The Flesh of the Orchid

‘The Flesh of the Orchid’ is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s compelling from start to finish. Drama, tension, suspense, action, violence, romance, nudity – it’s got all the ingredients that make one heck of a good story.

In Carol Blandish we have a beautiful protagonist and antagonist rolled into one because she has a split personality. The story opens at the mental institution where she’s preparing to escape.

Before meeting Carol, we’re introduced to some minor characters who work at the hospital. The author does a great job at setting the scene, creating an eerie atmosphere and a vivid picture in the mind.

The book starts with Carol’s volatile personality. It later switches to the good side before flipping show more back again.

News of her escape reaches the ears of several folks, including the frightening Sullivans, who aren’t brothers but used to perform a knife-throwing act at a circus as the Sullivan Brothers. These two are among several stand-out characters. They want to get hold of Carol because the law in this state permits an asylum escapee their freedom if they're not caught after a specific length of time. If she stays free, Carol will inherit millions.

Apart from the Sullivans, others want to befriend Carol in hope of benefiting from her fortune.

This is a gritty crime thriller with many thrills and chills along the way. I could go on praising it but not without the risk of revealing spoilers.

I read this twelve years after reading ‘No Orchids for Miss Blandish’, a book I had great hopes for but was ultimately disappointed in. Therefore, I started this sequel with low expectations, only to be blown away by it’s brilliance. I won’t be waiting another dozen years before reading another novel by this gifted author.

The info on Goodreads states that the publication date was 1940; however, the book itself states that it was first published in 1948. Another online source also lists it as a 1948 publication. Somehow, it feels more modern.

Superb novel. At the time of writing, I’d go as far as stating it’s the second best book I’ve ever read (after Norah Lofts’s ‘Jassy’). show less

Preposterous, unbelievable plot twists, holes big enough to drive a Zamboni through -- but also audacious and thoroughly entertaining. Chase just doesn't know when to stop and as long as he keeps coming up with a thrill here and there and some memorable (the killer "brothers" and the bearded lady) characters, it all seems worthwhile when you get to the end.

This is a sequel of sorts to the truly excellent "No Orchids for Miss Blandish" but given the doubtful beginning of this book, which seems very out of sync with the conclusion of the previous one, it's better just to think of this as a standalone volume

Une suite qui ne s'imposait pas. Personnages peu attachants, de même que l'intrigue...