Bethlehem author and educator Scott Morro hosted a promotional event for the release of his seventh young adult novel, “The Albrecht Society,” Aug. 20 at Peter Hall on the South Campus of Moravian University.

Morro told attendees that the idea for “The Albrecht Society” came from an encounter four years ago at the Nazareth Public Library, when a woman asked Morro if he was aware of the tunnels under Main Street in downtown Bethlehem.

“A few days later, I decided this would be my next book,” Morro said.

“The Albrecht Society” is the sequel to Morro’s sixth young adult novel, “The Washington Pursuit,” featuring the same main characters, middle school friends Ernie Goodman and Bobby Donatelli.

Ernie and Bobby, now veteran treasure hunters, go on an adventure that takes them from secret tunnels to a local nursing home, as they ultimately uncover a city secret.

Just as important to the novel is the character of Camille Brewster, an elderly lady, loosely based on Moravian University alumna Ruth Fortino, who graduated in 1942. The addition of Camille allowed Morro to address the importance of obtaining stories from the generations that come before us.

In his research for the book, Morro and his wife Lisa met with Moravian assistant archivist Tom McCullough and had the opportunity to see what the tunnels look like.

“We got to see things that are 100 years old,” Morro said. “We got to hold history in our hands.”

As with “The Washington Pursuit,” Morro had some of his students from DeFranco ES read advance copies of “The Albrecht Society,” and their quotes are on the back cover of the book. (Morro now teaches at Wescosville ES.)

“I read a lot of his other books, and I pre-read this one before it officially came out,” said eighth grader Jenna Mamana, “and then I gave him feedback about what I thought.”

Mamana wrote: “The Albrecht Society” is a non-stop ride. I didn’t want to put it down. There was never a bland moment. It was always going.”

Eighth grader Lydia Austin also pre-read the book.

“It made me feel really important, and it felt like a good opportunity,” Austin said. “While Morro portrays the characters perfectly and gives true insight into Ernie’s personality, making sure to emphasize problems we all go through, he also brings some history and stays close to home with this amazing story.”

“The Albrecht Society” can be purchased through Amazon or Scottmorro.com.