An earnest young runaway vanishes. Was she harmed? Or is she hiding and stalking to fulfill a secret pursuit? Disappearances and attacks on the colorful residents of Mountain Quail Gardens, a new Tuscan-themed neighborhood in the desert outskirts of Las Vegas, intrigue 20-year-old Pari Malik. She rents the same casita where the runaway lived and evanesced. Danger escalates during a group hiking and rock climbing trip in the labyrinthine sandstone mountains, caves, and canyons of the Southwest. Pari, an amateur sleuth, investigates and strives to piece together the scattered clues and enigmas of the puzzles in time to save innocent people in peril. Pari’s investigation is both helped and hindered by extraordinary people with curious personalities and behaviors. Nils, a world champion and Olympic medalist eager to find life after swimming. Malana, a self-described healer and masseuse, who is perhaps loyal to a fault with those she holds dear. Fionn, a male revue dancer desperately clinging to his concept of youth. Alejandra, a security guard mending a broken heart and trying to understand a personal tragedy. Roman, a mountain climbing enthusiast and flight attendant panicked that he is being stalked. Crystal, a beauty blogger and charity director acting mysteriously and crashing into the lives of others. Diego, a graphic artist and business owner yearning for renewed inspiration while trying to protect his sister. Violet, an octogenarian who scornfully spies on her neighbors to her devoted husband’s chagrin. Sparrow and Spence, a strange couple with abundant tricks, who shamelessly seek investors. “Lurking On The Precipice” is a stand-alone mystery and suspense novel set throughout compelling locations in southern Nevada. It is the follow-up to the debut of Pari Malik as an accidental sleuth in “Lurking On The Tightrope: Mystery at Diamond Head.”