Wicked Witches of the Midwest

Bay Winchester is newly married and happy. Things have been quiet since she returned from her honeymoon, which means trouble is just around the corner. When it comes, it takes the form of a despondent man on a bridge. Despite her best efforts, Bay and the hostage negotiator can’t save him, and death is swift. That should’ve been the end of it, but a weird symbol on the dead man’s hand piques Bay’s interest, and when the negotiator turns up sick with the same symptoms, she knows that they have a problem on their hands.

Haunted Traditions has made a name for itself as the premiere reality television show catering to paranormal enthusiasts. Of course Hemlock Cove pops up on their radar. What they want most of all is an interview with Bay, the local newspaper owner and expert on all things Hemlock Cove, and a shot of magic happening in real time wouldn’t hurt either. The woman in question is not having it. When a body drops in an alley, it’s bad enough that the production crew is on site.

The Happy Holidays Players—a renowned acting troupe—is coming to town, and Hemlock Cove is bursting with excited residents who want parts in the winter festival. That includes the three Winchester matriarchs, who are vying with one another for top billing.

Chestnuts are roasting. Jingle bells are rocking. The halls are about to be decked. In other words, Christmas is about to hit Hemlock Cove. Hard. There’s just one little problem…or maybe two. Okay, there are three big problems plaguing Bay Winchester, before she can enjoy the holidays. The first is that the warden, who lost his job thanks to a prison break weeks before, is determined to stalk Bay until she magically fixes his life. He keeps showing up in the oddest of places and making the sort of demands she can’t fulfill.

Christmas is in the past and the new year is shining bright for Bay Winchester—right up until a local inn catches fire, and she realizes that something more than snow is afoot in Hemlock Cove.