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I loved everything about “A Map to Paradise” by Susan Meissner. I am a huge fan, and I highly recommend this memorable, emotional and thought-provoking novel to others. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Mystery,Suspense, Thriller, Adult Fiction, Friendship Fiction, and 20th Century Historical Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in 1956, and the setting is in Malibu California. This is the time of the Hollywood blacklist. In this well written novel, the author vividly captures the beautiful scenery, and describes her colorful, suspenseful and dramatic characters. The three women characters that reside on Paradise Circle in California are Melanie Cole, a blacklisted actress, the housekeeper Eva, who is harboring secrets, and the neighbor June, who is the sister in law of an agoraphobic writer.
Melanie and Eva notice that June is working in her brother-in-law’s garden with beautiful rose bushes. Although he doesn’t leave the house, he often will talk through the window to Melanie. When Melanie hasn’t spoken to June’s brother, she wonders where he is. Somehow, the unlikely trio of women seem to be connected by mystery and suspense.
I appreciate how Susan Meissner discusses the historical implications of the Hollywood blacklist, mental illness, displaced persons after the war, the importance of friendship, communication, honesty, trust, love and hope. I highly recommend this captivating and intriguing novel.
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