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Greton's Marvellous Maps #2
Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies: A Cozy Neurodivergent Caper
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26
Greton of Willow returns in this sequel to the cozy fantasy neurodivergent sensation, ‘Magic, Maps, and Mischief’, a perfect read for lovers of ‘Legends and Lattes’, ‘The Teller of Small Fortunes’, and ‘Under The Whispering Door’.
Within the idyllic city of Barrow’s Hill, the elderly, autistic map maker Greton of Willow is living his heart’s desire, making his maps surrounded by his found family and owl. But, without warning, his cozy existence is challenged. When it comes to map making, there's new competition in Barrow's Hill…
Struggling to come to terms with such a change to the expected - and having to face challenges like extravagant dinner parties and understanding fashion - Greton stumbles upon even more mysterious goings on in Barrow's Hill. The nefarious Cartographers’ Guild have found fresh investment and influence, mages appear everywhere they shouldn't be, and the newly uncovered ruins beneath the hill are off limits to those deemed undesirable… Especially Greton.
With Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies aplenty, Greton strives to understand his place, and true worth, amongst his circle of friends. The mysteries continue to build, with his good name at the centre of every puzzle in the City on the Hill. Can Greton cope with the competition? Will he finally understand what he means to those he loves? And can he escape the net closing around him before it's too late? The answers - and tea, plenty of tea - are at your fingertips…
Within the idyllic city of Barrow’s Hill, the elderly, autistic map maker Greton of Willow is living his heart’s desire, making his maps surrounded by his found family and owl. But, without warning, his cozy existence is challenged. When it comes to map making, there's new competition in Barrow's Hill…
Struggling to come to terms with such a change to the expected - and having to face challenges like extravagant dinner parties and understanding fashion - Greton stumbles upon even more mysterious goings on in Barrow's Hill. The nefarious Cartographers’ Guild have found fresh investment and influence, mages appear everywhere they shouldn't be, and the newly uncovered ruins beneath the hill are off limits to those deemed undesirable… Especially Greton.
With Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies aplenty, Greton strives to understand his place, and true worth, amongst his circle of friends. The mysteries continue to build, with his good name at the centre of every puzzle in the City on the Hill. Can Greton cope with the competition? Will he finally understand what he means to those he loves? And can he escape the net closing around him before it's too late? The answers - and tea, plenty of tea - are at your fingertips…
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
David Green
30 books296 followersDavid Green is a neurodivergent internationally best-selling writer of the epic and the urban, the fantastical and the mysterious.
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 10, 2026
Another gorgeous book from Mr Green.
Greton’s happy life in Barrow’s Hill starts to feel under threat when a new mapmaker moves into the Snug. Will Greton lose his shop, his friends, his found family?
As always, the characters in this book are beautifully rounded and complex, offering insight into others as well as ourselves. I never feel more seen than I do when reading about Greton and his friends.
With a mystery to solve and new friends to meet, this is just as much of a warm hug as the first book. I read it in 2 days and loved every minute of it.
Greton’s happy life in Barrow’s Hill starts to feel under threat when a new mapmaker moves into the Snug. Will Greton lose his shop, his friends, his found family?
As always, the characters in this book are beautifully rounded and complex, offering insight into others as well as ourselves. I never feel more seen than I do when reading about Greton and his friends.
With a mystery to solve and new friends to meet, this is just as much of a warm hug as the first book. I read it in 2 days and loved every minute of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charms, Charts and Conspiracies is even better than its predecessor, and that is saying something.
Where Magic, Maps and Mischief opened in darker territory before settling into its cosy heart, this sequel leans fully into the warmth from the start. There is a mystery at the centre of it, someone is framing Greton, and the stakes feel genuine precisely because they feel personal. When your protagonist is autistic and already prone to catastrophising, having his reputation and his sense of self under attack hits differently.
That line is quietly devastating, and it earns every bit of tension the plot builds.
But the mystery is almost a vessel for what the book is really about: belonging, and whether you deserve it. A new map maker arrives in Barrow's Hill and opens a shop nearby, and Greton does not so much resent the competition as quietly dismantle his own place in the world because of it. If his friends can have someone new, why would they keep him?
Watching him work through that fear, and watching his found family refuse to let him go, is the emotional core of the whole book.
And what a found family it is. Aria and Petra, whose relationship deepens beautifully across this book, model something rare in fiction: people who can see their own flaws, apologise without drama, and love unconditionally as long as you are genuinely trying to be good. Aria in particular has a tendency to show love through action first and questions second. When she and Greton talk it through, the result is one of the loveliest scenes in the book: not a confrontation, but two people who love each other working out how to love each other better.
The cast has grown in this second book, and every addition to the circle brings more warmth, more loyalty, and more of the unconditional acceptance that makes Barrow's Hill feel like somewhere you genuinely want to live.
The representation is broader and more confident than in book one. The asexual thread is handled with real grace, a conversation that manages to be matter-of-fact and deeply moving in equal measure, ending with the quiet revelation that Greton has loved before, in his own way, and that this is enough. The LGBTQIA+ inclusivity feels woven in rather than signposted. And the autism writing continues to be some of the best I have encountered, not just in the sensory overload scenes where his thoughts "raged like a blizzard in the Northern Wastes" and his suit itched and pinched and his boots cramped his toes, but in the quieter, harder insight underneath: that Greton is not unemotional. He is so very emotional that he learned to suppress it, told his whole life that too much of anything was wrong. That suppression has a cost. David Green writes this from the inside, and it shows.
Atlas the owl, Roger, confirmed by the narrator as "the bestest boy," and Jasmine the cat are companions to different people who somehow all get along famously, and are very much anything but background decoration.
Charms, Charts and Conspiracies is cosy fantasy doing exactly what the genre does best: creating a world so warm and full of good people that you feel the loss of it when you close the cover. And as Greton finally understands:
If you have been waiting for a sequel to live up to its first book, this is the one.
Where Magic, Maps and Mischief opened in darker territory before settling into its cosy heart, this sequel leans fully into the warmth from the start. There is a mystery at the centre of it, someone is framing Greton, and the stakes feel genuine precisely because they feel personal. When your protagonist is autistic and already prone to catastrophising, having his reputation and his sense of self under attack hits differently.
"Even Greton was beginning to suspect himself, and he'd been with himself the entire time."
That line is quietly devastating, and it earns every bit of tension the plot builds.
But the mystery is almost a vessel for what the book is really about: belonging, and whether you deserve it. A new map maker arrives in Barrow's Hill and opens a shop nearby, and Greton does not so much resent the competition as quietly dismantle his own place in the world because of it. If his friends can have someone new, why would they keep him?
"Greton's place was right there, in his map shop, surrounded by friends who accepted him for who he was. Friends who were family. Or so he believed and hoped. Such close friends, such family, was an altogether new prospect for Greton. Would everything topple like a house of cards?"
Watching him work through that fear, and watching his found family refuse to let him go, is the emotional core of the whole book.
And what a found family it is. Aria and Petra, whose relationship deepens beautifully across this book, model something rare in fiction: people who can see their own flaws, apologise without drama, and love unconditionally as long as you are genuinely trying to be good. Aria in particular has a tendency to show love through action first and questions second. When she and Greton talk it through, the result is one of the loveliest scenes in the book: not a confrontation, but two people who love each other working out how to love each other better.
"Please do not let your doubts curb your instincts. You are who you are. And who you are is wonderful. Truly wonderful."
The cast has grown in this second book, and every addition to the circle brings more warmth, more loyalty, and more of the unconditional acceptance that makes Barrow's Hill feel like somewhere you genuinely want to live.
The representation is broader and more confident than in book one. The asexual thread is handled with real grace, a conversation that manages to be matter-of-fact and deeply moving in equal measure, ending with the quiet revelation that Greton has loved before, in his own way, and that this is enough. The LGBTQIA+ inclusivity feels woven in rather than signposted. And the autism writing continues to be some of the best I have encountered, not just in the sensory overload scenes where his thoughts "raged like a blizzard in the Northern Wastes" and his suit itched and pinched and his boots cramped his toes, but in the quieter, harder insight underneath: that Greton is not unemotional. He is so very emotional that he learned to suppress it, told his whole life that too much of anything was wrong. That suppression has a cost. David Green writes this from the inside, and it shows.
"All at once, Greton's senses screamed at him. The heat stifled beyond what was reasonable. His previously well-fitted suit clung to him. Itched. Pinched. His boots cramped his toes. The ruckus from the ballroom bled into the library as the band struck up a boisterous tune. Laughter surrounded him, the pitch setting a scratch deep in his brain. And his thoughts? They raged like a blizzard in the Northern Wastes."
Atlas the owl, Roger, confirmed by the narrator as "the bestest boy," and Jasmine the cat are companions to different people who somehow all get along famously, and are very much anything but background decoration.
Charms, Charts and Conspiracies is cosy fantasy doing exactly what the genre does best: creating a world so warm and full of good people that you feel the loss of it when you close the cover. And as Greton finally understands:
"Not only did so many people in his life love him, truly love him, but he was also deserving of their help. He could ask for it, like they could ask him. And like Greton, his friends would do what they could. It wasn't a transaction. Such a request didn't need to be reciprocated. There was no ledger. Helping those you loved is what people did."
If you have been waiting for a sequel to live up to its first book, this is the one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For those of you who enjoyed Magic, Maps, and Mischief, I am certain that you were awaiting this sequel with an impatience bordering upon obsession. Green’s first book in the series was absolutely lovely, Greton was a character that spoke volumes to why autism and ADHD aren’t disabilities but rather the defining characteristics of just another person. For sure, a unique person but also a charming person, a loving and kind person, and a person who is somehow infinitely interesting.
Green has demonstrated in his other books that he is quite capable of generating Fantasy Epics at a grand scale. With this series he’s also showing us that he is brilliantly capable of small episodic stories that are just as much about people going about their lives as they are about goings on. All of the characters that you loved from Maps come back in Charms and some more are added, and good adds they are. For those of you who were wondering before what Green was thinking, not adding a charmingly intelligent dog to the first book, he addresses that error here.
Our story begins not too long after the last one ended and dives right in to how self-destructive a lifetime of unacceptance can be on a person’s sense of self-worth. Greton has to battle the knowledge that no one could really accept and love him against the proof of the deep friendship that his friends regularly provide. Green is masterful at helping us delve into the thought processes that can make this such a struggle difficult for anyone who lacks self-confidence. The miracle of Greton is that he can, in the midst of this debilitating internal battle, come across a mystery that needs to be solved, and solve it. He’s not allowed to explore the tunnels that he discovered and worse yet, his friends are disappearing. Not to mention having to deal with rogue mages, why does it always have to be mages?!?
I truly enjoyed this second book. It is every bit as lovely and ground breaking as the first. I do admit that you really do need to read the first to make sense of the second but that’s just twice as much fun for you. I recommend this for absolutely anyone who enjoys a cozy little mystery with a giant side helping of introspection and a small window of understanding into the neurodivergent world.
Green has demonstrated in his other books that he is quite capable of generating Fantasy Epics at a grand scale. With this series he’s also showing us that he is brilliantly capable of small episodic stories that are just as much about people going about their lives as they are about goings on. All of the characters that you loved from Maps come back in Charms and some more are added, and good adds they are. For those of you who were wondering before what Green was thinking, not adding a charmingly intelligent dog to the first book, he addresses that error here.
Our story begins not too long after the last one ended and dives right in to how self-destructive a lifetime of unacceptance can be on a person’s sense of self-worth. Greton has to battle the knowledge that no one could really accept and love him against the proof of the deep friendship that his friends regularly provide. Green is masterful at helping us delve into the thought processes that can make this such a struggle difficult for anyone who lacks self-confidence. The miracle of Greton is that he can, in the midst of this debilitating internal battle, come across a mystery that needs to be solved, and solve it. He’s not allowed to explore the tunnels that he discovered and worse yet, his friends are disappearing. Not to mention having to deal with rogue mages, why does it always have to be mages?!?
I truly enjoyed this second book. It is every bit as lovely and ground breaking as the first. I do admit that you really do need to read the first to make sense of the second but that’s just twice as much fun for you. I recommend this for absolutely anyone who enjoys a cozy little mystery with a giant side helping of introspection and a small window of understanding into the neurodivergent world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Greton of Willow. Such a marvelous man, raw and authentic and truthful in his worldview.
Halteveldt, war-torn and horrible as it is, was never the place for one so gentle and pure. Barrow's Hill held him, saw him grow and thrive in ways that permeate and radiate through each page of his cozy adventures from the land of Velen.
I read this recounting with a smile and more than a few tears. I saw myself within these pages, as will many who wander but are not lost.
It's a deeply personal telling, and the world is richer for it being here. Greton's quiet, peaceful revolution lives on...with the promise of much more mischief, charm, and healing, honeyed-tea to come.
If you read and adored the first, the second deepens one's love and respect for the old Sparker and his tawny companion, Atlas. The ending scene especially swept my heart away. And the conspiracy wafts in as subtly as a rising cinnamon bun, right under our noses, only to be woven through as fine as the latest fashions from Fekir and Sons. Oh yes. Greton gets some style in this one...once he pulls the twigs from his hair.
The ink stains never really leave him, though.
But...that's part of his *charm* now, isn't it?
Curl up with this book, let it curl around you in turn, and take you on a worthy journey about what it means to be truly loved, by others, yes, and most importantly, by yourself.
Love and mischief,
Rose Lily
Halteveldt, war-torn and horrible as it is, was never the place for one so gentle and pure. Barrow's Hill held him, saw him grow and thrive in ways that permeate and radiate through each page of his cozy adventures from the land of Velen.
I read this recounting with a smile and more than a few tears. I saw myself within these pages, as will many who wander but are not lost.
It's a deeply personal telling, and the world is richer for it being here. Greton's quiet, peaceful revolution lives on...with the promise of much more mischief, charm, and healing, honeyed-tea to come.
If you read and adored the first, the second deepens one's love and respect for the old Sparker and his tawny companion, Atlas. The ending scene especially swept my heart away. And the conspiracy wafts in as subtly as a rising cinnamon bun, right under our noses, only to be woven through as fine as the latest fashions from Fekir and Sons. Oh yes. Greton gets some style in this one...once he pulls the twigs from his hair.
The ink stains never really leave him, though.
But...that's part of his *charm* now, isn't it?
Curl up with this book, let it curl around you in turn, and take you on a worthy journey about what it means to be truly loved, by others, yes, and most importantly, by yourself.
Love and mischief,
Rose Lily
Review of advance copy received from Author
Simply a gem of a story. I might be biased, because I already adored the first book, Magic, Maps, and Mischief (MM&M), but Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies (CC&C) raises the bar once again.
CC&C is a perfect example of how cozy fantasy should be: Wholesome, with lots of heart and hope, and intriguing. On top of that, CC&C manages to make neurodivergent people feel seen in a good way. And in my opinion, this series can even help to understand them a little better, so CC&C might educate people or at least give insights to how some neurodivergents might feel and experience life.
What I knew to expect from this book before I even read the first page: Characters I already care about and love. A wonderfully written and engaging story in a well-developed world (that still has enough room for new discoveries). The story is even better than expected, I was completely drawn into solving the mysteries. But in its heart, the found family-theme is very strong, and the story is about personal growth at any stage of life and about (self-)acceptance. There also are some additions to the cast, and they work very well and complement the existing characters wonderfully.
All told, Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies definitely has the potential to make you feel better and maybe even to make you a better person. I love this series and from the bottom of my heart I hope it will be as successful as it deserves to be, so that we will have maaaaaaaaany more stories with Greton and his friends. So far, my favorite read in 2026!
CC&C is a perfect example of how cozy fantasy should be: Wholesome, with lots of heart and hope, and intriguing. On top of that, CC&C manages to make neurodivergent people feel seen in a good way. And in my opinion, this series can even help to understand them a little better, so CC&C might educate people or at least give insights to how some neurodivergents might feel and experience life.
What I knew to expect from this book before I even read the first page: Characters I already care about and love. A wonderfully written and engaging story in a well-developed world (that still has enough room for new discoveries). The story is even better than expected, I was completely drawn into solving the mysteries. But in its heart, the found family-theme is very strong, and the story is about personal growth at any stage of life and about (self-)acceptance. There also are some additions to the cast, and they work very well and complement the existing characters wonderfully.
All told, Charms, Charts, and Conspiracies definitely has the potential to make you feel better and maybe even to make you a better person. I love this series and from the bottom of my heart I hope it will be as successful as it deserves to be, so that we will have maaaaaaaaany more stories with Greton and his friends. So far, my favorite read in 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A review copy was provided by the author.
This second entry in the Marvellous Maps series begins with a pretty significant threat to Greton's livelihood and way of life (and a bit of retail chaos!). It cuts to the heart of how a lot of neurodiverse people feel: People must only like me because I'm of use to them, so without use, surely they'll abandon me. This was a core part of the book that I could relate to.
This is a work of cosy fantasy, so while the stakes are (relatively) low compared to world-breaking events in other series, the personal stakes for Greton are high. It was reassuring that the other characters are realistic in how they care about him.
I want to avoid spoilers, but I was very satisfied with how the plot unfolded and especially how it ultimately resolved. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to dip into a nice, representative fantasy world.
This second entry in the Marvellous Maps series begins with a pretty significant threat to Greton's livelihood and way of life (and a bit of retail chaos!). It cuts to the heart of how a lot of neurodiverse people feel: People must only like me because I'm of use to them, so without use, surely they'll abandon me. This was a core part of the book that I could relate to.
This is a work of cosy fantasy, so while the stakes are (relatively) low compared to world-breaking events in other series, the personal stakes for Greton are high. It was reassuring that the other characters are realistic in how they care about him.
I want to avoid spoilers, but I was very satisfied with how the plot unfolded and especially how it ultimately resolved. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to dip into a nice, representative fantasy world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely LOVED this new story in Greton's Marvellous Maps! Greton is one of my favorite characters, and I just adore the setting of Barrow's Snug for him. However, as the title suggests, some conspiracies come to call, and it ends up falling on Greton to solve, because he's tangled up in all of it.
New friends. Realistic neurodivergent rep. Cozy moments with a cup of tea, a map to finish drawing, and an owl hooting softly nearby. And a twisty little mystery that will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
New friends. Realistic neurodivergent rep. Cozy moments with a cup of tea, a map to finish drawing, and an owl hooting softly nearby. And a twisty little mystery that will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charms, Charts and Conspiracies felt like coming home to a familiar cast of friends that I would like to call my circle without knowing that my circle was about to expand and all the personal anxiety that comes along with it (in the best way possible).
This cozy series has soared right up to my top choice in recommending for characters that are written in such a way that it settles right into the heart and mind of someone who lives their day to day life as a neurodivergent. Want to know how it feels to live in the skin and mind for just a short while and gain some perspective? Pair that with a wonderfully woven tale with magic, conspiracies the power of friendship and family and overcoming personal fears. You get all of this and more with this book and it'll keep you turning the page for 'just one more chapter'. So pull up a seat, pour yourself a cup of tea, perhaps a sweet treat and settle in for the most close to home fantasy adventure that will make you want to move in and call this place home.
This cozy series has soared right up to my top choice in recommending for characters that are written in such a way that it settles right into the heart and mind of someone who lives their day to day life as a neurodivergent. Want to know how it feels to live in the skin and mind for just a short while and gain some perspective? Pair that with a wonderfully woven tale with magic, conspiracies the power of friendship and family and overcoming personal fears. You get all of this and more with this book and it'll keep you turning the page for 'just one more chapter'. So pull up a seat, pour yourself a cup of tea, perhaps a sweet treat and settle in for the most close to home fantasy adventure that will make you want to move in and call this place home.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
loved this even more than the first one. the characterisations are much deeper, as is the exploration of self-worth and love. greton stole my heart and broke it. dubray is wonderful. going to read this one over and over again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i am so in love with this book. i didn't think the autistic rep couldn't be topped after book one, but this one goes deeper and truer. and the scene between greton and samir... my goodness. so beautiful and understated and REAL.
this is a piece of art.
this is a piece of art.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
what a book! so cosy but has a well worked plot too with both personal and higher stakes. and the insights into autism and the different kinds of love we can share is even deeper this time out.
also, roger! he really is the bestest boy!!
also, roger! he really is the bestest boy!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful book and even a step up from the first.
Review of advance copy
a delightful read that really dives deeper into the autistic experience in subtle ways. beautifully written and one that will last long in the memory.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
better than the first, which was excellent. fully invested in more stories set in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
my favorite new cozy series. cant wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
a wonderful book with lovable characters experiencing real emotions and an entertaining plot
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent book from Mr. Green. A wonderful exploration of autism, self-worth, and asexuality.
This writer continues to break new ground and grow with each book.
This writer continues to break new ground and grow with each book.
May 26, 2026
another top quality book from green. i'll read anything he writes.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
awesome book that made me think a lot about my own self worth
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews