What do you think?
Rate this book
A Murderous Mantel Clock: A Locked-Room Paranormal Cozy Mystery
A cursed clock. A locked-room murder. This appraisal just became a matter of life and death.
Eleanor Winslow was looking forward to a quiet life running her antique shop, and appraising the estate of a wealthy local historian seemed like a straightforward, albeit tedious, job. But when the universally disliked man is found dead in his locked study—struck down by a heavy, cursed mantel clock—the tranquil coastal village of Port Providence is thrown into chaos.
Chief Arthur Pendleton is utterly baffled by the seemingly impossible locked-room puzzle. Fortunately, Eleanor isn't your average antique dealer. With the help of her rescue Basset Hound, Barnaby, who has a supernatural sensitivity to lingering phantoms, Eleanor realizes the study holds dark secrets. By touching the cursed clock, her psychometric abilities grant her spectral glimpses of the killer.
As Arthur clashes with Eleanor over jurisdiction, she must dig through the estate's hidden compartments and piece together a trail of fair-play clues. Can Eleanor solve the locked-room trick before a cornered killer strikes again, or has her time finally run out?
A Murderous Mantel Clock is the first full-length novel in The Port Providence Antique Mysteries. If you love twisty fair-play puzzles, quirky coastal towns, and brave canine companions, you’ll love this charming paranormal cozy mystery.
Eleanor Winslow was looking forward to a quiet life running her antique shop, and appraising the estate of a wealthy local historian seemed like a straightforward, albeit tedious, job. But when the universally disliked man is found dead in his locked study—struck down by a heavy, cursed mantel clock—the tranquil coastal village of Port Providence is thrown into chaos.
Chief Arthur Pendleton is utterly baffled by the seemingly impossible locked-room puzzle. Fortunately, Eleanor isn't your average antique dealer. With the help of her rescue Basset Hound, Barnaby, who has a supernatural sensitivity to lingering phantoms, Eleanor realizes the study holds dark secrets. By touching the cursed clock, her psychometric abilities grant her spectral glimpses of the killer.
As Arthur clashes with Eleanor over jurisdiction, she must dig through the estate's hidden compartments and piece together a trail of fair-play clues. Can Eleanor solve the locked-room trick before a cornered killer strikes again, or has her time finally run out?
A Murderous Mantel Clock is the first full-length novel in The Port Providence Antique Mysteries. If you love twisty fair-play puzzles, quirky coastal towns, and brave canine companions, you’ll love this charming paranormal cozy mystery.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2026
About the author
Riley Hayes
4 booksI'm an independent author in my early fifties who writes heartwarming paranormal cozy mysteries featuring fiercely independent women, clever fair-play puzzles, and loyal canine familiars. Drawing inspiration from my idyllic small-town life, I craft intricate whodunits where justice prevails and no animals are ever harmed. When not plotting red herrings, I volunteer at local animal rescues and perfect my snickerdoodle recipe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 29, 2026
I love a cozy setting and a locked-room mystery, and A Murderous Mantel Clock delivered both. The author’s descriptions of the harbor town setting and its quirky characters drew me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth, and I especially enjoyed learning about the workings of the mantel clock.
Cooper was my favorite character, and I loved how Penny conveyed his thoughts. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is the frequent repetition of certain sentences. I don’t mind a little repetition sprinkled throughout a book, and it certainly wouldn’t stop me from reading another one. I’m already looking forward to the next installment!
Cooper was my favorite character, and I loved how Penny conveyed his thoughts. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is the frequent repetition of certain sentences. I don’t mind a little repetition sprinkled throughout a book, and it certainly wouldn’t stop me from reading another one. I’m already looking forward to the next installment!
Displaying 1 of 1 review