Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 11/30/2021 + 646 more book reviews

The Cartographer's Secret by Tea Cooper is unique in several ways:

- set in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
- dual timelines in 1880 and 1911
- features three generations of strong women from one family
- plot includes historical figure Ludwig Leichhardt, a German explorer and naturalist
- just the third title to be published by Harper Muse

It took me a bit to settle into my first Tea Cooper novel, but once I locked into the setting and family tree, I was transported to 19th century Australia. The plot includes family secrets, clues found on maps, and men riding horses - what's not to love?

I appreciated the three primary characters - Olivia, her niece Evie, and her great-niece Lettie, especially I'm since an aunt to nine with no sons or daughters. Learning Australian history through Lettie's attempts to solve Evie's mysterious disappearance was so interesting. And even though I'm a cat person, I enjoyed Oxley, the 'insightful' and adventurous dog.

Thank you to Harper Muse and Net Galley for the review copy.

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