The Moon Gate

By: Amanda Geard

Narrated by: Natalie Pela

A faded photograph. An abandoned house. A wartime secret . . .

From the author of the Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Midnight House, a mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, sweeping the reader from London to Tasmania and to Ireland. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley and Eve Chase.

1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey travels from London to the wilderness of Tasmania. Coaxed out of her shell by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel - Grace finally learns to live. But when Australian forces are called to the frontline, and Daniel with them, he leaves behind a devastating secret which will forever bind them together.

1975: Artist Willow Hawkins, and her new husband, Ben, can't believe their luck when an anonymous benefactor leaves them a house on the remote Tasmanian coast. Confused and delighted, they set out to unmask Towerhurst's previous owner - unwittingly altering the course of their lives.

2004: Libby Andrews has always been sheltered from the truth behind her father Ben's death. When she travels to London and discovers a faded photograph, a long-buried memory is unlocked, and she begins to follow an investigation that Ben could never complete. But will she realise that some secrets are best left buried . . .?

©2023 Amanda Geard (P)2023 Headline Publishing Group Limited

Critic reviews

'A fabulous, immersive read! Right from the start [the] beautifully written, evocative settings swept me away, and wonderful characters, seamless interweave of timelines & layers of mystery kept me enthralled' (Zoe Miller, author of The House in the Woods)

Great storytelling . . . The Moon Gate is a richly layered atmospheric story that transports the reader from 00s London to 1970s Tasmania and beyond . . . I was drawn in from the first page (Jacquie Bloese, author of The French House)

A rich, sweeping mystery . . . beautifully written, atmospheric and intriguing (Tracy Rees, author of The Elopement)

Good story but complicated and requires the reader’s attention.

Lots to like. Character development, story lines, etc. Time line is a bit complex and hard to follow.

A family saga rich with intriguing characters set in Tasmania and Ireland.

Amanda Geard’s novel is compelling from start to finish. It is rich with intriguing characters who are developed in ways that make you want to know and their story. While I have visited Kerry many times, I had no knowledge of Tasmania and Australia’s role in WW 2. I wish it wasn’t so far away as after reading this I would love to visit… from Amanda’s description,it truly is the land down under. I have not read her first novel but will do so now. The narrator’s voice is lovely and enriches the tale.

Good mystery

A story you can’t put down, woven expertly by the author. I felt like I knew the characters well. Would make a great movie!