The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

An unlikely friendship is born among three children: Giuseppe, Frederick, and Hannah. Giuseppe is an orphaned boy gifted in music, but cursed with a malicious employer. Frederick is also orphaned, but blessed as an apprentice to a gifted clock-maker. Hannah, the only support for her large family, is a maid at the Gilbert Hotel. As their friendship grows, the children find that by working together they can help solve each other’s personal problems midst many perilous adventures.

In his author's note, Kirby states that he based the character of Giuseppe on an actual person. However, readers need to be aware that this story is not historical fiction. The supernatural is a key theme in the book. One item that would have helped strengthen Kirby's story would be an illustrated map of the children's city. Some readers may find it difficult to imagine the city’s layout and remember important locations without any visual reference. On the whole, Kirby seems to mix the best elements of Oliver Twist, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and The Mysterious Benedict Society into crafting a successful debut novel.