Manchester Grad writes action-thriller for teens

Front Cover of Setting the Record Straight by Vida Shurtliff

submitted by Janet Shurtliff

Maybe there’s something in the water, but Manchester seems to have a knack for nurturing artists: musicians, painters, sculptors, theater, and writers! And now we add to the illustrious literary list of Manchester novelists: V.W. Shurtliff.

This 1995 graduate of Manchester High School, known as “Vida” in his Manchester days, is one of the featured writers being published this year by Fifth Avenue Press, an imprint of the Ann Arbor District Library.

On November 4, Fifth Avenue Press will celebrate six literary works they selected for 2018. All Fifth Avenue Press books have an Ann Arbor connection and can be either fiction or non-fiction. This year’s works range from picture books to adult fiction. 

Although they describe Shurtliff’s book as a “teen fantasy novel,” don’t let the word “fantasy” fool you: This story is chock-full of action and suspense, with dangers we hear about in the news every day! And all set in Michigan locations we know well. Titled Setting the Record Straight, it has the fascinating subtitle of The True Story of How I Stopped a Murderous Tyrant and Saved the World from Nuclear War. It surely will grip the attention of every reader, with a special appeal to the 10-14 year-old.

If that isn’t enough to pique your interest in this delightful, intriguing, exciting (and fun!) story of Thomas and Veronica – young teens who find themselves in possession of the only information that can stop a tyrant from ruling our nation, and the world – then read this quick teaser to the story:

When Thomas went to sleep, his life was normal. But when his dog woke him the next morning, nothing was normal. His parents were gone, his house was destroyed, and every police officer in the city was after him. Now, he and his friend Veronica must figure out what happened while trying to avoid being killed by mysterious men dressed in white. But the more they learn, the more they realize the world is in danger. Join Thomas, Veronica, and their dog as they stop a murderous dictator and save the world from nuclear war.

Fifth Avenue Press describes its mission as “to support the local writing community and promote the production of original content.” And certainly Shurtliff fits this mission. Born and raised in Ann Arbor until his family moved to Manchester when he was in fourth grade, Shurtliff then went through his formative years in our little Village before returning to Ann Arbor for his Engineering and Business degrees.

He then settled in Ann Arbor, and it was in reading and telling stories to his children that he developed his charming narrative style with a captivating storyline, wonderfully developed characters, and strong values.

However Shurtliff’s book also has a solid Manchester aspect! Without spoiling the suspense, let’s just say that when the characters’ mission brings them to Manchester, there is no mistaking where Shurtliff grew up! 

Setting the Record Straight is available in both Kindle and paperback editions at Amazon and will be in local bookstores in time for Christmas gift-giving.

Illustration from Setting the Record Straight by Vida Shurtliff.

Beginning of Chapter 21 of Setting the Record Straight by Vida Shurtliff.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.