This is Archer's debut novel! What a great start to a long writing career. This novel is a love letter to the small towns, families, and life in the Appalachians.
This is a multi-genre novel that includes contemporary fiction, storytelling, mystery, and Appalachian folklore, with a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
I thought multiple times that I figured out the plot twist and solved the mystery - I was wrong over and over again! I really love the main character, Annie Gore, and would love a series about her, please, Archer!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars.
Writing: 4.5 stars
The writing is strong. It flowed like a mystery novel with choppy endings and cut-outs, which is to be expected in this genre.
However, at times, Archer hit her poetic stride with beautiful writing with her exquisite storytelling. I would love for her to expand upon this in her next book, even if it is another mystery. I love beautiful words with storytelling!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are Annie (a private investigator), AJ (a local police deputy), and Max (the client from Appalachian North Carolina).
The secondary characters are Jessica, Olivia, and Molly (missing girls whom Annie is hired to find), Shiloh (the town baker and Annie's friend), and Susan (the town psychic and herbalist).
The tertiary characters are the missing girls' parents and families, the townspeople, neighbors, and friends.
The character development was strong. I really understood the well-developed back story for the main and secondary characters.
Storyline: 4.5 stars
The storyline focuses on finding the three missing girls by Annie, who is hired by Max (Molly's brother). The small town where this occurs is very similar to where Annie grew up. Annie comes to town, pokes the hornet's nest, and all hell breaks loose.
The location was primarily fictional, Quartz Creek, North Carolina.
Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars
It is heartbreaking that little towns, like the fictional Quartz Creek, are dying out as people leave them for jobs and lives elsewhere. We are losing our Americana traditions.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
It was a little creepy and weird, but it was exactly the point.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Excellent!
Strong recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan
304 pages
Minotaur Books
FUTURE release date: 8/12/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Alcohol, alcoholism, drug use, drug production, murder, kidnapping, violence, gun use, death of a parent, grief, medical content, moderate cursing, pregnancy, and infidelity.
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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