Trace of Evil is the first book in the series about Detective Natalie Lockhart, a young police detective in Burning Lake NY. Burning Lake is a fictional town loosely based on witch trial towns like Salem, with an old history of accusation and persecution of witches. Like Salem, the town has turned this dark history to its advantage by becoming a tourist haven for those fascinated by witchcraft.

In this first novel of the series, Natalie investigates the violent bludgeoning murder of Daisy Buckner, a popular high school teacher and friend of her older sister Grace. Natalie finds that many unpleasant things can be uncovered in the course of a murder investigation, and some of them can come uncomfortably close to home in a small town surrounded by your friends and family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish! Alice Blanchard is skilled at creating a strong sense of place and atmosphere - I can picture the neighborhoods of Burning Lake, hear the sounds and immerse myself in this witchy, secretive town. I am looking forward to jumping into the next book in the series.