on the repetition, but other than that it was a solid mystery. I haven't read a series themed around clocks and horology, so this was new for me, and I'm actually fascinated by the subject now. I'm looking forward to what's next with Ruth and the Cog & Sprocket.
August 2, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! Very likeable characters and a fast moving story. Hard to put down! Can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews