Rust on the Allegheny: A Novel

by Corey McCullough

Winner of the Independent Publisher Awards Bronze Medal for Best Regional Fiction A multi-generation family saga set in a Pennsylvania town that changed the world. In 2019, a man takes a copyediting job at his local newspaper. In 1939, a boy stands outside a theater and hatches a plan to sneak in. And on a cold, rainy night in 1982, a college student gives a bloodied hitchhiker a ride. Not one of these individuals is aware of how these seemingly isolated events will change their lives forever, or the inexorable connections between them.Rust on the Allegheny is a cozy historical fiction novel told through the shifting perspectives of multiple generations of the MacCulloch family, a bloodline said to be cursed by perennial misfortune. It is the story of one family’s messy and at times dysfunctional relationship with their hometown of Latonia City, Pennsylvania, where moldering Victorian manors and empty art deco theaters chronicle the rich heritage and industrial downturn of America’s Rust Belt, with glimpses of hope for the future.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2021

About the author

Author of 5 novels so far

Links to everything, including a free book
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https://linktr.ee/coreymccullough

Reviews

[Pat Bretheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book! Excellent author! Brings up men's issues like father-son relationships, what you hope to achieve in life, career goals, the need to provide for your family, and so on.

I enjoyed the parts about towns that dwindle in size for various reasons. That is different and interesting.

Situated in western Pennsylvania, rich with history, it vibrates with authenticity and makes me wonder how much of it is semi-autobiographical.

[Skucherer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book manages to build a positive and uplifting family saga out of the rise and fall of a western PA town. The descriptive and historical details woven into this work of fiction reflect the author’s experiences, and he uses them well to both tell the story and share the history of these once grand towns. I grew up in western PA and still live here. This quiet, sweet, story rings true. I enjoyed it.

[Laurie L. Collingwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed up names

Nice little family story. However as a life long resident of Venango County PA, the mis-matching of the town's name, businesses was just confusing and unnecessary. When you used a known name in place of another area or known theater/store, my brain had to readjust for a moment. Just use new made up names. It was similar in effect when my former boss at Warren State Hospital wrote a novel about the pkace and even though the names were changed-everyone knew who he was writing about. Poor choice.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oil City PA by Another Name

You don't have to read very far if you live in Venango County to recognize the places in this book. A story about changing times, communities and people that might just make you wonder where you and your community would fit in.

Entertaining and thought provoking!

[Char Freund · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a nice easy read for an air flight but otherwise needed more depth. I was excited to read a semi-local author as I like to support writers. But the location wasn’t integral to the plot. The writing followed a writers workshop outline and the central struggle wasn’t intense enough to support a compelling read. I wish him better luck on his next book. 6/10

[Marsha Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

One of my favorite things is a book I can't put down. And this is one of them! I totally enjoyed this historical novel. The characters are real with honest emotions and profound tenderness. It is well done!

[Katie Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! First book I have read by Corey and I can’t wait to read more now! Thank you for allowing me to get an early chance to read this great story!

[Wendy E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining read, especially if you are familiar with the area. Read it in a few hours. Nicely done.

[Colleen Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the layers that Corey weaves between three generations of men trying to come to grips with their place in life, aging, relationships & the grind of the everyday.

Read Rusty on the Allegheny not only for the story but for Corey's top-notch writing & phenomenal prose.