The Kid Detective

As a young boy, Abe Applebaum became a celebrated figure in Willowbrook for his talent in solving minor mysteries. His adventures earned him popularity among peers and established his reputation as the local 'kid detective.'

When Abe was twelve years old, his close friend Gracie Gulliver vanished without a trace. This traumatic event left a profound impact on Abe and sparked his lifelong obsession with solving her mystery.

Now at 32, Abe runs a struggling detective agency and faces skepticism and ridicule from his family and peers. His inability to adapt to adult life leads him to alcohol and drugs as he battles depression over his failures.

Caroline, an orphaned high school student, approaches Abe for help in solving the murder of her boyfriend, Patrick Chang. Seeing this as an opportunity to redeem himself, Abe accepts the case despite lacking experience in murder investigations.

As Abe and Caroline delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover troubling secrets about Patrick. They learn about his involvement in drug trafficking and a secret relationship with an older girl named Melody.

The investigation reveals that Patrick's friend Calvin had feelings for Caroline and resented their romance. This newfound insight adds complexity to the search for Patrick's murderer and the dynamics of their relationships.

Despite his determination, Abe's amateur investigative methods lead to clumsy mistakes, including angering Patrick's father and getting arrested for trespassing. These missteps highlight Abe's struggles and the difficulty of his situation.

Abe has a breakthrough when he realizes that a series of origami roses believed to be from Patrick closely resemble those received by Gracie before her disappearance. This connection reignites Abe's pursuit to solve both mysteries.

As the investigation unfolds, Abe confronts an old blunder in which he wrongly accused an innocent person of stealing during a school fundraiser. This moment of reflection underscores Abe's growth and need for redemption.

Abe uncovers that Principal Erwin, who had an unhealthy obsession with Gracie, was responsible for both her kidnapping and Patrick's murder. In a tense confrontation, Abe reveals his findings and confronts the true villain.

During the confrontation, Abe learns that Erwin had made a grave mistake by assuming a photograph of Melody was of Caroline, leading him to kill Patrick. This tragic revelation highlights the consequences of Erwin's distorted obsession.

Realizing the magnitude of his atrocities, Erwin takes his own life in front of Abe. This shocking moment emphasizes the devastating impact of envy, obsession, and unaddressed issues in the lives of the characters.

In a climactic moment, Abe discovers that Gracie is alive yet imprisoned in a shed on Erwin's property. This discovery not only reunites Abe with his childhood friend but also closes a painful chapter from his past.

Abe is hailed as a hero for finally solving the case and reuniting with Gracie, which leads to a revitalization of his detective business. However, the emotional weight of the events leaves him fractured and deeply affected.

In a poignant moment, Abe breaks down in tears when his parents come to check on him following the traumatic events. This emotional release marks a significant moment in Abe's journey as he comes to terms with his experiences.