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Anna Denning Mystery #1
The Witch Tree
Featuring amateur sleuth and professional genealogist Anna Denning.Genealogist Anna Denning is horrified when she discovers the body of her newest client, Susan Muncy. Her shock quickly turns to panic when Tom Muncy, Susan's husband, returns home and finds Anna standing over his dead wife.Anna insists she was hired to research Susan’s family tree by the Muncys’ daughter, a girl who works at a wiccan-themed store in downtown Elk Park, Colorado. But Muncy vehemently denies having a daughter. Further, he accuses Anna of conspiring to destroy his political ambitions—a bizarre accusation under the circumstances. He warns her that if she and the store's owner don't back off, he’ll ruin them both.Anna’s hopes for a quiet Christmas are shattered when Muncy begins a campaign of intimidation against her and even joins forces with the store's owner—the very person he accused Anna of conspiring with. To clear her name and uncover the truth behind Susan's murder, Anna must act quickly. Who pulled her into this nightmare and why?If you like supernaturally tinged, faith-based mysteries, you’ll love the Anna Denning Mystery series.THE ANNA DENNING MYSTERY
Book 1: The Witch TreeBook 2: Sparrow HouseBook 3: The SacrificeBook 4: The ClubBook 5: Bitter Roots
Book 1: The Witch TreeBook 2: Sparrow HouseBook 3: The SacrificeBook 4: The ClubBook 5: Bitter Roots
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2011
110 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Karin Kaufman
47 books185 followersKarin Kaufman grew up devouring murder mysteries, especially of the cozy kind. Give her a mystery, a comfy couch, her sweet dog at her side, and (preferably) a rainy day, and she’s in heaven. She’s the author of the Juniper Grove Cozy Mystery Series, the Smithwell Fairies Cozy Mystery Series, and the Anna Denning Mystery Series. The Witch Tree, the first book in her Anna Denning series, was a finalist for a Grace Award. Karin also writes children's books in the Geraldine Woolkins and Woolkins Bookshelf series.
For giveaways and news on all Karin's latest releases, sign up for her mailing list at http://www.KarinKaufman.com. And connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorkarinka....
For giveaways and news on all Karin's latest releases, sign up for her mailing list at http://www.KarinKaufman.com. And connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorkarinka....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 13, 2020
The Witch Tree
(Anna Denning Mystery #1)
by Karin Kaufman
It's taken me a few days to finish this because it is so...YAWN! I just couldn't force myself to finish it in one sitting, I have enough stress. This has a gal, Anna, that is a genealogist, and all around push-your-beliefs-on-everyone attitude. She has a rescue dog that is told to you about fifty times. She hates witches and the author makes witches the scourge of the Earth. Evil incarnate. Not much plot but boy do we know about evil witches and her rescue dog!
I thought this was going to be a paranormal book but boy was I surprised when I found it to be a radical Christian book that was poorly written. No more of this author for me!
(Anna Denning Mystery #1)
by Karin Kaufman
It's taken me a few days to finish this because it is so...YAWN! I just couldn't force myself to finish it in one sitting, I have enough stress. This has a gal, Anna, that is a genealogist, and all around push-your-beliefs-on-everyone attitude. She has a rescue dog that is told to you about fifty times. She hates witches and the author makes witches the scourge of the Earth. Evil incarnate. Not much plot but boy do we know about evil witches and her rescue dog!
I thought this was going to be a paranormal book but boy was I surprised when I found it to be a radical Christian book that was poorly written. No more of this author for me!
October 13, 2014
I'll admit, the title had me hesitating. I'm one of those people that usually stay clear of anything having to do with witches. But because it was advertised as an Edgy Christian Mystery, I decided to give it a chance, and I'm so glad I did.
"Days before Christmas in Elk Park, Colorado, genealogist Anna Denning discovers a client's body. When she starts asking questions no one wants answered, she becomes the killer's next target. Still grieving the death of her husband, Anna must draw on her wounded faith to enter a world of wicca and paganism — reminders of a past she buried long ago — and discover the secret of The Witch Tree."
I loved Kaufman's clear writing voice. It really bothers me when the writing gets in the way of the story. That's my biggest pet peeve - as both a writer and an avid reader. Only a talented writer can make scenery descriptions add flavor to a book, and make you want to grab your coat and a cup of hot chocolate as you read about how cold a December in Elk Park, Colorado can be!
Her characters were very believable and life-like, and I loved Anna's character most. Ever wish for the perfect words to say in a confrontational situation? Anna truly has a gift for her witty comebacks, and I love that she refuses to be intimidated or back down from a fight. Jazmin has made friends with the wrong people, desperate to belong and feel acceptance. You can't help but feel for her, and think of all the teens that are drawn to "Harry Potter" and and the like.
The references to witchcraft are informative but not unnecessarily detailed. I liked the way Kaufman made fun of it all, showing that without intimidation and scare tactics, witchcraft doesn't have a leg to stand on. There were a few "d***" and "h***" words thrown in there, and I'm guessing that's the reason it was labeled "edgy". It didn't bother me.
If you're a geneology buff, a dog-lover, or prefer the romance element subtle, you're going to like this book. I give it five stars. Karin Kaufman has done a superb job wit her debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
"Days before Christmas in Elk Park, Colorado, genealogist Anna Denning discovers a client's body. When she starts asking questions no one wants answered, she becomes the killer's next target. Still grieving the death of her husband, Anna must draw on her wounded faith to enter a world of wicca and paganism — reminders of a past she buried long ago — and discover the secret of The Witch Tree."
I loved Kaufman's clear writing voice. It really bothers me when the writing gets in the way of the story. That's my biggest pet peeve - as both a writer and an avid reader. Only a talented writer can make scenery descriptions add flavor to a book, and make you want to grab your coat and a cup of hot chocolate as you read about how cold a December in Elk Park, Colorado can be!
Her characters were very believable and life-like, and I loved Anna's character most. Ever wish for the perfect words to say in a confrontational situation? Anna truly has a gift for her witty comebacks, and I love that she refuses to be intimidated or back down from a fight. Jazmin has made friends with the wrong people, desperate to belong and feel acceptance. You can't help but feel for her, and think of all the teens that are drawn to "Harry Potter" and and the like.
The references to witchcraft are informative but not unnecessarily detailed. I liked the way Kaufman made fun of it all, showing that without intimidation and scare tactics, witchcraft doesn't have a leg to stand on. There were a few "d***" and "h***" words thrown in there, and I'm guessing that's the reason it was labeled "edgy". It didn't bother me.
If you're a geneology buff, a dog-lover, or prefer the romance element subtle, you're going to like this book. I give it five stars. Karin Kaufman has done a superb job wit her debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
July 28, 2011
Having no knowledge or interest in Wicca or paganism, "The Witch Tree" would not be a typical book I would pick up. That being said, I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it. Ms. Kaufman enlightened me, entertained me and intriqued me. Her characters were well developed and very believable. A very good debut novel and I look forward to her future works.
Read
May 29, 2016A family tree full of witches. A genealogist determined to find the truth. Just days before Christmas in the mountain town of Elk Park, Colorado, genealogist Anna Denning discovers a client’s body. When she starts asking questions no one wants answered, she becomes the killer’s next target. Still grieving the death of her husband, Anna must draw on her wounded faith to enter a world of wicca and witchcraft—reminders of a past she buried long ago—and discover the secret of The Witch Tree.
This is my first read from author, Karin Kaufman. It is the first book in the Anna Denning Mystery series. The title alone may be somewhat off putting for Christian readers, but this book is written from a Christian worldview and is a faith-based cozy mystery. This book is a great series debut book that focuses on the theme that light will always overcome darkness.
There were several things I particularly like about this book. First the sleuth, Anna Denning, is a professional genealogist; and I am an avid genealogist. Second, I loved the small town feel of Elk Park Colorado as it was just up the mountain from where I live in Loveland Co which is mentioned in the book along with neighboring Fort Collins. It was easy to picture this small town nestled in the mountains. Third, I found it interesting to learn a few things about Wicca as this New Age movement has attracted many young people who have become disillusioned with their parents' faith.
Anna was a strong heroine and was willing to fight for what she felt was right against the evil that was pervading her town. As she grew stronger in her faith, she fought even harder against the darkness that Darlene was spreading throughout the town. I loved the slowly developing relationship between her and Gene as he supported her in this battle. Jazmin and Rowan well represented the many lost young people in today's world. Darlene, of course, was the epitome of evil.
A great book to curl up with for a quick, easy, and interesting read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "And Wicca was a great pretender, a pretty, enchanting "path." But as she had learned over the years, the fairest blooms bore the darkest poisons."
"She'd invited evil into her life, and evil always answered."
"The whole street was bathed in white light, as though God were wiping away the darkness, saying, Start again. My mercies are new. 'God is good.'
"Most of the time we can only see it in retrospect. Our Lord can be maddeningly subtle......Sometimes he's not subtle at all, He's a bull in a china shop."
This is my first read from author, Karin Kaufman. It is the first book in the Anna Denning Mystery series. The title alone may be somewhat off putting for Christian readers, but this book is written from a Christian worldview and is a faith-based cozy mystery. This book is a great series debut book that focuses on the theme that light will always overcome darkness.
There were several things I particularly like about this book. First the sleuth, Anna Denning, is a professional genealogist; and I am an avid genealogist. Second, I loved the small town feel of Elk Park Colorado as it was just up the mountain from where I live in Loveland Co which is mentioned in the book along with neighboring Fort Collins. It was easy to picture this small town nestled in the mountains. Third, I found it interesting to learn a few things about Wicca as this New Age movement has attracted many young people who have become disillusioned with their parents' faith.
Anna was a strong heroine and was willing to fight for what she felt was right against the evil that was pervading her town. As she grew stronger in her faith, she fought even harder against the darkness that Darlene was spreading throughout the town. I loved the slowly developing relationship between her and Gene as he supported her in this battle. Jazmin and Rowan well represented the many lost young people in today's world. Darlene, of course, was the epitome of evil.
A great book to curl up with for a quick, easy, and interesting read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "And Wicca was a great pretender, a pretty, enchanting "path." But as she had learned over the years, the fairest blooms bore the darkest poisons."
"She'd invited evil into her life, and evil always answered."
"The whole street was bathed in white light, as though God were wiping away the darkness, saying, Start again. My mercies are new. 'God is good.'
"Most of the time we can only see it in retrospect. Our Lord can be maddeningly subtle......Sometimes he's not subtle at all, He's a bull in a china shop."
September 13, 2011
Karin Kaufman’s suspenseful mystery, The Witch Tree, is, hands down, one of my favorite novels this year for a host of reasons, not the least of these being the outstanding writing.
The story opens with genealogist Anna Denning finding the body of one of her clients, to whose home she has gone in order to deliver a copy of her family tree. It’s apparent the woman has been murdered, and when the victim’s husband finds Anna in his house, he is convinced she’s the perpetrator of the crime. From there, the tension mounts, as Anna discovers that it was not the victim who requested her own family tree, but the owner of a new age occult store called ‘What Ye Will.’ The danger grows more deadly still when Anna’s research into why this self-proclaimed witch secretly employed her services makes her the woman’s number one enemy.
Author Karin Kaufman has crafted a fascinating mystery-suspense around the modern phenomenon of neo-paganism in The Witch Tree, her well-researched story dispelling some common myths about the “historical” roots of Wicca and its relationship to true witchcraft. However, though this theme is an essential aspect of the story, it is not the only one, and the author leaves it to the reader to make his or her own decision on the validity of neo-pagan claims. Just as vital to the story are the universal themes of love and loss and the human tendency to seek escape from a painful past – which can lead to the search for new gods or to an injured faith in the personal love of the more traditional one. All of the well-drawn characters in this novel are real people – from protagonist Anna Denning, still struggling with the grief of losing her husband only a few years into their marriage to the embittered antagonist who searches for self-identity in all the wrong places. This isn’t a book filled with good and evil stereotypes, but with human beings making choices as they struggle with very real challenges in life. The novel’s spirituality is a subtle one – there for those who believe a story lacks without it, as a person’s worldview is fundamental to his or her character, but not thrust on those who are only looking for an exciting mystery. For this reason, I found The Witch Tree to be simply a marvelously-written story that offered all the things I like best in a novel – tightly-woven plot, believable and sympathetic characters, terrific suspense and beautiful writing. I eagerly look forward to reading more works by this talented author.
The story opens with genealogist Anna Denning finding the body of one of her clients, to whose home she has gone in order to deliver a copy of her family tree. It’s apparent the woman has been murdered, and when the victim’s husband finds Anna in his house, he is convinced she’s the perpetrator of the crime. From there, the tension mounts, as Anna discovers that it was not the victim who requested her own family tree, but the owner of a new age occult store called ‘What Ye Will.’ The danger grows more deadly still when Anna’s research into why this self-proclaimed witch secretly employed her services makes her the woman’s number one enemy.
Author Karin Kaufman has crafted a fascinating mystery-suspense around the modern phenomenon of neo-paganism in The Witch Tree, her well-researched story dispelling some common myths about the “historical” roots of Wicca and its relationship to true witchcraft. However, though this theme is an essential aspect of the story, it is not the only one, and the author leaves it to the reader to make his or her own decision on the validity of neo-pagan claims. Just as vital to the story are the universal themes of love and loss and the human tendency to seek escape from a painful past – which can lead to the search for new gods or to an injured faith in the personal love of the more traditional one. All of the well-drawn characters in this novel are real people – from protagonist Anna Denning, still struggling with the grief of losing her husband only a few years into their marriage to the embittered antagonist who searches for self-identity in all the wrong places. This isn’t a book filled with good and evil stereotypes, but with human beings making choices as they struggle with very real challenges in life. The novel’s spirituality is a subtle one – there for those who believe a story lacks without it, as a person’s worldview is fundamental to his or her character, but not thrust on those who are only looking for an exciting mystery. For this reason, I found The Witch Tree to be simply a marvelously-written story that offered all the things I like best in a novel – tightly-woven plot, believable and sympathetic characters, terrific suspense and beautiful writing. I eagerly look forward to reading more works by this talented author.
September 12, 2011
If you picked this book up for a heartwarming Christmas tale filled with sugar cookies and little elves, you're not going to get it. What you are going to get, is a great book filled with action, suspense, and a tinge of romance. Follow along and sit on the edge of your seat as spunky Anna Denning is unceremoniously swept away into the mystery of The Witch Tree.
It was supposed to be a simple job. Research Susan Muncy's family tree. But only the female lineage. Deliver it personally and get paid. What she didn't bargain for was being the first to happen upon a dead body. That of Susan Muncy herself.
The action fast and enjoyable, the writing easy to follow, and the plot just right, Karin Kaufman is a force to be reckoned with. If this is her debut novel, watch out all you cozy mystery lovers, you're going to have a new favorite. My advice to you readers? Make sure you have a whole day to read set aside as you will not want to put it down. My advice for Ms. Kaufman? Write faster - you have whetted our appetites for good mysteries, and we want more!
It was supposed to be a simple job. Research Susan Muncy's family tree. But only the female lineage. Deliver it personally and get paid. What she didn't bargain for was being the first to happen upon a dead body. That of Susan Muncy herself.
The action fast and enjoyable, the writing easy to follow, and the plot just right, Karin Kaufman is a force to be reckoned with. If this is her debut novel, watch out all you cozy mystery lovers, you're going to have a new favorite. My advice to you readers? Make sure you have a whole day to read set aside as you will not want to put it down. My advice for Ms. Kaufman? Write faster - you have whetted our appetites for good mysteries, and we want more!
July 23, 2016
No real mystery here. The characters were stereotypes. The murderer was pretty obvious by his/her second scene. No real investigation takes place. The entire story was about attempts by the antagonist to intimidate and harass the protagonist, Anna.
And then there was a conversation between Darlene, a witch and pagan, and Anna, a Christian. Darlene refers to a celebration of the "spring solstice". Anna corrects her and insists on the word "Easter". This is pretty obnoxious. Imagine if Anna had insisted that her Jewish neighbor had an Easter dinner instead of a Passover Seder. Or Kwanzaa instead of Christmas.
And then there was a conversation between Darlene, a witch and pagan, and Anna, a Christian. Darlene refers to a celebration of the "spring solstice". Anna corrects her and insists on the word "Easter". This is pretty obnoxious. Imagine if Anna had insisted that her Jewish neighbor had an Easter dinner instead of a Passover Seder. Or Kwanzaa instead of Christmas.
June 10, 2016
Review: THE WITCH TREE by Karin Kaufman
[Anna Denning Mystery #1]
A really engrossing mystery which kept me captivated throughout, THE WITCH TREE is not a paranormal, but a clean Christian mystery with a lot of emphasis on where one's faith is placed. The protagonist is a very empathetic widowed genealogist in small town Colorado. This novel commences the Anna Denning Mystery series, and I can't wait to continue.
[Anna Denning Mystery #1]
A really engrossing mystery which kept me captivated throughout, THE WITCH TREE is not a paranormal, but a clean Christian mystery with a lot of emphasis on where one's faith is placed. The protagonist is a very empathetic widowed genealogist in small town Colorado. This novel commences the Anna Denning Mystery series, and I can't wait to continue.
September 12, 2011
Loved this book! Got the Free Sample on my Kindle, and I was hooked! It's a Murder Mystery with real characters. Only .99 Cents, and I highly Recommend!~
August 7, 2020
It was supposed to be an easy family tree job...
Karin Kaufman is a new-to-me author but when I got the chance to snag an audiobook containing The Witch Tree I thought I'd give her books a try. I really enjoy suspense from a Christian perspective, but, what really caught my attention was the spiritual warfare aspect. And, it appears that the rest of the Anna Denning Mysteries also have a similar thread.
I enjoyed the story as a whole. I appreciated that there was more to it than endless action scenes. Readers have the chance to actually get to know Anna a little bit outside of the murder mystery. I absolutely love that Anna is a genealogist and how it plays a big part in the mystery. It also provides some of the best twists and turns in the plot.
I will give a friendly warning to those who might care, one of the things that makes this story believable, and even more relatable, is the presence of mild language. Nothing major, but it's there. But, in my opinion, the only slight negative to the story is that the spiritual warfare angle could have been fleshed out a bit more. Still, all in all I really did enjoy The Witch Tree audiobook and I plan on listening/reading more in the Anna Denning Mystery series.
As to the technical aspects of the audiobook I felt that the production was good quality. The sound was well done and I love the narrator, both of which more than did justice to Karin Kaufman's story.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Karin Kaufman is a new-to-me author but when I got the chance to snag an audiobook containing The Witch Tree I thought I'd give her books a try. I really enjoy suspense from a Christian perspective, but, what really caught my attention was the spiritual warfare aspect. And, it appears that the rest of the Anna Denning Mysteries also have a similar thread.
I enjoyed the story as a whole. I appreciated that there was more to it than endless action scenes. Readers have the chance to actually get to know Anna a little bit outside of the murder mystery. I absolutely love that Anna is a genealogist and how it plays a big part in the mystery. It also provides some of the best twists and turns in the plot.
I will give a friendly warning to those who might care, one of the things that makes this story believable, and even more relatable, is the presence of mild language. Nothing major, but it's there. But, in my opinion, the only slight negative to the story is that the spiritual warfare angle could have been fleshed out a bit more. Still, all in all I really did enjoy The Witch Tree audiobook and I plan on listening/reading more in the Anna Denning Mystery series.
As to the technical aspects of the audiobook I felt that the production was good quality. The sound was well done and I love the narrator, both of which more than did justice to Karin Kaufman's story.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
April 25, 2019
*Audible*
This was pretty good. The characters were interesting, and I LOVE Jackson. The mystery wasn’t so very mysterious for me, but it was still well written. I’m not a pagan, but the feel of, “all pagans are bad and evil and wrong” was strong and off-putting. That’s really my only issue with the book, story-wise.
The narrator had a very pleasant voice, but I felt like there wasn’t much emotion during dialogue. Still, I’d listen to her again!
Bob says: 3.75 Platypires
This was pretty good. The characters were interesting, and I LOVE Jackson. The mystery wasn’t so very mysterious for me, but it was still well written. I’m not a pagan, but the feel of, “all pagans are bad and evil and wrong” was strong and off-putting. That’s really my only issue with the book, story-wise.
The narrator had a very pleasant voice, but I felt like there wasn’t much emotion during dialogue. Still, I’d listen to her again!
Bob says: 3.75 Platypires
August 5, 2021
When a genealogist takes a contract to research the background of a local politician's wife, she discovers what she discovers has far-reaching consequences in this edge of your seat mystery/suspense story. Well written, with interesting (if not likable in most cases) and an adorable dog.
The Christmas/Christian themes are a bit heavy-handed, but in all, it's a worthwhile read.
The Christmas/Christian themes are a bit heavy-handed, but in all, it's a worthwhile read.
October 11, 2015
This book was recommended to me by an author of Christian fiction mysteries and since her books are so good, I decided to read it. I was very impressed.
The book starts off on a good footing and continues, without any slowness or bogging down at all. There is never one spot available for boredom.
Karin Kaufman has written, well written, I might add, a very tight mystery, extremely interesting and more than a bit spooky.
The book's main character, Anna Denning, does genealogy for a living and is asked to do a family tree history for a certain person. When she goes to deliver the item, she finds a corpse. Things go from there and I won't give any spoilers. The suspense is tight and it's very difficult to tear yourself away from the book, even for necessary things. Like making a meal, laundry, etc. I finished it in 2 days and immediately started on the next in the series, Sparrow House. I will be reading the third, also.
Note: There are about a dozen mild swear words in this book. While I don't care for profanity, I see why the author included them, although the story stands well without them.
The book starts off on a good footing and continues, without any slowness or bogging down at all. There is never one spot available for boredom.
Karin Kaufman has written, well written, I might add, a very tight mystery, extremely interesting and more than a bit spooky.
The book's main character, Anna Denning, does genealogy for a living and is asked to do a family tree history for a certain person. When she goes to deliver the item, she finds a corpse. Things go from there and I won't give any spoilers. The suspense is tight and it's very difficult to tear yourself away from the book, even for necessary things. Like making a meal, laundry, etc. I finished it in 2 days and immediately started on the next in the series, Sparrow House. I will be reading the third, also.
Note: There are about a dozen mild swear words in this book. While I don't care for profanity, I see why the author included them, although the story stands well without them.
December 31, 2013
This novel delivered on nail-biting suspense that had me worried for the main character, Anna Denning, until the end. I just realized the poignancy of how the title wraps in with the story--brilliant! Denning is a character I rooted for throughout, as she deals with her own personal struggles while trying to get to the bottom of a murder. The witchcraft aspects were obviously well-researched, and as a Christian I appreciated the lack of the typical layer of glitz that generally accompanies "the craft" like we see on TV series. Will be buying the next book in the series.
July 5, 2014
I liked the story and I like the main character, but the author is a bit heavy handed with pushing her Christian agenda. At first, I was going to give it a 3, until I thought about it some more. This really irritates me and it is completely unnecessary to making the story work. The characters can be good Christians and that would still be fine, but she obviously did a lot of research, and then she misrepresented information in the furtherance of pushing her agenda. I won't read the others stories.
June 12, 2016
This wasnt a book I enjoyed reading. I was not going to finish it but decided I may as well . If your not in to witchcraft, wicca, witches etc. you probably wont like it. About a lady who wanted to be the TOP witch - but it didnt work that way. She put spells on the lady she didnt like trying to scare her so she would leave town. It was suppose to be about genealogy also - which was what interested me to read it but not enough of it to make me like this book .
March 18, 2012
I really enjoyed reading "The Witch Tree " by Karin Kaufman. Anna Denning is our heroine, a widowed woman who loves her dog and does geneology research for a living. She is up against an evil woman, self proclaimed witch, Darlene who likes to control people. Anna has to solve a murder and keep herself and her dog alive.
January 22, 2016
I enjoyed this book and the introduction of an interesting main character, Anna. I rated this three because the mystery was decent but I felt that the suspects all acted too oddly. It wasn't really believable that the killer's focus switched to Anna since Anna really had no idea whom the perpetrator was at the time.
May 6, 2013
I enjoyed the unusual topic where a character deals fearlessly with witchcraft. The characters were authentic and varied and the writing well done. Nice amounts of suspense and romance. Very satisfying, well-written story.
July 11, 2016
Great story
A unique, very well written story. Grief is written into the character better than I've ever seen it written before. Would have given it five stars if the curse words had been left out. They may be true to those characters, but not necessary in a faith-based book.
A unique, very well written story. Grief is written into the character better than I've ever seen it written before. Would have given it five stars if the curse words had been left out. They may be true to those characters, but not necessary in a faith-based book.
August 28, 2011
Wonderfully written book. You don't need to know anything about paganism or wicca to enjoy this book. Looking for an entertaining, well written mystery? Than this is the book for you!
January 6, 2014
The story was well written and kept me interested. It got too churchy for me at times so I doubt I'll read any more of her books even though I like her writing.
August 5, 2023
Christmas time
Elk Park, Colorado
Main Characters:
Anna Denning: 36-year-old genealogist, widow.
Tom Muncy: Wife is killed at the beginning of the book
Liz: Runs a news site, Anna's best friend
Darlene: Wicca store owner, practicing witchcraft
Grace: Wise Christian, owns Buffalo Cafe
Jackson: Anna's sweet dog
Jazmin: Young girl sucked into witchcraft
Rowan: A "druid", pagan who does Darlene’s bidding
Monica and Jason: Grow herbs for Darlene's store, scared of her
Gene Westfall: Christian whose father is in hospital, Anna's new friend
I REALLY like Anna Denning. She’s a firecracker, but subtle at the same time. She stands up for what's right and doesn’t back down to opposition, even if the opposition is deliberately trying to intimidate her.
I love that she has a support team she can count on, Christians who will pray for her, and stay with her when she’s being threatened.
Threatened is the operative word in this book. It comes at Anna on all sides. From a politician who wants to ruin her, to Darlene, a professing "witch" who wields her evil "power" at Anna while trying to appear benevolent to others. Darlene's store clerks come at her at different times, mostly at night, trying to scare her into backing down.
This was a suspenseful book with something happening all the time. However, amidst the rough patches for Anna, significant discussions with wise people help her think things through.
Anna's husband, whom she loved with all her heart, was killed not long ago in a terrible car crash. Her heart is so broken and, although she trusts that God is in control, she questions His decisions. She seems to wrestle with this constantly, but never would give up on her faith and the source of comfort only He can supply. At times it was hard to read her grief, but glimpses of light were so encouraging.
I love the way Anna focuses on one impressionable young girl, helping her to see that who she's placed her trust in, who she thinks is now family, is nothing other than a deceiver, and how she can get herself out of the web she’s caught in.
I received a free audio copy of this book a while back, and the title had me holding back from reading it. Because I know that Miss Kaufman is a Christian, I figured she’d have a different take on witchcraft than many of the current Wicca sympathizers. I was right. What she shows throughout the book is that, like words, witchcraft has no power, it’s only given power by the wielder. Oh, Satan is real, and he tries his best to spread his evil, but making yourself impervious to that evil by standing on God's Word, and taking up His armor (Ephesians 6:10–18) is the best defense.
I would have given this a strong four-stars but for the mild swear words I felt were unnecessary coming out of Christians' mouths. And the Christians drinking wine or cocktails to sooth their nerves bothered me. I’ve seen too much of this in my life, I hate to see Christians doing the same. I see it as a crutch, not a solution.
Down a star, but still a worthwhile book to see what can be done in the face of evil!
Oh yes, I have to mention the narrator, Becky Doughty. I always enjoy her realistic voices. She never fails to make me feel the characters and forget it’s being read to me. She does a great job!
Elk Park, Colorado
Main Characters:
Anna Denning: 36-year-old genealogist, widow.
Tom Muncy: Wife is killed at the beginning of the book
Liz: Runs a news site, Anna's best friend
Darlene: Wicca store owner, practicing witchcraft
Grace: Wise Christian, owns Buffalo Cafe
Jackson: Anna's sweet dog
Jazmin: Young girl sucked into witchcraft
Rowan: A "druid", pagan who does Darlene’s bidding
Monica and Jason: Grow herbs for Darlene's store, scared of her
Gene Westfall: Christian whose father is in hospital, Anna's new friend
I REALLY like Anna Denning. She’s a firecracker, but subtle at the same time. She stands up for what's right and doesn’t back down to opposition, even if the opposition is deliberately trying to intimidate her.
I love that she has a support team she can count on, Christians who will pray for her, and stay with her when she’s being threatened.
Threatened is the operative word in this book. It comes at Anna on all sides. From a politician who wants to ruin her, to Darlene, a professing "witch" who wields her evil "power" at Anna while trying to appear benevolent to others. Darlene's store clerks come at her at different times, mostly at night, trying to scare her into backing down.
This was a suspenseful book with something happening all the time. However, amidst the rough patches for Anna, significant discussions with wise people help her think things through.
Anna's husband, whom she loved with all her heart, was killed not long ago in a terrible car crash. Her heart is so broken and, although she trusts that God is in control, she questions His decisions. She seems to wrestle with this constantly, but never would give up on her faith and the source of comfort only He can supply. At times it was hard to read her grief, but glimpses of light were so encouraging.
I love the way Anna focuses on one impressionable young girl, helping her to see that who she's placed her trust in, who she thinks is now family, is nothing other than a deceiver, and how she can get herself out of the web she’s caught in.
I received a free audio copy of this book a while back, and the title had me holding back from reading it. Because I know that Miss Kaufman is a Christian, I figured she’d have a different take on witchcraft than many of the current Wicca sympathizers. I was right. What she shows throughout the book is that, like words, witchcraft has no power, it’s only given power by the wielder. Oh, Satan is real, and he tries his best to spread his evil, but making yourself impervious to that evil by standing on God's Word, and taking up His armor (Ephesians 6:10–18) is the best defense.
I would have given this a strong four-stars but for the mild swear words I felt were unnecessary coming out of Christians' mouths. And the Christians drinking wine or cocktails to sooth their nerves bothered me. I’ve seen too much of this in my life, I hate to see Christians doing the same. I see it as a crutch, not a solution.
Down a star, but still a worthwhile book to see what can be done in the face of evil!
Oh yes, I have to mention the narrator, Becky Doughty. I always enjoy her realistic voices. She never fails to make me feel the characters and forget it’s being read to me. She does a great job!
January 23, 2019
I really enjoy Karin Kaufman’s writing style and how her mysteries unfold. As a fan of her Juniper Grove cozy series, I thought I would give her Anna Denning Mystery series a try. While there are many differences in the two series, the similarities between the two play to Kaufman’s strength as a writer (setting, enjoyable characters, whodunnit mysteries, etc). With that said, The Witch Tree had a lot of good things going on in it: good versus evil; crazy witches; genealogy; Christmas!; a splash of romance; great dialogue; themes of faith and forgiveness through Jesus. While Juniper Grove is a secular cozy without any bad language, the Anna Denning Mystery series is a Christian not quite so cozy and has minor bad language. While the language did not add anything to the book, I am guessing it was added to make it seem a little more edgy and realistic. For some, it might hinder the message so I thought I would mention it. It also had some typos, mainly “lead” instead of “led” in a few places. While I didn’t enjoy it as much as the Juniper Grove series, it is a series I will definitely continue and will enjoy.
February 20, 2018
I honestly had no thoughts going into this series, The story seemed interesting and I needed something to read for a long weekend.
First I love the idea of someone that works in Genealogy, its interesting and something you do not see a lot of as a main theme in books like this. However, it does not seem to get as much light as I thought it would in this first book.
Overall the story was alright, a little twisted and rushed in places but it was okay in the end.
I found the reminders in nearly every chapter of her Husband’s death to be a bit much, as are the ones for her history with witch craft. I felt the magic story line was forced and was not as interesting as it could have been.
Something else that would get under my skin was how slow the story was to build, and the way we got so many filler scenes. I can put aside the random comments on how thin, or big boned someone was in the book, but a lot of Story lines or plot points seemed to just fall flat in this story.
All that being said the series has something, and is not a bad read just not amazing.
First I love the idea of someone that works in Genealogy, its interesting and something you do not see a lot of as a main theme in books like this. However, it does not seem to get as much light as I thought it would in this first book.
Overall the story was alright, a little twisted and rushed in places but it was okay in the end.
I found the reminders in nearly every chapter of her Husband’s death to be a bit much, as are the ones for her history with witch craft. I felt the magic story line was forced and was not as interesting as it could have been.
Something else that would get under my skin was how slow the story was to build, and the way we got so many filler scenes. I can put aside the random comments on how thin, or big boned someone was in the book, but a lot of Story lines or plot points seemed to just fall flat in this story.
All that being said the series has something, and is not a bad read just not amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2017
The book was okay, interesting enough to keep me reading but not good enough for me to recommend it. The main character is a Christian woman that I found extremely unlikable; she was very pushy, judgmental and even though she kept claiming she wasn't the one who started it - she definitely was not going to be the one to let it end. I was surprised this was written by a Christian author because I felt it made Christians look bad. There was also a little love story which I don't know why Christian authors usually feel the need to add in a love possibility when it is actually okay for a strong Christian woman to be single. I read this book because it was part of a collection of 5 books in 1 but I definitely won't be reading the second one in this series.
October 17, 2024
I love genealogy—no matter whose it is—so when I came across Karin Kaufman's mystery, THE WITCH TREE, I wondered how she would combine the two into an interesting and engaging story. After all, some people find genealogy rather tedious and boring. Ms. Kaufman did not disappoint. Combining mystery, murder, and of course, just enough genealogical investigation to whet any amateur sleuth's appetite, THE WITCH TREE delivers a story about truth and lies in an age-old battle over faith in rural Colorado. I am pleased to say I found a winner!
December 21, 2018
Enjoyable book with good characters. I liked the background history of Anna Denning and loved the way the main character's (Anne Denning) dog featured in the novel. This is the first book in this series I have read and I will certainly be reading more.
The small town had it's wealth of characters including a coven of witches. These featured heavily in the book and brought extra interest to the reader.
The small town had it's wealth of characters including a coven of witches. These featured heavily in the book and brought extra interest to the reader.
February 2, 2020
I'm The Witch Tree, Karin introduces Anna Denning a young widow angry at God. But this story brings her to an evil presence that is fed by lies, deceit and manipulation. In her stand against it she finds God has not abandoned her. She also finds determination to defeat it. The reader is taken along on this journey and a friendship is formed. I'm looking forward to reading the second one, Sparrow House.
July 15, 2018
Thrilling Read
A thrilling read centered in a smallish Colorado town. Anna Denning, a young widowed Genealogist, finds herself in the middle of a murder case and threatened by a self proclaimed witch. Can she unravel the mystery before someone else gets hurt? A well written story with a great plot and great characters.
A thrilling read centered in a smallish Colorado town. Anna Denning, a young widowed Genealogist, finds herself in the middle of a murder case and threatened by a self proclaimed witch. Can she unravel the mystery before someone else gets hurt? A well written story with a great plot and great characters.
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