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Annie Gore #2
Brimstone Hollow
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 was an Air Force Special Investigator, 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 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.
There isn’t much that happens in the Appalachian Mountains that Private Investigator Annie Gore hasn’t seen. Before she was an Air Force Special Investigator, 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 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.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2026
About the author
Archer Sullivan
4 books395 followersArcher 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
source: Amazon
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Annie Gore #2
Brimstone Hollow by Archer Sullivan
Just as she did with her first book in this series, The Witch’s Orchard, Archer Sullivan shows that she knows and understands how secrets and rumors can brew in small communities, always presenting some kind of danger even if not all the residents of the community know they are there. Once again, private investigator Annie Gore takes on the job of finding out what has happened in a small town and not all the people of Brimstone Hollow are willing to let Annie do her job.
A woman's estranged father, a snake handling preacher, has died and it seems he died by snake bite. His body wasn't found right away so not only was it swollen from poison but from the rot of time and his body was buried immediately, before there could be an autopsy. The daughter suspects something is up, something shady and nefarious, so she hires Annie to investigate her father's death.
I love Annie's relationship with the local sheriff. She's a thorn in his day at first but she wins him over. Annie seems to be like a daughter to him once they know each other and Annie seems to see him as the father she never had. We get to know the memories of Annie's past with her father and I can see why this sheriff would appeal to her. He seems like a man I'd like to know. They make a good buddy team in this story and the sheriff is quick to decide his life will run smoother just teaming up with Annie than trying to keep her from doing what she is going to do anyway.
Brimstone Hollow is not a safe place for anyone and it's not all the snakes' fault. There are secrets that someone will kill to keep hidden and the longer Annie stays in this town the more danger she encounters. It's hard to know who to trust and so many of the characters are likable so I was hoping I could keep on liking them. Annie is tough, she was an Air Force Special Investigator, she knows what she is doing, she knows how to get in and out of trouble, she's a force to reckon with, just as the sheriff soon learned. So many false leads, so many bodies, and I feared what we would finally find out by the end of the story. I look forward to seeing Annie again, she is fun to follow and a great way to court danger from the safety of my home.
Pub August 11, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
Brimstone Hollow by Archer Sullivan
Just as she did with her first book in this series, The Witch’s Orchard, Archer Sullivan shows that she knows and understands how secrets and rumors can brew in small communities, always presenting some kind of danger even if not all the residents of the community know they are there. Once again, private investigator Annie Gore takes on the job of finding out what has happened in a small town and not all the people of Brimstone Hollow are willing to let Annie do her job.
A woman's estranged father, a snake handling preacher, has died and it seems he died by snake bite. His body wasn't found right away so not only was it swollen from poison but from the rot of time and his body was buried immediately, before there could be an autopsy. The daughter suspects something is up, something shady and nefarious, so she hires Annie to investigate her father's death.
I love Annie's relationship with the local sheriff. She's a thorn in his day at first but she wins him over. Annie seems to be like a daughter to him once they know each other and Annie seems to see him as the father she never had. We get to know the memories of Annie's past with her father and I can see why this sheriff would appeal to her. He seems like a man I'd like to know. They make a good buddy team in this story and the sheriff is quick to decide his life will run smoother just teaming up with Annie than trying to keep her from doing what she is going to do anyway.
Brimstone Hollow is not a safe place for anyone and it's not all the snakes' fault. There are secrets that someone will kill to keep hidden and the longer Annie stays in this town the more danger she encounters. It's hard to know who to trust and so many of the characters are likable so I was hoping I could keep on liking them. Annie is tough, she was an Air Force Special Investigator, she knows what she is doing, she knows how to get in and out of trouble, she's a force to reckon with, just as the sheriff soon learned. So many false leads, so many bodies, and I feared what we would finally find out by the end of the story. I look forward to seeing Annie again, she is fun to follow and a great way to court danger from the safety of my home.
Pub August 11, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ I have never heard of snake handling churches and this was a first for me. While looking up its history, I've learned that this is a religious rite practiced by a small number of Holiness groups and is only legal in West Virginia, mainly in the rural Appalachian region. While the practice is very uncommon, many believe that if one has true faith, God will keep them safe and protected from any harm, even a snake bite. Believers will not only touch the venomous snake but will practice drinking deadly poisons, strychnine, to test their faith. Isn't that something? I always appreciate when I can learn a part of history or anything new from a book that I'm reading.
I was so impressed with the authors debut, The Witch’s Orchard, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that Sullivan had another book coming this summer. When I read 'snake bite', 'quiet town', 'preacher' in the setting of Appalachian Mountains, I imminently thought this must be some sort of religious cult with strong funny-business vibes. And wow it did not disappoint! Annie Gore knows exactly what she is doing, unraveling the teeny-tiny twisty secrets of small towns one peel at a time.
This is the second novel in the Annie Gore mystery series and it blends small town secrets with Appalachian Gothic atmosphere! The private investigator, Annie, is hired by a woman to investigate the death of her father, Ezra King. The father was pronounced dead by a venomous snake bite and his death was ruled an accident but his daughter is suspicious because his death was never really looked into..As Annie starts digging into this investigation this brings a lot of painful memories, making this case very personal.
And in fact, this book did feel more personal than The Witch’s Orchard. In this story, we learn more about our private investigator, Annie Gore. Through flashbacks and recurrent dreams that Annie experiences, we learn more about her as a child, her parents and what her life was like growing up. We are shown her worries, her fears, how her psyche works. The investigation helps Annie to confront painful memories from her own Appalachian childhood. The mystery of Ezra King mirrors her own emotional wounds. She's a well layered character, much to appreciate and lots to admire. I really enjoyed her background and am looking forward to whatever part of her life we will learn of next.
I found the mystery to be complex and not the simple 'whodunit' that you can see from a mile away. I figured out Ezra King quickly but I couldn't solve the mystery surrounding his death. I found the unraveling of events to be well done. Sullivan knows how to create unease and utilizes the backdrop of isolated mountains, religious communities and small towns so effortlessly that everything starts to feel unsettling at some point. From surfer springs and abandoned charges and buried small town secrets, Brimstone Hollow is a true atmospheric, gothic mystery and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author, Archer Sullivan for an early ARC.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Emily Pike Stewart
Duration: 9 hours 43 minutes
Speed: 1.75x
Publication date: August 11, 2026
I was so impressed with the authors debut, The Witch’s Orchard, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that Sullivan had another book coming this summer. When I read 'snake bite', 'quiet town', 'preacher' in the setting of Appalachian Mountains, I imminently thought this must be some sort of religious cult with strong funny-business vibes. And wow it did not disappoint! Annie Gore knows exactly what she is doing, unraveling the teeny-tiny twisty secrets of small towns one peel at a time.
This is the second novel in the Annie Gore mystery series and it blends small town secrets with Appalachian Gothic atmosphere! The private investigator, Annie, is hired by a woman to investigate the death of her father, Ezra King. The father was pronounced dead by a venomous snake bite and his death was ruled an accident but his daughter is suspicious because his death was never really looked into..As Annie starts digging into this investigation this brings a lot of painful memories, making this case very personal.
And in fact, this book did feel more personal than The Witch’s Orchard. In this story, we learn more about our private investigator, Annie Gore. Through flashbacks and recurrent dreams that Annie experiences, we learn more about her as a child, her parents and what her life was like growing up. We are shown her worries, her fears, how her psyche works. The investigation helps Annie to confront painful memories from her own Appalachian childhood. The mystery of Ezra King mirrors her own emotional wounds. She's a well layered character, much to appreciate and lots to admire. I really enjoyed her background and am looking forward to whatever part of her life we will learn of next.
I found the mystery to be complex and not the simple 'whodunit' that you can see from a mile away. I figured out Ezra King quickly but I couldn't solve the mystery surrounding his death. I found the unraveling of events to be well done. Sullivan knows how to create unease and utilizes the backdrop of isolated mountains, religious communities and small towns so effortlessly that everything starts to feel unsettling at some point. From surfer springs and abandoned charges and buried small town secrets, Brimstone Hollow is a true atmospheric, gothic mystery and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author, Archer Sullivan for an early ARC.
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Emily Pike Stewart
Duration: 9 hours 43 minutes
Speed: 1.75x
Publication date: August 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Brimstone Hollow! After loving the first Annie Gore book, I was excited to see what Annie would get herself into this time, and this mystery was just as entertaining. Annie travels to a small Appalachian town to look into the strange death of a preacher who supposedly died from a snake bite. Of course, things are not nearly that simple. Between the church, snake handling, drugs, old secrets, and suspicious townspeople, there is a lot more going on than anyone wants Annie to discover. The story moved quickly and kept me interested the whole way through.
I actually think I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. I liked getting to know Annie better and seeing more of her past while she worked through the case. The small town setting added a creepy feeling to the story, and I loved how everyone seemed to have something they were hiding. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and the ending definitely made the book worth the ride. 4 stars from me! I’m really enjoying this series and will definitely be picking up the next Annie Gore mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.
I actually think I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. I liked getting to know Annie better and seeing more of her past while she worked through the case. The small town setting added a creepy feeling to the story, and I loved how everyone seemed to have something they were hiding. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and the ending definitely made the book worth the ride. 4 stars from me! I’m really enjoying this series and will definitely be picking up the next Annie Gore mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brimstone Hollow is the second in the Annie Gore series. Annie is a PI in the Louisville KY area. This time, she takes on a case involving the death of a snake handling country preacher. His estranged daughter becomes suspicious over the speed and lack of investigation into his death from snake bites.
The story moves at a brisk pace as no sooner does Annie arrive then her car is tampered with. And turns out the preacher wasn’t the only recent death. Sullivan does a great job setting the scene - the closeness of the community, with word of mouth spreading at the speed of light, the limited opportunities and the deep seated religious beliefs. Despite the setting, Sullivan is careful not to have her characters come across as cliches. I developed a special affinity for Hollis, the motel manager. There’s an underlying sense of threat and suspense throughout.
I’m typically not a big fan of anything woo woo. And this has its fair share of dreams as a part of the plot. But in this case it worked and gave us more of an insight into Annie.
This wasn’t especially believable but it was enjoyable entertainment. It’s just complicated enough to keep a reader on their toes. It would be fine to read this as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy.
The story moves at a brisk pace as no sooner does Annie arrive then her car is tampered with. And turns out the preacher wasn’t the only recent death. Sullivan does a great job setting the scene - the closeness of the community, with word of mouth spreading at the speed of light, the limited opportunities and the deep seated religious beliefs. Despite the setting, Sullivan is careful not to have her characters come across as cliches. I developed a special affinity for Hollis, the motel manager. There’s an underlying sense of threat and suspense throughout.
I’m typically not a big fan of anything woo woo. And this has its fair share of dreams as a part of the plot. But in this case it worked and gave us more of an insight into Annie.
This wasn’t especially believable but it was enjoyable entertainment. It’s just complicated enough to keep a reader on their toes. It would be fine to read this as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
***THIS GREAT MYSTERY IS AVAILABLE NOW***
This is the second in the Annie Gore series by Archer Sullivan. I loved The Witch Orchard and this one is just as good!!
Just as Annie is settling into her Louisville office, a young woman, Katie May, knocks on her door. She has read a lot about Annie and feels she is the only one who could navigate the small towns in Appalachia as she is so familiar with the area.
Her father is a snake handling preacher and she has just been notified that he has died from a snake bite. In fact he is already buried when Katie is notified. Because of the rush to bury Ezra, she suspects that all is not right and Annie decides to take the case.
We are quickly brought into the Appalachian mountains again, this time in Brimstone Hollow, a town known for its sulfur springs.
Soon after Annie starts questioning people about the case, it becomes quickly apparent that someone wants her to stop her investigation.
I loved this book - the pacing was good and there are so many threads to unravel. The characters are well described and I learned a lot about snake handling (ugh) and how Ezra convinced the townspeople that he was a preacher who could save their souls!
This book is very atmospheric - the mountains, the stinking sulfur springs, and the people who call this small town home.
It’s not necessary to read the first book - this could work as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them in order to understand the main character, Annie, better.
This was a buddy read with Debra and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews for another look at this novel.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this terrific novel.
This is the second in the Annie Gore series by Archer Sullivan. I loved The Witch Orchard and this one is just as good!!
Just as Annie is settling into her Louisville office, a young woman, Katie May, knocks on her door. She has read a lot about Annie and feels she is the only one who could navigate the small towns in Appalachia as she is so familiar with the area.
Her father is a snake handling preacher and she has just been notified that he has died from a snake bite. In fact he is already buried when Katie is notified. Because of the rush to bury Ezra, she suspects that all is not right and Annie decides to take the case.
We are quickly brought into the Appalachian mountains again, this time in Brimstone Hollow, a town known for its sulfur springs.
Soon after Annie starts questioning people about the case, it becomes quickly apparent that someone wants her to stop her investigation.
I loved this book - the pacing was good and there are so many threads to unravel. The characters are well described and I learned a lot about snake handling (ugh) and how Ezra convinced the townspeople that he was a preacher who could save their souls!
This book is very atmospheric - the mountains, the stinking sulfur springs, and the people who call this small town home.
It’s not necessary to read the first book - this could work as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them in order to understand the main character, Annie, better.
This was a buddy read with Debra and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews for another look at this novel.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this terrific novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gripping, dark, chilling, atmospheric, and riveting, Archer Sullivan delivered another thrilling read with Brimstone Hollow. Annie Gore, a private investigator, is back and investigating another case in the Appalachian Mountains. This time her case takes her to Brimstone Hollow to investigate the death of Ezra King, a snake handling preacher.
Annie agrees to take the case when the dead snake handler's daughter asks her to investigate. Annie soon rattles the nerves of many in town while having her childhood memories bubble to the surface. This book was a great hard to put down book in the Annie Gore series! I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Witch's Orchard, and was excited to get my hands and eyes on Brimstone Hollow! Archer Sullivan did not let me down! She delivered and I enjoyed every single page of this book.
This book was full of secrets, tension, dread, danger, suspense, and suspicion. I was on the edge of my seat by the end of this book and can’t wait to read what comes next for Annie Gore! If you have not read the first book in this series, Brimstone Hollow will work nicely as a stand-alone novel for you. But if you find yourself looking for a good book to read, check out the first book in this series.
*A witches words buddy read with Dorie - Cats&Books :) and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to get their thoughts on Brimstone Hollow
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Annie agrees to take the case when the dead snake handler's daughter asks her to investigate. Annie soon rattles the nerves of many in town while having her childhood memories bubble to the surface. This book was a great hard to put down book in the Annie Gore series! I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Witch's Orchard, and was excited to get my hands and eyes on Brimstone Hollow! Archer Sullivan did not let me down! She delivered and I enjoyed every single page of this book.
This book was full of secrets, tension, dread, danger, suspense, and suspicion. I was on the edge of my seat by the end of this book and can’t wait to read what comes next for Annie Gore! If you have not read the first book in this series, Brimstone Hollow will work nicely as a stand-alone novel for you. But if you find yourself looking for a good book to read, check out the first book in this series.
*A witches words buddy read with Dorie - Cats&Books :) and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to get their thoughts on Brimstone Hollow
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one had a completely different feel from book one…dare I say it came off more polished? Flowed exceedingly well? Amazing pacing?
Archer Sullivan is a master at revealing the heartbeat of the Appalachian region. She finds the real treasures in this community, the ones the mountains and hollers have shaped, and shares how the isolation of this unique place has fostered strong communal relationships where solidarity and belonging are paramount and … snake handling pastors are no big deal! This close-knit community has a darker side, though. It protects the people who live in these mountains, and the lines between black and white become blurred. This is what makes Annie Gore’s work so difficult.
Sullivan’s narrative is built around the idea that there are some questions we’ll never know the answer to, and there are some things that we just have to let go. This isn’t easy for Annie Gore, a detective who revels in following clues to get definitive answers. This time, she’s been hired to investigate the death of Katie May’s father so that this young mother can have closure. Katie’s dad was an absent parent, and she finds it difficult to accept what life has given her and move on. Is she prepared for what Annie unearths? I wasn’t!
If a spectacular sense of place, unforgettable characters, and an intriguing murder mystery interest you, don’t miss out on this 5-star novel. Yes, it’s a sequel in the Annie Gore series, but it can stand alone.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Archer Sullivan is a master at revealing the heartbeat of the Appalachian region. She finds the real treasures in this community, the ones the mountains and hollers have shaped, and shares how the isolation of this unique place has fostered strong communal relationships where solidarity and belonging are paramount and … snake handling pastors are no big deal! This close-knit community has a darker side, though. It protects the people who live in these mountains, and the lines between black and white become blurred. This is what makes Annie Gore’s work so difficult.
Sullivan’s narrative is built around the idea that there are some questions we’ll never know the answer to, and there are some things that we just have to let go. This isn’t easy for Annie Gore, a detective who revels in following clues to get definitive answers. This time, she’s been hired to investigate the death of Katie May’s father so that this young mother can have closure. Katie’s dad was an absent parent, and she finds it difficult to accept what life has given her and move on. Is she prepared for what Annie unearths? I wasn’t!
If a spectacular sense of place, unforgettable characters, and an intriguing murder mystery interest you, don’t miss out on this 5-star novel. Yes, it’s a sequel in the Annie Gore series, but it can stand alone.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been excited about catching up with Annie Gore, a former military (Air Force) investigator turned PI in Louisville, KY. This installment has Annie heading back into the Appalachian hollers to investigate the death of a snake preacher.
The book summary basically just introduces a couple of the storylines, one of the death of Ezra King, a degenerate gambler and deadbeat dad, who’s born again and who claims his sermons and tent revivals with snakes is a testament to the strength and power of his faith. There are also two other deaths, days after Ezra’s death, that are possibly linked to both Ezra King’ death and the recent parole of Joel Shepherd, aka the Weed King. Lastly, there is the storyline of Annie’s investigation triggering memories of her own childhood in KY.
Most of the story has Annie investigating Ezra’s death with some help from the local police chief Dishman. It’s not long before Annie and Dishman are making connections and running down one lead after another. It’s deep in the second half when Annie and Dishman discover a shocking clue, one I never saw coming. After that, it gets pretty scary and intense, especially for Annie. There was another major reveal at the end that is probably a lead-in for the next installment. It will be interesting to see where Sullivan goes with it.
The continuing character development of Annie was well done along with a couple of other characters like Dishman and Will. The pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The writing was also well done, and I really liked the storyline of Annie’s childhood memories and how they became part of her dreams and nightmares. The storyline was very interesting too. That’s one of the things I like about this series; the locale of the KY hollers is a great place for a range of weird and creepy storylines. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, but especially enjoyed the audiobook and the narrator Emily Pike Stewart. It's not often that I come across a narrator who sings, and a pretty good one too. I've said this before, but it bears mentioning again, a really good narrator adds so much entertainment value to a story. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #BrimstoneHollow
The book summary basically just introduces a couple of the storylines, one of the death of Ezra King, a degenerate gambler and deadbeat dad, who’s born again and who claims his sermons and tent revivals with snakes is a testament to the strength and power of his faith. There are also two other deaths, days after Ezra’s death, that are possibly linked to both Ezra King’ death and the recent parole of Joel Shepherd, aka the Weed King. Lastly, there is the storyline of Annie’s investigation triggering memories of her own childhood in KY.
Most of the story has Annie investigating Ezra’s death with some help from the local police chief Dishman. It’s not long before Annie and Dishman are making connections and running down one lead after another. It’s deep in the second half when Annie and Dishman discover a shocking clue, one I never saw coming. After that, it gets pretty scary and intense, especially for Annie. There was another major reveal at the end that is probably a lead-in for the next installment. It will be interesting to see where Sullivan goes with it.
The continuing character development of Annie was well done along with a couple of other characters like Dishman and Will. The pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half. The writing was also well done, and I really liked the storyline of Annie’s childhood memories and how they became part of her dreams and nightmares. The storyline was very interesting too. That’s one of the things I like about this series; the locale of the KY hollers is a great place for a range of weird and creepy storylines. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, but especially enjoyed the audiobook and the narrator Emily Pike Stewart. It's not often that I come across a narrator who sings, and a pretty good one too. I've said this before, but it bears mentioning again, a really good narrator adds so much entertainment value to a story. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #BrimstoneHollow
August 5, 2026
3.5 stars. Annie Gore is a private investigator with an office in Louisville, KY. Previously, she was a Special Investigator in the Air Force and this information is all on her website. In this second book in the series, a young mother named Katie May comes to hire Annie after reading about her background and the details of a previous case. Katie has just been informed that her estranged father, Ezra King, a snake-handling preacher, died from a snake bite and was buried the next day without even an autopsy. Katie wants Annie to investigate to see that everything is on the up and up.
When Annie arrives in Mount Zion to check things out, she finds Katie wasn't wrong--there was definitely something squirrelly about her father's death and Annie's questions stir someone to action. It seems she has pulled apart a real nest of vipers.
Annie Gore is a likable character, determined and brave. Through flashbacks, we learn more about her past history, the crazy upbringing she had. Katie has her thinking about heredity and whether one can overcome what we are given through genetics. I also enjoyed several of the secondary characters Annie meets during her investigation. And the setting--whew! The area known as Brimstone Hollow has a sulphur spring and the stench spreads far and wide.
This book could be read as a standalone but do read the first, The Witch's Orchard, to get the full benefit of the Annie's character development. She drives an old but gorgeous and pristine Datsun 260Z that she's named Honey. Man, does she love that car!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. I look forward to reading Annie's further adventures.
When Annie arrives in Mount Zion to check things out, she finds Katie wasn't wrong--there was definitely something squirrelly about her father's death and Annie's questions stir someone to action. It seems she has pulled apart a real nest of vipers.
Annie Gore is a likable character, determined and brave. Through flashbacks, we learn more about her past history, the crazy upbringing she had. Katie has her thinking about heredity and whether one can overcome what we are given through genetics. I also enjoyed several of the secondary characters Annie meets during her investigation. And the setting--whew! The area known as Brimstone Hollow has a sulphur spring and the stench spreads far and wide.
This book could be read as a standalone but do read the first, The Witch's Orchard, to get the full benefit of the Annie's character development. She drives an old but gorgeous and pristine Datsun 260Z that she's named Honey. Man, does she love that car!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. I look forward to reading Annie's further adventures.
July 21, 2026
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW
(Annie Gore #2)
By Archer Sullivan
Secrets Hidden in the Hollers
3.5 stars rounded up
I’ve always been fascinated by snake-handling churches, so when I saw Brimstone Hollow centered on a snake-handling preacher in the hidden hollers of eastern Kentucky, I was all in. I enjoyed The Witch’s Orchard, and while I also enjoyed Brimstone Hollow, the story slowed down for me in the middle. However, I soon found myself fully invested again in Annie’s quest for answers.
I appreciated the mystery surrounding just who preacher Ezra King really was, along with the many secrets hidden within the hollers. I also enjoyed the twists Archer Sullivan incorporated throughout the story. While I had a pretty good idea about some of them, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and I still appreciated how they unfolded.
Sullivan vividly captures the eerie atmosphere, from the putrid smell of the sulfur springs to the rugged mountains, making the setting one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
Annie is hired by the preacher’s daughter, Katie, after she begins questioning why her father was buried within twenty-four hours of his death. It quickly becomes apparent that someone wants Annie to stop investigating Ezra King’s death before she uncovers the truth.
Annie is a solid protagonist whose determination keeps the story moving, even during the slower stretches of the novel. In this story, she is also forced to confront memories of her childhood that surface during her investigation for Katie, adding another layer to her character. I look forward to reading more of the Annie Gore series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the eARC. Publication date: August 11, 2026.
(Annie Gore #2)
By Archer Sullivan
Secrets Hidden in the Hollers
3.5 stars rounded up
I’ve always been fascinated by snake-handling churches, so when I saw Brimstone Hollow centered on a snake-handling preacher in the hidden hollers of eastern Kentucky, I was all in. I enjoyed The Witch’s Orchard, and while I also enjoyed Brimstone Hollow, the story slowed down for me in the middle. However, I soon found myself fully invested again in Annie’s quest for answers.
I appreciated the mystery surrounding just who preacher Ezra King really was, along with the many secrets hidden within the hollers. I also enjoyed the twists Archer Sullivan incorporated throughout the story. While I had a pretty good idea about some of them, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and I still appreciated how they unfolded.
Sullivan vividly captures the eerie atmosphere, from the putrid smell of the sulfur springs to the rugged mountains, making the setting one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
Annie is hired by the preacher’s daughter, Katie, after she begins questioning why her father was buried within twenty-four hours of his death. It quickly becomes apparent that someone wants Annie to stop investigating Ezra King’s death before she uncovers the truth.
Annie is a solid protagonist whose determination keeps the story moving, even during the slower stretches of the novel. In this story, she is also forced to confront memories of her childhood that surface during her investigation for Katie, adding another layer to her character. I look forward to reading more of the Annie Gore series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the eARC. Publication date: August 11, 2026.
August 19, 2026
I loved this 2nd Annie Gore novel!
I’m happy to hear that a third Annie Gore story is being written. YAY. 😃
Annie Gore’s youth is revealed in this story through flashbacks.
Great characters & relationships (especially Annie Gore with the Police Chief).
Appalachia setting - a character in itself.
Depth of characters.
Excellent flow & writing.
Fast paced.
Unique story involving:
A snake preacher 🐍,
Murders,
Small Appalachian town,
Private Investigator Annie Gore (a strong
woman).
I highly recommend The Witch’s Orchard & Brimstone Hollow!
⛰️🔪 💪 💜
I’m happy to hear that a third Annie Gore story is being written. YAY. 😃
Annie Gore’s youth is revealed in this story through flashbacks.
Great characters & relationships (especially Annie Gore with the Police Chief).
Appalachia setting - a character in itself.
Depth of characters.
Excellent flow & writing.
Fast paced.
Unique story involving:
A snake preacher 🐍,
Murders,
Small Appalachian town,
Private Investigator Annie Gore (a strong
woman).
I highly recommend The Witch’s Orchard & Brimstone Hollow!
⛰️🔪 💪 💜
August 19, 2026
When a snake-handling preacher dies of multiple snake bites, it seems like an act of God, right?
Nevertheless, his estranged daughter hires P.I. Annie Gore to look into the death. Annie makes a reluctant return to the Appalachian Mountains where she grew up, to a town filled with "ghosts and bad memories" where her presence is not exactly welcomed. And after a few other suspicious deaths, she's no longer sure the preacher's demise was really an accident.
Moody and atmospheric with strong, interesting characters, this is another fine entry in Sullivan's mystery series. I must admit, I'm hooked.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for sharing.
Nevertheless, his estranged daughter hires P.I. Annie Gore to look into the death. Annie makes a reluctant return to the Appalachian Mountains where she grew up, to a town filled with "ghosts and bad memories" where her presence is not exactly welcomed. And after a few other suspicious deaths, she's no longer sure the preacher's demise was really an accident.
Moody and atmospheric with strong, interesting characters, this is another fine entry in Sullivan's mystery series. I must admit, I'm hooked.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for sharing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
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.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
September 23, 2026
This is an intriguing and captivating crime suspense thriller with a tenacious female investigator. It is the second book in a series by this author, but one that can be read as a standalone. The lead character, Annie Gore, is called back to the Appalachian Mountains of her youth to examine and solve the suspicious death of a snake handling preacher. The narrative is fast paced and intense. I would highly recommend this book to readers who love fascinating crime mysteries. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
August 17, 2026
3.5 stars. I've been struggling to get into whodunnits for the last few months, but I had no trouble slipping back into the Annie Gore series.
While Brimstone Hollow didn't have quite the same eerie atmosphere that I loved in The Witch's Orchard, the stronger focus on the mystery kept me turning the pages. The suspicious death of a snake-handling preacher made for an intriguing case, and I loved that the story still had that distinctive Appalachian setting and feel.
I also enjoyed getting more glimpses into Annie's childhood and the experiences that shaped her. There's still so much we don't know about her more recent past, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of that unfold as the series continues.
While Brimstone Hollow didn't have quite the same eerie atmosphere that I loved in The Witch's Orchard, the stronger focus on the mystery kept me turning the pages. The suspicious death of a snake-handling preacher made for an intriguing case, and I loved that the story still had that distinctive Appalachian setting and feel.
I also enjoyed getting more glimpses into Annie's childhood and the experiences that shaped her. There's still so much we don't know about her more recent past, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of that unfold as the series continues.
August 10, 2026
Brimstone Hollow brings back Archer Sullivan’s P.I. Annie Gore for another exciting case set in the Appalachian back country. As the novel begins, a young woman, Katie May, with infant in her arms, knocks on Annie’s office door. It seems that she has researched Annie, knows of her work and military background, and believes she is the right person to look into her father’s death. Katie is long estranged from her father, a snake handling preacher living in the small town of Mt Zion, but she became suspicious when called by an official of that town, told her father had died of snake bites and was buried all within a little more than a day. No autopsy. Nothing. This is a new situation for Annie; she’s never dealt with a snake handling preacher before, and she also feels a closeness to Katie’s ambivalent relationship with her father. So she will go to Mt Zion.
There’s a lot happening in the town as soon as Annie arrives. She is a stranger in a small place so word of her purpose spreads faster than she’d like or have expected. It’s a very active plot, with lots to follow though not overly so. Once I began reading, I found I had to read in large swatches…I just had to know what the next chapter would reveal. Annie continues to be a complex and interesting character with her own backstory that is developing in the background of the novels.
I definitely recommend Brimstone Hollow for its setting, well developed characters, complex plotting, and excitement. This book can be read as a standalone but why deny yourself the enjoyment of reading Archer Sullivan’s debut novel and Annie Gore’s introduction in The Witch’s Orchard.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced e-galley of this book.
There’s a lot happening in the town as soon as Annie arrives. She is a stranger in a small place so word of her purpose spreads faster than she’d like or have expected. It’s a very active plot, with lots to follow though not overly so. Once I began reading, I found I had to read in large swatches…I just had to know what the next chapter would reveal. Annie continues to be a complex and interesting character with her own backstory that is developing in the background of the novels.
I definitely recommend Brimstone Hollow for its setting, well developed characters, complex plotting, and excitement. This book can be read as a standalone but why deny yourself the enjoyment of reading Archer Sullivan’s debut novel and Annie Gore’s introduction in The Witch’s Orchard.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced e-galley of this book.
August 12, 2026
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the gifted hard copy and ebook!
I loved the first book in this mystery thriller series, The Witch’s Orchard, so I jumped at the chance to read this new one featuring Private Investigator Annie Gore getting to the bottom of small-town secrets in the Appalachian Mountains.
Gore is hired to investigate the death of a snake-handling preacher who has allegedly died after being bitten; his daughter suspects there may have been more to the story. I was not prepared for how much more, and the wild twists this investigation would take. Just when you think it’s all resolved, it is not!
This main character is so likeable, and we learn so much more about her past and childhood traumas in this second installment. We see the parallels between Annie’s father issues and her client’s, and how they drive her to find answers. I like the casual yet constantly supportive relationship she has with her romantic interest Leo, and the way so many people instantly know they can trust and count on her.
The ninth-generation Appalachian author does such a fantastic job immersing us in the mysterious setting, from the sights and smells to the pervasive influence of small-town religion. The eerie gothic atmosphere goes perfectly with our main character’s flashbacks and nightmares. There is so much tension I was on the edge of my seat guessing and then reevaluating who we should suspect!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Pike Stewart for parts of this story; she does such a fantastic job in the almost ten-hour recording. We even get the sounds of a rattlesnake!
Archer Sullivan is such a great storyteller; I’ll devour anything she writes.
I loved the first book in this mystery thriller series, The Witch’s Orchard, so I jumped at the chance to read this new one featuring Private Investigator Annie Gore getting to the bottom of small-town secrets in the Appalachian Mountains.
Gore is hired to investigate the death of a snake-handling preacher who has allegedly died after being bitten; his daughter suspects there may have been more to the story. I was not prepared for how much more, and the wild twists this investigation would take. Just when you think it’s all resolved, it is not!
This main character is so likeable, and we learn so much more about her past and childhood traumas in this second installment. We see the parallels between Annie’s father issues and her client’s, and how they drive her to find answers. I like the casual yet constantly supportive relationship she has with her romantic interest Leo, and the way so many people instantly know they can trust and count on her.
The ninth-generation Appalachian author does such a fantastic job immersing us in the mysterious setting, from the sights and smells to the pervasive influence of small-town religion. The eerie gothic atmosphere goes perfectly with our main character’s flashbacks and nightmares. There is so much tension I was on the edge of my seat guessing and then reevaluating who we should suspect!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Pike Stewart for parts of this story; she does such a fantastic job in the almost ten-hour recording. We even get the sounds of a rattlesnake!
Archer Sullivan is such a great storyteller; I’ll devour anything she writes.
June 28, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this second one fell flat for me. I had several issues with it. Firstly, I remember being intrigued by Annie’s background info that was teased throughout the first book and hoping that would be more fleshed out as the series progressed. Maybe it still will but none of the background info that came out in the second book was creating a deeper picture of her; it was just more information. Her friend Leo is an odd character and really does nothing for the story as a whole beyond a few random phone calls. I feel like series do better when you can build on the investigator’s character and storyline along with solving the mystery. This did not do the character development part well, in my opinion.
Secondly, the whole thing is convoluted. I lost track of who killed who and why. The church members and the backwoods fringe church itself felt like caricatures. Their gullibility seemed unrealistic. The solving of the mystery was based on sudden instinctual realizations on Annie’s part or convenient reveals, not really based on clues provided in other parts of the story.
I may still pick up the third book in the hopes that the series improves.
Secondly, the whole thing is convoluted. I lost track of who killed who and why. The church members and the backwoods fringe church itself felt like caricatures. Their gullibility seemed unrealistic. The solving of the mystery was based on sudden instinctual realizations on Annie’s part or convenient reveals, not really based on clues provided in other parts of the story.
I may still pick up the third book in the hopes that the series improves.
August 11, 2026
When snake-handling preacher Ezra King is found dead from snake bites and then buried less than twenty-four hours later, his estranged daughter Katie becomes suspicious. She hires Annie to investigate. On the surface, it looks like a tragic accident involving dangerous animals, but Annie agrees to take a closer look. Being local and familiar with small-town Appalachian culture, she’s able to ask questions and gain trust in ways an outsider never could.
Ezra left behind a troubled past, found religion, and used his charismatic personality to become the preacher at Mount Zion. His tent revivals featured snakes. Yikes!
As Annie starts digging for answers, word quickly spreads around town. What seemed like a straightforward case soon turns suspicious, especially after Annie narrowly survives an attempt on her life.
Brimstone Hollow is the second book in the Annie Gore series. While this could be read as a standalone, each mystery is wrapped up, I’d still recommend starting with the first book to better understand Annie’s background and how she became a PI.
I enjoyed watching Annie quickly gain acceptance in Mount Zion by treating the locals with genuine respect. Several residents proved helpful, and the descriptions of food at the little hole-in-the-wall diner Annie discovered had my mouth watering. The story had plenty of twists, action, and layers. I appreciated Annie’s determination to get to the truth. I’m already looking forward to her next case!
I alternated between the audiobook and eBook and recommend either format. Emily Pike Stewart, who also narrated the previous installment, did another wonderful job. Her subtle Southern accent suited the story perfectly, and I enjoyed that she sang portions of the hymns featured in the book. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
I voluntarily read/listened to a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Ezra left behind a troubled past, found religion, and used his charismatic personality to become the preacher at Mount Zion. His tent revivals featured snakes. Yikes!
As Annie starts digging for answers, word quickly spreads around town. What seemed like a straightforward case soon turns suspicious, especially after Annie narrowly survives an attempt on her life.
Brimstone Hollow is the second book in the Annie Gore series. While this could be read as a standalone, each mystery is wrapped up, I’d still recommend starting with the first book to better understand Annie’s background and how she became a PI.
I enjoyed watching Annie quickly gain acceptance in Mount Zion by treating the locals with genuine respect. Several residents proved helpful, and the descriptions of food at the little hole-in-the-wall diner Annie discovered had my mouth watering. The story had plenty of twists, action, and layers. I appreciated Annie’s determination to get to the truth. I’m already looking forward to her next case!
I alternated between the audiobook and eBook and recommend either format. Emily Pike Stewart, who also narrated the previous installment, did another wonderful job. Her subtle Southern accent suited the story perfectly, and I enjoyed that she sang portions of the hymns featured in the book. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
I voluntarily read/listened to a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
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August 25, 2026
Almost as fun as the previous book! It was nice to get to know more about Annie's past and her family. There were little glimpses of it before, but the investigation case in this book definitely gave space for more information about her parents (dad, specially) and what part of her childhood was like. This personal connection really worked for me in terms of character development.
I also enjoyed the religious aspect and how it was shown! I'm sometimes iffy with that kind of element interwoven with plot in a big way, but the way it was developed here and the connection to the case was very well done. It brought to light some aspects of practicing and faith I wasn't at all familiar with and it was interesting to read about it through Annie's perspective.
The ending and several reveals were a bit too dramatic for me, once again. It was more in line with the build up of tension and danger, yes, but there were so many players involved that it got a little bit difficult for me to keep all of the pieces in place. I still found it mostly satisfying, if full of too many ups and downs, and appreciated the lack of romance throughout. If the series continues, I'll for sure read it!
I also enjoyed the religious aspect and how it was shown! I'm sometimes iffy with that kind of element interwoven with plot in a big way, but the way it was developed here and the connection to the case was very well done. It brought to light some aspects of practicing and faith I wasn't at all familiar with and it was interesting to read about it through Annie's perspective.
The ending and several reveals were a bit too dramatic for me, once again. It was more in line with the build up of tension and danger, yes, but there were so many players involved that it got a little bit difficult for me to keep all of the pieces in place. I still found it mostly satisfying, if full of too many ups and downs, and appreciated the lack of romance throughout. If the series continues, I'll for sure read it!
September 17, 2026
Using the star rating here....I found this one OK. I read book #1 in this series and liked it. Couldn't wait for book #2. I like the main character, Annie Gore. She's tough, smart, and doesn't take crap from anyone. In this book, I just found it boring. A preacher in the south who uses snakes during his sermons dies via snake bite. Or did he? Annie is there to investigate and just turns the town upside down. What bothered me was the stupid things that happened that people ignored....they didn't notify next of kin until after the funeral, they let the coroner skip certain things, someone immediately cleans the crime scene, and they can just add up. I'm also getting tired of all the blinking by everyone in the book. Yes, it happens, we all blink. But I don't need to be told about it over and over again. So it was just OK for me.
May 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this one and would say I liked it more than book 1. Hoping she continues with this series - big Annie Gore fan!
August 21, 2026
Thank you Minotaur Books for sending me a free copy!
3.75 stars
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW is the 2nd book in the Annie Gore series. It works well as a standalone mystery but if you want more background info on the character, make sure to check out the first book, THE WITCH’S ORCHARD.
Private Investigator Annie Gore is back and this time she’s been hired to look into the death of a snake handling preacher. Set in a small Kentucky town, Annie will dig for the truth but that might be easier said than done.
The Appalachia setting is like a character itself and it’s partly why I’m drawn to this series. The religious snake handling stuff was different and I loved that it brought something unusual to the table. While the story stayed focus on the case there were some bits about Annie’s childhood. A solid read and I look forward to seeing what the author will do with the character in future books.
3.75 stars
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW is the 2nd book in the Annie Gore series. It works well as a standalone mystery but if you want more background info on the character, make sure to check out the first book, THE WITCH’S ORCHARD.
Private Investigator Annie Gore is back and this time she’s been hired to look into the death of a snake handling preacher. Set in a small Kentucky town, Annie will dig for the truth but that might be easier said than done.
The Appalachia setting is like a character itself and it’s partly why I’m drawn to this series. The religious snake handling stuff was different and I loved that it brought something unusual to the table. While the story stayed focus on the case there were some bits about Annie’s childhood. A solid read and I look forward to seeing what the author will do with the character in future books.
May 10, 2026
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW JUST CHEWED ME UP AND SPAT ME OUT (AND I KIND OF LOVED IT) 🌫️🔥
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW — ARCHER SULLIVAN 🐍⛪
Thank you SO SO much for this eARC - shoutout Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Archer Sullivan.
POV: you thought you were walking into a cute little small-town murder mystery and instead got dropped straight into Appalachian religious horror with rattlesnakes, cursed dreams, buried secrets, and a dead preacher whose burial timeline is giving absolutely not normal behavior 🐍⛪
This book did NOT arrive politely. It kicked the door in, tracked mud across the floor, whispered something unsettling in your ear, and then refused to explain itself. And honestly? I respected the chaos.
We are deep in the Appalachian hollers here — the kind of setting that feels like the trees are listening and the air itself is holding its breath. Old churches tucked into the mountains. A town that smiles too slowly. Secrets layered on secrets like it’s a community hobby. 🌲😵💫
And Annie Gore? Oh she’s that investigator. The kind who hears “this case is weird” and immediately says “perfect, let’s go ruin my life.” She’s stubborn, sharp, and has the survival instincts of a raccoon that just found a locked trash can. I kept wanting to yell advice at her like she could hear me. She could not. She would not. She absolutely continued anyway. 😭
Now let’s talk about the creep factor because WOW. The dreams alone were enough to make me side-eye my own subconscious. Add in unsettling supernatural moments that feel like they’re watching YOU back, and suddenly I’m reading this book like it owes me money and I need answers immediately.
And yes. A snake-handling preacher dying by snakebite is EXACTLY the kind of unhinged plot detail that made me sit up and go: “be serious right now.” 🐍👀 (It was not serious. It only got worse. In the best way.)
The whole story feels like something rotting quietly under the floorboards while everyone insists everything is fine. It’s not fine. Nothing is fine. I was thriving.
This is a solid 4⭐ for me, mostly because I finished it feral and immediately wanted more Annie Gore chaos like a gremlin craving season 2.
If you like: 🐍 Southern gothic nightmares 🌲 Appalachian horror vibes 🔦 private investigator messiness 👻 supernatural creepiness that lingers ⛪ religious horror energy 🖤 towns full of secrets and bad decisions
…this is absolutely your next problem.
And honestly? I’m still thinking about it. Which feels rude.
📅 Publication date: August 11
BRIMSTONE HOLLOW — ARCHER SULLIVAN 🐍⛪
Thank you SO SO much for this eARC - shoutout Netgalley, St. Martins Press, and Archer Sullivan.
POV: you thought you were walking into a cute little small-town murder mystery and instead got dropped straight into Appalachian religious horror with rattlesnakes, cursed dreams, buried secrets, and a dead preacher whose burial timeline is giving absolutely not normal behavior 🐍⛪
This book did NOT arrive politely. It kicked the door in, tracked mud across the floor, whispered something unsettling in your ear, and then refused to explain itself. And honestly? I respected the chaos.
We are deep in the Appalachian hollers here — the kind of setting that feels like the trees are listening and the air itself is holding its breath. Old churches tucked into the mountains. A town that smiles too slowly. Secrets layered on secrets like it’s a community hobby. 🌲😵💫
And Annie Gore? Oh she’s that investigator. The kind who hears “this case is weird” and immediately says “perfect, let’s go ruin my life.” She’s stubborn, sharp, and has the survival instincts of a raccoon that just found a locked trash can. I kept wanting to yell advice at her like she could hear me. She could not. She would not. She absolutely continued anyway. 😭
Now let’s talk about the creep factor because WOW. The dreams alone were enough to make me side-eye my own subconscious. Add in unsettling supernatural moments that feel like they’re watching YOU back, and suddenly I’m reading this book like it owes me money and I need answers immediately.
And yes. A snake-handling preacher dying by snakebite is EXACTLY the kind of unhinged plot detail that made me sit up and go: “be serious right now.” 🐍👀 (It was not serious. It only got worse. In the best way.)
The whole story feels like something rotting quietly under the floorboards while everyone insists everything is fine. It’s not fine. Nothing is fine. I was thriving.
This is a solid 4⭐ for me, mostly because I finished it feral and immediately wanted more Annie Gore chaos like a gremlin craving season 2.
If you like: 🐍 Southern gothic nightmares 🌲 Appalachian horror vibes 🔦 private investigator messiness 👻 supernatural creepiness that lingers ⛪ religious horror energy 🖤 towns full of secrets and bad decisions
…this is absolutely your next problem.
And honestly? I’m still thinking about it. Which feels rude.
📅 Publication date: August 11
August 21, 2026
Archer Sullivan has proven again that she is a master of atmospheric Appalachian mysteries. I'm looking forward to reading Annie's next case.
August 22, 2026
Riveting, kept me guessing.
April 19, 2026
Thank you to Archer Sullivan, Minotaur Books and St. Martins Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of Brimstone Hollow!
I was incredibly impressed by Archer Sullivan’s - The Witch’s Orchard and was excited to read this sequel to Annie Gore’s next adventure.
The setting, characters, and plot was something I never expected to read! I also loved how fleshed out each character was and enjoyed their backstories. Each twist was not predictable and I truly had no idea what to expect. I also feel this story is more polished, and thrilling.
I highly recommend this series but also by itself because we learn so much more about Annie Gore’s past.
I was incredibly impressed by Archer Sullivan’s - The Witch’s Orchard and was excited to read this sequel to Annie Gore’s next adventure.
The setting, characters, and plot was something I never expected to read! I also loved how fleshed out each character was and enjoyed their backstories. Each twist was not predictable and I truly had no idea what to expect. I also feel this story is more polished, and thrilling.
I highly recommend this series but also by itself because we learn so much more about Annie Gore’s past.
August 11, 2026
5 stars! Y’all.. a snake-handling preacher, a suspiciously rushed funeral, and a tiny Appalachian town where everyone seems to know more than they’re saying?! 🐍⛪️👀 I was IN.
Private investigator Annie Gore heads into the Kentucky mountains after Katie May asks her to look into the death of her estranged father, charismatic preacher Ezra King. What should be a straightforward investigation quickly turns into buried secrets, questionable motives, and plenty of people who would really prefer Annie stop asking questions. 🔎🤫😬
I loved the eerie Appalachian atmosphere, the small-town secrets, and getting more of Annie’s complicated past along the way. Twisty, unsettling + completely entertaining—this series is definitely one I want to keep following. 🐍🌲🔪📖 Pub. 8/11/26
I received my copy from the publisher St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Private investigator Annie Gore heads into the Kentucky mountains after Katie May asks her to look into the death of her estranged father, charismatic preacher Ezra King. What should be a straightforward investigation quickly turns into buried secrets, questionable motives, and plenty of people who would really prefer Annie stop asking questions. 🔎🤫😬
I loved the eerie Appalachian atmosphere, the small-town secrets, and getting more of Annie’s complicated past along the way. Twisty, unsettling + completely entertaining—this series is definitely one I want to keep following. 🐍🌲🔪📖 Pub. 8/11/26
I received my copy from the publisher St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
I really enjoyed Brimstone Hollow! This is the second book in the Annie Gore series, but I went into it without reading the first book and had no trouble following the story. It worked really well on its own.
Annie is hired to look into the suspicious death of a woman’s father, who apparently died from a snake bite while working as a preacher who handled poisonous snakes. As Annie starts asking questions, it becomes pretty clear that there’s more to his death than people are willing to admit.
I really liked following Annie as she worked through the case. There were plenty of strange characters, secrets, and twists that kept me interested, and I enjoyed watching her piece everything together. She’s smart, determined, and definitely not someone who gives up when things get difficult. There were also a few moments where I had no idea where the story was going, which made the mystery that much more fun.
This was a NetGalley audiobook ARC, and I really enjoyed the narration. Emily Pike Stewart did a great job with the different characters and accents, and I thought her narration fit the setting really well.
Overall, this was a fun mystery with a great lead character, and I’d definitely be interested in continuing with Annie Gore’s story.
I really enjoyed Brimstone Hollow! This is the second book in the Annie Gore series, but I went into it without reading the first book and had no trouble following the story. It worked really well on its own.
Annie is hired to look into the suspicious death of a woman’s father, who apparently died from a snake bite while working as a preacher who handled poisonous snakes. As Annie starts asking questions, it becomes pretty clear that there’s more to his death than people are willing to admit.
I really liked following Annie as she worked through the case. There were plenty of strange characters, secrets, and twists that kept me interested, and I enjoyed watching her piece everything together. She’s smart, determined, and definitely not someone who gives up when things get difficult. There were also a few moments where I had no idea where the story was going, which made the mystery that much more fun.
This was a NetGalley audiobook ARC, and I really enjoyed the narration. Emily Pike Stewart did a great job with the different characters and accents, and I thought her narration fit the setting really well.
Overall, this was a fun mystery with a great lead character, and I’d definitely be interested in continuing with Annie Gore’s story.
August 11, 2026
This is book two in the Annie Gore series, but I feel that it can be read as a standalone. It was fun to be back in Annie’s world. She’s a fun character and I must say that she has the palate of a teenage boy. lol😂 The food descriptions were great!
Annie is a private investigator who is asked to take on a case by a woman who has recently learned that her dad has died from a snake bite. Katie has had a very vivid and unsettling dream about her father and even though they were estranged she wants to know what really happened to him.
Set in Appalachia, Kentucky with a backdrop of a revival-style church where Katie’s dad was a snake-handling preacher. Annie comes to town with questions, and soon she is stirring things up. 👀 The ending was surprising and I really liked that!
I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first book and hope to read more from this author in the future. The audio is top-notch and I enjoyed the narration immensely!
[A big thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.] #macaudio2026
CA | Contains a small amount of strong language and brief descriptions of the murder.
Annie is a private investigator who is asked to take on a case by a woman who has recently learned that her dad has died from a snake bite. Katie has had a very vivid and unsettling dream about her father and even though they were estranged she wants to know what really happened to him.
Set in Appalachia, Kentucky with a backdrop of a revival-style church where Katie’s dad was a snake-handling preacher. Annie comes to town with questions, and soon she is stirring things up. 👀 The ending was surprising and I really liked that!
I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first book and hope to read more from this author in the future. The audio is top-notch and I enjoyed the narration immensely!
[A big thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.] #macaudio2026
CA | Contains a small amount of strong language and brief descriptions of the murder.
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