Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts Series by Amanda M. Lee

Being the youngest Winchester witch is … tough. For Clove Winchester, that has never more apparent than now. Sure, she’s got a new romance brewing with Sam Cornell – but her cousins Bay and Thistle are fighting her every step of the way on that front. When her father approaches her with an opportunity to serve as an in-house psychic for the opening of his new inn, Clove jumps at the chance... moreBeing the youngest Winchester witch is … tough. For Clove Winchester, that has never more apparent than now. Sure, she’s got a new romance brewing with Sam Cornell – but her cousins Bay and Thistle are fighting her every step of the way on that front. When her father approaches her with an opportunity to serve as an in-house psychic for the opening of his new inn, Clove jumps at the chance. It will be an opportunity for her and Sam to spend some much-needed time alone – and have some fun in the process. Of course, since she’s a Winchester witch, nothing goes as planned. When Thistle and Bay – and their respective boyfriends – show up for the weekend festivities, and the opening activities are interrupted by an avenging ghost, the new inn is in a precarious position. That’s on top of Aunt Tillie’s efforts to undermine the soft launch – and she’s feeling particularly vindictive. Can Clove and her cousins save the Dragonfly Inn? Or is Clove in for a mountain of misery? less

Thistle Winchester is at her witchy wit’s end. Great-Aunt Tillie is selling wine at the curb of The Overlook – like it’s a lemonade stand – and her mother and aunts are about to burn someone at the stake. Unfortunately, it’s up to her and cousin Bay to put out the fire. When the two cousins take a stand, they’re interrupted by the arrival of an injured and dazed little girl. She won’t speak, and she appears to have undergone some sort of trauma... moreThistle Winchester is at her witchy wit’s end. Great-Aunt Tillie is selling wine at the curb of The Overlook – like it’s a lemonade stand – and her mother and aunts are about to burn someone at the stake. Unfortunately, it’s up to her and cousin Bay to put out the fire. When the two cousins take a stand, they’re interrupted by the arrival of an injured and dazed little girl. She won’t speak, and she appears to have undergone some sort of trauma. Thistle steps up to the plate – mostly because the child seems to have latched herself onto the grumpy witch – and the Winchesters launch an all-out investigation into who she is, and where she came from. As things start to unfold, Thistle’s heart is at risk. This newest guest at The Overlook has a troubled past, and she’s especially vulnerable, which makes Thistle especially vulnerable. It doesn’t help that that Aunt Tillie has taken a special interest in the child she deems “Basil,” or that Landon wants to arrest Aunt Tillie for her secondary wine business. Can the Winchesters save the day? Thistle is determined to do just that. She just might need a little help from her family. Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 20,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading. less

FBI Agent Landon Michaels is looking forward to a weekend of fun and ease with his witchy love, Bay Winchester. Unfortunately for him, relaxation isn’t in the cards. When his boss hands him a cold case from Hemlock Cove before he leaves for an extended weekend, Landon is annoyed. When Thistle Winchester gets a vision from the file, bother turns to intrigue... moreFBI Agent Landon Michaels is looking forward to a weekend of fun and ease with his witchy love, Bay Winchester. Unfortunately for him, relaxation isn’t in the cards. When his boss hands him a cold case from Hemlock Cove before he leaves for an extended weekend, Landon is annoyed. When Thistle Winchester gets a vision from the file, bother turns to intrigue. If Landon can solve a twenty-year-old disappearance he’ll be lauded in his office as more than the guy who is dating the woman who constantly finds trouble. Of course, it’s that woman and her feisty family who can help him. Between ghosts, fights, deep conversations with Marcus, and constant annoyances, Landon has his hands full. And that’s on top of Aunt Tillie’s new business venture – which she’s desperately trying to keep under wraps. Landon needs Bay to solve a mystery, and her family is along for the ride. Danger might not be prevalent this weekend, but survival is – and old ghosts need to be put to rest. Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is approximately 25,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading. less

It’s the summer of 2002, and Winnie Winchester is a normal mother. She has the same highs, the same lows, and the same fears as any other mother of a fourteen-year-old girl. Of course, since she’s a witch – and her daughter can talk to ghosts – those fears are amplified to an unnatural degree. When camp counselor Donna Wilder goes missing, Winnie volunteers her services (and those of her sisters and persnickety aunt) so the Winchester witches can take over the extended weekend camp... moreIt’s the summer of 2002, and Winnie Winchester is a normal mother. She has the same highs, the same lows, and the same fears as any other mother of a fourteen-year-old girl. Of course, since she’s a witch – and her daughter can talk to ghosts – those fears are amplified to an unnatural degree. When camp counselor Donna Wilder goes missing, Winnie volunteers her services (and those of her sisters and persnickety aunt) so the Winchester witches can take over the extended weekend camp. Local police detective Terry Davenport is running the boys’ camp across the lake, and everyone is looking forward to a weekend of fun and frolicking. It’s all going as planned until Bay Winchester does what she always does and sees a ghost. Like a stack of dominoes, things start falling and normal childhood hijinks turn into days of torture for Bay and her cousins, Clove and Thistle. That’s on top of a visit from second-cousin Rosemary, who has the personality (and warmth) of a snake. The girl immediately aligns herself with Bay’s sworn enemy, which means things are going to be bad before they get even worse. Bay is on a mission to help the ghost cross over, and it’s up to her mother and family to make sure she doesn’t get hurt in the process. Note: This is a short novella set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set back in time so you can't read it out of order. It is approximately 25,000 words, and will not take the place of regular installments in the series. It’s just a short snapshot so you can get to know some of the other characters in Hemlock Cove. Thank you for reading. less

It’s the winter of 1995, and the Winchester household is more doom and gloom than mistletoe and merriment. Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year... moreIt’s the winter of 1995, and the Winchester household is more doom and gloom than mistletoe and merriment. Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year. Between the lack of snow, which the girls firmly believe brings magic, and Hemlock Cove’s local Santa Claus going missing, things continue to go wrong instead of right. Christmas has never been Aunt Tillie’s favorite time of year. She thinks the only thing snow is good for is plowing, and the only reason she likes Santa Claus is because he brings her presents. All of that changes when she’s forced to spend time with three miserable little girls – and the pall they’re casting over the entire town. Instead of letting them wallow, Aunt Tillie decides to take them on an adventure. They’re going to find Santa. They’re going to make it snow. Oh, and Aunt Tillie is going to get what she wants for Christmas – even if her nieces keep saying no. It’s Aunt Tillie to the rescue, and she’s bound and determined her family is going to have a happy holiday – even if she has to make everyone miserable during the process. less

The Winchester witches are all about love and family – and, well, snark and sarcasm – and no one knows that better than the family members themselves, plus the people who love them. Follow Clove, Thistle, Landon, Winnie and Aunt Tillie as they share their lives – and innermost thoughts – through a series of short novellas that take you from the present, to the past, and then back again. Included in this 125,000-word compilation are:. • Careful What You Witch For. • Wicked Brew... moreThe Winchester witches are all about love and family – and, well, snark and sarcasm – and no one knows that better than the family members themselves, plus the people who love them. Follow Clove, Thistle, Landon, Winnie and Aunt Tillie as they share their lives – and innermost thoughts – through a series of short novellas that take you from the present, to the past, and then back again. Included in this 125,000-word compilation are:. • Careful What You Witch For. • Wicked Brew. • On a Witch and a Prayer. • You Only Witch Once. • The Christmas Witch. Enjoy your time in Hemlock Cove, because you’ll never be the same again. less

Did you ever wonder how Sam Cornell and Clove Winchester hooked up? Here’s your chance to find out. Travel back in time (a few months, anyway) and witness the weird magic of the Winchester world from Sam’s perspective as he works on refurbishing the Dandridge lighthouse – and fights his feelings for a certain witchy wonder. Sam and Clove have chemistry, but suspicion is working against them. He isn’t sure her family isn’t out to get him, and she can’t be sure of what his true intentions are... moreDid you ever wonder how Sam Cornell and Clove Winchester hooked up? Here’s your chance to find out. Travel back in time (a few months, anyway) and witness the weird magic of the Winchester world from Sam’s perspective as he works on refurbishing the Dandridge lighthouse – and fights his feelings for a certain witchy wonder. Sam and Clove have chemistry, but suspicion is working against them. He isn’t sure her family isn’t out to get him, and she can’t be sure of what his true intentions are. When you couple that with a group of teenagers wreaking havoc in the woods by the Dandridge, you have typical Winchester zaniness – in an entirely new setting. We all know Sam is a good guy, but watching him prove that to Clove will be a completely new type of adventure. Note: This is a 25,000-word short mystery set in The Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. less

It’s the summer of 2005, and Marnie Winchester is in charge. That’s right, her sister Winnie is out of town for a week and Marnie is officially the boss. It’s everything she’s always wanted. Kind of. If her teenaged daughter and her two cousins weren’t getting into the wine … and if her sister wasn’t belting out show tunes at the drop of a hat … and if her aunt Tillie wasn’t threatening curses at every turn … things would be perfect... moreIt’s the summer of 2005, and Marnie Winchester is in charge. That’s right, her sister Winnie is out of town for a week and Marnie is officially the boss. It’s everything she’s always wanted. Kind of. If her teenaged daughter and her two cousins weren’t getting into the wine … and if her sister wasn’t belting out show tunes at the drop of a hat … and if her aunt Tillie wasn’t threatening curses at every turn … things would be perfect. That’s a lot of “ifs,” isn’t it? Marnie is planning the Winchester family’s annual solstice celebration – and it’s a lot of work – but the real work comes when niece Bay sees a ghost and Aunt Tillie declares war on her meddlesome great-nieces. Marnie has to find a way to keep the solstice celebration on track – and no one is up to the task of helping. The curses are flying fast and furious, and Marnie is running out of time to help a forgetful ghost move on, find her missing magic supplies and prove she should’ve been the boss all along. Note: This is a 27,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. less

Marcus Richmond might be the quiet one in the Winchester witches’ world, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. Between renovations at his stable – and plans for a bright future with a certain feisty witch – Marcus has his hands full. Things get even more hectic when local FBI Agent Landon Michaels discovers blood in Marcus’ loft and a series of strange occurrences and thefts plague Hemlock Cove... moreMarcus Richmond might be the quiet one in the Winchester witches’ world, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. Between renovations at his stable – and plans for a bright future with a certain feisty witch – Marcus has his hands full. Things get even more hectic when local FBI Agent Landon Michaels discovers blood in Marcus’ loft and a series of strange occurrences and thefts plague Hemlock Cove. It’s a holiday weekend and the weather – and tempers – are running hot as tourists descend on the popular vacation haven to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. All Marcus has to do to be a part of it is figure out what’s going on… oh, and keep Aunt Tillie out of trouble when she decides someone is stealing from her special field. Marcus knows what he wants and he’s determined to get it. He just needs to solve a mystery and make sure Aunt Tillie doesn’t take matters into her own hands when no one is looking. This is a short story set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set between Charms & Witchdemeanors and The Trouble With Witches. less

Terry Davenport is new to the job as Walkerville’s chief of police, but he takes his position seriously – even though very few things of note happen in the small hamlet. Walkerville may be boring, but Terry’s personal life is anything but. When termites infest his house, Terry has no choice but to check into a local inn while his home is being tented... moreTerry Davenport is new to the job as Walkerville’s chief of police, but he takes his position seriously – even though very few things of note happen in the small hamlet. Walkerville may be boring, but Terry’s personal life is anything but. When termites infest his house, Terry has no choice but to check into a local inn while his home is being tented. He chooses the Winchesters’ bed and breakfast, of course, and he’s hoping for good food and a modicum of entertainment from the young girls he loves so much. Instead of relaxation, though, Terry finds himself in the thick of things when teenagers Bay, Clove and Thistle inform him that they’re sure some of the new guests at the inn are up to something nefarious. Terry thinks they’re jumping to the wrong conclusion, but he finds their endeavors to suss out the truth entertaining – even as Tillie Winchester eggs them on and makes things worse. Unfortunately for Terry, it looks as if two scam artists are making their way to Walkerville and – surprise, surprise – the girls might be right after all. It’s up to Terry to find out the truth… and keep the people he cares about safe. This is a short story set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It’s set back in time so it can be read at any point in the timeline. less

It’s a Christmas from the past but the usual players aren’t all that different. Tillie Winchester is annoyed with the world – what else is new, right? – and she’s fraying under the pressure. Her nieces believe she’s a bad influence on the youngest Winchester generation – especially an acerbic Thistle – and they want her to set a good example... moreIt’s a Christmas from the past but the usual players aren’t all that different. Tillie Winchester is annoyed with the world – what else is new, right? – and she’s fraying under the pressure. Her nieces believe she’s a bad influence on the youngest Winchester generation – especially an acerbic Thistle – and they want her to set a good example. That’s not easy when she’s fighting with her arch nemesis and trying to convince Bay, Clove and Thistle they didn’t really discover a dead body at the annual tree-lighting ceremony. Between a baking contest she’s determined to win, Thistle’s deteriorating attitude, Clove’s penchant for crying whenever the mood strikes and Chief Terry’s suspicious nature as the fearsome foursome investigate a possible crime, Aunt Tillie has her hands full. It’s Christmas, though, the most magical time of the year, and Tillie is determined to solve every problem – er, maybe make a few worse for Margaret Little if the opportunity arises – and deliver a happy yuletide extravaganza for her family. Buckle up and put on your combat helmet, because Tillie plans on plowing her way to happiness… and she doesn’t care who gets in her path along the way. less

Clove Winchester is feeling lucky at life, and that’s before a mysterious stranger drops into her magic store and gifts her with a special coin. Suddenly things can’t go wrong for Clove, and she’s the center of attention in the Winchesters’ world – especially because Aunt Tillie wants that coin. When a near-death experience rocks Clove and her boyfriend Sam, Clove takes a closer look at the coin and realizes there’s a lot she can do with her new luck streak... moreClove Winchester is feeling lucky at life, and that’s before a mysterious stranger drops into her magic store and gifts her with a special coin. Suddenly things can’t go wrong for Clove, and she’s the center of attention in the Winchesters’ world – especially because Aunt Tillie wants that coin. When a near-death experience rocks Clove and her boyfriend Sam, Clove takes a closer look at the coin and realizes there’s a lot she can do with her new luck streak. Unfortunately for Aunt Tillie, Clove is determined to keep the benefits to herself. When a brazen armed robber hits Hemlock Cove and goes after Bay, all of the Winchester witches band together to solve the crime and save the day. Of course, they may need a little luck to do it. Note: This is a 28,000-word short in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set after The Trouble With Witches in the timeline. less

Thistle Winchester never thought of herself as responsible, but when Overlook helper Belinda gets a chance to go to a special conference and learn about opening her own business, Thistle volunteers to watch Belinda’s daughter Annie. Thistle was the queen of rotten children so she thinks Annie will be easy. How hard can one child be to handle, after all? That feeling only lasts until Annie disappears into the frigid woods surrounding Hemlock Cove... moreThistle Winchester never thought of herself as responsible, but when Overlook helper Belinda gets a chance to go to a special conference and learn about opening her own business, Thistle volunteers to watch Belinda’s daughter Annie. Thistle was the queen of rotten children so she thinks Annie will be easy. How hard can one child be to handle, after all? That feeling only lasts until Annie disappears into the frigid woods surrounding Hemlock Cove. Thistle is at a loss and desperate to find her, so she calls for reinforcements. After that it’s a mad race, with everyone who loves Annie tearing apart the town to find her. Answers are never easy, and when clues start rolling in Thistle and Aunt Tillie are left to piece together a puzzle that is years in the making and could have dire consequences. It’s all hands on deck for another Winchester adventure. When the end comes, Thistle finds her belief system shaken to its very core … something she will gladly overcome to get Annie back. Note: This is a 28,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It is set between The Trouble With Witches and Murder Most Witchy. less

Landon Michaels is one busy FBI agent. In addition to a special law enforcement gathering where he has an authoritarian presence, he’s in the midst of moving in with his girlfriend, Bay Winchester. It just so happens that the gathering – a conference where local police officers and agents can learn about new technology – is being hosted in his soon-to-be hometown of Hemlock Cove. In fact, multiple law enforcement representatives will be staying at the inn Bay’s mother and aunts run... moreLandon Michaels is one busy FBI agent. In addition to a special law enforcement gathering where he has an authoritarian presence, he’s in the midst of moving in with his girlfriend, Bay Winchester. It just so happens that the gathering – a conference where local police officers and agents can learn about new technology – is being hosted in his soon-to-be hometown of Hemlock Cove. In fact, multiple law enforcement representatives will be staying at the inn Bay’s mother and aunts run. It’s a weekend that promises a little bit of everything, including work and fun. Landon is looking forward to the event but nerves are eating at him and things only get worse when Aunt Tillie realizes that ‘The Man’ (in the form of multiple bossy figures) is going to be watching her every move for the duration of the weekend … and she’s not happy. Landon is happy to spend time with Bay – even introducing her to a bevy of colleagues – but things shift a bit when a local woman goes missing and Bay becomes obsessed with finding her. Since she’s a witch and magic – and occasionally mayhem – follows Bay wherever she goes, Landon has his hands full putting on a good show for his co-workers and helping Bay stay out of trouble. Landon is determined to prove that he can have it all, a magical girlfriend and her wacky family included. To get what he wants, though, he has to make it through a tough weekend … oh, and solve a crime on the side. Note: This is a 28,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world. It falls after Make a Witch in the timeline. less

Twila Winchester isn’t used to being in charge but that’s exactly where she finds herself when her sisters leave town for a business convention. Twila thinks everything is going to be fun and games even though she has one daughter, two nieces and one mischievous aunt to contend with. She’s focused on cooking and having a good time … until a roving troupe of renaissance performers make camp on the Winchester property and trouble starts brewing... moreTwila Winchester isn’t used to being in charge but that’s exactly where she finds herself when her sisters leave town for a business convention. Twila thinks everything is going to be fun and games even though she has one daughter, two nieces and one mischievous aunt to contend with. She’s focused on cooking and having a good time … until a roving troupe of renaissance performers make camp on the Winchester property and trouble starts brewing. When the head of the group starts making predictions – and unfortunately gets left behind – Twila has her hands full. It seems Aunt Tillie doesn’t trust the new guest and she’s determined to turn the three younger Winchesters into investigative dynamos. Twila is working on a limited timetable. She must solve a mystery involving some missing items, open her home to a stranger and crack down on Aunt Tillie’s “lying” classes as her aunt attempts to teach Bay, Clove and Thistle how to manipulate everyone in their paths. Oh, and she has to do it all before Marnie and Winnie return to town. No pressure, though. less

Fourteen years ago, Christmas hit Walkerville with a bang. Or, rather, a big ball of fire. When a local group home for orphaned children goes up in smoke right before the holidays, Tillie Winchester volunteers her family to take in some kids – even though her arch nemesis Margaret Little is dead-set against it. Of course, that’s part of the appeal for Tillie so she’s considering it a win. Three boys – all of them with a little attitude – have no idea what to expect from the Winchester household... moreFourteen years ago, Christmas hit Walkerville with a bang. Or, rather, a big ball of fire. When a local group home for orphaned children goes up in smoke right before the holidays, Tillie Winchester volunteers her family to take in some kids – even though her arch nemesis Margaret Little is dead-set against it. Of course, that’s part of the appeal for Tillie so she’s considering it a win. Three boys – all of them with a little attitude – have no idea what to expect from the Winchester household. No matter what, Tillie is sure they’re about to get more than they bargained for. In short order, they’re welcomed into the family at the same time the town is on edge due to a second fire. Tillie is determined to prove the boys are innocent while also finding them a forever home… even if she has to take on a local judge and declare all out war to do it. So, hang your stockings by the fire and sit back for another Christmas with the Winchesters. You’ll never be the same again. less