The Lock Artist

"The Lock Artist" is one of the more original mysteries I've read recently. I quickly found myself totally immersed in Michael's life. He may be a criminal, but he is very easy to sympathize with, which I believe is largely due to his strong inner conscience. He sometimes ignores this voice in his head, but it's a trait that makes him very human and a bad guy that you want to root for.

There are actually two mysteries converging in this novel—Michael's fascinating back-story showing how his present situation evolved and how his current predicament plays out. This psychological tug of war trumps the actual crimes taking place in the story. There is also a touching thread as Michael falls in love and attempts to communicate with his girlfriend. They are both artistic and since he is mute, their love notes take the form of a graphic comic book—very original and engaging. In short, a great mystery that will appeal to anyone who enjoys complex characters, crime fiction, and a good story.

Awards: Edgar Award for Best Novel • Alex Award winner

Steve Hamilton steps away from his Edgar Award–winning Alex McKnight series to introduce a unique new character, unlike anyone you've ever seen in the world of crime fiction.

“I was the Miracle Boy, once upon a time. Later on, the Milford Mute. The Golden Boy. The Young Ghost. The Kid. The Boxman. The Lock Artist. That was all me. But you can call me Mike.”

Marked by tragedy, traumatized at the age of eight, Michael, now eighteen, is no ordinary young man. Besides not uttering a single word in ten years, he discovers the one thing he can somehow do better than anyone else. Whether it's a locked door without a key, a padlock with no combination, or even an eight-hundred-pound safe... he can open them all.

It's an unforgivable talent—a talent that will make young Michael a hot commodity with the wrong people and, whether he likes it or not, push him ever closer to a life of crime. Until he finally sees his chance to escape, and with one desperate gamble risks everything to come back home to the only person he ever loved, and to unlock the secret that has kept him silent for so long.

1. How do you think the tragedy Michael experienced as a child influenced the choices he made as an adult? At what point in one's life is the past no longer an excuse for bad decisions?

2. In what ways did Michael's uncle help or hurt him? Did he provide proper guidance? Did his actions contribute to Michael's outcome? Should he have known more about Michael's involvement with the unsavory characters he became mixed up with?

3. Michael often listens to his inner voice; he has morals and a conscience, yet gets tangled with criminals. Is this because he had no options?

4. Is it realistic for Michael to risk his life for Amelia? What fuels their relationship—loneliness, first love, a common bond?

5. Do Michael's actions demonstrate courage or cowardice? Would your answer differ if he hadn't survived the tragedy at age eight?

6. How effective is the author's technique of using a silent main character? Did this enhance the mystery? Did Michael's silence make you consider the difficulty of being unable to speak?

7. Amelia's father is manipulative. Was it acceptable to sacrifice Michael for his daughter's safety? How much did he contribute to Michael's downfall? Did he compromise his daughter in any way? Does the end ever justify the means?

8. Which characters, if any, grew over the course of the book? Did any traits provoke thought or teach you something? Were the right people punished?

9. How well does the book examine the effects of trauma on children? Which threads or actions in particular address this? Can a child overcome a tragedy like Michael's?

10. Discuss the redemptive power of art and the impact of peer acceptance—both in the novel and in real life.

11. Considering the outcomes, do you think Michael regretted his decisions?

12. The author shifts between past and present and gradually converges the two. Did this structure suit the story? Was it seamless or confusing at times?

This mystery is also a moving story about a young man who survived a terrible childhood tragedy. It opens discussion on the effects of trauma and the redemptive quality of love. Michael's original voice, his art, and the ethical gray areas of crime versus survival make this a lively, thought-provoking pick packed with suspense and originality.