Lost and Found at Sun Market

by Michael James Preston

Frank Pullman was on a path of self-destruction, trying to outrun the shadow of tragedy, until he stumbled across an odd combination of mobile home park and flea market, and its eclectic community. There, he began to heal. But some wounds don’t close easily.

When he meets Lila Fortin, a young woman from the Pine Ridge Reservation running from her own past—and possibly the police—Frank is forced to confront his history to help Lila find her future.

Welcome to Sun Market and Trailer Park where you can find used and life-battered wares, as well as residents, hoping for a second chance.

333 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book—a compelling plot inhabited by characters with soul. Michael Preston creates an ensemble cast of complex, quirky, and endearing characters who land up in the Sun Market and Trailer Park for disparate reasons. The community itself is a character in the novel—a cohesive group that cares for and defends its own. We witness the two main characters, each of whom have heart-wrenching back-stories, each of whom carries a wound, begin to heal within that community. The music scenes in the book, of which there are many, are both sad and joyful, and are a large part of the healing process. Fans of Preston’s (aka Neil T. Jacobs) horror novel, Rathcrog, will be surprised and delighted that he can write a second book in such a different vein.

[Amy Spadano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging story follows Lila Fortin on a roller coaster journey of self-discovery. Following the murder of her beloved foster mother Mama Elise, Lila is forced to leave Pine Ridge Reservation behind.
Along the trip to her Maine birthplace, she finds new friends at a combination trailer park and market who give her a safe place to land with little to no expectations in return.
While there, Lila jams with fellow musicians, learns about truths from her past and those of her new friends, and with their support is eventually able to release old hurts and beliefs.
This story's depth, humor, and appealing characters will draw you in and keep you there until the last page.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great, easy read. Characters are developed very well and you feel attached to each person, even those in the periphery. There is some movement between past and present as part of plot and character development but it is well done and not confusing. Although some questions are left unanswered at the end of this book, it wraps up well and leaves the reader eager to read what’s next without the torment of a cliffhanger. It is thought provoking yet wholesome; Preston handles heavy topics with grace and balance. I would recommend this cozy mystery to those who enjoy the genre and what promises to be a good series.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and Found at Sun Market is an easy read about a hard road. Frank Pullman, while trying to run from his own past traumas, discovers an incredible world within a community that is half trailer park, half flea market. What he finds there is not only a healing sanctuary, but a family as well. Will the same be said for Lila Fortin, who is on the run from her own past... and possibly the police? Reading this book will send you headfirst into a world so intriguing, it will have you Googling if such a place really does exist...

[Kelly Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I was quickly invested in the storyline and rooting for all the “stallers”. I felt the author developed the plot successfully despite this being a relatively short book. I really liked all the characters, their unique personalities and their individual mini stories. If I had one criticism it would be believability in the ending. It all wrapped up just a little too neatly to me.

[Shirley Tennent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Preston’s engaging writing style paints a vivid picture of The Sun Market and each character. This book not only entertains with Preston’s witty humor but it also teaches us about genuine friends who always find a way to help each other. I felt many emotions, happy, sad, excited and it’s lessons linger reminding us how we all need one another during different times in our lives.

[Vickie Cox-Lanyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into the story right from the prologue. Each chapter creates a picture of the world of these trailer park residents and the beauty of chosen family. As the book unfolds the backstory of each character comes to light. There is some clever dialogue, humor, and local references that kept me engaged.

[Gregory Forrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael James Preston is an emerging talent ... found him as pen name Neil T. Jacobs, authoring "Rathcrog" ...

"Lost and Found" is indeed a good find in the literary world ... so, if you're in the market (pun intended) for a good read (another pun?) this fall/winter, check out this book and author ... neither book will disappoint!