With each second that ticks by, expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan comes closer to fulfilling her and her grandfather’s shared lifelong dream of repairing Orchard’s ornate clock tower, complete with dancing figures from throughout the town’s storied history. Even with funding and dates moving forward like clockwork, everyone’s least favorite town manager, Kim Gray, continues to try to gum up the gears. But it’s clear when Cog & Sprocket employee Nadia is found screaming over Mrs. Gray’s body that the only plans being crushed are Ms. Gray’s own—under the clock tower’s bell.

Now Ruth, Chief Paisley, and Orchard citizens—from townies to new arrivals—can’t waste a moment finding this killer before the pendulum swings and more people end up with no time left.