Legacy of the Witch

The Mystery School #1

by Kirsten Weiss

As societies grow increasingly fragmented, hopelessness, nihilism, division and despair are on the rise. But there is another way—a way of mystery and magic, of wholeness and transformation. Do you dare take the first step? Our path is not for the faint-hearted, but for seekers of ancient truths.

All April wants is to start over after her husband’s sudden death. She’s conjuring a new path—finally getting her degree and planning her new business in bucolic Pennsylvania Dutch country. Joining an online mystery school seems like harmless fun.

But when a murdered man leaves her a cryptic message, she catches glimpses of another reality she’s unwilling to acknowledge. A reality where bygone enchantments cast cryptic shadows, and the present brims with unanswered questions.

As April works to unearth the mystery, every step brings her closer to a truth she’s been evading. And to a conspiracy of hexes that may end in her demise.

Legacy of the Witch is a spellbinding, interactive tale of a woman’s midlife quest to understand the complexities of her own heart.

A paranormal women’s fiction murder mystery for anyone who’s wondered if there might be more to their own life than meets the eye…

Book 1 in the new Mystery School Series featuring the UnTarot, a deck of cards for meaning making. Start reading now!UnTarot deck app included!

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Witches

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2024

About the author

Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.

She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…

Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com

Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.

Reviews

[Kirsten Weiss]

Yay! Legacy of the Witch launched today!

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was a little different than I had expected, and I enjoyed it very much. It felt more like an experience. I love how it felt almost interactive with the link to the UnTarot app. I have even used the app a few times since reading the book. I know it is just an app, but it almost felt as if the card I got and the meaning was needed for me at the time. It almost tied into something I was doing or it was something I needed to read. Coincidence or magic? I choose to believe! The book also showed the emails that April received from the school. They were magical, mysterious, and detailed. It almost felt as if I was reading the emails for myself. I took my time reading the emails and found them informative and inspiring. The mystery was done just right. I had no idea who it was, and I was suspicious of everyone. I look forward to seeing what is next.
 
I was given a free review copy and voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Legacy of the Witch" by Kirsten Weiss is a captivating cozy paranormal mystery that delves into one woman's quest for meaning, and Weiss ingeniously involves the reader in this journey. The mystery is perfectly executed, keeping me guessing and suspicious of everyone until the very end. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this intriguing series.

One of the standout features of this book is its interactive elements. The story is enhanced by an accompanying app and interactive QR codes that readers can scan to receive the same mysterious messages as the protagonist, April. This clever touch adds an extra layer of engagement and perfectly complements the book's tone.

For those who enjoy magic with a touch of reality, or have an interest in tarot and related practices, "Legacy of the Witch" is a must-read. The story follows grad student April as she embarks on a new journey into the world of magic, turning her life upside down in unexpected ways. The book offers more than just a read—it feels like a full-fledged experience, thanks to the interactive UnTarot app.

Kirsten Weiss proves herself to be a talented and prolific author, adept at capturing the reader's attention across various genres. Her ability to create immersive and engaging stories makes her work a delight for readers who are always on the lookout for more in a series. "Legacy of the Witch" is no exception, blending mystery, magic, and innovation in a way that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a mysterious read. April is learning to open herself up to bigger and witchier things. There are some great magical elements. The descriptions did an amazing job of capturing the dizzying effect that the magic was playing on April. This story felt very interactive. It was a cozy mystery on the one hand and self-developmental on the other. You could go along with April on this journey and complete the journal assignments with her.(developmental part) However, it is not a necessary part of understanding what’s going on. I liked that you had the option. I’d love to see where this goes and how much more magical things get.

[Greg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten Weiss has turned a new page when it comes to cozy books with an interactive witchy mystery! The twist is her creation and inclusion of her Untarot deck and follow along PDF's. The story is an intriguing mix of murder, mystery and magic that will keep you turning the pages. As always, there is a bit of tantalizing love interest tossed in. It will be interesting to see where Kirsten takes future volumes in the series. Grab a copy, take your time with the new Untarot deck and the accompanying app!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy Of The Witch is a great fast paced read. April and Mitch are great characters that are loyal and brave. Such a great witchy read.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author had a lot of fun with this book, even going so far as to include QR codes that take you to her website or an app. There you can see the UnTarot cards the main character receives and a description of what each means, also the printable worksheets. I must admit this book had me using the internet for more than just a closer look at the cards, as a lot of it is actually based around real things that I had never heard of. The story is unusual and more grown up than just the casting of spells, I wouldn't say dark because it isn't scary but more sinister feel, especially as you don't really know what is going on. I liked the characters and look forward to learning more about the mysterious school along side April as the series develops.
After the death of her husband April decides it is time to do something for herself. So she goes back to college to get a degree in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art to help her art sell in her shop. While studying and writing her dissertation she is put up in a haunted cottage with unusual neighbours. Her neighbour claims to be a witch and talks April into joining her new mysterious school for fun and on the other side is a man trying to buy up local farms for a big company to help grow the economy. Then she discovers her landlord dead in the woods and in doing so strange things start to happen around April. Is someone trying to scare her away from the investigation? And if so who is behind the attacks and the strange cards that keep appearing in her mailbox? In order to get to the bottom of both mysteries April will have to find herself.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun first book in The Mystery School series!

I really enjoyed the authors use of incorporating their series of Tarot cards and journal prompts as a method of immersion for the mystery school. Thought provoking and educational as you delved into the books chapters.

Adventure seekers, grab your educational hats! We are off to seek out some truths and find ourselves along the way!

April is about to dive head first into some cryptic hexes and altered realities. After her husband’s death, it’s time to do something for herself- she’s heads back to school. As part of her studies, April ends up staying in a cottage in the woods with some interesting characters! Join us, they said. It’ll be fun, they said…
Join April as she works her way through The Mystery School!

Thank you to the author, Kirsten Weiss, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this book. And don’t forget to download the untarot App and interact with the book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new Mystery School Series by Kirsten Weiss. I liked the premise and the story. It is a little more sinister than a regular cozy. The writing kept me turning the pages.

I learned more about Pennsylvania Dutch and the mysticism often associated with it. I was always intrigued by the hex signs, the made “for nice” ones as I was growing up.

There are plenty of twists and turns as April Miller settles into St. Gretel, Pennsylvania as graduate student. She is floundering on her thesis, stumbles across her benefactor’s body, and enrolls in an online Magic Course, for the fun of it.

The twists and turns were well thought out. The UnTarot cards were fascinating, and the worksheets provided were worth looking into. I especially liked the lessons that were sent, they can be applied to anyone’s life. Change is hard but can be accomplished.

I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tarot and the questions are woven buetifully into the mystery. The story was well written and has many twists and turns. I found this story to be unique in how Kristen Weiss wove all the parts together into a cohesive whole. I found this book enjoyable to read and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of the Witch is the first book in a new series The Mystery School by Kirsten Weiss. Legacy of the Witch is steeped in mystery from the first page until the last.

It will have chopping at the bit wondering how it is going to end but wanting it to end is another matter altogether. It will keep you hanging on in suspense and wanting to know it all as you race to the end.

Legacy of the Witch starts off with a blast and never lets up from beginning to end. Legacy of the Witch opens with April taking a stroll through the woods when she encounters an injured man. April stops to help the man but it is too late as he dies in her arms.

The corner does not believe April when she tells him the time of death but she is very adamant about it all. April also tells the sheriff that the man spoke to her but of course, the ME did not believe her.

April is determined to find out what happened to the man. She joins an online mystery school. After joining the online class weird things start to happen. Things that April can’t comprehend or explain to anyone. What is going on? Is she losing her mind? Is she hallucinating? Is the things that she sees real or imaginative?

Legacy of the Witch is a great start to a new series. Legacy of the Witch has so much to offer. It has magic, mystery, suspense, and a deck of UnTarot cards.

Grab a copy of Legacy of the Witch today for a magical adventure full of mystery!

[Cynthia Jane Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, this book was actually a very good book and idea, but the further to the end I got, the worse it seemed to get in one category specifically, and that is the choice of love interest. Because the fact tha she ended up with Mitch who complained about someone "not even being able to do suicide right" and snooping around in her house etc. ended up as her boyfriend at the end? Really? It's borderline vile to say something like that and then put that person together with someone, especially with the MC. While the magic aspect and history stuff was very interesting to read and fun, I will not be purchasing a copy of this.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the death of her husband, April decides to connect with her Penn Dutch heritage and attend grad school in Babylon, studying folk art and hex signs. Psychologically haunted by the ghosts of her family and the regrets of her past, she’s soon pulled into a chilling mystery. Finding the body of a local philanthropist while on a run, she’s convinced he spoke to her before passing. But the local doctor tells her that’s impossible. Soon a number of strange and terrifying events occur around her. She meets Doyle Witch, Karin Bonheim, who’s in town to research a new book and learns of the Magic School. She begins receiving lessons and UnTarot cards, although Karin insists she isn’t involved. April also meets a Braucheri, a Penn Dutch Faith-healer, and learns some surprising things about her past. Following the lead of her advisor to some mysterious Hex Signs posted in the forest, April comes face to face with the evil of the Black Lodge Brotherhood. Can she put aside her skepticism and embrace her true identity and skills before it’s too late?

Kirsten Weiss continues to expand her Doyle Witch world in this new spinoff series. Part murder mystery and part magic instruction, the story effortlessly combines both elements into an interactive experience for those readers wishing to expand their own consciousness. April is entirely relatable as a middle aged woman trying to rebuild her life after tragedy. The mystery is compelling and will have you quickly turning pages to unravel the truth. The embedded links to the magic school lessons and worksheets, as well as the UnTarot app, breakdown into actionable steps for anyone wanting to explore further, whether or not you believe in the supernatural. A truly unique and innovative approach to storytelling. I’m looking forward to the next adventure for Seekers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever seen something no one else saw and you were positive it was real? How many times did you just laugh it off because if you told someone they’d think you were crazy? In The Legacy of the Witch, April isn’t sure what to think about all of the Penn Dutch folklore she heard about growing up. Nor does she understand what she’s seeing now, or is it imagining now?

I have written previously that I’m a very black and white thinker and yet I have read many of Kirsten Weiss’ books from various series. I’ve had absolute fun with them all. Many of them have a couple of constant themes. One of those themes is the paranormal genre and the other is humor. Not a comedy book by any means, but rather a story with a character you might say has a somewhat cynical nature. One who always has that little bit of mocking comment in her mind. Sort of the “oh come on” we all bite back sometimes. Somehow, I can’t help but think Ms. Weiss doesn’t have a little bit of a teasing streak running through her to create those characters :)

The Legacy of the Witch is a little different theme according to the other books I have read by Kirsten Weiss. It might be a little more serious even with its Tarot card theme and yet April, the main character, still has that little bit of smart, cynical attitude, although she keeps much of it to herself. I think she’s like me and doesn’t really believe in that “stuff”, or does she?

So, to summarize we have a talented author. One that can keep your attention regardless of what genres you might favor. We also have a prolific author, and I know that means a lot to those readers who are always searching for more of a series. Read some more! I will.

[Westveil Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was granted complimentary access to Legacy of the Witch by Kirsten Weiss as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with Goddess Fish Promotions. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

I've read other titles by Weiss through these blog tours before, usually cozy mysteries, and I've always had a good time. Legacy of the Witch was no different! This book did not disappoint. A cozy mystery it is not, but Weiss' strengths as a writer still shine through and translated well to this paranormal/women's fiction genre as well.

If you like magic that just might be real, or if you're fascinated with tarot and adjacent practices, then this is the book (and series!) for you. Grad student April becomes a student of an entirely different sort, magic, and her whole world is turned upside down.

But wait, this isn't just a fun read! Legacy of the Witch comes with downloadable material and tutorials so that you too can learn all about the UnTarot the book's characters use at the Mystery School, and you too can get wrapped up in maybe-possibly-real mysticism. Fun, right? I thought so, and I think you will too.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this author for quite some time. This is a new-to-me series from Kirsten Weiss and I'm glad I have book two ready to start immediately. This is one of those books destined to keep the reader up way past bedtime or work or whatever the reader was supposed to do after 'just one more page'. For me, it was my book after my mid shift nap and before a possible second mid that might or might not occur. Reading is almost as restful as sleep for me.
I'm glad I had this time to read this fantastic story. I like the premise of the series. I've already started book 2 and the main character is someone other than April but along the same lines of learning about one's self and being a part of the Mystery School.
There's nice crossover with other series from the author and that made me smile.
I liked seeing April learn about herself, even if she wasn't sure she wanted to do so. I liked that it didn't just happen, it showed struggle to accept.
I really liked this book. So much so, that I immediately started book two. I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series titled The Mystery School. It wasn't entirely what I expected, but I did find it very interesting.

I've read other books by this author, and they were cosy paranormal mysteries, but this was metaphysical fiction.

As well as the story itself, there are additional elements for the reader to interact with, and exercises to try out. I considered trying them out, but I felt it would have worked out better with a physical copy of the book, rather than a digital copy, as it involved journalling.

I actually found this a deeper, more intense read than I first anticipated, and I felt a strong connection with the main character. There is a theme of the occult, references to tarot cards, and I wonder if that may not be to every reader's taste, but I did quite enjoy this book.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this incorporates a character from another of the author series, it is a whole new plot line. The story was well written. The author does a magical job vividly describing the scenes without making the details tedious. The main character, April, is starting a whole new life that demands honesty to herself. She is relatable and the supporting cast is endearing and personable. There are several mysteries contained within this as well as interesting tips on unTarot and being true to yourself. I did occasionally find these tips to be a bit long and disruptive but they did add to the storyline and it was integral to April's journey. Once I got going on the story though, I couldn't put it down. The journey was too interesting to pause for a break. I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is looking to start over with a new life, so a mystery school sounds like a fun thing to do. But it turns out these mysteries are a lot more intense than she anticipated and give her a glimpse into an entirely new world. Well, she said she wanted a new start.

This is book one of the series, so no issues there.

This is a cozy witch mystery with a new world at our heroine's fingertips. The story is well written, easy to read and packed with interesting things to discover. Of course, some of those things are quite deadly so our heroine is going to have a steep learning curve. The mystery here is good and features plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, it was an excellent story and I look forward to more in this series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of the Witch: A Mystery is book #1 in The Mystery School series by Kirsten Weiss.

April Miller is working on her thesis when she comes across a murder victim. She joins an online mystery school and the assignments are spot on for her whether she believes in them or not. The thing that makes this book unique is that there are QR codes so you can follow along and fill out the documents if you wish. April is going through a personal journey and I don’t think she was expecting ghosts and witchcraft to be part of it. I was completely drawn in to the story. I was completely surprised at the ending and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legacy of the Witch surprised me with how truly immersive it is. There's a website and an app where you can see the UnTarot and learn what the cards mean, which adds a whole other layer to an already interesting and engaging story. I also like that April is all grown up and closer to my own age. It's refreshing to be able to relate to a character, even in a paranormal story. The book is well written and the pacing is equally well done. As a first in the series, this one does a nice job of introducing us to April and giving us a feel for the world Kirsten Weiss has created. It certainly held my interest and leaves me curious to see what's next for The Mystery School Series.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

a midlife adventure of a widow, trying to find her next steps while visiting parts of her past and family culture

a Doyle witch appears on the scene, along with prominent mentions of the Mystery School and the related UnTarot cards and various mysteries and mysticism

connections to Penn Dutch, California and it's wines, and skepticism about magic, ghosts and other mystical stuff with twisted interpersonal relationships and dynamics

intriguing reading- with more challenges promised to be ahead

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to have hope, hope and faith

The Doyle witches have set up an online school for witches to help in their fight of the Brotherhood. In this first chapter of a new series we find ourselves in Pennsylvania where our FMC April finds herself over her head in murder, ghosts and past regrets as she discovers who she truly is finally.The storyline keeps you turning the page and the interactive QR codes tying it to the authors Untarot app make it easy for you to take part in the mystery school yourself for a whole new reading experience. Highly enjoyable!

[Find Me Reading Always · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me conflicted. I liked the interaction it allowed with web resources. However, as a librarian/historian, I know those are likely to fail and therefore could lead to this text being less lasting over time. It was an interesting concept though. As for the story, it’s clear the main character has never taken the time to find herself. I think there is potential for the series to grow and expand with more interesting characters and character development and I’ll be on the look out for more from this series.

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of the Witch is a thought-provoking, engaging story that inspires introspection. Each chapter draws the reader deeper into a web of intrigue and mystical lore. If you are drawn to stories that blend the magical with the everyday and seek a narrative that offers more than just answers, then this book is for you. I loved the incorporation of the UnTarot cards and how they helped April on her journey (just at the right time)!

[Anteia Consorto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new Doyle Witches spin-off series starts off with a great page turner! This is a new concept for me as the book is actually interactive with an optional companion app (free) to go along with the untarot storyline. QR codes take you to different worksheets and other ways to “participate” with the book.
It’s fun, fast paced and has a great storyline with relatable characters. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

[Katherine Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Legacy of the Witch. I was able to relate to April and being mid-life. I love how Kirsten is able to be into Tarot, witch craft, etc., yet connected to today’s world. The story was interesting and made me feel happy at the end. Definitely had its ups and downs emotionally. Beautifully written and definitely a must read.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful mystery that kept me engaged throughout the entire book! Ms. Weiss does an excellent job of world building and character development. If you love women's fiction and mystery I highly recommended The Legacy of the Witch!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Edyee Stocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique mystery, you can interact with a app of the untarot cards. The characters have great personalities and are described so you can definitely imagine them. You will learn a lot of interesting history about witches and the Pennsylvania Dutch folk lore. I love books where I am entertained and learn.. in addition it is a story that it is not obvious who done it.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was interesting and I liked the interactive elements. A thing of the future for more books? Who's to say, but the author, IMO, did it well. I was able to follow along with what was happening without using the app (my phone already has way too many), so if you are worried about that, don’t be.