The Lock Box

Monna Locke isn’t even her real name—born Donna Maguire, she found the alias more fitting for a fully licensed safecracking expert. In Los Angeles, she is the go-to expert when discretion and skill are paramount. The Lock Box by Parker Adams, a riveting heist novel published on March 19, 2024, by Crooked Lane Books, entangles readers in its thrilling mystery, leaving no margin for error.

From a young age, Monna navigated life’s challenges with resilience. At six, she was nearly on her own, her single mother working tirelessly as a bartender. A life-altering knock on the door at sixteen revealed her mother’s death, yet, with her aunt’s support, she persevered. Excelling in the Army, her career was unjustly cut short due to her stand against harassment.

Her skills led her to a peculiar request from a local lawyer: break into a safe while its owner was away and retrieve its contents. Given the house codes, she executed the job flawlessly until an unexpected twist—armed men ambush, setting off a cinematic escape that showcases her prowess.

Fleeing with her son, Evan, to a secluded cabin, they encounter the lawyer—revealed as Huang, reminiscent of Oddjob from James Bond lore, flanked by henchmen Jack, King, and Queen. Evan’s life hangs in the balance, hinging on Monna’s acceptance of a daunting task: infiltrate the world’s largest yacht, the Helios, and secure an ancient artifact from an impregnable safe.

Adams crafts a masterful narrative, weaving suspense and intricate plotlines. The heist, fraught with challenges, unfolds through expertly choreographed action scenes, each twist and turn placing Monna in increasingly dire straits.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.