I’m looking forward to New Year’s Eve. I never thought that sentence would be tied to me, Moira Reed, but I’m not going to deny it. Last October, when Thom Clagan died, I didn’t think the words “Happy New Year” were possible, but that was before his granddaughter Ruth came back to town and took over the Cog & Sprocket. The Clagan family has been running the Cog for years, close to a hundred, here in Orchard. That’s a good run for anyone, but for clockmakers? Not what you’d expect to be the anchor business of Orchard, but it really is. The Clagans fix more than clocks, they always have.
Ruth used to visit her grandparents summers and holidays, and we were best friends as kids. We lost touch when she went to London to study time, and I went to college in New York City. Who would have guessed that we’d both end up living back in the Berkshires, running our own shops? Not me, that’s for sure. I couldn’t run the Sleeping Latte without the help of my mother, that’s for sure. Ruth would tell you the same thing. Not that my mother is helping her, expect maybe by feeding her a couple of meals a day and offering a ton of unasked for advice. No, Ruth couldn’t run the Cog without the help of her step-grandmother, Caroline. And my dad, Pat, of course. Ruth’s even hired a few more people—Nadia Wint, social media queen; Mark Pine, watchmaker; and Tuck Powers, hipster photographer. Not sure how’s she’s making it all work, but she is. The Cog & Sprocket has never looked as good—I can’t wait until the grand reopening January 2nd.
Lots happening between now and then, though. Orchard is party central this week. Tonight, all the downtown businesses are having an open house. Then a birthday party for Caroline, New Year’s Eve, and then the pièce de résistance, the grand reopening of the Cog & Sprocket. Ruth’s hosting all four parties, but she won’t be alone. Ben, the wicked cute barber will help her.
I never thought I’d say “I’m looking forward to New Year’s” and mean it. But this year, I do.
I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
Clock and Dagger is the second book in the Clock Shop mystery series, published by Penguin Random House, August 2016.
Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands in the second Clock Shop Mystery from the author of Just Killing Time.
Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time. . .
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About the author
Julianne Holmes Julianne Holmes is a mystery writer. Her Clock Shop Mystery series debuted in October 2015 with 
Just Killing Time, which was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel . Clock and Dagger was released August 2, 2016. As J.A. (Julie) Hennrikus she has had short stories published in Level Best Books anthologies: “Her Wish” in Dead Calm, “Tag, You’re Dead” in Thin Ice, “The Pendulum Swings, Until It Doesn’t” in Blood Moon. She is a huge social media fan, and tweets under@JulieHennrikus. She is on Instagram as @jahenn, and her Facebook page. She wrestles with allusions of athleticism, is an avid theatre goer and a proud member of Red Sox nation. Her website is jahennrikus.com. Julie is a board member of Sisters in Crime and New England Chapter of Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of Mystery Writers of America and the Guppies.
All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Clock and Dagger. U.S. residents only, please. The giveaway will end August 11, 2016 at 12 AM (midnight) EST. Good luck everyone!
I loved the first book in this new series. I can’t wait to read this second one. I have it on my kindle all set to read.
You made my day, thank you!
This is a new to me Author but looks like a great book Thanks for the chance to win a copy iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
Book one is on my wish list. They look great!
Thank you!
This series is on my Wish List. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hello! Thanks for putting it on your wish list!
I heard about the first book but never got to read it. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks for the review and giveaway. I’ve added this to my TBR pile.
Thank you!
A catchy title always catches my imagination.
Thank you! I had help from a friend on this one, and on book #3. I find titles really hard!
Thank you for the chance to win – this sounds like a fun addition to this series
Thank you!
Looks like a good book! Thanks for the chance to win it!!
Thank you!
I follow this author on the Wicked Cozy Authors blog. I really enjoyed the first book and now have this one on my library hold list!
Hello Gram! You are such a great supporter–thank you!
Thank you for introducing me to Julianne Holmes’s books. Clock and Dagger sounds great. Thank you for this chance!
Great to meet you!
I love the theme of Clock and Dagger. My father was a clock collector and through him I inherited the love of clocks. Thanks for the giveaway. My fingers are crossed I might win. robeader53@yahoo.com
What a wonderful thing to inherit. I love learning about clocks–the research for this series is just wonderful.
This cozy would be intriguing and enjoyable. Thanks.
Thank you!
This would be a great book to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
I’d love to hear more about your cozy challenge list! If that means reading a lot of them, sign me up. I’m also a fan, and bringing a huge stack (mostly virtual) on vacation.
Interesting series! Thanks Dru Ann and Holmes Julianne.
Thank you!
Thanks for the great post and info. Would love a chance to win!
Thank you!
New author to me, thanks for the chance to win a copy, book looks great.
Thank you!
Thanks for the chance to win. All those people working for a precise clock shop is amusing. Pulling off all those events sounds impossible but entertaining.
Thank you!
Sounds like a great read.
Thank you!
I will make time (literally!) to read the first two books of what sounds like an interesting series! Thanks for another informative review!
Thank you!
What could be better than a cozy mystery set in a clock shop~ I like that Ruth seems to run late a lot! Thanks for the giveaway Dru!
It is an ironic issue to have for a timekeeper, isn’t it?
I have two friends who are great lovers of clocks. It’s an interesting “addiction”.
It is, isn’t it? I love learning about them!
What a great introduction to your character! In that short day in the life, we see the setting and the key players, and we realize something IS going to go wrong. Love it. Love your title!
Thank you so much! A friend helped me with the title–I love it too!
Thank you Dru Ann for having me visit today!
You are most welcomed Julie.
New author and series for me – added to the TBR list.
Haven’t read this series yet, but it really sounds interesting. I can’t wait to read. Interesting topic for a mystery series.
Just Killing Time was terrific! Looking forward to Clock and Dagger and a loooong series.
I haven’t seen this series yet but from the recommendations in the comments I’m going to have to catch up. Sounds like a “timeless” classic!
wow, have to add this one to my TBR list, sounds really cute and need to read 1st in series, so hope I win this one, ty
Sounds like another great cozy
OOPS! Hit a button and didn’t get a chance to thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
wfnren at aol dot com
I really enjoyed the first book and looking forward to reading this one. I’ve never been happy with my name but like it better since I met your Ruth.
I have had a lot of connections with people in the clock and watch business over the years, and live near a clock museum as well as a friend of mine who works at this museum, so my interest in clocks is great. That was why I got book 1 in this series and totally enjoyed it. I would very much like to be considered for this book to continue on with what is a unique series.
Thank you.
Cynthia
Oh, I need to start this series….
Thank you for the giveaway…..
Old clocks can be so beautiful—and have an interesting history. Thanks for the giveaway.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I have the first book on hold at my library. I can’t wait to read this series. It’s so unique!
Loved Killing Time and look forward to reading this one. Thank you for this chance.
I love the title and the cover…it reminds me of something the Nancy Drew Series used the one about the clock…so now I want to read it..thank you for the contest.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
exciting….a new -to-me author and series. Sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the chance
Looks like a great read!! On my TBR. But am hoping for an early start with this new author/series. Thanks for the chance to do so
Sounds like a great book.