LEXINGTON, Ky., — Readers looking for a little mystery and romance in the Bluegrass can find both when local author F.J. “Frank” Messina talks about his book, “Down the Rabbit Hole” at the next Kentucky Proud Evening, 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Fayette County Extension office.

The first book in Messina’s series, “The Bluegrass Files,” “Down the Rabbit Hole” introduces private investigator Sonia Vitale. She’s new to the field, and she usually tracks cheating exes. But when she stakes out a Kentucky horse farm, she uncovers more than she could have imagined. With help from her quirky partner and her more experienced, and handsome, competition, she finds herself trying to solve a mystery that thrusts her in the middle of speeding cars, bullets, secret codes and mysterious voices, not to mention two very different, highly distracting men. It’s a dangerous and action-packed journey that will eventually lead her from novice private investigator to consummate professional.

Messina holds degrees in music education and telecommunications as well as a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After a long career as a professional musician and educator, he turned his attention to writing fiction in 2016.

He has lived in Lexington for more than 40 years and enjoys sharing the beauty and culture of his adopted city through his writings.

“Fall is the perfect time for a good mystery, and Frank Messina’s book should set the tone for enjoying future cozy nights at home with a good book,” said Diana Doggett, Fayette County family and consumer sciences extension agent. “Our guests take as much pleasure in these monthly author talks as the speakers do. The evenings are filled with good food, conversation and the opportunity to meet some extremely interesting writers.”

The Fayette County Cooperative Extension office, which is part of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, hosts the monthly events at the Fayette County Extension office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington.

Make reservations for the event by calling the Fayette County Extension office at 859-257-5582. Participants may purchase Messina’s book at the event.