Philip Pullman starts Clockwork as a story within a story. Fritz tells scary stories at the White Horse Tavern to the delight and terror of the local people. His story reveals the possible truth behind the mysterious death of Prince Otto. As Fritz tells his tale, one of the actual characters Dr. Kalmenius arrives with only a sledge. His presence frightens Fritz so badly that he burns his story and flees along with the rest of the guests. For the reader, Dr. Kalmenius could represent the devil and he makes a deal the depressed clockmaker’s apprentice. He gives him a small clock work, knight, Sir Ironsoul. This figure is an exquisite piece of metal and comes to life if he hears the word ‘devil.’ At this point, I will stop and you will have to read the story to see what happens to him.

The book is proof that a gripping tale doesn’t have to be a long drawn out affair.

All you can do is see what happens, who survives and who dies. For adults, it will be a quick read, but for children, it will be a fun scare before bed time.