Today I am revisting a review I wrote back in February when I read A.V. Donaldson’s Craving Murder: The Black Orchid Killer. I talked in a previous post how I was revising all old reviews to my new format so today, I have given this review a much needed update.
Craving Murder: The Black Orchid Killer
~A.V. Donaldson Read 2/7/2025-2/9/2025
“To all the girls with fiery souls, and to the ones who feel weak and powerless. To all the girls living under a man’s shadow. To all the girls who think they can’t – You can.”
This powerful dedication sets the tone for an equally powerful book. It’s fierce and defining. While specifically mentioning girls, the force behind these words resonates with anyone who has felt powerless. From this dedication alone (and there’s more to it that I won’t reveal to preserve the intrigue), I knew I was in for something special with Craving Murder: The Black Orchid Killer.
By day, Abigail Wescott (FMC) is a stunning young supermodel. By night, she’s a fearless, unhinged serial killer who makes no apologies for her actions. Fiercely independent and laser-focused on her desires, Abigail is someone you definitely want to stay on the good side of – if you value your life.
Seth Jones (MMC), the local nightclub owner, seeks peace in his carefully controlled world. Though typically calm, introspective, and deliberate in his actions, Seth harbors his own dark secret: he’s a contract killer who operates by a personal moral code.
When these two cross paths, our zero-f*cks-given girl suddenly finds herself smitten and uncertain how to navigate these unfamiliar feelings. Seth sees them as complete opposites but can’t deny their connection. For both, these new emotions force a reevaluation of life choices. Abigail becomes determined to prove they’re more alike than Seth realizes.
Will Abigail convince Seth of their similarities? Can Seth break through the barriers to Abigail’s heart? Or will their worlds collide in ways that unravel everything they’ve built?
To discover these answers and more, you’ll need to dive headfirst into Craving Murder: The Black Orchid Killer!
Donaldson truly excels at character development. From main characters to supporting ones, each person is perfectly shaped to serve the storyline. Abigail is created with both ferocity and vulnerability, revealing a human side that makes her surprisingly relatable. Seth, despite his profession, is detailed with a moral compass that makes him care about his actions.
Though opposites, they complement each other perfectly, creating interactions that are both dramatic and impactful. You can’t help but develop a bond with them and invest in their individual and shared journeys. This emotional depth adds a layer of realism that enhances the entire story.
Craving Murder stands as one of the most dramatic, chaotic, and deliciously murderous psychological thrillers I’ve encountered in quite some time. The quick pacing ensures smooth transitions between chapters, leaving no room for confusion. The writing is so engaging and chilling that readers will find themselves saying “just one more page” until suddenly they’ve finished the entire book!
Donaldson’s writing is definitely not for the faint of heart. She tackles subjects that resonate with the realities and complexities of life – well, except for the frequent murders. By weaving real-life experiences into her psychological thriller framework, she creates settings so vivid you can picture yourself in the story. One scene at Seth’s bar was so well-crafted that I could practically feel the atmosphere – the clinking glasses, the music, the intensity – without detailed descriptions.
When adventuring through Craving Murder, or any of Donaldson’s novels, attempting to predict her plot twists is futile. You can take notes, follow closely, and think you understand what’s happening, only to have everything you thought you knew shattered in the blink of an eye. This cycle repeats throughout until you reach an ending that delivers a jaw-dropping surprise.
I imagine Donaldson sitting back, feet propped up, enjoying bon-bons while laughing at the incessant cursing we do at her ingenious twists. And then, just when you think it’s over, she drops a cliffhanger that has you desperately reaching for the next book. She’s a devious little thing.
Craving Murder: The Black Orchid Killer by A.V. Donaldson is a gripping, dark psychological thriller that will keep you buckled in for an exhilarating ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. Prepare to enter a realm of secrets, unresolved past issues, mental health struggles, childhood trauma, a touch of spice, and themes of love and manipulation amid chaos and destruction.
If you’re still reading this review, I’m not sure why – you should be downloading the book by now!
As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you enjoyed it, give me a like and a follow. I can be found on all social media as The Tx Lit Chic. Karen aka The Tx Lit Chic
And don’t forget Father’s Day is coming up quickly. We have unique and great dad gifts over at our three stores: Texas Belles Boutique and Livin’ the High Life – take a look around and if you are looking for something specific let me know I might have the design in my library of hundreds of thousands of designs. Also, treat yourself or fav dad/man in your life who loves to read to a shirt from The Tx Lit Chic.
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