House Rules: A Novel

Jacob Hunt is a teenager with Asperger's syndrome who struggles to read social cues and express himself, but possesses exceptional abilities in certain areas. He has developed a specialized interest in forensic analysis and frequently appears at crime scenes in his small hometown, often providing accurate insights to local police. When a murder occurs in the town, law enforcement turns to Jacob as a suspect. His characteristic behaviors associated with Asperger's syndrome—the very traits that make him skilled at forensic work—appear suspicious to police investigators. The accusation thrusts the Hunt family into public scrutiny. For Jacob's mother, it becomes a painful reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding her family regularly faces. For his brother, it reinforces his frustration with how Jacob's condition affects their lives. The community grapples with a troubling question: Is Jacob responsible for the crime? The novel examines how families navigate the challenge of understanding those they love, and explores the gap between appearance and truth.