THE CLOCKWORK THREE

Marc Thompson gives distinct, youthful voices to each of three children—Giuseppe, an orphaned street musician; Frederick, an apprentice clockmaker; and Hannah, a hotel maid—whose lives in a fictional American port city in the late nineteenth century become linked as each strives to achieve a better life. Thompson’s narration smoothly makes believable the transition from the children’s separate stories to their shared adventure as they solve the mystery of a hidden treasure—complete with steampunk elements involving a clockwork automaton with the heart of a golem, who becomes their protector. Thompson’s stellar performance of a tale with a host of interesting characters and plot twists is a most satisfying listening experience. C.R.A. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2011]