How many factual mistakes can exist in a work of fiction?

[eddie]

This book is a prime example why authors invent fictional locations based on real ones. Sharp situates the book in a real town (not so small) and references real places. He apparently spent some time with Google but the number of mistakes and inaccuracies are ridiculous. For people unfamiliar with the real setting, this isn't a problem, but for people who are it makes the book extremely difficult reading. From mistaken school mascots, to misunderstood school divisions, to descriptions of geography that do not match the actual geography, to imaginary policies at the real places referenced, the factual inaccuracies are constant stumbling blocks in the flow of the story.