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Tigerlily's Orchids
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Nickolas Grace
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 06-14-11
- Language: English
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Whispersync for Voice-ready
Regular price: $22.63
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In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this exquisitely rendered, morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction from the author of Enemy Women that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.
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Publisher's Summary
From the incomparable, award-winning Ruth Rendell "the grand dame of British crime fiction" (The Gazette) comes her latest psychological thriller.
When Stuart Font decides to throw a house-warming party in his new flat, he invites everyone in his building. The party will be one everyone remembers. But not for the right reasons....
Living opposite, in reclusive isolation, is a young, beautiful Asian woman, christened Tigerlily by Stuart. As though from some strange urban fairytale, she emerges to exert a terrible spell on the occupants of Lichfield House.
Critic Reviews
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Overall
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3.5 out of 5 stars
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3.5 out of 5 stars
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Kathleen Rogers
- Massachusetts
- 07-03-11
Not as grimly creepy as many other Rendell titles
but a good listen, nonetheless. I guess this would be Rendell's version of a village mystery. The cast of characters are the residents of a small road in North London, some living in houses, some in apartments. The point of view shifts from one character to another, all of whom see what they want to see, and act accordingly. There are various crimes, some exciting amateur sleuthing, and some classically comedic plot turns--not farce, just some genuinely pleasant things that happen. Generally well read by the narrator, except for one or two moments of over the top falsetto for the female characters. Very enjoyable.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Yennta
- 07-11-12
TERRIFIC Rendell, but lots of characters
What did you love best about Tigerlily's Orchids?
It was truly funny. An ironic humor is an aspect of all of Rendell, but usually there's less of it than here. It's grisly, too, I guess, a little, but the characters are ALL adorably misguided, and there are mysteries, but they seem secondary to the story
What was one of the most memorable moments of Tigerlily's Orchids?
Won't give anything away. No, no.
Which character – as performed by Nickolas Grace – was your favorite?
The old lady alcoholic, I can't remember her name.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It made me chuckle and grin.
Any additional comments?
At first I thought, "Oh, no! There are too many characters to keep track of in an audio book." There are 9 or ten. But the reader managed to convey who was being focussed on, and Rendell always, somehow, made each one distinct. I'm afraid if you leave long gaps between your listening intervals you might have trouble remembering who's who. That's why I didn't give the story five stars. It may not be easy for some listeners. But it is really absorbing, really fun.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Nancy
- SAN FRANCISCO, CA, United States
- 01-17-12
Typical Rendell twisty story
Would you try another book from Ruth Rendell and/or Nickolas Grace?
I have read most of her work already and always enjoyed the character and plotting and peeks at that British day-to-day stuff.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
I could see the ending a mile off, but the characters were so fun I did not mind too much. It's one of those house party Agatha formulas, but this time it is an apartment building.
Could you see Tigerlily's Orchids being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
It could be one of those Masterpiece mysteries, In fact it might be better than the book since the characters would be the highlight.
Any additional comments?
Rendell is always a safe bet.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jacques
- 02-07-12
A good, light listen
Would you consider the audio edition of Tigerlily's Orchids to be better than the print version?
I never read the print version but had no trouble at all following this audible version.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Tigerlily's Orchids?
Shocked a bit by the nihilistic pessimism in the book. But I suppose that is the current state of affairs in the UK.
What about Nickolas Grace’s performance did you like?
He has a an appealing voice and a clear speaking style.
Any additional comments?
Story is about character development in the contemporary, interwoven style; life as a never ending soap opera. My first book by Rendell and found it to be a good listen to distract one on a commuter train.