Lisa Spinelli is a Staten Island teacher who is unusually devoted to her students. When she discovers one of her five-year-olds is a prodigy, she becomes fascinated with the boy, ultimately risking her family and freedom to nurture his talent.

Set in New York City, The Elegant Clockwork of the Universe chronicles the immediate days following a young woman, Mala Adou’s disappearance, and her boyfriend, Muhammad’s dogged drive to find her. Muhammad Masood is a middle school teacher whose life is turned upside down when he awakens one morning to find his lover, Mala Adou, of six years gone—leaving behind everything.