Key (Politz)

When Clay and Lynn Sinclair inherit the home of Lynn's great-aunt Mitzi upon her death, they discover a mysterious box of keys hidden away with a cipher meant just for them. After decoding the cipher, they discover that the keys will open something in every state in the U.S. and Washington D.C. Before their deaths, Mitzi and her husband, Sid, created the adventure of a lifetime for Clay and Lynn. Newly retired, but still young enough for adventure, the Sinclairs embark on the quest that was left for them. Starting in their home state of Louisiana and working their way to each state in the order Aunt Mitzi intended, they head east and up the Atlantic coast. As they figure out the clues from the cipher along the way and collect items in each place where the keys fit, they uncover information about Aunt Mitzi and Uncle Sid's past. They find answers they didn't know they were looking for in their own lives. Lynn discovers what she needs within herself to finally express her innermost secrets to Clay, while still wondering what he's keeping from her. Book one of this series ends in Maine at a dead end, and the Sinclairs don't know where to turn. How will they continue without this piece of the puzzle? What other unknowns lie ahead that may affect their future?

As the follow-up to Key Moments, this installment picks up where the first book ended. Clay and Lynn continue their epic road trip across the United States, decoding clues that lead them to items Lynn's deceased great-aunt Mitzi left for them in specific places in each state. As each clue is figured out, a corresponding key opens a lock at that destination, which reveals their prize. Most of the treasures they find are family heirlooms, but they also receive a rare surprise and a shocking addition to their list of assets, along with more letters from Aunt Mitzi that were left at some of their locations. During their quest, Clay and Lynn go off course and take a few more side trips, enhancing their adventure. They continue to learn things about each other and themselves. When Clay reveals some news to Lynn regarding an issue from her past, she feels betrayed and questions the direction her life has taken. The information she learns causes deep friction between Clay and Lynn, and the aftermath leads to disaster.