A dark, propulsive debut thriller about love, guilt, and the price of survival.
When Declan O’Neill’s brother takes his own life, the Russian mafia come calling—demanding to know what happened to the hundred thousand pounds stolen from them. Fearing for his life, nineteen-year-old Declan flees England for New York City, desperate for a clean start.
But the past has a long reach.
Alone in Manhattan, Declan is unprepared for the city’s unforgiving streets. He’s dragged into a knife fight, beaten by police, and hunted by the same Russian gang who believe he knows more than he’s saying. Yet through hardship he finds steady work, loyal friends, and a young woman whose love gives him hope for redemption.
When she confesses a devastating secret, Declan must face a choice that will define him—one that tests his belief in love, humanity, and his own limits.
Brutal Disclosure is a gritty coming-of-age thriller about survival, loyalty, and the moment a young man discovers what he’s truly capable of.
"This is a raw, powerful debut that lingers long after the final page is turned."
- Manhattan Book Review
"Polin delivers an incredibly authentic view of America's gritty underbelly from an expat's perspective."
- US Review of Books
"Brutal Disclosure is a winner."
- Midwest Book Reviews
Winner of the 2025 Literary Titan "Best of the Best Gold Star" Award
