The Tinkerers by Caroline Carlson

What worked:

The first thing readers will notice is the book’s format. Part of the first chapter’s title is labeled “Exhibit 1”, so readers can imagine it’s part of some kind of investigation. Other chapters include sections of Peter’s narrative, star tales he tells to his brother Ollie, transcripts from interviews, surveillance videos or audio, transcripts of memos, and other sources. Peter’s character connects all of the chapters, so readers will be curious about why he’s part of an investigation. The early chapters hammer home that possessing star stuff is a dangerous, serious offense, and the substance is abundant in Stargazers Valley, where Peter lives. The author provides twists to the plot and surprises about characters as the story nears its climax.

The author creates an imaginative world where starstuff is the most valuable commodity. Astromancers from the Imperial College are researching the substance to discover beneficial uses for it.  They are the only ones legally allowed to collect or use the material. Outbounder Task Force agents are always on the lookout for violators, so citizens avoid starstuff out of fear. Clambering is the major sport in the world, and it’s a form of competitive hiking and climbing. People talk about their favorite clamberers and purchase memorabilia about them. The hot gossip is about one of the world’s best clamberers disappearing from the public eye for months. The school even has a clambering class with frequent time trials. Peter’s attempts are often labeled DNF, did not finish, so it’s constantly a huge hit to his self-confidence.

The investigation can be viewed as a mystery with many suspects to choose from. The exact crime is slow to emerge, though readers know that Peter has used the not-a-clock illegally on more than one occasion. Peter is guiding two astromancers through the surrounding terrain, as they learn to clamber. He knows they’re doing more than clambering, and they don’t want anyone else to know what they’re up to. Theodoros is a longtime resident of the inn, but Peter’s not sure about what the man does for a living. He’s another astromancer, and he weekly sends starstuff that he’s collected to an unknown location. Then, there’s Joey Pancake. No one at the inn knows when he leaves or returns, and he’s the fastest clamberer that anyone’s seen. He keeps his identity concealed and doesn’t want to interact with anyone else. What is Joey Pancake up to?

What didn’t work as well:

Readers will need to be patient as the plot slowly unfolds. The book’s format presents clues in different forms, and they’re not always in chronological order. The variety of text forms takes getting used to, but it keeps the story from getting stagnant.

The final verdict:

The author creates an imaginative, thought-provoking story. Stargazers Valley is ruled by an overreaching empress, and the not-a-clock raises moral questions. I recommend this book to readers searching for a creative story that will make them think.