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THE FLOWER LOVER is a stunning debut novel. The book follows investigative reporter Richard Garcia as he looks into the disappearence of a rare, cultivated orchid. Garcia's queries lead him to uncover a clandestine group that is selling weapons illegally.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Thoughts on "The Flower Lover",
By Stephen J. Servello (Waltham, MA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Flower Lover (Paperback)
I simply must share my observations concerning Peter Stekel's marvelous mystery thriller, "The Flower Lover." Aside from generally being a page turner, I have come to really identify with and care for the protagonist, Richard Garcia (who does not look Hispanic and has a good reason for it, despite being tired of spouting it so often). Garcia is everyman, but there is "something" about him, that make people sit up, take notice and respect. But he's no superman ... I'd like to comment on a dozen or so scenes and passages that really made some sort of impact on me: On page 61 Garcia and his wife Sarah engage in a "quickie" in his hospital room (he had been assaulted). What was funny were her humerous reactions to hospital personnel on the following page. "Sarah shyly re-entered the room" (after "washing up") as Her husband's blood pressure is being taken. When told it was a bit high "considering all he had done was lay in bed for the last 12 hour, Sarah looked away and gave a slight cough, hiding her face with the back of her hand." On page 70, Garcia gets tired of dropping tens on a non-responsive hotel clek/owner and without warning shatters a potted plant to get his undivided attention, before browbeating him into telling what he knew (page 70). Some interesting stats on the actual cost vs. amount charged for drugs (never mind the street value), was mind opening and contributed toward the concept of drug legalization (page 75). Mr. and Mrs. Joyce are quite a couple (pages 77-84) and just imagining her trying to forcefully keep Garcia (grabs him around the waste and then must decide if a phone call is more important), from her husband's office, blew me away. Her shooting of a phone with a supposedly empty gun was funny as well. "Garcia glared at James Joyce, "It would be fair to assume you lied about the gun." The point I'm trying to make is, I am really enjoying myself as I read "The Flower Lover." I'm made to think, to smile, to cringe and most every range of emotion. What more do you want? The second half of "The Flower Lover" was as good, if not better, than the first. You will note, that I have been very impressed thus far. A few of the second half highlights: The way in which Garcia is always telling people he is after all, an investigative reporter and how that phrase came back to haunt (or taunt) him (pages 98, 139 & 142). Garcia while not rich, is very honest, refusing to take hundreds of dollars from the wallet of a man who wouldn't blink about killing him (page 99). That is one interesting protagonist and his wife Sarah, almost equally so. The lesbian reference (page 103) and the oral sex scene (page 158)were titillating, with neither being out of character for the book, nor detailed. Simply the alluding to these acts was enough to get ones (read: mine) imagination going. And the unexpected axe attack by Charles Ng (pages 162 & 163), made for some eye opening reading. There is a twist to the ending, which I liked and I must say that the entire book was a joy to read. The characters are real and the reader will identify with them (in one manner or another). One does wonder throughout the book, if Garcia will stay faithful to Sarah, his wife. His opportunities for dallying are many ... Using the five star scale, I give Peter's "The Flower Lover" a solid 4.5! I strongly recommend that you all give it a shot, as I guarantee you will not be disappointed in this professionally written mystery thriller Stphen J. Servello Waltham, MA P.S. If you can get a hold of Peter's "Isle of Alaska" juvenile mystery book, you will thoroughly enjoy that as well. In addition, I will read his other adult mystery thriller ("Heart of Stone") soon and report on it as well.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much more than crime and corruption!,
By
This review is from: The Flower Lover (Paperback)
Richard Garcia is the novel's hero, but he's not painted in heroic proportions. Instead, he comes with a flawed past, vulnerability, and some odd friends. But the investigative reporter also has a heart and ideals and is driven to find the truth. The author has a great sense of place and makes each setting vivid with just the right amount of detail. All the characters feel real and natural. Garcia's lifestyle is refreshingly different--riding a bicycle for his sleuthing, and using a kayak in a suspenseful escapade. As the intrigue nears its solution, an unusual rescue operation brings a delight all its own, and the whole story gives great satisfaction.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Flower Lover,
By Thomas E. Freeman (Mercer Island, Wa United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Flower Lover (Paperback)
A grand romp thru Seattle and Los Angeles where a well constructed mystery takes twists and turns like a cyclist thru traffic. Mr. Stekel has a sharp eye for detail and uses language in a way that brings the city to life. It is completely entertaining.
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