Such a good book!! I have loved all the Natalie Lockhart books and this one was no exception. A local witch is found murdered on the local train tracks. Detective Lockhart makes shocking small town discoveries during the whole process while also trying to find herself. The end was so shocking and keeps the reader wanting more! Can't wait until the next book!!!

This is the third book in a series featuring Detective Natalie Lockhart. It is set in a fictional town called Burning Lake NY, which appears to be an amalgamation of towns with a witch history. Detective Lockhart must unravel the story behind a vicious, premeditated murder of a local respected witch in the town, while navigating a tricky relationship with her former love interest and current boss, Luke.

I appreciated the fact that I did not need to read the first two novels in order to grasp what was happening in this one, although obviously it would add to your understanding. The characters are skillfully drawn and even though there are quite a few to keep track of, I was not confused by it. The depiction of witchcraft is nuanced and respectful, and also touches on the misunderstanding and prejudice regarding witchcraft.

My only frustration with this novel is that I reached the end with no resolution of any aspects of the murder. I do appreciate that it is part of a series and that major aspects of the plot will continue into the next installment, however it would have been satisfying to have some conclusion to the events in this novel. As my daughter put it aptly, you need a win. That being said, I am now a Natalie Lockhart fan and I will be reading the first two books in the series. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

This series is best described as a wonderful spooky mystery that could be read on a vacation. I did enjoy this book the most in the series so far which gives me hope for the next one! As a character, Natalie Lockhart has pros and cons. She can be a bit indecisive but to me that shows depth to a character as we all struggle with our choices. Overall I enjoyed this book and think of it as an easy read.

I haven't read the previous books in the series, which perhaps did me a disservice. While I enjoyed the atmosphere created, the book lacked urgency and often felt too exposition-y. I love a spooky story and a mysterious town, and this just didn't scratch the itch. It might be nice for a lazy afternoon or a beach read, as it does move fairly quickly.

The Witching Tree is Alice Blanchard’s third novel in the Natalie Lockhart series. A local resident of Burning Lake – loved and respected by all – is murdered when she is chained to the railroad tracks and run over, the town is upset and horrified and Natalie, who has solved previous heinous crimes in Burning Lake, but is burned out, knows she must solve this horrible crime along with her boss (and soul mate but she won’t admit it to herself) Luke.

While the story is fascinating and introduces readers to Wiccan beliefs and practices which are on the positive side, there is a fair amount of unnecessary profanity. Often writers use profanity to develop characters and show that they are seedy or low classed; in this case, however, Natalie and Luke are likeable and above reproach; the profanity doesn’t fit with their personalities, and it takes away from their positive aspects. The profanity will distract readers and it certainly cheapens the story. Most readers like the “good guys” to be like them, and the “bad guys” to be like someone they know and don’t like. Natalie thinks she is in love with her boyfriend and roommate Hunter, who isn’t particularly likeable, and is a spoiled rich person using Natalie for sex. Hunter is trying to get Natalie to quit the police department, and that breaks Luke’s heart because he relies on not only her expertise in solving cases, but he is also in love with her (she is also in love with him, but won’t admit it).

The bit of romance in this novel is charming, and the fact that residents – both Christian and Wiccan – live side by side in harmony – is interesting. Readers who prefer their novels to be clean with no unnecessary profanity should skip this series. Those who don’t mind, will enjoy the story. The ending leaves readers not sure who actually committed the murders, along with other questions, and it will be necessary to wait for the next installment to answer the questions that readers will have.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Burning Lakes is a small town famous after three witches were tried and killed in the 1700s. Since then, witches can form covens, practice white magic, and live peacefully among religious faith. But when Veronica Manes is found dead in a witch costume, some believe that the people of the town are cursed and trouble is never too far away.

Detective Natalie is considering retirement after solving two high-profile murder cases. Or at least she was until the killing of Veronica Manes. Natalie is good at what she does and starts to uncover secrets buried long ago but at what cost? What happens when Natalie gets too close to the truth? Should she be looking for one killer or multiple?

This book started a little slow for me. I feel like I say that all of the time, so I realize that I may be a little impatient. For me, it picked up around 60%. From there, I was on the edge of my seat. I had so many ideas of who the actual killer or killers were and why. At first, I thought I had it figured out, but as things begin to unravel, there were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming at all! Although there were some predictable moments. I was left a little shocked by how some things played out.

There was some disappointment at the end of the book when I realized that it ended with a cliffhanger. I wish it would have ended by answering all the questions I had at the start of the book, but I guess I'll wait for the next installment. Overall I enjoyed this book and will be picking up the next novel. I give it four stars because of the way it ended. I hate reading a book and still having so many questions after it's over.

SN: This is also part 3 of the Detective Lockhart series. I have not read the others, but I plan to check those out since I enjoyed this one so much.

Ohhh my!!! Alice Blanchard has done it again!!! The Witching Tree is the third installment in the Natalie Lockhart series and just like first two novels, I am utterly and completely wow’ed!!! The storyline was filled with well-placed twists and turns and there wasn’t one part of this book that was anything less that fast paced— love that!! I love reading about smart women killing it in a male driven field— so refreshing!! I have eagerly followed Detective Lockhart’s journey, but if you haven’t read the prior novels, you can absolutely start with this book. Far warning, after finishing you will be 1-clicking the first two because this series is THAT addictive! The Witching Tree is 5 huge stars (I would give it more if I could)! I hope Alice Blanchard keeps this series going forever because it is truly one of my top favorite!!

I enjoy the books in this Alice Blanchard series, but I hate that I have to wait for the next one to get some answers. This was like a big prequel to the next book. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Although sucked into the town of Burning Lake and its ability to accommodate both Wicca and Christian inhabitants, the need for the first two books didn't manifest.

When the leader of the town's oldest coven is brutally murdered, detectives Natalie Lockhart and Luke Pittman are stunned, not only at the loss of a beloved member of the community, but by the terrible circumstances.

There are plenty of interesting elements, and I was happily disregarding a few things that bothered me. One major cavil was with Natalie's love triangle, living with one man and hankering for another. She is still reeling from events in the previous books, so it is easy to feel some compassion for her situation, but it bothered me for several reasons.

At any rate, I was willing to ignore several things until it ended in a cliff hanger! No conclusion, no resolution. It is one thing to leave a few threads dangling, but that was not the case. Nothing is resolved.

As I was reading, I was thinking this would make a good R.I.P book, but ending a mystery without a conclusion in and attempt to make the reader eager for the next book is inexcusable. The Witching Tree was by no means great literature, but it was entertaining, and to have the book end abruptly with everything still in the air is unfair manipulation. I won't be looking for the next book--I no longer care what happens to any of the inhabitants of Burning Lake.

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Mystery. Dec. 7, 2021. Print length: 336 pages.

Detective Natalie Lockhart is still struggling to overcome all of the tragedy she has experience personally and professionally. After two very difficult and dangerous cases, she is enjoying her new relationship with Hunter and living in the lap of luxury. Something, though, just doesn't feel right. When a beloved resident of Burning Lake, a beloved member of the Wiccan community, is found brutally murdered, Natalie is overwhelmed by the implications of another gruesome crime in her small town. Her boss and lifetime friend, Luke, is trying to protect her and assigns her background work for the investigation; however, Natalie can't resist following leads. It's an exciting and twisty mystery with surprise endings and a cliffhanger of an ending. Now we wait for the next book.

I liked this book a lot. I have enjoyed the series thus far. Natalie Lockhart is an interesting character, even though she stepped on my last nerve a few times by being whiny and wishy-washy. Gues there is gonna be another book in the series?

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book following the further adventures of Natalie Lockhart and the rest of the Burning Lake police department. The series always has plenty of plot twists and turns and captures my interest. I am looking forward to book 4 to see what happens next.

Blanchard at her best. A local pagan witch is found murdered on the local train tracks as the book opens. Detective Lockhart makes shocking small town discovies throughout this exciting and thrilling novel. I loved it. Kept me wanting to read until the shocking end!

Didn't realize this was a sequel. Thank you for the opportunity but I will be unable to provide an accurate review of this since I have no prior knowledge of the series and can't read it as intended.

Wow! I wish I read the previous two books of the series! I liked the intense, dark, depressive, haunting tone of the author! I always keen on reading about broken but tough characters’ traumatic stories and I quickly caught up the back story of Natalie Lockhart: her sister Willow’s ritualistic murder by her own witch-curious friends and the way they pinned the murder on Willow’s boyfriend Justin who has gone to prison for 20 years for the crime he hasn’t committed!

She also solved the biggest serial killer case in the American northeast! But the attention of media, her past demons threaten her peace! Thankfully her new boyfriend,33 years old, Rose Security Software founder Hunter saves her from the threats, providing her a secluded, quality life style in his mansion.

Now Natalie is ready to resign from her job at police force even though she feels a little agitated to leave her childhood friend/ confidante/ boss Luke Pittman behind.

But the book opens with blood freezing scene: Veronica Manes, the town’s best known practicing witch, wakes up staring at the blank white sky, finding herself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods and snow, shackled to the railroad tracks on the edge of the town, wearing a Halloween dress: a caricature of witch : a long black costume and a tall wide-brimmed hat straight out of the Wizard of Oz and she hears the approaching the train sound… You may guess the end of her story and who will investigate her murder!

Yes, Luke needs Natalie’s expertise: ultra religious groups who are fighting against the coven of the witches may be related with this murder scheme.

Burning Lake, New York is already a haunted place with shameful secret: in 1712, three innocent women were executed as witches: Abigail Stuart, Victoria Forsyth, Sarah Hutchins. So does history repeat itself?

I love the pacing, the intriguing love triangle between characters, the gory-dark- haunted depictions, jaw dropping moments fasten your heartbeat and the cliffhanger at the end broke my heart so bad!

I don’t only have to read the previous books, I also have to read probably not written yet next book ASAP! Im hooked! I want more!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy and putting this marvelous author on my radar in exchange my honest thoughts.