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The Clockwork House
Ava Cortez had always felt adrift in the world, as the only daughter of a flower child she’d spent her entire childhood drifting from town to town, dreaming of a place to belong.
When her mother passes away, Ava discovers that she has inherited an old rambling Victorian house situated on the small island of Midnight, off the coast of Maine. The place where her mother was born.
Unable to contain her curiosity Ava sets out to discover her family history and the past her mother was running from, but what started out as a curiosity soon begins to consume her, the more secrets she uncovers, the more she realizes how closely entwined her family is with the dark history of the island itself.
With the help of a local man named Kelley Ryan she delves deeper into the past leading her back to one fateful night in 1919, to the worst storm on record and the sudden disappearance of dozens of children.
The more they dig into the history of the house, the more they come to realize that sometimes the deepest foundations hide the darkest secrets.
When her mother passes away, Ava discovers that she has inherited an old rambling Victorian house situated on the small island of Midnight, off the coast of Maine. The place where her mother was born.
Unable to contain her curiosity Ava sets out to discover her family history and the past her mother was running from, but what started out as a curiosity soon begins to consume her, the more secrets she uncovers, the more she realizes how closely entwined her family is with the dark history of the island itself.
With the help of a local man named Kelley Ryan she delves deeper into the past leading her back to one fateful night in 1919, to the worst storm on record and the sudden disappearance of dozens of children.
The more they dig into the history of the house, the more they come to realize that sometimes the deepest foundations hide the darkest secrets.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2019
126 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Saunders
30 books181 followersWendy Saunders is a supernatural/contemporary fantasy & Romantic Suspense author.
She is best known for her phenomenal world building skills, rich multi-layered storytelling and love of magic & mythology.
But be warned once you step into her world you'll find yourself checking reality at the door and entering a universe where magic is real.
Wendy Saunders also writes dark romance/romantic suspense as W.J. Saunders and she writes LGBTQ+/MM Romance as Vawn Cassidy
COMING Oct 2023 New Covers for The Carter Trilogyt!
Tangled Web, Twisted Lies & Blood Ties are being taken wide across all platforms!
Boxsets
The Guardians Series 1,
The Complete Series 1 Box Set
The Carter Trilogy
She is best known for her phenomenal world building skills, rich multi-layered storytelling and love of magic & mythology.
But be warned once you step into her world you'll find yourself checking reality at the door and entering a universe where magic is real.
Wendy Saunders also writes dark romance/romantic suspense as W.J. Saunders and she writes LGBTQ+/MM Romance as Vawn Cassidy
COMING Oct 2023 New Covers for The Carter Trilogyt!
Tangled Web, Twisted Lies & Blood Ties are being taken wide across all platforms!
Boxsets
The Guardians Series 1,
The Complete Series 1 Box Set
The Carter Trilogy
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews
August 22, 2021
This is the second ghost story I've read lately even though this isn't usually my thing. But, this one is really good - dark, depressing, emotionally sickening & scary - and would probably make a great movie. My rating would be higher were it not for all the terrible editing.
September 1, 2019
A page turner!
Have missed suspense from this author so reading this was a no brainer.
This is a massive book with so much detail you feel like you are right beside the characters.
Have missed suspense from this author so reading this was a no brainer.
This is a massive book with so much detail you feel like you are right beside the characters.
September 17, 2019
Great ghost story and would make a great movie!
August 31, 2019
Wonderful new read from the magic-penned (or computered?!) author of the brilliant Guardians series! Following Ava & her furry buddy, Bailey, after she's bequeathed an old house belonging to her family - neither of which she knew existed! Dark secrets & urban legends of haunted spectres & dark events surround the property & past owners leaving Ava wondering what on earth she's let herself in for! Should she get rid of the derelict & creepy mansion or should she give in to its potent pull & bring the neglected house back to its former majestic glory? What bearing could meeting a hunky barman & some feisty mature townswomen have on Ava's possible future in the house or not? Great characters & writing take you on a magical journey full of mystery, noir, suspense, horror, with romance & humour (wish I could meet a Kelley!), together with a supernatural twist that'll take your emotions on a rollercoaster ride leaving you gasping at the exciting ending! Wendy does it again - another winner! Read on kindle unlimited & highly recommended.
August 31, 2019
Excellent Book
I'm a huge fan on Wendy Saunders! This was such a good book! I was so surprised by the end. This was such a good ghost story, I read it in two days. So hard to put down.
I'm a huge fan on Wendy Saunders! This was such a good book! I was so surprised by the end. This was such a good ghost story, I read it in two days. So hard to put down.
September 2, 2019
Highly Recommend this book and every book by this Author
Clockwork House was so hard to put down. So many twists and great characters. I especially loved Bailey!!! I hope the story continues!
Clockwork House was so hard to put down. So many twists and great characters. I especially loved Bailey!!! I hope the story continues!
December 18, 2020
Simply, WOW!
I thought the Tangles Series was moving to the point of an emotional rollercoaster.
However, this novel, was romantic suspense on the edge of romantic thriller.
The descriptions of the house and Maine coastal island were simply stunning.
The main characters amazing! Ava, who has no idea of her beauty, inside and out, and Kelly, a twin, the scholary one. An unlikely pair, yet perfect, Kelly's imagination and family was the perfect foil for Ava's pragmatism and isolation from any type of traditional family life.
Add in one twin, a father and mother of Kelly's who were frankly hysterical and you have one intense read.
I was moved by this story, especially the accuracy of time, and the ways of individuals in the past the make the present storyline so relevant!
A stunning read !!!!!!
So Tangled Series, and The Clockwork House, I am truly impressed with your writing Ms Saunders!
On that note ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
I thought the Tangles Series was moving to the point of an emotional rollercoaster.
However, this novel, was romantic suspense on the edge of romantic thriller.
The descriptions of the house and Maine coastal island were simply stunning.
The main characters amazing! Ava, who has no idea of her beauty, inside and out, and Kelly, a twin, the scholary one. An unlikely pair, yet perfect, Kelly's imagination and family was the perfect foil for Ava's pragmatism and isolation from any type of traditional family life.
Add in one twin, a father and mother of Kelly's who were frankly hysterical and you have one intense read.
I was moved by this story, especially the accuracy of time, and the ways of individuals in the past the make the present storyline so relevant!
A stunning read !!!!!!
So Tangled Series, and The Clockwork House, I am truly impressed with your writing Ms Saunders!
On that note ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!
Karen
April 4, 2021
I have never heard of Wendy Saunders before but this book appealed to me due to the title. It wasn’t exactly what I expected but I love a good ghost story and that is exactly what I got so there are no complaints from me. This story is not for the emotionally weak though. The themes here are extremely dark, depressing and absolutely horrific. If you can get through the themes what you have is a great ghost story that takes inspiration from some of the greats and has one or two twists towards the end. We all love a good twist don’t we? I will have to check out other titles by Wendy Saunders in the future!
May 18, 2021
Delightfully Frightful
Yesterday on Facebook, one of my favorite authors posted a picture of Stephen King holding a sign that urged viewers to “Read more scary books”. Coincidentally, I began to read The Clockwork House that afternoon. I was unfamiliar with the author, but I definitely plan to read more books by Wendy Saunders. I’ve
always loved a good ghost story, and this one is filled with chills and thrills. The main characters make you want to move to Midnight Island and become part of the friendly community. This book was a treat to read.
Yesterday on Facebook, one of my favorite authors posted a picture of Stephen King holding a sign that urged viewers to “Read more scary books”. Coincidentally, I began to read The Clockwork House that afternoon. I was unfamiliar with the author, but I definitely plan to read more books by Wendy Saunders. I’ve
always loved a good ghost story, and this one is filled with chills and thrills. The main characters make you want to move to Midnight Island and become part of the friendly community. This book was a treat to read.
October 13, 2025
Wendy has such a compelling way of writing. I was unable to stop listening. This book has mystery, secrets, spirits, love, found family, intriges, a scary house and a little sprinkle of spice as part of the story. This book is perfect for fall and halloween! If you like a gripping, mysterious and scary story this one is for you! Please check TW there are descriptions of heavy topics and (childhood) trauma.
Please also check out her other books and also the books written under her other name Vawn cassidy which are also amazing.
Please also check out her other books and also the books written under her other name Vawn cassidy which are also amazing.
August 24, 2024
Great summer or Halloween read
This is an interesting and fast paced read. I really like the book and the characters. I would of loved if it had been a series. The plot and characters mesh nicely. I loved the island setting and how the author transported you there. Will definitely read more books by Wendy Saunders.
This is an interesting and fast paced read. I really like the book and the characters. I would of loved if it had been a series. The plot and characters mesh nicely. I loved the island setting and how the author transported you there. Will definitely read more books by Wendy Saunders.
October 8, 2020
A great read!
I really loved this book. It's so good that you can't put it down. The characters are good people that I really cared about. It's a really good ghost story with some romance too. A must read!
I really loved this book. It's so good that you can't put it down. The characters are good people that I really cared about. It's a really good ghost story with some romance too. A must read!
November 12, 2020
Awesome!
Loved the depth of the characters. Hated for the story to end. An open mind and heart is needed. Waiting for a follow up.
Loved the depth of the characters. Hated for the story to end. An open mind and heart is needed. Waiting for a follow up.
November 27, 2020
I enjoyed the Carter Legacy Trilogy so much I emailed the author and she recommended this book she also wrote and wow could not put it down.
April 6, 2021
Loved it!
Funny and dramatic at the same time! I and my mom enjoyed it very much! If you like a good ghost story along with romance, this is the book for you!
Funny and dramatic at the same time! I and my mom enjoyed it very much! If you like a good ghost story along with romance, this is the book for you!
January 8, 2023
Love this book! Well written, characters personalities 'hooked' me within a few pages, premise intriguing...couldn't put it down! Becoming a big Wendy Saunders fan!!
March 11, 2020
Happy to have discovered a new (to me) author.
September 24, 2019
Fun women’s fiction/romance plus supernatural horror. Warning: multiple triggers. See last paragraph.
I’m a mystery-crime fiction fan who also reads science fiction, horror, supernatural, and UF. I chose this book for the cover art and title, but almost didn’t read it, because of a “meh” synopsis and mostly vague Amazon reviews. After reading a positive Goodreads review, I decided to give it a try, hoping for steampunk and/or science fiction elements.
Fearless protagonist Ava Cortez, who did odd jobs all her life to scrape by, learns that her mother died and left her a huge sum of money and an ancestral house in Maine. Ava and her German Shepherd named Bailey go to Midnight Island, off the Maine coast, and find Lynch House, a spooky Victorian mansion in need of serious repairs.
Very early in the book, whilst Ava and Bailey sleep in her truck, a mysterious candle flickers in the topmost room. In the morning, she can’t quite remember the terrible dream she had. I was hooked. When Ava enters the house with a contractor, paranormal elements come out to play . . . as do things supernatural.
I liked but didn’t love the secondary, flashback plot about Lynch House’s original families, although its crucial to the story. The flashbacks are in no particular order, and they also flash forward and backward in time. Unlike the lighter main storyline, the flashbacks are heartbreakingly bleak and often macabre.
The storylines, which twist and merge, contain much for supernatural horror fans: a crazy woman telling Ava to RUN; powerful killer-ghosts; hidden clockworks; lifelike women dead for decades; skeletons and desiccated corpses; a child ghost who leaves flowers for Ava; unexplained collapsing floors; portal to a ghost dimension; and a hidden mortuary.
For readers who prefer lighter fare, there are humorous and even LOL comical moments in the main storyline. I loved a group of semi-clichéd, mature women—including the Sheriff’s mother—who become stoned on weed, due to the influence of a hippie lawyer. Fun clichés abound as do fun filler-material. I suggest the author get a copy editor for punctuation and grammar problems, not to mention head-hopping. Also, a clearer, more descriptive synopsis might draw appreciative readers.
Triggers: child abuse, rape, pedophilia, other sexual deviancies, graphic murder.
I’m a mystery-crime fiction fan who also reads science fiction, horror, supernatural, and UF. I chose this book for the cover art and title, but almost didn’t read it, because of a “meh” synopsis and mostly vague Amazon reviews. After reading a positive Goodreads review, I decided to give it a try, hoping for steampunk and/or science fiction elements.
Fearless protagonist Ava Cortez, who did odd jobs all her life to scrape by, learns that her mother died and left her a huge sum of money and an ancestral house in Maine. Ava and her German Shepherd named Bailey go to Midnight Island, off the Maine coast, and find Lynch House, a spooky Victorian mansion in need of serious repairs.
Very early in the book, whilst Ava and Bailey sleep in her truck, a mysterious candle flickers in the topmost room. In the morning, she can’t quite remember the terrible dream she had. I was hooked. When Ava enters the house with a contractor, paranormal elements come out to play . . . as do things supernatural.
I liked but didn’t love the secondary, flashback plot about Lynch House’s original families, although its crucial to the story. The flashbacks are in no particular order, and they also flash forward and backward in time. Unlike the lighter main storyline, the flashbacks are heartbreakingly bleak and often macabre.
The storylines, which twist and merge, contain much for supernatural horror fans: a crazy woman telling Ava to RUN; powerful killer-ghosts; hidden clockworks; lifelike women dead for decades; skeletons and desiccated corpses; a child ghost who leaves flowers for Ava; unexplained collapsing floors; portal to a ghost dimension; and a hidden mortuary.
For readers who prefer lighter fare, there are humorous and even LOL comical moments in the main storyline. I loved a group of semi-clichéd, mature women—including the Sheriff’s mother—who become stoned on weed, due to the influence of a hippie lawyer. Fun clichés abound as do fun filler-material. I suggest the author get a copy editor for punctuation and grammar problems, not to mention head-hopping. Also, a clearer, more descriptive synopsis might draw appreciative readers.
Triggers: child abuse, rape, pedophilia, other sexual deviancies, graphic murder.
December 5, 2019
Couldn't put it down! Well written and not drug out! It moved fast and the writer didn't spend a lot of time on one subject. I like a book that gets to the point! I read a review that it had crude and embarrassing content. Not sure if I was reading the same book, but I didn't come across any of that. At times I thought it was a little sappy! But I love that in a book. A little of everything... sappy, funny, naughty, mysterious, and even a little sad! That's a great book! Already bought two more of her books! 👍🏼😄. Would be nice to also have a sequel of this book...just saying! 😄
November 15, 2019
Not my typical genre but I immensely enjoyed this book!
I started this book thinking it was a sci fi, which it is not. I thought about putting it down but found myself spellbound as I turned the pages. Ava is a bold and strong woman with just the right amount of vulnerability. Tie that together with a love stricken man, ghosts from ages past and a house filled with secrets and you have the right formula to make an amazing read. Highly recommend.
I started this book thinking it was a sci fi, which it is not. I thought about putting it down but found myself spellbound as I turned the pages. Ava is a bold and strong woman with just the right amount of vulnerability. Tie that together with a love stricken man, ghosts from ages past and a house filled with secrets and you have the right formula to make an amazing read. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2019
Excellent
Oh what can I say that hasn't already been said about this great book, and this absolutely wonderful talented writer? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline was very engaging right from the start, and the main characters were very believable. Thank you so much Wendy Saunders for sharing your talent with us!
Oh what can I say that hasn't already been said about this great book, and this absolutely wonderful talented writer? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline was very engaging right from the start, and the main characters were very believable. Thank you so much Wendy Saunders for sharing your talent with us!
August 29, 2019
Fantastic!
I have read all of Wendy’s books, and loved them. I was not sure what to expect with The Clockwork House. I could not put this down. This is a wonderful mixture of good and bad emotions. I love the characters, at least the live ones!
I have read all of Wendy’s books, and loved them. I was not sure what to expect with The Clockwork House. I could not put this down. This is a wonderful mixture of good and bad emotions. I love the characters, at least the live ones!
September 13, 2019
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed every page. Keeps your interest right through and although it’s Wendy's first stand alone book it’s up there with all her other series of books. Adventure, romance and mystery, so a little bit of everything to please all readers. Go buy and enjoy!
September 14, 2019
Absolutely fantastic
I love wendy saunders writing style and this new book did not disappoint I was captured from the beginning few pages . The story was captivating cant wait to see what this author releases next
I love wendy saunders writing style and this new book did not disappoint I was captured from the beginning few pages . The story was captivating cant wait to see what this author releases next
October 4, 2025
I will start by saying I absolutely love Wendy Saunders books! And have read all of them! This as a standalone I absolutely loved! This book is always my go to when I’m in a reading slump! I’ve read this multiple times!
November 30, 2019
Oh! Horrors!!
Truly scary! Got my heartbeat pounding, and my sense of equilibrium all knocked off-kilter. This book is super terrific, it has laughter, love, insanity, and lots of ghosts!! Read it, you'll be glad you did.😁
Truly scary! Got my heartbeat pounding, and my sense of equilibrium all knocked off-kilter. This book is super terrific, it has laughter, love, insanity, and lots of ghosts!! Read it, you'll be glad you did.😁
December 2, 2019
At first I had a hard time liking Ava - but after a while I really warmed up to her. Actually I loved! all the characters. The ghosts were terrifying af and the background story gruesome!! But everything fit together and it was an enjoyable read.
July 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this book,kept me in the edge of my seat the whole way through and I loved the humour in it.
September 7, 2019
An a amazing book!
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Miss Saunders has done it again! From the first page it took off and never let go!
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Miss Saunders has done it again! From the first page it took off and never let go!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews