This book has some unique elements and is centered around the theft of a lady's slipper orchid. The characters are fairly well drawn, the author has done her research and the writing is descriptive. Ultimately, however, the story suffers from too much description and not enough action. The first 200 pages focus on the theft of an orchid plant (a type which is very rare in the English setting) from the wild and the resulting aftermath. I like plants as much as the next person, perhaps even more so, as I have a degree in botany, but even I started thinking "ok, she stole the orchid, get on with it". The flower takes center stage here, but there is too much soul searching and not enough botany to make it interesting from that perspective. The second half of the novel makes a murder trial seem almost petty compared to the theft of the orchid, and a subplot of Quaker theology comes off as preachy. I really wanted to like this book, but ultimately could not get past the slow pacing and predictable conclusion. This is the author's first work, and she shows promise; I would be interested in trying her books again, hopefully with some tighter editing. (Note: This review was based on an Advanced Readers' Edition.)
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
