The House with a Clock in Its Walls

By: John Bellairs

Narrated by: George Guidall

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...