I totally loved this book! I found it very visual, the words in the page forming real images in my mind.
I think I even felt the river breezes on my skin.

That aside, what an amazing way to write about a real part of Australian history, of such awful things that took place. I have no doubt that they did happen, not just here, but in many countries all over the world.

The characters were so real, and I could easily see myself being friends with them.

Majestic & magnificent Australian historical mystery novel written by the very talented author Tea Cooper. The story is divided in a seamless flow between 1868 and 1922 and captures the historic regions of Sydney, Newcastle and Morpeth. The authors knowledge and research of 'the wanderer' butterfly, means of travel and newspaper production is exceptional and brings the excellent story to a brilliant level. It is an absorbing mystery that is difficult to put down and well worth five stars. Highly recommended read to all readers.

I write this as I watch the Monarch butterflies flit around my nearly spring garden....it must've been a mild winter to see them here this early.
I read "The Butterfly Collector" at night and lay awake, trying to piece together how the 3 main characters (Theodora, Clarrie and Verity) are connected to each other. A place? A person? A deed? A Butterfly?? I imagine where their threads will take me tomorrow night when I will read more. But my imagination is never up to the task. Tea always manages to pull out surprises along the way and the finale of the book is always gratifying. Tea Cooper never fails to mesmerise with twisting and turning historical fiction, set in Australia and highlighting strong female characters, ahead of their time in deeds and thoughts. 
1868 Morpeth finds Theodora Breckenridge, still in mourning after the loss of both her parents and beloved only brother at sea.  She loves being at home painting the beautiful garden her mother created....no need for a sea journey to the larger cities, such as her 3 sister's crave. While working near the milkweed, Theodora discovers a butterfly in this home garden, never before sighted in Australia. 
Also in Morpeth, Clarrie and Sid are young loves who find themselves expecting a child out of wedlock. They can pay Maud the midwife to care for Charlie while they both work.  When Charlie goes missing, Clarrie and Sid, with the help of Theodora and Redmond, race to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
1922 Sydney; Verity Binks is sent an anonymous parcel containing a spectacular butterfly costume and an invitation to the Sydney Artists Masquerade Ball. She is the granddaughter of Sid and Clarrie Binks and like her grandfather before her, is in the newspaper journalism business.  As she digs to uncover the reason for the mystery outfit finding its way to her, she uncovers family connections from fifty years ago.
Always such a pleasure to spend my time engrossed in Tea's imagination...I only wish there were more hours in the day to spend reading! The research is second to none and you truly are transported, thanks to the historical detail. 
Themes of generational families and the secrets held within .....a little romance, a lot of mystery and a lesson in Danaus plexippus.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Australia and Tea Cooper for my early copy of this must have, in return for my honest opinion.

Another amazing story from Tea, I enjoyed how she wove past and present together. Along with facts and fiction to give the reader a feeling of being in the story. A love story blossoming along the way. I know the area very well and felt like I was in the story, walking in verity's shoes.
Thank you another amazing story, well written allowing the reader to feel and see the story