Book Based in Southern Indiana Becomes a Best-Seller 10 Years After Its Release

If there is anyone that knows the saying, "Good things come to those who wait," from experience, it is hands down 74-year-old Lloyd Devereux Richards, a Vermont author.

A Story 14 Years in the Making Based in Indiana

It took Lloyd Richards 14 years to write his suspense thriller, "Stone Maidens." After a decade with virtually no sales, the book hit number one on Amazon all thanks to the power of the internet and a daughter who believed in him.

Published in 2012, "Stone Maidens" is inspired by a series of crimes that took place during Lloyd Richard's time studying law at Indiana University in the 1970s. The synopsis from Amazon reads:

As the chief forensic anthropologist for the FBI’s Chicago field office, Christine Prusik has worked her fair share of bizarre cases. Yet this one trumps them all: a serial killer is strangling young women and dumping their bodies in the steep, forested ravines of southern Indiana.

With each victim, the killer leaves a calling card: a stone figurine carved like the spirit stones found among the native tribes of Papua New Guinea―the same tribes Prusik worked with a decade earlier while doing field research. The personal nature of the similarity is eerie and, frankly, terrifying; Prusik still carries trauma from her time in the field.

As the dark details continue to surface, Prusik has to wonder if the connection is real or if her nightmares have finally wormed their way into her waking life.

Sounds perfect for any crime junkie, right?

@stonemaidens you all are amazing! Life can be hard and then it can be wonderful suddenly (still crying) #stonemaidens♬ original sound - lloyd

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Daughter Knows Best

Even after Lloyd's dedication and hard work, the book didn't see many sales after its publication. Enter Lloyd's 40-year-old daughter, Marguerite Richards who started a TikTok account to promote the book. According to Upworthy, Marguerite said, "It was such a great book, and I knew how important it was to him. I thought maybe it's just because nobody knows about the book."

@stonemaidens It’s a beautifully written thriller on Amazon ❤️ #stonemaidens #booktok #authorsoftiktok #thrillerbooks #books ♬ original sound - e

After Marguerite's video went viral, she shared another video of her father's emotional response. His reaction to the outpour of support and sales is enough to bring a tear to anyone's eye. Even more heat-warming is their celebration with chocolate milkshakes.

@stonemaidens After 25 years of little hope, this happened. Never give up! #stonemaidens #booktok #authorsoftiktok #1bestseller ♬ stuff we did - favsoundds

@stonemaidens After 25 years of little hope, this happened. Never give up! #stonemaidens #booktok #authorsoftiktok #1bestseller ♬ stuff we did - favsoundds

There's no doubt that the power of the internet can be life-changing especially when partnered with the determination of a daughter seeking the recognition for her father that he deserves. Lloyd's story is a good reminder that hard work pays off in the end and perseverance can go a long (like a really long) way.

And if you're looking for your next read and love suspense, grab yourself a copy of "Stone Maidens."