London, 1884. Thaniel Steepleton comes home from work to find someone has broken into his flat and left an elaborate, expensive clock for him. Six months later, when the clock saves his life from a bomb explosion, Thaniel will try to find the watchmaker and get some answers.
In the same time, Grace Carrow , a theoretical physicist, is struggling to become a respected scientist in a time when women were supposed to be strictly wives and child bearers, while her mother is desperately trying to get her married. When Thaniel and Grace meet the watchmaker, mysterious things start to happen.
This is a very good mystery, full of plot twists that will leave you gasping. Admittingly, you will have to give the book some time. Personally, I found the first twenty pages or so a bit boring, but after that the story became much better, and very interesting. The character of Mr. Mori, the watchmaker, is so elaborate and mysterious, that will have you binge reading in no time.
There is more to it than the actual plot, however. I loved the fact that the author handled serious issues in the book in a way that it blends in completely. For example, it depicts aspects of racism (in this story it is English against Japanese), women in science and voting rights, and marriage as an obligation versus marriage for love. It is sweet, without being corny.
All in all, considering that it is the author’s first novel, The watchmaker of Filigree street is quite an achievement. If you are into fantasy books, this is one worthy of your time, especially if Victorian era is a personally favourite of yours.
