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Development
The first book in the author's Twisted Roads Series, This one starts with a bang.
The money was gone. That much was certain.
One critic wrote "Mystery, tension and poignancy combine to make this multi-layered novel a riveting read. Well written and thoughtfully crafted, DEVELOPMENT weaves together three stories about life. About hopes and dreams. About frustrations and disappointments. And about love and redemption. It is the early 1970s, in the affluent town of Westport, Connecticut. Hank Latour finds himself in an unhappy marriage, disconnected from his two teenage daughters, paralyzed in a mid-level career as a bank officer, and in debt. Tempted to make BIG money – FAST, Hank invests his savings in a new residential real estate development. But more money is needed. His bank is not willing to authorize a loan to the developers so Hank unexpectedly has the added burden to help deliver cash and momentum to this real estate project. Unable to find another source, he borrows the money from a loan shark.
At the same time, Hank struggles with his relationships in his family, as each individual develops in their own way, sometimes for the better and sometimes with tragic results. This story is original and thoughtful. The reader easily becomes part of this family; becoming part of their struggles and dreams. The reality of their circumstances are just that, reality.
The money was gone. That much was certain.
One critic wrote "Mystery, tension and poignancy combine to make this multi-layered novel a riveting read. Well written and thoughtfully crafted, DEVELOPMENT weaves together three stories about life. About hopes and dreams. About frustrations and disappointments. And about love and redemption. It is the early 1970s, in the affluent town of Westport, Connecticut. Hank Latour finds himself in an unhappy marriage, disconnected from his two teenage daughters, paralyzed in a mid-level career as a bank officer, and in debt. Tempted to make BIG money – FAST, Hank invests his savings in a new residential real estate development. But more money is needed. His bank is not willing to authorize a loan to the developers so Hank unexpectedly has the added burden to help deliver cash and momentum to this real estate project. Unable to find another source, he borrows the money from a loan shark.
At the same time, Hank struggles with his relationships in his family, as each individual develops in their own way, sometimes for the better and sometimes with tragic results. This story is original and thoughtful. The reader easily becomes part of this family; becoming part of their struggles and dreams. The reality of their circumstances are just that, reality.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2016
3 people want to read
About the author
Paul Backalenick
4 books7 followersI am the author three novels, currently working on a fourth.
My current project is set in 19th century Ukraine. It is a fictionalized tale of my father’s ancestors. In 1893, his father immigrated to the United States at age eight with my great-grandmother. But this is the story of what it was like back there, in Ukraine, before they left. The book will explore the historical realities of that time and place. It is a tale of a Jewish family in a land that no longer wanted them.
My three earlier books are all tales of psychological suspense. They include families and individuals in peril, usually as a result of the choices they have made. Together, these three novels comprise my “Twisted Roads Series.” We all travel many roads through life. Some roads lead us straight to worthy destinations. Others roads bring us pain and guilt. We don't always know which road we are on ahead of time, or even as we travel down it. When some of my characters discover they are on dangerous roads, knowing doesn’t necessarily change their direction. Are they hell-bent on self-destruction or blinded by greed or lust? Some characters choose crime even with its attendant risks. Others struggle with addictions or follow a path someone else has laid out for them. Throughout this series, bad choices abound, moral decisions arise, and consequences result.
The real question is why do people make bad decisions? What twisted logic leads any of us to choose a bad road or stay on one once we recognize it is wrong? Is it out of convenience, familiarity, hope, or misguided loyalty? Certainly psychological factors such as family dynamics come into play and I explore these connections.
The last in the series is EMPTY LUCK. In this story, a greedy man and his naive younger brother contend with a dangerous Mafia captain, from whom the older brother secretly stole money. The book raises questions of moral ambiguity. For example, is it ever right to steal from someone who shows no regard for your life, who is willing to have you die to benefit his own selfish interests? Is falling for a prostitute a sin for a Catholic boy? And does addiction excuse harming those who love you?
My earlier novel, CARRIE'S SECRET, was praised by Kirkus Reviews as a “riveting, addictive story,” in which a teenage psychiatric patient bears a terrible secret. Her fear of revealing it may destroy her family and send the wrong man to prison for life. It is at times a dark tale, but ultimately it is an uplifting story of human strength and survival.
The first novel in the series, DEVELOPMENT, follows a dysfunctional suburban family as the father tries to pull off a risky real estate deal and the mother over-manages her young daughter’s modeling career.
Regarding my background, I majored in Psychology at Brown University and then worked in psychiatric facilities, information technology strategy consulting, and lastly, Internet entrepreneurship. I have been writing novels since 2013.
Born and raised in New England, I live now in New York City with my wife, artist Karen Loew.
My current project is set in 19th century Ukraine. It is a fictionalized tale of my father’s ancestors. In 1893, his father immigrated to the United States at age eight with my great-grandmother. But this is the story of what it was like back there, in Ukraine, before they left. The book will explore the historical realities of that time and place. It is a tale of a Jewish family in a land that no longer wanted them.
My three earlier books are all tales of psychological suspense. They include families and individuals in peril, usually as a result of the choices they have made. Together, these three novels comprise my “Twisted Roads Series.” We all travel many roads through life. Some roads lead us straight to worthy destinations. Others roads bring us pain and guilt. We don't always know which road we are on ahead of time, or even as we travel down it. When some of my characters discover they are on dangerous roads, knowing doesn’t necessarily change their direction. Are they hell-bent on self-destruction or blinded by greed or lust? Some characters choose crime even with its attendant risks. Others struggle with addictions or follow a path someone else has laid out for them. Throughout this series, bad choices abound, moral decisions arise, and consequences result.
The real question is why do people make bad decisions? What twisted logic leads any of us to choose a bad road or stay on one once we recognize it is wrong? Is it out of convenience, familiarity, hope, or misguided loyalty? Certainly psychological factors such as family dynamics come into play and I explore these connections.
The last in the series is EMPTY LUCK. In this story, a greedy man and his naive younger brother contend with a dangerous Mafia captain, from whom the older brother secretly stole money. The book raises questions of moral ambiguity. For example, is it ever right to steal from someone who shows no regard for your life, who is willing to have you die to benefit his own selfish interests? Is falling for a prostitute a sin for a Catholic boy? And does addiction excuse harming those who love you?
My earlier novel, CARRIE'S SECRET, was praised by Kirkus Reviews as a “riveting, addictive story,” in which a teenage psychiatric patient bears a terrible secret. Her fear of revealing it may destroy her family and send the wrong man to prison for life. It is at times a dark tale, but ultimately it is an uplifting story of human strength and survival.
The first novel in the series, DEVELOPMENT, follows a dysfunctional suburban family as the father tries to pull off a risky real estate deal and the mother over-manages her young daughter’s modeling career.
Regarding my background, I majored in Psychology at Brown University and then worked in psychiatric facilities, information technology strategy consulting, and lastly, Internet entrepreneurship. I have been writing novels since 2013.
Born and raised in New England, I live now in New York City with my wife, artist Karen Loew.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 23, 2025
Development is a novel that truly surprised me with its depth and emotional pull. At first, it seems to center on Hank Latour’s financial troubles and risky gamble in real estate, but very quickly it becomes clear that this story is about far more than money. Paul Backalenick masterfully weaves together themes of family, love, disconnection, and redemption in a way that feels raw and real. Set in the early 1970s, the book paints a vivid picture of a man caught between his fading dreams and mounting obligations. Hank’s struggles with his marriage, his daughters, and his career are portrayed with such honesty that you can’t help but feel his frustration and his longing for a better life. The added tension of dealing with a loan shark makes the narrative pulse with suspense, while the family dynamics bring heart and poignancy. What makes this book special is the way it balances mystery and drama with a deep emotional resonance. It’s not just about whether Hank succeeds or fails it’s about watching how each character evolves, sometimes in uplifting ways, sometimes with heartbreaking consequences. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys layered storytelling with a mix of suspense, realism, and heart. Development isn’t just a story you read it’s one you experience and carry with you.
November 19, 2019
Magnificently told!
Backalenick pens a magnificent story in Development. There is something about this story that didn't allow me to put it down once I started reading it. First, the writing style is just spot on for this story. I enjoyed the way the author put his words together to paint a story that was more than just a story. It was about family, and triumphs, tribulations, disappointments, and survival. It was a thrilling read to gain insight into the character's lives, and how things ended up at the end. The plot has a lot of different dimensions that made this reader feel like I was part of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author. This is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Backalenick pens a magnificent story in Development. There is something about this story that didn't allow me to put it down once I started reading it. First, the writing style is just spot on for this story. I enjoyed the way the author put his words together to paint a story that was more than just a story. It was about family, and triumphs, tribulations, disappointments, and survival. It was a thrilling read to gain insight into the character's lives, and how things ended up at the end. The plot has a lot of different dimensions that made this reader feel like I was part of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author. This is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
October 21, 2025
Development by Paul Backalenick is a masterful exploration of dreams gone astray and the quiet desperation that often lurks behind suburban perfection. Set in the 1970s, this story dives deep into the fragile life of Hank Latour, a man who has lost his way both financially and emotionally. The writing is richly layered poignant, observant, and filled with empathy. Backalenick captures not only Hank’s spiral into risky decisions but also the subtle, heartbreaking disconnections within his family. What struck me most was how authentic the emotions felt; the tension between hope and despair is palpable on every page. A deeply human novel that lingers long after the final chapter.
October 21, 2025
This book hit me harder than I expected. Development isn’t just about one man’s financial downfall, it’s about the slow unraveling of relationships, the search for meaning, and the price we pay for chasing redemption. Hank’s story feels both specific to its era and timeless in its message. Backalenick’s prose is clean and cinematic, with scenes that made me pause just to absorb the atmosphere. The moral complexity here is impressive; no one is entirely innocent or guilty. It’s a reminder that life’s “developments” aren’t just about money or success, they’re about character, choices, and consequence. Absolutely brilliant storytelling.
October 21, 2025
Paul Backalenick has crafted something rare in Development, a novel that’s as much about the soul as it is about circumstance. Hank’s journey through loss, desperation, and misguided ambition is both relatable and unsettling. The suburban 1970s setting adds a nostalgic yet claustrophobic touch that mirrors the emotional confinement of the characters. While the pacing is deliberate, it rewards patience with layers of insight into family, failure, and fragile hope. The ending left me reflecting on how thin the line is between doing what’s necessary and doing what’s right. An excellent, thought-provoking read.
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September 11, 2020This story is a mystery, a family saga, and a moral tale of life in the lonely, affluent suburbs of the 1970s. Set in Westport, Connecticut, where I grew up, it tells the tale of a dysfunctional family, a drama in which two daughters struggle for independence, while their parents often exploit or ignore them. The "Development" in the title refers to a housing development, one which is built without regard for nature and beauty. The head of the fragmented family seeks to capitalize on the housing project but borrows money from a loan shark to try to do so. In the end, there is the discovery of love and redemption for some, but tragic loss for others.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews