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helen_moore_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thepagelady's review against another edition
4.0
The Naturalist's Daughter is a story of science, discoveries and family secrets! Rose's story is fascinating and Tamsin and her search into the past is full of mystery! It's a story that shows how past events can impact the future! The writing is wonderful and the movement between timelines is smooth! It was entertaining to learn some unknown history of Australia and about one of nature's most unusual creatures! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
jozzie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It’s hard to go wrong with a book about the platypus, strong female characters, and a bit of mystery. Tea Cooper delivers a duel-time line historical fiction novel with elements guaranteed to delight in The Naturalist’s Daughter.
The first timeline follows Rose in the early 1800s as she learns from her father, Charles Winton, the Naturalist working to prove the existence of the Platypus to the world. The second timeline occurs a century later when Charles Winton’s notebook is found. The notebook could prove that Charles Winton was the first person to document and study the platypus. Tamsin is desperate to secure the notebook for the people of Australia and to give Charles Winton the post-humous accolades he deserves. She’s not the only one after the notebook; she’ll have to solve the mystery behind it if she wants to secure it for the library.
The Naturalist’s Daughter is for readers who enjoy atmospheric novels, family drama, and mystery. Readers may be disappointed in the level of coincidences that shape the novel’s ending. If you think you know what will happen by the end of the book, you are probably correct, but you’ll still enjoy the ride.
Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this novel for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
almas's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Two compelling mysteries, two thrilling romances, & the unusual platypus all woven together to create one unputdownable read! This is my first book by Tea Cooper & I can’t wait to read more. I was immediately captivated by this historical dual timeline gothic mystery! Set one hundred years apart, two young women’s stories are connected by a notebook containing sketches of the remarkable platypus.
In 1808 Agnes Banks, NSW Australia, young Rose Winton follows her naturalist father as he documents the strange platypus. After years of correspondence with a prominent scientist, he’s invited to travel to England to share his groundbreaking scientific discovery with the Royal Society. But, when Charles is prevented from going, Rose goes in his place. Faced with shocking secrets, the mystery of her mother’s transport to Australia, & trying to convince the Royal Society to accept her father’s meticulous work, Rose finds her only ally is a handsome doctor.
In 1908 Sydney, Australia, Tamsin Alleyn enjoys working in the Public Library after the death of her parents. She’s been studying the correspondence of Charles Winton who’s believed to have been the first to document the platypus. When she’s tasked to retrieve a sketchbook rumored to belong to the naturalist, she soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery. In a race against time to prove the notebook is real, she finds herself at odds with an attractive lawyer & bibliophil who’s also interested in the notebook and trying to claim it for his client.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Part romance, part fascinating historical fiction, and part gothic mystery on the moors, this thrilling story kept me quickly turning the pages. I loved how both timelines were woven together. I’d never thought much about how controversial the platypus is & what a groundbreaking discovery it was. It was such an interesting story that I found myself googling the actual history. I enjoyed the romances in both time periods. Rose’s romance is an instant attraction & Tamlin’s is more of a rivals to lovers. The gothic mystery was surprising & I enjoyed how it fit into the story.
Highly recommend to historical fiction & mystery fans! Be advised that there are a few swearwords & a gothic mystery in the same vein as The Mysteries of Udolpho. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars!
In 1808 Agnes Banks, NSW Australia, young Rose Winton follows her naturalist father as he documents the strange platypus. After years of correspondence with a prominent scientist, he’s invited to travel to England to share his groundbreaking scientific discovery with the Royal Society. But, when Charles is prevented from going, Rose goes in his place. Faced with shocking secrets, the mystery of her mother’s transport to Australia, & trying to convince the Royal Society to accept her father’s meticulous work, Rose finds her only ally is a handsome doctor.
In 1908 Sydney, Australia, Tamsin Alleyn enjoys working in the Public Library after the death of her parents. She’s been studying the correspondence of Charles Winton who’s believed to have been the first to document the platypus. When she’s tasked to retrieve a sketchbook rumored to belong to the naturalist, she soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery. In a race against time to prove the notebook is real, she finds herself at odds with an attractive lawyer & bibliophil who’s also interested in the notebook and trying to claim it for his client.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Part romance, part fascinating historical fiction, and part gothic mystery on the moors, this thrilling story kept me quickly turning the pages. I loved how both timelines were woven together. I’d never thought much about how controversial the platypus is & what a groundbreaking discovery it was. It was such an interesting story that I found myself googling the actual history. I enjoyed the romances in both time periods. Rose’s romance is an instant attraction & Tamlin’s is more of a rivals to lovers. The gothic mystery was surprising & I enjoyed how it fit into the story.
Highly recommend to historical fiction & mystery fans! Be advised that there are a few swearwords & a gothic mystery in the same vein as The Mysteries of Udolpho. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Murder
jillsp's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
3.5* rounded up... The premise of The Naturalist's Daughter was intriguing in its Australian setting. Although events unfolded fairly slowly, there was a lot of information to learn and the dual timeline added to the overall strength of the plot. This is definitely for those interested in historical fiction with a bit of romance...nothing spicy and overall a clean read.
I listened to the audio version and I felt the narrator did a good job and added to the overall story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
I listened to the audio version and I felt the narrator did a good job and added to the overall story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
andrea_author's review against another edition
5.0
In 1808, Rose embarks on a journey to share her father’s groundbreaking research into the platypus. A century later, Tamsin uncovers hidden truths within the sketchbook’s pages. Together, their stories reveal a captivating tale of scientific discovery, family secrets, and the enduring power of knowledge.
This book is highly entertaining, yet also provides insights into the unique history of the platypus. I loved the characters—they’re likable. relatable, and deeply committed to sharing knowledge with the world. The author did a great job of bringing to life the dual time periods and the varied settings, while interweaving the romance and mystery plots. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is highly entertaining, yet also provides insights into the unique history of the platypus. I loved the characters—they’re likable. relatable, and deeply committed to sharing knowledge with the world. The author did a great job of bringing to life the dual time periods and the varied settings, while interweaving the romance and mystery plots. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Having read one of Cooper's works before, I knew going into this novel that she had a talent for describing and providing a verbal portrait of Australia's lands. She also had displayed a passion for the broader views of Australian history. ANd she was capable of weaving complex twists through time and paced reveals well. These things all remain true in "The Naturalist's Daughter".
After taking some breathing time to consider this book after finishing, I still can't quite place my finger on why this only partially captured me. To be honest, my interest waned here and there. This work was much more romance oriented in some parts than I had anticipated. it doesn't completely overwhelm the narrative but there is one portion of the book that the mentions of the attraction seemed a bit heavy. I don't mind it as a genre or a sub plot, but I prefer it to be a minor note in most genres where it's also thrown in. In a book like this it it can also lead to issues of miscommunication, jealousy, or fall into a game of assumptions. Generally that's not enough to leave me lukewarm on a subject. Though one section in which a character who's praised by others for how independent and unique she is debating to change her appearance because of what a man might think was a sting. If it wasn't established by another pov they liked her as it was, I admit that may have been enough to make me have a rage moment.
Perhaps it was that there were a couple of characters that seemed nearly cartoonishly maniacal in comparison to other well rounded and rooted persons. Then there were parts of some of the final twists that felt a little more distracting than was necessary. In particular there is a ceremonial aspect that didn't truly feel like they belonged. there was enough well established elements where the outcomes needed for the mystery would have still occurred.
I will say that I love how much there is an adoration for research,art, and books. It made the mystery feel more like a journalistic investigation. that is something that a good historical book seems to bring in a way no other subgenre does. This factual elements weaved in about the place and the state of science and recording were also appreciated.
There are some characters that were endearing and my guess being a step off from the largest of the reveals I did like this book. I just wasn't enamored with it. However, this second moderate to enjoyable dance with Cooper reassures me that other works by her are worth looking into.
After taking some breathing time to consider this book after finishing, I still can't quite place my finger on why this only partially captured me. To be honest, my interest waned here and there. This work was much more romance oriented in some parts than I had anticipated. it doesn't completely overwhelm the narrative but there is one portion of the book that the mentions of the attraction seemed a bit heavy. I don't mind it as a genre or a sub plot, but I prefer it to be a minor note in most genres where it's also thrown in. In a book like this it it can also lead to issues of miscommunication, jealousy, or fall into a game of assumptions. Generally that's not enough to leave me lukewarm on a subject. Though one section in which a character who's praised by others for how independent and unique she is debating to change her appearance because of what a man might think was a sting. If it wasn't established by another pov they liked her as it was, I admit that may have been enough to make me have a rage moment.
Perhaps it was that there were a couple of characters that seemed nearly cartoonishly maniacal in comparison to other well rounded and rooted persons. Then there were parts of some of the final twists that felt a little more distracting than was necessary. In particular there is a ceremonial aspect that didn't truly feel like they belonged. there was enough well established elements where the outcomes needed for the mystery would have still occurred.
I will say that I love how much there is an adoration for research,art, and books. It made the mystery feel more like a journalistic investigation. that is something that a good historical book seems to bring in a way no other subgenre does. This factual elements weaved in about the place and the state of science and recording were also appreciated.
There are some characters that were endearing and my guess being a step off from the largest of the reveals I did like this book. I just wasn't enamored with it. However, this second moderate to enjoyable dance with Cooper reassures me that other works by her are worth looking into.
sophiarose1816's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A dual timeline historical set against two time periods in Australian history featuring the fascinating platypus and an intrepid pair of women at the heart of the story. I read my first Tea Cooper when I reveled in her The Fossil Hunter. I saw something along much the same lines in The Naturalist’s Daughter and my instincts were bang on.
The Naturalist’s Daughter had split times a century apart both in a historical setting. I love how the author full immersed me in the historical setting and main character backgrounds of both timelines, Regency and Edwardian. I was more into the older story with Rose, but I also enjoyed Tamsin’s search. For me the true main character was the amazing platypus or Mallalong, as the Aboriginal people called it. I felt drawn to Rose and her need to fulfill her father’s dream of presenting to the Royal Society, but she was a woman in Regency London and the platypus defied animal classification so she was climbing uphill on that one because the creature was considered a hoax and some stitched together and stuffed specimen to fool the credulous. She is determined, but out of her element. Rose’s story dropped off at the good part, of course, so I had to wait and see what Tamsin uncovered when sketches appear once again and are at the heart of the mystery researcher Tamsin is determined to uncover when she comes to the Hunter Valley.
There was a lovely slow burn sweet romance and I enjoyed Tamsin’s rivalry with the lawyer also interested in the sketches and their provenance. I had my suspicions about what happened in the end and I was mostly right as there were some good hints along the way.
Again, I was thrilled to delve into Australian history and the natural history relating to the platypus. I really do need to get to Tea Cooper’s backlist at some point. Those who enjoy historical fiction with a strong slow burn romance motif are the target crowd.
ljm57's review
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this Australian historical novel which centres around the western world’s discovery and scientific documentation of the rare and elusive platypus. Early reports of which were received with disbelief and scorn by members of London’s Royal Society, headed by a supportive, but ailing, Sir Joseph Banks. Intertwined storylines, a century apart, feature two strong female characters who are both ahead of their times. Rose Winton, in the early 1800s shares her father’s passion for this mysterious creature, unique in the animal world. She helps him to create a comprehensive record of the platypus’s appearance, behaviours and characteristics. 100 years later, librarian Tamsin Alleyn is assigned the task of authenticating Winton’s sketchbook, a task that throws up more riddles than answers. All aspects of this book are well done - the history, the scientific endeavour, the landscapes in both Australia and England, the characters are well-developed and everything ties together with a satisfying conclusion.