Release Date: March 15th 2022
Publisher: Orion Books
Pages: 320
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Synopsis
There are some maps you can lose yourself in…
Nell Young has lived her life in and around maps. Her father, Dr. David Young, was one of the most respected cartographers in the world. But this morning he was found dead – or murdered? – in his office at the New York Public Library.
Nell hadn’t spoken to her father in years, ever since he fired her after an argument over a seemingly worthless highway roadside map. A map which was mass-produced – and every copy of which is now being found and destroyed. But why?
To answer that question, Nell will embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of a conspiracy beyond belief, the secrets behind her family, and the true power that lies in maps . . .
Review
A book that stays with you long after you finish reading – The Cartographers is definitely a new favourite. The story follows Nell Young, a young woman currently working for Classic – a company that reproduces ancient maps for people. Nell had once held the hope of following in her father’s footsteps and working at the New York Public Library, but after he publicly fired her over a worthless highway roadside map, Nell hasn’t set foot in the library in years. Until one morning she receives a phone call that her father has been found dead – or murdered – in his office. When Nell discovers that same highway roadside map hidden in her father’s desk it will lead her on a dark journey to discover the truth behind her family and the power of maps.
This was such a fun and intriguing read! I’ve always wanted to read The Book of M by Peng Shepherd but I’ve never quite gotten around to it. When I read the synopsis for this book (and saw that incredibly beautiful cover) I knew I had to read this one as soon as possible. From the beginning, I was so intrigued and the story kept me engaged till the very last page. I really enjoyed Shepherd’s writing style – she really took the reader on a journey. The story does start off a bit slower paced but it increases quickly as the plot develops.
The Cartographers is a clever, compelling story and has definitely made me want to read more from Peng Shepherd. The story has some really interesting characters and I really enjoyed the multiple points of view. The characters felt well crafted and I really liked Nell as a main character. As there is quite a bit of mystery in the story I was constantly trying to work out what was going on. There were more than a few moments I didn’t see coming and that definitely kept me glued to the book and turning pages long into the night.
The Cartographers is a really fascinating tale, so if you’re looking for something that will keep you hooked right to the very last page, this should definitely be your next read.
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The Bibliophile Chronicles 