What do you think?
Rate this book
Birth of the Black Orchids
What if the American dream was living and working with your best friends? Millennials Johnny Ly, Dianne Cortez, and JD Thompson decide to find out when they quit their high-powered jobs to operate out of Johnny’s ancestral home in a small Central Texas town. It’s such a nice old house. Too bad about the murder, which they’d better solve before it ruins their Christmas grand opening. Can they rise to the occasion with their skills as a veterinarian, accountant, lawyer, and an ABBA tribute band? Bonus story : “The Way Old Friends Do” A few months into the new year, income is low for the Black Orchids, with the town of Beauchamp happily using the free coupons from the grand opening. So Dianne expands their services to what JD calls “baby-sitting old ladies”—an easy job, until the clients run away.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2021
121 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 18, 2025
A nurse returns to Beauchamp, Texas from her tour in Vietnam with a Vietnamese husband. She then turns a Victorian mansion in town into a community center and refuge for the lost in society. Over half a century later, now widowed, she turns this role (and the mansion) over to their grandson, Millennial cat vet Johnny Ly. He recruits his former college roommates and current fellow bandmates of ABBA tribute band MulticulturalABBA: Dianne Cortez (CPA), JD Thompson (attorney and usual narrator in the story), and Chantal Gaumont (photographer and professional singer). These are the Black Orchids of the title.
Weary of the rat race, they set up shop with him, albeit with some trepidation about how they're going to pay for all this. In the first of the two stories, they throw their first of many open houses, which results in drama, murder and mayhem (much of it supplied by an overenthusiastic police dog named Cupcake).
This book is a real blast, filled with quirky characters (not all of them human), wry humor, local color, and an undercurrent of noirish mystery. Dimond clearly loves Texas, but has no illusions about the state's many long-term problems. These societal issues fuel a lot of plot.
As the local Assistant Justice of the Peace, one of his many hats, Johnny investigates deaths, with JD as his assistant-assistant, playing a not-stupid Watson to Johnny's Holmes. Dianne takes time off from doing her backlog of tax forms to give them advice and help them out (she and JD are exes but an obvious endgame couple), while dodging her huge extended family and their pressure on her to marry. Chantal pops in and out to help them arrange events and social media, and sing in the band.
The crime in the first story is teased out and solved over the course of the open house party. While the pace may initially seem a bit leisurely, the banter is laced with clues that keep you on your toes. In the second story, Johnny's grandmother goes missing on a road trip with a group of friends and it's up to the Black Orchids to track them down. If you like cozy, animal-centered mysteries with a strong sense of place, this is your kind of book. I had a lot of fun and I'm currently on Book 5 (Hallow).
Weary of the rat race, they set up shop with him, albeit with some trepidation about how they're going to pay for all this. In the first of the two stories, they throw their first of many open houses, which results in drama, murder and mayhem (much of it supplied by an overenthusiastic police dog named Cupcake).
This book is a real blast, filled with quirky characters (not all of them human), wry humor, local color, and an undercurrent of noirish mystery. Dimond clearly loves Texas, but has no illusions about the state's many long-term problems. These societal issues fuel a lot of plot.
As the local Assistant Justice of the Peace, one of his many hats, Johnny investigates deaths, with JD as his assistant-assistant, playing a not-stupid Watson to Johnny's Holmes. Dianne takes time off from doing her backlog of tax forms to give them advice and help them out (she and JD are exes but an obvious endgame couple), while dodging her huge extended family and their pressure on her to marry. Chantal pops in and out to help them arrange events and social media, and sing in the band.
The crime in the first story is teased out and solved over the course of the open house party. While the pace may initially seem a bit leisurely, the banter is laced with clues that keep you on your toes. In the second story, Johnny's grandmother goes missing on a road trip with a group of friends and it's up to the Black Orchids to track them down. If you like cozy, animal-centered mysteries with a strong sense of place, this is your kind of book. I had a lot of fun and I'm currently on Book 5 (Hallow).
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main character JD Thompson.
JD Thompson has came to Beauchamp, Texas to start a law firm with some friends. He doesn't want to be stuck in a legal office for the rest of his life. He hoping that this will work out with his friends so that he can pay back some of the students debts that he has. While having a party at their Victorian Mansion to induce himself a guests keel over from eating something. He and his friends try to find out why.There was a second story that was fun two solve too.
This was a fun story to read. It had action, suspense and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was fun trying to solve both mystery in both stories.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout, Netgalley and StoryOrigin. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
JD Thompson has came to Beauchamp, Texas to start a law firm with some friends. He doesn't want to be stuck in a legal office for the rest of his life. He hoping that this will work out with his friends so that he can pay back some of the students debts that he has. While having a party at their Victorian Mansion to induce himself a guests keel over from eating something. He and his friends try to find out why.There was a second story that was fun two solve too.
This was a fun story to read. It had action, suspense and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was fun trying to solve both mystery in both stories.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout, Netgalley and StoryOrigin. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
May 23, 2022
Quick mysteries
There were two nice mysteries in this book. The first story introduces us to who The Black Orchids are and their specialties. There is a little murder mystery solved during a Christmas open house at The Black Orchids place of business and home.
In the second story featuring The Black Orchids, there is an attempted murder mystery solved as JD and Dianne travel cross-country from Texas to Washington DC searching for a group of older lady friends and fulfilling their friend's final wish.
Both of these mysteries were short and sweet. I love the friendship that The Black Orchids have.
There were two nice mysteries in this book. The first story introduces us to who The Black Orchids are and their specialties. There is a little murder mystery solved during a Christmas open house at The Black Orchids place of business and home.
In the second story featuring The Black Orchids, there is an attempted murder mystery solved as JD and Dianne travel cross-country from Texas to Washington DC searching for a group of older lady friends and fulfilling their friend's final wish.
Both of these mysteries were short and sweet. I love the friendship that The Black Orchids have.
April 28, 2025
Delightfully Entertaining And Enchanting!
I absolutely loved this book! The special people, (I won't call them characters, they were all too real) the storyline, the laugh out loud moments. And of course the tongue-in-cheek, witty banter. There are two separate stories in one book, both enjoyable and entertaining. The first concerning the Christmas open house had me feeling as if I were actually there witnessing all the fun, festivities, food and music. And the adorable doggie was pure genius!
The second story was equally as enjoyable, fast paced, well written. Kudos to the author! I am looking forward to more books in what I hope becomes a very long series. 🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚💞
I absolutely loved this book! The special people, (I won't call them characters, they were all too real) the storyline, the laugh out loud moments. And of course the tongue-in-cheek, witty banter. There are two separate stories in one book, both enjoyable and entertaining. The first concerning the Christmas open house had me feeling as if I were actually there witnessing all the fun, festivities, food and music. And the adorable doggie was pure genius!
The second story was equally as enjoyable, fast paced, well written. Kudos to the author! I am looking forward to more books in what I hope becomes a very long series. 🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚💞
December 13, 2021
Book one in the A Black Orchid Enterprises mystery series a well written set of two stories that I found myself laughing as I read. A dog that gives them trouble, a Black orchid or is it, a lonely woman, all come together to makes these two very good suspense stories. This is a new Author to me, it looks to be their debut book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2023
Excellent fun.
I loved this book. I'd never read anything by this author before, but I will in the future. I loved the sense of humor and the friendship between the 3 housemates and partners. And driving around with a van of old ladies...hysterical genius. That was just laugh out loud crazy. JD Thompson was an excellent narrator, and I look forward to hearing more about him and the rest of the Black Orchids.
I loved this book. I'd never read anything by this author before, but I will in the future. I loved the sense of humor and the friendship between the 3 housemates and partners. And driving around with a van of old ladies...hysterical genius. That was just laugh out loud crazy. JD Thompson was an excellent narrator, and I look forward to hearing more about him and the rest of the Black Orchids.
May 5, 2024
black orchids
What are friends for, is what the book is about. Enjoyed how the friends were like a family. They really Knew one another and also where living in their home together. Also, went out of their comfort zone to locate and help their and their friends older families who are on a mysterious trip that was a surprise to all.
What are friends for, is what the book is about. Enjoyed how the friends were like a family. They really Knew one another and also where living in their home together. Also, went out of their comfort zone to locate and help their and their friends older families who are on a mysterious trip that was a surprise to all.
July 2, 2024
Great wit and interesting characters
This book had me interested on the first page and kept on until the last. Loved all the characters in their own ways. Looking for the next book and the next!
This book had me interested on the first page and kept on until the last. Loved all the characters in their own ways. Looking for the next book and the next!
August 25, 2025
A page-turner of laughs!
There were so many priceless little digs, conversations and plain old talking to oneself. Birth of the Black Orchids had such juicy characters. The groups were true to themselves and their friends. Just loved it.
There were so many priceless little digs, conversations and plain old talking to oneself. Birth of the Black Orchids had such juicy characters. The groups were true to themselves and their friends. Just loved it.
May 29, 2022
Great book with two stories. Excellent descriptions of characters so that the reader could feel they were a part of the book. I hope to see more from this writer!
June 17, 2024
Great Book
I loved this book. You actually get 2 different stories in one. Both the stories were so good that I read them as fast as I could.
I loved this book. You actually get 2 different stories in one. Both the stories were so good that I read them as fast as I could.
December 13, 2025
An interesting and enjoyable tale
Certainly different but entertaining and just loved the eclectic mix of characters.
Certainly different but entertaining and just loved the eclectic mix of characters.
July 8, 2023
First and foremost, thank you Story Origin for an ARC. I am willingly leaving this unbiased review.
Cozy, funny, and witty read that was surprisingly short. The actual pssht fail says 150 pages, the digital copy I had was 203. I was also equally surprised that there was two stories told, as this is my first time reading this sort of book or any book by this author.
All the characters were relatable and comedic relief! They were also diverse, and relatively complex for such a short read. They all work well together, and are wit-bound to solving mysteries for fun. Would look forward to reading more about the orchid’s in the future. I will say, it’s short length bothered me a lot because the Mystery was over so fast for me - but other than this it’s a good relatable book. Especially with the views of millennials added in, which I as a Gen Z’er, agree and also struggle with.
Cozy, funny, and witty read that was surprisingly short. The actual pssht fail says 150 pages, the digital copy I had was 203. I was also equally surprised that there was two stories told, as this is my first time reading this sort of book or any book by this author.
All the characters were relatable and comedic relief! They were also diverse, and relatively complex for such a short read. They all work well together, and are wit-bound to solving mysteries for fun. Would look forward to reading more about the orchid’s in the future. I will say, it’s short length bothered me a lot because the Mystery was over so fast for me - but other than this it’s a good relatable book. Especially with the views of millennials added in, which I as a Gen Z’er, agree and also struggle with.
June 6, 2022
Two stories in one! Loved the shorter length as it made for a great quick read. And a dog named Cupcake 🧁 ☺️ With the length being shorter it felt like it took a while to get to the mystery, but for the first book in the series it really gives a lot of set up for these characters. Really enjoy the trio , gives me grown up Scooby Doo crew vibes and I’m here for it 😃 looking forward to more with this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2023
Birth of the Black Orchids is the first book in A Black Orchid Enterprises mystery series written by M. R. Dimond. This is a great book with two sets of stories. The story is built with excellent descriptions of characters so that the reader could feel they were a part of the book. I loved the sense of humor and the friendship between the 3 housemates and partners. And driving around with a van of old ladies...hysterical genius. That was just laugh out loud crazy. I hope to see more from this writer! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2023
Birth of the Black Orchids: A Light-Hearted Christmas Tale of Going Home, Starting Over, and Murder— With Cats is book #1 in the Black Orchid Enterprises Mystery series by M. R. Dimond.
The stories were entertaining. I like the characters and thought they were well developed for the first book in a series. These were enjoyable quick reads and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The stories were entertaining. I like the characters and thought they were well developed for the first book in a series. These were enjoyable quick reads and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2024
This was an essay on families, possible murder, murder, and dealing with family's expectations. Two stories for the price of one. The characters are different, professional in cases, nobody's fools, and caring. The plot is confusing at times, but the premise was a slice of life spread over several families. I do recommend this book because you need to see your family is not the strangest in the land.
March 19, 2025
DNF! I need to stop downloading these free books! They are free for a reason- no one wants to pay for them. After 2 chapters I couldn’t figure out what the book was about. College friends open business together. Guy can speak Spanish, dance and has an ABBA retro band. On again off again with girlfriend, but he sounds gay. Grand opening party. Did i mention about abba band, dancing and gf? Author repeatedly does. That is all in first 2 chapters, so i quit reading.
December 28, 2025
Friends decide in their professional years that they want to leave their current jobs and form a small law/accounting/vet service for the Texan residents of Beauchamp. The murder mystery doesn’t take place straight away as the book begins to provide great insight into each character as well as JD’s family obligations. The book focuses more on friendship, community, and sharp wit.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
May 16, 2023
A quirky set of two cozy mysteries spanning a small town in Texas and a road trip to DC. This colorful trio sets about solving two attempted murders in both locations in Scooby-do-esque style. . .or at least traveling in van like them! Both were interesting, quick reads with plenty of entertainment.
March 6, 2024
Interesting plot and characters!
A very interesting plot with a group of friends giving up their high-powered jobs to start their careers again in a small town. Fascinating interaction between the friends and the town make this a story to ponder even after finishing the book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A very interesting plot with a group of friends giving up their high-powered jobs to start their careers again in a small town. Fascinating interaction between the friends and the town make this a story to ponder even after finishing the book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
August 14, 2024
I rather liked this the two stories in this book. Lovely, memorable characters, nice to meet you JD, Diane, Johnny and Chantal as well as the formidable band of old agers in the second story, including Mrs. Ly, whom we met in the first.
the stories held my interest throughout, there were no useless pages and a subtle humour underlined each story.
well worth the time spent in reading.
the stories held my interest throughout, there were no useless pages and a subtle humour underlined each story.
well worth the time spent in reading.
December 29, 2025
From assault by nut to clandestine trips to DC, I really enjoyed the return of college friends to small town Texas to form the Black Orchid Enterprises. The story lines were solid and unique; but I wanted more of the investigation and science. I want the gut feelings and solid evidence. I want to feel like I’m a part of solving the mystery, not a passive observer.
January 11, 2024
4.5 stars! The subtitle is great - "going home, starting over, and murder - with cats". The book has a good mystery and is also quite tongue-in-cheek with its sometimes wacky characters - a good combination. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
March 29, 2024
Two short stories. It took a while to get to the mystery part. The stories are okay but not really my cup of tea. Sorry dear author.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
May 9, 2025
An Engaging Cozy Mystery
A great introductory story and I loved the writing style. This was a fun book to read. The characters were believable, and I was engaged throughout the entire book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the Black Orchids Series.
JBH
A great introductory story and I loved the writing style. This was a fun book to read. The characters were believable, and I was engaged throughout the entire book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the Black Orchids Series.
JBH
March 11, 2024
If you like fun mysteries with quirky characters, then you will like this book. There is family, there is humor, and there is fun.
October 1, 2024
This book had a lot of character building, but very little action and very little plot.
May 19, 2025
Light hearted, easy to read, enjoyable cozy mysteries with a central Texas theme.
August 29, 2023
Very chaotic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews