Bibliography: Hamilton, Steve. (2010). The Lock Artist. New York: St. Martin’s Press. ISBN: 9780312380427
Plot Summary: Michael is writing down his story from jail, trying to find his voice lost when childhood tragedy struck and left him mute. He tells of his uncle, the only family he had left, the art class and talent for drawing that helped save him, his party trick talent for picking locks that led to his career as a boxman, the dangerous people he associated with because of it, and the girl he still loves who held the key to unlocking his past.
Critical Analysis: From almost the first page, Hamilton hooks the reader with Mike’s voice. Unique, interesting, it draws you into the story and makes you want to keep reading to discover what happened to cause him to stop speaking. (It is unclear whether he can’t or simply won’t speak.) In addition, Hamilton chooses to have Mike tell his story non-linearly, so the reader knows eventually we will be told what happened those many years before, but we don’t know when we will exactly find out.
The secondary cast of characters is a crazy rag tag bunch, some more fleshed out than others, but all perfectly realized, from the high school jock in the football locker room to the crazy clean up man working for the Man from Detroit to the FBI agent who really only has Micheal’s best interests at heart. Very serious in tone, Hamilton injects humor in ways that are unexpected and will make you laugh (and wish for Mike to really be able to speak…)
Hamilton also creates a sense of what Detroit is, a real sense of place that somehow fits the story and Mike. He doesn’t glorify it, but neither does he knock it down or bemoan what has befallen it. In the scenes taking place in New York and California, they seem to serve as contrast to Michigan.
This is not a mystery in the sense of trying to discover who done it, but there are scenes that build to a thrilling and chilling showdown where Michael tries to salvage his future, although perhaps the most chilling is when Michael finally reveals what happened so many years before. The reader will find it as cathartic as Michael did. I listen to a lot of books on audio, and I usually don’t comment much on the format, but in this case, the audio adds a layer to the reading (listening?) of the book, as you hear the voice of someone who cannot speak.
This is a great adult book for teens, as most of the story happens when Mike is in high school and immediately following, and the twin tales of entering a life of crime alongside finding, losing, and searching for the love of his life will both intrigue and resonate with them.
Review Excerpts: ”As coming-of-age novels go, this one is too good for words.”–New York Times
“Readers may tire of lock lore a bit earlier than Hamilton, but sharp prose and a strong cast should keep them in line.”–Kirkus Reviews
“[O]ffbeat thriller from Edgar-winner Hamilton…Readers will hope to hear more from Mike.”–Publisher’s Weekly
Reviewed from public library audio book. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
