The Time Keeper - by Meagan Mahoney (Paperback)

About the Book

In 1902 Edinburgh, a clockmaker is found dead inside a locked clocktower. When the clockmaker's apprentice finds clues inside a seemingly unfixable watch, he races against time to discover the truth of his mentor's death and a map to a miracle cure that can save a dying friend.

Book Synopsis

"A thrilling, transportive historical adventure that offers hope and explores themes of found family." -- Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old orphan Malcolm McKenzie's world is falling apart.

His mentor, clockmaker Jack Alexander, was found dead inside a locked clock tower.

His best friend -- and Jack's son -- Peter is dying of a mysterious disease.

His only hope: a puzzle inside a seemingly broken pocket watch that even Jack couldn't fix.

The watch, a precious heirloom passed down through a family of proud physicians, must be the key to solving Jack's murder and a miracle cure for Peter. But shadowy figures stalk the streets of Edinburgh, scheming to steal the watch and its secrets for themselves. Malcolm, alongside pickpocket and fellow orphan Maddie, must outsmart and outrun their enemies to solve the watch's puzzle and save the family that saved him ... before Peter's time runs out.

Review Quotes

"Fans of historical fiction and mystery will find much to love in this book. The way Meagan Mahoney develops the characters and an intricate plot makes this a fascinating tale."

--Demetria Head "Reader's Favorite"

"The Time Keeper is a captivating read that brings history to life, capturing the humanity of ordinary people in an exciting fast paced read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"--Aileen Wortley "CM Reviews"

"The Time Keeper, rich in detail, description and atmosphere, also has an intriguing array of supporting characters -- from a mischievous pickpocket to mysterious, cloaked figures. This narrative full of twists and turns is an explosive spellbinding action mystery that will engage any reader of any age! FIVE STARS"

--Karen Upper "Recently Read"

"The Time Keeper at its heart is a story about family wrapped in a mind-bending adventure."--Inderjit Deogun "Quill & Quire"

"The analogies between time and medicine are clever and thought-provoking, providing middle-graders an opportunity for a deeper, more meaningful reading experience."--Bonnie Kelso "Historical Novel Society"

"A thrilling, transportive historical adventure that offers hope and explores themes of found family."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Calgary pediatric doctor Meagan Mahoney's sophomore novel is a propulsive historical adventure full of mystery, suspense, and illustrated clues."

--Linda Ludke "Quill & Quire"