Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was initially drawn to this book through a viral TikTok video where the author's daughter shared his years-long dedication to the story, which only further fueled my curiosity. The book follows FBI agent Christine Prusik as she leads the investigation into a serial killer who is leaving a chilling calling card at the scene of the crime. The victims are all young women who are being strangled and their bodies dumped in the forests of southern Indiana. What makes this case particularly unnerving is that the killer leaves behind a stone figurine that is carved in the image of the spirit stones of a Papua New Guinea tribe that Prusik had researched a decade earlier. As the investigation unfolds, the killer's connection to Prusik's past becomes increasingly disturbing. She begins to question whether the similarities between the killer's calling card and her research are mere coincidence or a deliberate attempt to target her. The personal nature of the case triggers Prusik's own traumatic memories from her time in the field and her ability to remain objective and focused on the case is tested. The character development in this book is phenomenal, and Richards expertly portrays the depth of Prusik's struggles with trauma and how it affects her work. The plot is brilliantly written and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the mystery unravels, and the tension steadily builds to an explosive finale. Overall, Stone Maidens is a captivating and suspenseful novel that I would highly recommend to any crime thriller enthusiast. It is a well-crafted story that is brought to life through the compelling characters and intricate plot. Lloyd Devereux Richards has crafted a masterpiece that is a testament to his dedication and hard work over the years. I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.