Unnecessarily long and ended rather abruptly. I had an arc of this book so questioned whether it was complete but going by other reviews it appears they felt the same. The different strands of stories didn't connect well and some weren't concluded at all. This book just wasn't up to the author's usual standard.

Another epic sweeping dual time line / time slip novel by the super talented Kate Morton.

I have just finished this book and I already want to read it all over again already, it was that good. I think the first read of books such as this are all about the mystery and finding out how it all ends and the second reading is to digest slowly and soak up the atmosphere and beautiful surroundings the book conjures up.

Set between late 1850’s and early 1860’s, both wars and 2017 with Birchwood Manor, a house brimming with history and secrets, the tie that binds them all.

With such an immense time period there are an array of characters brought into play and it is told from several different view points, 1 of which transpires to be a ghost. I certainly wasn’t expecting that I must admit, but it worked! With historical stories there will always be ghosts but very rarely do they get given their own voice in such a way. She was probably my favourite protagonist from the start.

If you are already a fan of Kate Morton’s work then you are in for a real treat with this one, and if this is your first of her books you’ve read – I highly recommend The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden. Both are full of atmosphere and stunning surroundings as beautifully brought to life as The Clockmaker’s Daughter.

I am a huge Kate Morton fan, so was absolutely delighted to be able to read and review this advanced copy of her new book. Sadly however it did not live up to expectations. Yes, the much loved formula was very much there - superbly chosen language, attention to historical detail and deftly woven multiple timelines to name but a few - but unfortunately the storyline really lacked something for me and I quickly became bored. Hate that I'm having to say this, but on thus occasiin Ms Morton, in my opinion, has slightly missed the mark. Just hope this is a slight blip and her books return to form.