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Clockwise: A Ghost Story for Autumn
On leave from her job as a college English instructor, Claire wants only to regain her health and settle into the bungalow she has inherited from her great-aunt. But the antique clock she just bought appears to be haunted. Now, she has two mysteries to why is her job so crushingly difficult, and who has moved into her aunt’s house with her?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2020
9 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 20, 2021
One of the things I've been loving about Bookstagram is the discovery of so many amazing indie authors, and one of my favorites is Susan Borden. When I came across her book, Clockwise, I was intrigued with the ghost story aspect but after I started reading I soon found out that the story is about so much more than just an antique cuckoo clock and its haunted inhabitants.
Clockwise tells the tale of Claire, a mid-40's college professor who is on a self-imposed leave from a teaching job that is creating an unhealthy life for her, both physically and mentally. She inherits her Great-Aunt's bungalow so she takes advantage of the time off to move into the house and make it her own. She stops off at an antique store one day and falls in love with a cuckoo clock that she ends up purchasing for the new home. Little does Claire know that the clock is also home to a couple of spirits, and so begins the mystery of who her new roommates could possibly be.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁/5
I was expecting spooky but instead I read a beautifully-written tale consisting of two journeys: Claire's mission to unravel the mystery of the ghosts while trying to navigate the complexities of rebuilding her life. The author's writing is so richly detailed; I felt like I had been in Claire's house before and I felt like I knew her and her friends and family. I liked every single character in this book and they were all relatable. Clockwise is Susan's first book and my fingers are crossed that she keeps writing because she will definitely be on my list of auto-buy authors!
Clockwise tells the tale of Claire, a mid-40's college professor who is on a self-imposed leave from a teaching job that is creating an unhealthy life for her, both physically and mentally. She inherits her Great-Aunt's bungalow so she takes advantage of the time off to move into the house and make it her own. She stops off at an antique store one day and falls in love with a cuckoo clock that she ends up purchasing for the new home. Little does Claire know that the clock is also home to a couple of spirits, and so begins the mystery of who her new roommates could possibly be.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁/5
I was expecting spooky but instead I read a beautifully-written tale consisting of two journeys: Claire's mission to unravel the mystery of the ghosts while trying to navigate the complexities of rebuilding her life. The author's writing is so richly detailed; I felt like I had been in Claire's house before and I felt like I knew her and her friends and family. I liked every single character in this book and they were all relatable. Clockwise is Susan's first book and my fingers are crossed that she keeps writing because she will definitely be on my list of auto-buy authors!
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January 7, 2022In Clockwise by Susan Borden, the likable main character, Claire, inherits her aunt’s house. She’s going through a reevaluation of her teaching career, and this and her health thrive in the newfound solitude of home ownership. One sunny day, Claire purchases an unusual antique cuckoo clock which seems to bring paranormal guests with it. Strange activities disturb Claire, her pets, and her nephew, Scout/Scott, which sends Claire on a quest to discover the possible reason for the haunting.
“Maybe ghosts exist because the living need them, she thought meekly.”
Besides the ghost story, this book stuffs a lot of heart between the covers. Set in the Twin Cities, this book has a gentle feel and an equal enthusiasm for both the supernatural and the mundane. One of the more endearing aspects is the inclusion of many quotes from literature and films which serve as windows into Claire’s sweet character.
“Maybe ghosts exist because the living need them, she thought meekly.”
Besides the ghost story, this book stuffs a lot of heart between the covers. Set in the Twin Cities, this book has a gentle feel and an equal enthusiasm for both the supernatural and the mundane. One of the more endearing aspects is the inclusion of many quotes from literature and films which serve as windows into Claire’s sweet character.
October 16, 2021
This book was definitely mis-shelved in the horror section of Half Priced books! It was definitely a happy mistake for me. While it definitely was a lighter, cozier book than I typically gravitate towards I really loved the main character. I live near Minneapolis, MN and I felt like the author captured the atmosphere of the area beautifully. The detailed scenery was one of the writers biggest strengths...which is a style of writing that doesn't get as much attention it deserves in our fast paced world.
I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
I am also posting this review on my blog: http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
September 23, 2020
Loved it! I could identify with Claire on so many levels. I hope there’s going to be a sequel!
October 14, 2021
I loved every second reading it! :)
"On leave from her job as a college English teacher, Claire wants only to regain her health and settle into the bungalow she has inherited from her great-aunt. But the antique clock she just bought on an impulse appears to be haunted. Realizing that she needs to get to the roots of her distress and driven to solve the mystery of the clock's ghostly presence, Claire calls on her trusted grandfather for help. She finds, however, that knowledge comes from unexpected sources, both natural and supernatural."
Clockwise is a not only a spooky, but also a comfy Ghost Story and perfect to read during the cold months. The scenery was illustrated so wonderfully that it was easy to picture what it is like to experience autumn in Minnesota. The seasonal activities that were attended through out the story made me feel like I was there too.
For me it was easy to identify with the protagonist Claire and it was exciting to come along with her on her way to solve the mystery that was hiding behind the cuckoo clock. Reading the story was pulsating from start to end but it also made me laugh at the right times.
Not only is Clockwise: A Ghost Story for Autumn the perfect combination of a cozy and spooky tale to read during the best season of the year - for me, it is a heart-warming story about great friendships, pets full of character, supportive familymembers and the journey of finding your very special way of life and happiness.
I would be thrilled to read more about Claire's life and the mysterious existence of the cuckoo clock!
(Fun fact for the German readers (like I am one): Einige versteckte Besonderheiten im Buch, in Bezug auf Deutschland, werden euch sehr bekannt vorkommen! :) )
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
- L. M. Montgomery
"On leave from her job as a college English teacher, Claire wants only to regain her health and settle into the bungalow she has inherited from her great-aunt. But the antique clock she just bought on an impulse appears to be haunted. Realizing that she needs to get to the roots of her distress and driven to solve the mystery of the clock's ghostly presence, Claire calls on her trusted grandfather for help. She finds, however, that knowledge comes from unexpected sources, both natural and supernatural."
Clockwise is a not only a spooky, but also a comfy Ghost Story and perfect to read during the cold months. The scenery was illustrated so wonderfully that it was easy to picture what it is like to experience autumn in Minnesota. The seasonal activities that were attended through out the story made me feel like I was there too.
For me it was easy to identify with the protagonist Claire and it was exciting to come along with her on her way to solve the mystery that was hiding behind the cuckoo clock. Reading the story was pulsating from start to end but it also made me laugh at the right times.
Not only is Clockwise: A Ghost Story for Autumn the perfect combination of a cozy and spooky tale to read during the best season of the year - for me, it is a heart-warming story about great friendships, pets full of character, supportive familymembers and the journey of finding your very special way of life and happiness.
I would be thrilled to read more about Claire's life and the mysterious existence of the cuckoo clock!
(Fun fact for the German readers (like I am one): Einige versteckte Besonderheiten im Buch, in Bezug auf Deutschland, werden euch sehr bekannt vorkommen! :) )
August 28, 2020
On one level, this is an intriguing ghost story. Skilfully interwoven with that story we get to know Claire, a woman in her forties, who has reached a major crossroads in her life having found herself in a situation where her job is overwhelming to the point of provoking significant health problems. The ‘real world’ impact of finding that the bungalow she has recently moved into is haunted, and how she responds to that crisis, gradually bring about changes in Claire, her relationships and the way she envisages her future.
The book is beautifully written. I felt I got to know Claire and could relate to her very strongly. There’s a lightness of touch and some humour as the story deals sensitively with many issues –family relationships in all their tenderness and awkwardness, the support of friends, the stark realities of a teaching job when the students have overwhelming needs and personal issues.
I found the book very thought-provoking as well as being a page turner which kept up the momentum right to the end.
The book is beautifully written. I felt I got to know Claire and could relate to her very strongly. There’s a lightness of touch and some humour as the story deals sensitively with many issues –family relationships in all their tenderness and awkwardness, the support of friends, the stark realities of a teaching job when the students have overwhelming needs and personal issues.
I found the book very thought-provoking as well as being a page turner which kept up the momentum right to the end.
July 8, 2020
A warm, sweet exploration of how ghosts, both real and imagined, surround us in our lives.
With wit and charm, Susan Borden spins the tale of a teacher, Claire, who makes her way back into the world via an antique clock and the ghosts which may inhabit it.
As she begins to build (and rebuild) a life for herself in her late aunt’s house, Claire buys an antique clock on impulse, never realizing the history of the clock and its possible inhabitants.
Set in the Twin Cities, this is a carefully crafted story that pulls you gently into Claire’s life as she considers her options for moving forward, aided by friends, family, and pets … as well as her new spectral guests.
Highly recommended.
With wit and charm, Susan Borden spins the tale of a teacher, Claire, who makes her way back into the world via an antique clock and the ghosts which may inhabit it.
As she begins to build (and rebuild) a life for herself in her late aunt’s house, Claire buys an antique clock on impulse, never realizing the history of the clock and its possible inhabitants.
Set in the Twin Cities, this is a carefully crafted story that pulls you gently into Claire’s life as she considers her options for moving forward, aided by friends, family, and pets … as well as her new spectral guests.
Highly recommended.
October 26, 2020
Clockwise is a truly engaging novel. The protagonist, Claire, has chosen to take leave from her work teaching college English. She is also moving into the home left to her by a beloved great-aunt. Enter a couple of impish ghosts (and the mystery of how they found their way to an old clock) and you have an unlikely page turner!
What I enjoyed most about this book is the way the author uses rich, physical language to draw the reader into Claire’s everyday life, and build her world. The words build layers and a sense of place for Claire, and for the cast of supporting characters (human, canine and feline!) who are given their own lives and quirks. Each adds insight into who Claire is, and brings a story in their own right.
This is a ghost story, yes. But I identified most with Claire, who is navigating grief, not only for her aunt, but also for her work that feels like a calling, yet comes with challenges that may ultimately outweigh the rewards. We see in her the small acts of bravery of a woman finding the courage to come back to herself—and solving the mystery of a haunted clock along the way.
Read this book, preferably on a blustery Autumn day. Make a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and find a comfy chair and blanket. Then, immerse yourself Claire’s world and the rewarding mysteries it brings.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the way the author uses rich, physical language to draw the reader into Claire’s everyday life, and build her world. The words build layers and a sense of place for Claire, and for the cast of supporting characters (human, canine and feline!) who are given their own lives and quirks. Each adds insight into who Claire is, and brings a story in their own right.
This is a ghost story, yes. But I identified most with Claire, who is navigating grief, not only for her aunt, but also for her work that feels like a calling, yet comes with challenges that may ultimately outweigh the rewards. We see in her the small acts of bravery of a woman finding the courage to come back to herself—and solving the mystery of a haunted clock along the way.
Read this book, preferably on a blustery Autumn day. Make a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and find a comfy chair and blanket. Then, immerse yourself Claire’s world and the rewarding mysteries it brings.
September 24, 2022
Cozy Autumn Read
Ghosts aren't always scary, if you take the time to understand them. This book was the perfect start to my Autumn reading season. I found the characters relatable, even the personalities of the pets and the house itself. The ending was a bit simple, with part of the conflict not feeling quite resolved, but I was left able to imagine a happy ending for all involved.
Ghosts aren't always scary, if you take the time to understand them. This book was the perfect start to my Autumn reading season. I found the characters relatable, even the personalities of the pets and the house itself. The ending was a bit simple, with part of the conflict not feeling quite resolved, but I was left able to imagine a happy ending for all involved.
September 8, 2024
Definitely a good book to read in the fall/around Halloween. I loved how easily the story flowed and the characters. I will admit, it did drag at parts but I would most definitely recommend this book to people who like spooky reads. This was a pretty quick read as well. Nothing too complex or anything like that. It wasn't terribly spooky in my opinion. It was cute and sweet. So glad I read it and hope Susan comes out with more novels.
January 20, 2021
It took me so long to read this because I mostly listen to books, and this was only available on Kindle. I picked it out for my knitting book club because my needed a book set in autumn, and a book about ghosts. It is beautifully written. I felt like I was there at times.
September 28, 2022
Cozy autumn read
This book is beautifully written, which was a delightful surprise. Truly a book to curl up with as the days turn colder. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
This book is beautifully written, which was a delightful surprise. Truly a book to curl up with as the days turn colder. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
July 1, 2023
It’s not often that you find a comfort-inducing ghost book. But that is just what this lovely little novel is. Clockwise takes me back to chilly fall, where leaves scatter around the sidewalk, and you think about all the warm things you will eat when you get back inside. Definitely recommend!
October 18, 2022
Loved this story ……just wish the ending was different…….maybe a sequel?
January 16, 2023
Underwhelmed…
January 14, 2022
This is a charming mystery set in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. The author sets the scene with a slower pace of life with a woman taking leave from her work, and renovating a bungalow and learning to regain her health with the company of her cats and dog. The descriptions of everyday life is detailed with vibrant colors of foliage and smells of the local cuisine. There is a little spookiness to the story with a haunted clock, but the emphasis is healing and friendship. I recommend this story to anyone who likes a gentler ghost story and who is interested in the culture of Minnesota.
January 14, 2024
See my review here:
https://sarahoverbooked.wordpress.com...
https://sarahoverbooked.wordpress.com...
October 24, 2024
It's cozy, but lacks plot for my taste. Well writen and cute, if you want a cute, warm book and you don't really care for the plot, it's a beautiful book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews