THE COLLECTOR'S DAUGHTER

 

SYNOPSIS

An unforgettable discovery

In 1922, Lady Evelyn Herbert’s dreams are realised when she is the first to set foot inside the lost tomb of Tutankhamun for over 3,000 years.

A cursed life

But the months after the discovery are marred by tragedy, when Eve’s father dies suddenly and her family is torn in two. Desperate to put the past behind her, Eve retreats into a private life with her new husband.

A deadly choice

But she is harbouring a dark secret about what really happened in Egypt. And when a young woman comes asking questions years later, the happiness Eve has finally found is threatened once more.

Title: The collector's daughter

Author: Gill Paul

Publisher: Avon

Publication date: September 30, 2021

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If there’s a time period that absolutely fascinates me is Ancient Egypt, so I love reading stories about archaeology and egyptology and the discovery of the pharaoh’s tombs and so on. If you add some real life characters I can google and that they lived in Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey), you have a novel that has my name written all over it.

Lady Evelyn Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Carnavon, always wanted to be an archaeologist. Her father worked along and financed Howard Carter’s excavations so, when he discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, Eve was one of the first people to enter.

Fifty years later she has suffered a stroke that has affected her memory when an Egyptian academic visits her asking questions about Tutankhamun’s tomb and her role in its discovery. Can she reveal the truth of what happened then? Was “the curse of Tutankhamun” real?

I found this story fascinating. The dual timelines worked seamlessly and the back and forth between Egypt and England made for some gorgeous scenarios. I had the pleasure of visiting Egypt a few years back so it was nice reading about places I could picture in my mind. I would hace loved the tomb discovery part to be longer cause I found it truly engaging.

The 70s timeline was equally interesting. Eve’s sequels after her stroke were really well portrayed and it was such a delight reading about her relationship with her husband Brograve. You could feel how much they loved each other.

There was also a bit of mystery in the figure of the Egyptian academic that added a nice touch to this historical fiction.

A story of intrigue, the past, curses and superstitions that will appeal to Egyptology fans and will discover you some fascinating characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.