A lost diary. A spinning pocketwatch. A gentleman wielding a deadly walking cane. And a boy who’s about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

When Julius Higgins isn’t running from Crimper McCready and his gang of bullies he’s working in his grandfather’s bookshop in Ironmonger Lane.

Until Jack Springheel, a mysterious clock collector, turns up looking for the fabled diary of John Harrison, the greatest watchmaker of all time.

Before he knows it, Julius becomes a thief and a runaway and makes a deal with Springheel that he will live to regret. And all before he finds out that Harrison’s diary is really an instruction manual for making a time machine.

Tim Hehir is an author of short stories and plays. His short story ‘God Bless Us One and All’ was published by Structo magazine (UK) and his play Pride and Prejudice in 10 Minutes Flat has been performed in various countries and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hehir is based in Melbourne. He has written two Watchmaker Novels: Julius and the Watchmaker and Julius and the Soulcatcher.

‘The ideas here are complex and fascinating: time-slips and imagination can create other potential worlds and there are rare timepieces that produce a vortex between them. The alternate parallels into which Julius is hurled are rich and scary and strange. Some readers will relish the historical depth, while others will just gulp down the plot, but either way it’s a compelling read. I can’t wait to hand-sell this to young readers.’ Readings Bookshop

‘An exciting romp through Time, full of wonderful characters and sinister possibilities.’ Lian Tanner author of The Museum Thieves

‘The clever explanation of time travel with its endless possibilities offers a wildly unpredictable ride and, presumably, more adventures are afoot.’ Sun Herald

‘Alternate worlds, time travel, mechanical horror, the demi monde of Victorian England and evil trickery all come together to make this novel a compelling read...Hehir’s first novel will be a winner for those who love good fantasy.’ Reading Time

‘He self-deprecatingly states he has an old-fashioned style though one would more aptly describe it as timeless...it is a book that has appeal for people of all ages.’ West Australian

‘When the action commences, Hehir’s pacing is perfect.’ Australian Book Review

‘Hehir’s storytelling is clear and has some vivid touches, as when the careful gait of the clockwork men remind Julius of the wading birds on the Thames, or their voices are described as sounding like ball-bearings rolling on a drum skin.’ Saturday Age

‘This will be a thoroughly absorbing read for 12-year-olds, who can engage as much or as little as they like with the historical detail and lessons in time, while getting swept along in the adventures and fates of Julius, our likeable hero, and his slowly evolving band of friends.’ Big Issue

‘A thrilling adventure through time, with a host of fantastic characters.’ Booktopia Kids Buzz