Step into the whimsical world of the Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy series, where magic, mischief, and family antics collide in the enchanting town of Hemlock Cove! Crafted by the prolific Amanda M. Lee, this spellbinding series spins classic fairy tales into hilarious, witchy adventures led by the feisty Aunt Tillie and her great-nieces, Bay, Thistle, and Clove. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a fantastical twist, these books promise laughter, heart, and a touch of supernatural charm.
Unlike the main Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery series, the Fantasy spin-off dives into surreal, magical realms where the Winchester witches face warped fairy tales and dreamlike challenges. With a blend of sarcasm, snark, and sisterhood, this series is a delightful escape for readers craving lighthearted fun.
How Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy Began
Amanda M. Lee, a former newspaper reporter with a passion for science fiction and snarky humor, created the Wicked Witches of the Midwest universe to explore the quirky dynamics of a witchy family. The Fantasy series, launched in 2015 with Witchy Tales, was born from Lee’s desire to push the boundaries of her cozy mystery roots. Inspired by her love for reimagining classic stories, she crafted these standalone novels as playful, fantastical detours, letting Aunt Tillie’s chaotic energy shine in surreal settings.
Lee’s inspiration for Aunt Tillie—a fan-favorite character—stems from a blend of her great-aunt’s appearance and her great-grandmother’s unfiltered personality. This mix, combined with Lee’s knack for witty dialogue, gave the Fantasy series its unique flavor, setting it apart as a creative gem in her expansive bibliography.
The Heart of Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy
The Fantasy series spans six books, each a standalone adventure that tosses the Winchester witches into magical predicaments. Witchy Tales (2015) kicks things off, trapping the cousins in a fairy-tale book where they navigate twisted versions of classic stories, from Cinderella to Red Riding Hood, all while dodging Aunt Tillie’s mischievous spells. A Witch in Time (2016) explores time-bending chaos, with the witches bouncing through historical eras. All My Witches (2017) hilariously plops the family into a soap opera world, with Aunt Tillie as the star, while Close Encounters of the Witchy Kind (2018) wraps the series with an extraterrestrial twist.
Themes of family loyalty, self-discovery, and embracing one’s flaws weave through the series, grounded by Hemlock Cove’s cozy, paranormal vibe. Lee’s first-person narrative, often from Bay’s perspective, brims with sarcasm and warmth, making the witches feel like old friends. The setting—a rebranded tourist town hiding the Winchester’s magical secrets—adds a layer of charm, blending small-town quirkiness with supernatural stakes.
The series’ style leans heavily on humor, with Aunt Tillie’s outrageous antics (think hexes and pot-growing) stealing the show. Fans love the balance of lighthearted fantasy and emotional depth, as the witches confront their insecurities while battling magical mayhem. It’s a recipe for addictive, feel-good reading.
Why Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy Resonates
The Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy series has carved a niche in the cozy fantasy genre, delighting readers with its blend of humor and heart. Fans on Goodreads praise Lee’s imaginative storytelling, with reviews highlighting the laugh-out-loud moments and Aunt Tillie’s unforgettable personality. The series’ ability to reimagine fairy tales and soap operas through a witchy lens keeps it fresh, while its focus on family dynamics resonates universally.
Though not as widely known as Lee’s main mystery series, the Fantasy books have a loyal following, thanks to their escapist charm and re-readability. They offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, making them a hidden treasure for fans of magical, character-driven stories.
- First book published: 2015
- Number of books: 6
- Main setting: Hemlock Cove, Michigan
- Key themes: Family, humor, self-discovery
Ready to get witchy? Grab Witchy Tales and dive into the Wicked Witches of the Midwest Fantasy series for a magical, laugh-filled adventure!