Disappointing as I liked both the cover and the premise. There were so many characters that it was hard to keep track of them all, and the story meandered.

Morton's book does a great job of depicting the world of late nineteenth century British artists as well as some of the socio-economic factors that impacted the lives of people living in the period. The author also does a nice job of interconnecting stories centered around a country house with a mysterious past. Some of the stories, which take place against a century of local and global events, are fleshed out more than others, though, and some ends are left loose at the end of the book, which may be disappointing to some readers. The general uneven quality of the book makes it a recommendation more for fans of Morton's other work, and for those looking for a romance with a tinge of the supernatural, than for true aficionados of historical fiction.

This is very different than Kate Morton's previous novels. On the one hand, I love that she's trying something new, and her writing is incredible (as always). On the other hand, it's not quite what I was expecting and I found the story a little slow and difficult to become invested in. The story is a meditation on the concept of time and place, with the one constant character being a ghost who is a silent witnesses to the lives of those who inhabit the house after her (covering a time span of around 150 years). Since the novel jumps back and forth in time with each chapter switching to a different person's story (each in a different era), it took me much longer to settle into the novel than I would have liked. I think I was about 40% through the book before I really took an interest in what was happening with any of these characters, and even then there were some whose stories just never connected with me at all. Not all of the characters/time periods felt necessary to bring the story full circle, so I just wish it was more cohesive. Even though this book didn't really connect with me, though, it is still very impressive that Kate Morton is able to experiment with her story telling in this way. I can't wait to see how she continues to develop as a writer.

Morton is a master at linking the present to the past and her latest read expounds upon that talent in full-force. In present-day London, Elodie Winslow, an archivist at Stratton, Cadwell & Co., has made an intriguing find. While searching through a box previously stored in an unused cloakroom where she works, she discovers an old leather satchel once belonging to James W. Stratton in 1861. Inside the satchel is a photograph and a sketchbook complete with sketches of a river, woods, and twin-gabled house. As Elodie searches for the identity of the woman in the photograph, she recalls a bedtime story her deceased mother used to tell her which reminds her of the sketches.

Interspersed with Elodie’s efforts at investigating how the women in the picture connects to the home in her bedtime stories is the revelation of the past as told by a ghostly presence at Birchwood Manor, the country home once belonging to Edward Radcliffe, a Pre-Raphealite artist whose fiancé was murdered when his model and muse Lily Millington allegedly ran off with a family heirloom.

As Lily, the ghostly presence, tells not only her story but that of the residents at Birchwood Manor over the decades since she stayed there, the connection between Lily and Elodie is revealed in a exacting and careful manner, keeping the reader’s attention until the final conclusion which is just as riveting as this magnificently crafted read.

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Never having read one of Morton's books before I was excited to be able to read her new one in advance. I may have to go back and read another one. While it was very well written I found it to be a little too complex. The number of characters led to confusion and a slower pace than it could've been. Still an interesting story. Great addition to the books coming out this fall. A great cool weather read

Kate Morton knows how to write a story!!!! Ive read every book she has written since the release of House at Riverton in 2005 (this was actually my first book seller pick!!) Sometimes multiple characters and storylines becomes cumbersome and confusing not with Morton's novels. I adored this novel and would love to visit this manor.

reminds me of the Bronte sisters. a mysterious feel. going to be perfect to reread on a crisp fall night.

Wow. The Clockmaker's Daughter is one of the best books I've read in recent memory. It has taken a day or two for the whirlwind of the story world to settle enough for me to write a review. If you cherish mystery, history, art, romance, fairy tales, ghost stories, English gardens, and manor houses--or the Kate Morton Standard, keep reading! I will keep my review vague as not to spoil anything!

(I will first thank Netgalley and Atria books for the honor of receiving an e-ARC. It was truly a dream come true and I can't believe I was able to receive a long-awaited book from one of my favorite authors! Also, many heart filled thanks to Kate Morton for writing such a gem!)

This book has many strong and engaging female main characters. Elodie--a young archivist from 2017, her mother Lauren--a famous cellist, Lily Millington--a Victorian artist's model, Ada--a young boarding school girl, Lucy--the sister of the famous painter who Lily loved, Juliet--a young journalist seeking refuge from The Blitz...

I will admit, I had to make a diagram of all the characters and relationships, but it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the story. Actually, I rather liked piecing the puzzle together!

As you can see, there are many characters and people who flit in and out of the book through time. This is not to say it's a time-slip or time-travel novel, because it's not! However, the women in this book--and men--are drawn to Beechwood House because it has a mysterious fairy-tale legend and enigmatic energy that keeps them returning.

At its most basic, Elodie discovers a leather satchel belonging to a pre-Raphaelite artist named Edward Radcliffe. Inside is a portrait of a beautiful woman and a sketchbook which reveals a sketch of a home Elodie has remembered from a bedtime story her mother once told. Over the course of the novel, Elodie and the woman in the photograph, also known as Birdie, tell the story to reveal the dark mysteries of Beechwood, including a murder and a theft of a rare diamond in the summer of 1862.

I don't know what else I can say about the story without giving it away, but I do recommend you give this book a try. Many other reviews have expressed their disappointment, but I feel this is one of the most masterful Morton works to date. She really has expanded her style to include fresh personification, fascinating short story-like anecdotes, and of course, her signature shocking twists and layering of time.

Read this book as soon as you can get your hands on it--and enjoy!

Kate Morton has the most beautiful , evocative writing style. I love to read her prose.
This latest work, however, left something to be desired. Was it the moving back and forth in time ?
Was it the many, many characters and connections ? Whatever, the story was not one I loved like her
past books.
Please write again, in your previous style, Ms. Morton

Gosh, where to begin? Kate Morton's books, for me, are a slow burn. This was the case on this one too. I'm always interested in the story and want to keep reading but never quite DYING to turn the next page. But the payoff is where she gets me, every time! She's so good at taking all the pieces of her story and weaving them together in unexpected and brilliant ways. This book felt like it had way more moving parts than usual, and I loved seeing how they all came together. I loved all the eras she incorporated and the glimpses of different characters at different stages of their lives. And the one main character whose POV is throughout the entire story works SO well as the narrator. I especially loved how her tie to the house really makes the house come alive and feel like a character as well. I think Morton's fans will be just as engaged in her latest book as I was!

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors. As usual, the action switches between the current day and the past, though this novel has more timelines than the other two books of hers I've read. The narrator is wonderfully unusual. I was gasping as the puzzle pieces all fit together. I really can't say too much without revealing the plot. I did think the ending was a little rushed, but looked forward to going home and getting back to this book every night. Kate Morton fans won't be disappointed.

Magical. Absolutely magical.

Kate Morton's books are always wonderful reads, but she has surpassed herself with The Clockmaker's Daughter.

While the setting itself is captivating, a mystical house set in an ancient wood, what captures your imagination are the interwoven lives of the characters. The tapestry Kate Morton has woven is rich indeed.

I so hated to see this wonderful tale end! I wasn't ready to leave the lovely house by the river.

I loved the juxtaposition of the modern story and the older story. I felt the addition of the ghost was a good vehicle to move the story line along. I loved the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.
What a wonderful read this book is. Kate Morton has done it again!
The main protagonist is Birchwood Manor, an ancient house that has cast a spell on the many characters in this book. The time span is from WWI to 2017 and is written almost like short stories which come together at the stunning ending...I did not see that coming! One of the main voices is from a ghost, the actual Clockmaker's Daughter, who has been at the Manor for over 100 years. She can see and hear all the visitors, but very few are aware of her. All they know is that the Manor is a haven, a place they feel is safe and 'home'.
As usual, the writing is luminous, lush and able to transport the reader into different worlds you want to wrap yourself into. I love all of Kate Morton's books, pure literary escape that makes me want to cry when I get to the end, knowing it will take more than a year till the next one comes out!

I didn't complete this book when I realized the huge part the supernatural (ghosts) have in it. Not my kind of reading. Also didn't appreciate the main character (of the early part, anyway) finding herself falling into a marriage with no intentionality. It was too easy to see the plot being set up for a romance elsewhere.

As someone who loved Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper, I was eager to get my hands on the galley of her newest book. When I began it, I was startled to find that one of the main points of view was that of a ghost. I usually don't like ghost stories, but I persevered, and I was glad I did. This is a story that is told across the ages, from victorian times to present-day. The the story lines wove together in ways that were surprising, and must have taken quite a bit of forethought from the author. The ending was satisfying, but at the same time left partially open to the reader's interpretation. While the Secret Keeper is still my favorite from Kate Morton, I liked this one as well.

I hadn't read Kate Morton before The Clockmaker's Daughter, and now I want to read all of her books. Let me amend that -- I want to crawl into the world of all of her books and live there. Wonderful settings and excellent mystery!

If you haven’t read anything by Kate Morton, do it now! She is a fantastic author and I have thoroughly enjoyed every book she’s written. Her newest is The Clockmaker’s Daughter, due out this fall.

When I see an author I like, I don’t usually even bothering looking at the plot because I know I will devour the book no matter what the subject. As I have mentioned before, a new book by an author whose work I enjoy gets me ridiculously excited. I am a true book addict, book lover, a fan of reading, avid reader!

Here’s what you need to know:

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing; and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist’s sketchbook containing the drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?

Told by multiple voices across time, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a story of murder, mystery, and thievery, of art, love, and loss. And flowing through its pages like a river, is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter.

A dual timeline is always fun, I often write this way myself, bringing the past and present together. I look forward to this novel and plan on clearing my calendar to read all day on Sunday!

It is a really good story told from the perspective of present day and 1860s England. The two stories are intertwined and the characterizations are very good. I could not put this down.

Typical Kate Morton her reader's will continue to enjoy. Romance, mystery, and people across time is a combination that works for Morton. While this book is not unique from her others, readers will enjoy the setting and mesh of characters. Perfect for readers who want more than straight romance or a straight mystery and do not want foul language or graphic scenes.

Told from the perspective of various narrators, this book tells two interesting stories from two different eras of time. The stories blend together quite well and create a satisfying read.