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The Lock Artist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Steve Hamilton

The Lock Artist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Michigan • 1990s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL630L

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Super Short Summary

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton is a young adult crime novel narrated by Michael, a silent young man with an extraordinary talent for lock picking and safe cracking. Traumatized at eight years old, Mike is drawn into a criminal underworld, navigates complex heists, forms connections with various criminal gangs, and falls in love as he confronts his past and struggles for redemption. The book includes topics such as rape, murder, child trauma, and violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Dark

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

16,363 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton captivates with its unique protagonist, a mute lock-picking prodigy. Reviewers praise the book's engaging narrative and well-crafted suspense. Some critique the pacing and depth of character development. Overall, it's a compelling read for mystery and thriller enthusiasts, balancing innovation with familiar genre elements.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lock Artist?

Mystery and thriller enthusiasts captivated by complex characters and intricate plots would enjoy Steve Hamilton's The Lock Artist. Fans of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Dennis Lehane's Shutter Island will appreciate the novel's blend of psychological intrigue and crime-solving elements.

4.2

16,363 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Mike

The protagonist and narrator, who is mute due to childhood trauma and possesses a talent for picking locks and cracking safes.

Mike's love interest, an artist who challenges his perspectives and offers him emotional support.

A wealthy, egotistical suburbanite who gains control over Mike during his community service sentence.

A mysterious mentor figure who trains Mike in the art of lock picking and safecracking.

Mike’s caretaker who runs a liquor store and struggles to connect with Mike due to his muteness and past family drama.

The leader of the criminal crew Mike joins in Los Angeles, known for his confidence and privileged background.

A member of the criminal crew with a strong family dynamic and a penchant for confidence and caution.

A member of the criminal crew with a brusque demeanor, threatened by Mike’s presence and his girlfriend’s attention.

A crew member with a history of drug addiction who bonds with Mike over art and uses her charm in criminal operations.

Mike’s high school friend who shares his artistic talents and displays a strong moral compass despite some poor decisions.

A crime boss with control over Mike, described as frightening and authoritarian, with interests in various criminal activities.

One of the henchmen for the man in Detroit, known for his violent tendencies and short stature.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Michigan • 1990s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL630L

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