Brimstone Hollow

Annie Gore #2

by Archer Sullivan

Following her powerful debut in The Witch’s Orchard, private investigator Annie Gore returns in Brimstone Hollow, bringing readers back to the mountains that author Archer Sullivan, a ninth generation Appalachian, knows so well.

There isn’t much that happens in the Appalachian Mountains that Private Investigator Annie Gore hasn’t seen. Before she joined the Air Force, she was born and raised in those rolling hills, and lately Annie's cases have called her away from her Louisville office and closer to the small towns of her youth than she ever anticipated. But when her newest client asks if she’s ever been to a snake-handling church, Annie knows she’s about to enter unknown territory.

Katie May has been estranged from her father―one of Appalachia’s last infamous snake handling preachers―for twenty years. But when Katie finds out he’s been fatally bitten, and a funeral was held within twenty-four hours, she questions whether someone deliberately rushed the process. Despite Annie’s doubts, she takes the case. After all, when she looks at Katie, she sees a version of herself: a girl who needs to understand her father in order to understand herself.

As she navigates the hidden hollers and dangerous secrets of this insular Eastern Kentucky town, Annie works fast, hoping to find the truth in record time for her client―and before too many memories from her own childhood surface. But it soon becomes apparent that someone wants Annie’s investigation to stop―by any means necessary.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Adult

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Archer Sullivan is a ninth generation Appalachian. She's moved thirty-seven times and has lived everywhere from Monticello, Kentucky to Manhattan, New York and from Black Mountain, North Carolina to Beverly Hills, California. Her work has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Tough, Shotgun Honey, Reckon Review, Rock and a Hard Place, and The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2024.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Liana Gold]

I was so impressed with the authors debut, The Witch’s Orchard, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that Sullivan has another book coming this summer.


Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author, Archer Sullivan for an early ARC.

Publication date: August 11, 2026

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the arc, I got the arc :D Happy, haaaappppyyy dance :D :D

Edit -> Review:

I absolutely loved The Witch’s Orchard, so I went into this one with high expectations… and thankfully, it did not disappoint. (Do I maybe like book one just a tiny bit more? Perhaps. But we’re keeping that between us...shhhh)

This time, Annie is investigating the death of an (in)famous Appalachian preacher known for snake handling. What initially looks like a tragic but straightforward snake bite quickly turns into something much more complicated. And of course, in a small town where everyone knows everyone, Annie’s questions don’t go unnoticed.

I really enjoyed being back in this setting. The Appalachian atmosphere feels authentic and lived-in and you can tell the author knows these mountains well. The case itself unfolds with plenty of twists and I especially appreciated the final 20–25% of the book. I had theories (obviously), but I still got that little “oh!” surprise moment, which I always love in a thriller.

I also genuinely worried about Annie in this installment. Some events felt personal and dangerous and I was glad to see her push through everything thrown her way.

That said… I did kind of miss the witchy vibes from book one. I know this story needed to be different, but I won’t lie ... I missed that atmosphere just a little.

Overall, a strong sequel and a solid 4★ from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

[Ayana · Rating 5 out of 5]

⛪️🐍

I don't have adequate thoughts.
I just know I'm a happy mess getting, reading, and finishing this amazing book. So, here's my chaotic attempt to describe what I feel.

I'm so happy to see my amazing Annie again! I didn't think there would be more than one book about her and here we are! YAAAY!!! By the way, if you haven't read The Witch's Orchard, it's totally fine for the plot, both books exist perfectly as standalones. But that one is as good, don't skip it completely!

I love how Annie Gore books play with supernatural while never actually crossing the line and involving anything such. How they are atmospheric, cleverly plotted, and filled with people you enjoy reading about on some other level.

The twists were predictable sometimes, but when they weren't all the other time...! I'm stunned, in awe, and give me more. I don't want, I need more stories about Annie. I need more gorgeous crumbs of Leo. Those 5 or what minutes each time made me fall in love when I was reading the first book and I keep loving him still.
Oh, and when you think we got it all and that's the end, nope, no, there is more still, thanks so much for that. And don't worry, it's structured perfectly.

Soo, when it's Archer Sullivan's books, I live through the stories being in love with the characters (and always some side ones too), in love with the plot, in love with the writing style. Both books we have so far are similar in their gorgeousness and the good kind of fake fantasy-element genre, but so different in their twists, character connections, backstories they reveal about the main character, and so much more.

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Go read it.

- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this second book with Annie Gore in it, I am hoping there are more books coming! Can I just say this book was excellent! Annie is hired to find out how Katie's father really died. Was it a snake bite? or is something else sinister going on in this small town? Annie uncovers so much more, and because of this, you just have to turn the pages so fast to find out! Loved this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Archer Sullivan. Excellent!

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting thriller about a snake handling preacher who died of an apparent snake bite. A small town appalachia setting with many layers; homophobia in the church and the domino effect of that culture, the generational drug problem, the way that everyone in town has a silver F150. Except for the people who have a black F150.

Annie Gore is back as a private investigator- she works alongside the police but is a detective for hire and has a classic Datsun that she really babies named "honey." She is hired by a woman whose biological father died and was buried really quickly of a snake bite with no autopsy. She had a dream or vision about him and she doesn't think it is a coincidence, so she sends Annie to Brimstone Hollow to see if there is anything fishy. There is.

What I really enjoyed about this story was that there were aspects of the small town that intersected as you would expect, but the characters always had more than they seemed. It was not all pure stereotypes about people in Kentucky, they were complex characters in the area, some by choice and others by circumstance. I loved the fast pacing and how the setting was complicated and nuanced. The characters were engaging and the ending... WOW! I was hooked. I was a fan of the first and now glad I read this as well!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the ARC. Book to be published August 11, 2026

[Amber Boos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book #2 in what I am hoping so hard will become a long-running series! The Witch's Orchard was #1 and introduced PI Annie Gore. I went into that one not realizing it would be a series, as I don't usually get into those and I luckily discovered this series gem! Annie Gore is an Appalachian from many generations back. She understands the culture and quirks. As such, she is often hired out of her Louisville based office by people with those same ties. In this case, she is hired to investigate the death of a snake handling preacher who died, by you guessed it, snakebite. This would seem pretty cut and dried, but in Annie's world the obvious is never the case. She is hired by his estranged daughter, Katie who just has a "feeling". The words "snake-handling preacher" alone were enough to hook me, but there is so much more! I love Annie's world. She meets so many cool characters and her thought process is so much fun. Annie is a food lover, like me and the food descriptions always have my interest! She does not miss many meals. Sleep, yes, but meals, no. Definitely not! Annie is also ex-military Special Forces and her mysterious "friend" Leo is from that time. They still keep in "touch" and that relationship alone is fascinating. In each book, we learn a bit more about Annie. I think the closest description for this series so far to me would be the Karin Slaughter Grant County series. If you like that or just enjoy a truly suspenseful thriller with characters that you will become totally absorbed into, then this is for you!! Please, Archer Sullivan, give us a Book #3. And #4. And #5. Well, you get the drift.

Thank you to Archer Sullivan, #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this much appreciated ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snake-handling preacher dies from a snake bite during a church service. Yes. Snake-handling. That alone was enough to hook me.

Brimstone Hollow is a tightly paced thriller set in an insular religious community where faith, fear, and power are deeply intertwined. When doubts arise about the preacher’s death, a private investigator is brought in to uncover the truth. As she begins asking questions, it becomes clear that Brimstone Hollow is built on secrets, and not everyone wants them exposed.

The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The snake-handling element isn’t just atmospheric; it drives the tension. The danger, both spiritual and physical, is always present. I was fully engaged the entire read.

I especially appreciated the PI. She’s a steady, believable professional and a strong female lead without unnecessary drama. Her persistence and intelligence ground the story and make the investigation feel authentic.

Content considerations include religious extremism, live snake handling with venomous snakes, and a suspicious death. The themes may be unsettling for some readers, though nothing felt gratuitous.

Why 4 stars instead of 5? For me, a 5-star thriller keeps me up at night. This one didn’t cost me sleep but it absolutely held my attention and delivered a satisfying, well-constructed mystery.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers, strong female leads, and small-town stories where everyone has something to hide. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.

A special thank you to Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Adele Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brimstone Hollow is the sophomore novel featuring private investigator Annie Gore, and is a captivating read. This reviewer loved Archer Sullivan's prize-winning first book, The Witch's Orchard, and looked forward to reading Sullivan's second installment in the series. The books are set in Appalachia, Annie's childhood home, and the vivid setting is as much a character as the townsfolk sharing their story.

Brimstone Hollow takes us to Eastern Kentucky, where a snake handling preacher and a deep sulfur mine lead Annie on a dangerous trek that almost ends her life. The mystery is filled with unusual characters, the plotting is tightly woven, and the pacing never lags. Annie Gore is a smart, likeable investigator, who drives a vintage Datsun she named Honey. That lighthearted endearment also endeared her to readers like me. The book is well-written, hard to put down, and highly entertaining. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews.com at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley and @minotaurbooks for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This is the second in the Annie Gore series (I just read the first book, THE WITCH’S ORCHARD, immediately before this one), and it’s definitely my new favorite series! 💚 This one takes place in Eastern Kentucky (where my family is from), so I felt a sort of kinship to the characters while I was reading it. The plot focuses on the pastor of a snake handling church “mysteriously” dying of….a snakebite. 😆 Obviously when Annie shows up to investigate, chaos ensues and lots of small town secrets are revealed.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book — Annie is funny and tough and just a COOL character. 😎 The plot was interesting and complex and UNIQUE…. I’ve definitely never read anything like it before! I love how the author (a ninth-generation Appalachian herself) writes about the people and small towns of that area. She avoids classic stereotypes while highlighting the culture of mountain people. 🏔️

If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with strong, complex characters, you’ll love this! Highly entertaining! I don’t know for sure if there will be a third book in the series, but I certainly hope so! 💚

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always up for a good police procedural. If it has a strong female lead, so much the better. Annie Gore, a former Air Force Special Investigator, now works as a PI. Her new case takes place in the Appalachian Mountains, her birthplace. Annie is smart, tough, tenacious, and extremely likeable. I read so many books in this genre that I can usually figure things out by the end, but to my surprise there were several unexpected twists along the way, and best of all, they all made sense without being ridiculous.

This is the 2nd book in what is sure to be a series. I enjoyed Annie's character development and learning things about her childhood that gave insight into who she is as an adult. In addition, Annie has two interesting friends that I hope we'll get to know better in future books as well. In the meantime, I plan to go back and read the first book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's press for the ARC of this book.

[Matthew W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Gore is back, and this case takes her to Brimstone Hollow, where a snake handling preacher died after being bitten by one of his snakes. After hearing about his next day funeral, his estranged daughter hires Annie to make sure his death was actually an accident. As Annie digs into the case, it's clear that the quiet town might have some secrets after all. This is the second book featuring Annie Gore and could be read as a standalone, but I would definitely recommend you read The Witch's Orchard first, as you get some background on Annie and her friends. As someone who is from Appalachia, Brimstone Hollow hits all the marks and reminds me of my own small town. I'm usually never speechless at reveals, but Brimstone Hollow has a couple that did just that! I hope there are many more Annie Gore books, as it is becoming one of my favorite series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! Pub August of 2026

[Bailey Lamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Thank you NetGalley & Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review *

Brimstone Hollow is the second Annie Gore book, and Archer Sullivan's sophomore novel. Having recently finished Annie Gore #1, I was excited to dive back into her world in Brimstone Hollow as Annie investigated a charming snake-handling priest's death. Things are not quite as they seem in this sleepy little Appalachian town, and Annie is the only one who can get to the bottom of things (literally, if you've read the book).

I liked the first book a lot, and felt that Brimstone Hollow was a great addition to the series. Sullivan is a talented writer, and really brings the Appalachian town vibes to life. I definitely recommend this series as a whole, and will continue to read both this series and whatever Sullivan writes next.

[Gianaclis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I mostly enjoyed this murder mystery set in Appalachia. The main character, Annie Gore, is well formed. The plot and story were easy to follow and the world building realistic and entertaining. I was on board for a hearty 4 stars rounded up to 5 until the last 20%. And then the pacing ground to a halt with a plot twist that required a tremendous amount of exposition (done through dialogue) that I grew really annoyed with. By the end, I almost didn't care anymore about Annie or the gang.

It's not enough of a flaw to keep me from perhaps reading the first book in the Annie Gore series, most likely.

Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for a chance to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocked full of interesting characters and hot southern atmosphere, this is a phenomenal read. I'm usually only cautiously optimistic about a sophomore novel, after a wildly successful debut (which this author did with The Witch's Orchard), but this book in no way disappointed. The main character is still a baddie, with more backstory this time around, and the mystery was exceptional. I'm calling it already - this book will certainly be in my top 5 of the year! My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for this advanced copy.
I was excited to find out that Annie was back at it! After being hired by a woman to find out what happened to her estranged father after he died Annie once again gets entangled in small town secrets . This time she investigates a Church whose preacher uses snakes during his sermons. I was not familiar with this and enjoyed learning about this practice. Annie is a very likeable characters , very smart and without any frills she gets the job done and for some reason she gets people talking. I now want a third installment where we finally get to know Leo personally.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was a fan of the first book so I was excited to read this one, it did not disappoint. This time we follow Annie on a case involving a church with serpents, revival tents, drugs and much more. What are the townsfolk hiding, why was the preacher buried right away even before his family was notified? This book will keep you on the edge of your seat right till the end, I will say I actually liked this one better than the first and am looking forward to another installment.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finding myself loving this series! Being a child of Appalachia, I can appreciate the author’s knowledge of the area and the idiosyncrasies of its people. Add in a good storyline, interesting characters, small town secrets and a snake handling preacher….well you are off to the races.

This book may drag a little in the beginning but once you get into it you won’t be disappointed. The ending….well it is very impressive, very impressive indeed. I’ll stop now except to say this book comes out in August, 2026, and I am anxiously awaiting the next one!

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I’m terrible at buddy reads (sorry, friend, you know who you are), but this book just demanded my attention until the final page. Archer Sullivan knows how to write a gripping murder mystery, and I was enthralled by the twists and turns as P. I. Annie Gore investigates the seemingly benign death of a snake-handling preacher, little knowing what a den of vipers she’d stuck her hands into. ARC received-read-reviewed, “Brimstone Hollow” comes out August 2026!

[Ruxandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the opportunity to advance read both of Archer Sullivan’s books, and I was so pleased to see Annie Gore back in action in Brimstone Hollow. Clever, resilient and always hungry (literally). The detective procedural aspect is so well done, the cast of characters well written and very real, and the Appalachian holler setting adds a unique sense of depth, intrigue and small-town community that makes these books so addicting.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

[Laura Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

In "Brimstone Hollow", Annie Gore heads down to Eastern Kentucky to discover the truth behind the death of a snake handling preacher. Once again, Archer Sullivan delivers a tense, taut thriller that kept me guessing right up until the end. "Brimstone Hollow" is impossible to put down.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from this, having not read the first, but was pleasantly surprised! Had a fast paced feel with enjoyable characters, in an interesting setting.

Following Annie on her investigation into the death of the father of her client gives the reader a natural entry into the world as the town sees it, with well timed glimpses into Annie’s own past so you can understand her own perspective on each new development.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this arc

[Lauren Brenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie Gore is back. I love this character and throughly enjoy how she will stop at nothing to solve crimes. Brimstone Hollow is where everyone knows everyone and they’re in each others’ business. When Annie comes to town, she ruffles feathers and stirs the pot. Leaving no stone unturned, she’s bound to get to the bottom of what’s happened to Ezra and find out who killed him.

[Mel Wick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Annie Gore series (two novels) is now a MUST read for me. These are excellent mystery stories with twists and turns, a strong female main character and great writing. Looking forward to many future installments. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.