The Witch's Orchard is a tense psychological mystery thriller set in Appalachia by Archer Sullivan. Released 12th July 2025 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in July 2026. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents.
The protagonist is a tough, young, ex-military PI with a tragic back-story. Set in Appalachia, the MC has a fair bit in common with the isolated, clannish townfolk she's hired to investigate. Her employer is the teenaged older brother of a young girl who disappeared a decade ago in a spate of abductions.
There's a bit of folklore which plays a central role in her investigation. Seeing her interact with (stir up) the locals in the course of her work is interesting, if a bit disjointed. The story arc is over-the-top and the denouement will require a prodigious suspension of disbelief on the reader's part. That being said, it is quite atmospheric with lots of tension.
There are graphic depictions and rough language. Themes of pregnancy loss, mental illness, abduction, abuse, drugs, assault, etc. The ending was hasty and felt tacked on. It seems likely that this will be a continuing series featuring Annie, the main protagonist.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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