*****5 stars
I read this for a book club and found it unique and interesting. When Nell learns of her father’s death after a long separation, she discovers a map that he’s hidden in his desk at the New York Public Library’s map room. The map, what appears to be a simple gas station street map, turns out to be a precious commodity that collectors will pay exorbitant money for and someone will even kill for it.
As Nell uncovers the map’s secret she becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest that leads her to an imaginary town called Agloe where her parents and their college friends ventured using the same map. When Nell’s father’s death is termed a murder and more victims are killed, Nell must solve the map’s mystery to learn what really happened to her mother who supposedly was killed in a fire when Nell was a child.
Once Nell meets her parents’ college friends, the past story unfolds through each of them. The end features a twist, and there’s also a romantic subplot. I highly recommend this book to those who like magical mysteries.
Ruff Drafts 