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The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray
1980s LONDON. A SENSELESS MURDER, A BIZARRE DISAPPEARANCE AND A MYSTERY DECADES IN THE MAKING.
William Wells, a gifted but risk-averse US college dropout living an unadventurous life in London, stumbles upon a mysterious timepiece with the ability to alter time. When the Timepiece’s previous owner is brutally murdered by unknown assailants, Will flees, only to see his girlfriend, Abigayle, vanish before his eyes when she comes into contact with this remarkable watch.
He now finds himself alone in an unfamiliar city, wanted for a murder he didn’t commit and the prime suspect in a woman’s disappearance. Whether he knows it or not, Will does have one advantage – control over the most powerful force in the universe: time. The only problem is that he has no idea how to wield it. Those that do, members of a secretive and long-forgotten organization, are also on his trail and there are no lines they won't cross to recover The Timepiece.
William Wells, a gifted but risk-averse US college dropout living an unadventurous life in London, stumbles upon a mysterious timepiece with the ability to alter time. When the Timepiece’s previous owner is brutally murdered by unknown assailants, Will flees, only to see his girlfriend, Abigayle, vanish before his eyes when she comes into contact with this remarkable watch.
He now finds himself alone in an unfamiliar city, wanted for a murder he didn’t commit and the prime suspect in a woman’s disappearance. Whether he knows it or not, Will does have one advantage – control over the most powerful force in the universe: time. The only problem is that he has no idea how to wield it. Those that do, members of a secretive and long-forgotten organization, are also on his trail and there are no lines they won't cross to recover The Timepiece.
394 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2021
134 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
O.R. Simmonds
1 book18 followersOliver R. Simmonds is a Writer, Director and Artist working in the Games Industry and author of The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray.
Before working in the games industry, he spent nearly a decade dreaming up deep, detailed worlds with weaving narratives only for them to be 'value engineered' by clients. It was during this time that he decided he no longer wanted to be a frustrated writer and to try to be an actual writer instead.
He ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to help fund the publication of his first novel, The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray, which is now due for release in 2021. His second book is currently being edited and slated for release sometime in 2022.
Oliver lives in surrey with his wife and two young boys. His eldest son is named after Doc Emmett Brown and the youngest’s middle name is Adventure (yes, really). It's not all that surprising that his debut is a time travel adventure then.
Before working in the games industry, he spent nearly a decade dreaming up deep, detailed worlds with weaving narratives only for them to be 'value engineered' by clients. It was during this time that he decided he no longer wanted to be a frustrated writer and to try to be an actual writer instead.
He ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to help fund the publication of his first novel, The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray, which is now due for release in 2021. His second book is currently being edited and slated for release sometime in 2022.
Oliver lives in surrey with his wife and two young boys. His eldest son is named after Doc Emmett Brown and the youngest’s middle name is Adventure (yes, really). It's not all that surprising that his debut is a time travel adventure then.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 27, 2021
"The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray" by O.R. Simmonds was a very creative story!
American Will Wells purchases an unusual looking wristwatch for his fiancée, Abigayle at a second-hand shop in London's Frying Pan Alley. After Will leaves the small business, he witnesses the shop-owner being murdered from an alleyway window. Wanting to help but fearing for his safety, he heads back to Abby's flat.
Abby is over-the-moon when she sees the timepiece! Taking it for a closer look, Abby spins the dials. They immediately feel an exhilarating rush and suddenly the entire room transforms before their eyes. Abby accidentally drops the watch, Will catches it before it hits the floor and the entire room returns to its previous state. The only thing that doesn't return is Abby! Where is she?
With Abby now missing and the shop owner dead, Will soon finds himself accused of murder. How can he possibly prove his innocence on his own? Most importantly, where is Abby and how will he bring her back? Where does he even begin?
I found this story to be entertaining but not as picturesque as I wanted it to be. It depicted the technicalities of time travel exceeding well, perhaps hovering a bit too long. I wanted descriptive adjectives, the hyphenated ones that bring color and substance to reading. I wanted to feel like I was experiencing what Will was experiencing and seeing it in Technicolor!
I enjoyed the diverse characters, appropriately quirky to conventional, and all were brought into the story in clever ways. However, none of them were fully developed. Knowing more about the characters tends to make the story richer, fuller and more stimulating. It is often a deal breaker for me when characters are not fully fleshed out!
I love the blended genres, a mix of Historical and Science Fiction with a dabble of mystery thrown in. It is clear this author has an inventive imagination! I did want more from his story though. It felt like he was holding back on his writing skills and relying too much on his gaming skills. A better balance between the two would have made a big difference.
I like this story but I don't love it. With that said, I would be interested to see what this author comes up with next because I believe he has a lot to offer to the reader. I'll definitely be watching!
Thank you to BookSirens and O.R. Simmonds for a free digital ARC of this book. It is my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
American Will Wells purchases an unusual looking wristwatch for his fiancée, Abigayle at a second-hand shop in London's Frying Pan Alley. After Will leaves the small business, he witnesses the shop-owner being murdered from an alleyway window. Wanting to help but fearing for his safety, he heads back to Abby's flat.
Abby is over-the-moon when she sees the timepiece! Taking it for a closer look, Abby spins the dials. They immediately feel an exhilarating rush and suddenly the entire room transforms before their eyes. Abby accidentally drops the watch, Will catches it before it hits the floor and the entire room returns to its previous state. The only thing that doesn't return is Abby! Where is she?
With Abby now missing and the shop owner dead, Will soon finds himself accused of murder. How can he possibly prove his innocence on his own? Most importantly, where is Abby and how will he bring her back? Where does he even begin?
I found this story to be entertaining but not as picturesque as I wanted it to be. It depicted the technicalities of time travel exceeding well, perhaps hovering a bit too long. I wanted descriptive adjectives, the hyphenated ones that bring color and substance to reading. I wanted to feel like I was experiencing what Will was experiencing and seeing it in Technicolor!
I enjoyed the diverse characters, appropriately quirky to conventional, and all were brought into the story in clever ways. However, none of them were fully developed. Knowing more about the characters tends to make the story richer, fuller and more stimulating. It is often a deal breaker for me when characters are not fully fleshed out!
I love the blended genres, a mix of Historical and Science Fiction with a dabble of mystery thrown in. It is clear this author has an inventive imagination! I did want more from his story though. It felt like he was holding back on his writing skills and relying too much on his gaming skills. A better balance between the two would have made a big difference.
I like this story but I don't love it. With that said, I would be interested to see what this author comes up with next because I believe he has a lot to offer to the reader. I'll definitely be watching!
Thank you to BookSirens and O.R. Simmonds for a free digital ARC of this book. It is my pleasure to give my honest and voluntary review.
September 24, 2021
Well that was just a whole pile of fun! How to describe it though… I guess you could call it a time travel adventure. And it was chock full of adventure and all good clean fun. Oh of course there were bad guys trying to kill good guys - it wouldn’t be much of a story without that! But what I mean is it wasn’t dark. It was also kind of heartwarming and life affirming and, well, fun!
It’s 1984 and William Wells is an American in London. He’s met the girl of his dreams and is staying in her flat. He goes off to find a street of shops she has suggested to him to buy a gift for her when his life takes a sudden sideways shift. The shop he’s in is dusty and dingy and filled with arcane timepieces mainly. The shopkeeper, Frenz Belingi, insists on selling him a certain timepiece, which he buys. But no sooner is that done than men burst into the shop and shoot the owner. William runs out the back of the shop and back to his girlfriend Abigayle’s flat. When she sees what he’s bought she is stunned. She fiddles with it and the flat shimmers around them and changes but the timepiece gets too hot and she drops it. Then William is kicked back to the old version of the flat but there is no Aby. She appears to be lost in the future!
And so begins William’s wonderful time travelling adventure. He meets the old shopkeeper again as a younger man and is told about the Office of Time Dissemination. One of the rules has always been to not visit the future but one of the section heads is obsessed with travelling to the future so he can learn about it and become more pawerful so he chases William and Frenz through time to try and recover the timepiece while at the same time William is trying to find his way (or time) back to Aby.
It’s not a sci-fi and there is no attempt to really explain much about how the time travel works so readers who don’t like tech heavy stories needn’t fear this one. The characters of William and Frenz were very relatable and easy to root for. Both were good people who could also stand up for themselves when necessary. This book was a bit of lighthearted whimsy which was just the perfect choice for me right now. Many thanks to the author and to BookSirens for providing me with a copy which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
It’s 1984 and William Wells is an American in London. He’s met the girl of his dreams and is staying in her flat. He goes off to find a street of shops she has suggested to him to buy a gift for her when his life takes a sudden sideways shift. The shop he’s in is dusty and dingy and filled with arcane timepieces mainly. The shopkeeper, Frenz Belingi, insists on selling him a certain timepiece, which he buys. But no sooner is that done than men burst into the shop and shoot the owner. William runs out the back of the shop and back to his girlfriend Abigayle’s flat. When she sees what he’s bought she is stunned. She fiddles with it and the flat shimmers around them and changes but the timepiece gets too hot and she drops it. Then William is kicked back to the old version of the flat but there is no Aby. She appears to be lost in the future!
And so begins William’s wonderful time travelling adventure. He meets the old shopkeeper again as a younger man and is told about the Office of Time Dissemination. One of the rules has always been to not visit the future but one of the section heads is obsessed with travelling to the future so he can learn about it and become more pawerful so he chases William and Frenz through time to try and recover the timepiece while at the same time William is trying to find his way (or time) back to Aby.
It’s not a sci-fi and there is no attempt to really explain much about how the time travel works so readers who don’t like tech heavy stories needn’t fear this one. The characters of William and Frenz were very relatable and easy to root for. Both were good people who could also stand up for themselves when necessary. This book was a bit of lighthearted whimsy which was just the perfect choice for me right now. Many thanks to the author and to BookSirens for providing me with a copy which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
October 17, 2021
When William Wells buys a watch for his girlfriend in 1984 London, he has no idea he is setting off a set of circumstances that will have him running for his life as a murder suspect. The watch is not what it seems, and those who are searching for it will do anything to possess it.
This is a compelling time travel adventure set in London in 1984 and various other time periods. The characters are well written and the action grabs you on the first page and does not let go. As a fan of time travel fiction, the method of time travel is extremely important to me, and the method used here is both creative and fascinating. The rules and nuances of all the time shifts and their repercussions bend the mind a bit, but not so much that I couldn't keep up. I was entertained throughout, and I'm a pretty demanding reader when it comes to time travel fiction.
To address something readers may notice, the dates of some events may not exactly match up to reality. For example, the main character went to Blockbuster in London in 1984 although in reality Blockbuster wasn't founded until 1985 and didn't spread outside the US until the 1990s. However, this is TIME TRAVEL fiction, not historical fiction. The time travel in this book had been going on for many years and many circumstances were changed. So it's entirely possible that in this time-manipulated universe, Blockbuster was already in England in 1984. I loved the explanation in this book of how merely bumping into someone on the street could cause a catastrophic event for the whole world. So a business being founded early in a book about the manipulation of time doesn't raise any eyebrows for me.
I truly enjoyed this book and hope to see the characters again in a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. I also downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can read it for free. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a compelling time travel adventure set in London in 1984 and various other time periods. The characters are well written and the action grabs you on the first page and does not let go. As a fan of time travel fiction, the method of time travel is extremely important to me, and the method used here is both creative and fascinating. The rules and nuances of all the time shifts and their repercussions bend the mind a bit, but not so much that I couldn't keep up. I was entertained throughout, and I'm a pretty demanding reader when it comes to time travel fiction.
To address something readers may notice, the dates of some events may not exactly match up to reality. For example, the main character went to Blockbuster in London in 1984 although in reality Blockbuster wasn't founded until 1985 and didn't spread outside the US until the 1990s. However, this is TIME TRAVEL fiction, not historical fiction. The time travel in this book had been going on for many years and many circumstances were changed. So it's entirely possible that in this time-manipulated universe, Blockbuster was already in England in 1984. I loved the explanation in this book of how merely bumping into someone on the street could cause a catastrophic event for the whole world. So a business being founded early in a book about the manipulation of time doesn't raise any eyebrows for me.
I truly enjoyed this book and hope to see the characters again in a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. I also downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can read it for free. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
August 9, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Seeking the perfect anniversary gift for his fiancée, Abigayle, Will Wells finds himself in an old, cluttered second-hand shop in Spitalfields. The ancient proprietor insists on selling him an elaborate watch unlike any he’s ever seen. As he’s leaving, two men push past him into the shop and shoot the old man dead. Petrified, Will beats feet back to Abigayle’s flat.
At Abigayle’s, things get even worse when she examines the watch and suddenly disappears. Desperate to find her, Will returns to the shop to look for clues. He gradually realizes that what he has isn’t a watch at all but the “Timepiece,” a sort of time machine. Before he can start searching for his missing fiancée, though, police arrest him for the shopkeeper’s murder.
Now Will is in deep. The police think he killed the shopkeeper and did away with Abigayle. Then there’s a mysterious organization called the Bureau of Time Dissemination, which sends the “Timekeepers” after Will to recover the Timepiece. And if that weren’t enough, Will is a Yank from Iowa in England illegally, having overstayed his visa.
Will teams with an unlikely partner to escape from jail and search for the missing Abigayle. What follows is a chase through London and, briefly, Ireland with the police and the Timekeepers close on Will’s heels. If the police catch him, they’ll arrest and possibly deport him. If the Timekeepers get hold of the Timepiece, he’ll have no way of reaching Abigayle, who’s trapped in the future. Even though the Timepiece is a powerful tool, can he figure out how to use it to stay ahead of his pursuers long enough to find and rescue his damsel in distress?
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a fast-paced story with as many twists and turns as a mountain road. There is plenty of action and many surprises. Will isn’t an entirely sympathetic character at the beginning, but he matures as the story progresses and emerges as a decisive and principled young man.
Time travel can be a difficult subject to tackle, but it’s well done in this book. If you accept the premise (it’s a fantasy, after all), there aren’t any head-scratching moments where events don’t make sense. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish and enthusiastically recommend it.
Seeking the perfect anniversary gift for his fiancée, Abigayle, Will Wells finds himself in an old, cluttered second-hand shop in Spitalfields. The ancient proprietor insists on selling him an elaborate watch unlike any he’s ever seen. As he’s leaving, two men push past him into the shop and shoot the old man dead. Petrified, Will beats feet back to Abigayle’s flat.
At Abigayle’s, things get even worse when she examines the watch and suddenly disappears. Desperate to find her, Will returns to the shop to look for clues. He gradually realizes that what he has isn’t a watch at all but the “Timepiece,” a sort of time machine. Before he can start searching for his missing fiancée, though, police arrest him for the shopkeeper’s murder.
Now Will is in deep. The police think he killed the shopkeeper and did away with Abigayle. Then there’s a mysterious organization called the Bureau of Time Dissemination, which sends the “Timekeepers” after Will to recover the Timepiece. And if that weren’t enough, Will is a Yank from Iowa in England illegally, having overstayed his visa.
Will teams with an unlikely partner to escape from jail and search for the missing Abigayle. What follows is a chase through London and, briefly, Ireland with the police and the Timekeepers close on Will’s heels. If the police catch him, they’ll arrest and possibly deport him. If the Timekeepers get hold of the Timepiece, he’ll have no way of reaching Abigayle, who’s trapped in the future. Even though the Timepiece is a powerful tool, can he figure out how to use it to stay ahead of his pursuers long enough to find and rescue his damsel in distress?
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a fast-paced story with as many twists and turns as a mountain road. There is plenty of action and many surprises. Will isn’t an entirely sympathetic character at the beginning, but he matures as the story progresses and emerges as a decisive and principled young man.
Time travel can be a difficult subject to tackle, but it’s well done in this book. If you accept the premise (it’s a fantasy, after all), there aren’t any head-scratching moments where events don’t make sense. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish and enthusiastically recommend it.
August 26, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Like this author, I'm a huge fan of Back to the Future and subsequently, any kind of story revolving around time travel. And this delivers - akin to Loki and The Umbrella Academy, it features an organization that is dedicated to keeping the timeline in order, a storyline that always has me intrigued. In this one, Will, an American, lives with his English girlfriend, Abigayle. After the Timepiece makes Abigayle disappear and Will is framed for her murder, he must work with an agent from this time agency to save her.
All in all, this was a good read. I had some trouble keeping my focus, but whether or not that was the story or just me reading it as an eBook, I'm not sure. It's quick to read and I really liked Abby and Will as a couple. He was so dedicated to find her, and their interactions were sweet. I did wish we got to see Abby in action a bit more, cause she wasn't present super often. Will is a bit clueless, but having Abby disappear and then being thrust into this new world of sorts will do that to you. I didn't really connect to him personally however.
My biggest problems with this book were mostly in the writing. Sometimes it seemed a bit stiff, and the book could've used a little more editing. I noticed that a couple words/letters were crossed out for seemingly no reason. Maybe I missed something, or maybe it was just whatever format the eBook was in. There were also large paragraphs of dialogue at parts, with barely any descriptions outside outside the quotations. Info dumping can be okay, but without explaining how the characters look while talking, how can I picture them? It made those scenes a bit emotionless, and I felt lost as I tried to figure out how they felt about what they were saying.
Like this author, I'm a huge fan of Back to the Future and subsequently, any kind of story revolving around time travel. And this delivers - akin to Loki and The Umbrella Academy, it features an organization that is dedicated to keeping the timeline in order, a storyline that always has me intrigued. In this one, Will, an American, lives with his English girlfriend, Abigayle. After the Timepiece makes Abigayle disappear and Will is framed for her murder, he must work with an agent from this time agency to save her.
All in all, this was a good read. I had some trouble keeping my focus, but whether or not that was the story or just me reading it as an eBook, I'm not sure. It's quick to read and I really liked Abby and Will as a couple. He was so dedicated to find her, and their interactions were sweet. I did wish we got to see Abby in action a bit more, cause she wasn't present super often. Will is a bit clueless, but having Abby disappear and then being thrust into this new world of sorts will do that to you. I didn't really connect to him personally however.
My biggest problems with this book were mostly in the writing. Sometimes it seemed a bit stiff, and the book could've used a little more editing. I noticed that a couple words/letters were crossed out for seemingly no reason. Maybe I missed something, or maybe it was just whatever format the eBook was in. There were also large paragraphs of dialogue at parts, with barely any descriptions outside outside the quotations. Info dumping can be okay, but without explaining how the characters look while talking, how can I picture them? It made those scenes a bit emotionless, and I felt lost as I tried to figure out how they felt about what they were saying.
May 20, 2021
I have always been fascinated by the concept of time travel and have read many of the popular titles — The Time Traveler’s Wife, Time After Time, Time and Again and Life After Life, among others. I was astonished, however, to see a listing of over 20,000 titles in Goodreads with the subject heading Time Travel, so clearly there is a lot out there I didn’t even know about. The Timepiece and The Girl Who Went Astray can join the ranks of these fantasies and provide a few hours of entertainment, but it does not stand out in any appreciable way. A good time travel story must grapple with the crux of the genre: Can you travel from one time period to another without altering events? The really great ones will carry you back and forth from one era to another and return you to your present, feeling the satisfaction that all the pieces have fallen neatly into place. The ones not quite so good will try to put the pieces together with lots of explication, usually one character explaining to another what is going on. This was the feeling I was left with in The Timepiece. An American who has overstayed his visa in London after falling for a young woman goes shopping for a watch for her and witnesses the murder of a shopkeeper. Upon returning to Abigayle’s flat, his world is turned upside down when Abigayle spontaneously disappears and his search begins to find her. Some of the episodes along the way are full of drama and action with some deliciously nasty villains, but unfortunately too often the relationship between the time travel organization that propelled the action and the role of the hero Will was not clear.
There were some enjoyable scenes in which the characters observe differences between London of 1984 and 2016. The details of earlier eras were not quite so clear.
This appears to be the first of a series of books about Will in his role as a time traveler. I think I will not be continuing the journey.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
There were some enjoyable scenes in which the characters observe differences between London of 1984 and 2016. The details of earlier eras were not quite so clear.
This appears to be the first of a series of books about Will in his role as a time traveler. I think I will not be continuing the journey.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 2, 2021
~About
The story is set in the 1980s and follows William Wells, a jobless American immigrant living in England. When he purchases an unusual watch as a gift for his girlfriend Abigayle, he soon discovers that it possesses a unique power. When Abigayle goes missing, Will makes it his mission to find her again, embarking on a one of a kind adventure.
~Characters
William Wells, a twenty-something year old American, illegally living in London has been afraid to lose his girlfriend Abigayle, seeing himself as not contributing much to their joint household. When Abigayle goes missing, Will’s deepest fear is realized and he must do everything in his power to find her again. While I can’t say that I learned a lot about Will, there were some key things about him that made him a likable protagonist. For instance, his courage to embark into the unknown in the name of love. I found this to be particularly admirable, alongside his intense love of history, which provided an additional sense of roundness to his character.
Abigayle, on the other hand, only had a brief part in the story, considering that she went missing quite early on. My initial impression of her was as a hardworking yet caring young woman, with an equally playful and loving side. Although we don’t see much of her, it isn’t difficult to sense the love she feels for Will every time they are together.
Finally, I’d like to introduce Frenz Belingi, who was a fascinating character. At first glance, this Caribbean shopkeeper seemed mysterious, a man hiding many secrets. However, we later learn that he is a Time Agent (an Extra-dimensional Geo-Historian, to be exact) as Will discovers the unique power of the watch he brought from Frenz’ shop. Throughout the story, I came to see Frenz as a warm and genuine kind of person, as a devoted friend and companion to others. His extensive knowledge of the unique timepiece Will purchased was a great help to Will in locating Abigayle and bringing down a long-corrupt time agency.
~Likes
-The Timepiece and The Girl Who Went Astray was a unique novel, revolving around time, love, and long held secrets. I especially liked the following elements.
-The story had a mysterious feel that had me turning the pages, wanting to know more.
The plot moved along at a steady pace, advancing in intriguing ways.
The main characters were likable and equally devoted to the pursuit of their shared goal.
~Memorable Quotes
One particular quote stood out to me while reading.
‘Frenz was right about the future being uncertain.’
This specific quote got me thinking about how we never know what’s going to happen in our lives, how things can always change, depending on our present actions.
~Overview
Overall, The Timepiece and The Girl Who Went Astray was a well crafted and entertaining novel that had me thinking deeply about the possibility of time travel and the effects our actions can have on the future. Themes of time, love, and long held secrets made for a gripping adventure, which I’m sure many will come to enjoy.
My rating: 4 stars.
Recommended to: Lovers of science fiction thrillers and time travel adventures.
Read
July 1, 2021"A whirlwind of an adventure...a bold and meticulously penned thriller." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★
♥♥♥ Selected for Indie Books We Love by LoveReading.co.uk ♥♥♥
"The story is captivating...a thrilling and riveting read." LoveReading.co.uk
" A lovable everyman leads a page-turning, decade-vaulting jaunt through London’s past and present... Witty dialogue bring a lightness to the story that will appeal to readers who don’t ordinarily read heady time-travel fiction." Publisher's Weekly/Booklife
"Loved it! If you enjoy time-travelling novels, then this book is a no brainer." Daniel Crocker, Reedsy Discovery, ★★★★
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"A whirlwind of an adventure set in the eternally mysterious city of London, The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray by O.R. Simmonds is a bold and meticulously penned thriller. William Wells only wanted a special gift for his girlfriend, but his thoughtfulness sends him spiraling into the midst of a horological battle stretching back generations. Boasting a sprawling vocabulary, visceral descriptions, and a discerning narrative voice that never reveals too much, this time-bending novel will appeal to physicists, anglophiles, treasure hunters, and sci-fi lovers alike. Simmonds echoes the declarative formality of certain English mystery writers, but also displays a whimsical, philosophical bent that makes this book a delightful and thought-provoking escape." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★
"The plot flowed well, there's a lot of description and historic detail that the author is clearly either very knowledgeable, or has been very well researched. I liked Will, his character is well-rounded and dynamic, and I enjoyed following his story. The story is captivating with lots of mystery, suspicious characters and questions raised to keep you turning the pages, eager to discover more. Travel with William through his exciting journey and enjoy a thrilling and riveting read." LoveReading.co.uk
"A lovable everyman leads a page-turning, decade-vaulting jaunt through London’s past and present. Simmonds’ time-crossed romp leaps through the Londons of the 1800s, 1940s, and 1980s, moving swiftly but always finding time for evocative London period detail. Witty dialogue bring a lightness to the story that will appeal to readers who don’t ordinarily read heady time-travel fiction... Simmonds manages the intricacies of time-hopping well, creating a consistent set of rules comprehensible to the reader while maintaining a sense of humor and excitement that keeps the story and its Londons fresh." Publisher's Weekly/Booklife
"Protagonist William Wells and his trusty sidekick Frenz Belingi both feel well rounded, and their excellent character development truly enriches the story. Simmonds has nailed the development of the characters throughout the book.
If you enjoy time-travelling novels, then this book is a no brainer. It is filled with fast-paced action that will leave the reader on the edge of their seat. In addition, the character progression is done brilliantly. I also love how Simmonds was able to masterfully weave real-world historical events into his narrative and tie them into the events of his novel." Daniel Crocker, Reedsy Discovery, ★★★★
July 29, 2021
One Sentence Summary: Sent to a certain thrift shop by his girlfriend, Will ends up in the possession of an odd watch called the Timepiece and on the run to escape those who want it, all while trying to figure out where in time his girlfriend went.
Overall
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a delightful romp through time with unforgettable characters and incredibly detailed and well-thought out time travel. While it doesn’t quite have as much mystery as I anticipated, the time travel component was so impeccably done and the characters so well-developed that I quickly forgot about it and was quite happy to let myself be swept up in Will and Frenz’s adventures. There’s never really a chance to rest and they never really seem to catch a break, but they have a lot riding on what they do, and they do not disappointed. For fans of time travel, this indie book is not to be missed.
Extended Thoughts
William Wells is an American (illegally) living in London, living with his girlfriend and trying to get by while she works a top secret job. One day, Abigayle tells him to visit a certain shop, so, after spending most of the day getting lost, he does. Only to end up in possession of a seriously strange watch called the Timepiece, and witness to a murder.
The watch doesn’t make things any easier for Will. Instead, it sends him on the run when Abigayle uses the watch and ends up essentially lost in time, with him as the prime suspect in her disappearance, not to mention in the murder of the Timepiece’s last owner. With a former Timekeeper as his companion, Will jumps back and forth in time, trying keep one step in front of the man racing after him for the Timepiece while trying to figure out when in time Abigayle is.
Just like every other time travel book I’ve ever read, the time travel confuses me. It’s impossible for me to keep track of the back and forth in time, to line up time points to figure out exactly what’s happening. But it did not impede my enjoyment of The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray. I loved that everything about the time travel and how it worked made complete sense. It was incredibly well-thought out and answered all the questions it brought up in my mind.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray was a fun, albeit a bit confusing, romp through time across parts of the UK. I really enjoyed the differences between different years that were pointed out, and especially enjoyed one of Will’s lasts trips through time as it was also a fun commentary on current times. I do wish the story had been a little more layered, a little more expanded to include more history, though. Will is supposedly interested in history, so I was a little disappointed when he seemed so unfamiliar with the city considering he easily became lost. It was also disappointing he never took the opportunity to discuss the history of London and more of the landmarks to add depth and more local flavor to the story.
But I really did like Will. All of the characters were delightful, from the bad guys to the good guys. I never once mixed them up. They were all distinct and so much fun. I especially loved the way Will and his companion, former Timekeeper Frenz, interacted. It was warm and I loved how it seamlessly transitioned from mentor and mentee to friends. They were wonderful and I loved them to pieces. What I particularly enjoyed, though, was Will did feel American to me. Simmonds did a wonderful job of not making him sound British, so he felt distinctly different from all the other characters.
Nothing seems to go quite right for Will and something is always around the corner to stop him. It’s fast-paced and Will and Frenz never seem to catch a break, but they’re immensely quick and resourceful and work off of each other really well. They’re ideal partners, and just overall fun. I loved how the story just seemed to relentlessly push forward, giving neither characters nor reader a break. The back and forth in time slowed me down a little, though I do think Simmonds did his best to make everything clear to readers; I just get confused trying to reconcile events and times for myself.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a delightful read. Not quite the mystery I expected it to be, it was still a fun, fast-paced read with great characters. The mystery is set up early on and there are characters introduced on that front, but it sometimes felt like an afterthought and I had trouble following along with what was happening. It made the ending slightly confusing to me and a bit out of sync with earlier pieces, but it does make me wonder if there might be a book two. While I didn’t miss the mystery while reading, when I came out of the book I did wish it had been a little stronger, that maybe the story had slowed down a little to really explore and incorporate both the history and the mystery.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a wonderful time travel book that makes a ton of sense and has very detailed rules. It deals with the consequences of playing with time and effortlessly crafts a compelling story around it. I never once questioned a character’s motivation, especially as it related to the time travel. As a matter of fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found every part of this book worked perfectly like a well-oiled clock. There’s no mention of this being part of a series, but it’s one of those rare books where I really want a second one.
Thank you to O. R. Simmonds for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Overall
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a delightful romp through time with unforgettable characters and incredibly detailed and well-thought out time travel. While it doesn’t quite have as much mystery as I anticipated, the time travel component was so impeccably done and the characters so well-developed that I quickly forgot about it and was quite happy to let myself be swept up in Will and Frenz’s adventures. There’s never really a chance to rest and they never really seem to catch a break, but they have a lot riding on what they do, and they do not disappointed. For fans of time travel, this indie book is not to be missed.
Extended Thoughts
William Wells is an American (illegally) living in London, living with his girlfriend and trying to get by while she works a top secret job. One day, Abigayle tells him to visit a certain shop, so, after spending most of the day getting lost, he does. Only to end up in possession of a seriously strange watch called the Timepiece, and witness to a murder.
The watch doesn’t make things any easier for Will. Instead, it sends him on the run when Abigayle uses the watch and ends up essentially lost in time, with him as the prime suspect in her disappearance, not to mention in the murder of the Timepiece’s last owner. With a former Timekeeper as his companion, Will jumps back and forth in time, trying keep one step in front of the man racing after him for the Timepiece while trying to figure out when in time Abigayle is.
Just like every other time travel book I’ve ever read, the time travel confuses me. It’s impossible for me to keep track of the back and forth in time, to line up time points to figure out exactly what’s happening. But it did not impede my enjoyment of The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray. I loved that everything about the time travel and how it worked made complete sense. It was incredibly well-thought out and answered all the questions it brought up in my mind.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray was a fun, albeit a bit confusing, romp through time across parts of the UK. I really enjoyed the differences between different years that were pointed out, and especially enjoyed one of Will’s lasts trips through time as it was also a fun commentary on current times. I do wish the story had been a little more layered, a little more expanded to include more history, though. Will is supposedly interested in history, so I was a little disappointed when he seemed so unfamiliar with the city considering he easily became lost. It was also disappointing he never took the opportunity to discuss the history of London and more of the landmarks to add depth and more local flavor to the story.
But I really did like Will. All of the characters were delightful, from the bad guys to the good guys. I never once mixed them up. They were all distinct and so much fun. I especially loved the way Will and his companion, former Timekeeper Frenz, interacted. It was warm and I loved how it seamlessly transitioned from mentor and mentee to friends. They were wonderful and I loved them to pieces. What I particularly enjoyed, though, was Will did feel American to me. Simmonds did a wonderful job of not making him sound British, so he felt distinctly different from all the other characters.
Nothing seems to go quite right for Will and something is always around the corner to stop him. It’s fast-paced and Will and Frenz never seem to catch a break, but they’re immensely quick and resourceful and work off of each other really well. They’re ideal partners, and just overall fun. I loved how the story just seemed to relentlessly push forward, giving neither characters nor reader a break. The back and forth in time slowed me down a little, though I do think Simmonds did his best to make everything clear to readers; I just get confused trying to reconcile events and times for myself.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a delightful read. Not quite the mystery I expected it to be, it was still a fun, fast-paced read with great characters. The mystery is set up early on and there are characters introduced on that front, but it sometimes felt like an afterthought and I had trouble following along with what was happening. It made the ending slightly confusing to me and a bit out of sync with earlier pieces, but it does make me wonder if there might be a book two. While I didn’t miss the mystery while reading, when I came out of the book I did wish it had been a little stronger, that maybe the story had slowed down a little to really explore and incorporate both the history and the mystery.
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is a wonderful time travel book that makes a ton of sense and has very detailed rules. It deals with the consequences of playing with time and effortlessly crafts a compelling story around it. I never once questioned a character’s motivation, especially as it related to the time travel. As a matter of fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found every part of this book worked perfectly like a well-oiled clock. There’s no mention of this being part of a series, but it’s one of those rare books where I really want a second one.
Thank you to O. R. Simmonds for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 14, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5🌟
This is the story of how William is entangled in a conspiracy of huge proportions unknowingly.
This is a time travel book, with science and history as major part of it. William was thrust into multiple thrilling circumstances while trying his best to locate his fiancée. It is a bit more complicated as Abby, the fiancée is lost in time.
Equipped with a Timepiece that enables him to travel through time, William together with a renegade time agent Frenz, embarks on a journey to find Abby and along the way fight off the ones trying to get the Timepiece themselves.
At the start I was a bit frustrated with Will because he kept on messing up. When he's nervous, he tends to make huge mistakes.
Eventually, Will and Frenz grew on me. I love the concept of time travel and this one has lots of themes I enjoy. I think the most prominent one here is the egg and chicken dilemma. It wasn't very perfect and I was a bit confused at some parts but I enjoyed it so much.😊
I love how things ended. A great and thrilling read for fans of time travel books.👍
*Thanks to the publisher for making this book available for review via Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest thoughts and opinions of the book.*
This is the story of how William is entangled in a conspiracy of huge proportions unknowingly.
This is a time travel book, with science and history as major part of it. William was thrust into multiple thrilling circumstances while trying his best to locate his fiancée. It is a bit more complicated as Abby, the fiancée is lost in time.
Equipped with a Timepiece that enables him to travel through time, William together with a renegade time agent Frenz, embarks on a journey to find Abby and along the way fight off the ones trying to get the Timepiece themselves.
At the start I was a bit frustrated with Will because he kept on messing up. When he's nervous, he tends to make huge mistakes.
Eventually, Will and Frenz grew on me. I love the concept of time travel and this one has lots of themes I enjoy. I think the most prominent one here is the egg and chicken dilemma. It wasn't very perfect and I was a bit confused at some parts but I enjoyed it so much.😊
I love how things ended. A great and thrilling read for fans of time travel books.👍
*Thanks to the publisher for making this book available for review via Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest thoughts and opinions of the book.*
July 25, 2021
This is a mixture of genres - part historical part sci fi. I thought the title was a little misleading though since the girl is not in much of the story and the protagonist is actually her fiance who is trying to find her. The action takes you back and forth in time. I liked how the plot was structured ending more or less where it began.
May not be everyone's cup of tea but recommended for those who like a time travel Dr. Who type mystery.
May not be everyone's cup of tea but recommended for those who like a time travel Dr. Who type mystery.
November 26, 2021
Amazing Fun
A super fun read with twists and turns! Started a little slow but escalated quickly into a book I couldn’t put down.
A super fun read with twists and turns! Started a little slow but escalated quickly into a book I couldn’t put down.
December 19, 2021
Not the worst I’ve ever read, being as I managed to finish it. Given a good editor, it could maybe be passable. As it is, nope! There are jarring 3 line shifts in POV, information dumps that go on for pages and pages, way more telling than showing, and clumsy inconsistencies. One of the most maddening is when they spend LAST of their money on a bed and breakfast yet manage to pay for gas and snacks several.
All in all, a fairly annoying waste of time.
All in all, a fairly annoying waste of time.
July 26, 2021
Obviously, since this is a book about time travel, I’m going to start by talking about that. I honestly loved the way Simmonds imagined it; his excellent descriptions and explanations of how the process worked were excellent. Plus, he included a time travel agency, which definitely increased the intrigue in the story. Especially since he put an incredible amount of detail into it; everything from its structure to its machinery was fully fleshed out.
As for the general plot: It was filled with excitement and kept me on the edge of my seat. It had plenty of complexity and, like with many time travel stories, it was interesting to see how the past, present, and future came together for the characters. Simmonds did not hold back when it came to complexity, and I absolutely loved it.
Speaking of the characters, they were brilliantly written and I loved reading about them. But, even though I really liked Will, Frenz definitely stole the show. Not only did he have a brilliant personality, but his wealth of knowledge and experiences made him by far the most interesting character. (There are a couple of other characters I wish we’d seen more of, but considering the twist at the end, I have hope for there being a sequel!)
Though, I do think some of the villains could have used a little more development and depth. The main antagonist had a good amount, but his cronies were just that; two-dimensional henchmen. Still, they were fun to read about and I enjoyed their part in the story, overall.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable time travel adventure, and I recommend reading it. With a fast-paced, exciting plot and brilliantly written characters, it had everything needed for a great read. So, if you’re a fan of books about time travel, or even just thrilling books in general, then this is definitely for you.
As for the general plot: It was filled with excitement and kept me on the edge of my seat. It had plenty of complexity and, like with many time travel stories, it was interesting to see how the past, present, and future came together for the characters. Simmonds did not hold back when it came to complexity, and I absolutely loved it.
Speaking of the characters, they were brilliantly written and I loved reading about them. But, even though I really liked Will, Frenz definitely stole the show. Not only did he have a brilliant personality, but his wealth of knowledge and experiences made him by far the most interesting character. (There are a couple of other characters I wish we’d seen more of, but considering the twist at the end, I have hope for there being a sequel!)
Though, I do think some of the villains could have used a little more development and depth. The main antagonist had a good amount, but his cronies were just that; two-dimensional henchmen. Still, they were fun to read about and I enjoyed their part in the story, overall.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable time travel adventure, and I recommend reading it. With a fast-paced, exciting plot and brilliantly written characters, it had everything needed for a great read. So, if you’re a fan of books about time travel, or even just thrilling books in general, then this is definitely for you.
July 20, 2021
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily in exchange. Now, onto the good stuff.
I am a massive sci-fi and mystery fan, so this book was massively appealing to me since it offered aspects of both. The notion of time travel is nothing new, of course, but the author did well offering a unique spin on it. I can honestly say I had no idea how the book was going to end, so it was an incredibly fun read that kept me guessing all the way up to the final chapter. And whew, what a finale it was!
As a brief summary, William Wells (an American residing in London) suddenly finds himself as the new owner of the Timepiece, which allows the user to alter time. Obviously, there are some very evil people who want this Timepiece, so much so as to kill for it, and it's up to William to stop them.
Overall, the book was great; The concept and characters were intriguing enough to keep me interested in seeing what would happen next. I did find the plot development to be a tiny bit slow, and there were several events/objects/scenes described in great detail that didn't seem to add much to the overall story, which may have contributed to that slow feeling. This is a minor criticism, though!
I would have liked to have had some more background on the characters of William and Abigayle before the adventure took off, so to speak, because I found it hard to understand WHY Will was so invested in saving Abigayle other than just "she's the woman I love". Yeah, that's great, but WHY do you love her so much, Will!? Later in the book, when there was more interaction between the two, it made much more sense why he was risking so much to save her!
This was a fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of science fiction or time travel adventures!
I am a massive sci-fi and mystery fan, so this book was massively appealing to me since it offered aspects of both. The notion of time travel is nothing new, of course, but the author did well offering a unique spin on it. I can honestly say I had no idea how the book was going to end, so it was an incredibly fun read that kept me guessing all the way up to the final chapter. And whew, what a finale it was!
As a brief summary, William Wells (an American residing in London) suddenly finds himself as the new owner of the Timepiece, which allows the user to alter time. Obviously, there are some very evil people who want this Timepiece, so much so as to kill for it, and it's up to William to stop them.
Overall, the book was great; The concept and characters were intriguing enough to keep me interested in seeing what would happen next. I did find the plot development to be a tiny bit slow, and there were several events/objects/scenes described in great detail that didn't seem to add much to the overall story, which may have contributed to that slow feeling. This is a minor criticism, though!
I would have liked to have had some more background on the characters of William and Abigayle before the adventure took off, so to speak, because I found it hard to understand WHY Will was so invested in saving Abigayle other than just "she's the woman I love". Yeah, that's great, but WHY do you love her so much, Will!? Later in the book, when there was more interaction between the two, it made much more sense why he was risking so much to save her!
This was a fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of science fiction or time travel adventures!
August 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like this book was well thoughtful out and had a satisfactory conclusion. Although a timekeeper may have all the time in the world, I did feel some pressure to get this book read in a timely manner which I think did take away something from the book for me. Being an ebook I can’t be a good judge as to whether this is a long or thick book but it was manageable and probably just the right length for the story; I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this as time travel books can go on and on (I felt this most with the Time Traveler’s Wife).
His book did not allow for a butterfly effect and did have some circling connections from past to present to future but all wrapped up adequately and I’m not one to sit with pencil and paper and write notes on the timeline to make sure it’s all correct. The only thing I had a problem with is the mimic watches: no one knows how the timepiece was invented but they were able to invent a mimic want? And we see how unsafe he mimic watch can be when the wearer is in the wrong place “at the wrong time” while wearing it. Madame Izri and Will stood in specific places when they travelled for this reason and we know what happens to the bad guys BUT how would the bad guys be able to be pulled through time chasing Will while wearing the mimic watches not knowing when he’d be activating the watch or what their surroundings would be like at the present location in the new local. So if the time piece was activated while they were in a car trying to catch up with will or when they were in a building searching for him, etc. who’s to say they wouldn’t just be flung around or into something...
Time travel books aren’t my go to but I have read several and enjoyed the majority for the most part as a silent observer without putting too much effort into understanding which is what I did with this book and I liked it well enough. The characters are few and developed and the story is very fast paced.
I feel like this book was well thoughtful out and had a satisfactory conclusion. Although a timekeeper may have all the time in the world, I did feel some pressure to get this book read in a timely manner which I think did take away something from the book for me. Being an ebook I can’t be a good judge as to whether this is a long or thick book but it was manageable and probably just the right length for the story; I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this as time travel books can go on and on (I felt this most with the Time Traveler’s Wife).
His book did not allow for a butterfly effect and did have some circling connections from past to present to future but all wrapped up adequately and I’m not one to sit with pencil and paper and write notes on the timeline to make sure it’s all correct. The only thing I had a problem with is the mimic watches: no one knows how the timepiece was invented but they were able to invent a mimic want? And we see how unsafe he mimic watch can be when the wearer is in the wrong place “at the wrong time” while wearing it. Madame Izri and Will stood in specific places when they travelled for this reason and we know what happens to the bad guys BUT how would the bad guys be able to be pulled through time chasing Will while wearing the mimic watches not knowing when he’d be activating the watch or what their surroundings would be like at the present location in the new local. So if the time piece was activated while they were in a car trying to catch up with will or when they were in a building searching for him, etc. who’s to say they wouldn’t just be flung around or into something...
Time travel books aren’t my go to but I have read several and enjoyed the majority for the most part as a silent observer without putting too much effort into understanding which is what I did with this book and I liked it well enough. The characters are few and developed and the story is very fast paced.
June 11, 2021
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is based around the concept of time travel. The protagonist in the mystery is called Will, a lanky American mid-western boy staying in London with his girlfriend Abigayle. Abigayle sends Will on an errand to a quirky little shop in Frying Pan Lane where he becomes acquainted with the shop proprietor, Frenz. Frenz deals in timepieces of all shapes and sizes, and when he supplies Will with an unusual-looking wristwatch as a gift for Abigayle, the adventures, or misadventures, commence.
This is a fun novel - it is light-hearted and imaginative. There isn't much character development, as the focus is on the action - the moves and counter-moves of the characters. If you are a fan of novels where lots of things are happening, this is for you. However I do appreciate getting to know and understand the characters and that was missing from this book. There were lots of clever plot twists, some of which made me pause in appreciation. The action moved so quickly at times that the jumping around in time periods, from 1940 to 1984 to 2016 and back to 1920 etc., began to be a bit confusing.
There were points in the novel where the author clearly had the picture of this world in his head, and he wanted to convey it to the reader in detail. However, it could be a little too much detail and perhaps not necessary to the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the story. The content of the novel is definitely rated Family, except for some mild violence, and younger readers might enjoy the book as well. Thank you to Net Galley for graciously providing a copy.
This is a fun novel - it is light-hearted and imaginative. There isn't much character development, as the focus is on the action - the moves and counter-moves of the characters. If you are a fan of novels where lots of things are happening, this is for you. However I do appreciate getting to know and understand the characters and that was missing from this book. There were lots of clever plot twists, some of which made me pause in appreciation. The action moved so quickly at times that the jumping around in time periods, from 1940 to 1984 to 2016 and back to 1920 etc., began to be a bit confusing.
There were points in the novel where the author clearly had the picture of this world in his head, and he wanted to convey it to the reader in detail. However, it could be a little too much detail and perhaps not necessary to the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the story. The content of the novel is definitely rated Family, except for some mild violence, and younger readers might enjoy the book as well. Thank you to Net Galley for graciously providing a copy.
July 29, 2021
Will, a young American lives in London with his British girlfriend, Abigayle. Given that he is in Britain illegally, he can't contribute much to their household but he wants to buy her something special. She collects timepieces and, at a little out-of-the-way second-hand store, he finds a very unusual watch at a ridiculously low price. However, he soon finds out the appearance of the watch is the least unique thing about it and he's got a great deal more than he bargained for. First, his girlfriend disappears when she comes in contact with the watch and when he goes back to the store to talk to the owner, he finds he's been murdered. And if that's not enough, he is the only suspect. Now, on the run, not only from the law but a shadowy organization that has shown a willingness to kill to get their hands on the watch, but determined to find Abigayle at any cost, Will is on the adventure of several lifetimes, with the watch the only clue to her whereabouts.
The Timepiece is the debut novel by O.R. Simmonds and it is one heck of a fun time travel tale crossing several timelines. At times, the story gets bogged down with descriptions of events and thought processes but never enough to make me want to quit reading especially as these slow bits are followed by breakneck action. For any Dr Who fans or just anyone who likes a well-written time travel tale, this one's for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
The Timepiece is the debut novel by O.R. Simmonds and it is one heck of a fun time travel tale crossing several timelines. At times, the story gets bogged down with descriptions of events and thought processes but never enough to make me want to quit reading especially as these slow bits are followed by breakneck action. For any Dr Who fans or just anyone who likes a well-written time travel tale, this one's for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2021
I consumed this as an e-book, which is not the best format for something that jumps about in time so checking back to the section heading giving the date and time interrupted the story flow. A different font for the different time periods would have been helpful.
I'm not sure making the main character American is necessary for the plot and some of his dialogue jarred, as did the repeated prejudice against his nationality. I was gripped by the plot and enjoyed most of the twists including the ending which handily sets up a sequel.
It's not a spoiler to tell you that the story involves time travel, but I was troubled by some inconsistencies with two physical bodies of the same person being present at the same time in the same place. Neither could I suspend disbelief that people would not spot or respond to the anachronisms evident in clothing and appearance between the different time periods. Credulity was also stretched by the amount of currency that would be needed to travel and exist for the distances involved and lack of passports was not addressed by the author moving characters across national borders.
I believed that the main character was besotted with his girlfriend (the girl who went astray) and his quest to find her is central to the plot. I suspect she will feature more and have more agency in the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm not sure making the main character American is necessary for the plot and some of his dialogue jarred, as did the repeated prejudice against his nationality. I was gripped by the plot and enjoyed most of the twists including the ending which handily sets up a sequel.
It's not a spoiler to tell you that the story involves time travel, but I was troubled by some inconsistencies with two physical bodies of the same person being present at the same time in the same place. Neither could I suspend disbelief that people would not spot or respond to the anachronisms evident in clothing and appearance between the different time periods. Credulity was also stretched by the amount of currency that would be needed to travel and exist for the distances involved and lack of passports was not addressed by the author moving characters across national borders.
I believed that the main character was besotted with his girlfriend (the girl who went astray) and his quest to find her is central to the plot. I suspect she will feature more and have more agency in the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2021
William Wells, a moneyless, American college dropout, now living in London, was directed, by his girlfriend Abigayle, to go to an old thrift store in Frying Pan Alley. When Will arrives he is fascinated by all of the old and interesting items within the shop. He is reminded of his and Abigayle's upcoming first anniversary and her love of old clocks and watches and soon he is shown an unusual and interesting but inexpensive time piece, produced by the proprietor of the shop. He decides to buy it but then something horrific happens. The shop owner is shot to death, after two men entered, just as Will was leaving. Will is now a witness to a murder and then he becomes a suspect and if that is not enough, Abby vanishes after holding the gifted watch that William gave her.
The story, now plotted as a murder mystery and a time travel tale, took me into the past, present and future. The author did a very good job in the opening pages of this book, where he hooked me with his descriptive abilities and the intrigue he created with good storytelling kept be glued to the pages throughout this story. You will love Timepiece- it has the appeal of Stephen King's Needful Things and the Back To The Future trilogy, all rolled into one.
In the story, some of the characters are afraid of traveling into the future. The author, however, shouldn't be afraid of the future. It's a great start to his writing career and Timepiece, if you decide to read it, is time well spent. I loved it!
The story, now plotted as a murder mystery and a time travel tale, took me into the past, present and future. The author did a very good job in the opening pages of this book, where he hooked me with his descriptive abilities and the intrigue he created with good storytelling kept be glued to the pages throughout this story. You will love Timepiece- it has the appeal of Stephen King's Needful Things and the Back To The Future trilogy, all rolled into one.
In the story, some of the characters are afraid of traveling into the future. The author, however, shouldn't be afraid of the future. It's a great start to his writing career and Timepiece, if you decide to read it, is time well spent. I loved it!
July 3, 2022
Amusing
This is a quirky novel about an American in England who finds himself an English girlfriend who accidentally gets lost in time. He's desperate to find her and bring her back from wherever she's lost. Getting lost in time apparently happens frequently, and the term used for it is going "astray". Hence the title of the book. We have many fascinating adventures along the way as time agents (bad guys belonging to a corrupt organization) go around killing people making the boyfriend look guilty. He's being chased by the police for murder of his lost girlfriend and others. He's trying to find where his girlfriend got lost, and unexpectedly finds an ally to help. All gets resolved in the end. All loose ends get resolved except for the last one which is a jaw dropper made in the final paragraph. The book is composed of all sorts of idioms, words, and construction that I presume are examples of British English. There was one paragraph that had three missing words in its construction. I think that was an error although there were other times that a significant word was left out of a sentence. The objective case of "who" was not used several times when appropriate. I mention the above for possible improvement in editing. Otherwise the book was an amusing and interesting read.
This is a quirky novel about an American in England who finds himself an English girlfriend who accidentally gets lost in time. He's desperate to find her and bring her back from wherever she's lost. Getting lost in time apparently happens frequently, and the term used for it is going "astray". Hence the title of the book. We have many fascinating adventures along the way as time agents (bad guys belonging to a corrupt organization) go around killing people making the boyfriend look guilty. He's being chased by the police for murder of his lost girlfriend and others. He's trying to find where his girlfriend got lost, and unexpectedly finds an ally to help. All gets resolved in the end. All loose ends get resolved except for the last one which is a jaw dropper made in the final paragraph. The book is composed of all sorts of idioms, words, and construction that I presume are examples of British English. There was one paragraph that had three missing words in its construction. I think that was an error although there were other times that a significant word was left out of a sentence. The objective case of "who" was not used several times when appropriate. I mention the above for possible improvement in editing. Otherwise the book was an amusing and interesting read.
July 31, 2021
Fun and interesting novel of time travel and adventure. William Wells is a hapless American living in London whose life is about to get much more complicated. His girlfriend, Abby, sends him on a simple errand and suddenly he is embroiled in a time mishap that spirals out of control. Can he set things right? Or will his bumbling put everyone and everything at risk?
The time travel theory and practice in the book is entertaining, but has some holes. While time is presented as basically immutable in the past, the future is much more fluid. I found this to be a unique take on the theory, but the anecdotes used to explain it actually seem to refute it. These were the only big holes, however, so it mostly holds up. When writing about time loops, keeping your machinations straight is paramount, and that was definitely done well.
I enjoyed the characters, though the villains were drawn quite shallowly, which kept the depth of the relationships from developing fully. Writing an American in the UK requires a deep understanding of other environments, and only fell a bit short here.
Altogether enjoyable and well thought out. Thank you to Book Sirens for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
The time travel theory and practice in the book is entertaining, but has some holes. While time is presented as basically immutable in the past, the future is much more fluid. I found this to be a unique take on the theory, but the anecdotes used to explain it actually seem to refute it. These were the only big holes, however, so it mostly holds up. When writing about time loops, keeping your machinations straight is paramount, and that was definitely done well.
I enjoyed the characters, though the villains were drawn quite shallowly, which kept the depth of the relationships from developing fully. Writing an American in the UK requires a deep understanding of other environments, and only fell a bit short here.
Altogether enjoyable and well thought out. Thank you to Book Sirens for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
October 4, 2021
This is a book that I really didn’t want to put down. At the end of each chapter I was desperate to know what happened next and the story would make a great episode of a series like Fringe (if anyone remembers that!)
There’s been some criticism of the writing style by other reviewers, but I found it appropriate. The story is complex enough not to require over-use of technical detail or in-depth character description.
On the downside, a lot of unnecessary time was devoted to detailing one tricky situation that Will found himself in, despite the fact that what he needed to do - and did - was blindingly obvious. That section really needs a re-write in my opinion if it’s to have the ‘ah, clever!’ response that was intended. Further, as with so many books, the ending seemed rushed and less well thought through than the rest of the book, leaving me with unanswered questions about the actions of one character in particular. There was also a remark made by one of the characters early on in the book which I expected to be woven back into the story later on. It wasn’t, however, and that seemed like a loose end that left me hanging.
Despite the above, I really enjoyed the book and will consider reading more by this author as new releases become available.
There’s been some criticism of the writing style by other reviewers, but I found it appropriate. The story is complex enough not to require over-use of technical detail or in-depth character description.
On the downside, a lot of unnecessary time was devoted to detailing one tricky situation that Will found himself in, despite the fact that what he needed to do - and did - was blindingly obvious. That section really needs a re-write in my opinion if it’s to have the ‘ah, clever!’ response that was intended. Further, as with so many books, the ending seemed rushed and less well thought through than the rest of the book, leaving me with unanswered questions about the actions of one character in particular. There was also a remark made by one of the characters early on in the book which I expected to be woven back into the story later on. It wasn’t, however, and that seemed like a loose end that left me hanging.
Despite the above, I really enjoyed the book and will consider reading more by this author as new releases become available.
October 14, 2025
The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray by O. R. Simmonds is a gripping, time-twisting thriller that marries emotional depth with high-concept storytelling a rare blend of heart and intellect that lingers long after the final page.
When William Wells a restless dropout turned reluctant fugitive discovers a mysterious timepiece capable of bending reality, his world unravels in a heartbeat. Accused of murder, hunted across London, and haunted by the disappearance of the woman he loves, Will must uncover the truth behind the timepiece before it consumes everything he holds dear.
Simmonds crafts a cinematic, genre-bending experience that fuses the propulsive tension of The Time Traveler’s Wife with the intrigue of Dark and the emotional urgency of The Man in the High Castle. His prose is taut yet lyrical, his pacing relentless yet intimate. Beneath the twists and temporal loops lies something deeply human a story about grief, choice, and how far we’ll go to rewrite our own past.
A perfect choice for readers who crave sci-fi with heart, thrillers with thought, and characters who bleed between timelines, The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is an unforgettable journey through time, consequence, and love that refuses to fade.
When William Wells a restless dropout turned reluctant fugitive discovers a mysterious timepiece capable of bending reality, his world unravels in a heartbeat. Accused of murder, hunted across London, and haunted by the disappearance of the woman he loves, Will must uncover the truth behind the timepiece before it consumes everything he holds dear.
Simmonds crafts a cinematic, genre-bending experience that fuses the propulsive tension of The Time Traveler’s Wife with the intrigue of Dark and the emotional urgency of The Man in the High Castle. His prose is taut yet lyrical, his pacing relentless yet intimate. Beneath the twists and temporal loops lies something deeply human a story about grief, choice, and how far we’ll go to rewrite our own past.
A perfect choice for readers who crave sci-fi with heart, thrillers with thought, and characters who bleed between timelines, The Timepiece and the Girl Who Went Astray is an unforgettable journey through time, consequence, and love that refuses to fade.
July 27, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novel was an interesting take on a time travel story. The accidental protagonist makes the idea feel fresh rather then a rehashing of the scientist-turned-traveler story. An innocent purchase leads to an adventure across time in London. The main characters were developed fairly well and I found myself interested in what was happening to them as the story progressed. The ideas behind the time travel itself, how it worked, and the agencies that struggle for control of the capability were detailed enough to provide a solid foundation without being overwhelming.
I have two main criticisms. The events get underway pretty quickly without building enough of a relationship between "the girl" and the reader, so we don't particularly care that she went astray or what might be happening to her. There are some oddly detailed descriptions of people/places that seem a little wordy and forced that broke the cadence of my reading, but these aren't enough to detract too much from the experience.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. Fans of sci-fi or time-travel stories should check this one out.
This novel was an interesting take on a time travel story. The accidental protagonist makes the idea feel fresh rather then a rehashing of the scientist-turned-traveler story. An innocent purchase leads to an adventure across time in London. The main characters were developed fairly well and I found myself interested in what was happening to them as the story progressed. The ideas behind the time travel itself, how it worked, and the agencies that struggle for control of the capability were detailed enough to provide a solid foundation without being overwhelming.
I have two main criticisms. The events get underway pretty quickly without building enough of a relationship between "the girl" and the reader, so we don't particularly care that she went astray or what might be happening to her. There are some oddly detailed descriptions of people/places that seem a little wordy and forced that broke the cadence of my reading, but these aren't enough to detract too much from the experience.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. Fans of sci-fi or time-travel stories should check this one out.
April 23, 2021
The book hooked me from the start with lots of action, leaving me wondering right at the start just what's going on and who are these people with guns? Since this book is about time travel, I got caught up in some of the discussions for events that have occurred in history, e.g., the Kennedy assassination and Jack the Ripper. The book is written with lots of details and wonderfully rich dialogue. The book made a couple key points about time travel that I thought were interesting. For example, the author points out that having information is a powerful weapon and wielding it correctly could be the difference between success and failure. Plus, while the characters can jump through time, it is important to not change history. I loved the definition of "astray" being alive somewhere and somewhen! During the action/escape scenes I would find myself reading faster and faster to keep up with the pace of the story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2021
I would recommend this book for any adventurous spirit that would do anything for love.
Overall Review = 3.54 Stars
Enjoyment = 4
Characters = 3, The characters felt modestly developed. Franz Belingi & Madame Izri made the book compelling. Madame Izri's portion alone was a standout. My main feedback is on Abigayle. Her character wasn't developed enough to make me care that she went astray. I believe one or two more setup chapters or some flashback chapters with Abigayle could have helped.
Plot = 4, This was my first time travel novel and overall I enjoyed it. The story get me engaged and wondering what was going to happen next.
Feelings/Emotions = 3, Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Writing Style/Voice = 3, At times the language was a bit juvenile for me. "sphinctor" and some of the lovely dovey language stood out for me.
Themes = 3, The main theme I picked up was around love and what people will do for love. It played out as expected.
Pacing = 5, No issues with pacing. I enjoyed the quick pace.
Overall Review = 3.54 Stars
Enjoyment = 4
Characters = 3, The characters felt modestly developed. Franz Belingi & Madame Izri made the book compelling. Madame Izri's portion alone was a standout. My main feedback is on Abigayle. Her character wasn't developed enough to make me care that she went astray. I believe one or two more setup chapters or some flashback chapters with Abigayle could have helped.
Plot = 4, This was my first time travel novel and overall I enjoyed it. The story get me engaged and wondering what was going to happen next.
Feelings/Emotions = 3, Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Writing Style/Voice = 3, At times the language was a bit juvenile for me. "sphinctor" and some of the lovely dovey language stood out for me.
Themes = 3, The main theme I picked up was around love and what people will do for love. It played out as expected.
Pacing = 5, No issues with pacing. I enjoyed the quick pace.
July 24, 2021
I received this ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review:
I definitely had some issues with this debut novel from O.R. Simmonds.
The plot was at times excessively convoluted, making it difficult to keep track of where and when, but even more importantly why, characters travelled.
In simple terms, the motivation was often unclear.
And the romance between William and Abigayle wasn’t developed in any meaningful way.
I would have loved to see William reflect on what exactly made him so desperate to rescue Abigayle. How does their bond transcend time itself?
However, this novel truly is perfectly categorized as a “time travel thriller.” And the pacing is a stroke of genius.
Despite my lukewarm reception towards the characters themselves, I found myself flipping pages erratically to see what happened next.
Simmonds deftly creates an almost constant sense of danger and urgency throughout the novel, and it kept me reading well into the night on many occasions.
This is a flawed but fun effort from a fresh voice with obvious potential.
I definitely had some issues with this debut novel from O.R. Simmonds.
The plot was at times excessively convoluted, making it difficult to keep track of where and when, but even more importantly why, characters travelled.
In simple terms, the motivation was often unclear.
And the romance between William and Abigayle wasn’t developed in any meaningful way.
I would have loved to see William reflect on what exactly made him so desperate to rescue Abigayle. How does their bond transcend time itself?
However, this novel truly is perfectly categorized as a “time travel thriller.” And the pacing is a stroke of genius.
Despite my lukewarm reception towards the characters themselves, I found myself flipping pages erratically to see what happened next.
Simmonds deftly creates an almost constant sense of danger and urgency throughout the novel, and it kept me reading well into the night on many occasions.
This is a flawed but fun effort from a fresh voice with obvious potential.
July 30, 2021
Will Wells always wanted to visit England, he loves learning about England's history. He is able to live his dream and go to England. While there, he met Abigail Ward. They fall in love, and he stays there.
One day, he decided to buy Abby a present, and he knows that she loves timepieces. So he goes to this strange small store that sells all sorts of timepieces, from watches to clocks. I discovered an unique watch that Abby would love. So he buys it. While he was exiting, he noticed two strange looking men entering the shop. So he hurries out, and goes out of sight, and looks in the window of the store.
He sees the those strange men kill the owner. So he runs home, and locks himself in his girlfriend's apartment and waits for her to get home. He gives her the present, and sees her disappear.
Now the fun begins. Can he figure out what happened to his girlfriend and get her back? Who were those strange men who shot the stores owner? Before time runs out?
Very good book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One day, he decided to buy Abby a present, and he knows that she loves timepieces. So he goes to this strange small store that sells all sorts of timepieces, from watches to clocks. I discovered an unique watch that Abby would love. So he buys it. While he was exiting, he noticed two strange looking men entering the shop. So he hurries out, and goes out of sight, and looks in the window of the store.
He sees the those strange men kill the owner. So he runs home, and locks himself in his girlfriend's apartment and waits for her to get home. He gives her the present, and sees her disappear.
Now the fun begins. Can he figure out what happened to his girlfriend and get her back? Who were those strange men who shot the stores owner? Before time runs out?
Very good book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2021
William Wells is an American in London. He’s got a love of history, a lovely girlfriend, Abigayle and he’s wanted for murder. I love the premise of this book, that by using a timepiece - it’s so much more than just a watch - you can travel to different dates and times in seconds. But be careful what time you go back to, it may not be what you expect - or want.
Abigayle starts off being a bit of ‘bit part’ character, although the reason for Williams’ adventures. But as the book builds up its pace, you realise she’s pivotal to the story. The story is complex and leaps about from time to different time, which could be really confusing, but isn’t. It’s well written and very detailed. I love the idea that what you think of as ‘fate’ having a hand in your life, could be a Government Department or Ministry that has its own hand in it. Enjoyable read, and hopefully the next one will be as good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Abigayle starts off being a bit of ‘bit part’ character, although the reason for Williams’ adventures. But as the book builds up its pace, you realise she’s pivotal to the story. The story is complex and leaps about from time to different time, which could be really confusing, but isn’t. It’s well written and very detailed. I love the idea that what you think of as ‘fate’ having a hand in your life, could be a Government Department or Ministry that has its own hand in it. Enjoyable read, and hopefully the next one will be as good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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