Truth Gone Missing

About the Book

Laney (Dr. Burger-Phelps) retired cosmetic surgeon, and Cade (Kincaid Phelps) retired designer of computer software, think of themselves as seasoned travellers, but they discover their vulnerability when they meet up with characters determined to exploit the resources of such a "cute old couple."

On an ill-fated Sunday evening, towards the end of a two-month visit to Malaysia (minus a few days spent in Thailand), Laney falls into one of Melaka's deep drainage ditches, sprains her ankle and lacerates her left leg. Temporarily disabled by her accident, she tries to sort out the events that begin to unfold around her--including a grisly murder. She must rely, for the most part, on the observations of others and her ability to interpret them. The strangers Laney encounters mask their true identities, and even Cade betrays her faith in his honesty.

Laney and Cade allow themselves to become involved with the problems of a young woman who says her mother has disappeared. June, the young woman, reminds the couple of their own daughter, Wanda, with whom they have an unhappy relationship. Because they want to help June, this surrogate daughter, they cancel their return flight and pursue the mother-gone-missing back along much of the route they have just travelled. The mother, according to June, has obtained a priceless snuff bottle that has been stolen from a wealthy Melakan family--for that reason, June does not want to involve the police or contact her embassy.

By the time Laney and Cade return to Singapore where they intend to catch a flight home, they are more than ready to go back to California--but their adventure has not ended. Cade is kidnapped, Laney drugged. They are helped by an unlikely source, return the help, and then set out to find their real daughter.

About the Author

Anna West's short fiction has been published in Australia (Angus & Robertson), Germany (Erdman), and in the United States (Berkeley Poets' Cooperative). Her novel for young readers, Revenge at the Spy-Catchers' Picnic, was published by Addison- Wesley. Now retired from teaching, Anna West often travels in Southeast Asia when she is not at home writing in Las Vegas.