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The Cuckoo Clock
A landslide on a coastal road pushes a car over the cliff, and its driver to almost certain death below. A strange floral tribute at a lonely funeral. A luxury seaside cottage to let, with a rent that is too good to be true. The mundane death of an elderly man in a nursing home – and a seemingly important cuckoo clock...When Madeleine Porter, family history enthusiast, moves to the south coast, she is intrigued by the story of the house she rents, and the people who lived there. Joining forces with local historian Ian Clay, together they uncover a story of lost love, cruel behaviour and unwavering devotion, coupled with new beginnings and fresh hope.
268 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2013
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2017
Really #2 in the series, which is hard to sequence except by publication date and three books were published in 2014. Anyway, fun tale.
May 14, 2017
I really like genealogical mysteries so I am happy to read this series. In addition, I like the protagonist, Madeleine Porter. I enjoyed reading this book, number 2 in the series although she doesn't play a big role in the first book, Family Shadows.
However, it is seemed to me like an unfinished painting. The outline of the picture is there and some parts of the canvas are completed in great detail but most of it is a bit fuzzy or given a simple wash of colour. It would merit more work to flesh out the plot and to dramatise some of the story, perhaps, rather than just telling what happened.
On the other hand, there are some secondary characters who are explored in greater detail than they warrant in the story. It distracts without being in any way a useful red herring. (I don't want to specify which group of characters this is because it might be a spoiler!) So, it could create a tighter book, with more pace, if that chapter were cut down considerably.
Still, I do intend to keep reading the series and find out what happens to Madeleine in her new home.
However, it is seemed to me like an unfinished painting. The outline of the picture is there and some parts of the canvas are completed in great detail but most of it is a bit fuzzy or given a simple wash of colour. It would merit more work to flesh out the plot and to dramatise some of the story, perhaps, rather than just telling what happened.
On the other hand, there are some secondary characters who are explored in greater detail than they warrant in the story. It distracts without being in any way a useful red herring. (I don't want to specify which group of characters this is because it might be a spoiler!) So, it could create a tighter book, with more pace, if that chapter were cut down considerably.
Still, I do intend to keep reading the series and find out what happens to Madeleine in her new home.
June 13, 2022
Better than the first
Reading the first in this series was spoiled by some bad editing, specifically missing words. However the story was interesting and I decided to give number 2 a try. I’m glad I did as this kindle edition was good. The protagonist, Madeleine is a likeable character, and the various strands of the family research were all concluded satisfactorily, if a little bit saccharine. Genealogists generally find they have to leave the odd loose end by simple dint of lack of documented information! Will continue with the series.
Reading the first in this series was spoiled by some bad editing, specifically missing words. However the story was interesting and I decided to give number 2 a try. I’m glad I did as this kindle edition was good. The protagonist, Madeleine is a likeable character, and the various strands of the family research were all concluded satisfactorily, if a little bit saccharine. Genealogists generally find they have to leave the odd loose end by simple dint of lack of documented information! Will continue with the series.
December 4, 2018
Mrs Porter is rather like a Marple enthusiast that still has some way to go.
Nixon's style and characterisation has a romantic feel. I bought this book for the genealogy interest which was woven nicely into the story.The dialogue was easy to follow but I prefer a more challenging plot which is why I think this would better suit the romantic reader who doesn't want to work too hard at enjoying a good read.
Nixon's style and characterisation has a romantic feel. I bought this book for the genealogy interest which was woven nicely into the story.The dialogue was easy to follow but I prefer a more challenging plot which is why I think this would better suit the romantic reader who doesn't want to work too hard at enjoying a good read.
March 10, 2021
Fascinating story. When Madeleine decides to rest a seaside cottage, she has no idea that it comes with a mystery. A previous resident had disappeared after an automobile accident — did he die? And what happened to his wife? Madeleine enlist the help of a local, Ian, and together they try to piece together the mystery. It takes a surprising turn when a woman named Tina asks Madeleine to trace her late father's history. Very enjoyable, hard to put down. Recommended.
March 26, 2021
The book was an okay read. The plot seemed too simple from the beginning and clues too plentiful. Of course, things are never as they seem. I just wish the author hadn't resorted to contrived methods to change the storyline; a little oddity is acceptable and even appreciated ("Oh, I didn't see that coming"). This is the second of Mr. Nixon's books I have read. I believe the first book was better.
February 20, 2018
Great mystery with loads of surprises
This story pulled me in from the first chapter. So compelling and we'll crafted, John Nixon is a master storyteller. The characters are very well developed and everything is quite believable, historically speaking. I couldn't put it down. Mystery, intrigue and a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
This story pulled me in from the first chapter. So compelling and we'll crafted, John Nixon is a master storyteller. The characters are very well developed and everything is quite believable, historically speaking. I couldn't put it down. Mystery, intrigue and a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2021
An intriguing just read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting as it was about tracing your family. It's intriguing what you can find out. I would highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting as it was about tracing your family. It's intriguing what you can find out. I would highly recommend.
February 26, 2022
A lively tale.
John lives up to his reputation as a genealoomgy writer. An absorbing tale . Genealogists will find it fascinating. Wish it was as easy getting immediate family info as it is in England.
John lives up to his reputation as a genealoomgy writer. An absorbing tale . Genealogists will find it fascinating. Wish it was as easy getting immediate family info as it is in England.
January 9, 2019
Another great story and I loved the unexpected ending! Highly recommend this book!
December 18, 2021
Intrigueing
I enjoyed this last part of the story. Very intrigueing. On to the next mystery. More mystery than genealogy though.
I enjoyed this last part of the story. Very intrigueing. On to the next mystery. More mystery than genealogy though.
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I love a bit of mystery and I also do family history so this book was right up my street.
September 17, 2022
The writing is very childlike in a way, but the content is very good.
October 5, 2014
This is another great genealogical crime mystery by John Nixon. I read Stolen Futures prior to reading this but it didn't spoil reading about the beginnings of romance between 60+ers Madeline and Ian. They are such a lovely couple together with the common interest of genealogy. Madeline is selected by John Williams to occupy his newly furnished and remodeled home, "The Haven," simply because she loves the cuckoo clock that hangs in the living room. The importance of the clock piques her interest and she works to solve that mystery while at the same time, tracing the family history for a woman who has recently inherited from her father's will. The two researches come together in the end during a few twists and unexpected surprises.
February 3, 2016
This is a good gentle genealogical mystery that starts in a quite dramatic way. Gradually the twists and turns of the plot are unravelled by newcomer to the town,Madeleine Porter with the help of and her new friend and local, Ian.
I enjoyed the development of Madeleine's character throughout this book. I was also pleased to see that the author has taken a step back from the 'provedural' bits of obtaining certificates etc. This will widen the appeal to people who are not based in the UK.
I enjoyed the development of Madeleine's character throughout this book. I was also pleased to see that the author has taken a step back from the 'provedural' bits of obtaining certificates etc. This will widen the appeal to people who are not based in the UK.
October 9, 2015
Loved this book!
This is a story about how lives can be changed by events, sometimes by events that we cannot control. I found the book, both entertaining and interesting. I enjoy reading a series of books in which the main characters are the same with a progression regarding the details in their lives. Great read!
This is a story about how lives can be changed by events, sometimes by events that we cannot control. I found the book, both entertaining and interesting. I enjoy reading a series of books in which the main characters are the same with a progression regarding the details in their lives. Great read!
June 18, 2014
Nice mystery
it was a change from other mysteries I have read. the plot was very intriguing with mini mysteries which all came together in the end.
it was a change from other mysteries I have read. the plot was very intriguing with mini mysteries which all came together in the end.
July 20, 2014
A really good read. Good to see the Korean War get a mention - the Forgotten War.
April 22, 2015
Very good read
This book was easy to read. It would be a great summer read. Good content and plot. The characters were believable as well. I will recommend this book to friends.
This book was easy to read. It would be a great summer read. Good content and plot. The characters were believable as well. I will recommend this book to friends.
September 28, 2016
Enjoyed this genealogical mystery but there were too many convenient coincidences.
November 6, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The last genealogical relationship that was discovered was a little over the top but the rest was plausible. Interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews