The Witch's Secret

by Stacie Murphy

Alone and in a new, unfamiliar place, a young witch discovers a murderous plot to turn the tide of the Civil War—which also might be the key to getting her powers and place in society back—if it doesn’t kill her first.After using a forbidden spell to wring a confession from her faithless lover, young witch Joya Shaw finds herself stripped of her power and banished to the magical backwater of the Colorado Territory. But it is 1862, the American Civil War is raging, and going west doesn’t mean leaving the battlefields behind. When Joya arrives at a homesteader’s cabin and discovers the occupants savagely slain, she knows it is no mere traces of demon magic cling to the bodies. Days later, a Union patrol is wiped out the same way, and Joya begins to suspect that someone is trying to create a new weapon for the rebel arsenal. She gambles that thwarting the plot could be the key to ending her exile. But demon hunting is a dangerous game, and it’s all too easy for the hunter to become the prey. Trapped, Joya enters into an uneasy alliance with a demon. She must find a way to free herself or bend its power to her will. If she fails, she will forfeit not only her life, but also her soul—along with the chance to stop the tide of the war from turning in an unspeakable direction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Witches, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery

Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect blend of suspenseful historical fiction and dark magic set on the wild Colorado frontier, THE WITCH’S SECRET held me in thrall from beginning to end. With grit and a backbone made of steel, Murphy’s captivating heroine faces down threats both corporeal and supernatural in this gripping story edged with hair-raising moments of true gothic horror—and a touch of wry wit. Clever, frightening, and masterfully plotted.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I love how The Witch’s Secret blends history fiction with fantasy and a little bit of mystery. The author did a great job of creating an immersive story that takes place in 1862. I really liked the characters and the unique magic system in this book. The author’s writing style was enjoyable and easy to read. This was a great book to start the spooky season with and I recommend picking this one up if you like historical fiction and dark magic.

Thank you to Pegasus Books for the gifted copy.

[Colleen Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story!

I love Stacie’s writing! The story she weaves together is exciting and I highly recommend it! Be sure to check out her other books if you haven’t already.

[Marie (IfCatsCouldRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joya has been banished to Colorado Territory in 1866 because she used her witch magic impulsively. As she navigates her new surroundings, she is frustrated with not being able to use her magic. It's discovered that a demon has been killing people, and they need to find the person who has set the demon free.

Full of vivid historical descriptions, this adventure is full of feelings and connections. If you've ever wondered how witches might have managed in the 19th century, Stacie Murphy is showing you with this story.

Thank you to Pegasus Books for the ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about Stacie Murphy's writing is how she brings all of the pieces together. She creates worlds like our own, but more magical, and brings in intriguing characters, often flawed but easy to root for. We follow as they struggle with issues both mystical and mundane, while finding their way toward solving a murder and creating social change in the process. While we're introduced to the relevant perpetrators and pieces of evidence throughout, the actual resolution to the mystery is surprising and dramatic. (And there's always something romantic brewing, as if the rest of it wasn't already enough.)

Her latest book, The Witch's Secret, is no exception to this. It's a departure from the Gilded Age Manhattan of her previous novels, as she now takes us to Civil War-era Colorado, where Joya, a young witch, has been sent as punishment for a serious breach of ethics--which breach also resulted in the Union witches obtaining information that helped dismantle a Confederate plot. This is just the introduction to the moral grey areas that Murphy spends time with in this book, repeatedly balancing ethically dubious means against potentially heroic ends. The result is a story that is unpredictable and feels fresh, with just enough resolved to satisfy but leave us wanting a sequel. I still want more Amelia from her other books, but now I want more Joya, too.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That's the thing about choices. They're never limitless. And they're most often not what we'd like. You look at the ones available to you and decide which price you're willing to pay. Then you live with it."

The perfect book for Spooky/Witchy season!

Set in the Colorado Territory against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story follows a young woman who has been sent away as punishment by the witch society (the Magisterium). It has a crotchety mentor, animal friends, a broody hot ranger (who is also a single dad), an engaging and creepy mystery, and a really cool magic system.

Read this if you like your mystery with an element of the supernatural. Excellent book for fans of historical fiction (this is MADE for the Ann Rinaldi girlies who grew up witchy).





+++ SPOILERS +++





TW:
Attempted SA
Graphic descriptions of dead bodies
Illness and death of a child

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. This was very very slow for me for the entire first half of the book. To be fair, I think this was my first historical fiction book so this was a little bit of an unusual shift for me. I kept pushing because I did like the authors writing style & the mix of history and fantasy. The second half of the book was more a 4 to me, I flew through it! For some reason I feel really drawn to wanting this to be a tv show/short series. I also did really enjoy the characters- Joya and Josiah.

*editing to a 4/5 because I keep thinking about this book!!!

[Jill Little Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sucked me in from the beginning. I enjoy historical fiction and the added element of magic was new and intriguing. This book had such an interesting storyline, it reminded me that I like reading books more than movies these days. In my imagination, this book was an amazing movie and one that would have kept you on the edge of your seat until the end. Strong but flawed heroine, the gruff but sweet leading man and love interest, the crotchety old man who guides and teaches the heroine, sweet supporting characters... oh and demons!! I'm interested to read more from this author.

[Kathy M. Kremske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the author’s writing style. The characters were interesting and made me want to read more. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and magical realism, so I really enjoyed the story. The only caveat is that it ends in cliffhangers and of that I’m not a fan. Would I read a sequel? I would, because I’ve enjoyed the book that much. Would I have read the story if I’d known it was a cliffhanger? No.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good witch book. Would like to see more of this messy main character. The setting was very cool. I’m just sad it’s only one book. I think less romance and more witch stuff would have made it even better - like Doyle seems kind of unimportant in the grand scheme of things. If this was a series I would be stoked for book 2. So much potential for more exploration of this world and the main character’s conflicts with the demon(s), the magisterium, the southern witches.

[Catherine Puma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers! Witches, demons, historical fiction, mystery, strong female protagonist, the American West, AND a hot Ranger to protect?! What more could you want?

As a reader, I feel so satisfied upon completing this. Stacie Murphy develops memorable characters, weaves engaging plot, creates an internally consistent magic system, and writes gripping action sequences. I loved the clever callbacks; no scene is wasted.

Murphy honors the authorial promises she makes, and the ending is fabulous. There is definitely series potential to be found in Joya Shaw, this setting, and its form of witchcraft. I would 100% pre-order every sequel; could not get enough of this.

Now, you'll have to excuse me--off to daydream about Ranger Doyle for 5,000 hours. I need to focus if my will is to succeed in unbinding him from these pages so I can keep him with me for always.

[Sullivle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch's Secret is an atmospheric, compulsive read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and all things witchy. The main character, Joya, is one of those characters that you will simultaneously be rooting for and shouting at for making terrible (but relatable!) decisions as she navigates being cast out of her community of witches, having her powers restricted, and finding herself in the middle of a demonic murder mystery. The supporting characters are equally compelling, from the grumpy magical mentor to her ranger love interest to the background characters that inhabit Denver. Stacie Murphy seamlessly weaves magic into her Civil War setting, and you'll find yourself unable to put the book down as it barrels toward its conclusion.

[Bri Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has SUCH an interesting and unique concept, and I really loved the first 1/3 of the book. However, the story doesn't live up to the potential of the concept, and it turns into a pretty formulaic and somewhat boring fantasy novel after the first 1/3. I really wanted to like it as I think there is a dearth of fantasy novels with ADULT female characters (I think she was only in her early 20s but not a teenager, so we'll take it) but alas, the story just wasn't very interesting.

[Candy Pravecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch’s Secret weaves a fascinating story around a historical event, blending the grit of the Civil War era with touches of magic and mystery. The main character is flawed yet strong, which makes her both believable and easy to root for. I loved how the author used history to ground a story that still feels imaginative and fresh. The pacing builds steadily, and by the second half I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to what adventure this author creates next!

[Stephanie Stradtman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a slight book slump made finishing this kind of hard but once I got to good stuff of demons, I couldn’t put it down.

Joya is a witch that is bound from her past issues. She comes to stay with her uncle and finds a world that is not as it seems.

The demons and Wild West combo was an interesting one. Didn’t expect it but also loved it at the same time.

The way it ended was so action packed and sweet, such a good book!

[Michael Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this historical novel set during the Civil War...but with witches! And east coast witches no less - out of their element in the U.S. frontier west.

Murphy always creates complex characters who are themselves imperfect and navigating treacherous waters. So well done!

Not sure she intends this to be a series like her previous books, but if it is, I'd be all in!

[Jennifer Blanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Stacie Murphy!

The Witch's Secret offers a page-turning tale with witches based in the old Wild West. Once again, Murphy brings complex characters to life, especially strong female leads. The story offered twists and turns all the way to the end. Definitely recommend!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much ❤️ that I read it in one sitting! Just couldn't put it down. Just . . . is there going to be a second book? There is nothing saying there will be another one, but it is definitely set up for another one. I need to know!!!

Trigger Warnings ⚠️ Attempted rape, murder, demon possession, child death

[Cale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It was such a unique setting and character with a witch in the Colorado territory. This story had a bit of everything for me - magic, history, and mystery. I loved following the protagonist in this story, and I found her story very rewarding. I strongly recommend, and I definitely would read any follow ups to this story!

[shereads_theworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches, demons, cowboys, found family, loss, triumph...this book truly has it all. It captivated me from start to finish, weaving together action, emotion, and unforgettable characters. The story gripped my attention and stirred my emotions in ways I didn’t expect. I couldn’t put it down and adored every moment of it. Absolutely an amazing five star read!

[Debra Saenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the throes of the Wild West during the Civil War conflict, The Witch’s Secret holds its own secret brew: believable characters, a captivating setting, and a plot with enough twists to upend any assumptions. I enjoyed the read.

[Elaine Stock]

I received Stacie Murphy's novel, The Witch's Secret, in a Giveaway and was thrilled. A historical setting--the Civil War era + the "Wild West" days--and the topic of witches combined made such a unique story that kept me hooked. I can't wait to see what's next for this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually enjoy historical fiction, but I read A Witch’s Secret for my book club and ended up loving it! Great mix of suspense, magic, and history. The characters felt real, and the story moved fast enough to keep me hooked. Definitely worth a read—even if this isn’t your usual genre.

[Kristin Burks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of boring in my opinion. *shrug*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an immersive setting, memorable characters, and a thrilling last half. I’m looking forward to watching these characters grow in the next installment!

[Danielle Jolene DeShazer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I loved the characters and I was sad that it ended. If the author feels like doing a sequel I would not complain. 😏

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! Really hope the author turns this into a series.

Triggers: child death, murder, demon possession, attempted rape

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Kaitlin Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! It had history, magic, and an amazing plot. It was difficult to put down!

[Heather Gadd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic read. The depth of characters, the attention to detail, the entire storyline. Bravo.