Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt is the story of Max Starling who is the twelve-year-old son of William and Mary The Starlings are actors who own the Starling Theatrical Company. Max is their only child. Though his parents love him, they devote a lot of their time and energy to their theater. Sometimes Max feels a stab of pain over their lack of attention; but, he’s learned a lot from them, things that other kids his age would never even imagine.

Max is a bright boy who has worked since he was eight-years old in his parents’ theater. He has had an unorthodox upbringing. He does odd jobs for them and helps with scenery, costumes, and posters. He even helps actors learn their lines. He does well at school, well enough that he can go on the road with the company at times. He loves to watch his parents on stage and has learned the art of pretending and using words to make a point and convey an aura and personality. This ability proves to come in handy when he is faced with the biggest challenge of his twelve years.

Max’s parents receive an invitation from the Maharajah of Kashmir. He is asking them to commit to staying with him in his country for several months for the express purpose of developing a theatrical troupe that will travel the country and entertain the people. A beautiful bejeweled brooch and two first-class tickets on a luxury liner accompany the invitation to entice the couple to accept. Max feels left out and asks, “What about me?” Of course, they can’t leave him. They accept the invitation with the stipulation that another ticket is sent for Max. Max is thrilled!

However, there is a mix-up – either accidentally or intentionally – and his parents apparently set sail without him. He wasn’t late for departure time. But when he asks the harbor master about the ship – The Flower of Kashmir – he learns that there was no such ship. He and his grandmother, whom he calls Grammie, are befuddled and worried about his parents. Grammie tries to calm things down. They will just have to be patient. His parents will contact them and explain everything.

Time marches on; and, there is no word. Max decides that since he’s twelve, almost thirteen, he should stay in his house alone. Of course, Grammie disagrees. She wants him to move into her house. But, Max has a stubborn and independent streak and refuses. He can tough it out alone. He doesn’t want to be a burden on Grammie, so he looks for work. To be truly independent he feels the need to support himself financially. Since he's only twelve, no one wants to hire him.

Max is the resourceful sort and thinks of rather unconventional ways to earn money. Most of the work he is asked to do involves finding missing things – such as a priceless piece of silverware, a dog, and periodicals from the library. He is bright and quick thinking and completes his jobs. The acting techniques of his parents which he has observed over the years come in handy in carrying out his duties as do the theater’s many costumes. But, the lost treasures he would most like to find are beyond his reach. He'd give up anything to find his parents.