The Last Daughter of York - by Nicola Cornick (Paperback)

About the Book

When her twin sister's bones are discovered interred in a vault that has not been opened since the 18th century, Serena uncovers a secret family history pointing to an impossible story that connects her to the 15th century mystery of the young Duke of York.

Book Synopsis

"An engaging, fast-paced read for fans of Philippa Gregory and of dual-timeline historical fiction." --Library Journal

In the winter of 1483, Francis Lovell is Richard III's Lord Chamberlain and confidant, but the threat of Henry Tudor's rebels has the king entrusting to Francis and his wife, Anne, his most crucial mission: protecting the young Richard of York, his brother's surviving son and a threat to Henry's claims to the throne.

Two years later, Richard III is dead, and Anne hides the young prince of York while Francis is hunted by agents of the new king, Henry VII. Running out of options to keep her husband and the boy safe, Anne uses the power of an ancient family relic to send them away, knowing that in doing so she will never see Francis again.

In the present day, Serena Warren has been haunted by her past ever since her twin sister, Caitlin, disappeared. But when Caitlin's bones are discovered interred in a church vault that hasn't been opened since the eighteenth century, the police are baffled. Piecing together local folklore that speaks of a magical relic with her own hazy memories of the day Caitlin vanished, Serena begins to uncover an impossible secret that her grandfather has kept hidden, one that connects her to Anne, Francis and the young Duke of York.

Inspired by the enduring mystery of the Princes in the Tower, Nicola Cornick cleverly interprets the events into a dazzling novel set between a present-day mystery and a country on the brink of Tudor rule.

Review Quotes

"History lovers and mystery fans alike will delight in Cornick's latest suspenseful, romantic, paranormal tale." --Booklist

"With an intriguing supernatural element, this is an engaging, fast-paced read for fans of Philippa Gregory and of dual-timeline historical fiction." --Library Journal

"What a fascinating story. I enjoyed every moment of it. Intriguing and with a lovely time-slippery twist." --Barbara Erskine, Sunday Times bestselling author

"A treasure trove of historical insight, casting a new light on a compelling mystery that binds the present to the past." --Fiona Valpy, bestselling author

PRAISE FOR THE FORGOTTEN SISTER

"Fascinating... Cornick's rich mystery will serve readers well on a rainy day." --Publishers Weekly

"I was hooked from the first pages... I can't remember when I last read a book so fast, just to find out what happens next. A twisty and deceptively clever book...[with] a wonderfully satisfying conclusion." --Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Secret Wife

"A fascinating tale with intriguing twists which kept me reading late into the night." --Barbara Erskine, Sunday Times bestselling author

"Atmospheric and compelling, I was gripped from beginning to end." --Sarah Morgan, USA TODAY bestselling author

"A rising star." --Publishers Weekly

"Nicola Cornick is the mistress of keeping you up way beyond lights out because you just can't put it down. Brilliant!" --Katie Fforde

"A gorgeous novel, so fresh and original. And the tension! I was on the edge of my seat." --Jenny Ashcrof

"With its intriguing premise and engaging characters, this fresh take on the time-slip novel completely won me over." --Kate Riordan

"A lively, entertaining read... The story kept me turning the pages right to the very end." --Katherine Webb