"This captivating and intriguing historical murder mystery and family drama takes place in New York City during 1923."
A gloriously heady and intimate tale of love, loss, and family, set within one of the most fascinating periods of the 20th century. Zia has already lost some of those she loved most dearly, when tragedy strikes again and appears to link to a new speakeasy called The Orchid Hour, she is determined to investigate.
This is the first book I’ve read by author Nancy Bilyeau and won’t be my last. Each chapter is headed by one of three characters, Zia, and two men who sit at opposite ends of the law. While Zia remains as the main character, each of the other stories feel just as important and ensure there is a multi-layered connectivity between everyone you meet.
Even those on the page for just a moment felt known. I loved exploring Little Italy, the descriptions take you by the hand and lead you through the streets into the embrace of family. The clubs, delicatessen, fashion, and even the orchids came alive as I explored. The murders and mystery that remains at the heart of this tale create a tension that thrums through each page.
I found myself searching for answers alongside Zia, my thoughts examining the different seams of the story. With eloquent moments of stillness The Orchard House revels as a bustling rich and distinctive tale.

There is a certain hour, in the dead of night, when the orchid’s scent can put you under a spell…
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
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There is a certain hour, in the dead of night, when the orchid’s scent can put you under a spell… Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue, returns with a tantalizing novel about one woman caught up in a secret nightclub that one can only reach through a certain florist on a cobblestone street. New York City, 1923.
The Orchid Hour features in the following genres: Crime and Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical crime and mysteries, Fiction, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, c 1920 to c 1929, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, c 1919 to c 1939 (Inter-war period), Early 20th century c 1900 to c 1950, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, c 1500 onwards to present day, Time period qualifiers, Fiction: narrative themes
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Orchid Hour was written by Nancy Bilyeau and published by Lume Books
The Orchid Hour has 336 pages
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.