This is Shaffer's first published book and, while very enjoyable, reads to me a lot like a number of YA books that feature a reclusive artist setting up a game (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mr. Lemoncello's Library, etc.) except that the main focus is on Lucy Hart, 24 years old. When she was younger, Lucy became enchanted with a series of books set on Clock Island. They were written by Jack Masterson and Lucy, a younger child whose older sister was ill so she was often left by herself, wanted nothing more than to be his sidekick. So she went to the island. But she was sent home. Years later, she is a teacher's aide who wants nothing more than to adopt a boy in her school. But she is in debt, living with a number of roommates, and doesn't have a car. In other words, not a great candidate for adoption. But then, Jack announces a contest and the person who wins will get his latest manuscript. Lucy is one of the four people invited.
In thinking about the book after I read it, I don't know much about Lucy other than the high points above nor anyone else in the book, including Hugo Reese, the man who ended up illustrating the newer editions of Jack's books and the other person featured in this story. And a couple of times I forgot I wasn't reading a YA book - I think it was partly the set up but also partly the language and perhaps a bit the fact that excerpts from Jack's stories are interspersed in the story. But I really did enjoy this book and hope that Shaffer keeps writing.
Four stars
This book came out May 30, 2023
Borrowed as ebook from Libby
Opinions are my own
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