Black Orchid [Paperback]

Karen Harper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1996

Karen Harper's new thriller, Black Orchid moves with lightning speed against the lush backdrop of the Everglades. A woman investigating the murder of her husband, an AIDs researcher, suddenly finds herself a target as well. Now each clue leads her closer to the shocking truth--and to the assassin on her tail.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Separated by their families and their different cultures, Jordan Quinn and Seth Cypress are now thrown together by a violent turn of events. When Jordan sees her estranged husband's panther research team attacked by several men dressed as Seminoles, she knows she has to warn Seth. As leader of the Seminoles it is his job to protect his people. But why would the Seminoles steal a panther and attack scientists? And did her husband really leave for good as his note says or did someone take him? Seth and Jordan have both gone on with their lives and tried to forget those passionate years of their youth. But now Jordan's life is threatened and Seth wonders if his brother has anything to do with it. There are people who still resent the Seminoles and dislike Seth, but what does this have to do with Lawrence's research into feline AIDS and a cure for human HIV? Jordan intends to find out and Seth isn't about to let her go a second time. Karen Harper starts with a fascinating premise-- finding a cure for HIV using the endangered Florida panthers as test subjects-- and weaves a story around it that encompasses the Seminole Indians of Florida and the wild, untamed beauty of the Florida Everglades. Seth and Jordan are appealing characters although many of the other characters in Black Orchid seem to be cliched stereotypes-- from the macho, southern cop Yancy Tatum to the broken English of the Seminoles. Also, the plot tends to get bogged down in unnecessary scenes. Ms. Harper's writing style, while appealing, is not as fast-paced as suspense demands and that's unfortunate because her story has a lot to offer. Black Orchid is like the Everglades, you have to look for the beauty among the swamp.Readers will be enchanted by the Florida setting in Black Orchid! Karen Harper takes us on an adventure seething with secrets and deception-- and a surprise around every dark corner! An intriguing plot and two passionate characters!Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Signet (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451188667
• ISBN-13: 978-0451188663
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,904,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars More like three and a 1/2 stars, July 31, 2006

By 

A. Rowley (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Orchid (Mass Market Paperback)

I won't describe the plot because I think the literary summary says it all. Instead, I will only state my opinions about Black Orchid. I wasn't exactly sure if this book would appeal to me after reading the back of the jacket cover, but I have enjoyed Karen Harper's books in the past, so I picked it up on sale anyway and gave it a try. It was a fast read that held my interest throughout most of the story line. A few of the Seminole aspects were a bit confusing at first, due to the lack of description or explanation. There were plenty of suspects which kept the suspense building until the end. Although predictable for me, it may not be for most readers. Including the twist. The romance was adequate for a romantic suspense where the suspense is more prevalent than the romance, but the author had built up the idea for a great deal of tension and passion between the main characters and then let it all fizzle out.

Is it worth buying?
Perhaps. Look for it on sale or check it out from the library if you can. However, it most likely is not a book you will cherish, or even remember after some time and therefore not worth keeping stored away with other thrilling reads.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great storyline!, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Orchid (Paperback)

I really enjoyed reading this book. Jordon and Seth were interesting characters, and I enjoyed the fact that they were able to find eachother again after all those years and fall in love again.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Short but good, June 23, 2007

By 

Alicia Dixon "AliciaK" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Orchid (Mass Market Paperback)

I love Karen Harper. She provides a great story and wonderful character interaction...she is also one of the few authors I can safely give to my mom to read. :)