Buying Options

Kindle Price:	$7.99
Sold by:	Penguin Group (USA) LLC Price set by seller.

Promotions apply when you purchase

Add Audible narration to your purchase for just $7.49

Deliver to your Kindle or other device

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.

Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

Enter a promotion code or Gift Card

Share <Embed>

The House With a Clock In Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt Book 1) by [John Bellairs, Edward Gorey]

Follow the Author

John Bellairs

The House With a Clock In Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt Book 1) Kindle Edition

by John Bellairs (Author), Edward Gorey (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

1,158 ratings

Book 1 of 12: Lewis Barnavelt

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Kindle

"Please retry"

$7.99

—

Audible Audiobook, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$0.00

Free with your Audible trial

Library Binding, Illustrated

"Please retry"

$19.25

$3.89

Paperback

"Please retry"

$6.50

$2.95

$1.24

Audio CD

"Please retry"

$22.75

—

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

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

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 magicians! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watchng magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls--a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!

Reading age

8 - 12 years, from customers
Print length

183 pages
Language

English
Grade level

3 - 7
Lexile measure

800L
Publisher

Puffin Books
Publication date

August 3, 2004
Page Flip

Enabled
Word Wise

Enabled
Enhanced typesetting

Enabled
ISBN-13

978-0142402573
See all details

Next 5 for you in this series See full series

Total Price: $35.95

By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use

John Bellairs
105
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $9.99
John Bellairs
184
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
John Bellairs
59
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
John Bellairs
206
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $8.99
John Bellairs
40
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
John Bellairs
72
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Anthony Bellairs (1938?1991) is an award-winning American author, perhaps best known for his fantasy novel The Face in the Frost. He is also the author of many gothic mystery novels for children and young adults, including The House with a Clock in its Walls (which received both the New York Times Outstanding Book of Award and the American Library Association Children's Books of International Interest Award), The Lamp from the Warlock’s Tomb (which won the Edgar Allen Poe Award), and The Specter from the Magician’s Museum (which won the New York Public Library "Best Books for the Teen Age" Award.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Amazon.com Review

Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full of secret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. And suddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in just such a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that his big friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keeping himself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, what Lewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of the mansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed a tick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking off the minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock only ticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!

This is a deliciously chilling tale, with healthy doses of humor and compassion thrown in for good measure. Edward Gorey's unmistakable pen and ink style (as seen in many picture books, including The Shrinking of Treehorn and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats) perfectly complements John Bellairs's wry, touching story of a lonely boy, his quirky uncle, and the ghost of mansions past. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CS74VYY
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Puffin Books (August 3, 2004)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 3, 2004
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3472 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 183 pages
Lending ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #287,277 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #188 in Children's Fantasy & Supernatural Mystery Books
- #360 in Children's Scary Stories
- #2,007 in Children's Spine-Chilling Horror

Customer Reviews:
1,158 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

John Bellairs

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

5 star		75%
4 star		15%
3 star		7%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Reviews with images

See all customer images

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Floyd Brigdon

How did I miss this growing up?

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018

Verified Purchase

I have to admit that I picked up this novel because of the movie adaptation coming out soon but it completely blew me away and I will definitely be reading more of Bellairs work.
If you are a fan of Rowling's Harry Potter, this is a great novel with a very similar feel from a time before Harry was ever dreamed of.
Though it is definitely a YA novel, it really doesn't read like one. There is no preaching (even though the novel DOES have a good moral sub-text) and is written in such a way that, even as an adult reader, I did not feel like Bellairs was "writing down" to me in this work.
This is a great example of suspense and urban fantasy (also before that term was dreamt of) and should be required reading for any lover of either of those genres.

61 people found this helpful

Helpful

StickyBunz

Developed night terrors from this story as a child

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2017

Verified Purchase

As a child, this book terrified me to the extent that I developed night terrors of creepy dark figures looming over me while I slept. Took 25 yrs to get over it. His writing style is classic Poe with a twist for childhood. Masterful writing.

In short:

Cons: terrifying story for children
Pros: it was only $6

It’s quaint to revisit this story set in Michigan and remember how I used to be scared so bad. I do sleep with the bathroom light on, now.

Just saying.

96 people found this helpful

Helpful

PRNLM

A great introduction to Bellairs for kids.

Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2019

Verified Purchase

John Bellairs. What's not to love? Spooky, dark, gothic horror with (somehow) a cozy, comforting edge. This is what John Bellairs did best—horror for kids in a way that leaves them not just creeped out, but also reassured and (once they grow up) nostalgic.

Lewis, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman are great, non-cookie-cutter characters. The awkward kid who's *actually* awkward (fat, unkempt, clueless, genuine), not just Hollywood awkward (gorgeous but shy). The bearded, idiosyncratic, he's-a-character uncle who's brash but also kind, aware of life's dark edges but also living solidly in the warm center. The grandmotherly woman who's got a razor-sharp tongue but uses it to show everyone around her that she cares and is looking out for them.

If there is such a thing, this is unfailingly *wholesome* horror for kids. No gross-out stuff or gore and guts. No cheap thrills. And underlying messages that used to be things we could all agree to: Don't mess with evils, esp. evils you don't understand. Stand up to the bad guys. Darkness is miserable, light is happy and loving and usually wins. Be kind. Care about people. Look out for the world. Be yourself.

The poor Hollywood film isn't even in the same league as the book, and takes all of the things that make Bellairs so great and removes them, leaving behind the usual dreck. Forget the movie, read the book.

This book in particular is great because it's not too intense—some of Bellairs' other work is probably best saved for 10 or 11 year olds, but this one has a light touch—sure, it's armageddon. Sure, they're evil wizards. But an eight or nine year old can handle this story well—and be entirely entertained by it. So if you're trying to get or keep your eight or nine year old reading, and they're into danger and adventure and happy families that aren't trite, this is a great read.

Start here, then move on to other great John Bellairs books.

Oh, and don't bother with the regrettable movie. Hollywood just doesn't get it. They never seem to do.

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Four stars

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018

Verified Purchase

I heard about the upcoming movie so I figured what the heck, I'd read the book. As an adult reading the book, it's simply three stars, but for kid readers, I'd give it four. I can see kids enjoying it, but after all the Harry Potter books, they probably wouldn't regard The House with a Clock in Its Walls as a "great" book.

The Puffin book edition has the original Edward Gorey illustrations.

22 people found this helpful

Helpful

Pearl

One of my all-time favorites!

Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2018

Verified Purchase

I discovered this book at my elementary school library as a child and I LOVED it. It terrified me, but I loved it. I've reread it every decade or so and recommended it to children I think might enjoy it. Now that I see a movie is coming I had to read it again. Reading it with an adult mind is very different and it's not scary but it's nice to revisit my old "reading stomping grounds" and remember the magic of falling in love with a book as a young girl. John Bellairs is dear to me and I read most of his other books when I was young. He was writing creepy kids books way before Goosebumps. I highly recommended.

16 people found this helpful

Helpful

Magic and Mystery

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

I purchased this book after seeing the 2018 movie - I thought perhaps there was more character development, and a bit more story, than I was seeing in the movie. The film was chock full of interesting special effects, but not so voluminous on development for Jack Black's and Cate Blanchett's characters, so I was hoping for more.

Author John Bellairs wrote some 15 books about Lewis Barnavelt, Rose Rita Pottinger, and additional characters Anthony Monday, and Johnny Dixon; most of the books were illustrated by NY Times cartoonist (and author himself) Edward Gorey. All his life, Bellairs enjoyed archaeology, architecture, kitschy antiques, bad poetry, traveling in the UK, and studying history and Latin - and I think all those hobbies are evident in his books, including this one.

Compared to the film, I found more explanation about the various magical events, especially since much more magic occurs on the written page. And written Lewis has a more difficult relationship with his Uncle Jonathan, and a more supportive and affectionate relationship with Mrs. Zimmerman, which impacts how they deal together with hostile forces.

Although the basic plot is similar, the movie combines some elements of subsequent books, and introduces us to a villain earlier than in the books. I enjoy picturing the movie actors, but love how the story develops and reading about the unconventional relationships Lewis forms. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

J G Barber

This is not the original version of the book - don't buy it!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2018

Verified Purchase

I decided to buy this book after reading the section available on 'look inside' - it was well written and witty and had the original illustrations by Edward Gorey. However the book that I received had been bowdlerised and was no longer the version written by John Bellairs! The witty sections had been rewritten to take out the humour (presumably because it contained religious references) and references to prayers had also been removed. The book has been turned into a bland, Disneyfied, badly written compromise. Even worse, the famous illustrations by Edward Gorey have been replaced by derivative modern designs. It is disgraceful to change a classic book in this way and it is very misleading to market the book on the basis of the original text and illustrations that do not exist in the version that you actually receive!

59 people found this helpful

LJBentley

A mystery romp

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2019

Verified Purchase

In the grand tradition of teen mysteries comes The House with a Clock in Its Walls. Weird title, I grant you but it is a bit like Ronseal. It does with it says on the tin.

The story is about a young, orphaned boy (isn’t it always?) who goes to live with his mad-cap uncle to live in his house which is full of mysteries. A relevant amount of chaos ensues and our young hero, Lewis Barnavelt becomes embroiled in solving the mystery.

It is all fun and games, this book and it would be a perfect gift for a middle grade reader.

The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs is available now.

Zulu Warrior

Film Was Far Better

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2019

Verified Purchase

Lewis Barnavelt 10yrs was heading to live with his Uncle Jonathan after his parents are killed in a road accident, they arrive at a three storey mansion full of clocks, Florence Zimmerman, Jonathans next door nieghbour was waiting to greet him, Lewis became aware that his Uncle was wandering the house at night looking for a clock hidden within its walls, Lewis finds out his Uncle is a Warlock and agrees to train Lewis

Lewis finds it hard to fit in and make friends at school, he tries to befriend a popular boy by saying he could perform magic and invites him to the house, everything goes wrong for Lewis after he uses a book to raise the dead,

One person found this helpful

Amazon Customer

worst kids book ever.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2018

Verified Purchase

Thought I would read the book" The house with the clock in the wall" before I watched the film.
The book is very shallow, predictable not at all magical in any way.
Do yourself a favour and grab any of the Harry potter Books and dont waste your time.

One person found this helpful

Madeline Tansey Bryson

Disappointing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2018

Verified Purchase

I bought this book after seeing the trailers for the film. Which made it look like it would be an interesting read. I cannot really tell you what I didn't like about it, I just kept getting annoyed. I haven't as yet read any other reviews, I am interested in what other people have to say. It's jumpy, things appear where they shouldn't.

2 people found this helpful

See all reviews