Picture an Australian geologist who swapped rock hammers for a pen to weave spellbinding historical mysteries—meet Amanda Geard! Now settled in Ireland, her dual-timeline novels, inspired by real-life discoveries, captivate readers with their rich settings and intricate plots. From Tasmania’s rugged coasts to Kerry’s wild mountains, Geard’s stories are as adventurous as her life.
With a knack for unearthing the past, both in the ground and on the page, Geard has carved a unique niche in historical fiction. Her debut novel, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, skyrocketed her into the literary spotlight, proving that a scientist’s precision can fuel a storyteller’s magic.
The Making of Amanda Geard
Born in Tasmania, Amanda Geard grew up surrounded by wild landscapes that sparked her love for exploration. A geologist by trade, she traveled across five continents, mapping uncharted territories from the Arctic to West Africa. Her nomadic life, including stints on a London houseboat and a Norwegian island, fueled her curiosity and sense of wonder. In 2014, while on holiday in County Kerry, Ireland, Geard and her husband stumbled upon a derelict Georgian house near Castlecove. They bought it, renovated it, and made it their home, setting the stage for her literary journey.
Geard never saw herself as a writer until a chance encounter with a flyer for Listowel Writers’ Week in 2019. Inspired by the festival’s vibrant energy, she returned home, dissected her favorite multi-timeline novels, and began crafting her own. Her scientific background brought discipline to her writing, while her global adventures infused her stories with authenticity.
Amanda Geard’s Unforgettable Stories
Geard’s novels are a masterclass in dual-timeline storytelling, blending historical intrigue with modern mysteries. Her debut, The Midnight House (2022), was inspired by a cryptic message found in her Kerry home: ‘When this comes down, pray for me. Tim O’Shea 1911.’ Set in southwest Ireland, it follows journalist Ellie Fitzgerald in 2019 as she uncovers the 1940 disappearance of Lady Charlotte Rathmore at Blackwater Hall. A Richard & Judy Book Club pick, it sold over 160,000 copies and ranked in the UK Kindle Top 50 for months.
Her second novel, The Moon Gate (2023), weaves a multi-generational saga across London, Kerry, and Tasmania during World War II. Infused with Banjo Paterson’s poetry, it explores hidden houses and wartime secrets, resonating with readers and sparking renewed interest in Paterson’s work. Geard’s upcoming third novel, set in northern Norway and Ireland, promises more atmospheric storytelling and is slated for release in 2025.
Geard’s style is immersive, blending meticulous historical research with vivid settings drawn from her travels. Her scientific lens ensures precision, while her love for authors like Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley shines through in her layered, emotional narratives. Each novel feels like a treasure hunt, inviting readers to piece together the past.
Why Amanda Geard Matters
Amanda Geard’s rise from geologist to bestselling author is a testament to the power of reinvention. Her novels don’t just entertain—they transport readers to forgotten corners of history, from Ireland’s wartime neutrality to Tasmania’s rugged beauty. By weaving real historical figures like Banjo Paterson into her stories, she bridges past and present, inspiring readers to explore literature and history anew.
Her impact extends beyond the page. As a woman in STEM turned literary star, Geard inspires aspiring writers to embrace their unique perspectives. Her engagement with fans on social media, sharing glimpses of her wild settings, fosters a global community of readers eager for her next adventure.
- Birthplace: Tasmania, Australia
- Key Works: The Midnight House (2022), The Moon Gate (2023)
- Awards: New Irish Writing Award (2019), Richard & Judy Book Club pick (2023)
- Fun Fact: She renovated a 19th-century Georgian house that inspired her debut novel.
Snag The Midnight House or The Moon Gate and dive into Amanda Geard’s captivating world of historical mysteries!