Prize-winning crime author Steve Hamilton's hugely commercial mainstream breakout tells the extraordinary story of a safe-cracker trying to unlock the key to his past.

Michael hit the headlines once before, a seven-year-old kid the papers called The Miracle Boy on account of how he survived the terrible incident that took his parents. But although his escape was miraculous, it left him unable to speak. Taunted as a freak, school becomes a fresh nightmare, until Michael discovers he has a special talent that makes people sit up and take notice: he can open locks.

But a teenage prank, breaking into the house of a rival school's quarterback, lands him in hot water, and despite his best intentions, Michael soon finds himself on a downward slope that ends with expert instruction on how to open safes. And unless he agrees to put his newfound skills to use, the mob are going to kill the father of the girl he now loves.

So begins an extraordinary life of crime - at once terrifying and exhilarating - while all the while, Michael plots how to turn the tables on his employer, win back Amelia, and find the key to unlocking his traumatic childhood memories.

Prize-winning crime author Steve Hamilton's hugely commercial mainstream breakout tells the extraordinary story of a safe-cracker trying to unlock the key to his past.

About the Author
Born and raised in the Detroit area, Steve Hamilton lives in upstate New York with his wife and two children. He is a winner of the prestigious EDGAR AWARD. Visit his website: www.authorstevehamilton.com

Reviews
A tale of blessing and curse, horror and redemption, a boy who is utterly locked out and a man who can bypass any security system, skilfully woven in the spare, elegant prose of unforced authenticity. * GUARDIAN *
Outstanding! * TELEGRAPH & ARGUS *


Awards
Winner of Edgar Allan Poe Awards: Best Paperback Original 2011 (UK) and CWA Daggers: Steel 2011 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9780752883311
Author Steve Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 291g
Dimensions(mm) 199mm * 134mm * 27mm