The Sand Box (with apology to Leopoldt Oliver Higgens)

By The Usual Bohemian

The setting is Floyd G. Packard Elementary School, Beilerville (Ohio); circa 1953.

It is the second to last day of school for the longtime third grade instructor (Adeline Ruth Coleman). She presumes the minimum day will be rather routine; but quite unexpectantly, a mysterious boy has shown up just after class begins. The young lad is filthy; he is wearing an outfit far more suitable for another era (filled with dust, torn clothing and scratches). Mrs. Coleman is quite astounded when the boy doesn't have any of the normal paperwork. To make matters worse, the administration has closed the office for the morning in order to give a tour to major media interests (various reporters are here to see the 'formerly, ' Amish high school facility across town).

After running a brief errand, the instructor goes back to check on the lad, but finds no trace of him in the classroom. Furthermore, Leopoldt Higgens doesn't show up after recess, and nobody knows his whereabouts. Adeline Coleman decides to press onward with the regular routine; but strangely enough, soon observes the boy through the window... for some reason, he is out on the playground digging in the sandbox. Standing there next to him is a young girl (wearing vintage clothing), who is also unfamiliar. This will not be the last encounter she will have with Leopoldt Oliver Higgens or his unexplained associate.

The novel vividly portrays a mysterious and 'forgotten' world of yesteryear. Just when a few 'primary issues' have been resolved, sordid twists and turns soon introduce themselves... inevitably binding the reader back onto the edge of their seat.

"...an intellective, suspenseful, and fast paced adventure; written in the classic style of Hitchcock, Lucas, and Serling."

"He has a skilled writing ability that stimulates the reader's imagination." Lisa Brown-Gilbert [Hollywood Book Review]

"He has a skilled writing ability that stimulate the reader's imagination." Lisa Brown-Gilbert (Hollywood Book Review)"

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B09F1J4LJC
• ISBN13: 9798468470275
• Release Date: August 2021
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"