The Clockwork Girl
by Anna Mazzola
☆ Shortlisted for the 2023 CWA Gold Dagger
The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola is a historical mystery set in the France of Louis XV, with both him and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, appearing as characters in the book. The action revolves around the making of automata, and one of the main characters is inspired by Jacques de Vaucanson, the Swiss automaton-maker, anatomist and clockmaker.