Having grown up in the South West of England, not too far from the sea, I’ve long been fascinated by the 18th-century smuggling industry. So, I was immediately drawn to Kerry Barrett’s latest eBook, The Smuggler’s Daughter, published by HarperCollins.
The book centres on two main characters who live more than 200 years apart.
The first, Emily Moon, lives in a clifftop inn, in 1799 Cornwall. After her father mysteriously disappears, her mother finds solace at the bottom of a bottle. And the only way to keep afloat is to turn a blind eye to the smugglers who send signals from the clifftops. But Emily knows the smugglers killed her father to ensure his silence, and she will not let his murder go unpunished.
Meanwhile, in the present day, police officer Phoebe Bellingham flees to Cornwall for a summer of respite after a case ends in tragedy. But rather than the sunny Cornwall of her dreams, she finds herself on storm-beaten cliffs, surrounded by stories of ghosts and smugglers. While in Cornwall, Phoebe learns of the mysterious Emily Moon, who vanished without a trace more than two centuries ago. This prompts Phoebe to set about finding the truth behind the rumours – but what she uncovers will put herself in danger too.
What I thought of the eBook
I don’t usually read historical fiction, so The Smuggler’s Daughter took me out of my comfort zone, which is always a good thing.
I was impressed with how Kerry cleverly blends the historical part of her book with the modern-day. I never felt confused as the story moved back and forth between the late 1700s and the 21st century.
Kerry also has a skill for painting vivid pictures. I could literally hear and smell the waves crashing on the rocks.
The characters are well-drawn and strong, and I like that it’s two women leading the action. And while there’s some love interest in the book, this is secondary to the main part of the story.
The Smuggler’s Daughter kept me gripped throughout, and by the end of the book, I felt like Emily and Phoebe had become my friends.
Plus, there are a few twists along the way, which add to the interest.
So, if you’re a fan of historical mysteries such as the Daphne du Maurier classic, Jamaica Inn (which also centres on smuggling), you’ll love The Smuggler’s Daughter.
How much is the eBook and where can you buy it?
The eBook is £2.99. To buy, click here.
About the eBook
Title: The Smuggler’s Daughter
Format: eBook
File size: 2072 KB
Print length: 300 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780008389734
About the Author
Born in Edinburgh, Kerry Barrett moved to London as a child, where she now lives with her husband and two sons.
Kerry was a massive bookworm growing up. She used to save up her pocket money for weeks to buy the latest Sweet Valley High book. She would read the whole story on the bus home and then have to wait two months for the next one. Eventually, she realised it would be easier to write her own stories.
Kerry is the author of many novels, including A Step in Time, and The Girl in the Picture.
Her years as a television journalist, reporting on EastEnders and Coronation Street, have inspired her novels, which blend popular culture with historical mystery.
Review by Colette Warbrook
You may want to read this:
*We were given a copy of the eBook in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
9 comments
The cover is as fascinating as the plot, from how you talk about it it seems like a reading that is worth doing.
Very interesting to read!!! I love to read ebooks..I will add this in my list…the book cover is so much amazing. Love to read with matching a cup of coffee.
Glad to hear that
Sounds like such a great and interesting story! I’m always looking for new book recommendations. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Catherine
it sounds like a pretty good read. I might have to get this ebook for my next plane ride
Oh yes and why not
I love the convenience of an ebook. Will need to check this book out for sure.
Hope you do