-
Your next favorite book
is waiting.
Two fearless women—living a century apart—find themselves entangled in the 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 will forever alter the course of scientific history.
1908 Sydney, NSW
Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Public 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. Determined to uncover the book's true origin, Tamsin agrees to join forces with him.
The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery of the book's authorship becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences in this riveting tale of courage and discovery.
"Two women fight to reveal the truth about a scientific discovery in this crackling novel from Cooper (The Talented Mrs. Greenway) ... The author keeps readers guessing as she connects the two plot strands, each of which abounds with exciting scenes, including a chase on a windswept moor that evokes The Hound Of The Baskervilles. This is one not to miss." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Whilst there's enough love interest to satisfy fans of historical romance, it doesn't detract from the novel's primary function, that of historical fiction with a mystery plot." —Historical Novel Society
"A breathtaking examination of women and science, Tea Cooper's The Naturalist's Daughter is a stunning entry on the roster of Australian historical fiction. With deftly crafted prose and a compelling cast of characters, this is a must-read for any fans of Marie Benedict or Tracy Enerson Wood. A true gem." —Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of Mademoiselle Eiffel and The Memory Of Lavender And Sage
This information about The Naturalist's Daughter was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Tea Cooper is an established Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including The Naturalist's Daughter; the USA Today bestselling The Woman in the Green Dress; The Girl in the Painting, The Cartographer's Secret, winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award; and The Fossil Hunter.
If you liked The Naturalist's Daughter, try these:
by Anna North
Published 2026
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Outlawed, the gripping story of an anthropologist's monumental discovery and the clash of civilizations it sets off over the fate of the land that holds us.
by Richard Powers
Published 2019
"The best novel ever written about trees, and really just one of the best novels, period."
—Ann Patchett
by Robert P.. Crease
Published 2019
A fascinating look at key thinkers throughout history who have shaped public perception of science and the role of authority.
If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves
Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!
Can you name the title?
Test your book knowledge with our daily trivia challenge!
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
