Under the Bluffs: Some Things are not Meant to be Found

by Nicholas Grady

Under the Bluffs is a story that takes place in St. Paul Minnesota in the early 90’s. The story begins on an unusually cold and snowy day in April 1983. A local detective receives a strange letter that simply states, “Two will disappear, you will not find them.” Two children disappear on that same day but the detective has no luck in finding them. Over the course of ten years the detective receives 4 more letters, and a total of 10 children disappear. It is not until a couple of young, urban explorers find a body in an abandoned cave 10 years later that the investigation gains any ground. Once this happens the detective begins to explore the caves in search of more evidence, eventually enlisting the help of the two young explorers to try to catch the kidnapper and solve the crime. As the story unfolds there are unexpected plot twists and surprises along the way that will keep any reader happily engaged.

210 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2023

About the author

Nicholas Grady was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. He currently lives with his wife, dog, and cat in Robbinsdale, MN. He is a Special Education Teacher and published his first novel, Under the Bluffs in April 2023. The book came into existence after Nick began exploring hidden and abandoned caves in Minnesota. The book has two sequels; Under the Water and Under the Snow (coming in 2025). When he is not exploring caves, Nick likes to listen to vinyl records, and ride his Triumph motorcycle as much as he can. If you'd like to see some of Nick's cave exploration videos you can check them out on youtube @ridercaver5878

Reviews

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this book. I was gifted this book from a friend and we buddy read it over a week. It was a really good crime mystery novel. It had me upset many times and almost feeling sick as I pictured what was happening in the caves under St Paul, MN. I had to keep telling myself it’s not real. It’s fiction. At one point I sent these emojis to my friend “🤬🤢😭” this book is unsettling and if you don’t like tight, dark spaces, brace yourself because you find yourself in this environment. The whodunnit was shocking at the end.

[breanna:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this book on tiktok and it seemed like it would be an interesting story. I was not disappointed!! The story was really captivating and interesting!

[Alinar Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like watching a murder mystery documentary. It is even phrased similarly, with all the detailed descriptions and explanations! It keeps you on your toes, it makes you want to pay attention!
Also, if you're into cave exploration adventures, this is a must-read for you! I've never been to a proper cave before, but after reading this book, it doesn't feel this way anymore. Fascinating! ☺️

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story caught me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I read for enjoyment versus critiquing a book. While there was one disturbing storyline and there was a twist I didn’t see coming, I also don’t get caught up trying to figure out ahead of time what’s going to happen. So I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can agree some of the writing was simplistic, I expect this author’s writing to grow and I look forward to reading his other books in the trilogy.

[NerdyMetalMom37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller read and I was hooked from start to finish. This was a very gripping read, had me in my Mom Feels, as I have kids of my own, and wouldn’t want anything to happen to them. It was packed with suspense/mystery & twists. I love love the Pop Culture references to the 80s & 90s brought me back to my Fraggle Rock and Super Mario days as a kid! Hell I still love both!!
I love the facts/vivid descriptions about the caves, & reading about the characters bobbing and weaving in the caves made me feel claustrophobic I couldn’t do it. I felt the suspense/intensity of it, I loved it, but would never do it in real life 😂
Aside from the thrill/suspense/mystery there are moments of humor & with the cultural nods it made this story feel modern and grounded to me!!! Loved it! Great Read! 🖤

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone. Crimes involving kids are hard to read, but I really liked this book. It is a quick read and written with a fast pace so the pages just flew by. The story was very captivating and hooked me right from the start. I couldn’t wait to find out. I enjoyed learning about the back story of the offender. I always enjoy it when we learn about the whole criminal, its very interesting and that was the case here. I loved how this book went through different times in history and had so many references from my childhood. It was a nice surprise and I really enjoyed it a lot. The thriller aspect was so much fun and I really enjoyed this book a whole lot. I also really enjoyed

If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you should check this one out.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5
I received a copy for my honest opinion.

In this book, you’re taken on a journey to St. Paul, Minnesota, where over the last decade ten children have mysteriously disappeared, always two children, always on the same day. When the first pair vanished, local detective Ron received a chilling letter that read, “Two will disappear, you will not find them.” With every new disappearance, an identical letter followed, and despite his relentless efforts, Ron was never able to solve the cases. Though they eventually became cold files, Ron never stopped digging. And everything changes when two urban explorers venture into an abandoned cave and uncover two bodies, finally pulling the case back into the light.

This was a great thriller–mystery. The plot is thoughtfully developed and gave me the nostalgic feeling of watching a true crime documentary from the early ’90s. The pacing is fast, making it an easy and engaging read, and the mix of suspense, action, drama, and moments of humor kept me hooked throughout.

A note for readers: the story does involve children, and you will learn about their deaths. The details are not graphic, more factual in nature, which made the content easier to process, if it had been detailed, I don’t think I could have finished the book.

I loved the nostalgia woven through the narrative. The references to the ’80s and ’90s made me smile and the cave exploration details were fascinating. Grady’s vivid descriptions made it incredibly easy to visualize the tight spaces, ropes, flashlights, and the uneasy claustrophobia of crawling underground.

The story also shifts back in time, giving readers insight into the caves’ history, the origins of the letters, and most importantly the motivations behind the criminal. I always appreciate when authors allow us inside the antagonist’s head, offering clear reasoning for their twisted logic. It brings the entire mystery full circle.

I want to thank Nicholas Grady for the opportunity to review this book.

[Madison Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book recommended by the author in a book group I'm in. I've read thriller and horror books involving children, but not much like this. Since I'm a huge empath and a momma, this book got to me. The world is a scary place. People are scary. More so now than ever, it seems. This was one of those books. I enjoyed reading about the caves, although I could never climb in a close fit one myself. Towards the end of the book, especially Chris' chapter, my heart broke. No child deserves that. However, as someone who came from a roughish childhood and lost 2 family members to two different murders i understand the pain. I get it. However, you get to choose how to live your life. You become the light or the dark. This man chose dark. The overall ending was better than I hoped for. Overall a good quick read.

[J. M. ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like binging a season of True Detective, and I loved it. 🤩 It was full of interesting historical facts, fascinating details about the cave systems in Minnesota, and some 80s/90s nostalgia that made my heart happy. Overall, Under the Bluffs was an intriguing vacation from my usual [romance] genre, and I feel like it was just the right kind of story to dip my toes into the crime/thriller scene. Unsettling but not gruesome, the perfect length, and a well-rounded cast of characters. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Mrs. Jackal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Bluffs is the story of children going missing over the course of a decade, and the detective who is trying to find the culprit with almost nothing to go on. While reading this book it really felt like the narrator was telling you about a story they actually experienced first hand. I loved the urban exploring angle and the caves made the vibe so eerie and tense. This was a fast,  action packed, and unputdownable book that is great for readers who like police procedural style mysteries or are interested in urban exploring.

[Baileybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really excited I was told about this book. It's a short, easy read and I loved it. The author did a fantastic job with descriptions throughout the entire story it was easy to visualize the setting and characters. This is definitely murder crime mystery story with a serious plot, but you will love the characters. My favorite Jeff and Tony added a bit of fun to the story.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of adventure and very suspenseful. I highly recommend this book if you are a thriller lover. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Nick did a great job building the characters up. It's really cool to have an author to set the book in a crave setting.

[Tblazinaries · Rating 4 out of 5]

first read by this author

This has been one of few books that I have read that has kept me invested I really enjoyed reading this book this is also my first time reading a book by Nicholas Grady

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! While there were some editing errors, the story itself was great! I loved the detail and the ending had me on the edge of my seat!

[Roscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas has a great way of story telling that draws you in and doesn't let go. This was a very entertaining story, full of twists until the very end!

[Carrie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful, so good. Can't wait for the next book.

[Jenna Jaggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read and I'm looking forward to seeing future works from this author. It was a bonus to get to learn about the cave systems of Minnesota!

[Anita E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for a first-time author

This is an easy read. The storyline is set in an actual setting, which helped me to be able to envision what the characters were going through. Sometimes, the author describes items in the story to help the reader understand what there are and was not too much of a deviation from the flow of the story. I enjoyed it and would definitely read this author again.

[Odalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great mystery read and towards the end even a bit of suspense. I enjoyed reading this book. Everything is well described so you can actually visualize what you are reading. Definitely recommend!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Needed an editor.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter to the last. The story is a well designed mystery, with enough suspense to keep me reading and reading.

Some of the paragraphs are a little long, but the story flows well and I love the characters of Tony and Jeff.

Definitely an author I would read from in the future, even if mystery/suspense isn't my first go to for books.

[Trinity Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

spectacular!!!

I am so upset that it took me so long to actually finish this book, but it had nothing to do with the book’s quality. I absolutely loved this book!! I don’t usually read thrillers so it was a breath of fresh air. I learned so much about caving and caving equipment I could probably be an expert caver tbh. I love how thorough and explanatory this book is. The atmosphere was creepy and I felt like I was in a cold wet cave throughout some of it. I found myself attached to Jeff and Tony and Ron and felt the heartbreak of these murders right along with them. 10/10!!

[Christina _readingwhilewet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I've had this book on my tbr for a while since I saw it on tik tok. I finally got into it, and it didn't disappoint.

Now, first off, this story can be triggering and unsettling, so proceed with caution

This story was short and to the point, gave me law and order vibes.

Great debut book. I can't wait to read more from this author

[Brittany Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! As someone who likes a good crime mystery story and someone who has watched many urban exploring videos, this book was right up my alley! I felt like I was on an adventure trying to solve a case with the characters. When the big twist happened, I audibly gasped! This was such a fun read.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read if you want a quick murder mystery hit. The setting is so fully developed that it's clearly one the author adores, and is a glimpse into a world I have always been both fascinated by and absolutely too terrified to ever try for myself. Altogether a really solid book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery suspense had me hooked. I had to know what happened to all of the missing children.

[Allison Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It had a really good murder mystery feel to it. I would recommend this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked reading about the the caves in the Twin Cities. I felt the author has much to learn about improving his writing skills.

[Michael Vassallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good story, it held my interest looking forward to more from this author. The cave aspect was a great twist and well done.

[A.C. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why the caves? There has to be a reason.
10 kids over 10 years. 2 at a time, 2 years apart.
From the 1980s thru the 1990s.

Detective Ron Clark has been tortured by these kidnappings and murders for the last ten years. Every 2 years he receives a letter letting him know 2 children will be taken and that Ron can't stop it or will even find the children.
Ron’s failure to capture the person responsible has left him haunted and he turns to drinking. With no wife or family of his own to help stabilize him, he sinks deeper into what he perceives as a failure and even his own colleagues begin to worry as they watch him spiral into anti-depressants and liquor.

Tony and Jeff are a couple of stoners who just graduated high school with no direction for their future. They work a dead end job leaving plenty of time for skateboarding, getting high and their real passion, urban exploring. They are well acquainted with the caves and tunnels under the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. These tunnels have been used for mining, bootlegging during prohibition, gambling and had mob connections. (There was even a tavern and bowling alley deep under the bustling streets of the city above.) The city discouraged exploring these places saying they are dangerous and have tried very hard to seal some of the tunnels and entrances, but explorers like Jeff and Tony always find another way.
After stumbling over 2 bodies deep in the caves, not wanting to be involved they make an anonymous tip. Because Tony and Jeff are already known to other officers as “seasoned explorers” they are introduced to Ron Clark to guide him through the complex system of tunnels in the hopes of finding more bodies.
The unlikely trio stumble thru the twists, turns and sometimes dangerous tunnels deep under the city. They eventually find several more bodies but no signs of the killer.

The killer has taken a form of revenge for childhood traumas. This poor child had no love and lots of neglect from the parents, most of the time they didn't even remember they had a child. Bullied in school and was left for dead in the caves by “friends”. When not even the police seemed to care about what happened the heart hardened. They will all suffer and pay mind set begins to form.
There is one more letter sent. The next 2 victims are silently being stalked.


So, I’m just gonna stop here. I am not going to say if the killer was able to get his last 2 victims or gets sloppy and caught. I WILL say there is a HUGE OH SHIT moment I never saw coming in chapter 8 and things start becoming clear.
Nicholas Grady did a great job of pulling me into the story and the history of the tunnels and caves.