Coming of Age

Cory Mackenson is twelve in 1964, the setting of this novel. In this year, Cory watches his father struggle with the death of a stranger, loses his dog, and experiences the death of a good friend. The novel begins with Cory getting up to help his father at his job as a milk man, an experience that is comfortable and familiar. However, it quickly grows unusual when he and his father see a car drive into Saxon's Lake. Cory's father jumps in to save the driver only to discover the man is already dead, badly beaten and handcuffed to the steering wheel of his car to prevent him from floating out of the car once it hits the bottom. This leaves Cory's father bothered by the idea that someone in their quiet little town could do such a horrible thing. Then begin the nightmares.

Cory sees his...