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The Cartographer's Secret
A map into the past. A long-lost young woman. And a thirty-year family mystery.
The Hunter Valley, 1880. Evie Ludgrove loves to chart the landscape around her home—hardly surprising since she grew up in the shadow of her father’s obsession with the great Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt. So when an advertisement appears in The Bulletin magazine offering a thousand-pound reward for proof of where Leichhardt met his fate, Evie is determined to use her father’s papers to unravel the secret. But when Evie sets out to prove her theory, she vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a mystery that haunts her family for thirty years.
Letitia Rawlings arrives at the family estate in her Ford Model T to inform her great-aunt Olivia of a loss in their family. But Letitia is also escaping her own problems—her brother’s sudden death, her mother’s scheming, and her dissatisfaction with the life planned out for her. So when Letitia discovers a beautifully illustrated map that might hold a clue to the fate of her missing aunt, Evie Ludgrove, she sets out to discover the truth. But all is not as it seems, and Letitia begins to realize that solving the mystery of her family’s past could offer as much peril as redemption.
A gripping historical mystery for fans of Kate Morton and Natasha Lester’s The Paris Seamstress, The Cartographer’s Secret follows a young woman’s quest to heal a family rift as she becomes entangled in one of Australia’s greatest historical puzzles.
“A galvanizing, immersive adventure . . . forcing the characters to reckon with the choice found at the crux of passion and loyalty and the power of shared blood that can either destroy or heal.” —Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society
Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, 2021Historical story with both romance and mysteryFull-length, stand-alone novel (c. 104,000 words)Includes discussion questions for book clubs
The Hunter Valley, 1880. Evie Ludgrove loves to chart the landscape around her home—hardly surprising since she grew up in the shadow of her father’s obsession with the great Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt. So when an advertisement appears in The Bulletin magazine offering a thousand-pound reward for proof of where Leichhardt met his fate, Evie is determined to use her father’s papers to unravel the secret. But when Evie sets out to prove her theory, she vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a mystery that haunts her family for thirty years.
Letitia Rawlings arrives at the family estate in her Ford Model T to inform her great-aunt Olivia of a loss in their family. But Letitia is also escaping her own problems—her brother’s sudden death, her mother’s scheming, and her dissatisfaction with the life planned out for her. So when Letitia discovers a beautifully illustrated map that might hold a clue to the fate of her missing aunt, Evie Ludgrove, she sets out to discover the truth. But all is not as it seems, and Letitia begins to realize that solving the mystery of her family’s past could offer as much peril as redemption.
A gripping historical mystery for fans of Kate Morton and Natasha Lester’s The Paris Seamstress, The Cartographer’s Secret follows a young woman’s quest to heal a family rift as she becomes entangled in one of Australia’s greatest historical puzzles.
“A galvanizing, immersive adventure . . . forcing the characters to reckon with the choice found at the crux of passion and loyalty and the power of shared blood that can either destroy or heal.” —Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society
Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, 2021Historical story with both romance and mysteryFull-length, stand-alone novel (c. 104,000 words)Includes discussion questions for book clubs
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2020
394 people are currently reading
6044 people want to read
About the author
Tea Cooper
29 books967 followersTea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
October 30, 2020
It was 1880 and eighteen-year-old Evie Ludgrove missed her father desperately. He’d taken her sister Miriam to Sydney to marry but had told Evie he would only be away a couple of months. He tasked her with formulating his notes and letters on the missing Ludwig Leichhardt, something William had been obsessed with for a long time. His thought was to write a book about the explorer but there was more to discover before that could happen. Evie would continue with the mapping in his absence.
When Letitia’s brother Thorne was killed in a dreadful accident, Lettie needed to get away from Sydney and her mother Miriam. She used her brother’s motor, the Model T Ford he’d named Lizzie, and drove to the Hunter Valley, to Yellow Rock where the family property was, where her mother had been born. She only knew what her mother had told her, so she expected her Great Aunt Olivia to be a dreadful old woman, frail and losing her mind. Olivia was far from that and delighted to see Lettie. Before too long Lettie was drawn into the disappearance of her Aunt Evie, thirty years prior. She was asked by Olivia to search the study – a room Olivia hadn’t ventured into after Evie disappeared – to see if she could find answers…
The Cartographer’s Secret is another outstanding work of fact blended with fiction (see the Historical Notes at the end) by Aussie author Tea Cooper, and I loved it. Racing through the pages, wanting to see where the story was going; I loved the character of Lettie, also Evie’s character. The novel was set in two timeframes – 1880 and 1911 – for the first half of the book and getting to know Evie was special. She was a lonely young woman, desperate for her father’s love and attention, determined to find the answers her father sought. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Letitia’s brother Thorne was killed in a dreadful accident, Lettie needed to get away from Sydney and her mother Miriam. She used her brother’s motor, the Model T Ford he’d named Lizzie, and drove to the Hunter Valley, to Yellow Rock where the family property was, where her mother had been born. She only knew what her mother had told her, so she expected her Great Aunt Olivia to be a dreadful old woman, frail and losing her mind. Olivia was far from that and delighted to see Lettie. Before too long Lettie was drawn into the disappearance of her Aunt Evie, thirty years prior. She was asked by Olivia to search the study – a room Olivia hadn’t ventured into after Evie disappeared – to see if she could find answers…
The Cartographer’s Secret is another outstanding work of fact blended with fiction (see the Historical Notes at the end) by Aussie author Tea Cooper, and I loved it. Racing through the pages, wanting to see where the story was going; I loved the character of Lettie, also Evie’s character. The novel was set in two timeframes – 1880 and 1911 – for the first half of the book and getting to know Evie was special. She was a lonely young woman, desperate for her father’s love and attention, determined to find the answers her father sought. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2020
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
I always enjoy Aussie author Tea Cooper’s books. An intriguing story of a long lost young woman and a historical puzzle.
The Cartographer’s Secret is set in The Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia in 1880.
Evie Ludgrove loved to take her sketchbook and paints up to Yellow Rock where she would map the landscape around her home. Throughout her childhood she’d suffered from the occasional spell which nobody could explain, she'd be fine one moment then encounter one of her spells and lose a fragment of time.
Evie's father had an obsession with a great explorer know as Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt and Evie appears to be following in her father's footsteps. When an advertisement in the Bulletin offers a reward of proof where the explorer met his fate, Evie is determined to find out but during this adventure she vanishes without a trace.
1911 -Sent by her scheming mother, Letitia Rawlings visits her family estate to inform her Great Aunt Olivia that the heir to the estate, Letitia's brother has suddenly died. She finds herself staying at the estate longer than planned and upon discovering an intricate and beautifully illustrated map she seeks to figure out the clues to the mystery of Evie’s disappearance some 30 years earlier.
I enjoyed this wonderful journey into time and it’s elements of mystery.
I wish to thank NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for providing an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review.
I always enjoy Aussie author Tea Cooper’s books. An intriguing story of a long lost young woman and a historical puzzle.
The Cartographer’s Secret is set in The Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia in 1880.
Evie Ludgrove loved to take her sketchbook and paints up to Yellow Rock where she would map the landscape around her home. Throughout her childhood she’d suffered from the occasional spell which nobody could explain, she'd be fine one moment then encounter one of her spells and lose a fragment of time.
Evie's father had an obsession with a great explorer know as Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt and Evie appears to be following in her father's footsteps. When an advertisement in the Bulletin offers a reward of proof where the explorer met his fate, Evie is determined to find out but during this adventure she vanishes without a trace.
1911 -Sent by her scheming mother, Letitia Rawlings visits her family estate to inform her Great Aunt Olivia that the heir to the estate, Letitia's brother has suddenly died. She finds herself staying at the estate longer than planned and upon discovering an intricate and beautifully illustrated map she seeks to figure out the clues to the mystery of Evie’s disappearance some 30 years earlier.
I enjoyed this wonderful journey into time and it’s elements of mystery.
I wish to thank NetGalley & Harlequin Australia for providing an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
Evie Ludgrove likes to sketch and draw maps of the countryside around her family's property in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Her father William is obsessed with Australian explorer Ludwig Leichhardt and he and his party vanished during an expedition crossing the continent from East to West in 1848.
When a notice appears in a newspaper offering a reward for any solid proof about what happened to Leichhardt, Evie wants to solve the mystery and boost her family coffers. Evie is sure somewhere in her father's collection of research papers and notes she will find clues and she decides to follow a strong lead, and Evie goes missing and thirty years later her aunt Olivia Maynard hopes she’s still alive and it’s doubtful.
Tea Cooper skilfully combines real facts with fiction to create the page turning narrative set in 1880 and 1911 and told from three main female characters points of view and is easy to follow.
Letitia Rawlings drives to her great-aunt Olivia’s estate Yellow Rock in a green Model T Ford, to inform her of a death in the family and to get away from her mother Miriam. After she settles in, Lettie doesn’t miss her life in Sydney, her mum trying to find her a husband and feels more at home in the valley. Lettie discovers an intricate map, drawn by her aunt Evie, and she sets out to hopefully uncover what happen to her and find closure.
I received a copy of The Cartographer’s Secret from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. I can understand why Ms. Cooper is Australia’s top selling historical mystery author, the story is captivating and all comes together perfectly.
With a diverse range of characters, I really liked Olivia, Evie, Lettie, and Nathaniel and the narrative has the right amount of intrigue, secrets, complex family relationships, rifts and jealously and the possibility of a new romance. Set in the beautiful Hunter Valley and with lots of twist and turns to keep readers interest and guessing possible scenarios.
I loved the inclusion of Aboriginal dream time stories, drovers and stock routes, Australian flora and fauna and iconic Waler horses in the plot. I highly recommend and five stars from me and I can’t wait to read Ms. Cooper's new novel, The Golden Thread.
When a notice appears in a newspaper offering a reward for any solid proof about what happened to Leichhardt, Evie wants to solve the mystery and boost her family coffers. Evie is sure somewhere in her father's collection of research papers and notes she will find clues and she decides to follow a strong lead, and Evie goes missing and thirty years later her aunt Olivia Maynard hopes she’s still alive and it’s doubtful.
Tea Cooper skilfully combines real facts with fiction to create the page turning narrative set in 1880 and 1911 and told from three main female characters points of view and is easy to follow.
Letitia Rawlings drives to her great-aunt Olivia’s estate Yellow Rock in a green Model T Ford, to inform her of a death in the family and to get away from her mother Miriam. After she settles in, Lettie doesn’t miss her life in Sydney, her mum trying to find her a husband and feels more at home in the valley. Lettie discovers an intricate map, drawn by her aunt Evie, and she sets out to hopefully uncover what happen to her and find closure.
I received a copy of The Cartographer’s Secret from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. I can understand why Ms. Cooper is Australia’s top selling historical mystery author, the story is captivating and all comes together perfectly.
With a diverse range of characters, I really liked Olivia, Evie, Lettie, and Nathaniel and the narrative has the right amount of intrigue, secrets, complex family relationships, rifts and jealously and the possibility of a new romance. Set in the beautiful Hunter Valley and with lots of twist and turns to keep readers interest and guessing possible scenarios.
I loved the inclusion of Aboriginal dream time stories, drovers and stock routes, Australian flora and fauna and iconic Waler horses in the plot. I highly recommend and five stars from me and I can’t wait to read Ms. Cooper's new novel, The Golden Thread.
January 2, 2025
I could not get into this book. Found it very boring.
February 19, 2022
⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
This one fell somewhere between 3 and 3,5 stars. I was quite enjoying it until Evie's POV ended (I want to say halfway through?) then the story dragged and we were left with a bunch of loose ends that honestly could have been wrapped up with answers by the addition of a chapter or two from Evie's POV at the end. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
November 11, 2023
Told in two time frames from the same family. One is set in the Hunter valley of Australia in 1880. Evie Ludgrove grew up with her father’s obsession with the explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt. When a reward is offered for information regarding what happened to Leichhardt who disappeared, believed dead, Evie determines to be the one to find the truth and claim the reward. So what goes wrong? What happened to Evie?
The other related story concerns Letitia Rawlings who hopes to connect with her great aunt Olivia and find out what happened years before between Olivia and her sister Miriam, who is Letita’s mother. She also needs to tell her great aunt that Thorne who was the heir to her estate has died. Lettie greatly misses her brother. She also is happy to get away from her mother and the plans for her to settle on a suitor and marry Lettie off. So the trip to visit her great aunt serves more than one purpose. When Letitia finds a map with some clues she sets out to find the truth. But is knowing the truth always the best option or will it cause more heartache?
For some reason it took me a little time to get into this story. I suspect it is not the book so much s me at the moment.Once I did connect I was fully invested in the characters and their lives.
This is a carefully constructed historical novel. The characters are complex and real. I really liked Lettie, also Olivia who Lettie finds very different to the way Miriam described her. But then so is what Miriam told her about Evie. Stockman Nathaniel and Denman who took him in after his parents died are great characters. The setting is evocatively described. This is a book of family, secrets, quarrels. obsession and also includes a romance. Or more than one
This is the third book I have read by this author and all of them have been great reads
Highly recommended for lovers of rural and historical fiction or anyone who just wants a great story.
The other related story concerns Letitia Rawlings who hopes to connect with her great aunt Olivia and find out what happened years before between Olivia and her sister Miriam, who is Letita’s mother. She also needs to tell her great aunt that Thorne who was the heir to her estate has died. Lettie greatly misses her brother. She also is happy to get away from her mother and the plans for her to settle on a suitor and marry Lettie off. So the trip to visit her great aunt serves more than one purpose. When Letitia finds a map with some clues she sets out to find the truth. But is knowing the truth always the best option or will it cause more heartache?
For some reason it took me a little time to get into this story. I suspect it is not the book so much s me at the moment.Once I did connect I was fully invested in the characters and their lives.
This is a carefully constructed historical novel. The characters are complex and real. I really liked Lettie, also Olivia who Lettie finds very different to the way Miriam described her. But then so is what Miriam told her about Evie. Stockman Nathaniel and Denman who took him in after his parents died are great characters. The setting is evocatively described. This is a book of family, secrets, quarrels. obsession and also includes a romance. Or more than one
This is the third book I have read by this author and all of them have been great reads
Highly recommended for lovers of rural and historical fiction or anyone who just wants a great story.
October 2, 2020
I don't typically read a lot of Australian historical fiction since it's typically not set in my time periods of interest, but I love stories about explorers and maps so the premise of this story stood out to me. This book isn't entirely about explorers (though it is about maps), but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
Firstly, Cooper creates a great sense of place: I could picture being out in the Hunter Valley, soaking in the sun and feeling the hot summer breezes. There are lots of little details about the towns and natural landmarks in the region that I found fascinating as well, and prevented this from just being another story about the nebulous Australian bush. I also loved the characters - I particularly connected with Lettie, who had such a great sense of independence and knew who she was, even when people gave her a reason to doubt herself. (As a side note, I love how all the women in this story don't necessarily fit the historical mould, but that this isn't the only thing we know or learn about them. All the women are allowed to experience the full spectrum of human emotion without ever being labelled as (un)feminine.)
If I had any quibbles it's probably that the pacing was slightly off and some of the scenes of life on the property could have been pared back a little (they were great, but there was a lot of scenes Evie and Lettie eating lunch and drinking lemonade). At one point, I thought we were near the climax, only to check and see that I still had over a third of the book left to read. But overall, I really enjoyed this book - I'm not sure it's really converted me fully to the Aust. history genre but as a starting point I'll definitely try and pick up more of Tea Cooper's work.
Firstly, Cooper creates a great sense of place: I could picture being out in the Hunter Valley, soaking in the sun and feeling the hot summer breezes. There are lots of little details about the towns and natural landmarks in the region that I found fascinating as well, and prevented this from just being another story about the nebulous Australian bush. I also loved the characters - I particularly connected with Lettie, who had such a great sense of independence and knew who she was, even when people gave her a reason to doubt herself. (As a side note, I love how all the women in this story don't necessarily fit the historical mould, but that this isn't the only thing we know or learn about them. All the women are allowed to experience the full spectrum of human emotion without ever being labelled as (un)feminine.)
If I had any quibbles it's probably that the pacing was slightly off and some of the scenes of life on the property could have been pared back a little (they were great, but there was a lot of scenes Evie and Lettie eating lunch and drinking lemonade). At one point, I thought we were near the climax, only to check and see that I still had over a third of the book left to read. But overall, I really enjoyed this book - I'm not sure it's really converted me fully to the Aust. history genre but as a starting point I'll definitely try and pick up more of Tea Cooper's work.
December 20, 2021
I have only recently discovered this author and I am very keen to read more.
This book is told in parallel timelines, one in the early 1880's the other in 1911 In rural New South Wales. In the 1880's Evie is a young woman who is fascinated with stories of explorers, in particular Ludwig Leichhardt. After her mother passes away, her father asks her to draw a map and she embellishes it with drawings of the local history.
In the 1911 timeline, Lettie is the daughter of Miriam, Evie's older sister. With a tragedy in the family, Lettie sets off from Sydney to visit her Great Aunt Olivia to try and heal a longstanding rift between her mother Miriam and Miriam's aunt.
At the Ludgrove family farm Lettie gets caught up in a family mystery of the disappearance of Evie, and hopes through searching through old papers to discover a clue as to why she disappeared and hopefully settle an enduring family feud.
A lovely piece of historical fiction and mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told in parallel timelines, one in the early 1880's the other in 1911 In rural New South Wales. In the 1880's Evie is a young woman who is fascinated with stories of explorers, in particular Ludwig Leichhardt. After her mother passes away, her father asks her to draw a map and she embellishes it with drawings of the local history.
In the 1911 timeline, Lettie is the daughter of Miriam, Evie's older sister. With a tragedy in the family, Lettie sets off from Sydney to visit her Great Aunt Olivia to try and heal a longstanding rift between her mother Miriam and Miriam's aunt.
At the Ludgrove family farm Lettie gets caught up in a family mystery of the disappearance of Evie, and hopes through searching through old papers to discover a clue as to why she disappeared and hopefully settle an enduring family feud.
A lovely piece of historical fiction and mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2022
Cooper writes amazing Australian historical fiction usually with two timeframes.
We have a family rift, dominating mothers (ie the 'right' marriage the only life option for a daughter), emotionally absent fathers, land disputes and the missing Dr Ludwig Leichhart expedition. He was a famous Australian explorer. This dominates the story.
Evie Ludgrove 1880 who is taught cartography by her father William - Obsessed with Dr Leichharts' disappearance. The Letitia (Lettie) Rawlings 1911. Both Hunter Valley settings.
Well plotted and written. Intriguing historical fact. The missing expedition to map Australia east to west was huge. The fact they had 50 bullocks gives some idea of it's scope.
Unputdownable
We have a family rift, dominating mothers (ie the 'right' marriage the only life option for a daughter), emotionally absent fathers, land disputes and the missing Dr Ludwig Leichhart expedition. He was a famous Australian explorer. This dominates the story.
Evie Ludgrove 1880 who is taught cartography by her father William - Obsessed with Dr Leichharts' disappearance. The Letitia (Lettie) Rawlings 1911. Both Hunter Valley settings.
Well plotted and written. Intriguing historical fact. The missing expedition to map Australia east to west was huge. The fact they had 50 bullocks gives some idea of it's scope.
Unputdownable
November 14, 2021
With the author living in Australia you get a true authenticity to her stories as opposed to others who write about an area they have researched but have never stepped foot in.
The descriptions and setting of the story were well received, I truly feel as though I have visited this majestic area through this book.
The dual time line has us spending time in The Hunter Valley, 1880 with Evie Ludgrove and thirty years later when Letitia Rawlings arrives at the family estate in her Ford Model T to inform her great-aunt Olivia of a loss in their family.
We find out Evie, who grew up seeing her father's obsession with Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt had set out thirty years ago to prove how Leichhardt met his end and in doing so would claim a substantial reward.
Evie is an excellent artist and charts everything in her maps. She is determined to prove her theory correct and will take her father's papers with her as well.
This book is completely spellbinding as I could not stop reading it.
I had to see if Letitia who finds a beautifully illustrated map would have any luck with this family's unsolved mystery of thirty years. The closer you get to the truth the more dangerous it may become and not all is as it seems.
I absolutely could not put this spellbinding book down!
Pub Date 16 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The descriptions and setting of the story were well received, I truly feel as though I have visited this majestic area through this book.
The dual time line has us spending time in The Hunter Valley, 1880 with Evie Ludgrove and thirty years later when Letitia Rawlings arrives at the family estate in her Ford Model T to inform her great-aunt Olivia of a loss in their family.
We find out Evie, who grew up seeing her father's obsession with Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt had set out thirty years ago to prove how Leichhardt met his end and in doing so would claim a substantial reward.
Evie is an excellent artist and charts everything in her maps. She is determined to prove her theory correct and will take her father's papers with her as well.
This book is completely spellbinding as I could not stop reading it.
I had to see if Letitia who finds a beautifully illustrated map would have any luck with this family's unsolved mystery of thirty years. The closer you get to the truth the more dangerous it may become and not all is as it seems.
I absolutely could not put this spellbinding book down!
Pub Date 16 Nov 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 27, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
‘The map of her life, every place of significance she visited, every track she’d travelled, every story Pa had told her of the vast valley they called home, the Hunter Valley.’
The Cartographer’s Secret by Tea Cooper offers a delicate union between historical fact and compelling fiction. The Cartographer’s Secret presents a remarkable voyage of adventure, exploration, mystery and family secrets via a two fold narrative. All set to a picturesque Australian stage, The Cartographer’s Secret is a delightful tale that historical fiction fans will not want to miss.
In The Cartographer’s Secret, a young woman finds herself engulfed in a search that with carry her through the history books, as she works to solve a complex puzzle from the past involving a disappearance. Linking back to the Hunter Valley in 1880, The Cartographer’s Secret introduces the figure of Evie Ludgrove, an independent spirit ahead of her time, who loves to chart the landscape in her surrounding area in map form. Through the influence of her father who greatly respected the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, Evie is inspired both those around her. When an opportunity comes Evie’s way to play a part in solving the puzzle surrounding the final fate of a famous explorer, Evie is determined to close this mystery. Turning to her father’s paperwork and archives, Evie is compelled to explore a theory she has devised about the explorer’s whereabouts, but she vanishes in the process. Some thirty years later Evie’s final fate catches the interest of her relative, Letitia Rawlings. Following the death of her beloved brother to a tragic accident, Letitia is drawn to the comfort of her great Aunt Olivia. Despite her grief, Letitia is seduced by a stunning map, which might just offer an essential clue as to the final fate of her aunt Evie, who has been missing for a number of decades. On mission to solve this usual family disappearance, Letitia begins to uncover the secrets of her family’s complex past.
A new Tea Cooper novel is always a welcome sight. Cooper’s uncanny ability to draw out fascinating and largely unknown facets of history in the form of an engaging narrative is impressive. I have nothing but praise and admiration for this gifted Australian storyteller. The Cartographer’s Secret is yet another wonderful attribute to the Tea Cooper historical catalogue. The blend of discovery, intrigue, family history, love and strong independent female characters makes Tea Cooper’s latest an unmissable read.
The Cartographer’s Secret is marked by a double narrative that crosses two time zones. With a gap of only thirty years between the featured time frames in The Cartographer’s Secret, Tea Cooper has managed to clearly present a strong evocation of time, place and circumstance. I really appreciated the opportunity to hop back into Australia past, navigating Evie’s life in 1880 and Letitia’s world in 1911. With plenty attention to the finer details of each era, which is supplemented the author’s excellent research, The Cartographer’s Secret exposes a wealth of history. I was particularly taken with the thorough focus on cartography, illustration and early exploration in Australia. Letitia’s preoccupation for motor vehicle transportation also provided a great source of enjoyment.
Tea Cooper has an aptitude for casting determined and resolute female leads. With the life she breathes into Evie, Letitia and Oliva, Cooper has succeeded in creating a female cast that the reader admires. Despite these figures appearing in the past, there is something very alluring about their lives and adventures. The support cast adds further colour and solid interplay to this tale, particularly the male family members of this story.
The disappearance and the resulting narrative puzzle we are issued with to help solve with Evie and Letitia is what kept my eyes truly glued to the pages of The Cartographer’s Secret. With a number of possible theories building in my mind and ideas to test, the race to the end proved to be surprising and plausible.
Take a trek back into Australia’s stimulating past, thanks to the masterful writing of Tea Cooper. The Cartographer’s Secret issues readers with a wonderful journey back in time, to unravel a remarkable historical conundrum. The Cartographer’s Secret is another highly commendable title from Tea Cooper.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Cartographer’s Secret is book #123 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
‘The map of her life, every place of significance she visited, every track she’d travelled, every story Pa had told her of the vast valley they called home, the Hunter Valley.’
The Cartographer’s Secret by Tea Cooper offers a delicate union between historical fact and compelling fiction. The Cartographer’s Secret presents a remarkable voyage of adventure, exploration, mystery and family secrets via a two fold narrative. All set to a picturesque Australian stage, The Cartographer’s Secret is a delightful tale that historical fiction fans will not want to miss.
In The Cartographer’s Secret, a young woman finds herself engulfed in a search that with carry her through the history books, as she works to solve a complex puzzle from the past involving a disappearance. Linking back to the Hunter Valley in 1880, The Cartographer’s Secret introduces the figure of Evie Ludgrove, an independent spirit ahead of her time, who loves to chart the landscape in her surrounding area in map form. Through the influence of her father who greatly respected the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, Evie is inspired both those around her. When an opportunity comes Evie’s way to play a part in solving the puzzle surrounding the final fate of a famous explorer, Evie is determined to close this mystery. Turning to her father’s paperwork and archives, Evie is compelled to explore a theory she has devised about the explorer’s whereabouts, but she vanishes in the process. Some thirty years later Evie’s final fate catches the interest of her relative, Letitia Rawlings. Following the death of her beloved brother to a tragic accident, Letitia is drawn to the comfort of her great Aunt Olivia. Despite her grief, Letitia is seduced by a stunning map, which might just offer an essential clue as to the final fate of her aunt Evie, who has been missing for a number of decades. On mission to solve this usual family disappearance, Letitia begins to uncover the secrets of her family’s complex past.
A new Tea Cooper novel is always a welcome sight. Cooper’s uncanny ability to draw out fascinating and largely unknown facets of history in the form of an engaging narrative is impressive. I have nothing but praise and admiration for this gifted Australian storyteller. The Cartographer’s Secret is yet another wonderful attribute to the Tea Cooper historical catalogue. The blend of discovery, intrigue, family history, love and strong independent female characters makes Tea Cooper’s latest an unmissable read.
The Cartographer’s Secret is marked by a double narrative that crosses two time zones. With a gap of only thirty years between the featured time frames in The Cartographer’s Secret, Tea Cooper has managed to clearly present a strong evocation of time, place and circumstance. I really appreciated the opportunity to hop back into Australia past, navigating Evie’s life in 1880 and Letitia’s world in 1911. With plenty attention to the finer details of each era, which is supplemented the author’s excellent research, The Cartographer’s Secret exposes a wealth of history. I was particularly taken with the thorough focus on cartography, illustration and early exploration in Australia. Letitia’s preoccupation for motor vehicle transportation also provided a great source of enjoyment.
Tea Cooper has an aptitude for casting determined and resolute female leads. With the life she breathes into Evie, Letitia and Oliva, Cooper has succeeded in creating a female cast that the reader admires. Despite these figures appearing in the past, there is something very alluring about their lives and adventures. The support cast adds further colour and solid interplay to this tale, particularly the male family members of this story.
The disappearance and the resulting narrative puzzle we are issued with to help solve with Evie and Letitia is what kept my eyes truly glued to the pages of The Cartographer’s Secret. With a number of possible theories building in my mind and ideas to test, the race to the end proved to be surprising and plausible.
Take a trek back into Australia’s stimulating past, thanks to the masterful writing of Tea Cooper. The Cartographer’s Secret issues readers with a wonderful journey back in time, to unravel a remarkable historical conundrum. The Cartographer’s Secret is another highly commendable title from Tea Cooper.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Cartographer’s Secret is book #123 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 21, 2020
‘The time has come to collate my notes and make them available to the world.’
Set in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, this novel involves two timelines, two women, some intriguing family mysteries, and a map.
In 1880, Evie Ludgrove went missing from her home at the Yellow Rock estate without a trace. Her father had
been obsessed with Dr Ludwig Leichhardt, and when The Bulletin magazine offered a £1,000 reward for proof of where he met his fate, Evie was determined to work it out. She had her father’s papers to draw on, as well as information in the archives of the Royal Geographical Society. Evie set off on her secret mission but was never seen again.
In 1911, Letitia Rawlings arrives at the Yellow Rock estate to advise her Great Aunt Olivia of a family bereavement. Letitia, driving her Model T Ford may appear to be independent, but she has some problems of her own. Her brother has died suddenly, and she is not happy with her mother’s plans. But Letitia finds that things at Yellow Rock are not exactly as her mother has portrayed them. And when she finds a map in her grandfather’s study, she wonders if she can solve the mystery of Evie’s disappearance.
I really enjoyed this novel, with its interesting female characters (especially Great Aunt Olivia) and its mysteries. There is a touch of romance as well.
If you enjoy Australian historical fiction with strong female characters, with family mysteries to puzzle and with a hint of romance, I can recommend ‘The Cartographer’s Secret’.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book
for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Set in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, this novel involves two timelines, two women, some intriguing family mysteries, and a map.
In 1880, Evie Ludgrove went missing from her home at the Yellow Rock estate without a trace. Her father had
been obsessed with Dr Ludwig Leichhardt, and when The Bulletin magazine offered a £1,000 reward for proof of where he met his fate, Evie was determined to work it out. She had her father’s papers to draw on, as well as information in the archives of the Royal Geographical Society. Evie set off on her secret mission but was never seen again.
In 1911, Letitia Rawlings arrives at the Yellow Rock estate to advise her Great Aunt Olivia of a family bereavement. Letitia, driving her Model T Ford may appear to be independent, but she has some problems of her own. Her brother has died suddenly, and she is not happy with her mother’s plans. But Letitia finds that things at Yellow Rock are not exactly as her mother has portrayed them. And when she finds a map in her grandfather’s study, she wonders if she can solve the mystery of Evie’s disappearance.
I really enjoyed this novel, with its interesting female characters (especially Great Aunt Olivia) and its mysteries. There is a touch of romance as well.
If you enjoy Australian historical fiction with strong female characters, with family mysteries to puzzle and with a hint of romance, I can recommend ‘The Cartographer’s Secret’.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book
for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 1, 2021
I’m drawn to hist fic written by Aussies, although I’ve never been Down Under but I certainly feel like I have after reading The Cartographer’s Secret by Tea Cooper.
The descriptions are absolutely glorious, the dual timeline narrative is gripping, there are mysteries surrounding a missing young woman searching to discover the fate of famous Australian explorer Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt. Plus maps and family secrets, romance and more. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 16 Nov 2021
#TheCartographersSecret #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
Read
December 29, 2020Once again Tea Cooper has taken me on a historical journey to solve a mystery and uncover family secrets that have pulled a family apart, set in The Hunter Valley in 1880 and 1911 we get to know Evie Ludgrove and then Letitia Rawlings, as Letitia sets out on an adventure to search for answers from the past, beautifully written an enthralling story that brings the past to life.
Evie loves living at Yellow Rock, she loves her father and drawing and mapping the area, her father has always been obsessed with the famous explorer DR Ludwig Leichardt and she loves helping where ever she can. Evie is missing her father as he is in Sydney with her sister Miriam, she is working on a map and collating her father’s notes as requested when she finds an advertisement in The Bulletin offering one thousand pound reward for information on Leichardt and Evie is so very determined that she can do this, Evie sets off keeping secrets and not telling her Aunt Olivia about her quest and vanished without a trace.
Lettie lives in Sydney with her parents and her brother, Thorne when a tragedy happens Lettie leaves Sydney and heads to Yellow Rock in the Model T Ford that belonged to her brother, she needs some time to work her life out and come to terms with what has happened she is also there to let Great Aunt Olivia what has happened, but when she gets there she discovers that there is a lot that her mother has never told her. Olivia welcomes her with open arms and is soon telling her about Evie, Lettie is now determined to uncover what happened to Evie thirty years ago with the help of a beautiful map that she has discovered, and now the adventure begins.
This story had me savouring every word wanting to get to end and find out what had happened but not wanting it to end, what a fabulous story words woven together with fact and fiction, characters who are so real and alive on the pages, I almost felt like I was driving along in the motor with Lettie and climbing Yellow Rock and drawing with Evie. There are so many characters in this story to love, Olivia is honest and true to herself whereas Miriam her niece has lived in a totally different world. I loved Evie and Lettie they both showed strength in different ways, Evie Vulnerable and wanting to prove to her father what she could do and Lettie finally found herself in this one, there is a lovely romance and it is an awesome story one that I highly recommend, you won’t want to put this one down so clear some reading time.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Harlequin Au for my digital ARC to read and review.
Evie loves living at Yellow Rock, she loves her father and drawing and mapping the area, her father has always been obsessed with the famous explorer DR Ludwig Leichardt and she loves helping where ever she can. Evie is missing her father as he is in Sydney with her sister Miriam, she is working on a map and collating her father’s notes as requested when she finds an advertisement in The Bulletin offering one thousand pound reward for information on Leichardt and Evie is so very determined that she can do this, Evie sets off keeping secrets and not telling her Aunt Olivia about her quest and vanished without a trace.
Lettie lives in Sydney with her parents and her brother, Thorne when a tragedy happens Lettie leaves Sydney and heads to Yellow Rock in the Model T Ford that belonged to her brother, she needs some time to work her life out and come to terms with what has happened she is also there to let Great Aunt Olivia what has happened, but when she gets there she discovers that there is a lot that her mother has never told her. Olivia welcomes her with open arms and is soon telling her about Evie, Lettie is now determined to uncover what happened to Evie thirty years ago with the help of a beautiful map that she has discovered, and now the adventure begins.
This story had me savouring every word wanting to get to end and find out what had happened but not wanting it to end, what a fabulous story words woven together with fact and fiction, characters who are so real and alive on the pages, I almost felt like I was driving along in the motor with Lettie and climbing Yellow Rock and drawing with Evie. There are so many characters in this story to love, Olivia is honest and true to herself whereas Miriam her niece has lived in a totally different world. I loved Evie and Lettie they both showed strength in different ways, Evie Vulnerable and wanting to prove to her father what she could do and Lettie finally found herself in this one, there is a lovely romance and it is an awesome story one that I highly recommend, you won’t want to put this one down so clear some reading time.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Harlequin Au for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 3, 2021
Despite it centering on the disappearance of a young woman, this is a very sweet story. Initially, it switches between two timelines, telling the related stories of Evie Ludgrove in the 1880s and her niece, Lettie in 1911. I thought some of the Evie story a tad tedious, and was glad when Lettie’s tale became primary. It was interesting to read historical fiction from Australia and I liked the strong female protagonists, Evie, Lettie, and, especially Oliva, Evie’s aunt. The author’s descriptions of time and place were evocative; I could almost feel the warm, humid weather and smell many of the scents described. Throw in some family intrigue and this was an enjoyable read.
November 29, 2020
I really enjoyed The Cartographer's Secret by Tea Cooper.
I've always had a fascination with maps and I'm familiar with this area where Evie's map is set around the Wollombi and Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
It tells an interesting story.
I've always had a fascination with maps and I'm familiar with this area where Evie's map is set around the Wollombi and Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
It tells an interesting story.
November 10, 2020
A new Australian historical fiction book by Tea Cooper always gives reason to celebrate. So many of her previous works are both engaging and masterfully crafted tales of mystery and intrigue that allow her readers to journey alongside strong heroines and enticing tales. In her latest, The Cartographer’s Secret, Tea once again provides the perfect blend of fact and fiction in this riveting historical mystery.
‘The past twelve months have taught me that we must take what we can when it is offered,
pay no heed to convention and expectation. We must grab happiness in both hands and embrace it.’
A dual time narrative (on this occasion) not separated by that many years. This is the story of a mysterious disappearance. Filled with engaging characters who have hidden secrets, there is much heartache and tragedy. In 1880 Evie is so sweet and so very talented - I love that the publishers included her map for us to pour over. It is exquisite. In 1911 we have Letitia (Lettie) and she is such a woman of her time, driving cars and searching for her purpose. In her attempts to solve the family mystery, does she dig a little too far and cause nothing but further upset and disruption?
‘... in that moment Lettie understood, understood that both she and Olivia carried the same pain. A pain that would never go away, should never go away. Because love and loss hurt. She couldn’t give up now, she owed it to Olivia, to help her at least find closure.’
In both timelines the angst, guilt and sense of loss is palpable. Tea invites you into what, for many, is a hard existence on the land and she opens that proverbial window to life on the land at the turn of the 20th century. This brings me onto the setting - The Hunter Valley region. Stunningly portrayed. Both the detail and research provided by Tea leaps off the page - what joy to read passages with such depth of feeling about the Australian outback. From the harsh reality of fire to beautiful blazing sunsets, Tea makes you feel as if you are there.
What an outstanding array of Aussie authors we are currently blest with! Congratulations Tea on once again proving your prose is up there with the best. From strong protagonists, to family drama and mystery, to taking in the breathtaking vistas of the bush - I can highly recommend the tale that is, The Cartographer’s Secret.
‘Evie tilted her face to the sun and threw out her arms to embrace the view that encompassed her world: from the ancient rocks beneath her bare feet to the distant horizon where the pale pink clouds marked the division between reality and mystery. All she needed and all she had ever wanted. This was her place, where she belonged.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘The past twelve months have taught me that we must take what we can when it is offered,
pay no heed to convention and expectation. We must grab happiness in both hands and embrace it.’
A dual time narrative (on this occasion) not separated by that many years. This is the story of a mysterious disappearance. Filled with engaging characters who have hidden secrets, there is much heartache and tragedy. In 1880 Evie is so sweet and so very talented - I love that the publishers included her map for us to pour over. It is exquisite. In 1911 we have Letitia (Lettie) and she is such a woman of her time, driving cars and searching for her purpose. In her attempts to solve the family mystery, does she dig a little too far and cause nothing but further upset and disruption?
‘... in that moment Lettie understood, understood that both she and Olivia carried the same pain. A pain that would never go away, should never go away. Because love and loss hurt. She couldn’t give up now, she owed it to Olivia, to help her at least find closure.’
In both timelines the angst, guilt and sense of loss is palpable. Tea invites you into what, for many, is a hard existence on the land and she opens that proverbial window to life on the land at the turn of the 20th century. This brings me onto the setting - The Hunter Valley region. Stunningly portrayed. Both the detail and research provided by Tea leaps off the page - what joy to read passages with such depth of feeling about the Australian outback. From the harsh reality of fire to beautiful blazing sunsets, Tea makes you feel as if you are there.
What an outstanding array of Aussie authors we are currently blest with! Congratulations Tea on once again proving your prose is up there with the best. From strong protagonists, to family drama and mystery, to taking in the breathtaking vistas of the bush - I can highly recommend the tale that is, The Cartographer’s Secret.
‘Evie tilted her face to the sun and threw out her arms to embrace the view that encompassed her world: from the ancient rocks beneath her bare feet to the distant horizon where the pale pink clouds marked the division between reality and mystery. All she needed and all she had ever wanted. This was her place, where she belonged.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
October 30, 2020
*3-3.5 Stars*
ARC kindly received via NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of past meets present when Lettie goes to see her Aunt Olivia and begins to learn much more about her family. Things she hadn't been told by her mother previously. She discovers that Evie had gone missing, and begins the search for the truth, to see if she can find out what really happened.
I found myself intrigued about the story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other book I've read buy this author, The Girl in the Painting. I liked both Lettie and Olivia, and I didn't mind Nathaniel and Denman, but thats about it. The story was interesting to unravel, but at the same time I was a bit disappointed by the end result. There were a few things that surprised me, that I wasn't expecting, but overall I wasn't wowed by it.
I enjoyed the book once I got into it, it just wasn't a fave.
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ARC kindly received via NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of past meets present when Lettie goes to see her Aunt Olivia and begins to learn much more about her family. Things she hadn't been told by her mother previously. She discovers that Evie had gone missing, and begins the search for the truth, to see if she can find out what really happened.
I found myself intrigued about the story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the other book I've read buy this author, The Girl in the Painting. I liked both Lettie and Olivia, and I didn't mind Nathaniel and Denman, but thats about it. The story was interesting to unravel, but at the same time I was a bit disappointed by the end result. There were a few things that surprised me, that I wasn't expecting, but overall I wasn't wowed by it.
I enjoyed the book once I got into it, it just wasn't a fave.
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November 17, 2021
Family secrets amidst the Australian landscape
Once more a richly interwoven story that spreads across the Australian landscape of the lushly appointed Hunter Valley region.
Two women become immersed in their individual trajectories as family secrets are uncovered, and a deep historical mystery is given prominence—the disappearance of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt of the face of the continent. One of the greatest puzzles of Australian European history.
Spanning the years of 1880, the story centres around Evie Maynard and her mapping skills and is picked up in 1911 with Letitia Rawlings. Lettie’s family has been estranged from Great-Aunt Olivia Maynard. The whys are unknown. A family tragedy leaves the Maynards, particularly Lettie reeling. She volunteers to inform their great aunt of events. Anything to get away. The devastated Lettie travels to her great aunt’s home at Wollombi. It’s here the family mystery deepens. It’s here her Aunt Evie is revealed. As secrets unravel we’re treated to classic Tea Cooper—fascinating story telling and superb prose. Cooper’s writing compels—I can smell the bush, I hear “ cry of the koels, the squawk of the black cockatoos as they fought over the nuts high in the casuarina tree.” I’m swept back on Country, and in Time. A willing captive.
Enthralling!
A Harper Muse ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Once more a richly interwoven story that spreads across the Australian landscape of the lushly appointed Hunter Valley region.
Two women become immersed in their individual trajectories as family secrets are uncovered, and a deep historical mystery is given prominence—the disappearance of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt of the face of the continent. One of the greatest puzzles of Australian European history.
Spanning the years of 1880, the story centres around Evie Maynard and her mapping skills and is picked up in 1911 with Letitia Rawlings. Lettie’s family has been estranged from Great-Aunt Olivia Maynard. The whys are unknown. A family tragedy leaves the Maynards, particularly Lettie reeling. She volunteers to inform their great aunt of events. Anything to get away. The devastated Lettie travels to her great aunt’s home at Wollombi. It’s here the family mystery deepens. It’s here her Aunt Evie is revealed. As secrets unravel we’re treated to classic Tea Cooper—fascinating story telling and superb prose. Cooper’s writing compels—I can smell the bush, I hear “ cry of the koels, the squawk of the black cockatoos as they fought over the nuts high in the casuarina tree.” I’m swept back on Country, and in Time. A willing captive.
Enthralling!
A Harper Muse ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
August 5, 2022
A fascinating historical mystery set in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales in Australia. This is a family saga with mystery, secrets, and romance interwoven with historical exploration in a narrative presented in dual timelines of 1880 and 1911.
1880 – Evie Ludgrove is the youngest daughter and eagerly used her artistic skill to create a map of her home and stories her father has shared. Called to her father’s office she is given the assignment to complete while he is in Sydney arranging his older daughter Miriam’s wedding. At first jealous of her sister, Evie is excited by her father’s confidence that she can organize his field notes, journals, and letters. When Evie’s father returns they will create a comprehensive book together of the full and true story of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
1911 - Letitia Rawlings is the daughter of Miriam and is traveling to the estate at Yellow Rock. Letitia will tell of the loss of her brother Thorne to Great Aunt Olivia Maynard. But spending time in Yellow Rock begins to reveal more about Letitia’s family than she could have ever possibly imagined.
When I am reading Tea Cooper’s writing I am immersed in her atmospheric and lyrical writing. I referred to Evie’s Map multiple times while reading the novel and each time I was led through the description to focus on a particular area of the map there was a new detail that I would have otherwise missed and enhanced my overall reading experience. As the story unfolds the reader takes a journey with the characters. On the journey, the reader simultaneously wants to turn pages quickly to reveal the mystery and secrets and yet in some ways never wants the story to end.
I encourage all readers to take the time to read the Historical Note at the end of the novel that unfolds its secrets of the historical facts that became the inception for weaving the facts with her creativity. It’s a beautiful tribute to early cartographers. It was quite a surprise to learn that most were women but men received credit as husbands signed the maps in family businesses.
Book Club readers will appreciate the author's provision of Discussion Questions at the end of the novel.
1880 – Evie Ludgrove is the youngest daughter and eagerly used her artistic skill to create a map of her home and stories her father has shared. Called to her father’s office she is given the assignment to complete while he is in Sydney arranging his older daughter Miriam’s wedding. At first jealous of her sister, Evie is excited by her father’s confidence that she can organize his field notes, journals, and letters. When Evie’s father returns they will create a comprehensive book together of the full and true story of explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
1911 - Letitia Rawlings is the daughter of Miriam and is traveling to the estate at Yellow Rock. Letitia will tell of the loss of her brother Thorne to Great Aunt Olivia Maynard. But spending time in Yellow Rock begins to reveal more about Letitia’s family than she could have ever possibly imagined.
When I am reading Tea Cooper’s writing I am immersed in her atmospheric and lyrical writing. I referred to Evie’s Map multiple times while reading the novel and each time I was led through the description to focus on a particular area of the map there was a new detail that I would have otherwise missed and enhanced my overall reading experience. As the story unfolds the reader takes a journey with the characters. On the journey, the reader simultaneously wants to turn pages quickly to reveal the mystery and secrets and yet in some ways never wants the story to end.
I encourage all readers to take the time to read the Historical Note at the end of the novel that unfolds its secrets of the historical facts that became the inception for weaving the facts with her creativity. It’s a beautiful tribute to early cartographers. It was quite a surprise to learn that most were women but men received credit as husbands signed the maps in family businesses.
Book Club readers will appreciate the author's provision of Discussion Questions at the end of the novel.
October 19, 2020
Once again Tea Copper takes us on a trip through outback Australia in the Hunter Valley, this time in 1880 and 1911, to uncover secrets that have been unknown for years.
Drawing on the true mystery of Dr Ludwig Leichhardt's disappearance whilst exploring from the East Coast to the West Coast, we meet Evie in 1880 whose father's obsession with the explorer takes her on a mission to try to discover what happened to Leichhardt.
In 1911, we meet Letitia, who after the loss of her brother is drawn to meet her Great Aunt Olivia who still lives on the family estate waiting for Evie to return. Letitia is tasked with sorting out her Grandfather's study and trying to discover what happened to Evie.
I loved how headstrong and independent these women were, determined they could do things as well as any man. There is a supernatural feel to the connection that Letitia feels for Evie, and I enjoyed that connection. Olivia was a great character and I felt she was a wonderful role model for Letitia to have finally met, especially as Letitia's mother is not the sort of role model an independent woman like Letitia would have needed. I really liked Nathaniel who is intrigued by Letitia and I liked the attraction between these two a lot.
I found cartography and the way that Evie illustrated the maps to be really interesting and would love to see these kinds of maps for myself. I can only imagine the difficulties involved in mapping this vast country of our back then and am not surprised that many people went missing, never to be discovered again.
This was an entertaining read with plenty of mysteries and a touch of romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
Drawing on the true mystery of Dr Ludwig Leichhardt's disappearance whilst exploring from the East Coast to the West Coast, we meet Evie in 1880 whose father's obsession with the explorer takes her on a mission to try to discover what happened to Leichhardt.
In 1911, we meet Letitia, who after the loss of her brother is drawn to meet her Great Aunt Olivia who still lives on the family estate waiting for Evie to return. Letitia is tasked with sorting out her Grandfather's study and trying to discover what happened to Evie.
I loved how headstrong and independent these women were, determined they could do things as well as any man. There is a supernatural feel to the connection that Letitia feels for Evie, and I enjoyed that connection. Olivia was a great character and I felt she was a wonderful role model for Letitia to have finally met, especially as Letitia's mother is not the sort of role model an independent woman like Letitia would have needed. I really liked Nathaniel who is intrigued by Letitia and I liked the attraction between these two a lot.
I found cartography and the way that Evie illustrated the maps to be really interesting and would love to see these kinds of maps for myself. I can only imagine the difficulties involved in mapping this vast country of our back then and am not surprised that many people went missing, never to be discovered again.
This was an entertaining read with plenty of mysteries and a touch of romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
December 23, 2021
I enjoyed this historical fiction set in Australia. It prompted me to research Dr.
Ludwig Leichhardt before finishing the story and that added to my understanding of the story and geography as I listened to it. I was surprised that Tea Cooper had decided on the book's setting and focus before discovering Dr. Leichhardt and the trove of primary and secondary sources on him! I liked the characters --- especially the strong unconventional women. Nice to have a touch of romance to sweeten the nasty hidden family secrets! This was a welcome change of pace for me from the heavier non-fiction I've been immersed in lately!
COMMENT: the drawn art's role in this book reminded me of the figures drawn on the wall by the (recently murdered) artist Jane Neal--Louise Penny's Still Life Being able to tell stories by little figures caught my fancy.
Ludwig Leichhardt before finishing the story and that added to my understanding of the story and geography as I listened to it. I was surprised that Tea Cooper had decided on the book's setting and focus before discovering Dr. Leichhardt and the trove of primary and secondary sources on him! I liked the characters --- especially the strong unconventional women. Nice to have a touch of romance to sweeten the nasty hidden family secrets! This was a welcome change of pace for me from the heavier non-fiction I've been immersed in lately!
COMMENT: the drawn art's role in this book reminded me of the figures drawn on the wall by the (recently murdered) artist Jane Neal--Louise Penny's Still Life Being able to tell stories by little figures caught my fancy.
March 11, 2021
A good story set in the Hunter Valley. Not sure if the mystery was clearly solved but I got the gist. Worth a read.
April 12, 2025
I'm enjoying this author's books. Great stories!
March 18, 2022
This is my first Tea Cooper novel and I enjoyed it greatly. The plot has a mystery at its heart and I was very happy to go along with the resolution. My only criticism is that the novel took ages to reach its conclusion.
April 10, 2022
Beautiful sense of place and historical context spoilt by contrived plotting.
January 16, 2021
Always enjoy reading Tea Cooper and her latest novel was another pleasurable reading experience. A terrific blend of drama, intrigue and romance set in the two time settings in the late 19th and early 20th century in the Hunter region of NSW. Love these types of novels that provide interesting historical information with characters that enjoy a sense of adventure and discovery. After just studying a unit on Place/Image/Object as part of a Diploma of Family History I particularly enjoyed that the story was based on a beautiful annotated map created by one of the characters - this was at the heart of the storyline and it really resonated. Look forward to Tea's next novel, they are always a wonderful blend of fact and fiction.
December 12, 2021
Fans of Kate Morton will enjoy this split time novel by Tea Cooper. Ms. Cooper skillfully parcels out the clues from the earlier story surrounding the disappearance of Evie Ludgrove. As Lettie Rawlings travels to an old family estate, grieving the death of her brother, she seeks to unearth answers for the tragedy that had divided the family for 30 years.
I found myself lost within the pages of this riveting family mystery. My favorite type of story is one that involves old family secrets that have the power to haunt future generations. I absolutely loved the fact that Ms. Cooper used an old map as the focus point to tell the secrets of the past. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I found myself lost within the pages of this riveting family mystery. My favorite type of story is one that involves old family secrets that have the power to haunt future generations. I absolutely loved the fact that Ms. Cooper used an old map as the focus point to tell the secrets of the past. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2020
What a time for Australian female writers and for Australian Historical fiction!! Have previously read Tea Cooper and enjoyed her strong female characters. Evie and Lettie are no exception!
June 19, 2021
**This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
3 stars
The Cartographer’s Secret is a historical fiction mystery romance novel. I like all of these genres, and I particularly love seeing them mixed together, so this book should be right up my alley; and indeed, I enjoyed it. However, perhaps the proportions weren’t quite right, because to me this book ‘got the job done’ but didn’t stick out to me in any particular way.
The story follows a dual timeline: Evie, in 1981, is a 17-year-old artist and amateur cartographer who hopes to win her father’s approval by making a map of a famous explorer’s final journey, and perhaps solve the mystery of his disappearance. Lettie, in 1910, is Evie’s 25-year-old niece, who hopes to solve the mystery of why Evie disappeared in 1981. The two young women are strikingly similar to those who meet them, and during her search Lettie feels closer and closer to her vanished aunt.
The story begins surprisingly slowly; Lettie does not learn about and decide to begin searching for Evie until about page 150. The buildup is beautifully written and certainly sets us in turn-of-the-century Australia, but I didn’t get the emotional connection to the characters that I would want to hang about for that long before the first big plot hook.
While I love a mystery romance, in this case I think the story would have benefitted from cutting the romance entirely from the mystery. Nathaniel and Lettie’s romance was stilted and felt more tacked-on than anything. It also contributed to a sense I had that Lettie was a rather wishy-washy character; I enjoyed her chapters significantly less than I enjoyed Evie’s, which is a problem. A multiple-perspective or dual-timeline story only works when I as a reader am equally invested in both of the perspectives/timelines.
There is plenty to enjoy about the novel. The period setting is meticulously portrayed, and the integration of details about early settlers and mid-nineteenth-century interior exploration was handled beautifully. It was in the characters, and the way that the various sub-plots were woven together and paced, that this novel failed to wow me.
3 stars
The Cartographer’s Secret is a historical fiction mystery romance novel. I like all of these genres, and I particularly love seeing them mixed together, so this book should be right up my alley; and indeed, I enjoyed it. However, perhaps the proportions weren’t quite right, because to me this book ‘got the job done’ but didn’t stick out to me in any particular way.
The story follows a dual timeline: Evie, in 1981, is a 17-year-old artist and amateur cartographer who hopes to win her father’s approval by making a map of a famous explorer’s final journey, and perhaps solve the mystery of his disappearance. Lettie, in 1910, is Evie’s 25-year-old niece, who hopes to solve the mystery of why Evie disappeared in 1981. The two young women are strikingly similar to those who meet them, and during her search Lettie feels closer and closer to her vanished aunt.
The story begins surprisingly slowly; Lettie does not learn about and decide to begin searching for Evie until about page 150. The buildup is beautifully written and certainly sets us in turn-of-the-century Australia, but I didn’t get the emotional connection to the characters that I would want to hang about for that long before the first big plot hook.
While I love a mystery romance, in this case I think the story would have benefitted from cutting the romance entirely from the mystery. Nathaniel and Lettie’s romance was stilted and felt more tacked-on than anything. It also contributed to a sense I had that Lettie was a rather wishy-washy character; I enjoyed her chapters significantly less than I enjoyed Evie’s, which is a problem. A multiple-perspective or dual-timeline story only works when I as a reader am equally invested in both of the perspectives/timelines.
There is plenty to enjoy about the novel. The period setting is meticulously portrayed, and the integration of details about early settlers and mid-nineteenth-century interior exploration was handled beautifully. It was in the characters, and the way that the various sub-plots were woven together and paced, that this novel failed to wow me.
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