Second Cutting

by Tom Nolan

Second Cutting takes us through three years in the life of teenager, Kevin O’Malley, at the tail end of the 1950’s Polio epidemic. The family moves from New York City to Bluestone, a rural village in upstate New York. Though he initially feels out of place and alone, Kevin finds friendship in the person of Jerry Clark, son of a local dairy farmer, and is smitten by Jerry’s older sister, Elizabeth. He convinces his family to let him work on the farm through the summer, mostly to be near her, but finds enjoyment in the work and Jerry’s company. Kevin’s relationship with his father, Patrick, a former New York City Police officer, turned New York State Police detective, is through their mutual love of tinkering with automobiles. Kevin’s aptitude for auto repair becomes his refuge when a drunk driver causes an accident that nearly kills his father. The family is thrown into chaos as Patrick’s physical disability and mental instability takes its toll prompting Kevin to make a decision that costs him his entire family. His feeling of abandonment fuels his anger and confusion leading to destructive behavior, and finally to an adult decision.

334 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2014

About the author

Tom Nolan reviews mystery fiction forThe Wall Street Journal and has been a contributing editor for California and Los Angeles magazines.