"This is perhaps Jude Deveraux best work to date"
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
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted April 15, 2003
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