Lady Evelyn Herbert is the daughter of the earl of Carnarvon who finances Howard Carter's expedition to find the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt. Eve who wants to become a lady archeologist herself can't believe her eyes when she's one of the first people to enter the burial chamber. But after the unique discovery, things start to go wrong with the people she loves and there's talk of an ancient curse. Decades later, Eve is struggling with the aftermath of another stroke when Ana Mansour starts asking questions about missing artefacts from the tomb. Only Eve can still tell the tale, or will she take her secrets with her to the grave?

Gill Paul is an author I've meant to read a long time ago. She often writes a two perspective novel with one the characters being from royal blood. Her newest novel 'The collector's daughter is different in that regard. There's only one female perspective, although we meet her at two certain points in her life, and she has noble but no royal ancestors.

The discovery of Tutankhamun has always fascinated me so I did know who Evelyn Herbert was. The book opens with Eve waking up in the hospital after a stroke with her loyal husband Brograve Beauchamp besides her. We learn that Eve has had a car accident some time ago since when she suffers from strokes that sometimes take away her speech, but also parts of her memories. This time she does recall the distant past as if it was yesterday and her mind takes her back to the 1920's in Egypt and the balls in Engeland where she met Brograve after WOI.

Highclere castle, the real Downton Abbey, also features in the story. We meet Eve's complex family from the earl who dotes on his daughter, her lively but spendthrift mother Almina and her brother Porchy, the future earl of Carnarvon.

I did enjoy this novel, but it's a light read. There's a heavy focus on Eve's health and her revalidation, leaving not enough space in my opinion for the historical perspective. I loved traveling back to Egypt, but the storyline became a bit shallow at times. I didn't like Eve referring to her father as 'Pups' all the time. I also didn't think the character of Ana really contributed to the story. We never get to know her or her motives. The focus is on Eve and her relationship with Brograve. And there's talk of a curse to spice things up.

Paul has written an extensive historical note. A lot of research has gone into this book with utter respect for the real people behind the characters. As it's a book about 20th century people with living descendants, I can really appreciate that.I'll certainly pick up one of Paul's earlier books now, and I want to read more historicals novels about Egypt (any recommendations?). But I don't know if this will be a story I still remember in, let's say, two years from now.

I love Gill Paul’s novels and the way she takes real people, and real events and adds this imagined spin on them; the Collector’s Daughter does exactly this.

The novel is a dual timeline story switching between the finding and excavation of the Tomb of Tut Ankh Amen, and Evelyn Hamilton, daughter of Lord Caernarvon who is in her 70s and recovering from a stroke.
You will find yourself being drawn into the world of 1920s high society, full of flappers and parties, the heat of Egypt and 1970s London.

I loved this novel and for me it’s a four star and definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for a much-enjoyed advance copy in return for an honest review.

An interesting read on the very well known topic of Tutankhamun, enjoyed the book as had been brought up knowing the history by my Mother who had a great interest in the topic

I loved this book. Like many I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient history of Egypt and in particular the story of Tutankhamun so I’ve been waiting to read this. I wasn’t disappointed. Beautifully written, based on historical fact but with a big chunk of poetic licence, the book is written in various timelines. Mainly set around 1922, when the burial place was discovered by Howard Carter, and 1972, when Lady Evelyn Herbert, the daughter of Lord Carnarvon, Carter’s patron, has had a serious stroke.

Briefly, Evelyn was brought up in Highclere Castle and from a young age was interested in Egyptology. Spending time with her beloved father in Egypt she was one of the first people to enter the tomb of Tutankhamun. But then a series of tragedies mar the discovery. The most heartbreaking being the death of her father. Not long after, and against her mother’s wishes, she marries the love of her life, Brograve Beauchamp, and they lead a happy married life. However, when Ana Mansour, an Egyptologist comes into her life the less savoury part of Eve’s life comes back to haunt her. Is the Curse of the Pharaohs real? Is Tutankhamun reaches out over the years?

I devoured this book in one sitting I was so keen to find out what happened. It was so evocative I found myself there in Egypt with this brave and beautiful woman, excited about seeing such a wonder. This is one of my reads of this year and I would recommend this to any lover of historical fiction, one with a beautiful love story, a supernatural element and a discovery that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved this book! This was the perfect combination for me of an enjoyable historical novel concerning the period of history I am most fascinated with. I found this really interesting as it showed the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb from a very different viewpoint - that of the daughter of Lord Caernarvon, Eve. It was also a very moving portrayal of a very long marriage and the issues faced in older age. Meticulous research by the author transported me to other times and places and I didn’t want to put the book down! Life in the 1920’s/30s as well as the 1970s were perfectly portrayed, and to understand more the relationships of those involved in the discovery and the family tensions at Highclere padded out the bones of what I remembered. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me access to an ARC in return for an honest review.

We meet Lady Eve Hamilton, the wife of Brograve Hamilton, in July 1972 when she is in hospital having suffered, what we learn, is another stroke. We later discover that the series of strokes she has suffered were caused by an horrendous accident in her earlier married life. Slow recovery finds her recalling some of her past and, through flashbacks, we learn that she is the daughter of Lord Caernarfon. As a young woman, her father (known to her as Pups) took her to Egypt where, at Luxor she meets his protege Howard Carter and becomes immersed in the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. After the three of the secretly break through to the burial chamber they each remove certain items and the curse of the tomb starts to take its toll. Tragedy appears to follow tragedy.

Gill Paul could almost be writing Eve’s biography, so real does it seem. The author has created a beautiful novel that anyone with an interest in history, particularly that of the ancient tombs, could consume with absolute relish.

My favourite book of year I was hooked from the first few words I loved tutankhamen as a kid this took me right back to when his tomb was found I was glue to the plot it tell you the story eve what a amazing lady love her
So easy to read you been hooked I recommend to everyone love it so much I got my self a real book in it

Thank you so much for allowing me to review this book. I love historical fiction and this didn’t disappoint. Learning about history through fiction is a joy for me and this book made me want to research more about Egypt in this era.
Highly recommended book.

After reading The Second Marriage last year, my first introduction to Gill Paul’s writing, I vowed then it wouldn’t be the one and only novel I read by this author. Keeping true to my word I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in her latest offering which sounded too good to miss. My love of history began with a schoolgirl crush on a teacher whose enthusiasm and passion for the subject brought the past vividly to life. I particularly remember the time spent studying the life of the ancient Egyptians and Tutankhamun. For a while I was completely obsessed, even to the point I considered becoming a lady archaeologist just like Lady Eve Herbert, the heroine of this meticulously researched novel. Suffice to say then I had high expectations for The Collector’s Daughter before I’d even read the first page. Gill Paul reignited my fascination for this slice of history as she weaves together mystery, controversy, supposition, speculation and good old fashioned love into a modern day tale designed to capture the reader’s imagination.

The mystery surrounding the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the curse that subsequently afflicts the lives of a handful associated with this momentous discovery is well documented. If I’m honest I’d forgotten many of the salient facts regarding Howard Carter’s 1922 remarkable findings so Gill Paul
provided me with the perfect opportunity to reacquaint myself with the evidence, blending truth and fiction into a magical piece of storytelling that I found mesmerising and hard to put down. Spanning decades from the years leading up to the events of 1922 right through to the 1970’s incorporating some of the key figures of the time, Gill Paul casts Lady Eve Herbert as her central figure, acting as the readers tour guide on this glorious voyage between Egypt and England. Alternating between the past and the present the author catalogues Eve’s visits to Luxor prior to Carter’s famous discovery, her presence and the part she plays at the opening of the tomb, the bounty found within the chambers, the tragic death of her father Pups,(the Earl of Carnarvon) her marriage to Sir Brograve Beauchamp and the ill health that over the years gradually steals away her memories. I felt transported back in time to the arid,dusty humid desert and the claustrophobic setting of the burial chambers, the sense of trepidation, awe, excitement and astonishment at discovering a horde of priceless artefacts palpable. The same can be said for the feelings of horror, hopelessness and despair that engulf Lady Eve later on as such a marvellous discovery becomes tainted by illness, death and misfortune.

The 1920’s is an era I know precious little about but Gill Paul educates her readers with writing that is evocative and far from dry or heavy going. You understand that Eve’s position in society is one of privilege but as a female of the respectable upper classes she has to conform to certain expectations, marrying into the right family rather than carrying on with her tomboyish ways, riding around the estate at Highclere harbouring dreams of becoming an archaeologist.The mere mention of Highclere conjures up visions of Hugh Bonneville and co, of cut glass accents, high class fashion, debutante balls and lavish parties but Eve doesn’t seem to fit that mould. Her love and devotion toward her father Pups is striking, preferring to spend time with him, rather than with her mother Almina who’s solely interested in finding a suitable husband for her daughter. In that sense Lady Eve is portrayed as a woman ahead of her time, keen, excited although a little afraid to explore the wonders of the Valley of the Kings until tragedy strikes and she fades back into normal society.

Aside from the fascinating and revealing events in Egypt it is the well developed characters that are the lifeblood of this novel. The author avoids any speculation over the exact nature of the friendship between the Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter, presenting the relationship as one concerned primarily with the business of funding the excavations. Carter is a character who after reading this still retains an air of mystery. There is an immensely strong father/daughter bond between the Earl and Eve which I’ve already touched upon so it’s hardly surprising Eve is left devastated by his sudden early demise. However it is Eve’s marriage to Brograve Beauchamp that transcends the key historical facts and transforms this novel into one of pure love, a love story with a difference!

The superstitions surrounding the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb by these modern day interlopers have caused much speculation over the years and Gill Paul uses this to her advantage to cast a dark cloud over much of Eve’s personal life following the death of her father. Much is made of the alleged curse and the removal of certain artefacts that find their way back to England; one item in particular is integral to the mystery element that unfolds in the latter stages of Eve’s life with one woman’s determined mission to right the wrongs of the past. This ties in nicely with one of the central themes of this novel which is memory and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and their loved ones when the ability to recall is lost. With delicacy, honesty and compassion the author pinpoints the fear, frustration and sadness experienced when access to these memories is denied for whatever reason. The love and care that Brograve shows towards Eve as her memories fade into confusion and forgetfulness only serves to highlight what a wonderful man he is. His sense of loyalty decency and devotion cannot be faulted. Brograve is a true gentleman. These passages are beautifully written with one scene in particular that cannot fail to bring a lump to your throat.

The Collectors Daughter is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. Incredibly easy to read, fascinating, imaginative, multilayered, mysterious and rich in detail I wholeheartedly recommend it. I even think this novel will appeal to readers who wouldn’t ordinarily be drawn to the genre so I’d urge those readers to step outside their comfort zone and take a leap of faith! Those who are already fans of Gill Paul won’t be disappointed.

My thanks as always to the publisher Avon and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. I’ve read Gill Paul’s books before and always enjoy them so, I was thrilled to be approved to read this new one. I couldn’t wait to read it and now I’m sad because I have finished it. Always interesting and a real quick read as I couldn’t put it down. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was a really captivating book. It brings together a whole set of different stories which have, at their centre the couple Eve and Brograve. Eve was born in the Carnavon family and lived all her childhood at Highclere Castle. She was a very unusual and modern lady, not afraid of breaking some of the conventions of the times. This brought her to Egypt where her father was associated with Howard Carter in the big project that led to the discovery and cataloguing of Tutankhamun tomb. Lady Eve later had an accident that caused here to suffer repeated strokes and she gradually looses her memory, although many details of her experience in Egypt remain untouched. Memories that are of interest to Anna Mansour, an uncomfortable character that navigates between Eve's past and present to attempt to retrieve some artefacts supposedly stolen in the tomb.
The book is very well researched about the Carnavon Family, Howard's Carter work and all the people that were involved around him and the Carnavons, and I found myself digging into a few of the details thanks to the author's notes, and I found it fascinating.
The couple Eve and Brograve is at the very centre of the book and they suffer with the recurring strokes of Eve and the effort they must make to continue their life in the best possible way. Through all the pain this causes, there is an immense tenderness that continues to exist and even deepens with time. It is heartbreaking to see Borgrave loosing contact with Eve, but also very inspiring to see him still loving her and still finding a deep way of connecting and loving her and support her.
A very well written interesting book, and also a wonderful reflection about the beauty of deep relationships even through old age and poor health. I could not stop reading and enjoyed the book very much.

Lady Evelyn Herbert was the daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon, brought up in stunning Highclere Castle. Popular and pretty, she seemed destined for a prestigious marriage, but she had other ideas. Instead, she left behind the world of society balls and chaperones to travel the Egyptian desert, where she hoped to become a Lady archaeologist, working alongside her father and Howard Carter in the hunt for an undiscovered tomb.

The story has a dual timeline: 1972 when Evelyn is in the hospital recovering from a stroke, she's 71. And 1922: when Eve and her father discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.


The two timelines are woven seamlessly together. The story is descriptively written. Eve is trying to remember everything she can about the dig and soon realises that some secrets should remain hidden. Throughout the book the curse of King Tut is frequently mentioned. There is just enough history behind this enjoyable story. The chapters alternate between the two timelines.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #GillPaul for my ARC of #TheCollectorsDaughter in exchange for an honest review.

The Collector's Daughter is a gripping compelling read that I could not put down.

Getting to read a new historical fiction book by Gill Paul is like opening an early birthday present.

I was soon lost in the story of Lady Evelyn Herbert who along with Howard Carter and her father who were the first in centuries to enter the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The story is told in the dual time lines of 1922 when they discovered and entered the tomb and the 1970's as Eve struggles to remember the past after a debilitating stroke.

Gill Paul reels you in from the first page.

Please take time to read the author's notes. They were fascinating as well.

Can't wait to get my hard copy to sit on my bookshelf with Gill Paul's other books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, Avon for a story I won't forget.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gill Paul and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

I knew the moment I heard that Gill Paul had a new novel out that I wanted to read this. I love the way she intersperses the facts with her own ideas and interpretations.

This book followed the story of Lady Evelyn Herbert the daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon who was actually at the excavation and opening of Tuthankhamun in 1922.
She is approached by a journalist in the 70s after a series of strokes for information regarding relics taken from the tomb.
The story went from 2 time zones in the 1920s and the late 1970s and showed how cerebral strokes can impact on memory and recollections till they become confused and melded together. The treatment of a stroke patient in the 1970s was well described - and were actually sad. One wondered how much of this did reflect the real life of Lady Evelyn
The ending was unexpected - though in some ways divine retribution
She obviously found a love match in her marriage to Brograve - and this was well described.
I also found the way that 'The Curse of Tuthankhamun' was also well dealt with - enough information to describe what happened at the time but just enough given to the reader's imagination for them to make up their own mind

All in all I really enjoyed this book and love the way that Gill Paul takes a different topic for her books - education as well as enjoyment (I often go an read around the topic when reading one of her books)

Thank you again to all concerned with my chance to read this book in return for an opinion thats mine and mine alone

Every time Gill Paul has a new book out I don’t even need to read the blurb as I know without a doubt I will love it. This was definitely the case with The Collector’s Daughter. The story of Lady Evelyn Herbert , the first woman to enter the tomb of Tutankhamun . I was totally enthralled by this book of both fact and fiction and it was an absolute joy to read .

A thoroughly enjoyable read, based on fact but a very disappointing ending.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A masterpiece of storytelling across two very different time periods as Eve relives her time with Howard Carter as the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered. As she struggles with her memories of current event's, her memories of that time in her life are crystal clear. Eve lived a lustrous life with the love of an incredible man and the magic and wonder that she felt digging in for ancient artifacts shines through the pages. An interesting storyline that hooked me from the very beginning and I loved everything about it.

What a remarkable, fascinating and well written novel based around excavations in Egypt- namely Tutankhamen’s tomb and the people involved. Eve, daughter of Lord Carnarvon wished to be an archaeologist. She visited the excavation sites as a young girl with her father eventually, entering the tomb herself. Eve did not in fact become an archaeologist, but her involvement with the excavations one way or another. continued throughout her life. As illnesses/ death occurred for some, speculations arose about The Curse Of Tutankhamen.
Gill has certainly written a remarkable book as she has taken true facts and happenings, then adding to them.

A Sweeping Tale…
A sweeping tale of secrets and discoveries and a compelling story, a fusion of fact and fiction, well done and clearly well researched. Packed with atmosphere and detail from beginning to end with an unforgettable cast of characters. A satisfying read with the power to transport the reader.

Genius
Immersive and compelling
You think you know the story of Tutankhamun's tomb and what led up to it?
I love Gill Paul even more with every novel she writes but this is the best one so far.
Loved it.
Going to read it again.
Needs to be on the big screen.