The Clockwork Three

Starred review from September 20, 2010
In this riveting historical fantasy, which plays out in an unnamed American city in the mid-19th century, three children's lives intersect as they seek, individually and together, a treasure that could make their fondest dreams come true. For apprentice clockmaker and orphan Frederick, that means a promotion to journeyman and the identity of his mother. For Hannah, a struggling maid at an elegant hotel, it's a cure for her dying father and enough money to take care of her family. And for street musician Giuseppe, it means freedom from his oppressive master and a way back to his home in Italy. Toss into the mix an exquisite green violin, a headless clockwork man, a woman claiming to speak to the dead, a long-hidden secret room, and an assortment of unscrupulous enemies, and debut novelist Kirby has assembled all the ingredients for a rousing adventure, which he delivers with rich, transporting prose. Mixing fantasy and steampunk elements with subtle urban mythology, Kirby's immersive story can be read as a modern morality play or a satisfying stand-alone tale. Ages 8–14.

Marc Thompson gives distinct, youthful voices to each of three children--Giuseppe, an orphaned street musician; Frederick, an apprentice clockmaker; and Hannah, a hotel maid--whose lives in a fictional American port city in the late nineteenth century become linked as each strives to achieve a better life. Thompson's narration smoothly makes believable the transition from the children's separate stories to their shared adventure as they solve the mystery of a hidden treasure--complete with steampunk elements involving a clockwork automaton with the heart of a golem, who becomes their protector. Thompson's stellar performance of a tale with a host of interesting characters and plot twists is a most satisfying listening experience. C.R.A. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine