The Break is a crime novel centered on the exploits of Billy Delaney, a troubled teen from Cobble Hill in Brooklyn during the recession in NYC of the 1960's. Billy and his high school friends are arrested during an attempted armed robbery and have their lives torn asunder as a result. Billy has unresolved guilt issues over his friends' misfortunes and develops a borderline obsession in helping them get back on track. He continues to seek 'the break' that can redeem their lives and lead them to a better future. Only the easy money along the criminal path entices, and Billy finds himself consumed by the moral struggle between good and evil.