Apalachin

Apalachin was the site of a crime "convention" in 1957. This novel takes off from that wild meeting and follows a mid-level mobster in upstate New York as his life disintegrates. It also looks at a small-town car thief, who comes up against the mob -- with disastrous consequences. The story has a trajectory ruled by fate, yet with so many twists you have to keep reading. The book gets the details of the 50s just right. A strange, compelling story, wonderful characters, and enough surprises and action to satisfy every reader. This book is quite a find -- if you can find it. A forgotten classic.