The House with a Clock in Its Walls

By: John Bellairs

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

A haunting gothic tale by master mystery writer John Bellairs - soon to be a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black!

When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his Uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Serenna Izard. It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls - a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!

©1973 John Bellairs (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The House with a Clock in Its Walls will cast its spell for a long time." (The New York Times Book Review)

A formerly unknown classic.

What did you love best about The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

I read this series when I was little & really identified with Lewis, being a less than athletic fat kid myself. He's flawed, but tries to do the right thing, even when He's scared, which is rare for the hero of any book, let alone one for young readers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

The many spooky supernatural elements will stay with you.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

Uncle Johnathan really comes across perfectly. A kind but blustery man who wants to make sure Lewis has a safe home.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think the one for the actual film soon to be released is "can you hear the ticking?" I might have gone with "Each tick of the clock brings the world closer to its doom!"

Any additional comments?

All the books by this author are very well done, but for this series things really become "perfect" when Rose Rita is introduced in the second book. The 4 lead characters balance each other out, but you need to read this book first because it establishes the world.

Better than the movie!!

Great book! Much better than the movie!!!
I absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes a good read/listen!

Very Entertaining

Great narrator, great storyline, especially around Halloween! Scary but not frightening and good characterization. Will re-listen.

disappointed

sadly this is the first time I preferred the movie over the book. I figured there would be some differences but not to the point of me not liking the book.

Boring

I managed to get through the book, but I was yawning all the time. I don't know exactly what was wrong. The story just didn't do anything for me...

Great narration!

I really enjoy the narrator! I've always enjoyed books by John Bellairs but Mr. Guidall's voice talent adds another layer to the exciting stories!

great Book!

This a good read for any age range,fun story light hearted and well read! boom!

Good Movie?

Nothing special as a story; would not have ordered it if it hadn't been a movie .
I had liked the movie promos, but didn't see the movie. I think it was probably better as a movie than a book.

really enjoyed it

very enjoyable. my husband and I listen when we are in the car traveling. This one was interesting and we were able to finish it in a few short trips.

Scary Story for Middle Grade Kids

I'm not sure how I missed this book when I was a kid. Maybe the cover picture was too scary. The release of the new movie made me curious though, so I decided to listen to it. This is a good story for middle grade or older elementary kids. Just scary enough. It wouldn't be suitable for younger children though because it does deal with bringing at least one dead person back to life, and that might be a bit much for younger readers to process or deal with. But as an adult, a quick, easy, enjoyable listen. Enough to convince me that I'll watch the movie, but I won't take my 7-year-old grand-daughter :)