The sequel to the viral TikTok sensation Stone Maidens

From Lloyd Devereux Richards comes the next pulse-pounding thriller in which FBI agent Christine Prusik races to track down a serial killer who leaves a peculiar mark on his victims.

Forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik has a knack for solving the most unusual cases – and for bending the rules in the process.

When the bodies of young women start appearing in the caves of Indiana and Illinois, Christine immediately jumps into action. But her Chicago field office is undergoing a reorganization, and the boys’ club at the top seem more interested in getting all the paperwork in order than solving the murders.

Christine isn’t going to let a little red tape stop her, and when she discovers that all the bodies contain the same mysterious pin-sized bruise on the back of their necks, she realizes she’ll have to confront her own inner demons to find the killer.

‘Well plotted, tense, fast paced.’ NetGalley reviewer,

‘An absolutely marvellous contemporary crime suspense that had me glued and guessing from the start.’ NetGalley reviewer,

'This has escalating urgency, suspense that just keeps ratcheting up, and some really recognizable characters. Fantastic.' NetGalley reviewer,

Richards Maidens of the Cave is a thrilling ride through the world of forensic anthropology, where the best of detective work meets procedural precision. The mystery deepens as Christine, our protagonist, navigates the labyrinth of police bureaucracy and the dark caves of Indiana and Illinois, always one step ahead in her relentless pursuit of justice.

For fans of Bret Easton Ellis (Glamorama), Lisa Jewell (None of This is True), Ken Follett (A Column of Fire), and Cormac Mccarthy (No Country for Old Men).

HarperCollins 2023