Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2023), 304 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Literature. HTML:Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children�??s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner�??s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel. �??Clever and hopeful . . . a love letter to reading and the power that childhood stories have over us long after we've grown up.�?��??V. E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Make a wish. . . . Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it�??s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher�??s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability. But be careful what you wish for. . . . Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he�??s finally written a new book. Even better, he�??s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy. For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack �??the Mastermind�?� Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever. . .… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member brianinbuffalo
Readers who still smile when they think back on their literary journey to a magical chocolate factory will likely be enchanted by this riddle-laden adventure on Clock Island. True, Shaffer’s host doesn’t exude the hilariously mischievous persona of Mr. Wonka, but this fact doesn’t detract
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from the mesmerizing quality of “The Wishing Game.” I enjoyed the plot twists. I connected with most of the characters. I appreciated the book’s underlying messages. As with many whimsical novels, the premise stretches credulity a tad. But that’s what escapism is all about – seeking relief from the dreary realities of daily life. Show Less
LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Lucy Hart ran away to Clock Island as an unhappy thirteen-year-old. It is the home of Jack Masterson, a reclusive children's author who has written a series of whimsical books that take there. Now, thirteen years later, Lucy is in California working as a teacher's aide and desperately hoping to
Then Jack announces a contest where a single copy of his latest book will be given to one of the selected contestants (if they solve the various riddles and puzzles) to do with as they please: sell, auction, keep, etc. All four contestants are adults who once ran away to Clock Island, including Lucy.
Hugo Reese, Jack's illustrator, also lives on the island and remembers Lucy from her brief stay, but he's attracted to adult Lucy. He's British and one of those males who hides a gooey soft center under a hard casing.
This is such a lovely read. Firstly, it's a book for readers, people who love books. It's a homage to Willie and the Chocolate Factory but a gentler story with kinder characters. While it might seem somewhat predictable, I loved the writing and characters so much that I read right through the book. The star is Jack Masterson, the Mastermind of Clock Island, who loves children and writes for them. Lucy, Hugo, Christopher, and the others all revolve around Jack, the benevolent but playful owner of Clock Island in Casco Bay, off the coast of Portland, Maine.
While the story is mainly upbeat, there are sad moments interspersed which honestly made me more emotional than I expected. The romance is secondary and a slow-burn attraction that only adds to the main story which is about facing your fears, whether child or adult. I'll be thinking about this book for a long while.
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adopt Christopher, a boy in foster care who she tutors. Then Jack announces a contest where a single copy of his latest book will be given to one of the selected contestants (if they solve the various riddles and puzzles) to do with as they please: sell, auction, keep, etc. All four contestants are adults who once ran away to Clock Island, including Lucy.
Hugo Reese, Jack's illustrator, also lives on the island and remembers Lucy from her brief stay, but he's attracted to adult Lucy. He's British and one of those males who hides a gooey soft center under a hard casing.
This is such a lovely read. Firstly, it's a book for readers, people who love books. It's a homage to Willie and the Chocolate Factory but a gentler story with kinder characters. While it might seem somewhat predictable, I loved the writing and characters so much that I read right through the book. The star is Jack Masterson, the Mastermind of Clock Island, who loves children and writes for them. Lucy, Hugo, Christopher, and the others all revolve around Jack, the benevolent but playful owner of Clock Island in Casco Bay, off the coast of Portland, Maine.
While the story is mainly upbeat, there are sad moments interspersed which honestly made me more emotional than I expected. The romance is secondary and a slow-burn attraction that only adds to the main story which is about facing your fears, whether child or adult. I'll be thinking about this book for a long while.
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LibraryThing member SilversReviews
Did Lucy's wish come true? She needs a very big wish to come true.
Lucy had met Jack Masterson, children's author, who lived on Clock Island when she was a young girl.
Lucy and three other contestants are called back to the Clock House for a game to win his latest and last book.
Will a contest on the
The house and the game Jack had for them on Clock Island was very clever, and the book was a magical one filled with books, love, hope, and lovable characters.
THE WISHING GAME is a different read that at times was a bit odd, but you will love Lucy and Christopher and their journey to become a family.
In the beginning, I was curious about the plot, but soon enough you will be part of the warm feelings flowing from the characters and will be rooting for Lucy to achieve her life-long dream of winning the contest and becoming a mother.
A sweet, uplifting read that also addresses the difficulties of the child foster program. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Lucy had met Jack Masterson, children's author, who lived on Clock Island when she was a young girl.
Lucy and three other contestants are called back to the Clock House for a game to win his latest and last book.
Will a contest on the
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famous Clock Island with the famous Jack Masterson and with the prize of Jack’s last book worth six figures if you sell it save her so she can have enough money and a suitable life to adopt Christopher?The house and the game Jack had for them on Clock Island was very clever, and the book was a magical one filled with books, love, hope, and lovable characters.
THE WISHING GAME is a different read that at times was a bit odd, but you will love Lucy and Christopher and their journey to become a family.
In the beginning, I was curious about the plot, but soon enough you will be part of the warm feelings flowing from the characters and will be rooting for Lucy to achieve her life-long dream of winning the contest and becoming a mother.
A sweet, uplifting read that also addresses the difficulties of the child foster program. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member LoriKBoyd
Game involving a recluse writer spinning a tale of a magical island made popular in a series of children’s books, where wishes can come true by solving a few clues (simplistically put). He brings together, by invitation only, a group of 4 loyal followers all needing the coveted prize for
I loved the write up of this book and couldn’t wait to dive in. For me, this book felt more geared toward a young adult crowd. Writing was more simplistic, I had hoped for more. Characters were developed with issues that could be relatable to adults. I believe this could be a fairly quick read for most, but I found myself putting the book down often, sometimes for days because it just didn’t hold my interest. This could be a good vacation read, easy to put down and pick up where you left off.
Thanks to Random House/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
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different reasons. Story line is reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I loved the write up of this book and couldn’t wait to dive in. For me, this book felt more geared toward a young adult crowd. Writing was more simplistic, I had hoped for more. Characters were developed with issues that could be relatable to adults. I believe this could be a fairly quick read for most, but I found myself putting the book down often, sometimes for days because it just didn’t hold my interest. This could be a good vacation read, easy to put down and pick up where you left off.
Thanks to Random House/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
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LibraryThing member fredreeca
Lucy knows what it is like to be unwanted. As a child, her parents were not the best. She even ran away to meet one of her favorite authors, Jack Masterson. Jack’s books were her saving grace when she was growing up. Now she has a chance to help a child, Christopher. She wants to adopt him but
Lucy is such a great character. My heart broke for her and Christopher. But, Lucy is determined to do what needs to be done. She steps out of her comfort zone to take part in this contest. She knows it is her best chance to adopt Christopher.
I fluctuated between four and five stars on this one. I settled on four, basically because it is a bit simple and predictable. However, it is magical in places. This is story about strength, love, overcoming obstacles and forgiveness. And the book references! Makes this old reader nostalgic!
Need a magical tale with a wonderful twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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she has no money and very little resources to get anymore. But, once again, Jack Masterson comes through. He has written his final novel. But, the only way to access this one copy is to win the contest. Can Lucy win?Lucy is such a great character. My heart broke for her and Christopher. But, Lucy is determined to do what needs to be done. She steps out of her comfort zone to take part in this contest. She knows it is her best chance to adopt Christopher.
I fluctuated between four and five stars on this one. I settled on four, basically because it is a bit simple and predictable. However, it is magical in places. This is story about strength, love, overcoming obstacles and forgiveness. And the book references! Makes this old reader nostalgic!
Need a magical tale with a wonderful twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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LibraryThing member KallieGrace
I'm not sure what made this work so well for me, it could have been to cutesy and soppy and fallen flat given the story that lives up to its title. The characters are very earnest, its wholesome, there's very little tension. But it was still such a fun, imaginative read. Like a fairytale or
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children's adventure but grown up just a little. I would almost read this to a kid, but there are some heavier themes touched on that wouldn't be great for them. Show Less
LibraryThing member rmarcin
Lucy Hart, a teaching aide, longs to be a mother to Christopher Lamb, a boy who was tragically orphaned. However, Lucy can't afford it, and she is resigned to the fact that he will go to another foster home. Lucy was raised by parents who didn't love her, and she doesn't want another child to feel
The story is not what you would expect, there are disappointments and sorrow, but ultimately, it is a triumphant story. I loved the fact that books and stories are what saved Lucy and what helped her and Christopher form a trusting relationship. A beautiful heartwarming book.
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that way. When she was young, she read books to escape her loneliness, loving books by Jack Masterson about Clock Island. When he announces he will write another book, and award a prize to a special reader of his, Lucy hopes this will be a way for her to adopt Christopher. The story is not what you would expect, there are disappointments and sorrow, but ultimately, it is a triumphant story. I loved the fact that books and stories are what saved Lucy and what helped her and Christopher form a trusting relationship. A beautiful heartwarming book.
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LibraryThing member terran
This was one of my favorite books this year. It's not all happy and warm, but the characters deal with issues and work through problems as they arise. Lucy's unhappy childhood led to her running away from home and making her way to Clock Island hoping to become the sidekick to her favorite
that leave her in financial difficulty, unable to adopt a child she has befriended.
The solution to her problems is the magical part of the story, so if you don't want a happy ending for wh
ich you have to suspend your belief, this isn't the book for you. Even though it touches on parental neglect and other childhood trauma, it is not depressing. I would recommend it to young adults as well.
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children's book author. This doesn't work out for her and she makes more unfortunate life decisionsthat leave her in financial difficulty, unable to adopt a child she has befriended.
The solution to her problems is the magical part of the story, so if you don't want a happy ending for wh
ich you have to suspend your belief, this isn't the book for you. Even though it touches on parental neglect and other childhood trauma, it is not depressing. I would recommend it to young adults as well.
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LibraryThing member Krisbee
Inspired by Willy Wonka this book is enchanting, a really fun read.
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Can a review simply be “I loved this Book!”?
“Places were times. Times were places. Confusing at first. Then charming.”
An island, a writer, a Mastermind, a keeper, a painter, a teacher’s aide, an orphan - an extraordinary story is about to unfold.
“SOS. Save Our Sanity.
SOS. Save Out
Riddles abound - “Two men on an island and both blame the water………”
“The only wishes ever granted - - - are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing…”
The Wishing Game has everything - simply wonderful characters, snappy dialog, meaningful inner thoughts, emotions and more that tear your heart into tiny little pieces, and challenges that have you thinking and wondering and burning your gray matter until you can smell your smoking brain.
I ask you can a review simply be “I loved this Book!”?
“Places were times. Times were places. Confusing at first. Then charming.”
An island, a writer, a Mastermind, a keeper, a painter, a teacher’s aide, an orphan - an extraordinary story is about to unfold.
“SOS. Save Our Sanity.
SOS. Save Out
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Stories”Riddles abound - “Two men on an island and both blame the water………”
“The only wishes ever granted - - - are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing…”
The Wishing Game has everything - simply wonderful characters, snappy dialog, meaningful inner thoughts, emotions and more that tear your heart into tiny little pieces, and challenges that have you thinking and wondering and burning your gray matter until you can smell your smoking brain.
I ask you can a review simply be “I loved this Book!”?
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LibraryThing member srms.reads
4.5⭐ ( rounded up..can't stop thinking about this one!)
“I want to live on a magical island with my favorite author and be his sidekick……”
Who wouldn’t want that? Twenty-six-year-old Lucy Hart, remembers the time she ran away from home at the age of thirteen to meet Jack Masterson, a
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famous children’s book author whose Clock Island series captured the hearts and imagination of generations of readers. She did meet the author, though her plans to stay with him didn’t quite pan out. The series remains her favorite and she shares that love with seven-year-old Christopher a student of hers, recently orphaned and now in foster care. Lucy carries the pain of an unhappy childhood and cares deeply for Christopher. She dreams of becoming his foster parent and eventually adopting him. However, her meager income as a teacher’s aide and less than suitable living arrangements make her an unsuitable candidate for the same. When her favorite author invites her to participate in a contest to win the only copy of his new manuscript, written after an almost six-year hiatus, Lucy jumps at the opportunity to visit Clock Island, Masterson's private island in Maine that is modeled after the setting for his books. Not only is she excited to meet her favorite author once again but winning the contest would greatly improve Lucy’s financial situation and thus, her chances of being approved as a guardian for Christopher.“What did the kids in the books have to do to get their wishes? First, they had to make a wish. Then they had to get to Clock Island. After that, they answered riddles or played strange games. Then they had to face their fears.”
On Clock Island, Lucy meets her co-contestants – three others like herself who had once run away from unhappy situations at home when they were children to meet “The Mastermind” who they believed had the power to make their wishes come true. Now as adults, they are back at Clock Island and they all have their reasons for wanting to with the contest. Lucy also meets Hugo Reese again, the illustrator for the series. Jack’s contest consists of a series of games and riddles and ultimately just like the characters in his books, a special challenge wherein they would have to face their fears. But news of Jack Masterson’s new book is making waves and there are scheming lawyers, book collectors and publishers to get their hands on that coveted manuscript. Lucy has a lot on her plate –dodging shady people with their shadier offers, her dynamic with Hugo, the stress of winning the contest and securing a future for Christopher and herself- and it’s not going to be an easy ride.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a beautiful story. Remember Willy Wonka? Instead of a chocolate factory, here get to have a look at Masterson's “writing factory” fully equipped with a huge collection of typewriters and his raven, Thurl Ravenscroft,also his “co-writer”. The narrative is shared for the most part from Lucy’s perspective and a few chapters from that of Hugo with excepts from one of the Clock Island books interspersed throughout the narrative. Jack Masterson is a quirky character with a heart of gold. Lucy Hart is endearing and I was invested in her story from the very beginning. Her journey is one of catharsis and growth. The dynamics between the Jack and Hugo and Lucy and Christopher - the friendship, concern and empathy and sense of family will touch your heart. Christopher did seem a bit mature for his age but his reservations can be explained by the trauma he has endured. I also liked that the author also looks at the potential perils involved when impressionable minds are influenced to embark on risky ventures. Some moments will break your heart and others will have your heart singing with joy. Overall this a lovely story that touches on themes of family, childhood, loss, kindness, love and sacrifice.
As an introvert who grew up with her nose always in a book (Enid Blyton books, The Trixie Belden series, and The Chronicles of Narnia were among my favorite childhood series) and an adult who struggles to keep from squealing with excitement every time she visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Disney World (I read the Harry Potter books when I was well into my twenties), I was captivated by this story and the idea of Clock Island as the reclusive author’s not—so—humble abode. Meg Shaffer does a brilliant job of highlighting the role that books play in the lives of children (and adults) and the refuge they provide and in doing so reinforces the fact that books remain your constant companion through the darkest of times. Though not fantasy per se, this story is magical in its own way. Read this book with your heart and you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks to author Meg Shaffer, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it … it changes us.”
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LibraryThing member mikedowd
Enjoyed this one. It's very wholesome, and while it was predictable overall, there were some surprises in there. Good characters, moving story. The Lucy - Christopher scenes were treacly at times
LibraryThing member ladycato
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
This book is beautiful, devastating, and a collection of other positive adjectives. This is not a fantasy book, but IS a love letter to the power of fantasy and children's literature. It brought me to the verge of tears more than once. What a book.
This book is beautiful, devastating, and a collection of other positive adjectives. This is not a fantasy book, but IS a love letter to the power of fantasy and children's literature. It brought me to the verge of tears more than once. What a book.
LibraryThing member DKnight0918
I so adored this book. This was an amazing debut novel. I can’t wait to read more books by Shaffer in the future. I want a whole Clock Island series.
LibraryThing member ForeignCircus
What a wonderful book to be the first new read of the new year! This is a delightful story about an eccentric author, his worried illustrator, and the island that inspired his magical books and dedicated readers. I devoured this story in a day; I love books about books and this is one of the best.
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Lucy and Christopher, Hugo and Davey, Jack Masterson and the Mastermind - all truly engaging and wonderful characters. The author also made me wish that the Clock Island books were real because their stories were also so very engaging. Highly recommend this book about wishes and dreams and the magic of childhood literature! Show Less
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Audiobook. It was such a nice story with bits of darkness, strange/misunderstood characters and a sprinkle of romance. I didn't really see the connection with Willie Wonka, I missed the magic. It was sweet in that Hallmark kind of way. Not all sweet there was some dark parts, child abuse was
Lucy was a MC, she was a teacher aide with her heart set on adopting one of her students. She was hard working, under paid and desperate to become a family with this little boy. Aww sweet right ? It was and it was also a little too obsessive at times. I found it uncomfortable that she thought she was the only one in the world that could care for the boy causing her outbursts. This character also failed for me in believability. Her actions, her "thoughts" didn't jibe with the person she was written as. She wasn't professional, wasn't ever concerned about other children, and many called her teacher, she was a teachers aide. Her character ruined the book for me.
It was okay but I wished I hadn't read it, I wasn't good reading time. I wouldn't recommend it to my circle of friends, as a great read.
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touched on as was terminal illness.Lucy was a MC, she was a teacher aide with her heart set on adopting one of her students. She was hard working, under paid and desperate to become a family with this little boy. Aww sweet right ? It was and it was also a little too obsessive at times. I found it uncomfortable that she thought she was the only one in the world that could care for the boy causing her outbursts. This character also failed for me in believability. Her actions, her "thoughts" didn't jibe with the person she was written as. She wasn't professional, wasn't ever concerned about other children, and many called her teacher, she was a teachers aide. Her character ruined the book for me.
It was okay but I wished I hadn't read it, I wasn't good reading time. I wouldn't recommend it to my circle of friends, as a great read.
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LibraryThing member Eliz12
In all fairness, while I did give this book two stars I did not read the whole thing. Someone, somewhere described it as "a warm hug" and that should have been warning enough. Still, I forced myself to read several chapters because fans of "The Wishing Game" are very dedicated and very convincing.
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But from the get-go I did not like the main character, Lucy, who essentially believes that "love is all you need." Some might find her determination to adopt a young boy charming, but I found it arrogant. She has no money, no parental experience, no training as a psychologist. What she does have with the boy is shared childhood trauma and that will, what, make her capable of healing him? Then the story spins into a bit of fantasy which, as many before me have already pointed out, is pretty much a reworking of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." If Lifetime Programming for Women is your cup of tea, you may like this. I just could not take the page after page of cuteness (even its most devoted admirers often describe the book as "cute") and the cloying quality of both the story and the writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
It seems that people either loved this book or hated it. It was one of the five finalists for book of the year 2023 with Book of the Month Club. Since I had read the other four, I took a chance on it. While I did like parts of the story, there were other parts that made me roll my eyes. I finished
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the book but my eyes are a little sore. Show Less
LibraryThing member marquis784
It took me a few chapters before I settled in with this fantastical, "Willy Wonka" type story which isn't my typical read. With that in mind, the quirky and unbelievable situations creates a fairy tale type story. It opens with a well-known children's author who wrote many stories which fascinated
It's been 15 years since he had secluded himself on his Clock Island where he struggles to ever write another book. His illustrator, Hugo Reese, has been his loyal companion not wanting to leave his long time friend alone on the island. Little does he know, Jack has been working on what would be his final novel but not for mass publication. He proses a "special" wishing game on the island with personally selected competitors. The prize is the one and only copy of his final book which the person can do with as they wish. The people chosen are thinking about how the publication of the book would help their financial situations.
Lucy Hart chooses to leave her home and controlling boyfriend, Sean, in Maine after she graduates college. She is desperate is leave her family behind and what she felt was a lonely childhood. She found respite in the Clock Island books. Her sister Angie was a sickly child with her parents focusing primarily on her and leaving Lucy feeling neglected. As a result she has always resented her sister who managed to become a lawyer in Maine.
As an adult, Lucy is a 26-year-old woman working as a teacher's aide at an elementary school in California. She is well liked by the teachers and students but she seems to form a bond with 7-year-old Christopher Lamb who is living with a foster family. Her connection to him sometimes feels "cringe-worthy" given that Christopher is being cared for by a caring family. Lucy desperately wants to adopt him even to the extent that she expresses this to the young boy. He is aware of her financial insecurity and wants to "help" Lucy raise money so she can afford to adopt him. They discuss what the future would look like when Lucy can provide a stable and financially stable home for Christopher.
When Lucy is notified about the Wishing Game opportunity, she is excited to think that she may be able to reach her financial goals sooner than she expected. But, winning the Wishing Game proves to be more challenging than she could've imagined.
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his readers with the mysteries on Clock Island. Jack Masterson was nicknamed the "Mastermind" which eluded to the protagonist who was the Mastermind in the books granting wishes with his cunning games. It's been 15 years since he had secluded himself on his Clock Island where he struggles to ever write another book. His illustrator, Hugo Reese, has been his loyal companion not wanting to leave his long time friend alone on the island. Little does he know, Jack has been working on what would be his final novel but not for mass publication. He proses a "special" wishing game on the island with personally selected competitors. The prize is the one and only copy of his final book which the person can do with as they wish. The people chosen are thinking about how the publication of the book would help their financial situations.
Lucy Hart chooses to leave her home and controlling boyfriend, Sean, in Maine after she graduates college. She is desperate is leave her family behind and what she felt was a lonely childhood. She found respite in the Clock Island books. Her sister Angie was a sickly child with her parents focusing primarily on her and leaving Lucy feeling neglected. As a result she has always resented her sister who managed to become a lawyer in Maine.
As an adult, Lucy is a 26-year-old woman working as a teacher's aide at an elementary school in California. She is well liked by the teachers and students but she seems to form a bond with 7-year-old Christopher Lamb who is living with a foster family. Her connection to him sometimes feels "cringe-worthy" given that Christopher is being cared for by a caring family. Lucy desperately wants to adopt him even to the extent that she expresses this to the young boy. He is aware of her financial insecurity and wants to "help" Lucy raise money so she can afford to adopt him. They discuss what the future would look like when Lucy can provide a stable and financially stable home for Christopher.
When Lucy is notified about the Wishing Game opportunity, she is excited to think that she may be able to reach her financial goals sooner than she expected. But, winning the Wishing Game proves to be more challenging than she could've imagined.
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LibraryThing member Kristelh
This book reads like a young adult book and covers issues of foster care, adoption, bad parents, sexual content (really very mild). It also gives a lot of mentions to other children's books. It's also a romance. I would fault the book for trying to do too much. I think the author borrowed from a
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other writers such as using the name Astrid, the parents who have a daughter as a organ donor (Piccoult), I found some good things; the listing of other great reads, the feel good ending. Not very original. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maydacat
Lucy didn’t have a wonderful childhood, but she found some solace in a wonderful series of books for children. She even ran away to the island where her beloved author lived. Now, years later, Lucy is a teacher’s aid, and has come to love a little boy in her class whose parents have died. She
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wants to foster him, a prelude to adoption, but she doesn’t qualify. She needs a home, more income, and a car. She needs money. In a miraculous turn of events, she and three others have been invited to the island of the famous author, in the hopes of winning a contest. The prize? His latest novel, which will be worth enough money to make her dream come true. Is it too much to wish for, or will her wish come true? This novel is quite clever, with its riddles and twists along the way. The characters are endearing, and even the competitors in the contest are likable. And it even has a lesson in the end. You may not get what you wished for, you may get something even better. Intriguing and entertaining, this well-written book is highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member spiritedstardust
I can see that they were trying for a Miss Honey and Matilda vibe but it just gave me the ick and Lucy was being overly critical of his current foster placement and was also being completely irrational in regards to her financial and living arrangements in regards to being a foster herself. This
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was not for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
"Two men on an island, and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"
Lucy grew up reading the Clock Island books by the reclusive author Jack Masterson. She even ran away to
This is a rarity: a puzzle novel for grown-ups. Readers who grew up on The Westing Game, The Mysterious Benedict Society, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are the prime audience for this book. It's full of whimsy, but just the right amount for this reader (your mileage may vary). If you're intrigued by riddles and mysterious islands inhabited by eccentric figures, you'll find this a rewarding experience.
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"
Lucy grew up reading the Clock Island books by the reclusive author Jack Masterson. She even ran away to
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his island at age thirteen, hoping to become his sidekick. (He was very polite, though he did call the police to escort her back home.) Now she's a grown-up living in California, barely scraping by. There's a little boy, Christopher, who attends the school she works at that she'd love to adopt, but she can't afford a car and a safe living situation, though she's saving every penny. When Jack invites her to the island to take part in a game, she can't afford to say no: the prize is the only copy of a new Clock Island book, which could then be sold for hundreds of thousands, or maybe even millions of dollars. Lucy is determined to win, but so are the other participants -- and the contest is no child's game...This is a rarity: a puzzle novel for grown-ups. Readers who grew up on The Westing Game, The Mysterious Benedict Society, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are the prime audience for this book. It's full of whimsy, but just the right amount for this reader (your mileage may vary). If you're intrigued by riddles and mysterious islands inhabited by eccentric figures, you'll find this a rewarding experience.
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LibraryThing member mchwest
Excellent book! The story line was fresh and I've never read anything like it before. The Clock Island Adventures are an awesome series that this book revolves around. I think this might be Meg Shaffer's first book and if so I can't wait to read more from her.
Awards
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — May 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2023
Physical description
304 p.; 9.55 inches
ISBN
0593598830 / 9780593598832