THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET

'The Watchmaker of Filigree Street' is an enchanting read which embodies a wonderful mix of genres. Imagine a historical fiction ‘whodunit’ converging with fantasy, magic and science held together by fascinating characters and a page-turning conclusion. This debut novel by Natasha Pulley has it all in abundance!

Its 1883 - Nathaniel (Thaniel) Steepleton is the archetypal civil servant working for the Home Office’s telegraphy department, where he monitors and sends telegrams. When a gold pocket watch mysteriously appears on his pillow and saves his life from a bomb explosion at Scotland Yard, he begins the search for its watchmaker with the hope of finding the bomb maker. This leads him to Keita Mori, a bastard son of Lord Takahiro who has fled his home country of Japan and now works and resides in Filigree Street, London as an expert watchmaker. We soon discover that Mori has an uncanny knack of predicting the future which he is able to use to change the course of events.

Meanwhile, Grace is desperately trying to finish her scientific research into proving the existence of ether at Oxford. As a woman with a passion for science, she is socially awkward and has no interest in being married and having a family as is expected of women at this time.

As their paths converge, we are sucked into this surprising illusory thriller. Who cannot fail to be drawn to Katsu, the delightful handcrafted clockwork octopus who seems to preside over everything at Filigree Street!

'The Watchmaker of Filigree Street' is a fun read packed full with curious twists and turns. If your book club is looking for something a little out of the ordinary but with a mix of everything, then this imaginative debut won’t disappoint. If you particularly don’t like fantasy then perhaps this is not the best choice for you.