An empty house that isn't empty. A victim who vanishes. An impossible crime? Every Thursday at midday Audrey Brooks cleans the Petrov house. Mr Petrov is never home - in fact he seems to use the house purely as storage for his impressive collection of antiques - but that doesn't affect the care with which Audrey mops, polishes, and carefully winds each of the dozens of beautiful clocks that decorate the tall, elegant, empty London mansion.
Until the morning she finds a corpse in the back bedroom, the pristine walls and floor covered in blood, and flees the house in panic.
Fifteen minutes later, the police arrive... and find nothing. No body. No blood. The only thing slightly out of the ordinary is the clock in that back bedroom, which is now running four minutes slow.
With no victim, the police are convinced there was no murder, but Audrey knows better. A man has been killed, and if they won't do anything about it, she - and her annoying friend Lewis - will. Whodunnit is one thing, but this detective duo must also wrestle with when - and where on earth is the body? It's not long since they solved the murder of their neighbour, so they're not rookie sleuths, and at least this time the case has no connection to their home.
Does it?
A charming and witty locked room mystery full of twists.
Nicola Whyte has loved books for as long as she can remember. She writes novels and short stories for both adults and children. Her work has been listed for the Comedy Women in Print Prize, the Cheshire Novel Prize, the Daily Mail First Novel Competition, the BPA First Novel Award, and the Times Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. She lives near Stonehenge in Wiltshire with her family, a ridiculous spaniel, and two demanding tabby cats.
This is book two of the Audrey and Lewis series. I’m hoping for more as I’m warming to them.
In book one, Celeste Van Duren, the owner of 10 Marchfield Square, instigated the duo’s meeting. Celeste, an octogenarian with a sharp mind, is a fascinating character. She has a Man Servant, ex-military Dixon, who even dips his biscuits for precisely three seconds with military precision. Everything he does is purposeful.
Audrey, a cleaner who finds solace in her work, is people-friendly and adept at connecting with others. She’s also a dab hand at research. Lewis, a recruitment worker with a penchant for writing in his spare time, is offish and blunt, lacking the social skills to connect with others.
In this instalment, Audrey’s cleaning routine takes her to a house belonging to Mr Petrov. Her instructions specify a midday arrival, no earlier or later. Mr Petrov owns many antique clocks that she must carefully clean and wind. One morning, as she follows her routine, Audrey arrives earlier than midday and hears a noise, dismissing it. However, upon entering the back room, she encounters a horrifying scene: blood everywhere and a dead man.
Panicked, Audrey rushes out of the house and waits for the police. When they arrive, there’s no body and no murder scene. The body has vanished into thin air.
Puzzled, Audrey and Lewis begin their investigation, trying to avoid interfering with the police. One of them gets into serious danger as one rushes to save the other.
Audrey and Lewis are amateur detectives who collaborated on a previous case along with help from their neighbours. And nlw they're at it again.
Audrey's day job as a cleaner is often somewhat baffling to her. For instance, why can she not begin cleaning a completely empty house before midday. Not even when it's freezing cold outside? But when Audrey decides to break the rules and start her job at Cadogan Place early, she finds herself embroiled in yet another murder. If this wasnt bad enough, when the Police arrive they find an entirely empty house. So where has the body gone?
Thankfully Audrey and Lewis are not taking this lying down and set out to find the missing corpse and the killer. With lots of "help" from their neighbours and making some new contacts along the way, will Audrey and Lewis crack the case or will their enthusiasm just get them into even more trouble?
When requesting this title from Netgalley I didn't realise this was the second in a series. There were a few minor niggles which the first book might have cleared up but it didn't stop me enjoying the story. Lewis and Audrey are good characters and the neighbours add a nice touch to the problem solving.
I enjoyed the book so much I immediately bought 10 Marchfield Place, the first book in the series to see what I'd missed. I'm not usually a fan of the "cosy" mystery but I thought the plot was interesting with just enough twists and all the characters were engaging.
I would definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys Richard Osman or SJ Bennett. Or, in fact, anyone who just enjoys a lighter detective story.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the digital review copy.
I was absolutely sure this novel was going to use paranormal means to get their way out of this, but it was rather cleverly done! Having not read the first of this book series, I do feel at a loss for some of the relationships that are happening here. Audrey and Lewis are very good compliments to each other and I love that they work together to make each other better. Both seem like neurodivergent individuals that use their particular niche to feel comfortable and help them understand the world around them. I felt terribly for Audrey as no one believed her, especially when she had no reason to lie. The clocks were fascinating too, what a fun instrument to include. This was a cute and clever cozy mystery and I think fans of the genre will find it to be delightful.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Nicola Whyte, and Dreamscape media for my copy of this audiobook.
Writing a cozy mystery is tough because the characters should be likable but not too sweet, the plot should be interesting without being grusome. This series has striked the perfect balance.
I have a bit of a story with this one! I was incredibly grateful to receive an e-ARC of Murder Like Clockwork by Nicola Whyte, but when I first started reading, I had a bit of a hard time settling into the story. It was beautifully written, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had missed something. A quick Google search revealed exactly why: this is actually book two in the Marchfield Square series! In a stroke of bookish fate, the first book, 10 Marchfield Square, was already on my reading list. Naturally, I ran straight to my favorite bookshop, bought the first installment, and devoured it. Armed with the proper backstory, I dove right back into Murder Like Clockwork, and it instantly clicked.
The story reunites us with Audrey and Lewis as they find themselves entangled in yet another clever murder investigation. One of my absolute favorite aspects of this book—and the series as a whole—is their dynamic. So many mystery series feel the need to force a romance between the two leads, but that isn't the case here. I really appreciate their unique chemistry (or rather, their distinct lack of romantic chemistry). It allows the book to place a rewarding emphasis on who they are as individual characters, and it works beautifully.
While I can't go into specific plot details to avoid spoilers, I can easily say the mystery was cleverly written and meticulously plotted. The residents of Marchfield Square are incredibly enjoyable to spend time with, and the character-driven nature of the story meant I absolutely devoured it once I got going.
Murder Like Clockwork is a stellar mystery, and my accidental detour into book one only made the journey better. I am officially hooked on this series and truly hope there are many more books to come. If you love a smart, atmospheric mystery that prioritizes genuine character development over forced romance, you need to add this series to your shelf immediately!
…so I *finished* but am gonna have to re-read at a later time. Love the vibes, already love the characters from the first book, fun plot, I’ll come back to it later!
I enjoyed it, but have no idea what we’ll discuss about it at Book Club! Obviously I didn’t guess anything and I really needed the exposition at the end as I didn’t really follow all the speculation. I loved all the characters and will read the others in the series.
I was happy to return to Marchfield Square and its residents, after enjoying Nicola Whyte’s debut, 10 Marchfield Square, but I didn’t expect to love Murder Like Clockwork even more than the first book and to find myself so absorbed in the story that I spent the weekend reading it.
The protagonists of this second book are still Audrey, Lewis, and Celeste who find themselves, once again, entangled in a murder investigation. Audrey, one of the residents of 10 Marchfield Square in West London, is a cleaner. She cleans the houses of wealthy people in Mayfair and she is very passionate about her job, determined to excel, no matter how strange the job or the situation is. And her strangest job must be the one in 35 Beaton Gardens, owned by a Russian oligarch as a second home. As far as she can tell no one has ever been in the home, but not only she must clean it every week, but, most importantly, she must wind each of the clocks in the house. When she finds a body in the house that then quickly and mysteriously disappears without leaving a trace, she enlists the help of her neighbour and friend Lewis to find out the truth. After their last murder investigation, crime writer Lewis is working on his next novel, although he still needs to go to the daily job he so much despises, so he is thrilled when he and Audrey are involved in yet another mystery which includes late-night stake-outs, following cars all around London, and convincing the police that a body has been dropped in the river. And watching over them, together with her loyal friend/butler/assistant Dixon, is Celeste, owner of the community at 10 Marchfield Square, who, following the events of the first book, is looking to find someone to rent one of the vacant flats, but no longer trusts her own judgement.
Murder Like Clockwork is captivating, beautifully-written, and entertaining, and features a cast of relatable and well-developed characters that you can’t help but like. I can’t wait for the next murder!
The careful and friendly Audrey, and the very socially inept Lewis are back solving a new mystery:
Though she finds it odd to clean the not-lived-in apartment of Anton Petrov and wind all his antique clocks each time she's there, it's a job that Audrey needs, so she does the best job she can.
When she arrives a little earlier than she normally does (11:30 versus noon), she begins her usual cleaning routine, and midway through it, finds a dead man with his throat cut within. She's understandably shaken and runs outside to call for help. When police arrive, they all enter to find no body, and not a bit of blood. The police are annoyed, but, she knows someone who will likely believe her: Lewis, HR guy and mostly failed crime writer. He goes through the place with her, and they find one small spot of blood, which they get DS Sophia Larssen to have analyzed. Audrey and Lewis also decide to take the contents of the vacuum with them (it will likely contain some evidence of the dead man) and to stake out the place that night, as they believe someone will be coming to get the body out of there, from wherever they hid it in the apartment. And two people do, dropping the body into the water near Tower Bridge.
Lewis is thrilled, Audrey feels vindicated, and the pair begin investigating in earnest, as they did before. Mei, Audrey's roommate and friend, is worried, but is more supportive of Audrey and Lewis' decision. She has her own troubles, as one of her legal clients has disappeared.
Audrey and Lewis' last investigation helped them both understand and become somewhat fond of each other, and they begin accumulating clues the police don't find, reporting to a delighted Celeste and Dixon of their progress. The Marchfield neighbours also get involved, providing ideas and useful actions along the way, which leads to the pair figuring out the relationship between Mr. Petrov, a contract killer, and Mei's current case.
I found this book moved along faster than book one, likely because 10 Marchfield Square's quirky inhabitants and Audrey and Lewis' dynamic had been already described in book one by author Nicola Whyte. Though the two amateur sleuths bicker their way through their new investigation, and are harangued by Sofia's partner for their involvement with the case, their relationship has progressed to a point where they know very well what each others' strengths and weaknesses are, and work together so much better this time around.
Lewis continues to miss numerous social cues and Audrey keeps getting people to open up nicely to her, but I could see, with pleasure, how they've both affected each other positively. Lewis is a little more aware of the people around him, and Audrey is a little more methodical in her sleuthing.
The story is nicely twisty, with some good surprises, and interesting characters. And I just enjoyed this book a lot.
I listened and read my way through this novel and Nneka Okoye's narration is such a pleasure to listen to. She perfectly captured how I imagined Audrey and Lewis to sound, and I liked her Celeste, with the older woman's deeper, more measured tones.
Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Murder Like Clockwork is the second (standalone) book in a cozy British crime series by Nicola Whyte. Released 12th May 2026 by Hachette on their Union Square & Co imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook & audio formats have a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a light, very well engineered, engaging standalone mystery set in London and with an ensemble cast of characters, most of whom live facing in and around a courtyard with homes surrounding it. They're varied, and the titular series main characters are a professional high-end cleaner and a probably slightly neurodivergent, neurotic crime writer.
It's got such a charmingly Christie-esque setup (stately home, disappearing corpse/crime scene, background machinations, stratospherically wealthy people doing wealthy-people-stuff, some absurdist comedy, a crashing denouement and satisfying resolution, and a foreshadowing for the next book(s)), that it was a lovely light interlude.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 31 minutes and is beautifully read by series narrator Nneka Okoye. She has a well modulated professionally trained alto voice and in this read, does an impressively wide range of accents, and characters across a range of ages and both male and female. The international accents, especially Russian, are more "sketched in/implied" than accurate and present no difficulty in comprehension at all. Much of the dialogue is rapid and she manages the character shifts without problems or hitches. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Although it's the second book in the series, necessary backstory is written in, so it works perfectly well as a standalone.
Four stars, high quality, classic cozy crime (even a bit of an espionage element). It would be an excellent binge/buddy read, or for public or home library acquisition. Clean language and no sexual content.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Having previously read and enjoyed the first Audrey Fitzgerald mystery through NetGalley, I was really pleased to return to Marchfield Square for another outing with Audrey and Lewis.
Murder Like Clockwork opens with a brilliantly intriguing premise. A body is discovered, only to disappear moments later, leaving behind almost no evidence apart from a clock that’s running four minutes slow. It’s exactly the sort of mystery that immediately hooks you, and I enjoyed trying to work out how everything fitted together.
One of the things I’m enjoying most about this series is the growing sense of community within Marchfield Square. Cosy crime has really embraced these close-knit settings in recent years, and whilst this has that same familiar, welcoming feel, it’s also carving out its own identity. With each book the residents become more established, the relationships deepen, and it feels like a place I’m looking forward to revisiting rather than just the setting for the next mystery.
Audrey and Lewis continue to make an engaging investigative duo, and I enjoyed following them as they untangled another cleverly plotted case. The mystery kept me guessing throughout, and whilst I still have a slight soft spot for the first book, this was another thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series that delivered exactly what I was hoping for.
I’m already looking forward to seeing where both the characters and the wider Marchfield Square community go next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Full of twists and turns and characters that readers will both love and hate, "Murder Like Clockwork" is the second title in Nicola Whyte's 10 Marchfield Square series - and if you didn't read the first, don't worry! You can drop right into this delightful mystery, set in the Belgravia area of London, overseen by grande dame Celeste. Audrey is a housecleaner, and Anton Petrov's apartment is a special case. She cannot arrive early, or leave late. And then there are the dozens of antique clocks that must be wound every week. And, it never seems like anyone has been there between her weekly visits... Then one frigid day, she arrives early - and discovers a body, already neatly placed on a plastic sheet! When the police finally get there, they go inside to find - nothing. No body, no blood. When Audrey consults with co-sleuth Lewis, who hates his job as a recruiter and would rather be a mystery writer, the hunt to find the murderer takes off. Whyte delights readers with characters eccentric and homey, willingly ignorant and intensely involved. Was it revenge? A contract kill? A money grab? Audrey and Lewis slowly but surely unravel the mystery with a completely satisfying wrap-up - and I'm hoping that Whyte keeps this recruiter and cleaner and their clever banter busy for many more titles.
so this is my bad when i got this off of netgalley i did not realize this was the second book in the series. despite not reading the first, it was still easy to follow and i enjoyed the contrasting natures of lewis/audrey/celeste.
i personally was not a fan of how often they recapped the suspects and the plot - felt too obvious to me about telling the reader vs showing.
the whimsy of the beaton gardens residents was so fun and i loved audrey’s friendships and how celeste is so ahead of the game.
Accidentally read this before reading the first one, but I followed the story easily.
So fun! So well-plotted, with such interesting characters and humor and suspense. A pretty damned near perfect modern cozy, I started the first one immediately after finishing this one and so far, I'd say the same applies to the previous book.
Audio Notes: Exceptional narration by Nneka Okoye. I hope she narrates many more books in the future.
I received an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review. Another great story set around the residents of Marchfield square. Somehow Audrey and Lewis get themselves tangled up in yet another murder mystery! The characters are very likeable and I am enjoying seeing how the different personalities of Audrey and Lewis are rubbing off on each other and helping them evolve. A nice cozy mystery nothing too gruesome discussed and the puzzle of it all is very good, keeping you guessing right up until the end. If you like The Thursday Murder Club then this book should be on your TBR list. Looking forward to the next instalment as it seems this series has legs.
Second book in a series I only discovered because of this ARC, and I’m really glad I did. I loved the characters in the building and how their friendships all intertwine. Everyone somehow ends up connected to the story, which made it feel really immersive and fun to follow.
The mystery itself was strong. I was fully invested in figuring out what happened right alongside the characters instead of trying to get ahead of it, which made the whole reading experience more enjoyable.
Now I definitely want to go back and read the first book, and I’m excited to see how this series continues to grow.
I can imagine this book on a Sunday night murder mystery show. There was a number of characters and glad I had the outcome explained. I did enjoy the locked room premise.
Finally, a modern murder mystery that I felt like got the formula correct. I liked the characters, the pacing, and the inclusion of everyone's personal lives. I was really confused at first because I didn't realize this was the second in a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Overall, I really enjoyed reading, because, well, I actually enjoyed it, and it was very refreshing to find a new mystery author that I like.
So sad about this as I absolutely loved the first book in the series but this one just felt like such a slog to get through. It was nice to return to familiar characters but the mystery itself just wasn’t grabbing my attention and I felt like the pacing was very slow throughout. I may still pick up other books in the series but felt very disappointed by this sequel.
I listened to this cozy mystery as an audiobook and loved it. The narrator was so good and British, it really set the tone. I haven't read the first one, but I quickly fell in love Audrey and Louis. I enjoyed the twisty mystery and started to piece the clues together as our detectives figured them out. I like how their relationship hints at attraction, but is more of slow burn, opposites attract and secondary to the mystery plot.
3.5 stars I preferred the previous story to this one. Still enjoyable characters and fun mystery. Just a little too far fetched on this one. But I'll def read any future books from her.
If you’re looking for a clever, cozy mystery with eccentric London neighbors, an impossible murder, layered twists, and a detective duo you’ll immediately become attached to, then Murder Like Clockwork absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list. I’m officially obsessed with this series. This is the second Audrey & Lewis mystery I’ve read, and honestly? I think I’m even more invested now than I was after book one. There’s something about the combination of witty dialogue, believable characters, cozy London atmosphere, and genuinely intriguing mysteries that just works so well. This series gives me the same comfort-meets-cleverness vibes as The Thursday Murder Club mixed with Only Murders in the Building. And if that sounds like your thing, you are probably going to devour this. The premise immediately hooked me. Audrey Brooks, a meticulous housekeeper with an incredible eye for detail, discovers a brutal murder in the elegant Petrov mansion she cleans every week. Blood everywhere. A dead body in the bedroom. She panics, calls the police… and when they arrive fifteen minutes later, everything is gone. No blood. No body. Nothing. Except for one clock running four minutes slow. Tell me that isn’t the kind of setup that instantly makes you need answers?! What I love most about Murder Like Clockwork is that it fully embraces the classic “impossible crime” mystery while still feeling modern, charming, and character-driven. The mystery itself is genuinely clever, and I never fully figured it out before the reveals started happening. There are twists throughout the story that keep you questioning everyone, but the pacing still feels cozy and approachable rather than stressful or overly intense. And the characters? Easily my favorite part of this series. Audrey and Lewis have such a fun dynamic together. Audrey is observant, practical, and quietly sharp, while Lewis is awkward, sarcastic, and constantly frustrated with his mundane office job and stalled writing career. Their “slightly-annoyed-but-secretly-work-well-together” chemistry gives the book so much personality. They feel real in a way that a lot of cozy mystery characters sometimes don’t. I also really love the way Nicola Whyte builds the wider world around Marchfield Square. The neighborhood itself almost feels like a character, filled with quirky residents, hidden connections, secrets, gossip, and overlapping lives. One of my favorite things about this series is that each mystery stands on its own, but there’s also this larger thread slowly unraveling underneath everything. With each book, you learn a little more about the characters, their histories, and the ways they’re all interconnected. It makes the series feel rewarding to follow long term. The atmosphere was another huge win for me. There’s just something deeply satisfying about grand London townhouses filled with antique clocks, mysterious wealthy owners, cafés, pubs, and amateur sleuths piecing together clues over conversations and theories. It’s cozy without feeling too fluffy, and suspenseful without becoming dark or graphic. If you love mysteries that rely more on wit, deduction, and layered clues than violence or shock value, this is absolutely your lane. I also appreciated the themes woven underneath the mystery itself, especially the way the story explores visibility and class. Audrey’s role as a cleaner means people often overlook or dismiss her, but that same “invisibility” allows her to notice details others miss. It’s subtle, but it adds depth to the story beyond the central puzzle. If I had one small critique, it’s that the middle section slows slightly while the investigation unfolds, especially compared to the incredibly strong opening hook. But honestly, I didn’t mind spending extra time with these characters because their interactions are so enjoyable. And once the story starts accelerating toward the ending, the twists and reveals absolutely deliver. Overall, Murder Like Clockwork is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I love finding: smart, atmospheric, funny, character-focused, and genuinely entertaining. If you enjoy locked-room mysteries, amateur sleuths, British mystery settings, or ensemble casts with layered relationships, I highly recommend picking this one up. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the alc. #NetGalley #MurderLikeClockwork
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖: Cozy through and through, this mystery features a wonderfully mismatched amateur sleuth duo: Audrey, a warm and practical housecleaner, and Lewis, an overenthusiastic and slightly exasperating aspiring crime novelist. When Audrey discovers a corpse that mysteriously vanishes before the police arrive, the pair once again find themselves pulled into another puzzling murder investigation.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: I enjoyed the first book, but this sequel made me feel even more confident that this series is finding its footing and getting stronger with each installment.
One of my favorite aspects of the series remains the partnership between Audrey and Lewis. They are such an unlikely pair, and yet their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that is both entertaining and effective. Audrey’s grounded, practical nature balances Lewis’s enthusiasm and tendency to get carried away, making their interactions one of the highlights of the story.
I also loved the involvement of the neighbors and wider community. The way everyone becomes invested in the mystery gave me slight Only Murders in the Building vibes, with its blend of amateur sleuthing, quirky personalities, and community-driven investigation. It adds an extra layer of charm that makes the series feel especially cozy.
Without giving away spoilers, I was particularly intrigued by the hints we get regarding Celeste and her mysterious past. Those small glimpses left me with more questions than answers, and honestly, they may be what I'm most excited to explore in future books. I love when a cozy mystery series weaves in an ongoing subplot that slowly unfolds over multiple installments.
The mystery itself was also quite unique. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at crime scene cleaning, which added an interesting angle that I don't often encounter in mysteries. It helped the story stand out while still delivering the cozy atmosphere I was looking for.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. The narration added personality to the dialogue and enhanced the humor, suspense, and charm of the story.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable installment, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕠𝕣: The mystery, the Audrey and Lewis partnership, quirky community involvement, Celeste's developing storyline, and the unique crime scene cleaning angle.
ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥: 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: None 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: Mild
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Murder investigation, discussions of death, crime scene descriptions, mild peril, and suspenseful situations.
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕/𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖: If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky amateur sleuths, community-centered investigations, clever murder puzzles, and series with an ongoing mystery thread that develops across multiple books, this is a great choice.
Celeste van Duren’s reference surely has played a part, but Audrey truly has won her clients over with her diligence and attention to detail. Thus it doesn’t matter that the London house of Anton Petrov is uninhabited since quite a while, Audrey is still attentively cleaning each room and winding the numerous clocks of her client with care. Each Thursday at point 12 she enters the property and proceeds with her work, but this time it was simply too cold to wait outside in the freezing temperatures and it’s not like anyone would be disturbed by her arriving a little bit earlier. At least that’s what Audrey thought until she stumbled upon a bloody body in one of the bedrooms on the second floor. In panic of the murderer still hiding somewhere in the house, Audrey flees the scene and immediately calls the police. However after their arrival the police are unable to find anything and don’t appreciate being joked with, but Audrey knows what she saw. How could a whole crime scene disappear in less than twenty minutes? Once his phone lit up with the message, Audrey’s neighbor Lewis immediately rushes to help, any distraction from his boring recruitment job being welcome and also, crime book don’t write themselves, do they? On the hunt for inspiration Lewis begins looking for traces and indeed finds a small blood splatter the police had missed. The unlikely duo has past experience with solving murder, but proving that one happened without the body present is a whole other thing.
Ah, this sequel to Marchfield Square felt like a warm hug. Okay, I’m not really a fan of those, but I’m just using the expression here. From the first page to the last, I loved Audrey and Lewis’s second investigation set in freezing cold London. I actually tend to think this second book is even stronger than the first and that’s saying something! How I’ve missed the dynamic between the two of them: Lewis, in particular, has grown noticeably, even if he often remains socially awkward and gets Audrey into uncomfortable situations as a result. Their deepened friendship also has a positive impact on the investigation, as the two complement each other perfectly. And by the way: Lewis bought her a hat that Audrey loves to wear, even though the yellow color doesn’t flatter her at all? I love it! But as for the story itself: "Murder Like Clockwork" was full of humor, cleverness, and a dash of charm, and it completely captivated me. It was incredibly fun to figure things out alongside the protagonists and piece the mystery together step by step. I even managed to figure out a few things before Audrey and Lewis did, which gave my amateur-detective ego a bit of a boost. Still, the story wasn’t predictable at all. There were several plot twists, and a few times I couldn’t control my facial expressions, the surprise was written all over my face. The idea of making the body disappear? Brilliant. The big reveal at the end made sense and tied up the events nicely, which is especially important to me in a good mystery. I really hope there will be a sequel, since the last page left another open ending. Even if it’s not realistic, I wish this series would never end!
This is a fabulous modern day cosy locked room mystery set in London. While it is modern it has a classic mystery feel. It follows Audrey Brooks a house cleaner and her neighbour Lewis McLennon who is a crime writer/ recruitment agent. Its set in the beautiful setting of 10 Marchfield Square. The book is written primarily from Audrey and Lewis’s POV’S.
Audrey finds a body in a room of one of the homes she is cleaning. This home belongs to a Russian Oligarch. She calls the police but when they arrive the body has disappeared and the crime scene spotless. Audrey and Lewis begin their investigation but the only clue is an antique clock that is 4 minutes behind….
Even though the story is set in the modern day, it has a whimsical old time feel. The antique clocks and the Marchfield Square residents add to this atmosphere.
This is an extremely well written novel. There were clues along the way but it wasn’t predictable which I loved. The author has a clear writing style that was easy to read. While it delves into series topics its written in a funny, light hearted way. I like how the characters and writing style were consistent with the first novel in the series.
I really liked all of the characters in this novel. The novel has diverse representation such as LGBT+, disability, older people that was protrade well and complimented the story without being overpowering. In my opinion all characters were represented well.
Audrey and Lewis’s dynamic worked really well in this novel. They complimented each other nicely. Their scenes were written very well and was charming to read. I liked them both as characters. I really hope if there are more novels that they don’t become romantically involved as they work well as friends. It also would allow for further characters to be introduced and plot lines to develop .
Celeste and Dixon were definitely my favourite duo. Although we get the occasional POV from Celeste I feel I wanted more form her and Dixon. They were so mysteries and loved their dynamic. I really would have liked more time with them in this novel.
Mei was a really interesting character for me. I again would like to see more from her in future books. Having more focus on the actual criminal prosecution or law enforcement would be interesting.
The narration for this book was good and easy to listen too. A bit slow for my liking but was ok once I sped up. It would benefit from a PDF download of 10 Marchfield Square to help visualise the residence.
This book was really well written. All the characters were very believable and well thought out. I liked how the author touched on issues such as the cost of living crisis.