Daughter posts TikTok of dad’s slow-selling book. Now it’s a bestseller on Amazon
“After 25 years of little hope, this happened.”
A Vermont dad’s novel has gone from relative obscurity to a bestseller on Amazon after his daughter posted a TikTok video about it.
Lloyd Devereux Richards is an attorney and father of three living in Montpelier, Vermont, with his wife and two dogs, according to his Amazon author page. Years ago, he published his debut novel: a thriller titled “Stone Maidens.”
“My dad spent 14 years writing a book. He worked full time and his kids came first. But (he) made time for his book,” Richards’ daughter wrote in a TikTok video posted Feb. 8. The video from @StoneMaidens shows clips of Richards sitting at a desk and a clip of his book.
“He’s so happy even though sales aren’t great,” his daughter said. After 11 years, Richards’ book had “no sales,” his daughter said in another TikTok video.
So she made a simple request to viewers: “I’d love for him to get some sales.”
@stonemaidens It’s a beautifully written thriller on Amazon #stonemaidens #booktok #authorsoftiktok #thrillerbooks #books ♬ original sound - e
The comments section quickly became flooded with outpourings of encouragement. The video moved many to tears, prompting viewers to purchase the book.
“Will most definitely be buying this book!!” a TikTok user commented.
“Just ordered the book from Norway, can’t wait to read it!” one user commented.
Demand for Richards’ novel skyrocketed as the TikTok video was viewed more than 41 million times.
“#1 spot best seller and sold out within 24 hours,” another TikTok user commented.
“Stone Maidens” is a crime thriller novel about an FBI investigator in Chicago, Christine Prusik, and a “bizarre” case of a serial killer in Indiana — a “compulsively readable whodunit,” according to the novel’s summary on Amazon.
“With each victim, the killer leaves a calling card: a stone figurine carved like the spirit stones found among the primitive tribes of Papua New Guinea ― the same tribes from whom Prusik narrowly escaped a decade earlier while doing field research,” the book’s Amazon page says. “The similarity is eerie and, frankly, terrifying… But is the connection real? Or have the dark details of Prusik’s nightmares finally wormed their way into her waking life?”
The thriller novel was No. 8 on Amazon’s list of best-selling books Monday, Feb. 13, the frequently updated page shows.
@stonemaidens you all are amazing! Life can be hard and then it can be wonderful suddenly (still crying) #stonemaidens ♬ original sound - lloyd
Recent reviewers, many of whom mention finding Richards’ book through TikTok, rave about the novel.
“I’m a new fan of Mr. Lloyd Richards!” one reviewer wrote. “I hope his books begin to get recognized for their artistry.”
“I love the thoughtfulness of this book,” another reviewer wrote Feb. 12. “The time he took to write it and everything was intentional and purposeful. Great storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
For Richards, the warm response from viewers and readers was overwhelming, another TikTok video shows. Reading through TikTok comments, he was brought to tears.
“He’s been saying thank you all morning,” his daughter said.
“These last couple days,” Richards said in another video while holding a milkshake. “I just, I can’t understand it. I feel blessed.”
According to his Amazon author page, Richards is working on a sequel to “Stone Maidens.”
The Stone Maidens’ TikTok account did not immediately reply to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
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