The Clockwork Girl

In the gritty underworld of Victorian London, a young woman with clockwork parts awakens to find herself at the center of a murder investigation. Tesla Crow must piece together her own origins while pursuing a killer who leaves bodies drained of life on the city's streets. Scotland Yard's Detective Inspector Nightingale recruits Tesla to help solve these murders, knowing her mechanical enhancements give her unique capabilities. As Tesla navigates both human and automaton societies, she encounters characters who each hold fragments of truth about her past and the current string of killings. The novel combines elements of steampunk technology, detective noir, and supernatural horror in Victorian-era London. Through Tesla's investigation, the story explores questions of identity and humanity in a world where the line between machine and person grows increasingly blurred.

Readers found this middle-grade mystery spooky and atmospheric, with many noting its blend of science fiction and Gothic horror elements. Praise focused on: - The Victorian London setting and clockwork/steampunk details - Fast pacing and engaging plot twists - Complex female protagonist Jenny - Dark tone balanced with moments of humor Common criticisms: - Some found it too frightening for younger readers - Plot moves slowly in early chapters - Side characters lack depth - Resolution feels rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (100+ ratings) Sample review quotes: "Perfect mix of creepy and compelling" - Goodreads reviewer "The clockwork elements and Victorian atmosphere shine" - Amazon review "Too scary for my 10 year old but teenagers will love it" - Parent reviewer on Common Sense Media "Drags in the beginning but picks up significantly" - Barnes & Noble review

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🔍 Dave Rudden wrote The Clockwork Girl during the COVID-19 lockdown, drawing inspiration from classic detective fiction and Gothic literature. ⚙️ The book is heavily influenced by historical automata—mechanical figures that were popular in the Victorian era and were often displayed as curiosities in wealthy homes. 🕰️ The story takes place in an alternate Victorian London where mechanical beings exist alongside humans, reflecting the real-world technological advancements and anxieties of the Industrial Revolution. 🌟 The main character, Rain, is loosely inspired by the real-life Ada Lovelace, who is considered the world's first computer programmer and wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine. 📚 Before writing The Clockwork Girl, Dave Rudden was already well-known for his Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy, which won the Irish Book Award for Best Children's Book.