Tigerlily's Orchids By Ruth Rendell

As Newsday said re this author’s novel Portobello, “Rendell has long been the queen of the psychological crime.....A novel that glides along Portobello Road like the lime in a gin and tonic. It’s intoxicating.” So true! I’ll admit my bias up front - I’ve long been a fan of Rendell and when she releases a new book it tops my reading list. She’s never disappointed me and that certainly holds true of TIGER LILY’S ORCHIDS.

As always we’re treated to intriguing characters whom we follow with rapt attention, trying to out-think the author, which is impossible. There’s always a twist or quick turn within the next several pages, and we’re forced to rethink the possibilities. What pleasure! This time we’re surrounded by outre characters who neighbor in Lichfield House, a London condominium. The time seems to be today when London has been affected by depression and snow, lots and lots of snow.

Each one of Rendell’s characters stands alone, worthy of our focus - together we find a juggernaut of psychological suspense. Stuart Font is a narcisstic (to put it mildly) fellow who after inheriting a bit from his late aunt is attempting to live on his own. Unable to pass a mirror without admiring himself, he is in the clutches of the grasping married Claudia who cannot seem to get enough of him. Olwen Curtis is a pathetic 60-year-old who is determinedly drinking herself to death, and braves icy sidewalks to replenish her gin. Gray haired Marius Potter is a former hippie whose interest in Rose Potter-Jones grows stronger each day. A trio of disparate college students dwell in another flat. Of course, every condo needs a super and this one’s a pedophile.

Across from Lichfield House is a mysterious housewhere immigrants live - they are said to be growing orchids. Add to this mix the innocuous Duncan who rather than participating in life entertains himself by observing the comings and goings of others.

We’re introduced to all with the opening of the book and a party thrown by Stuart. Not a terribly festive evening since Claudia’s husband, Freddy, bursts in to threaten Stuart unless he leaves his wife alone. Stuart would be more than happy to do so because (a) she’s demanding and expensive (b) he sees one of the immigrants from across the street - the most beautiful girl he has ever seen whom he calls Tigerlily.

Rendell is one of the most skillful writers working today; she makes ordinary folks extraordinary through insightful observations and the revelation of their dark secrets. TIGERLILY is a slim, over-too-quickly gem.