The Monongahela Mysteries: The Art and Science of Murder

Morgantown, West Virginia. April Fools’ Day. In the air, more than pranks. A wealthy young local, PHILLIP GRIMES, lifts a device from the lab of a strange inventor, HENRY TABBOTH, and Grimes encounters Tabboth’s artist stepdaughter, VERONICA, who harbors love for him. The next day, Henry is dead, impaled by an icicle after an unexpected spring freeze. Veronica is found at the scene by the intrepid reporter KYLE TYLER. Then, rewinding to Groundhog Day, life coach ABIGIA "Abby" ANGELOS breaks her engagement with Chief Deputy Sheriff DOUG DARNELL after learning of his political ambitions; he's running for county sheriff-she finds out on the local news. As March unfolds, Abby’s stress management and criminal psychology expertise draws her into a seminar where she runs into a familiar face: neurologist RYAN LIVINGSTON. His questions hint at attraction to Abby and a former grand jury investigation into Grimes’ suspected art forgery. Grimes walked. Although charming, Abby finds Ryan’s Queens-mafioso-like lingo amusing. The next day, the discovery of a scientist’s body tied to a previous murder case involving Grimes propels Abby into a deepening mystery.

Kyle recruits Abby to resurrect a criminal personality theory she wrote after the first body surfaced near the Monongahela. The latest victim’s girlfriend—a model is a person of interest. Abby, the law enforcement consultant with a penchant for sleuthing, can’t resist a mystery, mainly when it surrounds Grimes. Abby poses as a grief counselor and is quick to clear the model of foul play, deducing that her tears are genuine—she’s too busy mourning the loss of her boyfriend’s bank account to have plotted his demise. The investigation takes a thrilling turn as Abby and Doug, along with Kyle and romance novelist BRIGHTON DELAFORD ASHTON, uncover a web of deceit involving Grimes, Ryan, and Veronica when Brighton masquerades as a character from one of his books, following information and instincts. Curveball: The model confesses, but Abby and Doug know she’s been coerced. Doug admits to Abby that his actions messed them up – he has a history of fumbling romantic relationships. Return to the day that Henry’s body is found. Doug finds evidence that Grimes has surprising accomplices.

Then, during a sting operation on a riverboat, they reveal Veronica as the murderer, manipulated by Grimes. Meanwhile, Ryan’s attempt to be a superhero after Grimes makes a surprise visit to the gala adds an action-packed (and comical) twist. Grimes swings from the cathead and lands on an escape boat, evading justice. All is not lost. Doug and Abby reconcile, and Brighton begins a “true crime” book based on the antics of the mysterious Phillip Grimes. Doug learns of an adult son he never knew about, and the stage is set for the next chapter - "The Monongahela Mysteries-Deadly Double Play," where the hunt for the elusive Phillip Grimes continues, and so does the love saga of Abby and Doug.

"The Monongahela Mysteries" offers a clever mix of suspense and humor. Love, family ties and laughter are as crucial as the clues that solve the crimes. In the style of a "Hallmark-style Mystery," with the leads' journeys showcased. This could be produced as a one-off with a tantalizing cliffhanger ending, leaving the audience craving more, or as a gripping movie miniseries covering all four installments, promising a delightful and entertaining journey.