Book Review: Wild Orchids

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Wild Orchids     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jude Deveraux
Class/Genre:   Romance
Atria, Apr 2003, $25.95

Although he is considered by the mystery genre as an "important" author, Ford Newcombe learned the meaning of life six years ago. Life is death to Ford whose beloved wife Pat died after a six month battle with cancer. Ford knows he is only surviving as he died along side of his spouse.

At a party, Ford hears university research assistant Jackie Maxwell tell the story of a woman who fell in love with the devil. For the first time since his wife shattered his well being with her cancer sentence, Ford feels alive. He travels to the town that Jackie mentioned and buys a house there to live in while he works on his new tale. He persuades the vivacious Jackie to assist him on researching the story. However, he soon wonders if she witnessed a real homicide as a child. His renewed passion for life includes learning the truth even if it means putting himself in harm’s way.

WILD ORCHIDS is perhaps Jude Deveraux best work to date although the William James-like plot will surprise many of her fans. The story line moves forward at a fast clip with alternating first person paragraphs between Ford and Jackie. The key to this taut eerie thriller is the lead protagonists who are complete people still feeling respective tragedies from their pasts. Is the novel psychological suspense, a murder mystery, or a horror tale? Read the book as Ms. Deveraux will keep her audience hooked to learn the truth alongside the hero.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner