Turtles All the Way Down: Aza Holmes' Story

The Disappearance of Russell Pickett

The story begins when two best friends, Aza and Daisy, discover that a billionaire has disappeared. The police are offering a significant financial reward in exchange for information regarding his whereabouts.

Aza Holmes and Her Battle with OCD

The protagonist, Aza, constantly struggles with intrusive thoughts about contracting bacteria. These thoughts often spiral until she feels she has lost control of her life, frequently leading to severe panic attacks.

The Investigation and the Tuatara

While investigating the disappearance, they realize that Aza was childhood friends with the billionaire's son, Davis. They also learn that the billionaire has left his entire inheritance to his pet tuatara, Tua.

Reconnecting with Davis Pickett

One day, they sneak onto the estate and download photos from a night-vision camera in the mansion's garden. A security guard catches them and takes them to Davis, who recognizes Aza immediately.

As they rekindle their friendship, Davis reveals he knows they have the photos and are seeking the police reward. Although Aza denies this, Davis gives them a large sum of money to ensure their loyalty and help them out.

Struggles with Intimacy and Anxiety

As they spend more time together, Aza and Davis begin a romantic relationship. However, Aza's intrusive thoughts regarding the exchange of bacteria during a kiss cause her immense distress. These panic attacks eventually lead to the couple breaking up at the end of the story.

The Mystery of the Jogger’s Mouth

Davis's younger brother shares notes their father left on his phone, hoping Aza and Daisy can help find him because he wants his father to come home. One cryptic note reads: "The Jogger’s Mouth," but they initially do not know what it means.

Following a car accident during an argument with Daisy, Aza begins to find her footing again and experiences fewer intrusive thoughts. Later, Daisy suggests they attend an art exhibition where her boyfriend is showing a painting. While there, they notice a very foul odor.

Solving the Disappearance

They eventually realize that the last note on the missing man's phone refers to the place where he is located, and that the bad smell is likely coming from the dead body of the billionaire. The next day, Aza explains the situation to Davis, and he and his brother decide to notify the police.