Book Review of
The Orchard Thief

Lynn's Review

The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean was published in 1998. It is a true crime book.

The Orchid Thief is part true crime and part Florida history. It is a story for those who love non-murder true crime, but it is also a story for anyone who loves nature and flowers. 

It is the story of John Laroche’s obsession with orchids, but while telling his story it shares all about orchids and Florida’s flower-growing culture. 

I have been in a true crime reading mood, but I don’t like graphic and gory true crime. The Orchid Thief book has been on my shelf for several years and I finally decided to pick it up to read. 

I didn’t realize orchids could be so interesting. 

I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about Florida, orchids, and the flower world. It was well written. I think it is a book that a lot of people will enjoy, but it wasn’t as unputdownable as The Feather Thief or The Art Thief. If you love flowers and odd true crime stories this is a book you will probably enjoy.