What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sinclair’s Mysteries #1
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow
You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening of Sinclair’s department store!
Enter a world of bonbons, hats, perfumes and MYSTERIES around every corner. WONDER at the daring theft of the priceless CLOCKWORK SPARROW! TREMBLE as the most DASTARDLY criminals in London enact their wicked plans! GASP as our bold heroines, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lilian Rose, CRACK CODES, DEVOUR ICED BUNS and vow to bring the villians to justice…
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Chris Riddell and Enid Blyton.
Enter a world of bonbons, hats, perfumes and MYSTERIES around every corner. WONDER at the daring theft of the priceless CLOCKWORK SPARROW! TREMBLE as the most DASTARDLY criminals in London enact their wicked plans! GASP as our bold heroines, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lilian Rose, CRACK CODES, DEVOUR ICED BUNS and vow to bring the villians to justice…
Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Chris Riddell and Enid Blyton.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
213 people are currently reading
10371 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Woodfine
31 books496 followersKatherine Woodfine is the author of more than 15 books for children, including the Sinclair’s Mysteries and Taylor & Rose Secret Agents series. Her first published novel, The Clockwork Sparrow, was a Sunday Times bestseller and was nominated for numerous awards. A champion of children’s literature, she has previously worked on projects including the Children’s Laureate, YALC (the UK’s first young adult literature convention) and children’s books podcast Down the Rabbit Hole. She now combines writing with reviewing children’s books. She lives in Lancashire, UK in an old house near a castle, with her family and two black cats. Find out more at katherinewoodfine.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 782 reviews
January 15, 2025
4 stars ✨ Secular Middle-Grade - Historical Setting - Mystery
All right. Who’s to blame for me not knowing about this book? This series? I had never heard anyone talking about it before a random Facebook group post about a year ago and then once I mentioned I was reading it on Goodreads and Instagram today, I received many messages from book friends saying how much they love this series. I’m a little cross with all of you not recommending this series to me before! This was such a fun book—I’ve been missing out!
Published in 2015/2016, this book released much after my middle-grade years, but oh, I would have loved this book then! Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely, positively, utter adore “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart. (I talk about it enough that the autocorrect on my phone automatically continues the title and author’s name after only typing “The”, if that gives you any inclination about my love for those books.) The misfit friend group, a bit of the found family trope, and all the secret codes reminded me of MBS and I mean that as the absolutely highest compliment for me to give. These characters are a bit older than the MBS main characters, but Billy reminded me so much of Reynie, it was charming.
The setting of this one was so fun! A classy department store that has it all—quite literally—in 1909. It reminded me a tiny little bit of “A Little Princess”, but if Sarah Crew was older and had to fend for herself like Sophie is having to do. And I imagine we’ll be learning more about Sophie and her late father in the books to come in this series. Set during spring time, the descriptions of the store and weather were almost whimsical and it perfectly captured the essence of what I want to see in a middle-grade book.
There was lots of British slang for this time period, most which were quite fun as I was familiar with them and others that left me scratching my head in confusion and trotting off to Google. Some meanings still aren’t clear to me, so if any British readers read this book and see I didn’t note certain words, it’s because I’m not sure if they’re words that would be considered too strong for a middle-grade book. The audiobook narrator did great accents, multiple varieties of the British accent, an American, and a French one too.
❗️ One negative thing, though, was because I was following along with the physical book while listening to the audiobook, I noticed that some words in the audiobook are different than the physical book. Most are nothing major, but at one point, a character in the physical book says “a stubborn fool”, but the audiobook says “a stubborn ass” (chapter 20 page 229 in the book; chapter 21, 2h 3m left at 1x speed in the Audible audiobook - chapter 20 in the Spotify version) which is quite a big difference to me. If I had just listened to the audiobook, I would have dropped my rating for sure because I don’t think that word should be in a middle-grade book (it could be argued that the person is basically calling another a donkey, but it honestly fits either meaning and thus why I really don’t like it.) So I’m rating it for the physical book which didn’t have that word used.
Lil is my favorite character in this book, but I have a soft spot for Billy reminding me of Reynie Muldoon. I’m definitely very eager to continue the rest of the series soon—very soon!
Main Content-
Spiritual: A mention of a Noah’s ark toy set; A mention of praying (not towards Whom);
Sinclair’s owner says that the store isn’t just a store but a “cathedral, a museum”; The new department store is said to look more like a “classic temple” than a normal department store; Joe shares the rumor about the Baron (villain) that some people say “he’s a black magician what made a pact with the devil and it turned him invisible”; A mention of someone looking like another is hypnotizing him.
When Sophie first sees Lil, she thinks that she looks like a goddess (said twice) and is the most beautiful girl she’s ever seen.
Language: Zut alors is said once French (Google has this translated as “damn” and “shucks”; The audiobook says “ass” when the physical book says “fool” (chapter 20 page 229 in the book; chapter 21, 2h 3m left at 1x speed in the Audible audiobook - chapter 20 in the Spotify version); A woman is called a ‘witch’ (in a rude sense, not in a magical/actual witch one).
Minor words like idiot, gosh, stupid, and shut up are all said up to six times each; British words and phrases like blooming, blimey, cripes, and “what the devil”, are all said up to a handful of times each; Other phrases like ‘mad as hops”, “fathead”, and “shove off” are also said.
God’s name is taken in vain once (pg.280) and “Lord” is exclaimed as well; “For heaven’s sake”, “Good heavens”, “what in heaven’s name”, and “heaven knows” are also all said once.
Billy mutters under his breath the “rudest words he could think of” after receiving a dressing-down from his uncle, Billy heard his uncle cursing him and Billy says his uncle “can chuck it”; Joe mutters a curse.
Negative: Pain, Injuries, Blood/bleeding, & Passing out; Being drugged, passing out, being locked in a room; & being left to die; The characters are threaten (including physically by a lead pipe & a gun) and see others held at gun-point; Seeing others injured, in pain, beaten, & bleeding (up to a couple sentences); Prior to the book starting, Joe was stabbed by another memember of the gang.
Joe sees a shooting & the body (described on pg.62-63 with “dark pool blooming on the ground” and it’s said that the person might not make it); Later, it’s said he should pull through, *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of the shooting, the victim, the break-in/robbery, gangs, thieves, stealing, and stolen items.
The main characters hear the plan for a bomb being set to kill someone and injure others;
Mentions of deaths (including Sophie’s father which was an accidental death and who left her an orphan, but because she’s old enough (fourteen) to take support herself, she has to get a job).
Later, Billy’s uncle calls him a skiver and threats to tan him so much that he won’t be able to sit; Billy’s uncle tries to give him a firm, but encouraging lecture; A mention of good walloping; Billy feels as if his uncle treats him as “a waste of space”.
Sophie faces some snooty girls and their mean comments (they also make fun of her and lock her in a closet so she’ll get in trouble); Sophie also deals with “a young fellow” (a young man) who bullies her twice and prevents her from leaving.
Lil comments on her parents letting her brother do whatever he wants “just because he’s a boy!”.
Even though she doesn’t want to tell, Sophie does tell the truth about an event to the police because they’re the police; Because a police officer is questioning Sophie, her friends call him idiotic and later, her landlady a “witch”; Her room is searched and personal items destroyed which they think the police did and that is not fair (*Spoiler* ); Sophie tells the police what her and the others found out, but the investigator scoffs at what she says and the other main characters think that maybe he’s being bribed (Sophie isn’t sure about that at first because she doesn’t think they would cover up an attempted murder); They realize they can’t trust the police and are determined to solve the mystery themselves.
A man comments on another man believing that young ladies are “decorative” first and foremost, but he sees intelligence and courage.
All about mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, stealing, stolen items, & robberies/burglaries; Mentions of wars, political treason and enemies, spies, & selling plans to harm a country to another; Mentions of being drugged, held hostage/locked up, pain, beatings, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of a bomb & plans to kill others; Mentions of bent coppers (dirty police officers); Mentions of nightmares & the rumors of stories of what the Baron (villain) has done to others; Mentions of smoking, smoke rooms, cigars, & cigarette; Mentions of champagne being served at the department store and parties; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of hunting stories; Mentions of books & authors (classics); A couple mentions of the Boer War; A mention of snuff boxes.
Romance/Sexual: A guy asks Sophie to “walk out with him” and she feels embarrassed because she’s not used to this happening; Later, she tells an officer that she makes it perfectly clear she did not want to go with the young man; A rumor goes around that Sophie and the young man were going to run off with the loot.
Joe feels awkward around Lil, notices her light and warm touch, & is “dazzled” by her smile towards him; Later, Joe thinks that a girl like Lil would never want anything to do with him.
Lil mentions a handsome man and another one that is a “dream”; A couple mentions of being sweet on a girl & sweethearts; A couple mention of mooning; A mention of a “sordid love affair”.
All right. Who’s to blame for me not knowing about this book? This series? I had never heard anyone talking about it before a random Facebook group post about a year ago and then once I mentioned I was reading it on Goodreads and Instagram today, I received many messages from book friends saying how much they love this series. I’m a little cross with all of you not recommending this series to me before! This was such a fun book—I’ve been missing out!
Published in 2015/2016, this book released much after my middle-grade years, but oh, I would have loved this book then! Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely, positively, utter adore “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart. (I talk about it enough that the autocorrect on my phone automatically continues the title and author’s name after only typing “The”, if that gives you any inclination about my love for those books.) The misfit friend group, a bit of the found family trope, and all the secret codes reminded me of MBS and I mean that as the absolutely highest compliment for me to give. These characters are a bit older than the MBS main characters, but Billy reminded me so much of Reynie, it was charming.
The setting of this one was so fun! A classy department store that has it all—quite literally—in 1909. It reminded me a tiny little bit of “A Little Princess”, but if Sarah Crew was older and had to fend for herself like Sophie is having to do. And I imagine we’ll be learning more about Sophie and her late father in the books to come in this series. Set during spring time, the descriptions of the store and weather were almost whimsical and it perfectly captured the essence of what I want to see in a middle-grade book.
There was lots of British slang for this time period, most which were quite fun as I was familiar with them and others that left me scratching my head in confusion and trotting off to Google. Some meanings still aren’t clear to me, so if any British readers read this book and see I didn’t note certain words, it’s because I’m not sure if they’re words that would be considered too strong for a middle-grade book. The audiobook narrator did great accents, multiple varieties of the British accent, an American, and a French one too.
❗️ One negative thing, though, was because I was following along with the physical book while listening to the audiobook, I noticed that some words in the audiobook are different than the physical book. Most are nothing major, but at one point, a character in the physical book says “a stubborn fool”, but the audiobook says “a stubborn ass” (chapter 20 page 229 in the book; chapter 21, 2h 3m left at 1x speed in the Audible audiobook - chapter 20 in the Spotify version) which is quite a big difference to me. If I had just listened to the audiobook, I would have dropped my rating for sure because I don’t think that word should be in a middle-grade book (it could be argued that the person is basically calling another a donkey, but it honestly fits either meaning and thus why I really don’t like it.) So I’m rating it for the physical book which didn’t have that word used.
Lil is my favorite character in this book, but I have a soft spot for Billy reminding me of Reynie Muldoon. I’m definitely very eager to continue the rest of the series soon—very soon!
Main Content-
Spiritual: A mention of a Noah’s ark toy set; A mention of praying (not towards Whom);
Sinclair’s owner says that the store isn’t just a store but a “cathedral, a museum”; The new department store is said to look more like a “classic temple” than a normal department store; Joe shares the rumor about the Baron (villain) that some people say “he’s a black magician what made a pact with the devil and it turned him invisible”; A mention of someone looking like another is hypnotizing him.
When Sophie first sees Lil, she thinks that she looks like a goddess (said twice) and is the most beautiful girl she’s ever seen.
Language: Zut alors is said once French (Google has this translated as “damn” and “shucks”; The audiobook says “ass” when the physical book says “fool” (chapter 20 page 229 in the book; chapter 21, 2h 3m left at 1x speed in the Audible audiobook - chapter 20 in the Spotify version); A woman is called a ‘witch’ (in a rude sense, not in a magical/actual witch one).
Minor words like idiot, gosh, stupid, and shut up are all said up to six times each; British words and phrases like blooming, blimey, cripes, and “what the devil”, are all said up to a handful of times each; Other phrases like ‘mad as hops”, “fathead”, and “shove off” are also said.
God’s name is taken in vain once (pg.280) and “Lord” is exclaimed as well; “For heaven’s sake”, “Good heavens”, “what in heaven’s name”, and “heaven knows” are also all said once.
Billy mutters under his breath the “rudest words he could think of” after receiving a dressing-down from his uncle, Billy heard his uncle cursing him and Billy says his uncle “can chuck it”; Joe mutters a curse.
Negative: Pain, Injuries, Blood/bleeding, & Passing out; Being drugged, passing out, being locked in a room; & being left to die; The characters are threaten (including physically by a lead pipe & a gun) and see others held at gun-point; Seeing others injured, in pain, beaten, & bleeding (up to a couple sentences); Prior to the book starting, Joe was stabbed by another memember of the gang.
Joe sees a shooting & the body (described on pg.62-63 with “dark pool blooming on the ground” and it’s said that the person might not make it); Later, it’s said he should pull through, *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of the shooting, the victim, the break-in/robbery, gangs, thieves, stealing, and stolen items.
The main characters hear the plan for a bomb being set to kill someone and injure others;
Mentions of deaths (including Sophie’s father which was an accidental death and who left her an orphan, but because she’s old enough (fourteen) to take support herself, she has to get a job).
Later, Billy’s uncle calls him a skiver and threats to tan him so much that he won’t be able to sit; Billy’s uncle tries to give him a firm, but encouraging lecture; A mention of good walloping; Billy feels as if his uncle treats him as “a waste of space”.
Sophie faces some snooty girls and their mean comments (they also make fun of her and lock her in a closet so she’ll get in trouble); Sophie also deals with “a young fellow” (a young man) who bullies her twice and prevents her from leaving.
Lil comments on her parents letting her brother do whatever he wants “just because he’s a boy!”.
Even though she doesn’t want to tell, Sophie does tell the truth about an event to the police because they’re the police; Because a police officer is questioning Sophie, her friends call him idiotic and later, her landlady a “witch”; Her room is searched and personal items destroyed which they think the police did and that is not fair (*Spoiler* ); Sophie tells the police what her and the others found out, but the investigator scoffs at what she says and the other main characters think that maybe he’s being bribed (Sophie isn’t sure about that at first because she doesn’t think they would cover up an attempted murder); They realize they can’t trust the police and are determined to solve the mystery themselves.
A man comments on another man believing that young ladies are “decorative” first and foremost, but he sees intelligence and courage.
All about mentions of crimes, criminals, thieves, stealing, stolen items, & robberies/burglaries; Mentions of wars, political treason and enemies, spies, & selling plans to harm a country to another; Mentions of being drugged, held hostage/locked up, pain, beatings, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of a bomb & plans to kill others; Mentions of bent coppers (dirty police officers); Mentions of nightmares & the rumors of stories of what the Baron (villain) has done to others; Mentions of smoking, smoke rooms, cigars, & cigarette; Mentions of champagne being served at the department store and parties; Mentions of rumors & gossip; Mentions of hunting stories; Mentions of books & authors (classics); A couple mentions of the Boer War; A mention of snuff boxes.
Romance/Sexual: A guy asks Sophie to “walk out with him” and she feels embarrassed because she’s not used to this happening; Later, she tells an officer that she makes it perfectly clear she did not want to go with the young man; A rumor goes around that Sophie and the young man were going to run off with the loot.
Joe feels awkward around Lil, notices her light and warm touch, & is “dazzled” by her smile towards him; Later, Joe thinks that a girl like Lil would never want anything to do with him.
Lil mentions a handsome man and another one that is a “dream”; A couple mentions of being sweet on a girl & sweethearts; A couple mention of mooning; A mention of a “sordid love affair”.
May 23, 2015
This is a delicious cross between Philip Pullman's Sally Lockheart series and Mr Selfridge, a warm, fun and extremely mysterious book that sweeps you up into a glittering world of department-store marvels. Full of history, mystery and plenty of BUNS.
March 25, 2016
This is a review of both The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow and The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth, but does not contain spoilers about either.
I'm a big fan of middle grade mysteries, so The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow was pretty high on my TBR. I've always enjoyed ornate department stores. I love taking my time, carefully discovering the delights each floor has to offer (I must admit, the food hall is a firm favourite). Sinclair's, a luxury department store in London's Piccadilly, is the perfect setting for Sophie Taylor's story.
Sophie is an orphan and young employee at Sinclair's, determined to track down the violent thief who's stolen a priceless clockwork sparrow from the store. But an even bigger mystery emerges while on her adventures, accompanied by new best friends Lillian, Billy and Joe. And The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth takes us out of the extravagance that is Sinclair's and onto the impoverished and grimy streets of early 1900s East End of London, where danger lurks around every corner – particularly the formidable Baron's Boys, villains we're introduced to in the first book.
Katherine Woodfine's series is an utter delight, with its intricate Edwardian setting and colourful characters. I loved devouring stories of bonbons and iced buns, beautiful dresses and hats - and even the rich, snobby customers! The incredible setting mixed with our brave and intelligent protagonists make for two marvellous stories. I loved accompanying Sophie and Lil as they cracked codes, duped debutantes, and solved conundrums, secrets and puzzles - not bad for a day's work! And we meet many more lovable – and even odious – characters along the way.
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow series is perfect for fans of Enid Blyton and Murder Most Unladylike. Stay tuned for The Mystery of the Painted Dragon – I'm looking forward to spending more time at Sinclair's!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
I'm a big fan of middle grade mysteries, so The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow was pretty high on my TBR. I've always enjoyed ornate department stores. I love taking my time, carefully discovering the delights each floor has to offer (I must admit, the food hall is a firm favourite). Sinclair's, a luxury department store in London's Piccadilly, is the perfect setting for Sophie Taylor's story.
Sophie is an orphan and young employee at Sinclair's, determined to track down the violent thief who's stolen a priceless clockwork sparrow from the store. But an even bigger mystery emerges while on her adventures, accompanied by new best friends Lillian, Billy and Joe. And The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth takes us out of the extravagance that is Sinclair's and onto the impoverished and grimy streets of early 1900s East End of London, where danger lurks around every corner – particularly the formidable Baron's Boys, villains we're introduced to in the first book.
Katherine Woodfine's series is an utter delight, with its intricate Edwardian setting and colourful characters. I loved devouring stories of bonbons and iced buns, beautiful dresses and hats - and even the rich, snobby customers! The incredible setting mixed with our brave and intelligent protagonists make for two marvellous stories. I loved accompanying Sophie and Lil as they cracked codes, duped debutantes, and solved conundrums, secrets and puzzles - not bad for a day's work! And we meet many more lovable – and even odious – characters along the way.
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow series is perfect for fans of Enid Blyton and Murder Most Unladylike. Stay tuned for The Mystery of the Painted Dragon – I'm looking forward to spending more time at Sinclair's!
I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.
Read
October 2, 2020I read the first few chapters as a read aloud. It was a nice enough mystery involving a department store. Had we continued, I don't think this would have rated anymore than a 3 star for either of us so we gave up to move on to (hopefully) higher rating reads.
I think this woukd make a good book for children to read to themselves, a good school library choice, not too challenging.
I think this woukd make a good book for children to read to themselves, a good school library choice, not too challenging.
October 16, 2015
You are cordially invited to attend the grand opening of Sinclair's department store... a splendid adventure awaits you....
This is just a really delightful book to read. For children/YA, but I thought I'd take a trip back to memory lane, this being the type of book I loved to read as a kid. Being a big fan of Edith Blyton's 'Five' (have to reread!). This book was recommended to me in Waterstone's, but I doubted and left it in the store. Next visit, I just couldn't resist it. Cover is really cute, story is really cute, something different from the rather 'dark' stories I tend to read ;-).
It's about the opening of a big luxurious department store, Sinclair's, at Piccadilly Circus, back in 'those days'. We witness young ladies Sophie and Lil, and youngsters Joe and Billy out and about to discover the mystery of the clockwork sparrow. A fun story if you're in for something light and youthful character!
This is just a really delightful book to read. For children/YA, but I thought I'd take a trip back to memory lane, this being the type of book I loved to read as a kid. Being a big fan of Edith Blyton's 'Five' (have to reread!). This book was recommended to me in Waterstone's, but I doubted and left it in the store. Next visit, I just couldn't resist it. Cover is really cute, story is really cute, something different from the rather 'dark' stories I tend to read ;-).
It's about the opening of a big luxurious department store, Sinclair's, at Piccadilly Circus, back in 'those days'. We witness young ladies Sophie and Lil, and youngsters Joe and Billy out and about to discover the mystery of the clockwork sparrow. A fun story if you're in for something light and youthful character!
September 24, 2015
3.5 STARS
The story excels in its descriptions of the fictitious Sinclair's Department Store in London (based on Selfridge's Dept. Store, right down to the enigmatic, charismatic pop-star of an owner) but it failed to be a captivating mystery. Most of the clues were dropped on one page, only to be solved swiftly and miraculously by one of the characters on the very next page, leaving very little for the reader to try to puzzle out. And though a few of the "big reveals" were surprises to me, it was of the maddening sort because we had no clues about them in the first place. (I'm thinking compared to some of the masters, like Christie, where you have the "OMG!" moment then look back and realize all the genius clues that had been sprinkled along the way that you had utterly missed.) I also felt it was a little too easy for a bunch of adolescents to defeat one of England's criminal masterminds. The characters also ended up falling a little flat for me; I thought Sophie would be our main protagonist but I never felt we got settled enough with her before we began jumping focus to friends Joe, Billy and Lil. I suppose that having some POVs from the boy characters might make this more appealing to both male and female audiences, but none of the characters felt developed enough to feel real. I did enjoy my virtual visit to Sinclair's via the lovely descriptions, and the story had its moments, but overall I wasn't as diverted or absorbed as I had hoped to be and don't think I will continue with the series.
The story excels in its descriptions of the fictitious Sinclair's Department Store in London (based on Selfridge's Dept. Store, right down to the enigmatic, charismatic pop-star of an owner) but it failed to be a captivating mystery. Most of the clues were dropped on one page, only to be solved swiftly and miraculously by one of the characters on the very next page, leaving very little for the reader to try to puzzle out. And though a few of the "big reveals" were surprises to me, it was of the maddening sort because we had no clues about them in the first place. (I'm thinking compared to some of the masters, like Christie, where you have the "OMG!" moment then look back and realize all the genius clues that had been sprinkled along the way that you had utterly missed.) I also felt it was a little too easy for a bunch of adolescents to defeat one of England's criminal masterminds. The characters also ended up falling a little flat for me; I thought Sophie would be our main protagonist but I never felt we got settled enough with her before we began jumping focus to friends Joe, Billy and Lil. I suppose that having some POVs from the boy characters might make this more appealing to both male and female audiences, but none of the characters felt developed enough to feel real. I did enjoy my virtual visit to Sinclair's via the lovely descriptions, and the story had its moments, but overall I wasn't as diverted or absorbed as I had hoped to be and don't think I will continue with the series.
August 29, 2016
This book in one sentence? Nancy Drew in a department store.
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
A delightful and fun Middle Grade mystery read, with likeable and believable characters in the two female leads, and the two male sidekicks.
The vivid setting of the Sinclair's department store reminded me so much of London's Selfridges that I defaulted to my memories of the latter to envision the scenes which somehow added a layer of nostalgic authenticity to the story.
The plot took a while to be established as being the first book some time was spent introducing the characters, Sophie, Lilian, Billy and Joe. But it was time worth spending to bring out each of their distinctive personalities and qualities that work towards solving the mystery by the end of the book.
This is just the kind of book I look for when my brain needed a break from too much action, complex plots, or harrowing emotions, and just have fun reading.
I'm definitely reading the rest of the series - thanks to my dear co-blogger and friend, Haïfa, for gifting me the entire set. And simply just because I was exclaiming about how much I loved the covers.
A delightful and fun Middle Grade mystery read, with likeable and believable characters in the two female leads, and the two male sidekicks.
The vivid setting of the Sinclair's department store reminded me so much of London's Selfridges that I defaulted to my memories of the latter to envision the scenes which somehow added a layer of nostalgic authenticity to the story.
The plot took a while to be established as being the first book some time was spent introducing the characters, Sophie, Lilian, Billy and Joe. But it was time worth spending to bring out each of their distinctive personalities and qualities that work towards solving the mystery by the end of the book.
This is just the kind of book I look for when my brain needed a break from too much action, complex plots, or harrowing emotions, and just have fun reading.
I'm definitely reading the rest of the series - thanks to my dear co-blogger and friend, Haïfa, for gifting me the entire set. And simply just because I was exclaiming about how much I loved the covers.
June 5, 2015
So, this book. THIS BOOK. Seriously, possibly one of my biggest joys of the year so far.
It reminded me of a London I always dreamed about. When I was very little my Grandma used to take me on days out in the West End, and we'd often end up in a fancy hotel or Harrods and she'd tell me about the London of her youth. I know that my grandma is definitely not old enough to remember London in the 1910s, and yet still, I was reminded of it. When Sophie first encounters Sinclairs, I remember first visiting Harrods and my grandma letting me pick a chocolate - just one - from the chocolate hall. Never a more difficult decision has been made. How a book has managed to bring me back to this memory, I just don't know. Katherine Woodfine is a wonder.
And as if that wasn't enough, I was also reminded of my time working at Waterstones Piccadilly - four years at a flagship bookstore, and at the very site that Sinclairs comes to be - there aren't many places that foster such a sense of pride in retail. I loved working at that shop, and this book took me that to that feeling too.
One last thing I want to say - THE DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS WERE SO DELICIOUS I WANTED TO ACTUALLY EAT THEM.
I should probably leave it there. I've already completely embarrassed myself fangirling over Katherine and I'm pretty sure that I'm not doing myself any favours.
Loved this book, and can't wait for more!
It reminded me of a London I always dreamed about. When I was very little my Grandma used to take me on days out in the West End, and we'd often end up in a fancy hotel or Harrods and she'd tell me about the London of her youth. I know that my grandma is definitely not old enough to remember London in the 1910s, and yet still, I was reminded of it. When Sophie first encounters Sinclairs, I remember first visiting Harrods and my grandma letting me pick a chocolate - just one - from the chocolate hall. Never a more difficult decision has been made. How a book has managed to bring me back to this memory, I just don't know. Katherine Woodfine is a wonder.
And as if that wasn't enough, I was also reminded of my time working at Waterstones Piccadilly - four years at a flagship bookstore, and at the very site that Sinclairs comes to be - there aren't many places that foster such a sense of pride in retail. I loved working at that shop, and this book took me that to that feeling too.
One last thing I want to say - THE DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS WERE SO DELICIOUS I WANTED TO ACTUALLY EAT THEM.
I should probably leave it there. I've already completely embarrassed myself fangirling over Katherine and I'm pretty sure that I'm not doing myself any favours.
Loved this book, and can't wait for more!
April 5, 2024
➳ 3.5 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
i kind of think of this book as a combination of murder most unladylike and mysterious benedict society—both of which I love very much
i enjoyed this a lot! i loved the cast of characters—kids solving mysteries is one of my favorite things to happen in books. i thought the mystery was very interesting and while u think everything was pretty predictable, i had fun all the same. it was a little slow to start but once it picked up it kept me entertained!!
the only things with this is the perspectives changed abruptly which took some getting used to but once i accepted that, i had a lot of fun with this book. i think this series has a lot of potential as it goes on and overall it was an enjoyable romp in 1900s london. i can’t wait to start book 2 💫🤍✨
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
i kind of think of this book as a combination of murder most unladylike and mysterious benedict society—both of which I love very much
i enjoyed this a lot! i loved the cast of characters—kids solving mysteries is one of my favorite things to happen in books. i thought the mystery was very interesting and while u think everything was pretty predictable, i had fun all the same. it was a little slow to start but once it picked up it kept me entertained!!
the only things with this is the perspectives changed abruptly which took some getting used to but once i accepted that, i had a lot of fun with this book. i think this series has a lot of potential as it goes on and overall it was an enjoyable romp in 1900s london. i can’t wait to start book 2 💫🤍✨
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
December 29, 2021
3.5 stars - This was very charming! I wasn't in love with all of the mystery elements, but the character, atmosphere, and writing more than made up for that. I'm also wondering if the mystery/thriller elements will pick up interest for me as we continue to track the Baron over the course of the series
July 12, 2025
'I think there could be quite a different sort of career out there for a couple of young ladies like you.'
She actually works at Waterstones, she's one of the people who used to organise YALC, and she's clearly one of the best writers of the UK. Meet Katherine Woodfine with her debut, the first book of The Sinclair's Mysteries. I stumbled across it (in a Waterstones, of course) one time when I did one of my one-day trips to London, and I just had to buy it. It's one of those precious few books that you just happen to see amid ten, twenty other books and that simply jumps out. It can't be anything else than absolutely friggin' perfect.
And, as usual (*ahem*), I was absolutely right.
In 2020, it had apparently been almost four years since I last read (The Mystery of) The Clockwork Sparrow (the title has been shortened a few prints after its initial release). Since this is one of my all-time favourite books & book series ever, I was sincerely seriously starting to question some of life's choices right now. How is it even possible I managed to survive this long without re-reading the series? Anyway... (And the same happened in 2025, can you believe it?! So many books, so little time...)
The setting, for starters, is just magnificent. It's set around 1910, 1911 or thereabouts - a few years before the Great War started, anyway, during the Edwardian Era, so that means I'm hooked right from the start. Give me Victoriana and Edwardiana anytime! It's also set in a department store called Sinclair's (no surprise there), which is partially based on the actual department store of Selfridge's (still exists) and has been placed on Piccadilly, which means it's more or less right on top of the Waterstones flagship store. How more awesome can you get? In the story itself - very often at the beginning of a new chapter - there is a small bit told about Sinclair's itself, and life at the store. It's marvellous, it feels magical. Close your eyes and you can just imagine yourself standing there, over a hundred years ago, taking it all in. Woodfine is clearly gifted.
The synopsis doesn't tell you very much, and the story starts off in a rather calm fashion. You might think that the plot for this first book won't do much more than touch the basics: characterisation, setting, overall storyline for the series... Boy, you are so wrong. After about fifty pages - when nothing much has happened yet apart from what I've just mentioned - the story, without any kind of warning whatsoever, shoots off right into the sky like a rocket on its way to the ISS. It literally goes like this: Page X = everything's fine. Page Y = all hell breaks loose. And don't think you'll be able to breathe afterwards. It just keeps on going. It's nothing less than fantastic! And the book may be finished, and the first plot line as well, but let me assure you: There are still some questions that need answering. Don't be alarmed - there are three more books.
I found one typo. Not that it matters, just thought I'd mention it.
Brits have some kind of... British writing style. It's hard to put your finger on what makes it British, exactly. It's the words they use, sometimes, and the way sentences are formed. Woodfine does that here too, and it really works, it fits so well with the story and the setting (the time period!) and the characters. It's a bit old-fashioned, and formal or posh - but certainly not a bad way. It's just... right.
There are, broadly speaking, four main characters. It's like The Famous Five but without Timmy the dog. Especially Sophie and Lil are standing in the spotlight, of course. I've never really cared much about Billy, he's just... part of the background, I'd say. But Sophie and Lil, my oh my! Now that's what I call characters. Amazing! They are so fully fledged, nicely developed: clever, brave, modern... Well, they're basically perfect, is what I'm saying. Can we have another forty books, please?
Obviously one of the best series ever.
9.8/10
She actually works at Waterstones, she's one of the people who used to organise YALC, and she's clearly one of the best writers of the UK. Meet Katherine Woodfine with her debut, the first book of The Sinclair's Mysteries. I stumbled across it (in a Waterstones, of course) one time when I did one of my one-day trips to London, and I just had to buy it. It's one of those precious few books that you just happen to see amid ten, twenty other books and that simply jumps out. It can't be anything else than absolutely friggin' perfect.
And, as usual (*ahem*), I was absolutely right.
In 2020, it had apparently been almost four years since I last read (The Mystery of) The Clockwork Sparrow (the title has been shortened a few prints after its initial release). Since this is one of my all-time favourite books & book series ever, I was sincerely seriously starting to question some of life's choices right now. How is it even possible I managed to survive this long without re-reading the series? Anyway... (And the same happened in 2025, can you believe it?! So many books, so little time...)
The setting, for starters, is just magnificent. It's set around 1910, 1911 or thereabouts - a few years before the Great War started, anyway, during the Edwardian Era, so that means I'm hooked right from the start. Give me Victoriana and Edwardiana anytime! It's also set in a department store called Sinclair's (no surprise there), which is partially based on the actual department store of Selfridge's (still exists) and has been placed on Piccadilly, which means it's more or less right on top of the Waterstones flagship store. How more awesome can you get? In the story itself - very often at the beginning of a new chapter - there is a small bit told about Sinclair's itself, and life at the store. It's marvellous, it feels magical. Close your eyes and you can just imagine yourself standing there, over a hundred years ago, taking it all in. Woodfine is clearly gifted.
The synopsis doesn't tell you very much, and the story starts off in a rather calm fashion. You might think that the plot for this first book won't do much more than touch the basics: characterisation, setting, overall storyline for the series... Boy, you are so wrong. After about fifty pages - when nothing much has happened yet apart from what I've just mentioned - the story, without any kind of warning whatsoever, shoots off right into the sky like a rocket on its way to the ISS. It literally goes like this: Page X = everything's fine. Page Y = all hell breaks loose. And don't think you'll be able to breathe afterwards. It just keeps on going. It's nothing less than fantastic! And the book may be finished, and the first plot line as well, but let me assure you: There are still some questions that need answering. Don't be alarmed - there are three more books.
I found one typo. Not that it matters, just thought I'd mention it.
Brits have some kind of... British writing style. It's hard to put your finger on what makes it British, exactly. It's the words they use, sometimes, and the way sentences are formed. Woodfine does that here too, and it really works, it fits so well with the story and the setting (the time period!) and the characters. It's a bit old-fashioned, and formal or posh - but certainly not a bad way. It's just... right.
There are, broadly speaking, four main characters. It's like The Famous Five but without Timmy the dog. Especially Sophie and Lil are standing in the spotlight, of course. I've never really cared much about Billy, he's just... part of the background, I'd say. But Sophie and Lil, my oh my! Now that's what I call characters. Amazing! They are so fully fledged, nicely developed: clever, brave, modern... Well, they're basically perfect, is what I'm saying. Can we have another forty books, please?
Obviously one of the best series ever.
9.8/10
August 17, 2015
This book is like a slice of perfect cake: light, fluffy, delicious and ideal to enjoy when curled up with a nice up of tea.
I was lured towards this book by the delightful, gold-embossed cover. Inside, the story is also peppered with cute illustrations. And "cute" and "delightful" are good words for this story. The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow is what you get if you mash together Nancy Drew, The Famous Five, Sherlock Holmes and set the action in a glittering London department store at the start of the twentieth century.
Special mention to the illustrator Júlia Sardà - beautiful work.
For the rest of my review, please visit my blog: https://clairehuston.wordpress.com/20...
I was lured towards this book by the delightful, gold-embossed cover. Inside, the story is also peppered with cute illustrations. And "cute" and "delightful" are good words for this story. The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow is what you get if you mash together Nancy Drew, The Famous Five, Sherlock Holmes and set the action in a glittering London department store at the start of the twentieth century.
Special mention to the illustrator Júlia Sardà - beautiful work.
For the rest of my review, please visit my blog: https://clairehuston.wordpress.com/20...
September 28, 2020
3.5 stars
A solid start to the series!
While it isn't a new favorite, I did quite enjoy it. I'm absolutely in love with the setting. The story is set in the early 1900s in a department store in London, and I loved how atmospheric the writing was. I could feel as if I was in London with the characters.
I also quite like our main characters. While the group is quite eclectic, I found myself quite enjoying reading from their perspective. My personal favorites are Lilian (aka a QUEEN) and Billy.
However, I did feel like the mystery could have been better plotted. Some elements of the story were quite predictable and obvious. I just didn't find myself on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
A solid start to the series!
While it isn't a new favorite, I did quite enjoy it. I'm absolutely in love with the setting. The story is set in the early 1900s in a department store in London, and I loved how atmospheric the writing was. I could feel as if I was in London with the characters.
I also quite like our main characters. While the group is quite eclectic, I found myself quite enjoying reading from their perspective. My personal favorites are Lilian (aka a QUEEN) and Billy.
However, I did feel like the mystery could have been better plotted. Some elements of the story were quite predictable and obvious. I just didn't find myself on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
January 19, 2021
4.5/5 stars
It is bizarre that I have only known about this series now, when it’s been published 6 years ago. (Thank you, Ruby Granger!) It’s everything I wanted to read about when I was younger: Victorian London, a set of mysteries, and a brave young heroine leading the investigation.
I absolutely don’t mind reading this at 20 years old. This book rekindled 12-year-old me’s passion for reading. Its world was utterly immersive and I can’t wait to read the next installments.
It’s just a shame that I read it in my Kindle though, for I knew I wouldn’t find it in local bookstores. When I travel abroad again, I will buy the hard copies for sure!
It is bizarre that I have only known about this series now, when it’s been published 6 years ago. (Thank you, Ruby Granger!) It’s everything I wanted to read about when I was younger: Victorian London, a set of mysteries, and a brave young heroine leading the investigation.
I absolutely don’t mind reading this at 20 years old. This book rekindled 12-year-old me’s passion for reading. Its world was utterly immersive and I can’t wait to read the next installments.
It’s just a shame that I read it in my Kindle though, for I knew I wouldn’t find it in local bookstores. When I travel abroad again, I will buy the hard copies for sure!
August 27, 2022
Ambientato nella Londra di inizio '900, lo definirei come un mix tra un giallo, un chick lit e un libro d'avvenutura di due secoli fa. La trama è divertente, non troppo ingarbugliata, i personaggi ben caratterizzati, lo stile scorrevole, si legge molto velocemente.
***
Set in London in the early 1900s, I would define it as a mix between a thriller, a chick lit and an adventure novel from two centuries ago. The plot is fun, not too tangled, the characters well characterized, the flowing style, you read it very quickly.
***
Set in London in the early 1900s, I would define it as a mix between a thriller, a chick lit and an adventure novel from two centuries ago. The plot is fun, not too tangled, the characters well characterized, the flowing style, you read it very quickly.
July 13, 2020
didn't love this as much as I wanted to but hopefully will prefer the rest of the series! https://youtu.be/1bfLLLLLeog
February 20, 2018
This book is such an enjoyable book. The setting. The characters. The plot. EVERYTHING IS SO BEAUTIFUL.
things I liked about it:
it was really well-written
the whole setting!! Sinclair’s department store is sooo lovely to read about!
the characters (Sophie… and Lil!!)
the plot (ahhh.. it will suck you right in)
“I commend you on your efforts. Really I do. You have surprised me, and that does not happen very often.”
Sophie Taylor is someone you can relate to from the beginning, and Lil (Lillian) Rose is a very likeable character too.
“I’m going to be a fortune hunter!’ – Lil
‘I beg your pardon?’ – Sophie
The plot will suck you right in from the very beginning. The characters and setting are well developed. The writing is beautiful.
Also, for those of you who prefer books like this, it has hardly any romance. It is not often I am whirled into a gorgeously casted setting with a constantly spiralling plot engulfed with a lovely writing style.
I have currently only read the first two books, I need to read The Painted Dragon (it’s even on my Kindle bookshelf, I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet) and The Midnight Peacock has just been released.
This is definitely a series you want to be apart of!
things I liked about it:
it was really well-written
the whole setting!! Sinclair’s department store is sooo lovely to read about!
the characters (Sophie… and Lil!!)
the plot (ahhh.. it will suck you right in)
“I commend you on your efforts. Really I do. You have surprised me, and that does not happen very often.”
Sophie Taylor is someone you can relate to from the beginning, and Lil (Lillian) Rose is a very likeable character too.
“I’m going to be a fortune hunter!’ – Lil
‘I beg your pardon?’ – Sophie
The plot will suck you right in from the very beginning. The characters and setting are well developed. The writing is beautiful.
Also, for those of you who prefer books like this, it has hardly any romance. It is not often I am whirled into a gorgeously casted setting with a constantly spiralling plot engulfed with a lovely writing style.
I have currently only read the first two books, I need to read The Painted Dragon (it’s even on my Kindle bookshelf, I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet) and The Midnight Peacock has just been released.
This is definitely a series you want to be apart of!
February 22, 2019
I loved this book!! It was a great Victorian detective romp with two strong lead female characters - Sophie and Lil.
If you like Mr Selfridge and The Paradise you will love this - it's set in a large London department store (Sinclair's) where the namesake's precious jewels are set to go on display in the grand Exhibition Hall for the opening night when Mr Edward Sinclair's priceless clockwork sparrow goes missing. It's up to our two heroines along with Billy, an apprentice porter, and Joe, a former East-End London gang member to retrieve the sparrow and save the day.
Along the way, they meet some ruthless characters and there are lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end; although I did figure out who the Baron's inside contact was before it was revealed.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read with some lovely heroines who I will no doubt encounter again in The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth.
If you like Mr Selfridge and The Paradise you will love this - it's set in a large London department store (Sinclair's) where the namesake's precious jewels are set to go on display in the grand Exhibition Hall for the opening night when Mr Edward Sinclair's priceless clockwork sparrow goes missing. It's up to our two heroines along with Billy, an apprentice porter, and Joe, a former East-End London gang member to retrieve the sparrow and save the day.
Along the way, they meet some ruthless characters and there are lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end; although I did figure out who the Baron's inside contact was before it was revealed.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read with some lovely heroines who I will no doubt encounter again in The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth.
January 4, 2021
6.5 out of 10
It reminds me of my favorite children detectives from old times. This book is nicely decorated and written, so if you want a piece of teen-ish mystery in historical colors - go ahead)
June 17, 2020
I have a number of thoughts about this book, some positive, some not so much. So here goes:
4 stars:
-The adventure and developing friendship amongst Sophie and Lil, and Billy and Joe was well executed. I liked the way they came together and began supporting each other and relying on each others’ skills as they worked through the puzzling situation that resulted from the theft of the Clockwork Sparrow at Sinclair’s department store.
-Also, the author does a wonderful job of describing Sinclair’s, which feels like an analogue for Harrods or Selfridges. I could see the myriad goods and bustling staff hard at work.
3 stars:
-I could figure one part of the mystery almost immediately, and kept yelling that the friends needed to pay attention to a particular character.
-Also, the bulk of the mystery could not be solved without an info dump from the Big Bad. So, no, that didn’t work for me.
2 stars:
-I was disappointed that the author didn’t use the time period and characters’ classes and economic reality to interrogate a number of the assumptions about the British Empire and life at that time in London for many of its residents. And before someone says that this is just meant to be a fun adventure-mystery (which it is), young people can be fairly sophisticated in understanding an analysis of culture, and there are countless missed opportunities to dissect London in the early 1900s.
-Though the author has the police give Sophie the benefit of the doubt, I found it hard to believe that would have actually happened. It was a commonly held belief (actually still is) that people on the lower end of the social and economic scale were prone to criminal behaviour, and Sophie, thanks to no provision made for her on her father’s death, can no longer claim her place as a lady. It made no sense to me that the police didn’t just throw her in jail and close the case.
-The author missed an opportunity to discuss Britain's colonial behaviour and the treatment of the people manufacturing the good selling at Sinclair's, whether they were English or residing in the colonies. The British Empire was still big when this story takes place, and so many of the textiles and luxuries people are buying in the story hail from Britain’s colonies, and were procured on the backs of brown bodies.
-Also, where are all the people of colour in this author’s London? All sorts of people of colour had been living in London, for centuries by this point, and this feels like such a white story.
Will I continue on with the series? I think I will, even with my misgivings, as I want to know if this series is meant to be just an adventure, or has some depth to it. So, a final rating for this story: 3 stars.
4 stars:
-The adventure and developing friendship amongst Sophie and Lil, and Billy and Joe was well executed. I liked the way they came together and began supporting each other and relying on each others’ skills as they worked through the puzzling situation that resulted from the theft of the Clockwork Sparrow at Sinclair’s department store.
-Also, the author does a wonderful job of describing Sinclair’s, which feels like an analogue for Harrods or Selfridges. I could see the myriad goods and bustling staff hard at work.
3 stars:
-I could figure one part of the mystery almost immediately, and kept yelling that the friends needed to pay attention to a particular character.
-Also, the bulk of the mystery could not be solved without an info dump from the Big Bad. So, no, that didn’t work for me.
2 stars:
-I was disappointed that the author didn’t use the time period and characters’ classes and economic reality to interrogate a number of the assumptions about the British Empire and life at that time in London for many of its residents. And before someone says that this is just meant to be a fun adventure-mystery (which it is), young people can be fairly sophisticated in understanding an analysis of culture, and there are countless missed opportunities to dissect London in the early 1900s.
-Though the author has the police give Sophie the benefit of the doubt, I found it hard to believe that would have actually happened. It was a commonly held belief (actually still is) that people on the lower end of the social and economic scale were prone to criminal behaviour, and Sophie, thanks to no provision made for her on her father’s death, can no longer claim her place as a lady. It made no sense to me that the police didn’t just throw her in jail and close the case.
-The author missed an opportunity to discuss Britain's colonial behaviour and the treatment of the people manufacturing the good selling at Sinclair's, whether they were English or residing in the colonies. The British Empire was still big when this story takes place, and so many of the textiles and luxuries people are buying in the story hail from Britain’s colonies, and were procured on the backs of brown bodies.
-Also, where are all the people of colour in this author’s London? All sorts of people of colour had been living in London, for centuries by this point, and this feels like such a white story.
Will I continue on with the series? I think I will, even with my misgivings, as I want to know if this series is meant to be just an adventure, or has some depth to it. So, a final rating for this story: 3 stars.
November 30, 2017
Sophie is working for Sinclair's and the big opening is coming up. All helping hands are needed. Everyone has been wanting for this. Sophie needs this job and she gets tangled up in a big clump of danger. Why would someone want to ruin the store when it seems that everyone can't wait? Sophie quickly makes friends and competes against the other snobby shop girls, who try to make he look bad at everything. But Sophie knows she can do it because she is a hard working independent woman.
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. I probably like it is so much because I love mystery books. I thought the beginning was kinda slow but that is with all books because you have to get into it. The author really brought out Sophie's personality as with all the characters. They all had their own unique personality and because of that some didn't get along or were more dedicated etc. Their personalities really made the book funny and interesting. This book is so intense I love it so so so much. I have a problem with stopping books right in the middle of them but I finished this book in 2 days tops. This is such a good book I haven't read the second yet but I am planing on it.
I think the theme to this book is: Hard work holds you up. I think this because Sophie has a really hard time at the shop the first few days. Another shop girl named Edith thinks she is better than everyone else. And Sophie works as hard as she can to show the shop owner that she can do all the things Edith can do. But Edith trys to tear her down. since Sophie works hard she earned her fate.
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. I probably like it is so much because I love mystery books. I thought the beginning was kinda slow but that is with all books because you have to get into it. The author really brought out Sophie's personality as with all the characters. They all had their own unique personality and because of that some didn't get along or were more dedicated etc. Their personalities really made the book funny and interesting. This book is so intense I love it so so so much. I have a problem with stopping books right in the middle of them but I finished this book in 2 days tops. This is such a good book I haven't read the second yet but I am planing on it.
I think the theme to this book is: Hard work holds you up. I think this because Sophie has a really hard time at the shop the first few days. Another shop girl named Edith thinks she is better than everyone else. And Sophie works as hard as she can to show the shop owner that she can do all the things Edith can do. But Edith trys to tear her down. since Sophie works hard she earned her fate.
September 12, 2018
Londra, 1909. La gentile clientela è la benvenuta ai magazzini Sinclair, l'emporio più rinomato della città. Se poi ci scappa il morto, non abbiate timore! Sophie, la giovane commessa del reparto modisteria, sembra avere un fiuto innato nell'individuare il colpevole di furti e delitti…
Che romanzo delizioso! Bei personaggi, ambientazione affascinante, trama avvincente. Da tempo non mi capitava un libro in grado di tenermi incollato alle pagine – la scena in cui Sophie origlia la conversazione dei cattivi nascosta dietro una tenda lascia davvero con il fiato sospeso. Consigliato ai ragazzi, ma anche agli adulti.
PS A quanto pare, il libro è il primo di una serie. Si prega Piemme di non fare brutti scherzi e di tradurre anche i volumi successivi.
Che romanzo delizioso! Bei personaggi, ambientazione affascinante, trama avvincente. Da tempo non mi capitava un libro in grado di tenermi incollato alle pagine – la scena in cui Sophie origlia la conversazione dei cattivi nascosta dietro una tenda lascia davvero con il fiato sospeso. Consigliato ai ragazzi, ma anche agli adulti.
PS A quanto pare, il libro è il primo di una serie. Si prega Piemme di non fare brutti scherzi e di tradurre anche i volumi successivi.
March 19, 2021
This was a blast!! (Hehe, that’s a spoiler pun. 🤐) I zipped through it because I was having so much fun reading. It is so many things I love in a book: humor, adventure, spies, friendship, a strong sense of place, and more. The foursome at the heart of this book are just so great. They worked together marvelously well and there are so many ways for the plot to develop in the next three books. Can’t wait to read those!
January 29, 2023
British mystery set in London in the early 1900s. Can Sophie, her new Lil & Billy and former delinquent Joe discover who stole the clockwork sparrow, why they did it, and how it was stolen from an exhibit or artifacts at Sinclair's, a larger than life and elegant department store from yesteryear?
It reminded me of reading a classic whodunit like an Agatha Christie or Nancy Drew or the more modern The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Those who remember shopping at giant department stores like (the now defunct) Daytons, Macy's or Nordstrom should enjoy this. In addition, give this to fans of M.T. Anderson's Pals in Peril series who are looking for more mysteries.
It reminded me of reading a classic whodunit like an Agatha Christie or Nancy Drew or the more modern The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. Those who remember shopping at giant department stores like (the now defunct) Daytons, Macy's or Nordstrom should enjoy this. In addition, give this to fans of M.T. Anderson's Pals in Peril series who are looking for more mysteries.
October 24, 2019
This was a fun and sweet book. A middle grade mystery in a charming setting with fun characters, I really enjoyed it.
Initially I was planning to only read this first book, but by the end I was attached enough to the characters to seek out the second one. Sophie, Lil, Joe, and Billy are a very fun group of characters. I also really liked the setting and the descriptions of the store. The mystery itself wasn't really what captivated me, but I was curious to figure it out.
I'm curious to see how the world expands in the future books. I'll at least give the next one a go. This is a very fun middle grade read with a wonderful atmosphere.
Initially I was planning to only read this first book, but by the end I was attached enough to the characters to seek out the second one. Sophie, Lil, Joe, and Billy are a very fun group of characters. I also really liked the setting and the descriptions of the store. The mystery itself wasn't really what captivated me, but I was curious to figure it out.
I'm curious to see how the world expands in the future books. I'll at least give the next one a go. This is a very fun middle grade read with a wonderful atmosphere.
November 21, 2023
3⭐️
This is one of those situations where I really like the elements of the story, the setting, the plot, the characters….but for some reason, the result didn’t win me over….its a conundrum for sure…🤷🏼♀️
I listened to the audio and phased in and out so I don’t think I caught everything, but here is the *language content* I did catch: 2 ‘devil’ as a swear, 1 a, 1 abuse of God’s name
This is one of those situations where I really like the elements of the story, the setting, the plot, the characters….but for some reason, the result didn’t win me over….its a conundrum for sure…🤷🏼♀️
I listened to the audio and phased in and out so I don’t think I caught everything, but here is the *language content* I did catch: 2 ‘devil’ as a swear, 1 a, 1 abuse of God’s name
September 5, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved how sensible and brave Sophie was, and the rest of the characters were delightful and real feeling.
The descriptions of the store, though! So delightful. 😍
The descriptions of the store, though! So delightful. 😍
August 16, 2024
Such a fun book! I really enjoyed the historical London setting (though I’m not entirely sure when in history this is set. My best guess is turn of the 20th century) and the narrator of the audiobook was fantastic. Great Sherlock’s vibes, with the mystery possibly linking to deeper conspiracies.
It’s not a deep read, but I fully enjoyed it.
Enjoyment: 5
Emotional impact: 3
Educational value: 3
=3.6
It’s not a deep read, but I fully enjoyed it.
Enjoyment: 5
Emotional impact: 3
Educational value: 3
=3.6
May 11, 2020
Коли я побачила цю книжку, мене пробрала ностальгія за підлітковими (дівчачими?) детективами. Та ще й механічна забавка в назві. Додайте сюди Лондон початку ХХ століття — і ви маєте ідеальну атмосферу, щоб позбутися сірої буденності.
Софі Тейлор, 14-річна дівчинка, колись була заможною панянкою. Та після смерті її батька, колишнього військового, залишилася без гроша і влаштувалася працювати продавчинею капелюшків у новий великий універмаг "Сінклер". За день до грандіозного відкриття стається несподівана прикрість — із колекції власника викрадають коштовності, які він планував виставити для огляду відвідувачів. Серед них був і механічний горобець, механізм, який кожного разу грає нову, неповторну мелодію. Зовсім випадково Софі опиняється в універмазі якраз в той момент, коли відбувається крадіжка. Поліція підозрює, що вона якось причетна до злочину, тож її друзі беруться розкрити таємницю...
Зізнаюся, що першу половину роману я не очікувала нічого надзвичайного. Але він зміг мене приємно подивувати. Історія працює за однією з класичних схем для цього жанру. Є певний суперлиходій із суперпланами. Спершу героям здається, що справа лише у крадіжці, але насправді задум такого собі Барона набагато масштабніший. Як я розумію, в подальших частинах ми ще не раз із ним перетнемося. Обожнюю кліфгенґери!
Мені сподобалося, як авторка попрацювала над розвитком героїв. Їх тут троє + 1. Хлопчик-посильний Біллі, поціновувач детективних романів, власне Софі, Ліл, манекенниця з універмагу, яка мріє стати акторкою театру, і Джо, хлопець, який переховується від злочинної банди, до якої входив. Біллі надзвичайно захоплюється тим, що може спробувати себе у ролі улюбленого героя-детектива. Він розшифровує таємні послання та шпигує за підозрюваними. Але в кінці виявляється, що гра, в яку він вплутався, може мати за собою серйозні наслідки. Те саме стосується і життєрадісної Ліл, для якої це все одна велика пригода з порятунку подруги. Сама ж Софі спершу видається незацікавленою у цій справі. Так, вона відчуває несправедливість щодо тієї ситуації, в якій вона опинилися, проте приймає її, більше переймаючись пошуками нової роботи. Та коли перед нею постає змога щось зробити, вона за неї хапається всіма руками.
Воєнні історії, розказані їй покійним батьком, стають дівчинці неабияк у пригоді. Певної миті "Загадка..." перетворюється із просто детективного на шпигунський роман. І саме це є її величезним плюсом.
У романі є типові ходівочки для цього жанру. Одна з них — шифри. Усі розшифровки по тексту дуже і дуже прості, що навіть діти їх можуть розгадати. Але це окей. Зустріла я і інший типовий троп — вибираючись із зачиненої кімнати, Софі виштовхує ключ з іншого боку дверей і підбирає його через нижню шпарину. Іронічно, що вона чула про це від Біллі, який вичитав це із детективних оповідок.
Але є і не настільки банальні штуки. Авторка включає сюди проблему випадкової генерації чисел (у книзі це використовується для створення потужного шифру). Навіть сучасні комп’ютерні алгоритми з генерації "випадкових чисел" насправді генерують псевдовипадкові числа — вони базуються на формулах різної складності. Вочевидь, у горобця закладений подібний механізм для вибору наступної ноти.
Переклад. Загалом, читалося ок, я тільки не зрозуміла, чому "w" передається через "у", а не "в": "Уайт" "Уолтер". Я такого в українському перекладі років десять вже не бачила. І, здається, в сучасному перекладі з англійської активно використовують правило дев’ятки, тобто мав би бути "Синклер", а не "Сінклер".
Софі Тейлор, 14-річна дівчинка, колись була заможною панянкою. Та після смерті її батька, колишнього військового, залишилася без гроша і влаштувалася працювати продавчинею капелюшків у новий великий універмаг "Сінклер". За день до грандіозного відкриття стається несподівана прикрість — із колекції власника викрадають коштовності, які він планував виставити для огляду відвідувачів. Серед них був і механічний горобець, механізм, який кожного разу грає нову, неповторну мелодію. Зовсім випадково Софі опиняється в універмазі якраз в той момент, коли відбувається крадіжка. Поліція підозрює, що вона якось причетна до злочину, тож її друзі беруться розкрити таємницю...
Зізнаюся, що першу половину роману я не очікувала нічого надзвичайного. Але він зміг мене приємно подивувати. Історія працює за однією з класичних схем для цього жанру. Є певний суперлиходій із суперпланами. Спершу героям здається, що справа лише у крадіжці, але насправді задум такого собі Барона набагато масштабніший. Як я розумію, в подальших частинах ми ще не раз із ним перетнемося. Обожнюю кліфгенґери!
Мені сподобалося, як авторка попрацювала над розвитком героїв. Їх тут троє + 1. Хлопчик-посильний Біллі, поціновувач детективних романів, власне Софі, Ліл, манекенниця з універмагу, яка мріє стати акторкою театру, і Джо, хлопець, який переховується від злочинної банди, до якої входив. Біллі надзвичайно захоплюється тим, що може спробувати себе у ролі улюбленого героя-детектива. Він розшифровує таємні послання та шпигує за підозрюваними. Але в кінці виявляється, що гра, в яку він вплутався, може мати за собою серйозні наслідки. Те саме стосується і життєрадісної Ліл, для якої це все одна велика пригода з порятунку подруги. Сама ж Софі спершу видається незацікавленою у цій справі. Так, вона відчуває несправедливість щодо тієї ситуації, в якій вона опинилися, проте приймає її, більше переймаючись пошуками нової роботи. Та коли перед нею постає змога щось зробити, вона за неї хапається всіма руками.
Воєнні історії, розказані їй покійним батьком, стають дівчинці неабияк у пригоді. Певної миті "Загадка..." перетворюється із просто детективного на шпигунський роман. І саме це є її величезним плюсом.
У романі є типові ходівочки для цього жанру. Одна з них — шифри. Усі розшифровки по тексту дуже і дуже прості, що навіть діти їх можуть розгадати. Але це окей. Зустріла я і інший типовий троп — вибираючись із зачиненої кімнати, Софі виштовхує ключ з іншого боку дверей і підбирає його через нижню шпарину. Іронічно, що вона чула про це від Біллі, який вичитав це із детективних оповідок.
Але є і не настільки банальні штуки. Авторка включає сюди проблему випадкової генерації чисел (у книзі це використовується для створення потужного шифру). Навіть сучасні комп’ютерні алгоритми з генерації "випадкових чисел" насправді генерують псевдовипадкові числа — вони базуються на формулах різної складності. Вочевидь, у горобця закладений подібний механізм для вибору наступної ноти.
Переклад. Загалом, читалося ок, я тільки не зрозуміла, чому "w" передається через "у", а не "в": "Уайт" "Уолтер". Я такого в українському перекладі років десять вже не бачила. І, здається, в сучасному перекладі з англійської активно використовують правило дев’ятки, тобто мав би бути "Синклер", а не "Сінклер".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 782 reviews