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nishaali's review
4.0
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow is one of those books that has been swimming around my radar for a while. It’s a mystery wrapped up in historical fiction so I was very much like “gimme” when I finally got around to it.
Sophie Taylor is trying to make her way in the world after being suddenly orphaned following the death of her beloved father. Luckily, she manages to land a job at the Milliners Department of the new, first-of-it’s-kind Sinclair’s department store. However things get off to a rocky start after the priceless clockwork sparrow, on show at the store, is stolen and Sophie finds herself being investigated by the police as the prime suspect. With the help of her new friends Lil, a Sinclair’s model and stage actress, Billy, the shy porter with a soft spot for Sophie, and Joe the stranger on the run from the East End, can Sophie clear her name before it’s too late?
This was a 3.5 verging on 4 star book for me. This was a nice, light read which sped along nicely. I think what really stood out for me though were the delightful characters. I loved how tenacious Sophie was despite how the tenuous life she’d tried so hard to build up was collapsing around her. I loved how supportive and genuine Lil was, she is basically the best friend all girls need. Billy was loyal, but adorably a little shy, whilst it was really interesting to see Joe’s character evolution. I loved the little gang that Sophie, Billy, Lil and Joe made up (also some intense shipping going on here!!) and liked that they were all distinct personalities from diverse backgrounds. The different POVs gave us a better insight into each of the characters and whilst this meant we didn’t get to know any of them particularly well, as this is a series, I’m sure that will come in time.
I think the plot was where the book fell down a little for me – it’s meant to be a light-hearted romp of a mystery aimed at the middle grade audience, so I really wasn’t expecting it to take the turn that it did The climax was a bit outlandish, especially when Sophie was the only person who could stop a major catastrophe from happening and I suppose I felt I had to suspend my belief a little. Nonetheless, it was exciting and I must admit the mystery did keep me turning the pages. I think I’m more interested in the hints and clues Woodfine sprinkled throughout the book surrounding the mastermind villain and her departed father than I am about mulling over the actual mystery of the book which I usually love doing once finishing the book…
The setting was a big part of The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow. Sinclair’s department store is inspired by the renowned Selfridges and Harrods of London, and there actually was a department store, Simpson’s, that stood on the current Waterstones site in Piccadilly! I adored the lavish and detailed descriptions of Sinclair’s – the different departments, the luxury and innovation it represented but also the great machinery and army of workers needed to keep it going. Woodfine describes in exquisite detail everything from the beautiful architecture, the array of different departments, the luxury items on sale at the store, as well as the wealthy patrons who visit – so much so that I found myself taking a virtual tour of Sinclair’s :)
I would recommend The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow to fans of the Wells & Wong mysteries by Robin Stevens, or just anyone after a light read with delightful characters and a good plot that keeps you engaged and interested throughout. Fair warning though – it will leave you craving buns and wanting to visit a department store milliners to try on Edwardian style hats…
Sophie Taylor is trying to make her way in the world after being suddenly orphaned following the death of her beloved father. Luckily, she manages to land a job at the Milliners Department of the new, first-of-it’s-kind Sinclair’s department store. However things get off to a rocky start after the priceless clockwork sparrow, on show at the store, is stolen and Sophie finds herself being investigated by the police as the prime suspect. With the help of her new friends Lil, a Sinclair’s model and stage actress, Billy, the shy porter with a soft spot for Sophie, and Joe the stranger on the run from the East End, can Sophie clear her name before it’s too late?
This was a 3.5 verging on 4 star book for me. This was a nice, light read which sped along nicely. I think what really stood out for me though were the delightful characters. I loved how tenacious Sophie was despite how the tenuous life she’d tried so hard to build up was collapsing around her. I loved how supportive and genuine Lil was, she is basically the best friend all girls need. Billy was loyal, but adorably a little shy, whilst it was really interesting to see Joe’s character evolution. I loved the little gang that Sophie, Billy, Lil and Joe made up (also some intense shipping going on here!!) and liked that they were all distinct personalities from diverse backgrounds. The different POVs gave us a better insight into each of the characters and whilst this meant we didn’t get to know any of them particularly well, as this is a series, I’m sure that will come in time.
I think the plot was where the book fell down a little for me – it’s meant to be a light-hearted romp of a mystery aimed at the middle grade audience, so I really wasn’t expecting it to take the turn that it did
Spoiler
and become quite political!The setting was a big part of The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow. Sinclair’s department store is inspired by the renowned Selfridges and Harrods of London, and there actually was a department store, Simpson’s, that stood on the current Waterstones site in Piccadilly! I adored the lavish and detailed descriptions of Sinclair’s – the different departments, the luxury and innovation it represented but also the great machinery and army of workers needed to keep it going. Woodfine describes in exquisite detail everything from the beautiful architecture, the array of different departments, the luxury items on sale at the store, as well as the wealthy patrons who visit – so much so that I found myself taking a virtual tour of Sinclair’s :)
I would recommend The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow to fans of the Wells & Wong mysteries by Robin Stevens, or just anyone after a light read with delightful characters and a good plot that keeps you engaged and interested throughout. Fair warning though – it will leave you craving buns and wanting to visit a department store milliners to try on Edwardian style hats…
mehsi's review
5.0
I just knew I would love this book. It had all the ingredients for me to love this book, and did I love it? Yes, yes I did. I loved it a lot, and I am delighted that this won't be the only book about Sophie and Lilian.
The book switches between Sophie, Lilian, Billy, Joe, but our main focus in the story is Sophie and Lilian. Joe only occasionally gets a part in the spotlight, Billy gets some more attention, but the 2 that speak the most are the girls. And what a delight it was to hear their voices. Sophie, a girl who lost everything not that long ago, still trying to find her place in the world, still trying to figure out how to survive now she has no money. Even with all that, she is a strong character and she quickly finds a job at the magnificent Sinclairs department store that is about to open to public (more on Sinclairs later in this book). I felt sorry for her and how people acted towards her. She was just trying to make a good impression, but apparently overdressed. And only for that, and probably because of her mannerisms, the girls (especially Edith) treat her with disdain. I just wanted to shake those girls. They only thought about themselves, and they were just terrible.
But even with that going on, and the fact that Sophie is accused of stealing the precious bird (she was at the wrong time, at the wrong place, looking at the wrong things), she keeps strong, of course she has moments that she just doesn't look forward to things, but she keeps defending her pride, she keeps on the lookout for other things to do. I love that. I am always worried that when stuff goes down, that our main character will just melt in a puddle of complaining, whining and sadness. Luckily this girl is a strong one.
Even when faced with super bad people, she keeps her chin up and tries to find a way to get away from things and to save those she loves/likes/cares about.
At the beginning, when we first met her, she was still a bit shaky, feeling alone, but at the end, we had a strong woman who knew she had friends to rely on, friends who will cheer her up and are there for her when she needs them.
Lilian was a great character and I loved her job in the Sinclairs department store, but I also loved how even with her heritage and even with all her richness, she took on a job, cares more about theatre and getting famous. That takes courage, to go against the wishes of your parents. She also had a big heart, and I loved how she instantly became friends with Sophie. I also loved how smart she was, at times she seemed a bit ditzy, a bit not there, but then she would do something and you would think totally different.
Like Sophie, she is a brave character, willing to defend and help her friends. Even her friends enemies. She didn't need to help that person, but she did. I loved the snarky remark she made at the end of that though.
Billy, a good character, with a good heart, but he will really need to learn to work and not just wander off or show disrespect. Though lucky we do see him grow in this book. At the beginning I was often a bit annoyed with him, though I did love his love for books. But I also disliked that he acted like crap on the job. Not everyone can just get that job, his uncle did his best for him, and he treats it like it is nothing. Bleh.
But he did have a big role in this book, and the things he could do were pretty awesome.
Joe, I am still not entirely sure what to think of him. At times I really liked him, and he did have a good heart, but at times I didn't like him, didn't trust him and worried that he might do something to our girls.
Later as the book continued I could see that he was just a guy that got stuck in a situation and who wishes it was all different.
The story, it was magnificent, it pulled me in and didn't let me go until I finished the book. The descriptions of the world we are in, it was great. Though, I have to really give applause for the amazing details and descriptions that Sinclair Department Store got. I truly could just see me in the store, wandering around through the various departments, trying on hats at the millinery, eating candy at the sweets department, trying on dresses, or just wandering around and looking at the live mannequins showing the latest fashion. Or I could imagine myself having a very fancy brunch with a good, dear friend. Giggling over tea, scones and other delicious things.
The mystery and the whodunit? It was engaging and fun to try to track the traces, to search for clues, to think about this and that persons actions.
The whole why the bird was stolen, it went further than that it was valuable and worth a lot of money, and I really liked that. It gave the story something extra, and made it all more and more dangerous.
The ending was great and it gives us promises of many great books to follow. Hopefully they all have some great mysteries, and hopefully we will find out more about Sophie's past, about her father, about all the connections that are probably going to pop up throughout the books.
All in all, a fantastic book about mystery, crime, corruption and more. Great characters and wonderful description of the world surrounding these characters. Highly recommended to all looking for a great Middle Grade Mystery book. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book (yes, there will be more).
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The book switches between Sophie, Lilian, Billy, Joe, but our main focus in the story is Sophie and Lilian. Joe only occasionally gets a part in the spotlight, Billy gets some more attention, but the 2 that speak the most are the girls. And what a delight it was to hear their voices. Sophie, a girl who lost everything not that long ago, still trying to find her place in the world, still trying to figure out how to survive now she has no money. Even with all that, she is a strong character and she quickly finds a job at the magnificent Sinclairs department store that is about to open to public (more on Sinclairs later in this book). I felt sorry for her and how people acted towards her. She was just trying to make a good impression, but apparently overdressed. And only for that, and probably because of her mannerisms, the girls (especially Edith) treat her with disdain. I just wanted to shake those girls. They only thought about themselves, and they were just terrible.
But even with that going on, and the fact that Sophie is accused of stealing the precious bird (she was at the wrong time, at the wrong place, looking at the wrong things), she keeps strong, of course she has moments that she just doesn't look forward to things, but she keeps defending her pride, she keeps on the lookout for other things to do. I love that. I am always worried that when stuff goes down, that our main character will just melt in a puddle of complaining, whining and sadness. Luckily this girl is a strong one.
Even when faced with super bad people, she keeps her chin up and tries to find a way to get away from things and to save those she loves/likes/cares about.
At the beginning, when we first met her, she was still a bit shaky, feeling alone, but at the end, we had a strong woman who knew she had friends to rely on, friends who will cheer her up and are there for her when she needs them.
Lilian was a great character and I loved her job in the Sinclairs department store, but I also loved how even with her heritage and even with all her richness, she took on a job, cares more about theatre and getting famous. That takes courage, to go against the wishes of your parents. She also had a big heart, and I loved how she instantly became friends with Sophie. I also loved how smart she was, at times she seemed a bit ditzy, a bit not there, but then she would do something and you would think totally different.
Like Sophie, she is a brave character, willing to defend and help her friends. Even her friends enemies. She didn't need to help that person, but she did. I loved the snarky remark she made at the end of that though.
Billy, a good character, with a good heart, but he will really need to learn to work and not just wander off or show disrespect. Though lucky we do see him grow in this book. At the beginning I was often a bit annoyed with him, though I did love his love for books. But I also disliked that he acted like crap on the job. Not everyone can just get that job, his uncle did his best for him, and he treats it like it is nothing. Bleh.
But he did have a big role in this book, and the things he could do were pretty awesome.
Joe, I am still not entirely sure what to think of him. At times I really liked him, and he did have a good heart, but at times I didn't like him, didn't trust him and worried that he might do something to our girls.
Later as the book continued I could see that he was just a guy that got stuck in a situation and who wishes it was all different.
The story, it was magnificent, it pulled me in and didn't let me go until I finished the book. The descriptions of the world we are in, it was great. Though, I have to really give applause for the amazing details and descriptions that Sinclair Department Store got. I truly could just see me in the store, wandering around through the various departments, trying on hats at the millinery, eating candy at the sweets department, trying on dresses, or just wandering around and looking at the live mannequins showing the latest fashion. Or I could imagine myself having a very fancy brunch with a good, dear friend. Giggling over tea, scones and other delicious things.
The mystery and the whodunit? It was engaging and fun to try to track the traces, to search for clues, to think about this and that persons actions.
The whole why the bird was stolen, it went further than that it was valuable and worth a lot of money, and I really liked that. It gave the story something extra, and made it all more and more dangerous.
The ending was great and it gives us promises of many great books to follow. Hopefully they all have some great mysteries, and hopefully we will find out more about Sophie's past, about her father, about all the connections that are probably going to pop up throughout the books.
All in all, a fantastic book about mystery, crime, corruption and more. Great characters and wonderful description of the world surrounding these characters. Highly recommended to all looking for a great Middle Grade Mystery book. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book (yes, there will be more).
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
kbkittyb's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An excellent read! Much fun to be had!
I just wish I had read it when I was younger, not that I think that matters much.
The characters are so endearing, although not fully developed - but in my experience, kids don't care much for a backstory.
The plot is obviously far-fetched and a clichéd, but just by reading the blurb we know to expect this and to have fun nevertheless.
The settings are gorgeously decadent, i actually wanted to see more of this and the fancy people who populate this luxury. I want to feel more of the 'historical' element.
It is well written and moves at a good pace.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Would recommend for those who love a quick, easy, relaxing mystery.
I just wish I had read it when I was younger, not that I think that matters much.
The characters are so endearing, although not fully developed - but in my experience, kids don't care much for a backstory.
The plot is obviously far-fetched and a clichéd, but just by reading the blurb we know to expect this and to have fun nevertheless.
The settings are gorgeously decadent, i actually wanted to see more of this and the fancy people who populate this luxury. I want to feel more of the 'historical' element.
It is well written and moves at a good pace.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Would recommend for those who love a quick, easy, relaxing mystery.
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Theft and murder-mystery set in a spectacular Victorian department store
Like a cross between Zola's 'Ladies' Delight' (filmed by the BBC as 'The Paradise), about a glorious department store opening and a detective story by Conan Doyle - for children.
Sophie has been left alone by her military father's death, and must find work. Falling in love with Sinclairs, she manages to secure work in its millinery (hat) department, and despite rivalry and hard work, thrives, and makes friends - Billy an apprentice porter and Lily an aspiring actress who is modelling in the shop.
When a robbery takes place, a valuable clockwork sparrow is stolen and a man injured, Sophie is accused of being a part of it and she and her friends vow to clear her name and find the real culprits.
I loved the early descriptions of the department store, it reminded me of Zola's novel, and the TV series of The Paradise and that based around Selfridges. It built a full and visual picture of the world of the early large shops and working conditions.
It's a good little mystery and adventure, with a small band of disparate characters banding together to solve it.
The start of a series, the group will make a great unit for future episodes in the same setting.
I listened to this as an audiobook, the clipped upper class voice suited Sophie and her character, it was nicely clear and changed to fit other characters well.
Like a cross between Zola's 'Ladies' Delight' (filmed by the BBC as 'The Paradise), about a glorious department store opening and a detective story by Conan Doyle - for children.
Sophie has been left alone by her military father's death, and must find work. Falling in love with Sinclairs, she manages to secure work in its millinery (hat) department, and despite rivalry and hard work, thrives, and makes friends - Billy an apprentice porter and Lily an aspiring actress who is modelling in the shop.
When a robbery takes place, a valuable clockwork sparrow is stolen and a man injured, Sophie is accused of being a part of it and she and her friends vow to clear her name and find the real culprits.
I loved the early descriptions of the department store, it reminded me of Zola's novel, and the TV series of The Paradise and that based around Selfridges. It built a full and visual picture of the world of the early large shops and working conditions.
It's a good little mystery and adventure, with a small band of disparate characters banding together to solve it.
The start of a series, the group will make a great unit for future episodes in the same setting.
I listened to this as an audiobook, the clipped upper class voice suited Sophie and her character, it was nicely clear and changed to fit other characters well.
typographic_whimsy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
miamia1's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Loved this book. So glad I found it in the charity shop and will defo read more from the author. Will be looking out for the other 2 books in the series
mellymc's review
4.0
A wonderful detective story set in a London department store. I really enjoyed it and felt for Sophie the whole way through.
My only niggle is that Sophie and Lil are hailed as the heroines in the blurb but no mention is made of Billy, the young porter who is an integral part of the story, possibly more so than Lil.
I would recommend this to all who love a good detective story and will definitely be reading the next. 4.5 stars
My only niggle is that Sophie and Lil are hailed as the heroines in the blurb but no mention is made of Billy, the young porter who is an integral part of the story, possibly more so than Lil.
I would recommend this to all who love a good detective story and will definitely be reading the next. 4.5 stars
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a delightful mystery that included all the bits you'd expect from a classic heist mystery. It was fun to have the Sinclair's context.
ljutavidra's review
3.0
I'm a bit disappointed. :( I was expecting a much more interesting mystery. Still, this is a book for a younger audience, but I feel they also deserve better mystery books than this one. I liked the descriptions of the department store (everybody liked them as far as I can see from the other reviews), but a mystery book does not solely consists of great descriptions. I didn't like characters that much either. Sophie is rather without identity, Lil is a typical carefree gal, I didn't learn a thing about Joe except that he is an ex gang member and Billy is a comic nerd sans common sense. Some twists and turns were rather bland and expected and you start to anticipate some big twist, yet it leads to nothing. I gave three stars just because I liked the sentences and descriptions, but the plot deserves barely two stars.