Very fun series! Set in a department store similar to Selfridge's in London. ( )

This is just the sort of book I would've loved as a middle schooler: a historical mystery with a courageous heroine and hints of future romance. As an adult, it feeds my delight in Edwardian-era Britain and a Mr. Selfridge- and The Paradise-driven hunger for Edwardian-era departments stores, in particular. I especially appreciate that the book's lone sensible adult applauds the heroine's ingenuity and intelligence and encourages her to pursue a career that makes the most of them, however unconventional that career might be.

His statement that she and her friend, Lil, make a great team is a little baffling, though. The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow definitely feels like Sophie's story, despite her friends' assistance in solving the mystery. Billy and Lil and Joe read more like stock characters than individuals in their own right, though Woodfine sketches in a bit of backstory and preferences for them, and while Lil is certainly an excellent friend, she's part of a larger team more than she's a partner. Perhaps this is a nod toward future books? Regardless, I'm looking forward to getting to know all of Sophie's friends better in the following volumes. ( )

Excellent mystery book for youth to adults. Deals with people who don't like you, working together with friends to solve a mystery, being wrongly accused of something, feelings of being lonesome and on your own at a young age (parents are gone)

Fun mystery in the vein of Nancy Drew, but with strong male and female characters...and set in Edwardian England. ( )

Gosh! What can I say. The writing was sublime. And the descriptions of London and the store were magical. I wanted to be there! Secret tunnels, mysterious figures, showgirls, and beautiful hats and orphans, everything you need for the perfect mystery.
I loved this story, and only wished that it was longer. I really wanted to know more about her backstory, but maybe that's for another book.
I can recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, and fashion, and a good old fashioned 'who done it'!
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