Customer Reviews

The House on Orchid Street

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I always get excited when I see a new T.M. Wright book out on the stands... and this one is no exception. There are a few spelling errors that sometimes pop up throughout the book, but that can't be blamed on the author... fire the copy editor!!!! This novel resonated with me long after I was finished. The mythology was facinating, the characters real, and the pacing of the scenes and dialogue moved wonderfully. I was slightly unsatisfied with the ending, but I still rank T.M. Wright among the top 10 horror authors of the last 2 decades.

Okay, I'll admit it, the moment I saw the book, I thought it was going to be another one of those books. You know what I mean, the ones that are mildly entertaining but completely forgettable. Well, faithful readers, it has finally happened. I have found a new love and his name is T.M. Wright.

Delivering a plot so sophisticated, Wright weaves the past and the present with class and patience. Excited, I anticipated every page with bewilderment and delight. The pace in the book is deliberately slow and subtle with a powerful build-up. The author refuses to give in to cheap thrills and reckless speed. The atmosphere is clouded with an air of confusion and darkness. You feel as though something just might jump out at you and you can hardly breathe.

T.M. Wright's style of writing is refined with a graceful prose. Appearing as if he were whispering in your ear, he allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusion. Catching you off guard, the characters appear to be one dimensional only to unfold, change and grow. Demanding to be felt and heard, these characters not only resonate but they haunt you well after you've put the put book down.

My rate? Are you kidding? I give this book a 5 but technically it's a 4 because it's only available in paperback. Look out King, There's a new master in town and he shows No Mercy!

I've read The House on Orchid Street. I agree with the author there no holes in the story. Perhaps some readers don't closely enough. It's true Wright doesn't "hit" the reader over the head with plot elements. Neither does he leave any questions unanswered for the careful reader.

Dear Mr. Wright...Hey...take it easy there! You are a great writer, and I have enjoyed many of your novels. And, yes, there are holes in this story! Get a grip! It's not the end of the world.

Yes, I'm T.M. Wright, and I wrote this book, as well as 29 others: At one time, Amazon.com had a space for the author of a book to include some remarks about it: that doesn't seem to be the case, now. Be that as it may (and it certainly is), I note that some reader/reviewers have complained that the book is "elliptical," or "confusing," or "full of plot holes": hell, it depends on the reader, doesn't it. There are no plot holes, no questions left unanswered in "The House on Orchid Street"--it all depends on how closely you care to read the book. Perhaps some of you find the pacing slow. I understand that. I build atmosphere slowly; my characterization is slow and deliberate; my plotting (when there IS a plot) is, as well, slow and subtle. I've been called a writer of "quiet horror," so if you're expecting Richard Laymon from my books, you'll have to read Richard Laymon (who was, by the way, a wonderful guy), not T.M. Wright.

I'm not here to defend this book. It is its own defense, and that is at it should be. If you hate the book, I'm sorry you wasted your money. If you liked it, loved it--thank you. It spoke to you. As I just did.

Although a few scenes were very eerie, Wright's latest novel is chock full of plot holes and several questions go unanswered. This one is for ghost-story completists only.

I think people who enjoy the writings of say Tanith Lee would possibly enjoy this book. It was well written and not hard to follow but nothing much ever happened in it. Maybe I didnt grasp the concept or get what the author was trying to convey. I have enjoyed T.M. Wrights other books but found this one to be a little boring.

The House On Orchid Street is a psychological novel. Not confusing and boring, but a thing where a person's mental state has decayed and the paranormal is involved as well. It seems most the novels that I read lately are noteworthy, and this one is no exception. Its ending leaves the reader wondering, but yet knowing. Actually, it's almost like an exploded version of Virginia Wolfe's story, The Haunted House. Creepy, but not gory. Again, as in other works I've read lately, the publisher has done a poor job of proofreading. Again, no big deal. I found this novel to be a satisfying and mellow read.

Wow is all I can say. I love TM Wright's books and this one didn't disappoint me. He truly knows how to expand a character and make them real. Plots? Who needs them with his writing. Plots are for those that need to follow the dots to get to the end. Wright does wonders for the horror genre and this is no exception. I highly recommend this book along with his recent publication of Cold House. Way to go Mr. Wright!

Another fine novel by TM Wright. I keep thinking he will run out of intriguing characters for his books. Yet, he keeps coming back with new and fresh ideas. I personally, don't care for plots. They merely prepare an outline for the reader to follow throughout the story. Wright allows me to keep guessing and questioning his characters motives and actions.