The Witch's Orchard by Archer SullivanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was provided an ALC and an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was a unique and atmospheric thriller set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Private Investigator Annie Gore has been hired to investigate the long cold case of three missing girls from a small town. Max, her latest employer, has never given up hope that his missing sister could be found and is determined to get closure on her whereabouts. Having grown up in Appalachia herself Annie knows how private and protective people can be of their own and she is well aware of how her investigations can stir up a town. Annie has a track record of solving cases, and while hesitant to take this one she is willing to see what she can find even if it brings up her own painful memories and angers the townsfolk.
I'm not usually a fan of thrillers that involve children, but this is captivating and the focus is more on the investigation. Annie having spent time in the military as a special investigator is tough and she knows how to draw out information and follow a lead. She also has great instincts and knows when her bias is possibly leading her astray. This book kept me interested from the first minute to the last. There are so many people that Annie interviews that could be the kidnapper, but the twist at the end really surprised me. I also loved the addition of the tale of the "Witch of Quartz Creek", the folklore and various retellings of the tale play a key role in the investigation and the lives of the people that live in town. I always love when folklore plays a part in a novel and story of the Witch and it's variations was a wonderful addition to the novel.
This was a fantastic debut, and I look forward to seeing what the author writes in the future. If we follow Annie on further investigations or if there are more thrillers to come I would be happy to read them if they are all as gripping as this one.
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