“A thrilling, transportive historical adventure that offers hope and explores themes of found family.” — Kirkus Reviews
Twelve-year-old orphan Malcolm McKenzie’s world is falling apart.
His mentor, clockmaker Jack Alexander, was found dead inside a locked clock tower.
His best friend — and Jack’s son — Peter is dying of a mysterious disease.
His only hope: a puzzle inside a seemingly broken pocket watch that even Jack couldn’t fix.
The watch, a precious heirloom passed down through a family of proud physicians, must be the key to solving Jack’s murder and a miracle cure for Peter. But shadowy figures stalk the streets of Edinburgh, scheming to steal the watch and its secrets for themselves. Malcolm, alongside pickpocket and fellow orphan Maddie, must outsmart and outrun their enemies to solve the watch’s puzzle and save the family that saved him … before Peter’s time runs out.
Crime Writers of Canada Award Of Excellence — Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book | 2025 | Short-listed
MYRCA Northern Lights | 2026 | Nominated
“Calgary pediatric doctor Meagan Mahoney’s sophomore novel is a propulsive historical adventure full of mystery, suspense, and illustrated clues.”
“A thrilling, transportive historical adventure that offers hope and explores themes of found family.”
“The Time Keeper, rich in detail, description and atmosphere, also has an intriguing array of supporting characters — from a mischievous pickpocket to mysterious, cloaked figures. This narrative full of twists and turns is an explosive spellbinding action mystery that will engage any reader of any age! FIVE STARS”
“Fans of historical fiction and mystery will find much to love in this book. The way Meagan Mahoney develops the characters and an intricate plot makes this a fascinating tale.”