Carter Locke, the novel's protagonist, runs away from a life of abuse and crime at the hands of his corrupt guardian, Uncle Sly, and finds himself in a strange town with no money, shelter, or plans. As his name reflects, Carter carts around a locked wooden box of secrets and likewise makes an enigma of himself by keeping his own secrets and fears locked inside himself. With this reticent approach to the world, he assumes that assimilating into a new town means he must hide his identity as a destitute runaway in order to avoid judgment or the threat of being sent to an orphanage. Gifted with the skill of legerdemain, Carter enjoys the art of magic but doesn’t put much faith in the otherworldly, mysterious side of it. Losing his parents and becoming the ward of an abusive thief has robbed Carter of his childlike innocence and his ability to dream. However, as Carter begins to explore the charming town of Mineral Wells, his cynicism fades as he bonds with fellow illusionists and lovers of magic who perform not for money or personal glory but simply for the challenge and the joy of it.