The Witch’s Orchard introduces us to Annie, a former Air force investigator turned private investigator. Annie grew up in a dysfunctional home in Appalachia. So she finds herself drawn to Max, an 18 year old with a story. Ten years ago, his sister Molly disappeared, the third little girl who disappeared. Jessica, the first was never seen again. Olivia, the second was returned after a few weeks. Molly never came home. At the site of each abduction, the kidnapper left an apple head doll. Max’s sorry is compelling and he has saved money for years to pay for a p.i. Against her better judgment, given the time that has past and the likelihood of failure, Annie heads off to North Carolina in her ancient Datsun, “Honey.”
We meet a mountain community of characters, many from very old Appalachian families. The year the girls disappeared, the local toy factory closed down, so many in the town left or struggled to make a living. The local sheriff, uncle to Olivia, is not happy Annie is sticking her nose into this cold case. As she stirs the pot and uncovers the secrets of those closest to the disappearances, Annie is threatened and harassed. And she continues the hunt. So, this is one of those stories where the town itself is a character, the setting pretty, folklore about witches brings a tinge of fantasy to this exceptionally well written, well plotted novel full of great characters and a special setting. FABULOUS narration by Emily Pike Stewart made this especially enjoyable. Highly recommended.
They Called me Bookworm 