Another fantastic, multi-faceted novel by Iris Costello. A fantastic novel exploring the intertwining lives of the three main characters in differing timelines.

Edie, a widow is living in Cornwall. Shocks and revelations abound in this sinister, yet mesmerising tale of
war and later fallout. A well woven tale of family connections and friendship.

The story is shared between three main characters, and set in three different places. It starts out in the present day with Edie. Recently widowed and a freelance illustrator/artist she has moved to Cornwall to live in her great grandmothers cottage. The cottage belongs to her father, but he says that Edie should live there as it now stands empty and it’s a place for her to try to rebuild her life. She’s been commissioned to illustrate a set of tarot cards and she hopes Cornwall will give her some inspiration for the commission.

In the following chapters we meet up with Katerina. A German bakery owner living and working in the East end of London. But when war breaks out, Katerina finds that her German background is leaving her in a vulnerable position. Animosity towards the German community around London is increasing as the war continues.

We then move on to Danholm prisoner of war camp in Germany, where Miriam works both as a nurse, helping to take care of sick and injured British captured military personnel, and also as an assistant to a German Professor who is carrying out linguistic research and is using the prisoners as part of this project.

I read Iris Costello’s first book The Secrets of Rochester Place around this time last year, and was struck at the many similarities between that book and this. A different war, a completely different story but the themes of racism, prejudice and discrimination are apparent in both books, as well as a hint of the supernatural running through. I have to say though, I found this book even more absorbing and intricately plotted. This book also touched on the disparities between the establishment and the privileged and the poor. At one point it told of the officers in the prisoner of war camp receiving Fortnum and Mason food hampers, while their fellow foot soldiers were half starved and working each day doing 12 hours hard labour.

This is a wonderful book, with an excellent plot that has many mysteries, twists and turns and yet so poignant. Sylvia Pankhurst has a small part in the book, and this lead me to look up her work and life story on Wikipedia which is fascinating and ties in very much with the story. The other question I needed an answer to, as I had no idea, was why there were so many German immigrants in London prior to the outbreak of WW1 and again found this interesting.

It’s a marvellous book, which has given me so much to think about and find out about. Better than any history lesson, that’s for sure. I highly recommend this book.

**Review to be posted to my blog around publication date**

Lots of characters and storylines interwoven together spanning from World War 1 to the present day. Really enjoyable mystery with twists and turns and very believable characters and situations. Definitely recommend. Thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for the pre copy.

I enjoyed this book, the characters well written and it was fun to try to guess at what linked them all together. I find that books with multiple perspectives help me read them quicker and that was certainly the case with this. I really appreciated the way the three women were connected. I felt absorbed in the world of Edie, Kitty and Miriam. Thank you for letting me read it early!

What a great read.

What makes "The Story Collector" special is how it weaves individual stories together. The characters are relatable, and their experiences are easy to connect with. Costello's writing paints a vivid picture of the settings and emotions in the story, making it easy to get lost in the narrative.

In summary, "The Story Collector" is an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel. If you like stories that bring characters and their experiences to life, this book is worth a read. It reminds us of the significance of stories in our lives and the connections they can create.

This was a beautiful book.

I was expecting straightforward historical fiction, but some of this was set in the present day, and initially it felt like dark fantasy or magical realism. There were several narratives, but I felt a connection with each character. It took me a few hours to finish this, but I felt very absorbed by it, it was a story that I felt able to escape into.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Thanks to the author in advantage, NetGalley and penguin general UK for the access to this ARC. "The Story Collector" by Iris Costello is such a well written and beautiful created story. I liked the three stories and characters POVs Is a book I enjoyed lots and I will recommend to other people. I think is the perfect book for bookclubs and create a good discusión in between readers. Was well written, beautiful atmosphere.

An engaging read! Iris Costello’s novel moves between WWI to the present day and involves the stories of three women: Kitty, Miriam and Edie. All of the women have experienced recent challenges and all are looking for ways to interpret a sense of meaning in their lives.

This novel incorporates the themes of conflict, loss, identity and family relationships. It also explores finding friendships and love in the most unexpected of places. Great for fans of ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’.

I enjoyed this triple historical timeline novel- the stories of Katerina, Miriam and Edie. Slightly confusing at times and didn’t link up until about 90% but I enjoyed all three stories independently. 3.5 ⭐️, rounded up to 4. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this advance review copy.

A beautiful tale set across 2 timelines, fabulously written with lots of interesting characters, the way the stories are interwoven is enchanting and heartwarming.
The charm of Edie, the spiritual Kitty and the great world war provides a unique back drop to this novel.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself rushing to get back home from work to read it, or waking up early and immersing myself in the story while curled up in bed.
Three strands of stories interweave through the book, Kitty in London 1915, Miriam in a prisoner of war camp in 1918 and Sarah in present day Cornwall.
When Sarah discovers a box behind the wall of her Cornish cottage the three story threads within the book begin to wind themselves up and together.
Each female character was so vividly drawn and their stories were poignant, tragic, but ultimately hopeful, and, in time, peaceful.
I wouldcthoroughly recommend this book and can imagine Book Groups having a great discussion not just about the novel itself but also, about the history that surrounds it.
Thank you the Penguin General and NetGalley for the chance to review honestly this super book.

A really good, interesting read. I enjoyed this book, there was something really familiar in reading the central current day story which is set in Cornwall. I liked the way the different times linked together. A good read which I couldn’t put down.

This story is still on my mind days after finishing. A fascinating story, expertly intertwined storylines that keep you guessing just how they’ll come together, and a depth of character for each of those storylines. I would highly recommend this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Story Collector" by Iris Costello and imagine many people curled up, reading this in the winter months. At first, it isn't obvious how the three stories and characters are connected but as the three stories progress there are clues and it is all wrapped up neatly at the end. A big warm hug for a cold winter night.

I really enjoyed this novel. It is the the story of three very special women - Katerina [1915 London); Miriam (1918 Germany) and Edie (present day) and how their lives affect future generations. All three have suffered and come through to face the future.

It is a story of love, friendship, loss, hardship and trust. It is a story of a family across the generations and a home which links them and how the past can impact the present day.

A book I struggled to put down and which I will be recommending.

Rounding up to three stars


A lot of this book was ok, but just OK for me. I just didn't connect with it.
However I did want to keep reading, to discover what connected the three women.
By the time we got to the books final chapters, I felt ALL the drama was being thrown in.
It's a lot, but it ties up any loose ends, and gives closure to the stories of the characters.
It tackles some tricky subjects, and has believable characters.

A Gripping Story that flits back & forth between many generations , between the End of London, a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany during the Great War & Cornwall. It is a story of Love , Loss, Hardships, Trust & how individuals & families overcome all of these things . It will make you shiver, smile, cheer & cry . Once you start you will find it very hard to put down. #NetGalley,#Goodreads, #Amazon.co.uk, #FB, #Instagram, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

Another thoroughly enjoyable read from Iris Costello.

Without revealing too much, this is a gripping mystery involving the intertwined lived of three different women. Set against various backdrops that are well-depicted, each chapter added another layer to the story.

Would definitely recommend this books and the author in general.

Thanks: Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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