A Mystery in Worthington!

In 1941, in the quaint Village of Worthington, Ohio, life seems to be on the upswing after the dark days of the Great Depression. Elizabeth Russo, a 23-year-old elementary school teacher at the Worthington School, finds herself at a crossroads, unsure of her path forward. Her roots run deep in Worthington; her father, an immigrant from Sicily, established The Red and White, a beloved general store in the village.

But Elizabeth's life took a turn, ten years prior, during the Great Depression when her high school sweetheart, Samuel, and his family abruptly departed, leaving her with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of loss. Despite her engagement to George, the dependable accountant for The Red and White, Elizabeth can't shake the memories of her past with Samuel.

When her father passes away, Elizabeth and her mother are left to keep the family business afloat. Amidst the struggles of running the store, Elizabeth's world is further disrupted when her mother must tend to her sick aunt in Cincinnati, leaving Elizabeth to manage alone.

The night prior to her visit to Cincinnati, Elizabeth is stunned to encounter Samuel at the New England Inn, reigniting long-buried emotions. However, her return to Worthington is marked by a chilling event—a scream pierces the night, and she glimpses a figure in black fleeing the scene. That night, the village banker, Mr. Collins, is found murdered, and suspicion falls upon the town's hobo.

Refusing to believe the easy conclusion, Elizabeth teams up with her quirky neighbor, Betty Whimsfeld, to delve into the mystery. As they uncover clues and navigate the intricacies of village’s secrets, Elizabeth grapples with her feelings for both George and Samuel.

Amidst the backdrop of romance and intrigue, Elizabeth is determined to uncover the truth behind Mr. Collins' murder. Will she succeed in untangling the web of deception? And will she ultimately choose the stability of her engagement or risk it all for a chance at rekindling an old flame? In Underlying Love A Worthington Ohio Mystery, the answers lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

This novel was made with the help of AI.

From Bradley:

A Message of Gratitude and Reflection

To all who have supported my book journey,

As I reflect on the past year since embarking on this adventure, I'm filled with immense gratitude. To everyone who has purchased my book and shown support along the way - thank you from the bottom of my heart. This journey has been challenging at every turn, but your encouragement has been my driving force.

I've learned that regardless of external circumstances or others' opinions, the key is to keep moving forward. Your support has made this possible.

Recently, a reader from the Philippines reached out to share how the book brought her a sense of calm and relaxation. Hearing this was particularly touching, as creating a peaceful experience for readers was one of my primary goals.

During my time volunteering at a retirement home, I saw firsthand how much joy entertainment can bring to people's lives. With this in mind, I encourage you to spread the word about this book, especially to those who might benefit from a light-hearted escape.

If you're looking for an uplifting read free from negativity, I humbly invite you to give my book a try. For those unable to purchase, I've made an audio version available on YouTube, ensuring the story is accessible to all.

My sincere hope is that you'll not only enjoy the tale but also find yourself inspired to seek out the truths woven within its pages.

Thank you once again for being part of this incredible journey and please sign up for our mailing list below.

With Underlying Love,

Bradley

A beautiful Sicilian American woman trying to find.... the truth.

Romance Mystery

Step back in time with this 1940's romance mystery set in Worthington, Ohio. Explore the intrigue and passion of a bygone era.

To learn more about the history of Worthington, Ohio: