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Clock Shop Mystery #3
Chime and Punishment
Years ago, the serenity of picturesque Orchard, Massachusetts, was shattered by a fire that destroyed the town's beloved clock tower. Ruth inherited the dream of repairing it from her late grandfather. Now that she’s returned home to run his clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, she’s determined to make it happen, despite wrenches that are being thrown into the works by her least favorite person, town manager Kim Gray.
A crowd of residents and visitors are excited to see the progress of the tower at a fund-raiser for the campaign, until Kim is found crushed under the tower’s bell, putting an end to all the fun. The list of suspects is so long it could be read around the clock, and it includes some of Ruth’s nearest and dearest.
Time's a-wastin’ as Ruth tries to solve another murder in her beloved Orchard while keeping the gears clicking on her dream project.
A crowd of residents and visitors are excited to see the progress of the tower at a fund-raiser for the campaign, until Kim is found crushed under the tower’s bell, putting an end to all the fun. The list of suspects is so long it could be read around the clock, and it includes some of Ruth’s nearest and dearest.
Time's a-wastin’ as Ruth tries to solve another murder in her beloved Orchard while keeping the gears clicking on her dream project.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
12 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 20, 2017
A Clock maker that's always late had me in stitches.Chime and Punishment had no shortage of the inner workings inside the Cog and Sprocket clock shop that left me fasinated. I loved to feel the antisipation of the opening of the clock tower along with the characters. Heartwarming characters and beautifully written.
The tie in with the murder victum and the clock tower made for a perfect cozy mystery murder. Confusion with clockmaker Ruth and Ben's budding romance gave the story drama. Ruth and her friends were a fun loving group along with a surprising murderer left me in shock and looking forward to the next book in the series, this series is one of my favorites.
The tie in with the murder victum and the clock tower made for a perfect cozy mystery murder. Confusion with clockmaker Ruth and Ben's budding romance gave the story drama. Ruth and her friends were a fun loving group along with a surprising murderer left me in shock and looking forward to the next book in the series, this series is one of my favorites.
August 1, 2017
With just two weeks to go until the town’s clock town starts ticking again, Ruth Clagan and her friends are busy getting everything ready to go. In order to help offset the expenses, they are hosting a fund raiser. However, Kim Gray, the town manager, is a no show until she is discovered crushed under the bell destined for the tower. Obviously, someone hated her. But who?
I was very surprised to see Kim was the victim, but pleasantly so since she’s been a pain in the previous books in the series. We learn even more what a nasty character she is along the way to the satisfying climax, even if one small part of the mystery isn’t quite resolved. The characters are charming as ever, and we get to know a few different supporting players this time, which I enjoyed.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was very surprised to see Kim was the victim, but pleasantly so since she’s been a pain in the previous books in the series. We learn even more what a nasty character she is along the way to the satisfying climax, even if one small part of the mystery isn’t quite resolved. The characters are charming as ever, and we get to know a few different supporting players this time, which I enjoyed.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 11, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This series started with Ruth Clagan coming home to run her late grandfather’s clock shop and grew into her wanting to fulfill his dream of repairing the town’s clock tower. In Chime and Punishment his dream is so close to coming true. Her friends and the residents of Orchard, Massachusetts are attending a fundraiser to complete the task but the gears get all mucked up when the town manager gets her bell rung permanently. Ruth knows to make her grandfather’s and now her dream come true she has to find the killer. Time is of the essence, she doesn’t want anyone else getting clocked.
This is another top notch mystery for Julianne Holmes. I was excited to find out Kim was the victim this time, she has been a real pain in the backsides of almost every in Orchard and that means plenty of suspects. The story kept a nice pace as the clues were dropped and Ruth’s investigation continued. The twists had me all over the place when is came to who actually did the deed. I was surprised when the killer was revealed.
I have grown to love these characters over these three books. The business owners and those that work at the clock shop are very well written and have grown since out first meeting. I have more than one favorite.
The location, both the Cog & Sprocket and the town of Orchard was clearly envisioned in my mind. The clock tower and it’s building remind me of a place in my home town very much. I was thrilled by the whole premise of this series. People working to restore a piece of history was very heartwarming, aside from the murders, of course.
A captivating addition to this series. I think I like this one best of all.
If you haven’t clocked time with this series yet, start at the beginning and enjoy.
This series started with Ruth Clagan coming home to run her late grandfather’s clock shop and grew into her wanting to fulfill his dream of repairing the town’s clock tower. In Chime and Punishment his dream is so close to coming true. Her friends and the residents of Orchard, Massachusetts are attending a fundraiser to complete the task but the gears get all mucked up when the town manager gets her bell rung permanently. Ruth knows to make her grandfather’s and now her dream come true she has to find the killer. Time is of the essence, she doesn’t want anyone else getting clocked.
This is another top notch mystery for Julianne Holmes. I was excited to find out Kim was the victim this time, she has been a real pain in the backsides of almost every in Orchard and that means plenty of suspects. The story kept a nice pace as the clues were dropped and Ruth’s investigation continued. The twists had me all over the place when is came to who actually did the deed. I was surprised when the killer was revealed.
I have grown to love these characters over these three books. The business owners and those that work at the clock shop are very well written and have grown since out first meeting. I have more than one favorite.
The location, both the Cog & Sprocket and the town of Orchard was clearly envisioned in my mind. The clock tower and it’s building remind me of a place in my home town very much. I was thrilled by the whole premise of this series. People working to restore a piece of history was very heartwarming, aside from the murders, of course.
A captivating addition to this series. I think I like this one best of all.
If you haven’t clocked time with this series yet, start at the beginning and enjoy.
July 29, 2017
Chime And Punishment is the third book in the A Clock Shop Mystery series.
Anticipation is growing in Orchard, Mass as it about one month away from the rebuilt clock tower unvieling and the Winding Ceremony. But up first is The Signing Ceremony, where the folks of Orchard will have a chance to see some of the clock parts before they are installed and to etch their names on various parts of the clock.
Ruth Clagan has invited all of the town officials to the ceremony. Kim Gray was noncommittal about attending until Ruth mentioned that there would be a photo op before the ceremony. But as the time approached to begin the speeches, Grey was nowhere to be found. Ruth has sent Pat, her handyman, to start cleaning up so another event could use the Town Hall. But he soon returns to ask that the chief of police, Jeff Paisley is needed as he has just found Grey dead, with the clock tower bell laying on her head.
Kim Grey tended to run the town with an iron fist and therefore the list of suspects seemed to be just about all of Orchard business owner. Two of Ruth’s best friends, Nancy and her daughter Moria seem to be at the top of the list. Ruth begins her own investigation to not only clear their names, but to find the murderer so that the resident’s minds can be totally focused on the celebration of the new clock tower.
I feel that is the best of this series so far. A well-plotted page turner with an interesting cast of characters.
I will be looking forward to the next book in this interesting series.
Anticipation is growing in Orchard, Mass as it about one month away from the rebuilt clock tower unvieling and the Winding Ceremony. But up first is The Signing Ceremony, where the folks of Orchard will have a chance to see some of the clock parts before they are installed and to etch their names on various parts of the clock.
Ruth Clagan has invited all of the town officials to the ceremony. Kim Gray was noncommittal about attending until Ruth mentioned that there would be a photo op before the ceremony. But as the time approached to begin the speeches, Grey was nowhere to be found. Ruth has sent Pat, her handyman, to start cleaning up so another event could use the Town Hall. But he soon returns to ask that the chief of police, Jeff Paisley is needed as he has just found Grey dead, with the clock tower bell laying on her head.
Kim Grey tended to run the town with an iron fist and therefore the list of suspects seemed to be just about all of Orchard business owner. Two of Ruth’s best friends, Nancy and her daughter Moria seem to be at the top of the list. Ruth begins her own investigation to not only clear their names, but to find the murderer so that the resident’s minds can be totally focused on the celebration of the new clock tower.
I feel that is the best of this series so far. A well-plotted page turner with an interesting cast of characters.
I will be looking forward to the next book in this interesting series.
August 28, 2017
The Clock Shop Mysteries keep getting better and better. I love the small western Massachusetts town that author Julianne Holmes (who tweets as @JHAuthors, because she also writes under other names) has created, and the fact that Ruth Clagan, her protagonist, works on clocks but is always late herself. The renovated bell tower, the dream of Ruth's late grandfather, is coming along nicely - until the body of a difficult townsperson is found dead under the bell, itself. You won't want to put down this story once you start. The mystery provides some nice twists and plenty of suspense, while remaining firmly in the cozy camp. A must read!
August 13, 2017
Thursday I read Julianne Holmes second book in the Clock Shop Mystery series called Chime and Punishment. I did not read book one and yet I felt like I could follow along and understand the story line very well. Main character Ruth is likeable and admirable, running her family clock shop, which has been around for more than 100 years. She is dedicated and enthusiastic about her work and her small town. Getting the clock tower up and running is as much about bringing the community together as it is the focus of the book. I loved the characters, even the ill fated Town Manager who I too was not sad when she turns up dead. I was guessing for quite a few chapters about who the killer was and I did figure it out before the big reveal but I did not put all the pieces together without the help of the author. I really enjoyed this, I was not sure I would as the subject matter may not have appealed to me right away. I love the cover and the whole story. This was a very pleasant surprise for me. This one is already out and ready for your to enjoy!
August 4, 2017
Readers are in for a great time with this latest installment in the Clock Shop Mysteries.
I’ve adored this series from the beginning. The characters, the setting, everything about it is simple perfection. It has only gotten better with each new book. And who knew learning about clocks could be so interesting?
Author Julianne Holmes sure does deliver a first rate, gripping read with this tale. Truly a fast paced mystery with a solid plot, CHIME AND PUNISHMENT had me questioning everything, and second guessing myself more than once.
Even though I didn’t like the character who was murdered, I was so into finding out who the killer was I didn’t notice the room around me had gone from light to almost too dark to read. Definitely a first rate, don’t miss whodunit!
It’s time to stop watching the clock, because CHIME AND PUNISHMENT is the book you’ve been waiting for!
I’ve adored this series from the beginning. The characters, the setting, everything about it is simple perfection. It has only gotten better with each new book. And who knew learning about clocks could be so interesting?
Author Julianne Holmes sure does deliver a first rate, gripping read with this tale. Truly a fast paced mystery with a solid plot, CHIME AND PUNISHMENT had me questioning everything, and second guessing myself more than once.
Even though I didn’t like the character who was murdered, I was so into finding out who the killer was I didn’t notice the room around me had gone from light to almost too dark to read. Definitely a first rate, don’t miss whodunit!
It’s time to stop watching the clock, because CHIME AND PUNISHMENT is the book you’ve been waiting for!
August 18, 2017
Even though this is the first book in the series that I have read, I had no problem jumping into the story and characters. Holmes does a good job of referring to other books without any spoilers. I enjoyed the mystery though I guessed whodunit pretty early in the story. Ruth has a unique way of looking at the world and putting all of the pieces of the mystery puzzle together. The setting is nice, the characters likable, and it has a nice cozy feel.
September 5, 2017
I'm surprised by all the positive reviews and glad that so many people enjoyed it. I could not get into this book. It dragged and seemed really forced in the situations that were presented. I don't feel like the people are real and relatable. I have enjoyed the other books.
August 22, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ch...
Chime and Punishment
Clock Shop Mystery, Book #3
By Julianne Holmes
ISBN#9780425275542
Author’s website: https://jahennrikus.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Years ago, the serenity of picturesque Orchard, Massachusetts was shattered by a fire that destroyed the town’s beloved clock tower. Ruth inherited the dream of repairing it from her late grandfather. Now that she’s returned home to run his clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, she’s determined to make it happen, despite wrenches that are being thrown into the works by her least favorite person, town manager Kim Gray.
A crowd of residents and visitors are excited to see the progress of the tower at a fund-raiser for the campaign, until Kim is found crushed under the tower s bell, putting an end to all the fun. The list of suspects is so long it could be read around the clock, and it includes some of Ruth s nearest and dearest.
Times a-wastin as Ruth tries to solve another murder in her beloved Orchard while keeping the gears clicking on her dream project.”
Review:
Readers will lose track of time while reading this engrossing, entertaining third book in the Clock Shop Mystery Series.
It was Ruth Clagan’s grandfather’s dream to restore the clock tower in Orchard, Massachusetts. Now Ruth has made it her mission to fulfill his, and now her, dream. All of her hard work is about to pay off, and the Signing Ceremony for the donors goes well despite the fact that town manager Kim Gray is MIA. That is, until she is found crushed under the bell that is supposed to go in the tower. Now the town hall is off limits, which has the potential to put Ruth and company behind schedule, so Ruth puts her observation skills to the test and solve Kim’s murder.
Chime and Punishment is the first book in the series that I have had the pleasure of reading, but I had no trouble jumping right in to the story without feeling lost. I like the small town New England setting, the clock making slant (although, I confess that I was a little worried about the subject keeping my attention), and the cast of characters. Even though Ruth is a bit of a daydreamer, and startles way too easily, she is a highly organized person and looks at the clues in a far different way than the police. Her enduring love for her grandparents makes her quite endearing. The supporting cast of characters is mostly quirky, but not in a nonrealistic or stereotypical way. Her love interest Ben is likable, and the Reed family is a group I would like to hang out with over a holiday weekend. My least favorite character, other than Kim, is Freddie. She wears my patience and gets on my last nerve. And, of course, Bezel the cat and Blue the dog are nice inclusions. Every cozy needs a pet, right?
The mystery within these pages is well plotted and the story moves along at a quick pace. Since Kim is disliked by pretty much every resident of Orchard, the pool of suspects is large. Ruth’s close relationship with most of the suspects makes the outcome of the investigation all the more important. The deadline of the completion of the clock tower’s refurbishment adds some urgency to the tale. I appreciate that Ruth and Jeff, the police chief, are good friends and that they work together. Too many times in cozy mysteries the police come across as incompetent, but that is not the case here. Ruth and Jeff bring their own skills to the investigation. I also like that Ruth never finds herself personally in danger because of her sleuthing. I admit that I guessed whodunit relatively early, but, as so often is the case, I did not have the “why” of it all put together until right before the reveal. Holmes adds enough twists to the mystery to make me second guess myself more than once.
I greatly enjoyed my time with Ruth and will definitely seek out more books by Julianne Holmes. I recommend Chime and Punishment to any cozy fan.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Chime and Punishment
Clock Shop Mystery, Book #3
By Julianne Holmes
ISBN#9780425275542
Author’s website: https://jahennrikus.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Years ago, the serenity of picturesque Orchard, Massachusetts was shattered by a fire that destroyed the town’s beloved clock tower. Ruth inherited the dream of repairing it from her late grandfather. Now that she’s returned home to run his clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, she’s determined to make it happen, despite wrenches that are being thrown into the works by her least favorite person, town manager Kim Gray.
A crowd of residents and visitors are excited to see the progress of the tower at a fund-raiser for the campaign, until Kim is found crushed under the tower s bell, putting an end to all the fun. The list of suspects is so long it could be read around the clock, and it includes some of Ruth s nearest and dearest.
Times a-wastin as Ruth tries to solve another murder in her beloved Orchard while keeping the gears clicking on her dream project.”
Review:
Readers will lose track of time while reading this engrossing, entertaining third book in the Clock Shop Mystery Series.
It was Ruth Clagan’s grandfather’s dream to restore the clock tower in Orchard, Massachusetts. Now Ruth has made it her mission to fulfill his, and now her, dream. All of her hard work is about to pay off, and the Signing Ceremony for the donors goes well despite the fact that town manager Kim Gray is MIA. That is, until she is found crushed under the bell that is supposed to go in the tower. Now the town hall is off limits, which has the potential to put Ruth and company behind schedule, so Ruth puts her observation skills to the test and solve Kim’s murder.
Chime and Punishment is the first book in the series that I have had the pleasure of reading, but I had no trouble jumping right in to the story without feeling lost. I like the small town New England setting, the clock making slant (although, I confess that I was a little worried about the subject keeping my attention), and the cast of characters. Even though Ruth is a bit of a daydreamer, and startles way too easily, she is a highly organized person and looks at the clues in a far different way than the police. Her enduring love for her grandparents makes her quite endearing. The supporting cast of characters is mostly quirky, but not in a nonrealistic or stereotypical way. Her love interest Ben is likable, and the Reed family is a group I would like to hang out with over a holiday weekend. My least favorite character, other than Kim, is Freddie. She wears my patience and gets on my last nerve. And, of course, Bezel the cat and Blue the dog are nice inclusions. Every cozy needs a pet, right?
The mystery within these pages is well plotted and the story moves along at a quick pace. Since Kim is disliked by pretty much every resident of Orchard, the pool of suspects is large. Ruth’s close relationship with most of the suspects makes the outcome of the investigation all the more important. The deadline of the completion of the clock tower’s refurbishment adds some urgency to the tale. I appreciate that Ruth and Jeff, the police chief, are good friends and that they work together. Too many times in cozy mysteries the police come across as incompetent, but that is not the case here. Ruth and Jeff bring their own skills to the investigation. I also like that Ruth never finds herself personally in danger because of her sleuthing. I admit that I guessed whodunit relatively early, but, as so often is the case, I did not have the “why” of it all put together until right before the reveal. Holmes adds enough twists to the mystery to make me second guess myself more than once.
I greatly enjoyed my time with Ruth and will definitely seek out more books by Julianne Holmes. I recommend Chime and Punishment to any cozy fan.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
February 19, 2021
Ruth is back and gearing up for the clock tower to finish restorations and have a celebration opening. She is an every-woman who notices details and connects dots.
Ben Clover, the romantic interest, is distracted by his ex-wife's manipulations. Jeff Paisley, the by-the-book Chief of Police is put in the difficult position of having to officially question his Nancy (his girlfriend's mother). This is probably my favorite cop portrayal in any of the cozy's I have read.
Becket, who has been a thorn in Ruth's back side since book one has a few surprises. Caroline, the step-grandmother is present but not much page time. Of course, Bezel, the shop cat deserves a mention since he gets a spotlight in the story.
The setting is a standard small town with the standard enclave of shops but you get more of the history of the City Hall which added to the overall feel of the town. Pacing keeps steady with the sub plots of dealing with ex-partners for both Ben and Ruth.
The plot is solid cozy mystery with several suspects, all of whom you don't want to be the killer. The killer reveal was tame, but works since all the suspects were "nice" people.
I enjoyed my return to Orchard. It feels like visiting good friends and the story is entertaining. Win-win.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.
Ben Clover, the romantic interest, is distracted by his ex-wife's manipulations. Jeff Paisley, the by-the-book Chief of Police is put in the difficult position of having to officially question his Nancy (his girlfriend's mother). This is probably my favorite cop portrayal in any of the cozy's I have read.
Becket, who has been a thorn in Ruth's back side since book one has a few surprises. Caroline, the step-grandmother is present but not much page time. Of course, Bezel, the shop cat deserves a mention since he gets a spotlight in the story.
The setting is a standard small town with the standard enclave of shops but you get more of the history of the City Hall which added to the overall feel of the town. Pacing keeps steady with the sub plots of dealing with ex-partners for both Ben and Ruth.
The plot is solid cozy mystery with several suspects, all of whom you don't want to be the killer. The killer reveal was tame, but works since all the suspects were "nice" people.
I enjoyed my return to Orchard. It feels like visiting good friends and the story is entertaining. Win-win.
Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.
July 23, 2021
The story is set in the small town of Orchard located in the Berkshires. The main character, Ruth Clagan, gets involved in the investigation of the death of Kim, the town manager. Most people did not like Kim so the suspect list is long. The book was an easy read.
August 12, 2017
This is the third book in the Clock Shop Mystery series. Excellent character development and a captivating mystery plot. This series is getting better and better.
August 28, 2017
A fitting conclusion to a fantastic series. The characters are well-thought and match the intricately-woven plot!
August 1, 2018
5 stars because I really love the theme of the clock shop and that was an unexpected bonus. The writing, characters, and mysteries are always good, so I wish there would be more books in this series.
August 15, 2017
Ruth and the rest of the denizens are hitting their stride in this third, and unfortunately final, installment of the Clock Shop Mysteries. An intriguing mystery with lot's of twists and turns; a suspect list that includes almost everyone on Orchard; ad ending that is a perfect homage to the great Agatha Christie, all add up to a precision mystery and superb storytelling. I'll miss Ruth, and Orchard. (oh and for the record, I look quite fetching in a pair of bike shorts-read the book to understand this comment!)
August 31, 2017
I have been a fan of Julianne Holmes since reading the first release in this series, Just Killing Time. The story captivated me from the very first page, and this release is no different. Ruth Clagan runs the Cog & Spocket, a clock shop in Orchard, Massachusetts, originally owned by her late grandfather, Thomas Clagan. His ardent desire was to restore the town’s beloved clock tower after it was destroyed by fire. Ruth wants to see that his dream meets fruition, for it has become an obsession for her as well. Moira Reed, Zane Philips, and social media guru Nadia Wint, who’s made the Clagan Clock Tower Project headline news for Orchard, stand behind Ruth 100%, as well as Ruth’s stepgrandmother Caroline Adler and Ruth’s new beau Ben Clover. One person, however, has made it clear that she is determined to stand in Ruth’s way: town manager Kim Gray.
During the special fund raiser held to publicize and help defray the cost of the repair, Kim is found dead. The method of death is suspicious, so Police Chief Jeff Paisley and Officer Ro Troisi retain all the attendees. Every one of them is a suspect and Ruth is at the top of the list. As Moira says, Ruth has a different set of skills, and must use them to prove herself innocent and help discover the truth.
See my full review at: http://myshelf.com/mystery/16/chimean...
During the special fund raiser held to publicize and help defray the cost of the repair, Kim is found dead. The method of death is suspicious, so Police Chief Jeff Paisley and Officer Ro Troisi retain all the attendees. Every one of them is a suspect and Ruth is at the top of the list. As Moira says, Ruth has a different set of skills, and must use them to prove herself innocent and help discover the truth.
See my full review at: http://myshelf.com/mystery/16/chimean...
October 15, 2017
2.75 Stars
Reviewed by Wendy
Sexual Content: None
Language Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
Orchard Massachusetts was once home to a beautiful clock tower. Ruth Clagan who runs the Cog and Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather, wants to renovate the tower. She is working on bringing it back to life after it was destroyed by a fire. A fundraiser for the clock tower put on by Ruth and her friends doesn’t go as planned, as town manager Kim, a woman opposed to the idea is found murdered underneath the clock’s bells.
Who hated the town manager enough to bump her off? Kim was not well liked by local business owners, so the list of her enemies is long. High up on the lists of suspects are two people near and dear to Ruth, so she immediately sets out to find the real killer in order to clear their names.
Chime and Punishment and the Clock Shop Mysteries sounded intriguing to me. However, I found the mystery to be a little bit of a slow read. On the positive side, it was a nice change of pace to have the amateur sleuth work with the local law enforcement rather than go out on her own and endanger herself. Ruth’s friends are okay and are somewhat quirky. There is a little bit of romance with Ben which added to the story. A likeable mystery, just not my cup of tea.
-- WENDY
Reviewed by Wendy
Sexual Content: None
Language Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
Orchard Massachusetts was once home to a beautiful clock tower. Ruth Clagan who runs the Cog and Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather, wants to renovate the tower. She is working on bringing it back to life after it was destroyed by a fire. A fundraiser for the clock tower put on by Ruth and her friends doesn’t go as planned, as town manager Kim, a woman opposed to the idea is found murdered underneath the clock’s bells.
Who hated the town manager enough to bump her off? Kim was not well liked by local business owners, so the list of her enemies is long. High up on the lists of suspects are two people near and dear to Ruth, so she immediately sets out to find the real killer in order to clear their names.
Chime and Punishment and the Clock Shop Mysteries sounded intriguing to me. However, I found the mystery to be a little bit of a slow read. On the positive side, it was a nice change of pace to have the amateur sleuth work with the local law enforcement rather than go out on her own and endanger herself. Ruth’s friends are okay and are somewhat quirky. There is a little bit of romance with Ben which added to the story. A likeable mystery, just not my cup of tea.
-- WENDY
August 21, 2017
So enjoying this series, I really love Ruth, her friends and family, the clock shop and the town of Orchard. While Ruth is in some ways like a lot of cozy heroines, coming back to her roots after a bad divorce, she is different in a lot of ways, she has an unique skill set, she never got to mend fences with her beloved grandfather, she has new family she doesn't know and the town that she made her hometown is in trouble on a couple of levels. I love that she is calm, willing to work hard, smart and openhearted. I also love that there is no adversarial relationship with the local law, as a matter of fact they become great friends but not lovers. The mystery is good, this time someone who has been in all three books but is disliked so the possible murderer has endless possiblies. The end of this book leaves you so satisfied, yet I can wait for more!!!!!!!
December 7, 2017
Julianne Holmes’s Clock Shop Mysteries quickly became one of my favorite series and I spent some time binge-reading through the first three books. Now I have to wait for the next entry in the series…just when Ruth’s dreams are finally coming through! Bummer for me. Ruth is a terrific, well-thought out, intelligent character. She is shown as creative and determined…definitely someone you would want to be friends with if she were real. As you read her you can see the wheels…or would it be cogs? Turning.
I have enjoyed the progression of the stories—there is the murder and Ruth’s analysis solving them but there is also the story of the clock tower and its history. Secondary characters come into the story – some stay, some go. The regulars aren’t stagnant backdrops for Ruth, but have their own stories to tell. Some of interwoven and those that are, are nicely done.
I have enjoyed the progression of the stories—there is the murder and Ruth’s analysis solving them but there is also the story of the clock tower and its history. Secondary characters come into the story – some stay, some go. The regulars aren’t stagnant backdrops for Ruth, but have their own stories to tell. Some of interwoven and those that are, are nicely done.
February 27, 2020
I enjoyed this series as a whole. This book was as good as its predecessors. The cozy small town vibe, the cast of supporting characters, and the mystery lite were all very enjoyable. I also appreciated that this was 100% clean. However, I could’ve done with the mild OP/ex drama. While they themselves didn’t appear on page, they caused some tension between the h and her boyfriend. It’s a minor quibble but one that others might care about.
I’m not sure if the author is continuing in with this series. It ended on a lovely note, with future HEAs hinted at. However, I’d read another installment if the author chose to write one. :)
I’m not sure if the author is continuing in with this series. It ended on a lovely note, with future HEAs hinted at. However, I’d read another installment if the author chose to write one. :)
November 13, 2017
Another murder in Orchard and at the celebration for the clock tower too. Fortunately the victim is Kim, the town manager who no one like anyway. But murder is murder and must be solved. Even though it appears as if the new clock bell killed her, the ME says she died of an allergic reaction. Even though no liked her, who hated her enough to kill her? With little physical evidence the chief of police isn’t making much headway but Ruth is putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with opportunity, method and motive. Another excellent read!
June 12, 2018
I started reading this and the next thing I knew I finished it. Ruth is trying to get the clock tower in town back working when a body is discovered . The victim is widely disliked so there are alot of suspects.I liked that it showed if you live in a small town ,you have to deal with the fact the killer is probably someone you know, also it showed family isn't always by blood. I am definitely looking fo ward to the next book in the series.
February 18, 2018
I couldn't get past pg 50.
Apparently "daydreaming is Ruth's special skill". What she calls "unencumbered thinking helps her come up with unexpected solutions".
I have no problem with that - except when you start spacing out during a 3 second conversation that consists of "hi! how are you?"
Hellooooo? are you daydreaming?
I was on a 5 hour plane trip with nothing else to read and and couldn't force myself to tolerate this book. The in-flight magazine was better.
Apparently "daydreaming is Ruth's special skill". What she calls "unencumbered thinking helps her come up with unexpected solutions".
I have no problem with that - except when you start spacing out during a 3 second conversation that consists of "hi! how are you?"
Hellooooo? are you daydreaming?
I was on a 5 hour plane trip with nothing else to read and and couldn't force myself to tolerate this book. The in-flight magazine was better.
September 19, 2021
I was warned that this book might not follow up on topics when the first scene, going out for bragged on breakfast sandwiches, ended with no breakfast sandwiches brought back to the shop, no food of any kind for the coworker, and no mention of such.
The crime scene was poorly described (alternate parking space but no way in?) the murder weapon poorly researched and described--on and on.
Still I gave it a bare 3 stars for readability, and am amazed at how many gave it 4.
The crime scene was poorly described (alternate parking space but no way in?) the murder weapon poorly researched and described--on and on.
Still I gave it a bare 3 stars for readability, and am amazed at how many gave it 4.
July 27, 2019
Ruth has her hands full getting ready for the big ceremony with the Clock Tower that her grandfather wanted to do. This is really happening. Everything is running smoothly till Kim is found under the bell. We get to know a little bit more about Ben who is now Ruth's boyfriend, Jeff's mom has come to town as well. A real good mystery in a small town and what makes this town special.
August 7, 2017
Make Time to Read!
What's not to like? Chime & Punishment is well plotted with several unexpected twists that kept me guessing till the end! And the ending, well, I shed a few tears of joy.
What's not to like? Chime & Punishment is well plotted with several unexpected twists that kept me guessing till the end! And the ending, well, I shed a few tears of joy.
January 14, 2018
A return to form! Book two in the series was a bit of a let down but even though I figured out whodunit early, this was a very satisfying read. I wonder if it is intended to be the last since a good many loose ends were tied up.
January 31, 2018
This is the third book in this Clock Shop Mystery. The characters are unique clogs in the tale and the setting in the eastern part of the United States. The ending let the reader know that there will be more with these characters. copy right 2017
December 27, 2018
Number 3 in the series. Continues the story of the clock worker living in a small town working on finally restoring the clock tower in the city center. Very nice cozy mystery, a page turner with some really clever twists this time.
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