by Archer Sullivan
Brimstone Hollow is the second book in Archer Sullivan’s Annie Gore series. Annie is a spunky, independent private investigator we first met in The Witch’s Orchard. Sullivan has again written a Southern Gothic-esque mystery filled with interesting characters, a fast-paced plot, and an engaging protagonist. This time, Annie is approached by a young mother who wants to know how her estranged father, a “snake handling” preacher named Ezra King, died. The case takes Annie to a small Appalachian town, where she meets an assortment of townsfolk — some who followed the preacher, and some who didn’t. With help from the Chief of Police, Annie uncovers more than just murder: an entire underworld of criminal activity.
I expected to enjoy this novel, and I did. It’s a great palette cleanser if you’ve been steeping in heavy literary fiction — a quick, plot-driven read with a very likable main character. Sullivan also has a knack for slipping in a twist or two to keep things from getting predictable.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the copy. Brimstone Hollow will be available for purchase August 11th.
Ink And Spine 