The Storyteller's Daughter by Victoria Scott - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 15th Jan 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/storytellersdaughter

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214046937-the-storyteller-s-daughter

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Dual Timeline

3.8 stars

One Liner: A bit slow but poignant

Book Blurb:

A secret buried for decades… A story that will change everything.

1940: When twenty-one-year-old Nita Bineham is offered the chance of independence, away from the high walls of her family’s Surrey estate, she grasps it with both hands. But her new role at a local newspaper coincides with the emergence of a sinister rumor in their quiet village: that there is a traitor in their midst. Nita is determined to prove herself by uncovering the truth, but is she prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

2008: Following the death of her great aunt, Beth flees London for the privacy of rural Surrey. Within the confines of her family’s dilapidated manor house, she hides from the dual wreckage of her career and her marriage. But when her aunt’s dying words lead her to a stack of old newspaper articles, Beth finds herself drawn into a decades-old mystery: about a long-buried secret, and an enemy dangerously close to home.

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My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of Beth (in present tense) and Nita (also in present tense) in alternating chapters.

The prologue provides a great hook and hints at the danger we’ll read about. However, it turns out to be a snippet from one of the later chapters. While I like prologues, I want them to add extra value to the plot and not repeat an existing element. That means, a certain reveal is exposed right on the first page.

The first 25% is slow as the foundation is established in both timelines. Thankfully, the pace picks up a little after 30% or so. The alternating chapters ensure we get enough information in both timelines. It does feel a little strange to read the past track in the present tense but okay. Not a deal breaker.

For a change, I liked both timelines well. The characters are flawed but not annoying. They make mistakes but are willing to learn and do what’s right for their future. I also like the parallels between Nita and Beth’s arcs though the situations are different. We can still see the similarities, though.

The parents in this book are ugh! The side characters are good; be it Harriet or Rowan, I like how sweet and affectionate they are. Kindness matters.

Things come together well at the end. There’s even a surprising twist which I liked a lot. The ending is hopeful and positive with a hint of potential love. It doesn’t overpower the plot at any point.

Wiccan has a dominant role in the book. I didn’t expect that but well, I like all things pagan, so this is good. The definition is positive and well-presented. I wouldn’t have minded a little more detail into this element. Also, I’m not sure if the ‘possibly paranormal but maybe rational’ events that happen in the book. You either make them supernatural or you don’t.

WWII is the backdrop for the past timeline but the focus is on Nita and her life. Of course, the book deals with many themes like gender discrimination, war, working-class troubles, financial concerns, selfish parents, marital trouble, etc. One piece of advice by Rowan was wonderful. Appreciate that.

While the title fits the story in two ways, I still don’t think it is that suitable for the overall plotline. But then, I have enough trouble naming my stories, so don’t listen to me!

To summarize, The Storyteller's Daughter is a poignant and slightly heavier read about love, life, second chances, relationships, and finding oneself.

I liked it a lot more than the author’s previous book (The House on Water), so I’m looking forward to her next release.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

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About the Author – Victoria Scott

Victoria Scott has been a journalist for many media outlets including the BBC and TheTelegraph. She is the author of three novels published by Head of Zeus. Her first book for Boldwood is a Gothic timeslip novel, The House in the Water.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @VictoriaScottJournalist

Twitter: @Toryscott

Instagram: @victoriascottauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/VictoriaScottNews

Bookbub Profile: @toryscott

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This has been a stop on the #TheStorytellersDaughter blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!