August 30, 2009
Hothouse Orchid
In Woods’ fifth mystery featuring CIA agent Holly Barker (after Iron Orchid, 2005), Holly takes some time off from her job and heads back to Orchid Beach, Florida, where she was chief of police. She’s shocked to learn that her former Army commander, Colonel James Bruno, has just become her successor after being tried and acquitted of raping her friend Lauren (and attempting to rape Holly) years ago. When a sudden series of rapes in Orchid Beach escalates to murder, she immediately suspects Bruno and is determined to seek justice.
