The reviewer initially dismissed 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish' due to its title but found it to be a gripping gangster story. They appreciate the raw, unfiltered depiction of violence and sexuality, preferring the original 1939 version over the revised 1961 edition, which they find toned down and less impactful.
The reviewer initially judged 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish' by its title, expecting a cozy read, but was pleasantly surprised to find it aligned with their preference for hardboiled, noir, and gangster stories. They highlight the book's unflinching portrayal of violence and sexuality, which they find compelling and well-executed. The reviewer particularly appreciates the original 1939 version, which they consider more powerful and authentic compared to the revised 1961 edition. They note that the revisions soften the story, removing much of its edge and impact. The reviewer also discusses the book's historical context and the author's background, providing insights into how the story was crafted. They recommend the original version for its raw, unfiltered depiction of the gangster underworld.
Quick quotes
The characters are mostly vile and that includes the private detective and law enforcement.
In a book like No Orchids one is not, as in the old-style crime story, simply escaping from dull reality into an imaginary world of action. One's escape is essentially into cruelty and sexual perversion.
For me, the 1961 revision strips out all the hard-edged power of the original. What remains is shorter, perhaps more palatable, and a smoother read but it does so by sacrificing the impact of the violence and sexuality of the original.