The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

Michael can never forget that day, long ago, when everything changed. The thing that closed his throat for good, the event that stole his voice. But he isn't ready to tell us about it yet.

Fast forward to 1991: Michael lives with his uncle, who does his best, and they coexist pretty well. There is always that sense of being at a loss for what to do, how to help, that pity behind the eyes that everyone seems to have. "Miracle Boy survives," but his life isn't so special.

1996: Art is his escape, the place without words that he can retreat to, and Griffin is his only friend. His other solace comes from the lock that he has learned to pick, once a part of his uncle's door, now a kind of therapy for Michael. "When you finally open it...When you finally learn how to unlock the lock...Can you even imagine how that feels?" (Hamilton pg 37, 2009).

1999: It all comes to a head that day at the party. The school year is over, and social circles are forgotten for the moment. When a dumb jock asks Mike if he can help them out with a lock, he goes along with it. It's just a harmless prank, right? No one's going to get hurt. Just in, hang a banner, out, done. Sneaking into Amelia's room that first night, seeing her portfolio and knowing that this girl has real talent...it's intoxicating. Except that's the first time he's arrested.

He's as good as his nickname, the "Milford Mute," when it comes to giving up the other boys. He doesn't know how to do it without getting Griffin in trouble, so he just takes the wrap. His probation requires that he works for the victim all summer, and at first this seems like a death sentence. Mr. Marsh yells into his ear, trying to intimidate him into giving up his accomplices, sentencing him to dig a pool in their back yard in the staggering sun, Amelia and her friends ridiculing him.

After a week, Mr. Marsh comes around...and after a few midnight visits, so does Amelia. They begin drawing back and forth to each other. But there's a catch: Mr. Marsh is mixed up with some bad people, and they know he can pick a lock. Pretty soon Mike is caught up in a safe cracking scheme to save Amelia, and things start spiraling out of control.

Hamilton weaves a story of suspense and intrigue, never letting things slow down too much. The romance that blooms between Mike and Amelia is touching and sweet, not overly romantic. I enjoyed his narrative style, moving back and forth between different time periods, but not forgetting to remind me where we left off.

"I got that funny feeling again, at the thought of someone breaking into the house and standing there in her bedroom, watching her sleep. I mean, it's not like I didn't know it was wrong for me to be there, but somehow it was like that idea didn't really apply to me, because I knew I was there for the 'right' reasons, and that I'd never do anyuthing to hurt her. I was more upset that it was so easy to do, and that anyone who really wanted to could follow in my foootsteps tomorrow night and be standing here instead.
Nobody is safe. Ever. Anywhere," (Hamilton pg. 147, 2009).

*Library Link*
If you liked this, check out:
A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton
Jude by Kate Morganroth
Diamonds in the Shadows by Caroline B. Cooney

Hamilton, S. (2010). The Lock Artist. New York: Minotaur Books.