The Clockwork Sparrow

Because of some bad luck Sophie has to find a job and that means her childhood is over all of a sudden. Fortunately she finds a position at Sinclair's, a department store. She wants to do well and she's pretty, so not every girl she's working with is friendly to her. When someone steals a precious artefact from the store Sophie has to find out what happened. It will be very important for her future. Fortunately she has friends she can count on who are helping her to find out more.The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow is such a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the old fashioned atmosphere and the main characters are all fantastic. Sophie is sweet and she's brave. The same goes for Billy, who's lovely. I kept having a big smile on my face when I was reading about his actions. The setting is fantastic. I could picture every department of the shop. Katherine Woodfine makes everything come to life really well. It's great that she pays attention to every little detail, which makes the story absolutely perfect.There are some beautiful drawings in the book. Because of them it's even more easy for the reader to feel the atmosphere. It was like I was in Sinclair's. I could almost touch the items in the shop. I really liked the mystery aspect of the story and was curious to see how things would develop. I couldn't stop reading and read this story in one sitting. I absolutely loved the ending, it's amazing. I think this book is very special.

Though this was bought for my 11-year-old bookworm to read, I ended up reading it (at the grand old age of 40) and I absolutely adored it!I thought that due to it being a series of books, that is The Sinclair’s Mysteries, we could work through the entire series together, especially over lockdown, and have our own book group to discuss them afterwards.Though my daughter is yet to read it, I just know she’s going to love The Clockwork Sparrow.With a fantastic group of likeable characters, including Sophie, Billy, Lil, and Joe, the storyline of this book is compelling. More so, the heroine Sophie is fantastically drawn and a feisty intelligent young lady, which is a breath of fresh air.The action is well-paced and never lets up, ensuring there’s always something leading you on into the next chapters. Therefore, I think many younger readers will find themselves entertained throughout and feel encouraged to read on to discover more.So well written and never once talking down to the younger reader, it really is an adventure which is very atmospheric as it's set in a grand department store. In fact, I think it's the allusions and avid descriptions of the store that makes this book all the more appealing for myself and indeed the older reader here!I thoroughly enjoyed this and commend Katherine for writing an intelligent read that I’m sure passionate readers of all ages will fall in love with.Though there is only a small selection of drawings scattered throughout the book, these are beautifully intricate and a lovely addition to accompany the story, especially that of the Clockwork Sparrow itself.Halfway through reading book one, I just knew I had to get the second book in the series, The Jewelled Moth, which I am now looking forward to getting on with!

The book is for younger readers around 9-13. I am a much older reader. I thought it read well and was understandable. I would have liked to have learnt more on the unique characteristics of the clockwork sparrow in how it was able to make codes. I was also concerned for these characters safety from defeating the baron. I hope the store gets tighter security. Overall it is a decent read for youngsters.

I'm 34 and I love this book. It is beautifully written and I felt I was immediately stuck in the world from page 1. It's a mystery, so I do not want to reveal to much about the plot however I just want to say, give the first few pages a read and you'll immediately know if it's your cup of tea too.So looking forward to the next book in the series.

Great gift for my niece, She was desperate to know where I got it from so she could read the next....I wouldn't tell her...as I'm now am sorted for her birthday and next Christmas Christmas presents with this series :)