A review by jozzie
The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper

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.