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The Black Orchid
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26A propulsive true crime-inspired thriller of masks, murder, and long-awaited justice by
Washington Post
bestselling author Loreth Anne White.
By invitation only, nine elite guests board the luxurious Black Orchid for its maiden voyage through the mythic Aegean Sea. Not all of them will survive.
Poppy Buchanan, personal assistant to legendary war photographer Lillith McGregor, sees the cruise as her chance at a better life—if she can edge her way into Lillith’s will. But their exclusive company includes Lillith’s disinherited stepson and his ruthlessly ambitious fiancée, a silent Israeli businessman with a dangerous past, a charming Dutch antiquities dealer with an agenda of his own, and a retired FBI profiler hunting a serial killer he believes is aboard. Each passenger is a piece in a deadly puzzle decades in the making.
Within three days, their paths will collide during a catastrophic storm. Long-buried secrets surface. Masks fall away. And the ensuing revelations trigger a chain of events that leads to one of the most devastating maritime disasters in recent history. But the sinking of the Black Orchid is no accident—it’s a reckoning.
By invitation only, nine elite guests board the luxurious Black Orchid for its maiden voyage through the mythic Aegean Sea. Not all of them will survive.
Poppy Buchanan, personal assistant to legendary war photographer Lillith McGregor, sees the cruise as her chance at a better life—if she can edge her way into Lillith’s will. But their exclusive company includes Lillith’s disinherited stepson and his ruthlessly ambitious fiancée, a silent Israeli businessman with a dangerous past, a charming Dutch antiquities dealer with an agenda of his own, and a retired FBI profiler hunting a serial killer he believes is aboard. Each passenger is a piece in a deadly puzzle decades in the making.
Within three days, their paths will collide during a catastrophic storm. Long-buried secrets surface. Masks fall away. And the ensuing revelations trigger a chain of events that leads to one of the most devastating maritime disasters in recent history. But the sinking of the Black Orchid is no accident—it’s a reckoning.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Loreth Anne White
80 books7,803 followersLoreth Anne White is an Amazon Charts, Washington Post and Bild bestselling author of thrillers, mysteries, and suspense.
With over 4 million books sold around the world in more than 20 languages, she is a Canadian Crime Writer winner, ITW Thriller Awards nominee, a three-time RITA finalist, an overall Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Arthur Ellis finalist, and winner of multiple other industry awards.
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears.
For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorethBeswet...
Or via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorethannew...
With over 4 million books sold around the world in more than 20 languages, she is a Canadian Crime Writer winner, ITW Thriller Awards nominee, a three-time RITA finalist, an overall Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Arthur Ellis finalist, and winner of multiple other industry awards.
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears.
For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Or connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorethBeswet...
Or via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorethannew...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
FIVE STAR STUNNER!
"...even villains are heroes in their own eyes. Everyone is either a hero or a victim in their own story." *
Wow! A wholly immersive locked-room thriller, with mysterious layers reminiscent of an Agatha Christie tale, and a true crime vibe—this elegantly crafted story of closure, redemption, and revenge held me captive! Nine people set sail aboard the Black Orchid ship by invitation only—but not all will survive.
A wonderfully diverse cast, all nine characters are fascinating with unique motivations, though Carter, an eight-year-old boy, stole my heart completely. He wants to be an FBI profiler like his grandpa (also on the ship) and records "suspicious happenings" in his notebook—of which there are many. The rotation of his perspective along with three others and mixed-media components, keeps tension high; I flew through the pages!
I refuse to say too much lest I spoil things; going in as blind as possible is best. Just know that in addition to a taut mystery, all too relatable characters, and a stunning atmosphere, there's depth and heart with a family focus. Wanting to be loved, to belong, and to achieve self-acceptance are key themes written by LORETH ANNE WHITE with such realism and empathy that I was moved to tears. After all, isn't that what we all want? This was my first book by her and now I must dive in to her backlist ASAP. Where has she been all my life? Readers who love cold cases and a clever plot with several threads woven together in a deeply satisfying and touching way must board THE BLACK ORCHID!
____
*Quote is subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinons are my own and given voluntarily.
"...even villains are heroes in their own eyes. Everyone is either a hero or a victim in their own story." *
Wow! A wholly immersive locked-room thriller, with mysterious layers reminiscent of an Agatha Christie tale, and a true crime vibe—this elegantly crafted story of closure, redemption, and revenge held me captive! Nine people set sail aboard the Black Orchid ship by invitation only—but not all will survive.
A wonderfully diverse cast, all nine characters are fascinating with unique motivations, though Carter, an eight-year-old boy, stole my heart completely. He wants to be an FBI profiler like his grandpa (also on the ship) and records "suspicious happenings" in his notebook—of which there are many. The rotation of his perspective along with three others and mixed-media components, keeps tension high; I flew through the pages!
I refuse to say too much lest I spoil things; going in as blind as possible is best. Just know that in addition to a taut mystery, all too relatable characters, and a stunning atmosphere, there's depth and heart with a family focus. Wanting to be loved, to belong, and to achieve self-acceptance are key themes written by LORETH ANNE WHITE with such realism and empathy that I was moved to tears. After all, isn't that what we all want? This was my first book by her and now I must dive in to her backlist ASAP. Where has she been all my life? Readers who love cold cases and a clever plot with several threads woven together in a deeply satisfying and touching way must board THE BLACK ORCHID!
____
*Quote is subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinons are my own and given voluntarily.
August 3, 2026
This story follows multiple points of view aboard a new cruise ship. Each are connected in some way and tragedy does strike where not everyone involved in the story will make it out alive.
This was wonderfully written. So much going on and it really draws you in from the very first page. I enjoyed each character and their backstory and involvement and how everybody’s stories start to intertwine.
I could really see this being a mini series or a movie as it was perfectly written to become one. I am so glad I picked this one from Amazon First Reads!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for the free advance copy.
This was wonderfully written. So much going on and it really draws you in from the very first page. I enjoyed each character and their backstory and involvement and how everybody’s stories start to intertwine.
I could really see this being a mini series or a movie as it was perfectly written to become one. I am so glad I picked this one from Amazon First Reads!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads for the free advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Montlake Books and to the author for my advanced readers copy of The Black Orchid by Loreth Anne White. All opinions are my own.
Loreth Anne White is an auto read author for me. I absolutely love her writing and books! The Black Orchid was unlike any of her other books in my opinion. I am used to her dark and twisty thrillers where The Black Orchid was more of a slow burning mystery that gave me an old school feel to it. I enjoyed it! It gave me major Agatha Christie vibes and I found it to be interesting and a new theme of writing for this author. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I loved the setting on the boat and had me feeling like I was on the Titanic just waiting for doom to hit. There were many characters that each had their own flare to them but Carter was my favorite. I absolutely loved his relationship with his grandpa. It definitely evoked an emotion out of me.
The Black Orchid releases 9/1 so mark your tbr!!
Loreth Anne White is an auto read author for me. I absolutely love her writing and books! The Black Orchid was unlike any of her other books in my opinion. I am used to her dark and twisty thrillers where The Black Orchid was more of a slow burning mystery that gave me an old school feel to it. I enjoyed it! It gave me major Agatha Christie vibes and I found it to be interesting and a new theme of writing for this author. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
I loved the setting on the boat and had me feeling like I was on the Titanic just waiting for doom to hit. There were many characters that each had their own flare to them but Carter was my favorite. I absolutely loved his relationship with his grandpa. It definitely evoked an emotion out of me.
The Black Orchid releases 9/1 so mark your tbr!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review. I have been a Loreth fan for a while now, so i knew going in this book would be amazing. And it was!
From the very beginning you’re captivated by the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, different POV and the podcast element. The story was so atmospheric, I felt like I was on the Black Orchid with the others.
All the stars for this incredible book!
From the very beginning you’re captivated by the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, different POV and the podcast element. The story was so atmospheric, I felt like I was on the Black Orchid with the others.
All the stars for this incredible book!
August 9, 2026
It pains me to give two stars to a LAW book, she's one of my favorite authors. This is the third or fourth book of hers that relies on a podcast/documentary to tell part of the story, mostly info-dumping. She's not the only author that does it, but I hate it! To me it's lazy storytelling, and in this case very boring.
There were some parts of the story that were interesting (mostly Poppy/Lillith), some that were mostly forgettable (the woman who worked on the ship), some annoying (Carter). There is no way that Carter was believable as a eight-year-old boy. I was rolling my eyes in every chapter from his POV.
The ending was just several chapters from the documentary, so more info-dumping. What a let down. I hope the author goes back to more original stories and less "reimagining" of real-life crimes.
There were some parts of the story that were interesting (mostly Poppy/Lillith), some that were mostly forgettable (the woman who worked on the ship), some annoying (Carter). There is no way that Carter was believable as a eight-year-old boy. I was rolling my eyes in every chapter from his POV.
The ending was just several chapters from the documentary, so more info-dumping. What a let down. I hope the author goes back to more original stories and less "reimagining" of real-life crimes.
July 27, 2026
This is a straight 5 stars for me. I absolutely loved it!
I’m fascinated by con artists, grifters and fraudsters, and I’m equally fascinated by shipwrecks. Given Loreth Anne White has absolutely no idea who I am, thank you for somehow writing a book that felt like it was tailor-made for me. She combined two things I love within a fabulously executed locked-room thriller featuring wealthy, messy characters, family secrets, deception and so much more aboard The Black Orchid.
Everyone aboard the ship seemed to be running their own con or harbouring secrets they hoped would never come to light, and I loved trying to untangle who was manipulating who. The true crime podcast element woven throughout was such a fantastic addition, and I also loved the modern take on a Titanic-like disaster, this time setting sail through Greece.
Carter was undeniably my favourite character. Probably the most intellectually intelligent eight-year-old I’ve ever come across, fictional or otherwise. His grandfather is a retired FBI profiler from the Behavioural Science Unit, and Carter absolutely idolises him. It quickly becomes obvious that his grandfather’s instincts have rubbed off on him, and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter from Carter’s perspective. His observations, curiosity and way of piecing things together made him such a standout character.
Loreth Anne White has delivered another incredibly layered, twisty thriller, and it’s comfortably become one of my favourite reads of the year.
I’m fascinated by con artists, grifters and fraudsters, and I’m equally fascinated by shipwrecks. Given Loreth Anne White has absolutely no idea who I am, thank you for somehow writing a book that felt like it was tailor-made for me. She combined two things I love within a fabulously executed locked-room thriller featuring wealthy, messy characters, family secrets, deception and so much more aboard The Black Orchid.
Everyone aboard the ship seemed to be running their own con or harbouring secrets they hoped would never come to light, and I loved trying to untangle who was manipulating who. The true crime podcast element woven throughout was such a fantastic addition, and I also loved the modern take on a Titanic-like disaster, this time setting sail through Greece.
Carter was undeniably my favourite character. Probably the most intellectually intelligent eight-year-old I’ve ever come across, fictional or otherwise. His grandfather is a retired FBI profiler from the Behavioural Science Unit, and Carter absolutely idolises him. It quickly becomes obvious that his grandfather’s instincts have rubbed off on him, and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter from Carter’s perspective. His observations, curiosity and way of piecing things together made him such a standout character.
Loreth Anne White has delivered another incredibly layered, twisty thriller, and it’s comfortably become one of my favourite reads of the year.
June 14, 2026
First and foremost, my sincere thanks to Loreth Anne White and NetGalley for the privilege of receiving an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Loreth proves why she is one of my automatic-read authors. Her books never linger on my TBR pile for long, and The Black Orchid is another masterclass in suspense, deception, and psychological intrigue.
Loreth has an extraordinary talent for planting ideas and impressions in a reader’s mind, only to slowly unravel them and make you question everything you thought you knew. Just when you feel certain you’ve worked it all out, she expertly shifts the ground beneath your feet. No one weaves misdirection quite like Loreth.
Imagine Titanic set against the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea, carrying a carefully curated guest list of elite, hand-picked passengers. From the outset, you know this voyage is never going to be smooth sailing. Beneath the glamour and exclusivity lie secrets, hidden motives, and the ghosts of past lives waiting to surface.
As layers are peeled back and long-buried truths emerge, the tension steadily builds. The unmasking of what lies beneath—and what the future may hold for those involved—creates a gripping narrative that kept me turning pages late into the night. Every revelation raises new questions, and every answer leads to another twist.
Atmospheric, addictive, and beautifully crafted, The Black Orchid is a reminder of why Loreth Anne White remains at the very top of the psychological suspense genre. Readers, mark the publication date in your diaries now—you will not want to miss this one.
Once again, Loreth proves why she is one of my automatic-read authors. Her books never linger on my TBR pile for long, and The Black Orchid is another masterclass in suspense, deception, and psychological intrigue.
Loreth has an extraordinary talent for planting ideas and impressions in a reader’s mind, only to slowly unravel them and make you question everything you thought you knew. Just when you feel certain you’ve worked it all out, she expertly shifts the ground beneath your feet. No one weaves misdirection quite like Loreth.
Imagine Titanic set against the crystal-blue waters of the Aegean Sea, carrying a carefully curated guest list of elite, hand-picked passengers. From the outset, you know this voyage is never going to be smooth sailing. Beneath the glamour and exclusivity lie secrets, hidden motives, and the ghosts of past lives waiting to surface.
As layers are peeled back and long-buried truths emerge, the tension steadily builds. The unmasking of what lies beneath—and what the future may hold for those involved—creates a gripping narrative that kept me turning pages late into the night. Every revelation raises new questions, and every answer leads to another twist.
Atmospheric, addictive, and beautifully crafted, The Black Orchid is a reminder of why Loreth Anne White remains at the very top of the psychological suspense genre. Readers, mark the publication date in your diaries now—you will not want to miss this one.
August 9, 2026
ARC Review
Talk about a suspenseful thriller! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to piece together how all of these characters were connected and where their individual stories were going to lead.
I loved the way the characters and their histories slowly unfolded. Everyone has secrets, everyone has an agenda, and the deeper you get into the story, the more you realize just how interconnected everything really is.
And that last 20%?! My heart was clenched. 😳 The tension, the revelations, the twist 😅!
Loreth did it again. She knows how to create that creeping sense of unease where you need to know what happens next, but you’re also slightly terrified to find out.
A gripping, atmospheric thriller filled with secrets, revenge, murder, and a reckoning years in the making.
Talk about a suspenseful thriller! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to piece together how all of these characters were connected and where their individual stories were going to lead.
I loved the way the characters and their histories slowly unfolded. Everyone has secrets, everyone has an agenda, and the deeper you get into the story, the more you realize just how interconnected everything really is.
And that last 20%?! My heart was clenched. 😳 The tension, the revelations, the twist 😅!
Loreth did it again. She knows how to create that creeping sense of unease where you need to know what happens next, but you’re also slightly terrified to find out.
A gripping, atmospheric thriller filled with secrets, revenge, murder, and a reckoning years in the making.
August 19, 2026
I absolutely loved The Black Orchid. Loreth Anne White opens with an author’s note explaining the real-life crimes that inspired the novel’s backstory, which immediately adds an unsettling layer to everything that follows.
This had all the ingredients I want in a mystery: a luxury cruise through the Aegean Sea, an isolated group of complex characters, decades-old secrets resurfacing, and the growing suspicion that everyone is hiding something. The locked-room setup gave me major Agatha Christie vibes, while the Greek mythology woven throughout added another element I really enjoyed.
There are plenty of motives, questionable pasts, and reasons to distrust basically everyone, which made trying to figure out the whodunnit half the fun. A really good mix of classic mystery and modern psychological thriller, and easily one of my favorite Loreth Anne White books.
This had all the ingredients I want in a mystery: a luxury cruise through the Aegean Sea, an isolated group of complex characters, decades-old secrets resurfacing, and the growing suspicion that everyone is hiding something. The locked-room setup gave me major Agatha Christie vibes, while the Greek mythology woven throughout added another element I really enjoyed.
There are plenty of motives, questionable pasts, and reasons to distrust basically everyone, which made trying to figure out the whodunnit half the fun. A really good mix of classic mystery and modern psychological thriller, and easily one of my favorite Loreth Anne White books.
August 21, 2026
ARC by Amazon Firstreads.
I really enjoyed this!! It’s a mystery from the start, beginning with a shipwreck and bodies being recovered. The reader goes back in time by way of a documentary crew and learns of each character, how they’re interconnected, and why they’re on the cruise.
Poppy is the main character - she’s a caretaker for a wealthy widowed woman, Lilith. Liliths grandson and his fiance are also there, with a private investigator. Two crew are involved in spying on these guests. A novelist and his daughter and grandson are also among the crew. Each has their own agenda, and only one can go as planned. As the countdown begins for the ship to sink, secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed this!! It’s a mystery from the start, beginning with a shipwreck and bodies being recovered. The reader goes back in time by way of a documentary crew and learns of each character, how they’re interconnected, and why they’re on the cruise.
Poppy is the main character - she’s a caretaker for a wealthy widowed woman, Lilith. Liliths grandson and his fiance are also there, with a private investigator. Two crew are involved in spying on these guests. A novelist and his daughter and grandson are also among the crew. Each has their own agenda, and only one can go as planned. As the countdown begins for the ship to sink, secrets come to light.
August 3, 2026
fun read
What a great Sunday read from Amazon first reads. A novel blend of Titanic, The Amalfi Curse, Odyssey, Shetland, and much more. The 400-page story is fast paced and engrossing with a small number of predictable yet timely twists . The characters are easy to imagine and well developed.
What a great Sunday read from Amazon first reads. A novel blend of Titanic, The Amalfi Curse, Odyssey, Shetland, and much more. The 400-page story is fast paced and engrossing with a small number of predictable yet timely twists . The characters are easy to imagine and well developed.
August 7, 2026
⭐️2.75
I found it hard to keep track of the plot at times, it was confusing. 🫤 it seemed the author used the same tones for the characters and limited character growth. The documentary idea and evidence was clever but not executed the greatest. Maybe if this will be an audiobook it would be better?
I found it hard to keep track of the plot at times, it was confusing. 🫤 it seemed the author used the same tones for the characters and limited character growth. The documentary idea and evidence was clever but not executed the greatest. Maybe if this will be an audiobook it would be better?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
I gave up on mystery murder stories along time ago
But this one intrigued me enough and I am so glad
Well written fun unusual and a great mystery
Hard to put down finished in 3 days
So different with a historical Greek twist
5 stars ⭐️
But this one intrigued me enough and I am so glad
Well written fun unusual and a great mystery
Hard to put down finished in 3 days
So different with a historical Greek twist
5 stars ⭐️
August 20, 2026
This book is SO GOOD. Multiple POVs and some toggling between past and present but the twists are twisty and the characters are so good. Definitely could see this making it to the big screen some day. Loved it!
August 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️’s
August 15, 2026
Kinda hard to follow…was a slow start but ended good.
Did Not Finish
August 12, 2026Didn't like format of going back and forth with what reads like a play script and a novel.
August 13, 2026
I rarely give 5 stars, but this book deserves every one. This is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading more.
There are many layers to the story, and quite a few mysteries. There are surprises, both good and bad. Sometimes the reader can't tell the bad guys from the good guys. But as a lifelong reader who needs satisfying endings, this book was perfect.
There are many layers to the story, and quite a few mysteries. There are surprises, both good and bad. Sometimes the reader can't tell the bad guys from the good guys. But as a lifelong reader who needs satisfying endings, this book was perfect.
August 12, 2026
I got this book for free on Amazon Prime’s “First Reads” and it was pretty good!
It has almost all the ingredients of a good whodunnit and is quite a page turner. My power went out today and this book was enough to keep me occupied and not bored out of my mind.
I took one star off because it isn’t much of a murder mystery. It is pretty obvious the entire time who the killers are. Solid thriller though.
It has almost all the ingredients of a good whodunnit and is quite a page turner. My power went out today and this book was enough to keep me occupied and not bored out of my mind.
I took one star off because it isn’t much of a murder mystery. It is pretty obvious the entire time who the killers are. Solid thriller though.
Did Not Finish
August 5, 2026I was optimistic about this, but I really dislike the format (attempt at documentary/found footage/narrative) and the writing feels clunky.
August 17, 2026
so good!
Read it all in a day! This is one of those you can’t put down! Excellent read and non-stop from beginning to end.
Read it all in a day! This is one of those you can’t put down! Excellent read and non-stop from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW ✍️
Title: The Black Orchid
Author: Loreth Anne White
Genre: mystery thriller
Pub. Date: 1st September 2026
Summary:
The book tells the story of nine elite guests travelling on The Black Orchid ship cruise. We get to know the characters in depth throughout the book. We soon learn that all of them are keeping secrets, some dark, dangerous and deadly. There are masks, mysteries and murders involved. These guests experience a catastrophic storm which leads to a devastating disaster that occurred in recent history.
Opinion:
Writing
Loreth Anne White has put in a lot of research to base the book on true event even though she didn't stick to all the details and had her own fictional angle she worked on. I admire her for writing in so many perspectives in one book, as she not only had to stay on top of everything happening to each individual character, link their lives with the other characters and she has written the book as clearly as possible for the readers to keep up. There's no way readers can get lost or confused. The writer has used many writing techniques such as alliteration, short sentences, descriptive language (sometimes aggressive to portray emotions such as anger and impatience 'stabs the button') and dialogue to build on the plot and structure the book brilliantly.
Plot
It was engrossing! At the beginning you can't stop guessing who the villain is, then the reader is given clues which make you doubt your guesses, as there is new evidence that comes to light. Each character is well developed, each characters background is described. Personally, I liked so many of them and connected with a few that I was devastated when I found out what happened to some of them by the end. Carter an eight year old and his grandfather stood out to me.
Overall
Amazing! Utterly gripping and twisty! Another title to add to my favourites! I love the authors writing style, the terrific plots and the never ending thrill the author offers with her books. I just ordered two more of her books to add to my bookshelf 😍
My rating:
6 / 5
Instagram: book_by_book_reviews
Title: The Black Orchid
Author: Loreth Anne White
Genre: mystery thriller
Pub. Date: 1st September 2026
Summary:
The book tells the story of nine elite guests travelling on The Black Orchid ship cruise. We get to know the characters in depth throughout the book. We soon learn that all of them are keeping secrets, some dark, dangerous and deadly. There are masks, mysteries and murders involved. These guests experience a catastrophic storm which leads to a devastating disaster that occurred in recent history.
Opinion:
Writing
Loreth Anne White has put in a lot of research to base the book on true event even though she didn't stick to all the details and had her own fictional angle she worked on. I admire her for writing in so many perspectives in one book, as she not only had to stay on top of everything happening to each individual character, link their lives with the other characters and she has written the book as clearly as possible for the readers to keep up. There's no way readers can get lost or confused. The writer has used many writing techniques such as alliteration, short sentences, descriptive language (sometimes aggressive to portray emotions such as anger and impatience 'stabs the button') and dialogue to build on the plot and structure the book brilliantly.
Plot
It was engrossing! At the beginning you can't stop guessing who the villain is, then the reader is given clues which make you doubt your guesses, as there is new evidence that comes to light. Each character is well developed, each characters background is described. Personally, I liked so many of them and connected with a few that I was devastated when I found out what happened to some of them by the end. Carter an eight year old and his grandfather stood out to me.
Overall
Amazing! Utterly gripping and twisty! Another title to add to my favourites! I love the authors writing style, the terrific plots and the never ending thrill the author offers with her books. I just ordered two more of her books to add to my bookshelf 😍
My rating:
6 / 5
Instagram: book_by_book_reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒗𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒑𝒂𝒚.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃 strands nine carefully chosen guests aboard a luxury yacht sailing through the Aegean Sea, each carrying secrets, grudges, and hidden agendas. Among them are fortune hunters, manipulators, a retired FBI profiler chasing a killer, and people desperate to outrun their pasts. When a catastrophic storm hits and long-buried truths begin clawing their way to the surface, the voyage becomes something far deadlier than anyone imagined. What follows is part locked-room mystery, part psychological thriller, and part reckoning years in the making.
What makes this novel so irresistible is the way White takes real-world events and asks that question that is so irrestible to authors: *what if?* The result is a story that blurs the line between fact and fiction so seamlessly that I found myself constantly wondering where history ended and imagination began. Every revelation landed with the force of a rogue wave and forced me to reevaluate what I thought I knew. The plotting is astonishingly intricate, yet it never feels showy. Instead, it builds toward an ending that feels both shocking and inevitable, the mark of a thriller operating at the top of its game.
And then there is the mythology. The Greek influences woven throughout this novel are as intricate as the threads spun by Clotho herself, binding fate, vengeance, justice, and consequence into every corner of the narrative. The Aegean setting feels almost mythic in its own right, creating an atmosphere where ancient stories seem to linger just beneath the surface of the modern world. By the final pages, I felt as though I had survived the voyage myself. Smart, immersive, and utterly impossible to put down, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃 is one of those rare thrillers that entertains while reminding you why stories about fate and reckoning have endured for thousands of years. So many thanks to the author for my early copy. Look for this one September 1, 2026.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃 strands nine carefully chosen guests aboard a luxury yacht sailing through the Aegean Sea, each carrying secrets, grudges, and hidden agendas. Among them are fortune hunters, manipulators, a retired FBI profiler chasing a killer, and people desperate to outrun their pasts. When a catastrophic storm hits and long-buried truths begin clawing their way to the surface, the voyage becomes something far deadlier than anyone imagined. What follows is part locked-room mystery, part psychological thriller, and part reckoning years in the making.
What makes this novel so irresistible is the way White takes real-world events and asks that question that is so irrestible to authors: *what if?* The result is a story that blurs the line between fact and fiction so seamlessly that I found myself constantly wondering where history ended and imagination began. Every revelation landed with the force of a rogue wave and forced me to reevaluate what I thought I knew. The plotting is astonishingly intricate, yet it never feels showy. Instead, it builds toward an ending that feels both shocking and inevitable, the mark of a thriller operating at the top of its game.
And then there is the mythology. The Greek influences woven throughout this novel are as intricate as the threads spun by Clotho herself, binding fate, vengeance, justice, and consequence into every corner of the narrative. The Aegean setting feels almost mythic in its own right, creating an atmosphere where ancient stories seem to linger just beneath the surface of the modern world. By the final pages, I felt as though I had survived the voyage myself. Smart, immersive, and utterly impossible to put down, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃 is one of those rare thrillers that entertains while reminding you why stories about fate and reckoning have endured for thousands of years. So many thanks to the author for my early copy. Look for this one September 1, 2026.
August 23, 2026
Loreth Anne White is an absolute staple on my reading rotation, so when she generously sent me an early copy of The Black Orchid, I was beyond thrilled. I will always, ALWAYS read whatever she writes. The premise itself is so striking: a classic, atmospheric Agatha Christie-style locked-room mystery trapped aboard a Titanic-esque doomed vessel. You know right out of the gate that the ship is going to sink, and walking into a story already bracing for the inevitable is such a fantastic concept.
But if I’m being completely honest, this specific story just didn't capture me the way her previous books always do, which sucks for me. Reading it, the whole experience felt much more like a fast-paced thriller screenplay waiting for a camera crew than a fully immersive novel. It is incredibly visual, but the emotional anchor I usually love in her writing just wasn't there this time.
In addition to that, the biggest hurdle for me was the cast. They all have their own minor quirks on the surface, but underneath, they're largely a group of deeply unlikable people who felt totally disjointed from one another. Their internal voices eventually blended into a very similar, somewhat flat tone. Because there wasn't really a single character I felt compelled to root for, I wasn't holding out hope for anyone's survival, which unfortunately drained the tension out of the locked-room setup.
I did love the inclusion of the Greek mythology! It is such a gorgeous aesthetic choice. I just found myself wishing it had actually tied into the mechanics of the plot. As it stands, you could remove those mythological threads entirely and the core story wouldn't change at all, so it felt like a missed opportunity to add real narrative weight.
While this ended up being a bit of a forgettable read for me, my admiration for Loreth hasn't wavered one bit. Taking a big swing with a cinematic, doomed-ship mystery is incredibly ambitious. I am so deeply grateful she trusted me with this ARC, and I am already saving a spot on my shelf for whatever world she dreams up next.
But if I’m being completely honest, this specific story just didn't capture me the way her previous books always do, which sucks for me. Reading it, the whole experience felt much more like a fast-paced thriller screenplay waiting for a camera crew than a fully immersive novel. It is incredibly visual, but the emotional anchor I usually love in her writing just wasn't there this time.
In addition to that, the biggest hurdle for me was the cast. They all have their own minor quirks on the surface, but underneath, they're largely a group of deeply unlikable people who felt totally disjointed from one another. Their internal voices eventually blended into a very similar, somewhat flat tone. Because there wasn't really a single character I felt compelled to root for, I wasn't holding out hope for anyone's survival, which unfortunately drained the tension out of the locked-room setup.
I did love the inclusion of the Greek mythology! It is such a gorgeous aesthetic choice. I just found myself wishing it had actually tied into the mechanics of the plot. As it stands, you could remove those mythological threads entirely and the core story wouldn't change at all, so it felt like a missed opportunity to add real narrative weight.
While this ended up being a bit of a forgettable read for me, my admiration for Loreth hasn't wavered one bit. Taking a big swing with a cinematic, doomed-ship mystery is incredibly ambitious. I am so deeply grateful she trusted me with this ARC, and I am already saving a spot on my shelf for whatever world she dreams up next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Somehow, I was fortunate enough to receive an early access copy from Loreth Anne White and an invitation to be part of her future ARC team. To say that I was excited is definitely an understatement! I’ve loved her books from the moment I read Beneath Devil’s Bridge years ago. She will always be an auto-buy author for me.
The Black Orchid is a master class, suspense-filled cross between a true crime story and an Agatha Christie mystery. It takes place aboard the stunning Black Orchid, a cruise ship on her by invitation only, maiden voyage. The reader follows nine elite guests that are all there for very specific reasons and all with secrets to hide. What ensues after the ship leaves the port is a cross between the Titantic and Death on the Nile. The story is told through multiple POVs and alternating timelines, the present being told through a true crime documentary.
The characters are so well written that I felt like I knew them was right alongside them. They’re all so memorable but Carter, an eight year old wannabe detective, was a standout for me. All have secrets and some are there for revenge.
The manner in which White describes Greece and all the different parts of the ship really brings it all to life. As I read, I was seeing it all play out as if on the big screen. The Black Orchid would make a cinematic masterpiece! I also learned a lot more than I already knew about Greek mythology. The aspects of the mythology are all interwoven throughout and expertly tie everything together.
If you enjoy locked room, atmospheric mysteries with complex, yet relatable characters all hiding their own agendas, then this one is for you. Secrets, lies and revenge abound on The Black Orchid. Climb aboard if you dare!
The Black Orchid is a master class, suspense-filled cross between a true crime story and an Agatha Christie mystery. It takes place aboard the stunning Black Orchid, a cruise ship on her by invitation only, maiden voyage. The reader follows nine elite guests that are all there for very specific reasons and all with secrets to hide. What ensues after the ship leaves the port is a cross between the Titantic and Death on the Nile. The story is told through multiple POVs and alternating timelines, the present being told through a true crime documentary.
The characters are so well written that I felt like I knew them was right alongside them. They’re all so memorable but Carter, an eight year old wannabe detective, was a standout for me. All have secrets and some are there for revenge.
The manner in which White describes Greece and all the different parts of the ship really brings it all to life. As I read, I was seeing it all play out as if on the big screen. The Black Orchid would make a cinematic masterpiece! I also learned a lot more than I already knew about Greek mythology. The aspects of the mythology are all interwoven throughout and expertly tie everything together.
If you enjoy locked room, atmospheric mysteries with complex, yet relatable characters all hiding their own agendas, then this one is for you. Secrets, lies and revenge abound on The Black Orchid. Climb aboard if you dare!
Review of advance copy
That's three for three from this author. I've been lucky enough to have read three by her thanks to the Kindle First Reads doings and all three have been 5* stories. Loved this one. I thought at first with the myriad characters in it that I was going to get confused or bogged down trying to remember who was who and how they fitted in but it wasn't the case at all. So well done to the author cos' it has to be bloody hard to write so many characters at one event and manage not to confuse the hell out of them all !!
It sort of reminds you of the Titanic tale and all that occurred on that ship but just a more up-to-date version. And I've always loved books about that, whether fictionalised or not.
My favourite character was probably young Carter, although in some sections he supposedly thought or had a vocabulary that an eight year old I doubt would. That was my only criticism of his character. I so wanted him to be safe out of all of them !!
I loved the idea of The Loom of Fate but I googled it afterwards and couldn't find it. I used to love all those Greek mythology tales as a kid at school, and I had to move schools and the newer one I went to didn't study them and I was gutted. I wish the murals she referred to had been real as they sounded fabulous, but I googled them all and found nothing.
I spotted a couple of missed-off question marks and once born was written and not borne, then and not amid and to not the but that was it error-wise which is to be commended these days !
I wasn't familiar with the serial killers she tells us this story was based around, even after I googled their photos. Perhaps because they killed more internationally.
All in all it's a terrific tale and I will recommend her to other readers.
It sort of reminds you of the Titanic tale and all that occurred on that ship but just a more up-to-date version. And I've always loved books about that, whether fictionalised or not.
My favourite character was probably young Carter, although in some sections he supposedly thought or had a vocabulary that an eight year old I doubt would. That was my only criticism of his character. I so wanted him to be safe out of all of them !!
I loved the idea of The Loom of Fate but I googled it afterwards and couldn't find it. I used to love all those Greek mythology tales as a kid at school, and I had to move schools and the newer one I went to didn't study them and I was gutted. I wish the murals she referred to had been real as they sounded fabulous, but I googled them all and found nothing.
I spotted a couple of missed-off question marks and once born was written and not borne, then and not amid and to not the but that was it error-wise which is to be commended these days !
I wasn't familiar with the serial killers she tells us this story was based around, even after I googled their photos. Perhaps because they killed more internationally.
All in all it's a terrific tale and I will recommend her to other readers.
Review of advance copy
The narrative structure of The Black Orchid immediately establishes a tense atmosphere by jumping between the fateful voyage of the ship and a podcast produced years later to investigate its sinking and the current efforts to recover a few still missing victims. I loved how this framing casts a lingering shadow over the events, making the confined environment of the cruise ship feel even more claustrophobic.
One of my favorite elements of the story is Carter, an inquisitive eight-year-old boy who wants to solve crimes just like his grandfather, Gideon. Because Gideon is a former FBI profiler and is also a fellow passenger aboard the ship, he provides the perfect inspiration. Children are rarely main characters in thrillers unless they are kidnapped or evil, but Carter brings a refreshing dynamic. He spends the voyage making a list of suspicious happenings around the ship, and I found his perspective to be a unique lens for uncovering the truth. I also appreciated the subtle touches of Greek mythology woven into the plot, which added an engaging layer of intrigue.
This book is more of a slow burn but, the medium chapters keep the momentum steady. There are enough little mysteries scattered throughout the voyage to keep the story moving and prevent the plot from stalling. When all the threads finally come together, the conclusion provides a satisfying wrap-up that answers the core questions without dragging out the ending.
If you like cruise ship thrillers and many little mysteries to unwind, then you will enjoy this book.
Spoilers drop on release day at www.spoiltheplot.com. Until then, explore the site to find your next great thriller!
One of my favorite elements of the story is Carter, an inquisitive eight-year-old boy who wants to solve crimes just like his grandfather, Gideon. Because Gideon is a former FBI profiler and is also a fellow passenger aboard the ship, he provides the perfect inspiration. Children are rarely main characters in thrillers unless they are kidnapped or evil, but Carter brings a refreshing dynamic. He spends the voyage making a list of suspicious happenings around the ship, and I found his perspective to be a unique lens for uncovering the truth. I also appreciated the subtle touches of Greek mythology woven into the plot, which added an engaging layer of intrigue.
This book is more of a slow burn but, the medium chapters keep the momentum steady. There are enough little mysteries scattered throughout the voyage to keep the story moving and prevent the plot from stalling. When all the threads finally come together, the conclusion provides a satisfying wrap-up that answers the core questions without dragging out the ending.
If you like cruise ship thrillers and many little mysteries to unwind, then you will enjoy this book.
Spoilers drop on release day at www.spoiltheplot.com. Until then, explore the site to find your next great thriller!
Review of advance copy
Theres this cruise ship set on its maiden voyage with nine VIP passengers fighting for Lillith’s money. Lillith is a wealthy media mogul widow who inherited her husbands legacy. Lillith and her husband were suppose to attend together but he died before they were invited. In his place is her assistant Poppy who has a reputation for being a bad influence on Lilith this of course is what Arrabella believes since his only son was cut from his father’s will.
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Readers will enjoy how Ms. White solved a cold case crime on a cruise ship. The crime hadn’t happened on the cruise ship, but the killer was invited on the cruise ship after years of hiding under aliases.
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Complexly written leaving my mind a jumble as it tries to understand what is being said. The layout is tricky with an explorer trying to gain access to the sunken ship and a true crime podcast interviewing survivors.
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I’ve read quite a few books by Loreth Anne White some are better than others. This one falls within that category of being mediocre. Going back I realize I’ve rated most of her books as 3 stars. It’s the writing voice. It’s not lining up with my reading style. The layout of this book is choppy instead of fluid.
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From the beginning readers know the maiden ship crashed and passengers died. What you don’t know is how the ship crashed or who died. To learn more about the crash one must delve into the nine passengers lives who were invited onto the Black Orchid.
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I’m not feeling it. The characters are not consuming me. It takes great effort to make myself read this. I’m determined to reached the end by any means possible which is skim reading.
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Readers will enjoy how Ms. White solved a cold case crime on a cruise ship. The crime hadn’t happened on the cruise ship, but the killer was invited on the cruise ship after years of hiding under aliases.
…
Complexly written leaving my mind a jumble as it tries to understand what is being said. The layout is tricky with an explorer trying to gain access to the sunken ship and a true crime podcast interviewing survivors.
…
I’ve read quite a few books by Loreth Anne White some are better than others. This one falls within that category of being mediocre. Going back I realize I’ve rated most of her books as 3 stars. It’s the writing voice. It’s not lining up with my reading style. The layout of this book is choppy instead of fluid.
…
From the beginning readers know the maiden ship crashed and passengers died. What you don’t know is how the ship crashed or who died. To learn more about the crash one must delve into the nine passengers lives who were invited onto the Black Orchid.
…
I’m not feeling it. The characters are not consuming me. It takes great effort to make myself read this. I’m determined to reached the end by any means possible which is skim reading.
Review of advance copy
I recieved this book from First Reads on Amazon. Thank you! This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last! This is a mystery thriller at its best! I found myself totally engaged while reading the book. The author creates characters that are well developed and a storyline full of suspense and murder. The story is told through different point of views and has multiple layers of intrigue. Not everyone that boards the ship, Black Orchid will survive the maiden voyage. The elite guests are by invitation only. The author introduces Poppy who is a companion for a famous war photographer and correspondent. Poppy has secrets she is trying to outrun and Lillith McGregor may very well be her out. Poppy wants to be loved and accepted which affects her behavior. Another character, Lillith's disinheirted stepson and his fiancee are also aboard the Black Orchid. That spells trouble for Poppy and others. My favorite character is Carter. He is the grandson of a retired FBI profiler who is on the ship hoping to promote his book. However, there is another reason for him being on the ship. This proves to be fatal for him. Back to Carter, he brings the story together through his "sleuting" and desire to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. I enjoyed his character the most. A business man with a dangerous past is also on board. Each person is part of the bigger puzzle. Within a few days of setting sail, the Black Orchid is caught in a horrendous storm. Then secrets begin to unraval, masks fall away, and deep reaching revealations occur during the powerful maritime disaster.
August 11, 2026
Loreth Anne White is one of my top two favorite authors, so I was thrilled to see her new book as a Kindle First Reads choice! I enjoyed this one a lot. The plot is layered and intricate and could have easily been a muddled mess in the hands of a less talented author. The alternating POVs and podcast chapters keep the pages turning. Almost all of the characters have secrets and finding them out led to some surprising twists. I really liked the setting and the bits of mythology mixed in as well. The sense of dread builds as you get closer to the ship sinking. I had no idea what would happen or who would die. The Black Orchid was emotional at times, and I found myself with tears in my eyes more than once. Despite mostly loving this book I did have a few issues. For some reason I found the end to be a little flat. I don't know what I was expecting but I was left with kind of a "meh" feeling. Also, Carter never came across like his age at all. I did like him and his relationship with his gramps, but he seemed older. Plus, I'm confused about Patrick and Arrabella. Overall though, I loved this book and would highly recommend it!
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