The Naturalist's Daughter

By Tea Cooper

Book Overview

A woman's bungled act of kindness sparks a chain of events that reverberates through the generations uncovering secrets, lies and the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century, the classification of the platypus.

Two women, a century apart, are drawn into a mystery surrounding the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century, the classification of the platypus.

1808 Agnes Banks, NSW

Rose Winton wants nothing more than to work with her father, eminent naturalist Charles Winton, on his groundbreaking study of the platypus. Not only does she love him with all her heart, but the discoveries they have made could turn the scientific world on its head. When Charles is unable to make the long sea journey to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England, Rose must venture forth in his stead. What she discovers there will change the lives of future generations.

1908 Sydney, NSW

Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debateable value, gifted to the Mitchell Library by a recluse. But when she gets there, she finds there is more to the book than meets the eye, and more than one interested party. Shaw Everdene, a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer, seems to have his own agenda when it comes to the book but Tamsin decides to work with him to try and discover the book's true provenance. The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery becomes.

As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries rise up from the past and reach into the future, with irrevocable consequences...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1489263489
• ISBN13: 9781489263483
• Release Date: June 2020
• Publisher: HQ Fiction Au
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.0" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

3 stars

THE NATURALIST’S DAUGHTER by Tea Cooper Who knew there was such a controversy regarding the discovery and classification of the platypus? This book was a good (roundabout) way to learn about this small, aquatic, egg-laying mammal. I was expecting to love this because it combines historical fiction and science. Unfortunately, I did not connect with any of the characters or develop any interest in the mystery itself. I also wasn’t a fan of the “insta love” interest especially since it didn’t add to the plot at all. If you’re looking for a light, (albeit predictable) historical mystery with some romance thrown in this would be a good choice. I liked it, but didn’t love it. Rating: 3/5 ⭐️ **ARC courtesy of Netgalley & HarperMuseBooks.

First introduction to Tea Cooper

I love this author ~ exciting stories that moves along pretty fast.. pulls you in right from the first page.