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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
82 books7,690 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 - 19 of 19 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.
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hot damn! A twisty tale of revenge, justice, belonging, and fate, The Black Orchid was quite the page-turning read. You see, not only was this well-layered plot packed with high-stakes action and juicy family drama, but the real-life inspiration behind the story gave off definite true-crime vibes as documentary transcripts took center stage. Don’t get me wrong, the multiple POVs did the heavy lifting in this immersive locked-room mystery. From rich people behaving badly to some side-eye-worthy inheritance squabbles, the storyline was stuffed to the gills with everything that I love. Even better, the onion-like plot came together flawlessly as the jaw-dropping *mic drop* twists were thrown down one by one. Add in the creeping sense of dread and the million and one secrets, and this book was yet another utter home run. I mean, she’s one of my all-time favorite authors for a reason.
I do have to say, though, that out of all of the parts of this one-sitting read, the tangled web of dark secrets and well-plotted schemes was my absolute favorite. With all nine members of this diverse cast hiding something big, the slow unraveling of this clever Agatha Christie-like plot was pure solid gold. That’s not to say that the And Then There Were None-esque feel overrode the moral ambiguity, palpable tension, or long-buried secrets that this author is known for. Blending the whodunnit vibe with a psychological thriller sense of foreboding and dread, the deadly reckoning just waiting to happen also had all of the emotional depth that I always crave. So if you love intricately plotted, atmospheric novels with a hint of Greek mythology, grab this one now. After all, you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on this relentlessly ticking clock of a countdown to tragedy. Rating of 5 stars.
Read if you love:
- A mixed media format
- Hidden identities
- Locked-room mysteries
- Mind-blowing twists
- Short chapters
- Atmospheric settings
- Deadly schemes
- A real-world-inspired plot
- Satisfying endings
- Dysfunctional families
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Loreth Anne White and Montlake Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 1, 2026
Content warning: terminal illness, violence, blood, accident injuries, mention of: blackmail, domestic abuse, dementia, gambling addiction
I do have to say, though, that out of all of the parts of this one-sitting read, the tangled web of dark secrets and well-plotted schemes was my absolute favorite. With all nine members of this diverse cast hiding something big, the slow unraveling of this clever Agatha Christie-like plot was pure solid gold. That’s not to say that the And Then There Were None-esque feel overrode the moral ambiguity, palpable tension, or long-buried secrets that this author is known for. Blending the whodunnit vibe with a psychological thriller sense of foreboding and dread, the deadly reckoning just waiting to happen also had all of the emotional depth that I always crave. So if you love intricately plotted, atmospheric novels with a hint of Greek mythology, grab this one now. After all, you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on this relentlessly ticking clock of a countdown to tragedy. Rating of 5 stars.
Read if you love:
- A mixed media format
- Hidden identities
- Locked-room mysteries
- Mind-blowing twists
- Short chapters
- Atmospheric settings
- Deadly schemes
- A real-world-inspired plot
- Satisfying endings
- Dysfunctional families
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Loreth Anne White and Montlake Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 1, 2026
Content warning: terminal illness, violence, blood, accident injuries, mention of: blackmail, domestic abuse, dementia, gambling addiction
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.
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 received from Publisher
‼️BANGER ALERT‼️
Loreth Anne White, award-winning Amazon Charts author, has delivered an-all-out THRILLING EPIC MASTERPIECE! She has solidified herself as the BEST psychological thriller writer out there! This story is a BANGER! Buckle up buttercup because we’re headed out to sea.
One ship. Nine elite passengers. A decades-old vendetta finally coming due.
By invitation only, nine guests board a luxurious cruise known as The Black Orchid. Everyone is harboring a secret. Some are out for revenge. Who will make it out alive?
Holy hell, this book held me hostage! The story is based on a true crime story of two con artists and murderers. Throw them on a ship decades later and White has written an epic fictionalized tale. It takes an extreme amount of talent to pull this off and bloody hell, she did it!
These characters were so well written that they buried a place in my heart. You can’t help but feel completely connected to them. There’s even one scene towards the end that I pictured on the screen that brought me to tears. 😭😭
You haven’t read anything like this and you won’t! It’s deeply intricate, highly original, creative, and a complete masterpiece! It will leave you breathless. Don’t miss out on the thriller of the year! Pre-order your copy, out September 1st.
Move over Titanic, The Black Orchid’s in town!
ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eternally grateful to Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy!
Loreth Anne White, award-winning Amazon Charts author, has delivered an-all-out THRILLING EPIC MASTERPIECE! She has solidified herself as the BEST psychological thriller writer out there! This story is a BANGER! Buckle up buttercup because we’re headed out to sea.
One ship. Nine elite passengers. A decades-old vendetta finally coming due.
By invitation only, nine guests board a luxurious cruise known as The Black Orchid. Everyone is harboring a secret. Some are out for revenge. Who will make it out alive?
Holy hell, this book held me hostage! The story is based on a true crime story of two con artists and murderers. Throw them on a ship decades later and White has written an epic fictionalized tale. It takes an extreme amount of talent to pull this off and bloody hell, she did it!
These characters were so well written that they buried a place in my heart. You can’t help but feel completely connected to them. There’s even one scene towards the end that I pictured on the screen that brought me to tears. 😭😭
You haven’t read anything like this and you won’t! It’s deeply intricate, highly original, creative, and a complete masterpiece! It will leave you breathless. Don’t miss out on the thriller of the year! Pre-order your copy, out September 1st.
Move over Titanic, The Black Orchid’s in town!
ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eternally grateful to Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so honored to be chosen for the early access ARC Team by the author to review her latest thriller. And as usual, she hit it out of the park!
My immediate thought to share when writing this review was: TRUST THE PROCESS. When I started this book, it took me a minute to get my bearings. We were discussing past crimes, reviewing a documentary, exploring a shipwreck, and then jumping between multiple character POVs from the past and to the present. But I shouldn't have worried, because it all comes together so perfectly!
The way the author blends Greek mythology, multiple layered story arcs, with a totally immersive and atmospherically haunting vibe was truly phenomenal. I absolutely love how she writes. The imagery is so vivid and imaginative. I traveled to the Greek Isles for my honeymoon, so I also felt like I was able to reconnect with some of those memories through her writing! 🇬🇷🚢
There are many characters to keep track of in this book, but she writes them so intimately that you feel that you know them. You are right there with them in the story and feel the same emotions that they do. This thriller is impossible to put down with a new surprise at every turn, leading to a catastrophic and explosive ending!
This author has quickly become one of my favorites and is truly at the top of her game!
Out September 1st, you do NOT want to miss this one!
Thank you to Loreth Anne White, NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My immediate thought to share when writing this review was: TRUST THE PROCESS. When I started this book, it took me a minute to get my bearings. We were discussing past crimes, reviewing a documentary, exploring a shipwreck, and then jumping between multiple character POVs from the past and to the present. But I shouldn't have worried, because it all comes together so perfectly!
The way the author blends Greek mythology, multiple layered story arcs, with a totally immersive and atmospherically haunting vibe was truly phenomenal. I absolutely love how she writes. The imagery is so vivid and imaginative. I traveled to the Greek Isles for my honeymoon, so I also felt like I was able to reconnect with some of those memories through her writing! 🇬🇷🚢
There are many characters to keep track of in this book, but she writes them so intimately that you feel that you know them. You are right there with them in the story and feel the same emotions that they do. This thriller is impossible to put down with a new surprise at every turn, leading to a catastrophic and explosive ending!
This author has quickly become one of my favorites and is truly at the top of her game!
Out September 1st, you do NOT want to miss this one!
Thank you to Loreth Anne White, NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**ARC REVIEW**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 395 pages
Genre: Thriller
Thank you NetGalley or an ARC of Loreth Anne White's "The Black Orchid"
Basic synopsis: A bunch of rich white folks, who all have a secret to hide, board a luxury cruise ship for it's inaugural sail. All sections in the VIP area, all with secrets to hide, all scheming to not let the secrets out. One murder mystery is solved, while other murders take place. When the ship sinks, who will get out alive?
I love Loreth, but her books are Hit or Miss for me. This one unfortunately was a miss. It was wildly predictable and all of the characters insufferable. Even though each chapter is the POV of a different character, there weren't any narrative changes to their voice. The writing was the same regardless of who was the main character of that chapter. Including an 8-year-old boy. There is no way that he spoke the way he was depicted in the book, it was wildly unrealistic and it annoyed the crud out of me.
The book was fine. The story was fine. It was just... fine. Well I dissuade anyone from reading it? No. But I also won't won't go out of my way to recommend it either.
IG @lit.fic.lani
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 395 pages
Genre: Thriller
Thank you NetGalley or an ARC of Loreth Anne White's "The Black Orchid"
Basic synopsis: A bunch of rich white folks, who all have a secret to hide, board a luxury cruise ship for it's inaugural sail. All sections in the VIP area, all with secrets to hide, all scheming to not let the secrets out. One murder mystery is solved, while other murders take place. When the ship sinks, who will get out alive?
I love Loreth, but her books are Hit or Miss for me. This one unfortunately was a miss. It was wildly predictable and all of the characters insufferable. Even though each chapter is the POV of a different character, there weren't any narrative changes to their voice. The writing was the same regardless of who was the main character of that chapter. Including an 8-year-old boy. There is no way that he spoke the way he was depicted in the book, it was wildly unrealistic and it annoyed the crud out of me.
The book was fine. The story was fine. It was just... fine. Well I dissuade anyone from reading it? No. But I also won't won't go out of my way to recommend it either.
IG @lit.fic.lani
Review of advance copy received from Author
By invitation only 9 elite guests board a luxury cruise ship known as the Black Orchid. Every one of them has secrets and not everyone will survive.
I am SPEECHLESS!
I've read a lot of Loreth Anne White's books, and this is hands down, without a doubt, my absolute FAVOURITE!
I genuinely couldn't put this down and before I knew it, it was almost 1am and I was 80% through. I was utterly captivated and while I picked up on some of the twists, but only because this book was so well written that it lead me there with its clues.
The cast was diverse and complex yet easy to connect with. I enjoyed the point of view of every single one of them, but one in particular was the star for me. Carter, an 8 year old boy aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a retired FBI profiler.
I truly loved every minute of this read, it started strong and ended stronger. Loreth Anne White has long been my favourite thriller author and this is just another reason why. 100/5 stars!
Thank you so much to Loreth Anne White of my advance copy of The Black Orchid!
I am SPEECHLESS!
I've read a lot of Loreth Anne White's books, and this is hands down, without a doubt, my absolute FAVOURITE!
I genuinely couldn't put this down and before I knew it, it was almost 1am and I was 80% through. I was utterly captivated and while I picked up on some of the twists, but only because this book was so well written that it lead me there with its clues.
The cast was diverse and complex yet easy to connect with. I enjoyed the point of view of every single one of them, but one in particular was the star for me. Carter, an 8 year old boy aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a retired FBI profiler.
I truly loved every minute of this read, it started strong and ended stronger. Loreth Anne White has long been my favourite thriller author and this is just another reason why. 100/5 stars!
Thank you so much to Loreth Anne White of my advance copy of The Black Orchid!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🚢 BOOK / REVIEW 🔪
"Trust no one. Suspect everyone."
I just finished #TheBlackOrchid by @LorethAnneWhite and it reminded me why she is one of my go-to authors for #thrillers and #mysteries!!
This book delivers everything I love in the genre: an atmospheric setting, layered characters, emotional depth, and a mystery that keeps you questioning everyone until the very end. The tension builds steadily, balancing heart-pounding suspense with a surprising romance that feels authentic and earned.
What stood out most was the way the story pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. Every plot twist raised the stakes, every character seemed to be hiding something, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another chapter sent me in a completely different direction.
Dark, immersive, and impossible to put down, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys mystery, and a story that keeps them guessing long after the final page! Thank you for my #gifted (and SIGNED) copy, Loreth!
This one publishes September 1, 2026 by #montlake!
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
"Trust no one. Suspect everyone."
I just finished #TheBlackOrchid by @LorethAnneWhite and it reminded me why she is one of my go-to authors for #thrillers and #mysteries!!
This book delivers everything I love in the genre: an atmospheric setting, layered characters, emotional depth, and a mystery that keeps you questioning everyone until the very end. The tension builds steadily, balancing heart-pounding suspense with a surprising romance that feels authentic and earned.
What stood out most was the way the story pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. Every plot twist raised the stakes, every character seemed to be hiding something, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another chapter sent me in a completely different direction.
Dark, immersive, and impossible to put down, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys mystery, and a story that keeps them guessing long after the final page! Thank you for my #gifted (and SIGNED) copy, Loreth!
This one publishes September 1, 2026 by #montlake!
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was absolutely FANTASTIC!!!
As soon as I saw Loreth had a new book coming out I needed to get my hands on it immediately. I was so fortunate to get to be a part of her arc team!! I am a huge fan of her writing and couldn't wait to get into The Black Orchid.
You guys. This book. WOW! I was engrossed in this story the entire time. When I wasn't reading the book I was thinking about the book!! IT IS SO GOOD!!
A stellar line up of characters, each one completely different and equally captivating. My favourite was Carter! I absolutely loved his tenacity.
The Black Orchid is intricately plotted. The tension builds as the story progresses and keeps you guessing right up until each jaw dropping reveal.
There's no doubt in my mind that this book will be one of my favourite thrillers of the year! Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR, or better yet, pre-order your copy today!
My thanks to the author herself as well as Netgalley for my eARC.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! ALL THE STARS!!
As soon as I saw Loreth had a new book coming out I needed to get my hands on it immediately. I was so fortunate to get to be a part of her arc team!! I am a huge fan of her writing and couldn't wait to get into The Black Orchid.
You guys. This book. WOW! I was engrossed in this story the entire time. When I wasn't reading the book I was thinking about the book!! IT IS SO GOOD!!
A stellar line up of characters, each one completely different and equally captivating. My favourite was Carter! I absolutely loved his tenacity.
The Black Orchid is intricately plotted. The tension builds as the story progresses and keeps you guessing right up until each jaw dropping reveal.
There's no doubt in my mind that this book will be one of my favourite thrillers of the year! Do yourself a favour and add this to your TBR, or better yet, pre-order your copy today!
My thanks to the author herself as well as Netgalley for my eARC.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! ALL THE STARS!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nine elite passengers board the luxury cruise ship Black Orchid, about to set sail on its maiden voyage through the Aegean Sea. All of them have secrets to hide. Not all of them will make it through the cruise alive.
I know I usually write a little more of a synopsis, but that’s all I’m giving you, because I don’t want to give away a single thing before you set sail on your own journey through this devilishly clever book! Loreth Anne White has crafted a meticulously plotted and intricately layered mystery with Agatha Christie-esque vibes, and there’s so much to love about it! The twists in this locked room (locked boat? haha) thriller get progressively more stunning as each layer is deftly peeled back, and the podcast element and Greek mythology influence elevate this already great story to the next level. Oh, and did I mention that this book was inspired by true crime? Safe to say that The Black Orchid is mind-blowing on every level!
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and the author for providing me an advance copy of this phenomenal book.
I know I usually write a little more of a synopsis, but that’s all I’m giving you, because I don’t want to give away a single thing before you set sail on your own journey through this devilishly clever book! Loreth Anne White has crafted a meticulously plotted and intricately layered mystery with Agatha Christie-esque vibes, and there’s so much to love about it! The twists in this locked room (locked boat? haha) thriller get progressively more stunning as each layer is deftly peeled back, and the podcast element and Greek mythology influence elevate this already great story to the next level. Oh, and did I mention that this book was inspired by true crime? Safe to say that The Black Orchid is mind-blowing on every level!
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and the author for providing me an advance copy of this phenomenal book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was extremely captivating. I was hooked from the first chapter until the very end wanting more! The twist and turns with in this book took a million unexpected turns, in which I was unable to predict any of them. Loreth does an excellent job of developing each character and uncovering the deeply buried dark secrets they hold. The puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. The setting was absolutely perfect as well. The way she concluded this book was both surprising and jaw dropping. Loreth Anne White continues to prove why she is one of the best, if not the best thriller author of the world! This book will remain in your thoughts for years to come! The Black Orchid is a gripping, dark, and brilliantly plotted thriller that I highly recommend everyone reads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't even say how honored I feel for being picked as an early reader of this one! It was actually a great start of my vacation and I devoured it in one day!
I'm still dreaming about going onto a cruise myself at some point - although I hope with a better outcome. Like, the ship not thinking would be very much preferred.
About the book - I could not have guessed any of the things developing over the course of the story. Loreth Anne White did a great job misleading me, only to drop a few bombshells at the end that I simply couldn't see coming! Very much recommended!!!
I'm still dreaming about going onto a cruise myself at some point - although I hope with a better outcome. Like, the ship not thinking would be very much preferred.
About the book - I could not have guessed any of the things developing over the course of the story. Loreth Anne White did a great job misleading me, only to drop a few bombshells at the end that I simply couldn't see coming! Very much recommended!!!
June 24, 2026
I was HUGELY honored to be selected by the author to read this ARC! 🖤 Thank you to @lorethannewhite , @netgalley, and @montlake_publishers for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! 🫶🏻
Nine guests are invited on the maiden voyage of The Black Orchid, a luxury cruise ship sailing the Aegean Sea. But little do any of them know that that secrets will be revealed, which will trigger a chain of events decades in the making and will lead to one of the worst maritime disasters in recent history.
First of all, I love a locked room mystery….and one that takes place on a cruise ship that eventually SINKS?! YES, I am HERE for it! 🙌🏻 Be aware that there are a LOT of characters, but they’re all complex and have full fleshed-out backstories that made for a great read. I particularly loved Carter, an eight-year-old boy who wants to be an FBI profiler like his grandpa and keeps a notebook of the “suspicious happenings” he witnesses while onboard the ship. The setting was amazing….I wanted to be on that ship (despite knowing it sank!) 🤦🏼♀️ I guessed part of the big reveal, but that didn’t stop me from throughly enjoying this book!
It’s incredibly atmospheric, tense, and an all-around good time! I loved it, and I think you will too! 💚
Nine guests are invited on the maiden voyage of The Black Orchid, a luxury cruise ship sailing the Aegean Sea. But little do any of them know that that secrets will be revealed, which will trigger a chain of events decades in the making and will lead to one of the worst maritime disasters in recent history.
First of all, I love a locked room mystery….and one that takes place on a cruise ship that eventually SINKS?! YES, I am HERE for it! 🙌🏻 Be aware that there are a LOT of characters, but they’re all complex and have full fleshed-out backstories that made for a great read. I particularly loved Carter, an eight-year-old boy who wants to be an FBI profiler like his grandpa and keeps a notebook of the “suspicious happenings” he witnesses while onboard the ship. The setting was amazing….I wanted to be on that ship (despite knowing it sank!) 🤦🏼♀️ I guessed part of the big reveal, but that didn’t stop me from throughly enjoying this book!
It’s incredibly atmospheric, tense, and an all-around good time! I loved it, and I think you will too! 💚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As the unofficial, self appointed president of the Loreth Anne White fan club, there was no doubt in my mind this was going to knock it out of the park. She can do no wrong and I mean that.
For some reason I went into this thinking it was going to be a And Then There Were None trope of one person dying after another (I tend to not read a synopsis) and I’m so glad it wasn’t. This was such a layered story with so many different aspects coming together to create a book that will have you on the edge of the seat. Knowing there’s a Titanic level sinking of The Black Orchid leaves a creepy, ominous tone to the book. The way the podcast chapters interspersed and blended with the regular chapters had such a creepy, voyeuristic feel to it that I was eating up.
I will never stop recommending Loreth Anne White to everyone that comes into the library I work at and it’s always satisfying when they come back to say how much they LOVE the book they read and need to binge the rest of her books.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White and NetGalley for this arc!
For some reason I went into this thinking it was going to be a And Then There Were None trope of one person dying after another (I tend to not read a synopsis) and I’m so glad it wasn’t. This was such a layered story with so many different aspects coming together to create a book that will have you on the edge of the seat. Knowing there’s a Titanic level sinking of The Black Orchid leaves a creepy, ominous tone to the book. The way the podcast chapters interspersed and blended with the regular chapters had such a creepy, voyeuristic feel to it that I was eating up.
I will never stop recommending Loreth Anne White to everyone that comes into the library I work at and it’s always satisfying when they come back to say how much they LOVE the book they read and need to binge the rest of her books.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White and NetGalley for this arc!
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