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Reviewed by Donna Stevenson for Readers' Favorite
As the archivist with the Foundling Historical Society and Museum, Wrenn Grayson is employed to restore the mansion to its 19th-century original state as much as possible. The original owner of the mansion – a millionaire industrialist – prohibited the destruction of any family history or items, whether paper or objects, so whenever a family member died, all their belongings were transferred to the mansion. As the archivist, Wrenn’s job is overwhelming but fascinating. In Black Orchids Hotel by Connie Chappell, Wrenn and her friend, Nina, while sorting through furniture for the master suite, knock over a box and out falls a marionette. This surprise sets the stage for three engaging stories in Black Orchids Hotel.
The star of this novel is the mansion itself. In Black Orchids Hotel, Connie Chappell shares copious details about it and its many features, from floor maps, room layouts, furniture and historical accessories, and of course, its history, which is the basis for the stories. Each story from the mystery weekend to the children’s festival to the historical resurrection of the mansion is fleshed out in charming detail. I loved the use of clocks during the mystery weekend to pressure the eclectic group of participants to solve the mystery, even down to the miniature clocks in the dinner napkins! Each imaginative plot twist showcases the author’s imagination, particularly when it comes to the marionettes and their history. The characters are well-developed and captivating, not only the primary ones, but also the mansion staff, the guests, and, of course, the marionettes.
