Actual Rating 2.5

One thing I liked about this one was the protagonist’s background as an Air Force special investigator. This gave her a good set of skills and kept her from being a helpless character, which I appreciated. The remaining characters were just fine, with some being more tropey than others. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the inclusion of folklore, especially how the author examined how many different versions of a tale there often is and how there can be grains of truth in each version. However, I couldn’t really figure out why the folklore was included as it never really connected to anything and didn’t really add much to the atmosphere.

The main thing that took away from my enjoyment in this one was the writing style. It was often quite awkward, and there were some instances where I had to read something out loud to try and make sense due to the weird phrasing. The style was often stilted, and this was especially the case in the dialogue. Similarly, the atmosphere was never really there for me, even with the setting and applehead dolls, which should have contributed to a creepy read.

While this was a fine mystery with an okay conclusion, it didn’t really stand out for me overall. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

THE WITCH’S ORCHARD by Archer Sullivan was a fantastic debut! I wasn’t expecting to absolutely love this but I did. Exceeded my expectations. Atmospheric, suspenseful, gripping. A twisty, fast-paced whodunnit that kept me guessing and surprised me in the end. The only thing I could’ve gone without was the romance between two of the characters but that takes a backseat most of the story. (Swipe for full synopsis)

Thanks St Martins Press for this galley! I love finding new authors to love! Already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

Book Review✨

Rating: 4⭐️
Genre: Mystery
Yes, no, or maybe: yeah!

Read if you love:
-classic mysteries
-dose of folklore
-bad a** female PI
-rural towns with many secrets

Talk about a great debut novel! Archer, please tell me this is going to be a series! I need bad a** PI Annie Gore back in my life ASAP. As a lover of classic mysteries, I had a great time with this book.

Ten years ago three girls went missing in a rural mountain town and one was mysteriously returned… was it a local? An outside? Or perhaps the old witch from folklore??? Now all this time later, the brother of one of the girls wants to hire PI Annie to find answers. Haunting and atmospheric, The Witch’s Orchard will keep your attention with all the secrets, whispers, and shadows.

Annie is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately—gritty, intelligent, and unwilling to be intimidated by old legends or new threats. As she digs into the case, the town’s tightly wound secrets begin to unravel and the truth of who or what took these girls becomes clearer. I love how Archer tied a classic mystery with a touch of eerie, urban-legend spookiness—enough to send a chill while reading.

The ending was wrapped up nice and neat, but I have a feeling this isn’t the last time we will see Annie Gore. I highly recommend for fans of strong female leads, rural settings, and cold cases that won’t stay buried.

P.S. Definitely gives fall vibes so add to your fall/cozy weather TBR!!

This was one of my top reads this year. I applaud Archer Sullivan for their ability to produce such an intriguing book; the Appalachian backdrop was an excellent choice and I think it helps readers to really picture the story for themselves. I will definitely be recommending this to friends and family.

A solid debut murder mystery read with an interesting main character, Annie, a former military special investigator, who is hired to find out what happened to three missing girls who were abducted ten years ago in a small Appalachian town. There is a creepy element to the story as the abductor left a shriveled applehead doll at the site of each abduction.

Annie was a great character, dealing with her own trauma, having come from a dysfunctional family in a small Appalachian town herself. Investigating these abductions stirred up unpleasant memories for Annie but she was determined to solve the mystery and bring closure to the girls’ families.

The story was atmospheric, laden with witch’s folklore and symbolism (crows feature prominently) and a small-town vibe where strangers are not welcome. The pacing was generally good (the middle did drag a little) and the ending was done well as the dots were connected. The epilogue suggests that there will be more novels with Annie and it would be good to see more of Annie’s backstory and her relationship with one of the secondary characters mentioned at times in the book.

Thanks to the publisher for this compelling digital copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A haunting blend of folklore, trauma, and small-town secrets, The Witch’s Orchard marks a powerful debut from Archer Sullivan. With lyrical prose and a protagonist forged by hardship, this Appalachian mystery lingers like mist in the holler—unsettling, evocative, and emotionally resonant.

- Folklore as Trauma: Sullivan weaves Appalachian legends—witches, crows, and applehead dolls—into the fabric of a decades-old mystery. These motifs aren’t just atmospheric; they serve as metaphors for generational pain and communal silence.

- Memory and Reckoning: Annie Gore’s investigation is as much about solving a cold case as it is about confronting her own buried past. The novel explores how memory can be both weapon and refuge.

- Insularity and Outsiderhood: The tension between mountain communities and outsiders is palpable. Sullivan, a ninth-generation Appalachian, writes with authenticity and nuance, avoiding caricature while honoring complexity.

Ten years ago, three girls vanished from Quartz Creek, North Carolina. One returned. Two were never found. Now, with the remains of one discovered, Max Andrews hires Annie Gore—a former Air Force investigator turned private eye—to uncover the truth. Annie, herself shaped by a troubled Appalachian upbringing, returns to a world of stone circles, whispered legends, and townsfolk who’d rather forget. As she digs deeper, she faces hostility, folklore-fueled suspicion, and a growing list of suspects. The deeper she goes, the more the orchard—site of the disappearances—seems to pulse with its own dark energy.

Annie Gore is a standout protagonist: tough, intuitive, and emotionally scarred. Her resilience is matched by her vulnerability, making her investigation feel deeply personal. Supporting characters like Susan McKinney, the local herbalist suspected of witchcraft, and Olivia Jacobs, the autistic girl who was returned, added layers of ambiguity and emotional weight. Even the landscape feels like a character—alive, watchful, and unforgiving.

The Witch’s Orchard is a triumph of atmospheric mystery. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, emotionally complex protagonists, and stories where place is inseparable from plot. Sullivan’s debut doesn’t just tell a story—it resurrects a landscape of secrets, grief, and myth.

This is one of the better mystery books I have read in a while. It was a captivating read. It is filled with emotion and turmoil, and I couldn't help but get caught up in it. Throughout, you are led down multiple paths, and when you get to the end, you feel just like every other character in the book, wondering how you didn't see the dots connecting earlier.

Despite her military background , Annie seems an unlikely detective. She is hired by a young man asking her to solve a decades old cold case involving the disappearance of his sister. Annie is new to the small Appalachian community where the crime took place but discovers that it is very similar to where she grew up so she has an understanding of the people and culture. The residents of the community are all familiar with different versions of a local legend surrounding a witch who has stolen young girls so Annie incorporates the fable into her investigation.
The cultural and mystical aspects of this thriller/murder mystery offered a lot more depth and interest to this story. There were a few (what I would consider to be somewhat) strange twists and circumstances making the book unrealistic but entertaining nonetheless. I wished that Annie’s character was a little more developed - I would have liked more information about her background. It seemed like this book could be the introduction of a new series as Annie and the local deputy would make a great crime-solving team so maybe there’s more to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Witch’s Orchard. The mix of Appalachian folklore with a chilling small-town mystery made for an atmospheric and compelling read. Annie Gore is a sharp, memorable heroine, and the way Sullivan wove local legend into the investigation kept me turning the pages. The setting felt so vivid it was almost a character in itself. For a debut, this was incredibly strong, and I’d be excited to read more from Archer Sullivan.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Witch’s Orchard - Archer Sullivan

The Witch’s Orchard is a powerful debut mystery/thriller from Archer Sullivan. The setting is an Appalachian mountain town with a sordid past. Private Investigator, Annie Gore, finds herself in a small mountain town, not unlike the one she grew up in, to solve decade old cold cases of young girls going missing. Annie doesn’t have much confidence in her success but she’s in a tight spot and needs the cash. When she arrives she soon finds that this case is far from cold as she interviews townspeople and begins to collect personal statements. This town seems to have differing opinions as to what happened to these girls and there is quite a lot of activity involving both the local church and the local “witch”.

The Witch’s Orchard is a solid mystery/thriller story told through a hauntingly atmospheric lens. This book reminded me a lot of Tana French’s Cal Hooper series which takes place in a similar small mountain town (but in Ireland). I loved the character development and found the red herrings and plot twists to be executed well. I found myself hooked almost immediately and truly binged this story.

The Witch’s Orchard is out now; thank you to St. Martins Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my copy!

Ten years ago in the quiet mountain town of Quartz Creek, NC three girls under the age of seven were mysteriously taken; two from the grounds of the local Baptist church and one from her own home. Left in their places were strange, yet common to the area, handmade applehead dolls. Jessica Hoyle, four years old, was the first girl taken. Jessica came from a poor family and rumors abounded that made the police suspicious to put forth much investigative effort. Shortly after Jessica' disappearance five year old Olivia Jacobs was taken from a Church function, she was as mysteriously returned home two weeks after she was taken. Olivia is autistic, and was never been able to communicate anything that happened. Four days later Molly Andrews was taken from her home. Ten years later local law enforcement is no closer to solving the abductions, despite assistance from the FBI, the cases are essentially considered cold. Not to Max Andrews who was eight years old when his sister was taken, he is determined to discover what happened and if the girls are still alive. He travels eight hours to meet Annie Gore, down on her luck, yet a fierce and fearless PI. Annie grew up in a dysfunctional family in a similar mountain town; she joined the Air Force and left home as soon as she could. Annie is reluctant to accept the case, yet touched by it and Max's sincerity. She made it clear that there were no guarantees and it would be very challenging after so much time, but agreed to working a week in Quartz Creek. The Witch's Orchard is a debut novel by Archer Sullivan; I was hooked from the first page to the final one. Her descriptions of the area and its people seemed very realistic and the characters were very well developed and believable. It is fast-paced and very suspenseful. It is my hope that this is the first book in what may become a series; I am curious as to where Annie Gore goes next. Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Archer Sullivan for the opportunity to read an ARC of this recently released debut; I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.

A new P.I. on scene and I am here for it! This story has all the elements you expect from a private eye/police procedural POV. Except, it has local folklore and twists you don’t see coming.

Published by @stmartinspress and e-arc via @netgalley

When I first got the offer for this e-ARC, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. But something about it kept lingering in the back of my mind. After months of going back and forth, I finally gave in—and I’m so glad I did.

This book absolutely gripped me. From the first few pages, I couldn’t put it down—I had to know what happened to those missing little girls. The suspense, the folklore, the slow-building tension kept me not wanting to put the book down.

The character development? Truly next level . These characters are layered, emotional, and feel real. I was especially attached to Annie Gore, who takes us deep into her investigation in the Appalachian Mountains.

And the folklore! Woven seamlessly into the story, it adds so much depth and eeriness to the already chilling mystery. It gave the entire book a haunting, almost mythical vibe.

Let’s talk about the writing—I cannot believe this is a debut novel. Sullivan writes like a seasoned pro. The atmosphere, momentum, and dialogue are all on point.

Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY . Pick it up, read it, and get lost in the mystery, the mountains, and the tale.

Review on Instagram to come on August 28th.

This was a fantastic mystery - I went back and forth on the 'whodunit' so many times, and still didn't guess correctly. It was a fun ride, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.

Annie is a private investigator with a haunted past who ends up helping solve a decade-old kidnapping, even though there are those in town who would prefer she kept her nose out of everything. I loved the worldbuilding, which relied heavily on an old folktale that changed every time it was told, and how everyone has a secret they'd do anything to protect.

I am looking forward to reading more about Annie as this was the first book in a series.

I just finished reading one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time! The Witch’s Orchard is the new debut novel by author Archer Sullivan. If her very first book is this good, I know I’ll be reading everything she writes in the future! This story is a mystery type thriller that centers around Annie Gore. Annie was once in the Air Force but she is now a private investigator. She is hired by Max Andrews, a young man from Quartz Creek, North Carolina who wants her to find his younger sister Molly who has been missing for about 10 years. Back in Quartz Creek, which is in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s pretty rural, the small town has just the basic amenities and a rather small population. Everyone there knows everyone else. But 3 girls have gone missing, one right after another. The strange thing is, the second girl was returned after she was kidnapped. But why was she brought back when the other two were not? Annie’s job is to find out who took the girls and to return them to their families. What makes this story so interesting is that the town residents all believe that it’s a witch who has kidnapped them. You see, when each girl was taken an applehead doll was left in their place. There’s also an old fairytale known by all the residents about a witch who owned an apple orchard. Supposedly a mother and her 2 daughters visited this witch because they were starving and the mother gives up her 2 daughters in trade for all the apples she can carry. This gave the story a bit of an eerie feeling which made me like it all the more. But as Annie questions the residents, you find that you don’t know who to believe or who you can trust. This had me suspecting several different characters at different times throughout the book. The story has a twist towards the end that I didn’t anticipate and I’m sure nobody else reading it will either. This is surely a book I will be recommending to all of my reading friends because I enjoyed it tremendously. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press for accepting my request to be an early reader and NetGalley for the arc. I feel this was a fantastic debut novel, I’m rating it with 5 stars and I hope to be reading more by Archer Sullivan very soon.

Wow, what a debut novel! I was completely enthralled with this book. The setting was atmospheric, characters were genuine and the plot line was uniquely different.

An ex-Air Force member turned privare investigator is asked to help locate a girl who disappeared 10 years ago. She travels to a small Appalachian town where everyone knows everyone but some secrets are still hidden. Annie knows she will have to stir up the hornets nest to learn the truth of the disappearances.

Archer Sullivan’s writing is thoughtful, including vivid descriptions of the local and characters, that draws the reader into the story. Archer, you have a new fan! I can’t wait to read her next publication. Maybe it will be an Annie Gore series?

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would never have guess that this was Archer Sullivan's first novel.

The first thing Sullivan gives us is Annie Gore. Annie is a PI who is ex-military, but unlike most literary PIs she is not solely defined by her biggest vice. When barely-adult Max Andrews comes to her with his life savings to beg her to find his sister, kidnapped 10 years prior, she really wants to tell him no and send him home. But the more he talks, the more her refusal melts away, and the more she is drawn to help this boy who reminds her of herself. We get enough of Annie's backstory woven in throughout to help us understand her and what she does, but we are never overwhelmed with it.

The second thing Sullivan gives us is a portrayal of Appalachia and its people that is neither rosy nor a caricature. The town is insular, but financially diverse, and words and rumors travel quickly, no matter which side you are on.

Finally, Sullivan gives us a really solid mystery. There are twists and turns and many a red herring, but by the time you get to the end it all fits together perfectly. I also thought the folklore was included in a really interesting way. Annie notices after a while that everyone tells the tale of The Witch of Quartz Creek a little bit differently. I am generally not a fan of the overuse of folklore in books, but in this case, once I realize the story was changing, I realized it was going to mean something.

I highly recommend this, and have already added Sullivan's second book to my TBR list!

I'm not the biggest fan of thrillers, because I feel like it is really hard for an author to pull off a surprise when you know it is coming. Regardless, the setting and atmosphere of this book made me want to check it out, and I'm so glad I did. Annie is a PI hired by a young man to look for his sister who went missing ten years prior. Annie doesn't think she'll find much, but she needs the money and agrees to the job. Set in a small Appalachian town where everyone knows everyone, bringing the case back to the community's forefront creates drama and finger pointing.

The 'who done it' aspect of this one is well done. I had myself convinced it could have been like three or four characters, and the reveal was extremely satisfying. I read 90% of this book in one day because once it got going, I could not stop.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fabulous moody, atmospheric mystery that introduces the fascinating new character in PI Annie Gore. I loved the combination of mystery and folklore. I loved the setting of small and secretive Appalachian mountain town. I loved that I could not figure out the culprit in advance (a huge plus for me).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves atmospheric mysteries. I truly hope this was the first book in a new series. Though I couldn’t find any mention that this will be a series the author has a new book listed on her Goodreads page that the title sounds like it could be a book two (here’s me hoping!).

**Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

A haunting, folklore-soaked mystery with real heart
.

The Witch’s Orchard is the kind of book that pulls you into its foggy hills and doesn’t let go until you’ve uncovered every strange, buried truth. It’s eerie, emotional, and quietly gripping in all the best ways.
We follow Annie Gore, a former Air Force investigator called back to her Appalachian hometown to look into a decades-old missing child case. But what starts as a procedural unraveling soon veers into something darker—whispers of witches, strange local customs, and secrets the town has long buried.
What I loved most:

🔹 A chilling setting – The rural Appalachian backdrop is steeped in atmosphere. The woods, the orchards, the decaying homes—they all feel alive with old stories.

🔹 Annie as a lead – She’s smart, tough, and complex, but also deeply human. Her emotional layers unfold slowly, and I found myself caring about her way more than I expected..
🔹 Folklore that lingers – There’s a thread of witchy, unsettling folklore running beneath the mystery—subtle but effective. Apple-head dolls, birds acting strange, childhood superstitions… it creeped me out in the best way..
🔹 A slow burn with purpose – It’s not action-heavy, but that slow-burn pacing works. There’s tension, mood, and emotional weight throughout. It made me feel like I was there.

Why not 5 stars? A few pacing dips, and I wished some threads were explored a little more deeply by the end. But honestly, it stuck with me—and that’s always a sign of a good read.

Final thoughts:

If you’re into atmospheric mysteries with a touch of folklore, a strong emotional core, and that unsettling small-town vibe, definitely add this to your list. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more from Archer Sullivan.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy provided through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.