The Storyteller's Daughter by Victoria Scott
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
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 rumour 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.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
This book follows a dual timeline, with one set in 1940/41 and the other in 2008/09. As usual, I found myself drawn more to the earlier timeline. The story alternates between the perspectives of two main female characters: Nita, a determined reporter in the past, and her great-niece, Beth, in the present. Nita’s journey was especially captivating as I learned about the challenges she faced as a woman reporter, particularly given her influential family background. What stood out to me is how many of the struggles Nita faced are still relevant today—women still battling to break through the glass ceiling in a male-dominated world while desiring a family life. Both Nita and Beth navigate these hurdles in their own ways, 70 years apart. I found both characters compelling and rooted for them every step of the way.
I love when a fictional story also teaches me something, and this one did just that. I gained new insights into the war, espionage, and Wiccan practices. This book deepened my appreciation for the time we live in and the ancestors who fought in WWII. It also reminded me to value and celebrate our differences, regardless of beliefs or rituals. I highly recommend this novel to historical fiction lovers who enjoy a rich, atmospheric read.
Meet the Author
About Victoria Scott
Victoria Scott has been a journalist for many media outlets including the BBC and The Telegraph. 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.
This looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.