Robbinsdale Mystery Author Working on Third Novel
Nicholas Grady is a special education teacher who spends his free time writing mystery novels.
The Robbinsdale resident has published two novels so far and is in the process of publishing a third. Both of his novels have taken place in Minnesota at “mysterious” local places he has long been curious about.
“They were these very dark, creepy, quiet places and it started giving me ideas for what I thought was going to be a short story. That short story turned into a full-length novel, then it inspired me to write a sequel to it, and I’m currently working on a third book, so this will be a trilogy when it’s done,” explained Grady.
Grady said a lot of the references in his first book “Under the Bluffs” are from things he saw exploring abandoned caves in St. Paul.
“There is a point in the first book where they’re searching this cave, looking for evidence of the missing children, and they come across this full-sized trampoline that’s been set up in the cave and that’s actually still there,” said Grady.
Grady said people have ordered his novel from across the world. More than 450 copies of “Under the Bluffs” have been sold.
“I expected to sell maybe 100 copies of the first book and that might be the end of it and instead I’m reaching this audience,” said Grady.
After the good reviews and positive feedback, he knew wanted to publish a sequel.
“The reviews started coming in on Amazon and other websites, like Goodreads.com, and the reviews were very positive. People were liking the book, and it was selling a lot more than I thought it would have, so that was when I was like ‘okay,’ I think I want to do a second one,” said Grady.
Robbinsdale author Nicholas Grady discusses his book with CCX News
Grady said the heart of his second novel, “Under the Water,” are based on two kids named Tony and Jeff.
“They are these two kids out of high school, they don’t know what they’re doing with their lives, and getting connected with Ron helps them find purpose in their lives,” said Grady.
Now, Grady is focused on editing his third book of the trilogy.
“People that I know, as well as people that I don’t know, have really enjoyed the books,” said Grady.
Grady will be at Wicked Wort Brewing Company for a book signing on July 26.
Ellie Tulkki reporting
