The Clockmaker’s Wife

The world is at war. And time is running out…

London, 1940. Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter – leaving behind her husband, Arthur, one of the clockmakers who keep Big Ben chiming.

When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. Her search will lead her into far darker places than she ever imagined…

New York, Present Day. When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had once belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. Yet as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmother’s life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten.

Daisy writes: 'This was my debut dual timeline novel, planned to coincide with the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower. It was fascinating to find out what a great part the famous clock played during the Second World War. All over Nazi-occupied Europe, people secretly tuned into news broadcasts from the BBC, announced by the recorded chimes of Big Ben. They were encouraged to pray for loved ones far away while the bell tolled, in what became known as the Silent Minute. Big Ben represented freedom, and the hope of better times to come. Had it been destroyed, the blow to Britain's morale would have been devastating, so it was easy to imagine Nell's terror as she battles to save the tower from destruction.' 

‘A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.’ Mandy Robotham, internationally bestselling author of The Berlin Girl

‘I couldn’t put it down. My favourite kind of historical fiction.’ Reviewer

‘Brilliantly captures the essence of 1940s England. Highly recommended!’ Reviewer

‘Daisy Wood skilfully navigates between two timelines, and her descriptions of the war are really masterful.’ Reviewer

‘The perfect blend of historical fiction and espionage.’ Reviewer

‘Beautifully written… I highly recommend this treasure!’ Reviewer