The novel tells the story of Truly, a young girl who becomes fascinated with the puppets of a mysterious stranger known as the Puppet Master. As Truly learns more about the Puppet Master's art, she begins to unravel the mysteries of his past and the secrets he keeps hidden. Through Truly's journey, Paterson masterfully weaves together themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.
La autora ha declarado que la idea de la novela surgió al ver una actuación de marionetas en Japón y al leer sobre la figura de los kage (sombras) o ladrones que surgían en tiempos de crisis.