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The Orchid Room
The teenagers of Maggie’s Knee have been vanishing without explanation, their disappearances blamed on everything from adolescent rebellion to “shadow people” in the woods.
Farren Murakami, an eighteen-year-old who has suffered more than most, finds out first-hand where the youth have gone when she’s recruited to join a tribe of teens living in an abandoned camp hidden deep in the woods. It isn’t long before she learns there is more to the story than just runaway kids; a sinister presence dwelling in the forbidden buildings tucked far back in the camp seems to have handpicked her for its purposes.
In her search for answers, Farren discovers her involvement with the tribe goes farther back than she can imagine, and that whatever lives in the forbidden buildings wants much more than the fealty of some kids playing in the forest.
Farren Murakami, an eighteen-year-old who has suffered more than most, finds out first-hand where the youth have gone when she’s recruited to join a tribe of teens living in an abandoned camp hidden deep in the woods. It isn’t long before she learns there is more to the story than just runaway kids; a sinister presence dwelling in the forbidden buildings tucked far back in the camp seems to have handpicked her for its purposes.
In her search for answers, Farren discovers her involvement with the tribe goes farther back than she can imagine, and that whatever lives in the forbidden buildings wants much more than the fealty of some kids playing in the forest.
516 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2024
About the author
Christopher Sweet
5 books30 followersChristopher Sweet has worked as a freelance writer, manager, waiter, bartender, event DJ, actor, children’s entertainer, truck driver, shopkeeper, call center operator, concierge, office assistant, barista, and a campground manager. He loves books, movies, the outdoors, and baseball.
He’s written several dozen short stories and multiple screenplays. The Boy in the Canvas is his first novel.
He lives with his growing tribe of people and beasts in New Brunswick, Canada.
He’s written several dozen short stories and multiple screenplays. The Boy in the Canvas is his first novel.
He lives with his growing tribe of people and beasts in New Brunswick, Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 18, 2024
This is a fantastic book that's like Children Of The Corn meets cosmic horror with very dark supernatural creatures.
Kids are going missing in a small town. A lot of them. The sheriff believes something is really strange but the mayor dismisses it as runaways and kids throwing a tantrum.
Farren is the sheriff's step daughter and lives with him and his new wife. When she goes missing one day, he'll do whatever it takes to get her back.
But it's not that simple because she has joined a community deep in the woods comprised of teens. A community/cult which worships something evil, something that possesses their minds and has them do it's twisted desires.
Things are not what they seem however. Secrets galore await and what this entity really wants is horrifying.
Blending teen angst with family dysfunction and terrifying supernatural encounters, this novel is one hell of a fun scary read. The characters are sharp and diverse, the atmospheric tension at the encampment in the woods leaves you wondering how far they'll go, and the thrilling explosive ending is a non stop ride of blood and action.
I highly recommend this book.
Kids are going missing in a small town. A lot of them. The sheriff believes something is really strange but the mayor dismisses it as runaways and kids throwing a tantrum.
Farren is the sheriff's step daughter and lives with him and his new wife. When she goes missing one day, he'll do whatever it takes to get her back.
But it's not that simple because she has joined a community deep in the woods comprised of teens. A community/cult which worships something evil, something that possesses their minds and has them do it's twisted desires.
Things are not what they seem however. Secrets galore await and what this entity really wants is horrifying.
Blending teen angst with family dysfunction and terrifying supernatural encounters, this novel is one hell of a fun scary read. The characters are sharp and diverse, the atmospheric tension at the encampment in the woods leaves you wondering how far they'll go, and the thrilling explosive ending is a non stop ride of blood and action.
I highly recommend this book.
August 2, 2025
This is the best book I have read in a long time! It had me at the edge of my seat till the very end! I just love the way Christopher Sweet describes things and events. I love his style of writing! I would highly recommend this book to all readers who love a good book! I finished it a few days ago and I am still thinking about the book! So for me that says it all! Don't wait go get your copy now!
May 16, 2024
The synopsis and the cover of this book immediately intrigued me, and the book did not disappoint! Most of the characters are well-developed, and I found myself having strong feelings towards them; some I fell in love with (hey there, Barb) and some I almost immediately had distaste for (I'm lookin at you, Sasha).
I quickly became invested in the story, trying to figure out how the pieces fit together. Everything comes to what I think is a satisfying conclusion, although I would've liked a bit more background on what is in The Museum and The Orchid Room (I won't say more for fear of spoilers). The writing also flowed pretty well, so I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
I quickly became invested in the story, trying to figure out how the pieces fit together. Everything comes to what I think is a satisfying conclusion, although I would've liked a bit more background on what is in The Museum and The Orchid Room (I won't say more for fear of spoilers). The writing also flowed pretty well, so I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
June 7, 2024
My wife and I both read this together, it was an amazing read start to finish. Great characters and took a wild turn the further I read. Despite being in somewhat recent times it felt like a similar atmosphere to Stranger Things but much more "fun"
May 9, 2025
Pretty good!
May 13, 2024
Holy crap, this was a great book! Initially, I was getting Borrasca and Hide by Kiersten White vibes, but this book ended up being so unique and fun to read, taking different turns than expected. I fully recommend this and cannot wait to read more from this author!
April 10, 2024
The Orchid Room was engaging to the point that it was hard to put the book down at the end of the day. The main character, Farren brings you along on an unexpected journey that is riveting yet some times you are not sure if you want to know what happens next.
When you first meet 18 year old Farren she is angry about many aspects of her life, but as you get to know her you can see how her past has shaped who she is and who she will soon become.
The book is well written and the descriptive sentences allow the reader to imagine each scene. You are watching the story unfold in your imagination. This is definitely the book you will recommend to your friends.
When you first meet 18 year old Farren she is angry about many aspects of her life, but as you get to know her you can see how her past has shaped who she is and who she will soon become.
The book is well written and the descriptive sentences allow the reader to imagine each scene. You are watching the story unfold in your imagination. This is definitely the book you will recommend to your friends.
December 10, 2025
Another excellent story from Sweet. Love the characters - even the bad ones. An entertaining story from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews