Die schwarze Orchidee

A Lady Jane Mystery #2

by Annis Bell

Nach einem turbulenten Start in eine unerwartet glückliche Ehe mit Captain Wescott, hat Lady Jane keineswegs vor, sich in die Rolle der braven Ehefrau zu fügen.

Nachdem sie ein Hilferuf in Form eines Briefes erreicht, reist Jane kurz entschlossen zu ihrer Freundin Lady Alison. Charlotte, Lady Alisons Cousine, ist mit dem exzentrischen Orchideenzüchter Sir Fredrick Halston verheiratet und lebt abgeschieden in einem düsteren Herrenhaus in Northumbria. Im Hause Winton Park, wie das Gut heißt, fallen merkwürdige Dinge vor, die darin gipfeln, dass eines der Dienstmädchen tot im Moor aufgefunden wird.

David Wescott findet heraus, dass Orchideenzüchter alles andere als harmlos sind. Als dann auch noch ein Gärtner in einer der berühmtesten Orchideengärtnereien Londons ermordet wird, hat der Captain alle Hände voll zu tun, seiner Frau bei der Aufklärung der Todesfälle zu helfen. Und es scheint um viel mehr als um eine seltene schwarze Orchidee zu gehen …

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Thriller, Ebooks, Crime

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Jane bekommt einen Brief von ihrer schwangeren Freundin Alison, die sich gerade bei ihrer Cousine Charlotte in einem düsteren Herrenhaus in Northumbria aufhält. Durch Probleme in ihrer Schwangerschaft darf Alison das Bett bis zur Geburt ihres Kindes nicht verlassen. Doch das alte Herrenhaus ist Alison unheimlich; es scheinen seltsame Dinge vorzugehen. Dann wird auch noch ein Dienstmädchen tot im Moor aufgefunden. Kurzentschlossen macht sich Lady Jane auf den Weg nach Northumbria - gegen den Willen ihres frisch angetrauten Ehemannes Captain Wescott.

Mein Leseeindruck:

Schon den ersten Band "Die Tote von Rosewood Hall" habe ich sehr gerne gelesen. Diesen zweiten Band mochte ich sogar fast noch ein bisschen lieber. Es hat mir wieder sehr viel Spaß gemacht, Lady Jane eine Weile zu begleiten und das Rätsel rund um das alte Herrenhaus und die Orchideensammlung des Hausherrn mit ihr gemeinsam zu lösen.

Die Spannung war immer sehr hoch, so dass ich das Buch am liebsten in einem Rutsch gelesen hätte.

Besonders die Atmosphäre in diesem Buch hat mir sehr gefallen. Das Geheimnisvolle und die dunkle Moorlandschaft in Nordengland. Es passte einfach alles gut zusammen.

Der Schreibstil war auch sehr angenehm, so dass ich insgesamt sehr viel Freude und Unterhaltung mit diesem Buch hatte und mich nun auf den dritten Teil freue!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Lady Jane Mysteries and can be read as a standalone, though there will be spoilers from the first book. There will be no spoilers for either of the books in this review however.
This story was a pleasant surprise, based in the 1800’s Lady Jane is called to lonely Winton Manor by her best friend who while convalescing there due to a difficult pregnancy fears something bad is afoot. Jane being nosy, intelligent and stubborn decides to answer Lady Allisons summons to try and figure out why the lady of the house Charlotte (Lady Allison’s cousin) is slowly wasting away.
The novel itself follows three interrelated storylines that slowly converge into a neat ending. While I quite liked the characterization and world building, the villain was easy enough to figure out once you’re introduced to all the characters. Lady Jane herself is likeable, and a strong, smart heroine is always a good thing for me.
Had the villain been a little harder to guess this would be a solid 4 star read. Still, it’s a good effort and a nice light read for those that like historicals, romance and mystery. 3.5 star read for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wie schon beim ersten Band erwartet man beim Anblick dieses Covers und beim Lesen der Buchbeschreibung eine unerträgliche Schmozette.

Dies ist jedoch nicht der Fall. Ja, es ist immer noch Chick Lit, aber der intelligenten Sorte. Die Autorin beweist Sachkenntnisse über die Zeit und Sitten und strickt damit einen gelungenen historischen Kriminalfall. Einen der deutlich komplexer ist als andere diese Gattung bzw. andere der klassischen Genres.
Eine angenehme Abwechselung für zwischendurch.

[OjoAusana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting read even if this book terrified me just a bit more of pregnancy lmao, and maybe i was just distracted but i didn't see the end coming lol, wish i would have read it closer to when i read the first one tho :/

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series . . . I'm enjoying it. The main female character is a smart and determined woman during a time when women were supposed to be meek and subservient. Of course, her husband, while being totally exasperated with her a lot of the time, kind of gets it, so they are a good match -- even if, originally, the marriage was purely a legal contract. Reminds me a lot of the Lady Julie Grey series by Deanna Raybourn which I also enjoy.

Sometimes these sorts of books try too hard to put a modern women in the 18th or 19th century and it rings totally false. But that's not what happens here . . . she is a woman of her time, but also aware of her own intelligence and she uses it to work WITH the social norms rather than blindly railing against them. Plus, she's an astute investigator and her maid is a game companion.

Bottom line, the mystery is complex without confusion and the characters are likable. And, the mystery is solved -- what more could you want in recreational reading. :)

[Kitty Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I confess I did not get past the first page so this may not be a fair review BUT anyone who can write as an opening "The moor burbled and seethed like a living thing. Like an animal that might rise at any moment and swallow me whole" has lost me because they have never been there ! Or worse they felt nothing ,but felt they should have felt something . when I lived in England the moors enchanted me with their barren sense of secret absence.... as if all life there was flicker and reflection , echo and shadow that slipped in and out of the mist . It does not seethe or burble (unless you are by a stream) ; it is a place steeped both in silence and the sounds of wind. The moors roll away from you and lure you ever on ; not at all like an animal ,but by some mysterious machinations of misty enchantment. The second problem I had was the second paragraph, which was so full of the most ridiculous amount of romantic tropes and cliche's that I burst out loud laughing and then I choked on my toast. This resulted in my husband running to assist me with the result that he was forced to endure the second paragraph in order to understand my paroxysm's . However although my husband laughed , he is a far kinder creature than me and he said " Just as there are people who prefer Mr Kiplings Bakewell tarts smothered with thick icing and a glace cherry on top, there are some like you who will only have a homemade Bakewell tart baked in the best historical tradition with real cherries and only a fine powder of icing dusted with almonds and both types of people deserve to have their sweet tooth satisfied " ; a fact which I reluctantly agreed was true ! So in summary "The Black Orchid is a Mr Kiplings Bakewell tart sort of book while I clearly prefer a better bakery !

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a free Kindle copy of The Black Orchid (A Lady Jane Mystery Book 2) from a Goodreads Giveaway.

I didn't read the first book in the series but this sequel works well as a standalone. This is also the first book I have ever read by Ms. Bell.

Lady Jane is a 1900 century Nancy Drew, married to an engaging man, Captain David Wescott, with whom she shares a passionate and equal marriage with. She is drawn into a strange mystery at the behest of a dear friend, Lady Alison, and is pulled into a diabolical plot involving orchid thieves, duplicitous employees and a cunning villain.

The Black Orchid (A Lady Jane Mystery Book 2) is unique in that Lady Jane and her husband, Captain David, investigate the mystery in two separate plot lines, uncovering secrets and clues on their own, before finally, in the end, merging together to form a cohesive picture.

There is a dash of romance but not too much (exactly as I like it) but enough to offer readers a glimpse into the lady and her gentleman husband's loving relationship; the world building of 19th century London and its suburbs is gloomy and well done. The readers can practically smell the filthy, despairing, dirty atmosphere most of its citizens had to live with if they were not of the rich and socially elite, and you get a real sense of the rigid social conventions Lady Jane must abide by, difficult it is for her to maintain, given her independent and autonomous personality.

This was a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery featuring a strong female character in a historical setting.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Depressing and sometimes gruesome. NOT a cozy mystery.

This could be a really good story and series BUT it is filled with lurid descriptions of the era. I fully understand how hard the times were but the author harps on the gruesome details.

I hate cliffhangers or stories that rely on others in a series.

SPOILER alert..... a murderer from this book first appeared in the first book and was not apprehended in this one.

I found this book less sad than the first book where the author wrote on and on about the terrible conditions of the poor, and especially orphans. But I really detested the dog fighting section of one chapter and I found it gruesome and unnecessary to the plot.

I don't understand the author's need to keep mentioning that people used canes or riding crops to tap their boots.

The letters from the orchid hunter got boring.

I won't be following this series

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Lady Jane. The story , as the title indicates, mostly revolves around the "obsessive" hobby of growing orchids and/or the pursuit thereof. The story starts with a maid's walk and murder upon the Cornish moors and Jane's subsequent receipt of letter from a dear friend, entreating her aid in solving the mysterious events occurring at Winton Hall. And Jane being Jane (apparently) departs forthwith, to aid her friend and investigate. Meanwhile, her husband joins an investigation in London, with occasional jaunts to check-in on his wife and (I presume, is par for the course) the cases end up joining together.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical mystery.

A new historical mystery series to enjoy, should appeal to readers of Anne Perry and Victoria Thompson. The society of England in the 1860's with its obsession about discovering new species of flowers, and class distinctions, along with the role of women in society. Lady Jane is not the typical wife of the time, but very independent to her husband's dismay.

[Judith Favia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed It

Between the long useless letters from the orchid hunter and the inconsistent behavior of most of the characters, this was a confusing and disappointing book. The plot meandered and more and more sub plots were introduced until I simply quit caring. Two stars because I like Lady Jane, so I hope that later novels about her are better. Skip this one.

[Sandra R · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nicely written historical cozy mystery with a dash of romance, set in 1860's England. I'm sure many readers will enjoy this book, but it was just an okay read for me as it's not quite the sort of story I enjoy - a bit too slow moving. It has a very well thought out descriptive writing style, so a good job re setting atmosphere etc. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deathly beauty

An aristocratic orchid enthusiast, his mad wife, her pregnant cousin, and Lady Jane. From India to South America, Northumberland, London and Cornwall, this story is well told and engrossing. Dark deeds solved by a genteel but determined lady.

[Patricia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Another drawing suspense that held your attention. I was so anxious to continue finding out what was happening I continue'd reading till eyes were tired and blurry. I enjoyed reading about each house also.

[Pamela Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Easy read interesting story Jane is a great character hope
This series will be continued love historical thrillers one on

[JEANNINE HONZA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

This novel is very well written and the characters are fascinating. I had a hard time putting it down .

[Gary David Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

The story was quite different. I had never heard of the obsession with orchids. Interestingly enough found in places like Burma.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good series. I'm sorry the translation doesn't seem to be available for the third installment.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing!

[Linda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1860 London and the newly married Lady Jane has just received a letter from her best friend, Alison. Alison is visiting her cousin Charlotte at her home in northern England. Alison is stranded because of her own advancing pregnancy, but she is very worried about her cousin. Charlotte seems to be suffering from some sort of wasting illness and her husband, Lord Frederick, is not only unconcerned but unsympathetic. Lord Frederick seems to be caught in his own obsession, the growing and importing of rare orchids. Alison wants Lady Jane to come and investigate. Lady Jane's new husband, Captain David Westcott, is against the journey, fearing the winter weather in the north. Having been in Northumberland in the winter, I can certainly understand his concerns. Lady Jane, however, has other ideas and goes anyway. Upon her arrival, she discovers a missing servant, a housekeeper who is still loyal to her former mistress, a seemingly mentally disturbed young son, a secretive governess and a husband who is verbally abusive. The mystery only deepens as Charlotte sinks into hysteria and manic behavior.

The Black Orchid is an entertaining historical mystery that blends social commentary and a look at the beginnings of the orchid obsession in England and Europe. I particularly enjoyed the letters from South America written by his orchid hunter. Orchid obsession is nothing new and continues with some gardeners even today, I was somewhat troubled by anachronisms in the novel but it was meant more as entertainment rather than education. Her descriptions of Captain Westcott's investigations in the infamous slums of London are vivid and true to the history of the city and the poverty of the people in them. Lady Jane, David, and the supporting characters are appealing. I wish that I had read the first book in the series, The Girl at Rosewood Hall, before The Black Orchid as there are spoilers. I intend to remedy that as soon as possible. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.

RATING- 3.5 rounded up to 4 Stars

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Orchid is an excellent example of a good mystery; intriguing characters, the richness of the English country scenery, the best and worst of human nature and of course a who done it – what more do you want. This is the second book of the Lady Jane Mysteries. One can only hope there are many more to come. There are actually two stories being told, one involving a murder at the prestigious manor of Sir Fredrick Halston and the other about the almost impossible quest to find a rare black orchid in the jungles of South America. Obsession, greed, power hunger, and the need for justice are all weaved into a remarkable story. All the characters seem to have their own secrets which add to the suspense. Oh, there is more than one murder. Lady Jane and her husband the Captain have their hands full in this mystery. Enjoy!

I won this e-book from Goodreads.com and happy that I have a new author to add to my favorites.

[Petterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wenn mich die Grippe erwischt bin ich sauer und unausstehlich. Mit meinem reader lag ich auf dem Sofa und habe mir den zweiten Teil von Lady Jane heruntergeladen, der mich einfach nicht mehr losgelassen hat. Ich bin durch die Seiten dieser spannenden und kurzweiligen Geschichte geflogen. Anders als im ersten Teil, den ich ebenfalls gern gelesen habe, wird hier auch aus der Sicht von Captain Wescott erzählt. Das gibt der Geschichte Würze und hebt die Spannung. Sehr gelungen fand ich die Briefe des Orchideenjägers aus Kolumbien. So konnte ich mir richtig gut vorstellen, was diese Männer eigentlich auf sich genommen haben, um Blumen zu sammeln!
Der Autorin ist ein stimmiges Zeitbild gelungen. Die Verhältnisse in dem düsteren Herrenhaus mit einer labilen Hausherrin und einem unsympathischen Hausherren, mit den Hausmädchen, der Gouvernante, dem Wildhüter, dem Butler und vielen anderen - werden langsam immer komplexer. Man verdächtigt diesen und jene und ist wieder mit Lady Jane und ihrer Zofe auf Spurensuche. David Wescott ermittelt derweil in London und die Kapitel waren so prall voller Informationen und gaben der Story die nötige Tiefe. Das Ende war absolut überraschend!
Einfach schön zum Abtauchen - ein viktorianischer Krimi mit Flair.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the 2nd in the Lady Jane Historical Mysteries Series.
The time is 1860. Lady Jane is a very independent, intelligent woman who not only fights the constraints on women in her time but fights crime as well. Her friend Aly is confined to bed in a cousins house due to unexpected complications of her pregnancy. While there, a house maid goes missing and Aly senses her cousin and the family are in grave danger. She request that Jane come to check things out. This is not only a good mystery with many layers but provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in England at the time. Descriptions of the disease and the poverty that they faced due to unsanitary conditions and inner city crime is fascinating. The obsessive search for rare orchards and plants that swept Europe during that era is also a good historical read. I would enjoy reading the next book in this series.

[Cherry London · Rating 5 out of 5]

After believing that she made a very convenient marriage with Captain David Westcot, Jane was astonished, to say the least, when she realized that she got more than she anticipated. Being a very adventurous woman and one who like doing her own thing lead to a lot of falling out with the captain but love conquers all.

This book is not just about Jane’s and David growing attraction for each other, there is a murder mystery to solve. and guess what. there are more and more dead bodies appearing out of the woodwork.

This romantic murder mystery is very captivating with a dash of sweet and deep loving thrown into the mix, it’s one of those books you can just sit and enjoy without any interpretation, I enjoyed reading this book it is well written and the characters are well defined, a great book once again.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hat mich sehr gut unterhalten dieser zweite Teil. Interessante Hauptfiguren mit viel Herz und Charakter. Die Autorin entwickelt die Figuren weiter und auch Janes Mann, Captain Wescott, erhält mehr Raum zum Entfalten. Die Kapitel mit ihm in London fand ich sehr gelungen, genau wie die Briefe des Orchideenjägers - da fühlte man sich direkt nach Kolumbien versetzt. Alles in allem - gute Unterhaltung mit Spannung und einem vielfältigen Thema. Die Auflösung war geschickt eingefädelt und bis zum Schluß hat man geraten, wie denn nun alles zusammenhängt. Wann kommt Teil 3???

[Donna Bresnak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free for a review.

I enjoyed this book very much. it is the second book in a series, so the characters had already been established in the first book. However the author fills one in just fine and it seems not to matter that they have that history. the mystery is engaging and kept me reading til the end. very satisfying read. I would recommend it to historical mystery fans.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a GoodReads Kindle giveaway. A well-written historical mystery. The characters, settings and plot all worked well together, and I learned a bit about orchid hunting and collecting in mid-1800s England. I haven't read the first in the series, however, and was confused by some mentions that were probably described in that book.

[Sarah S. Smee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The plot was engaging enough, and I appreciated the far-flung locales and high adventure. However, many small details drew me out of the story, from the 1860s characters using modern words to the talk of gurgling moors (I think the author was trying to describe a marsh or fen).

[Sanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

tolle Serie, guter Schreibstil, gut recherchierte Fälle mit interessanten Themen. Außergewöhnlich, weil dabei witzig und mit Figuren, die ich gern weiter begleite. Grausame Details schrecken mich ab, ein gut durchdachter Fall, wie hier, hat das nicht nötig und schafft Atmosphäre in kleinen Details und geschickt eingeflochtenen historischen Ereignissen. Bitte mehr!

[mickey ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Full of action and mystery this story kept you on the edge of your chair. Orchids and poisons abound in this fast moving tale.