Story creator brings 21st century vision to life

Mystery, crime, adventure, and a prize brings this story and reading to the 21st century.

Baldwin native Tina Verderosa has developed an interactive novel titled, “Harry Hid It” which she hopes will take mystery novels to a whole new level. The CEO for BT Enterprise Long Island, LLC she doesn’t view herself as a book author of any sort. She created the idea for the novel and contracted a writer to put her ideas to paper.

“I wouldn’t call myself as an author, novelist or even a great writer,” Verderosa said. “I would describe myself as an innovative thinker and creator.”

Verderosa searched to find an established author who could help her bring her story idea to life. After months of searching and being turned away by many, she forged ahead and stumbled upon JJ McKeever.

Verderosa and McKeever worked together to take what was in Verderosa’s head and get it to McKeever’s pen and paper.

“Harry Hid It” is an interactive mystery that follow the book’s main character Harry Strickland and friends, a small-time criminal group of Long Island guys, as they plan and pull off heists throughout the tri-state area. Harry keeps his crew together while dealing with law enforcement, other criminals, and the women in his life.

“There are clues encrypted in the story as to where the stolen items are hidden,” she said.

Harry hides most of the loot he and his boys manage to steal. Scattered throughout the book are clues to where he hides their money. Harry Hid It challenges its readers to enter a contest called “Where Did Harry Hide It?” where readers can submit their answer as to where they think Harry and his gang hid their money. The prize money starts at $5,000 and can go as high as $500,000. The increase in the prize pool is determined by the number of books sold. A portion of each sale will be deposited into the prize pool fund.

 “People just don’t read books anymore,” she said. “I want to change the way that they see books by making it exciting and interactive”

Verderosa later explained that this interactive novel has the potential to spark a new interest in book reading.

“The story itself is interesting especially for people in the tristate area,” she said. “It mentions places that people who grew up on Long Island, New Jersey and Manhattan can relate to.”

She has had this story in her mind for about three years after she got a suggestion from one of her friends, a person who she describes as brilliant, innovative and an avid reader. She stated that she wants inspire people to follow their dreams regardless of how out of reach they may seem.

Several books have already been sold and they will be available until May 31, 2017. A second book will be released promptly on June 1st, 2017 and then a third the following year. Readers or just those that wish to participate in the Harry Hid It contest can enter online by visiting www.HarryHidIt.com and submit their answer between March 1st, 2017-June 15th, 2017.