The second sight of Zachary Cloudesley

A BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick and Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, for fans of PANDORA , THE ESSEX SERPENT and THE NIGHT CIRCUS . Longlisted for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023. 'I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . . this book is like the love child of Charles Dickens and Isabel Allende' - Ruth Jones, bestselling author of LOVE UNTOLD 'Really transports you to a different time and place' - Sara Cox, Radio Times 'One of the best books I've read this year. Atmospheric, engaging, and elegantly written, this amazing tale of a clockmaker whose son possesses unusual talents is completely unforgettable...' - Bonnie Garmus, bestselling author of LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY ------ Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing... Leadenhall Street, London, 1754. Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father's workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father's creations to life. He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets. But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened. A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world. ------ 'Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling' - Sunday Express 'A dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters' - Daily Mail What readers are saying: 'an excellent historical, magical realist novel' 'beautifully written' 'full of love and humour' 'original and rich in historical detail' 'my best book of 2022' 'totally engrossing . . . unforgettable'