When the Clocks Stopped

Mysterious Marsh #1

by M.L. Eaton

The long hot summer of 1976. The mysterious Romney Marsh in the South of England.

Hazel Dawkins, a spirited young solicitor, takes maternity leave anticipating a period of tranquillity. Instead, the dreams begin. In them she encounters Annie, a passionate young woman whose romantic and tempestuous life was adventurously lived, more than two centuries previously, in the cottage that Hazel now occupies.

As the destinies of the two young women entwine, Hazel not only confronts a terrifying challenge which parallels history, she finds herself desperately fighting for survival in a cruel and unforgiving age. Even more disturbing is the realisation that her battle will affect the future for those in the past whose fate is, as yet, unwritten.

Her only ally is Annie. Together they face events that echo through the centuries, events that are as violent and compelling as they are unexpected.

And, as the past collides with the present, the time for the birth of Hazel's child draws ever nearer.

294 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2013

About the author

Retired from legal practice and semi-retired from holistic therapy - although she still teaches Reiki and other workshops - Marion lives close to the sea in the beautiful East Sussex countryside with a long-suffering husband, a lazy saluki and an urge to write into the small hours.

Reviews

[Gayle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love mysteries. I love historical mysteries. Throwing in a ghostly presence is great. Slip through time is even better. Did I say I really mysteries in English villages? This book has it all.
Hazel gets roped into writing wills for the people in the village, but a couple of the women seem a bit unhinged. Noises in the attic? Smuggling people? Got to be someone's imagination. The more Hazel gets involved with these people, the more danger she is in. But she has help from Annie who lived in another time...and vice versa.
The book goes back and forth between present day and late 1700's, set in the same town of Rype. When the clocks stop, some people are able to slip through the veil of time. I love that stuff. :)

[C.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel Dawkins is a pregnant solicitor when she and her husband move to a new town and buy a cottage that holds a number of secrets connected to the location's past as a haven for smugglers. She refers to her condition as "The Bump" and is glad to start earning some money in her profession before she stops to become a full-time mother. Before that happen, however, she has to solve a mystery or two and right some old, old wrongs--helped by a mother from the past. A terrific, fun read with touches of local history that I always enjoy.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read a good rollicking adventure yarn.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a amazing book that keeps your interest throughout the whole story. I really enjoyed reading it.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that WHEN THE CLOCKS STOPPED by M.L. Eaton is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 stories in one. A time rift exists in the village where Hazel and Bruce live. As Hazel assists her new neighbors with legal matters, she dreams of Annie and Jack who live in the past. With each new client, she experiences these rifts and begins to understand that Time can stand still.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I loved this book and it's feel good warmth with lots of mystery & intrigue. It was extremely well written and I couldn't put it down. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book if you enjoy mystery, intrigue, time-slip and a little bit of suspense. I am so glad there are more to continue the story. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement from the first page!