"The Cutting Season" is a novel by Attica Locke that explores themes of identity, history, and the legacy of slavery in the American South. The story is set on a former plantation in Louisiana, where the protagonist, Caroline, works as a manager. When a murder occurs on the grounds, Caroline is drawn into a mystery that uncovers the dark past of the plantation and its connection to her own family history. As Caroline investigates the crime, she grapples with her personal struggles and the complexities of her relationships. The narrative intertwines the present with the historical significance of the plantation, highlighting the ongoing impact of race and heritage in contemporary society.