"Hypnotic . . . a proven master of suspense moves in a brand new direction―and the result is can't-put-it-down spectacular." ―Lee Child "Too good for words" ( The New York Times Book Review ) . Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel and an Alex Award. Steve Hamilton steps away from his 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 close 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. Praise for Steve Hamilton and The Lock Artist : "Hamilton . . . understands what's truly scary, what's truly suspenseful." ― The Washington Post "The Lock Artist is superior in every way: intriguing, carefully crafted characters and a devious plot, all told in the haunting voice of a young man who has no voice. Just for spice, there's a really good love story, too. . ." ― The Globe and Mail "I haven't read a book this captivating in a long time. The Lock Artist is gutsy, genuine and, flat out, a great read. You won't be disappointed." ―Michael Connelly