It’s 1998 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, where the close-knit Italian-American community clings to its traditions. The week of Halloween, a shocking discovery shatters the festivities. The body of Mary Pat, a prickly and unpopular neighbor, is found on her balcony, meticulously posed and disguised as a holiday witch.

Helper, a beloved local handyman known for his gentle nature and neurodivergent quirks, becomes one of the suspects in the ensuing investigation. When Helper’s nephew, a new detective, works to unravel the mystery, long-held secrets and buried traumas are revealed.

Told from three perspectives, this captivating story explores the complexities of justice and family loyalty, while the depiction of Carroll Gardens is rendered with affection and humor.

How do the main characters begin to overcome the influences of early trauma and regenerate their adult development?

Can there be an unconventional resolution of the crime?