Title:	The Witching Tree
	Author:	Alice Blanchard
	Published:	December 7, 2021, Minotaur Books
	No. of Pages:	336
	Cover Price:	$27.99 Hardcover, $14.99 Kindle

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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.