Largely set in New York City in the early years of the 20th century, the novel follows the exploits of three writers working to create children's series (think Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys).Robert Parrish s childhood obsession with series books like the Hardy Boys and Tom Swift inspired him to become an author. Just as his debut novel becomes a bestseller, his relationship with his girlfriend, Rebecca, begins to fall apart. Robert realizes he must confront his secret demons by fulfilling a youthful promise to solve a mystery surrounding his favorite series the Tremendous Trio.

Guided by twelve tattered books and an unidentified but tantalizing fragment of a story, Robert journeys into the history of the books that changed his life, hoping they can help him once again. His odyssey takes him to 1906 Manhattan, a time of steamboats, boot blacks, and Fifth Avenue mansions, but every discovery he makes only leads to more questions.

Robert s quest intertwines with the stories of three young people trying to define their places in the world at the dawn of a new and exciting century. Magda, Gene, and Tom not only write the children s books that Robert will one day love, together they explore the vibrant city on their doorstep, from the Polo Grounds to Coney Island s Dreamland, drawing the reader into the Gilded Age as their own friendships deepen.

The connections between the authors, their creations, and Robert s redemptive journey make for a beautifully crafted novel that is an ode to the children s series books of our past, to New York City, and above all, to the power of love and friendship.