Author publishes novel based on her life growing up in Shelley

SHELLEY — A new novel, partly inspired by the author’s experiences growing up in Shelley, is being called “a story with everything†by readers.

The farm near the old sugar beet factory on Baseline Rd, Shelley High School and the caring, small-town community that surrounded her was the quintessential place for novelist M. Kasey to grow up in the fifties and sixties. 

Six decades after graduating from Shelley High School and moving away, Kasey, drawing on her love for Shelley, wrote “Marty’s Dark Matter.” A story that takes place in the fictional town of Freedom, a town inspired by Kasey’s life growing up in Shelley.

“‘Marty’s Dark Matter’ is a fictional story about Marty, who has high-functioning autism, was written around journal entries about intersections of a scientific and spiritual world. As true to characteristics of the syndrome, Marty prattles on and on about her favorite topics, especially cosmology and the origin of the universe,” according to a news release. “The life of Marty is intended to be a fascinating story even for those who might skip the technical journal entries with Marty’s constant chatter about her favorite subject. But for others, it will be a novel like no other that might cause them to think and speculate and perhaps turn to scripture to understand science.”

Professional editor and proofreader Andrew Stephens called “Marty’s Dark Matter” an “immersive and gripping story.”

“‘Marty’s Dark Matter,’ which does indeed appear a little tricky at first but carries off the splendid achievement of seamlessly melding psychological drama, epic family sage, murder mystery, hospital suspense, self-awareness, and deep philosophical musings on life, the hereafter, creation, religion and the meaning of life into an increasingly immersive and gripping story. Phew,” Stephens said in a news release.

For those who grew up or live in a small town, ‘Marty’s Dark Matter’ may have a familiar feel, as shown in the following excerpt.

“During the week, a shopping trip to Freedom with Kat took longer than needed because she stopped to talk; everyone was a relative, a student, or a member of the same congregation—or all three rolled into one.”

The novel was published by WiDo Publishing out of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is available on Amazon, WiDo Publishing and other online bookstores. It is also available for brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.

Kasey said she always loved telling stories, the more mysterious the better.

After retiring, she said she finally found the time to write.

After Kasey graduated from Shelley High School, she attended Utah State University. She went on to teach school in the town of Cardston in Alberta, Canada. It was there that she met her Canadian husband. They recently celebrated 54 years together.

Kasey is the mother of four children and the grandmother of 15 grandchildren.

When possible, Kasey and her family return to Shelley to visit family and friends.