What a day in my life is like? I will elaborate. My name is Casey Sherman Schmitt, and I have high-functioning autism. I’d like to live by a detailed schedule, just like I keep my home tidy and everything in order. Living the other way usually ends in disaster. It has been a great asset for me since I was in high school, through college, and even in the workforce. There were quite a few jobs I worked at: security guard a couple of times, evidence clerk at the police station/crime lab, backroom stock associate, grocery clerk/stocker, and inventory clerk.

Those jobs were usually day shifts, sometimes morning shifts, but nothing before eight o’clock. I was usually up by six or seven, spent some time in the word and prayer, got some exercise, cleaned up, put on my uniform or whatever work clothes were required, and was off to work.

There was some turmoil during the COVID pandemic that affected me. That was a big change. I had to adapt like everyone else. I got a therapist, Valarie Zimmerman; she is a godsend and a support dog, and for a while I was working with a mask. I couldn’t go to church services at Celebration and had to change my times to get out of the house.

Of course, that was that, and this is now. For the past few months, Myles Wilson, my best friend since college, and I have started our own small detective agency, Schmitt & Wilson Investigations. It’s an office in the Western Mall here in the big city of Sioux Falls, SD. It’s actually spacious for its size. Our office hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sometimes we do extra out-of-office work on Saturdays. I leave an hour early on the 1st and 3rd Mondays for my sessions with Valerie, that changes to Wednesdays if there.

On weekdays, I’m up by 7 a.m., do my devotional and prayer time for five to ten minutes, and Scout and I get some exercise outside. I shower, change clothes, get breakfast made, and then Scout and I head to the office. Miles and I switch between buying coffee and rolls. my cousin Jennifer, Jen never Jenny, Carson comes in to answer phones and hold the fort. Weekends, unless we’re working on a case, are usually relaxing. Sundays are for family and church—for us at least. I’m also trying to get out there and do more things. Besides pizza and a movie, a concert, or a sporting event. There is a new mystery book club that my mother, Bertha, has mentioned. Maybe I should attend something else besides my men’s small group on Sunday.

There haven’t been any challenging cases, just the simple: Find my dog or find this piece of jewelry, blah..blah..blah.

Until Friday rolled in and Cassie Murphy showed up and wanted us to find her brother Elliott Murphy, who’s supposed to launch his new app at Tech Expo in Sioux Falls. That surprised me, but we’re not Silicon Valley here in good ol’ South Dakota. The case is very interesting.

The Geek is Up, A Casey Schmitt Mystery Book #1
Genre: Humorous Mystery
Release: September 2024
Format: Digital, Print to come soon
Purchase Link

Casey Schmitt, an autistic savant with a keen eye for detail, has always aspired to be a detective. Teaming up with his trusty friend Myles Wilson, they form the formidable Schmitt & Wilson Investigations, along with a little help from Scout, Casey’s loyal trained beagle. When Cassie Murphy seeks their help in locating her missing brother, Elliot, a brilliant but elusive young man, the trio dives headfirst into a high-stakes search. As the countdown to a crucial tech summit looms, Casey’s brilliant mind, Myles’s undeniable charm, and Scout’s unparalleled knack for sniffing out the truth are put to the test.

However, a sudden murder throws a wrench in their plans, leading them down an unexpected path filled with danger, intrigue, and mystery. Will they be able to crack the case before it’s too late?

About the author
Ryan Hoffman has an interest in criminal justice and writing. He’s always loved mystery novels since childhood, and a creative mind from his autism. He writes and pens mystery novels set in his home state of South Dakota. He’s a member of the local group South Dakota Writes and national organization Sisters in Crime. He lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with his cat and parents.

Connect with Ryan on Facebook, Amazon author page, Goodreads, and Bookbub.