Mister Max: Book One, The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt J Voi

Mister Max by Cynthia Voigt: Book One, The book of Lost things, in which Max misses the boat. No, really. Twelve-year-old Max is to meet his parents at the harbor after his art lesson. They would all board the boat Flower of Kashmir and depart for an extended stay in India, where Max's parents would develop a theatre company at the request of the Maharajah of Kashmir. But when Max arrives, there is no sign of his parents or a boat named the Flower of Kashmir. In fact, there has never been such a boat in the harbor, according to the harbormaster. But he does have a note for Max from his father, a note that doesn't really explain what had happened and even adds to the mystery of his parents' disappearance.

After the realization has sunk in that he has been left alone, Max makes his way to the library, where his Grammie works, and tells her the news. Of course Max will stay with her, she decides. But Max knows that Grammie can't really afford another person living on her small librarian's salary. So in addition to trying to solve the mystery of his parents' whereabouts, he also needs to find a way to make some money.

So begin Max's adventures, through a series of chance encounters with people who just happen to be in the right place at the right time to help him solve some of their mysteries, if not his own.

This is the first of a three-book series by award-winning author Cynthia Voigt. Voigt usually writes for an older audience, but this one hits its mark with a slightly younger set who may envy Max his independence and chance to prove he can manage on his own. There are enough characters whose lives overlap, intertwine and impact each other's and Max's, and a few small clues dropped throughout the story that it is just hard to put it down.

I read an advance reader's copy; the book will be released September 10. Already I'm eager to read book two. Put this title on your list and put a hold on it at the library. You won't be disappointed.