The Cartographers

After hearing an interview with Peng Shepherd on NPR's Book of the Day podcast, I was really looking forward to her latest novel, “The Cartographers.”

New York Public Library: check. Rare maps: check. Dead/estranged father in maps room at NYPL: check. Right up my alley!

The first third of the book did not disappoint! The setup, tension, mysteries around every corner had me turning pages.

However, I found the characters to be rather one-dimensional. The plot also had some issues, such as the main character and her father, as well as a post-college fiancé, becoming estranged for 7 years. The villain's reason for all the mayhem also didn't make sense. I also think the author could have spent more time researching processes of folks who handle antiquities (they don't handle rare/brittle maps with used dish gloves, for example).

I ended up skimming the second half of the book. My overall sense is that the book was rushed and might have been much better if the author had taken more time with it. I will try another book of the author's at some point.