In 1956 in Malibu, California, three women forge unexpected friendships. Actress Melanie Cole was on the brink of stardom, receiving glowing reviews for her new movie alongside Carson Edwards. The studio promoted a romance between them for publicity, and when Carson was blacklisted due to his connections with known communists, Melanie was blacklisted too. Carson rented a house for Melanie on Paradise Circle in Malibu for her privacy. Melanie befriended her neighbor Elwood Blankenship, a screenwriter who became reclusive following a terrible car accident, with his widowed sister-in-law June caring for him. Eva Kruse was employed as Melanie's housekeeper. She is believed to be a Polish refugee from a Displaced Persons camp, yet she is not being truthful about her past. Eva fears that Melanie is being watched, which would endanger her safety. Melanie sends Eva to the Blankenship house to check on Elwood, who seems to have vanished. Secrets, lies, and the threat of a natural disaster bring Melanie, Eva, and June together.
A Map to Paradise is an engaging historical novel by Susan Meissner, a favorite of mine. Setting the story during the McCarthy era offers an interesting look at the Red Scare and the Hollywood blacklist. It was a dark chapter in American history. Despite facing very different challenges, Melanie, Eva, and June share a common strength and resilience. They have no option but to help one another. Most of Meissner's novels have been highly emotional. This latest book may not tug at the heartstrings as much as the others, but that didn't make it less likable. I enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for the advance.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: March 18, 2025.
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