Crossword Genius

Book on island, good, important (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

big

'important' is the definition.
('big' can be a synonym of 'important')

'book on island good' is the wordplay.
'book' becomes 'b'.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'island' becomes 'i'.
'good' becomes 'g' (abbreviation).
'b'+'i'+'g'='BIG'

(Other definitions for big that I've seen before include "Massive" , "Important" , "Of considerable size" , "Large; generous" , "Circus tent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app