Annie is a retired military inspector who is now a private investigator in Kentucky. She is contacted by a young man wanting to hire her to find his sister. He is from a small town in the Blue Ridge mountains where three girls disappeared ten years ago. One was returned but the other two have never been seen again. She takes the case, telling him she will investigate for a week, as she is sure that there is nothing new to discover. As Annie starts her investigation she is reminded of how similar this town is to the North Carolina mountain town where she grew up. Same poverty, secrets, biases, and suspicions.

The characters are compelling and well developed and the setting is almost another character in this book. I have not read anything else by this author, but really enjoyed his writing style. If you like an atmospheric story, with lots of secrets and even some witchcraft, this one is for you.

Thank you for NetGalley, the publisher and author for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A great autumn mystery! Twist and turns with folklore, family, strangers, and apples. Not too scary or disturbing but enough of a mystery to keep you turning the pages.

A witches legend... sign me up! I liked this one. It was definitely interesting and unique. It was slow which helped you think more about what was happening and trying to put the pieces together. I liked that their was a witch legend behind what people thought was going on. Very on par for the spooky season. I didn't see the ending happening like that and never suspected who was kidnapping these girls. Wild!! All round a good story, plot was good, a little sprinkle of romance/flirting going on as well. I enjoyed it and think others will to.

This story captivated me! I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late to finish it.

The story of the witch was fascinating and I loved getting to hear it multiple times from multiple characters. Each time we hear it, there are the same basic elements, but the story has been slowly twisted, as folktales usually are.

Archer Sullivan brought the world of Appalachia alive and it seems possible that a witch might be hidden among the townsfolk of this tiny mountain town. Sullivan is a ninth generation Appalachian herself, which is probably why this town felt so real. The writing was beautiful and I can’t wait for Sullivan’s next book! I will definitely be reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for sending this ebook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The story centers around a strong female main character named Annie Gore, and her investigation into an old case of missing girls. The atmospheric setting of the Appalachian Mountains, and the lore of witches, gave the story a creepy vibe. Fans of slow burn mystery thrillers should check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the e-Arc and the chance to review! I read this so quickly. The pace of the story was quick, as the entire saga took place over a week. I loved the pacing, the story-telling, and the setting. Just a quick, thriller, classic detective mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Great, spooky, fall read!

In the world of private investigators I may have found a new favorite. Annie Gore is a former Air Force investigator who is barely getting by. The arrival of a new client may give her a reprieve. Ten years ago three young girls disappeared from a small Appalachian village. Max’s sister was one of them. He wants Annie to find her and is willing to pay. Annie warns him that too much time has passed, but she will give it a week. When the first girl disappeared everyone believed that it was a scam by the parents to raise money. The second child was related to one of the local policemen and the town now took the disappearances seriously. They were both taken in broad daylight with an applehead doll left in their place. The second child was later returned. She had learning disabilities and was non-verbal, making her unable to help with the investigation. Max’s sister was next. Taken from their home, Max always felt guilty that he was unable to protect her. He was only nine years old at the time, but he has been saving for the last ten years to hire a private investigator.

Annie comes from a small mountain town so she knows what she is up against. The local police chief resents her interference. A.J., his deputy, grew up with Max and provides support for Annie, both on the case and personally. Annie is determined to find answers. When the missing child case becomes a murder case, Annie becomes a target as she gets closer to answers. Stories of a local witch, the eerie cries of crows and a strange stone circle in the forest provide the perfect atmosphere for Archer Sullivan’s mystery. The Witch’s Orchard will keep you guessing to the end and hoping that Annie will make a return in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for providing this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books (St. Martin's Press) for an eARC of The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan.

This is an emotional, gripping, suspenseful murder mystery set in modern day Appalachia. I was left guessing until 95% of the way in - and what a plot twist it was 🤩 The main character was relatable and charming. In terms of worldbuilding, I would have enjoyed more atmospheric Appalachian culture woven into the story. But the plot was gripping and I enjoyed the book very much!

Overall, I give this ARC 3.5 🌟s

I was completely caught up in this darkly atmospheric mystery from the very beginning! I’m hoping that we will see more of the main character, investigator Annie Gore; she was brought to life so well, just an incredibly likeable person despite her flaws and baggage. I loved how competent and courageous she was, her tenacity even in the face of townspeople unhappy with her dogged pursuit.

Annie has been hired by a young man who has been saving for years in hopes of an investigation to solve the disappearance of his younger sister. Ten years ago, the girl disappeared from their Appalachian town, as did two other young girls on separate occasions. In each girl’s place a disturbing apple-headed doll had been left at the scene of the crime. One of the girls was brought back; unfortunately, she was a nonverbal child and could not reveal where she had been. The other two girls were never seen again, their cases haunting the small community.

There were so many possible suspects in this case, along with local legends of a mysterious witch who takes in two hungry girls. Annie stirs up emotions and controversy at every turn while pursuing her leads. The town’s dark secrets begin to emerge, but each time we think we are getting close, another shocking twist arises. This is a great option for your spooky season reading lists!

Thank you to Minotaur books for this gifted copy!

I haven't read a mystery that gave me this much of a sense of place in a while. 'The Witch's Orchard' is very atmospheric, set in mountain country. Annie is a PI, hired to find out what happened to three missing girls ten years ago. The second girl was returned, but the other two were never found. I really liked Annie as a character. She was very well-rounded. I hope this becomes a series as I would follow Annie's mysteries anywhere they led. 5 stars.

THE WITCH’S ORCHARD by Archer Sullivan

This wasn’t what I expected, but I enjoyed it just the same. It’s a mix of spooky Appalachian folklore, and a small town’s unsolved mystery.

Annie Gore, ex-military turned private investigator, was such a great lead character. She’s no nonsense, capable, smart, and (best of all) she didn’t pull any of those dumb moves some FMCs tend to do in thrillers.

Despite the great side characters, moody atmosphere, folklore, and plot twists, I wasn’t too fond of how this ended. It was unrealistic, unconvincing, and felt kinda silly. Up until then I was locked in, ready to give this a much higher rating.

Overall, this was a solid debut. It reads like the first book in a series. Perhaps that’s the author’s plan? Recommend if you love a good detective-style mystery.


Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Pub Date: 08.12.25

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & StMartinsPress

I had to get used to the way this book was written at first, so if it bothers you, wait it out, it will be worth it! Annie Gore is very no nonsense, had little regard for her personal safety, because once she's on board, there's no turning back. She's a is very compassionate and empathic character. I don't think she'd like me to tell you that, but it's true - at least to me. Annie's a PI and after accepting a job, somewhat reluctantly because it brings her too close to home and her demons. You follow along while she asks all the questions of mountain town residents to find new leads in a cold murder case. It's a great mystery and you'll meet all manner of characters along the way. It's a great book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Witch's Orchard is a propulsive crime novel, with glimmers of Appalachian superstition and "witchyness". Annie Gore is a private investigator who is approached one day by Max, the brother of a missing girl. Years ago, when Max was just a young boy, three little girls went missing, one of them his sister, and law enforcement has been unsuccessful in finding the kidnapper. Creepily enough, an Applehead doll was left in each of the young girls' stead. Jessica, Oliva, and Molly and only Olivia was returned. Annie Gore's investigation leads her to learning more about the people and the folklore of the area. It also leads her to make new friends, so when tragedy strikes again (and again), it hits closer to home when Annie knows the next victim. 
This novel was a perfect summer read for me (I read it in a day!). It immediately captured my interest and held it with its suspenseful plot. The unpredictability of the resolution kept me engaged making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves a good crime novel!
I will be looking out for more of Archer Sullivan's books in the future!

I went into this read blind because I had never heard of the author and wasn't sure what it was about, but it has "witch" in the title and I do like to read about witches so I picked it up hoping I would enjoy it.

Description:
Former Air Force special investigator Annie Gore joined the military right after high school to escape the fraught homelife of her childhood. Now, she’s getting by as a private investigator, and her latest case takes her to an Appalachian holler not unlike the one where she grew up.

Ten years ago, three little girls went missing from their tiny mountain town. While one was returned, the others were never seen again. After all this time without answers, the brother of one of the girls wants to hire an outsider, and he wants Annie. While she may not be from his town, she gets mountain towns. Mountain people. Driving back into the hills for a case this old—it might be a fool’s errand. But Annie needs to put money in the bank and she can’t turn down a case. Not even one that dredges up her own painful past.

In the shadow of the Blue Ridge, Annie begins to track down the truth, navigating a decade’s worth of secrets, folklore of witches and crows, and a whole town that prefers to forget. But while the case may have been forgotten, echoes of the past linger. And Annie’s arrival stirs someone into action.

My Thoughts:
I liked Annie - she's relatable. She's struggling with some issues of her own, but has the will and determination to do her best for her client. I live near the Blue Ridge mountains and know there are some strange ways among the mountain folk. This book gives a good view of some of the atmosphere. I found it really interesting that different people gave totally different versions of the Quartz Witch story - none seemed to have the same ending. I enjoyed Sullivan's writing style - it reads easily and provided a lyrical cadence and rhythm. This cas of the missing girls is 10 years old when Annie begins her investigation, so clues are few and it is not an easy investigation. However, things start to happen once Annie arrives in town. It was fun to follow. I enjoyed this mystery and hope to see morre by Archer Sullivan in the future.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

i found that there was a lot going on in this book, many story lines that did make it difficult to follow and maintain interest. it did all come together in the end with some interesting twists.

The Witch’s Orchard is a mystery set in a small Appalachian town where superstition runs deep. Years ago, three young girls went missing in the woods, and only one ever came back—traumatized and silent. The case was left unsolved, but the town never forgot.

Annie Gore, Former Air Force Special Investigator, now a PI hired by brother of one of the missing girls arrives in the town to dig into what really happened. She finds a town full of old wounds, fragmented stories, and folklore about witches, curses and apple bead dolls.

The Witch’s Orchard was a haunting and atmospheric read that pulled me in from the very first chapter. What really made it work for me was Annie Gore. She’s not your typical hardened PI— I mean she is still a badass but she feels grounded and deeply human. I liked how she approached the town with both skepticism and empathy, never brushing off the locals’ folklore but also never letting it distract her from the real investigation.

The story is steeped in mood—the mountains, the orchard, the eerie apple-head dolls all gave it a slightly surreal edge and feel perfect as we go into the fall spooky season soon (I know its not October yet...but almost there!!). I enjoyed the pacing of the book as well, it never really felt that any angle was dragged out.
If you love a mystery, small town with sleepy-spooky vibe, and folklore, then I highly recommend this book. I really hope this turns into a series and we get to know Annie more!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!

This book was more of a 3.25/3.5 star for me. The person I had suspected the entire time was NOT the person I thought it would be, to do this damage to the town for over 10 years. So that was a very nice twist at the end for me. I did think going into this book that there would be more about witches and more about the legend within the town. So, I was a little disappointed that it did not turn out with more of that, as for me that is how I took the title of this book.
Maybe more so my fault, as I try to go into my books blind and hope for the best without knowing to much of what it is really about, so seeing "Witch" in the book title got a little more of my hopes up for what was to come.
Even saying all that it was a good fast pasted read for me and still did keep me wanting to know what was going to happen next and what part of the puzzle we were going to get more of with each new thing that came about with all the different characters.

The Western North Carolina setting and the mystery of 3 kidnapped girls had me flipping pages well past my bedtime. If you know me, you know this is the ULTIMATE compliment for a book. Think: an” Appalachian “Gone Baby Gone.” The community of characters was so perfectly balanced and I kept making wild guesses as to “whodunit.” I hope this becomes a series following the private investigator main character because she is scrappy and smart.

Loved the setting of this one, in the mountains of Appalachia - solid debut. The mystery is wrapped in the lore of the mountain people, the characters are intriguing, especially the lead, and I kept turning pages. Hoping this is a series as I really like the female private eye, former military, lead character - I am curious where she lands next!

This was a wild ride! I'm usually pretty good at figuring out what is going on but I had no idea in this book. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 stars!