Orchid Beach

Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods is the first of several books involving his character Holly Barker & her dog Daisy. I found the book to be a quick and exciting read. The characters are well developed & the plot unusual. I really enjoyed the book.

I've only recently started reading the Stone Barrington series and was hooked. After reading Reckless Abandon, where Holly Barker came on the scene, and realizing that she was featured in her own series, I had to read those as well. I would advise Barrington readers to read Orchid Beach before reading Reckless Abandon, as the events in Orchid Beach happen before Holly and Stone meet again in Reckless Abandon and some of the story lines will be discussed when the reunite in the Stone Barrington book. This was a great read that you don't want to put down until you turn the last page, and even then, you want to get started ont he next book immediately!

ORCHID BEACH, the first in the series of Holly Barker novels, sets off with a bang and despite several expected cliches and a rather over the top climax, it's riveting read and prompted me to seek out the remaining novels in this series. What makes this book work for me is Holly herself: she's brave, straightforward, intelligent and doesn't take poop from anyone. The supporting characters, both heroes and villains, are well fleshed out and the pacing of the novel kept me interested. The inclusion of Daisy, the rather psychic Doberman, also adds some needed color and humor. The Florida setting is appealing and the villains appropriately nasty. A fine read, for both Woods afficionados and mystery readers.

This was the first Stuard Woods' book I've read. I was excited to discover a new author from the suspence genre. I listen to a lot of audio books, especially mysteries, when I travel and heard "Orchid Blues" while on the road. I found the story line a bit tedious but I liked the characters so I picked this book up at a used book store and found I couldn't put it down. The story is strong, fast paced, and the characters are interesting. Holly Barker is a gutsy, commanding female figure, and the supporting characters are colorful. It is a great way to escape from the ho hum. I recommend it.

This was a well-paced thriller that is almost impossible to not like. I admit that it did get a little slow half way through, but the slow part does not last long and picks up very quickly. It is a fast paced roller coaster that takes you through a lot of loops. The choice of characters is also well picked. I am only a teenager and I think that Woods is a master writer. He is by far my favorite writer. Adding Daisy to this book is also a good twist, and those of you that haven't read will have to, to find out who Daisy is. A good book, I highly recommend it!