The Last Daughter of York by Nicola Cornick: Book Review
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The Last Daughter of York is the latest historical fiction book published by Nicola Cornick.
If you’ve been waiting for another one of Nicola Cornick’s books that weaves together some historical figures from centuries past, a little romance, and a present-day cast of characters searching for the answers to what seems to be an unsolvable mystery, then you’re in for a treat.
Inspired by the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, and absolutely perfect for fans of historical fiction and especially Philippa Gregory novels, this book cleverly weaves together events from two different time periods and features a timeslip element with a few of the characters.
This review includes a short synopsis of The Last Daughter of York along with my thoughts on the book – what I liked, what I didn’t like, and whether it’s a worthwhile read.
My Take: The Last Daughter of York is exactly the kind of historical fiction that works for me: a centuries-old mystery, dual timelines, an atmospheric English setting, and just enough of the unexplained to make things interesting. The mystery of the Princes in the Tower sent me Googling before I had even started the book, which is always a good sign. If you enjoy historical fiction that mixes real history with a present-day mystery and a touch of timeslip, this is an easy one for me to recommend.
The Last Daughter Of York by Nicola Cornick
The Last Daughter of York is one of Nicola Cornick’s dual-timeframe historical novels, which often blend real figures and mysteries from the past with present-day characters and a touch of the unexplained.
Nicola Cornick is a British author and historian who began her career as an author by writing Regency romance books, the first of which was published by Harlequin Mills & Boon in 1998.
She now writes dual-timeframe books inspired by figures in history and often featuring big, atmospheric, old Gothic houses and secrets hidden within, and sometimes with a timeslip element.
Nicola Cornick also works as a guide and historian for the National Trust at the seventeenth-century hunting lodge Ashdown House. How cool it would be to visit this historic house and find that you have Nicola Cornick as your guide!
What The Last Daughter of York is About
The Last Daughter of York moves between fifteenth-century England and the present day, connecting the mystery of the Princes in the Tower with a modern family mystery.
In the present, Serena Warren has lived for years with the unexplained disappearance of her twin sister, Caitlin. When Caitlin’s remains are discovered somewhere they seemingly could not possibly be, Serena begins searching for answers buried in her own family history.
Meanwhile, the historical storyline takes us into the world of Richard III, Francis Lovell, and Anne Lovell as the struggle for the English throne places the fate of young Richard of York in jeopardy. Gradually, the two stories begin to intersect in ways Serena could never have expected.
The Last Daughter of York – What I Liked
The first thing I’ll say about this book is that it caused me to Google something before I even started it!
I love books that send me searching around on Google to discover if something is real or fiction. Or, to learn more about a historical figure or place mentioned in the book.
In this case, I was Googling the mystery of the Princes in the Tower before I even started the book.
The book is set between two different time periods – The fifteenth century and present-day England. The story is told from the viewpoint of two different characters, alternating chapters throughout the book. One of them is Serena in present-day England, and the other is Anne in 15th-century England. Despite the fact that the book alternated time periods and viewpoints in each chapter, I thought it was very easy to get to know the characters and understand what was going on.
It was a fast-paced, fantastic mystery that kept me going until the end.
The Last Daughter of York – What I Didn’t Like
Honestly, I loved this book. There really wasn’t anything I disliked about it.
If I had to mention anything at all that I disliked, it would be this – there was a time-slippery twist in the book, and, without giving you any spoilers, I’ll just say that I would have liked to read something more in-depth about that element with regards to the characters that were involved.
The Last Daughter of York – Read, ReRead, or Reconsider?
And now for my 3 Rs of book reviews. Should you Read, ReRead, or Reconsider?
What are my honest thoughts about The Last Daughter of York?
This book is definitely a Read.
This book is a solid read for me, as are all of Nicola Cornick’s historical fiction novels. This could well turn into a ReRead for me personally, as I’m on the verge of rereading a few of her previous books.
Is The Last Daughter of York Worth Reading?
The Last Daughter of York gave me the combination I enjoy most in Nicola Cornick’s historical fiction: real history, an intriguing mystery, dual timelines, and a little something that can’t quite be explained by history alone. I especially enjoyed the connection to the Princes in the Tower, because the book left me wanting to know more about the real mystery after I finished reading.
If you like historical fiction that makes you close the book and immediately start looking up the people and events behind the story, this one is well worth reading.
What To Read Next
- Explore Historical Fiction – Browse more historical fiction recommendations, reading lists, and books set throughout history.
- The Rose Code by Kate Quinn – Another historical novel that blends real history with mystery and compelling women.
- The Lost Summers of Newport – Try this next if the dual-timeframe mystery was part of what you enjoyed here.
- Historical Fiction Books in Order – Browse our author and series reading-order guides for historical fiction.
