Orchids and Stone - Softcover

Lisa Preston’s debut novel follows several nonfiction books on animal care. Her experiences as a mountain climber, fire department paramedic, and police sergeant are channeled into fiction that is suspenseful, fast-paced, and well acquainted with human drama. She has lived in Arizona, California, and Alaska and now makes her home in western Washington.

Daphne Mayfield has had a hard life. As a child, her sister was kidnapped, never to be seen or heard from again. Years later, Daphne’s father takes his own life in a dumpy hotel room, ridding himself of his grief but only increasing it for those left behind. Tragedy continues to follow the young woman when, in the park, she meets Minerva Watts, an elderly woman who is begging for help. At first glance, Daphne thinks she’s simply old and confused, especially when the woman’s daughter comes along and takes her away. But something in Daphne’s gut tells her there is more than meets the eye. Not being able to live with the guilt of having something bad happen to Minerva, Daphne embarks on what becomes a wild journey of deceit, corruption, and terror to find out the truth: Is Minerva Watts a crazy old lady, or has she been kidnapped like Daphne’s sister? Preston creates a riveting tale in her first thriller, intertwining the past with the present for an exciting ride that will keep readers hanging on until the very end. —Carissa Chesanek