J.H. Chase Libri

James Hadley Chase (Rene Brabazon Raymond) was born in London in 1906 and started his career as a bookseller. With the aid of a dictionary of American slang and reference books on the American underworld he wrote his first novel, NO ORCHIDS FOR MISS BLANDISH, over six weekends. The book achieved remarkable popularity and became one of the best-sold books of the decade. FLESH OF THE ORCHID is a wild, thrill-ride of a sequel to NO ORCHIDS. Taking up the story 22 years later, the central figure is once again a Blandish girl, but Carol Blandish is not the helpless victim that her mother was. Indeed, she is a volatile blend of simmering sexuality, strained innocence and hair-trigger cruelty. Her explosive outbursts of savage violence make her a force to be reckoned with. Escaping from a mental institute during a raging storm, and definitely off her meds, Carol Blandish is soon pursued by a seedy cast of characters who all want a piece of the Blandish fortune. The novel bristles with crazy plot twists, edge-of-the-seat suspense and intriguing low-life's who mix it up for an immensely enjoyable read.

In the shadowy canals of Venice, a series of mysterious deaths unfolds, captivating the attention of a determined investigator. As they delve deeper into the dark underbelly of the city, secrets and hidden agendas emerge, intertwining the lives of locals and tourists alike. The unique atmosphere of Venice serves as both a backdrop and a character in this gripping tale, blending suspense with rich historical context. The story explores themes of betrayal, love, and the complexities of human nature against a hauntingly beautiful setting.