Reviews

The Story Collector by Iris Costello

fee1965's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

3.5

linjinski's review

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emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

ashieee's review

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

The plot was quite promising and had a lot of potential but I did not enjoy the prose or dialogue at all, which was melodramatic and often cliche, and I found it difficult to differentiate between or care about the main characters because they all seemed like caricatures of typical British people (although thanks to some vague hints from the author I suspect there were at least two characters who were maybe meant to be POC but it was skimmed over so awkwardly that they might as well not be). The mystery of it all was pretty intriguing however there were so many “wtf” moments for me that I just didn’t enjoy. Sad to be giving this a relatively poor rating but I just can’t recommend it unless you want to read a historical fiction mystery novel that has the same tone and quality of writing as a booktok romcom. 

adireadsbooks's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

kayleighashurst's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

t_barnett207's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

bethan_ellise's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

chrissypops's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Thank you Iris Costello, Penguin General UK, Viking | Penguin and Netgalley for the eArc of The Story Collector.

This is my first read from Iris Costello and really enjoyed this historical fiction which entwine 3 women, one in the present and 2 in the First World War. This story was well paced and kept my attention, but also invoked a few emotions, especially near the end when everything falls in place. Iris blends the horrors of war with the very need of Hope, Love and Forgiveness. The main characters are well fleshed out and I bonded with them completely and read this book in 2 sittings. 

Ill be looking out for more of Iris's books.

4.5 on Storygraph and 4 on Netgalley 

pugmother3's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0

traceyroberts's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious sad tense slow-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this Historical Fiction read by Iris Costello, a new to me author. 

The story is told from 3 POVs, Katerina in London during WW1, Miriam in a German prisoner of war camp during WW1 and Edie in present day Cornwall.  The author tells each woman's story and ends each chapter with a little intrigue to keep you reading on.  I love the way these mysteries are woven together and come to a satisfing conclusion. 

I do enjoy Historical Fiction when it's done well and Iris Costello is an author I will be checking out in the future.