This was supposed to be my weekend read but I just couldnt wait to start it and got so drawn in the plot that I finished reading it in a few hours.
The Plot:
The book begins with a daring heist-a theft of the original manuscripts of the five novels written by F.Scott Fitzgerald from Princeton University's Firestone Library.These priceless manuscripts are sent into the rare books black-market.
Bruce Cable,owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida.But he is a prominent dealer in rare books and manuscripts (stolen or otherwise) and is said to have a vault in the basement of his bookstore specially intended for that purpose.
Mercer Mann ,a young novelist with a writers block and recently laid off from her teaching position is hired to get close to Cable and learn his secrets by infiltrating his circle of literary friends.
To complicate matters,one of the thieves also lands up in the same town and is in search of the manuscripts for himself.
What does all this lead to?Does Mercer fall deeper into the trap?
My Views:
I loved this book and finished it in a single sitting.I was completely taken aback because I had expected a legal thriller and this story came as a total surprise.A good surprise!
I loved the characters and the fast-paced story.It didnt take me long to immerse myself in the plot.Moreover it delved into the world of books and writers and it was thoroughly enjoyable to read about the authors gathering on the island.Their quirks,their alcoholic binges,the literary snobs,the 'vampire girl' who hits pay dirt with a series about vampires and ghosts.Never a dull moment in this book.
The setting of the book was rather charming.The beautiful quaint beach town was somewhere I would gladly pack my bags and go to.
Mercer learns more than she expects to and has a tough time making a decision.The characters were all too human and very real.
I didnt really know much about antiquarian bookselling and this offered me a peek into that very fascinating world.I was instantly transported into Bruce Cable's wonderful bookstore and could actually touch the mylar encased books.
The ending was just like I wanted it.It just couldnt have ended any other way.
Excellent book and highly recommended.
Go grab your copy now!
I rate it a 4 and a half out of 5.
