Bullet Park serves as the backdrop for a tale of suburban life, intrigue, and inner turmoil. Paul Hammer’s arrival in this seemingly tranquil locale sets off a chain of events, entangling him with the Nailles family. Amidst the quiet streets and daily routines, underlying tensions bubble to the surface, revealing deeper connections and intentions.

A New Arrival

Paul Hammer is introduced to Bullet Park by a chatty real estate agent, whose commentary provides a glimpse into the quirks and the characters that populate this commuter suburb linked to New York City. Little is revealed about Hammer himself, remaining an enigma as he prepares to purchase a home in the village.

Nailles Family Dynamics

At church, Eliot Nailles meets the mysterious Hammer and his wife. The moment is underscored by the priest's pun on their names—Hammer and Nailles—which Nailles finds mildly irritating, as if destiny itself had orchestrated the moment. Eliot’s world revolves around his wife, Nellie, and his son, Tony, whom he loves deeply but struggles to connect with. For Nellie and Tony, Bullet Park is a refuge from the chaotic world outside. Nellie's return from a harrowing day in the city underscores her longing for the sanctuary their suburban life represents, as she is appalled by the vulgarity she encountered.

Trouble with Tony

Unexpectedly, Tony refuses to leave his bed, a situation that baffles both his parents. Unable to find anything physically wrong, the doctor’s confusion grows, while a psychiatrist admonishes Nellie about her class’s moral shortcomings. An expert on sleep disorders conducts a series of tests on Tony, resulting in a hefty bill but no clear answers. The mystery of Tony's ailment leaves Nailles increasingly distressed over his son's well-being.

A Disastrous Dinner

The Hammers, despite only a brief introduction, extend an invitation to the Nailles for a dinner party, which quickly devolves into a calamity. Mrs. Nailles criticizes her husband while mocking suburban life, stating, "All you have to do is to get your clothes at Brooks, catch the train, and show up in church once a week and no one will ever ask a question about your identity." This perceived lack of identity is starkly illustrated shortly thereafter when a local commuter named Shinglehouse ends his life by stepping in front of a train. Nailles is perturbed by the incident, yet life in Bullet Park continues with little disruption.

Paternal Struggles

Deeply unsettled, Nailles attempts to bridge the gap with Tony, who remains unresponsive. As he ruminates on past challenges in parenting, memories of Tony's rebellious moments surface. Recollections of Tony's altercations, such as being arrested for assaulting a teacher over a denied privilege, and his brief disappearance to stay with an acquaintance, haunt Nailles. He painfully recalls Tony's cutting words: "The only reason you love me... is because you can give me things."

Seeking Healing

In a desperate bid to resolve Tony’s condition, Nellie heeds advice from a former housekeeper and visits Swami Rutuola, residing above a funeral parlor in Bullet Park. The Swami, adopting an unorthodox approach, instructs Tony to repetitively chant "love" and "hope," claiming such an incantation will miraculously cure him.

The Madness of Paul Hammer

Through Hammer's journal entries, his derangement gradually unfurls, mirrored by a detailed letter from his mother that exposes her own instability. Hammer's obsession with Nailles starts when he reads a minor announcement in a dental journal about Nailles's promotion. Seized by a delusional mission, Hammer decides Nailles will be his target, ultimately choosing to harm Tony to inflict pain upon the father.

A Life Adrift

Hammer's narrative reveals a life devoid of purpose, marked by isolation....