The Book of Lost Things

By Cynthia Voigt, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the Mister Max series

Max's parents vanish, leaving him to unravel their mysterious disappearance while solving others' problems.

3.7/5 Goodreads · 2,975 ratings

400 pages· 88,387 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Max's world turns upside down when his actor parents disappear, leaving only a cryptic note. As he navigates life alone, Max discovers a knack for solving others' mysteries, becoming Mister Max, Solutioneer. But can he solve the biggest mystery of all—his own? With each case, Max edges closer to the truth about his parents, blending into roles and uncovering secrets. Will his talent for finding solutions lead him to the answers he desperately seeks, or will he remain in the shadows of uncertainty? Dive into a tale of intrigue and discovery, where every clue could change everything.

From the publisher

Newbery medalist Cynthia Voigt presents a rollicking mystery in three acts! Max’s parents are missing. They are actors, and thus unpredictable, but sailing away, leaving Max with only a cryptic note, is unusual even for them. Did they intend to leave him behind? Have they been kidnapped? Until he can figure it out, Max feels it’s safer to keep a low profile. Hiding out is no problem for a child of the theater. Max has played many roles, he can be whoever he needs to be to blend in. But finding a job is tricky, no matter what costume he dons. Ironically, it turns out Max has a talent for finding things. He finds a runaway child, a stray dog, a missing heirloom, a lost love. . . . So is he a finder? A detective? No, it’s more. Max finds a way to solve people’s problems–he engineers better outcomes for them. He becomes Mister Max, Solutioneer. Now if only he could find a solution to his own problems . . .

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