Twice Upon A Time - Michelle Harrison

Merry and Spike Morrow are twins born either side of New Year's Eve who have an unusual talent: they can stop time. It's something they keep secret, even from their mother (although she does know that clocks play up whenever they are near them). With their mum working as an art restorer, they are always on the move and, as the book opens, they are heading to spend their holidays at Fox House, a manor house where their mum has been commissioned to restore a piece of art by Lady Belmont.

When they arrive, their mum reminds them to stay away from the clocks and then disappears into her work.  It's not unusual for her to get lost in her work and forget to surface so the twins are left to their own devices.  The housekeeper, Miss Burdock, introduces them to Ben Gumbley who shows them around the house and the grounds and tells them about the history of the house, including the secrets that are held there. The more the twins discover, the more they realise that they need to use their ability to stop time to try to solve the mysteries that have plagued those who live there for years.

It really is no secret that I'm a huge fan of Michelle's books and the arrival of Twice Upon A Time earlier this week was genuinely met with a squeal of delight. Of course, it completely skipped the reading pile and I even cheated on the book I was reading in order to dive straight in. (it's fine, it wasn't an MG book!). 

I love the sense of mystery that weaves its way through this book; the unanswered questions that mount up and the secrecy that lurks in the abandoned hallways and passages of the house. In fact, the house itself creates its own sense of mystery with its attics that hold dusty relics; the rooms that have secret hideaways; the long corridors and creaking floorboards that wend their way through the building. You could feel the mystery and suspense seeping from the pages. 

There are a host of perfectly formed characters to get to know; some you will love, whilst others will frustrate and annoy you!  Merry and Spike are two very different people, despite the fact they are twins.  Their names definitely suit their characteristics, however, their differences balance them out and, despite their grumbles about one another (I liked this about them), together, they make a great team.

Ben is always kind, gentle and friendly, despite the start he has had in life (or perhaps because of it) and he puts up with a lot from Alastair who is a character that is clearly troubled - his arrogance is clear from the start. It is evident that he feels superior to everyone and, on so many occasions, I wanted to adopt my best teacher voice and give him a good talking to! I have to also give a nod to Nanny Natter who stole my heart - she is somebody I would love to get to know.

At its heart, Twice Upon A Time is a mystery story and one the twins are determined to solve. I promise that the writing will lure you in from the start and the more the mystery reveals itself, the more you will be hooked, until you find yourself unable to put the book down.  The ending in particular is page-turningly gripping with secrets revealed that you won't see coming. 

I'm trying my best to put my thoughts into words but feel I am somewhat failing so will just say that Twice Upon A Time is an amazing read that left me with the biggest book hangover! Publishing on the 11th April, it's a book you simply have to pre-order and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that we will be hearing more from the Morrow twins in the future.