What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #12
Thistle While You Work
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.
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.
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.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
591 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
305 books2,907 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 12, 2017
Not fun as expected
When I was reading, I felt that the voice of thistle was all wrong. I like this series because it's fun. But this time, it missed its mark.
When I was reading, I felt that the voice of thistle was all wrong. I like this series because it's fun. But this time, it missed its mark.
July 22, 2017
Thistle While You Work: Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short
Best read in chronological order.
In A Nutshell: An enjoyable story of family, love, and community wrapped up in magic and delivered by witches. I particularly enjoyed this short story. It is well written and wholesome. The usual diet of silliness and discourtesy that passes for humour in the series was happily lacking.
The Wicked Witches shorts are an opportunity to see the Winchester family from different perspectives. In this novella, it's through Thistle's eyes. It seems she is not as prickly as her name.
However, as ever it is Aunt Tillie who steals the show. The cantankerous old witch is the reason I read the series. Aunt Tillies's personality once again her proves a conundrum for her great nieces and their beaus. But I know Aunt Tillies plays the meany because at 80 what else is there to do.
A pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Connect with me on Twitter
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* a great read. A prominent example of the genre.
Best read in chronological order.
In A Nutshell: An enjoyable story of family, love, and community wrapped up in magic and delivered by witches. I particularly enjoyed this short story. It is well written and wholesome. The usual diet of silliness and discourtesy that passes for humour in the series was happily lacking.
The Wicked Witches shorts are an opportunity to see the Winchester family from different perspectives. In this novella, it's through Thistle's eyes. It seems she is not as prickly as her name.
However, as ever it is Aunt Tillie who steals the show. The cantankerous old witch is the reason I read the series. Aunt Tillies's personality once again her proves a conundrum for her great nieces and their beaus. But I know Aunt Tillies plays the meany because at 80 what else is there to do.
A pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Connect with me on Twitter
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* a great read. A prominent example of the genre.
June 28, 2019
Obviously this one is centered on Thistle, a witch who can be as snarky as the next. Nine-year-old Annie (who has the ability to see ghosts and loves Aunt Tille )is staying at the inn (this is part of another series) and Thistle is responsible for watching her for the moment.
Then the worst thing happens and Annie disappears, sending Thistle into self-recrimination and setting the entire family out on a search for her. The local police Chief Terry becomes involved and Landon, FBI and Bay's boyfriend, becomes involved. Family first with the Winchesters and Annie is considered family as much as anyone born into the group.
So, when they find the person responsible they have to make a decision. Do they come down hard on the person (and with some of the most powerful witches around that would be very, very hard indeed) or do they look at the entire picture of what happened and why.
It's a good story. The Winchesters represent in all these books a very good respect for family and for helping each other (and, at times, for arguing with each other, threatening each other to eat dirt or, even worse, having Aunt Tillie cast a curse on them) but threaten the family and they all come together like one solid group.
Then the worst thing happens and Annie disappears, sending Thistle into self-recrimination and setting the entire family out on a search for her. The local police Chief Terry becomes involved and Landon, FBI and Bay's boyfriend, becomes involved. Family first with the Winchesters and Annie is considered family as much as anyone born into the group.
So, when they find the person responsible they have to make a decision. Do they come down hard on the person (and with some of the most powerful witches around that would be very, very hard indeed) or do they look at the entire picture of what happened and why.
It's a good story. The Winchesters represent in all these books a very good respect for family and for helping each other (and, at times, for arguing with each other, threatening each other to eat dirt or, even worse, having Aunt Tillie cast a curse on them) but threaten the family and they all come together like one solid group.
May 16, 2022
Witchy Babysitter
Thistle and Clove are watching Annie while her mom is attending a class. It's just another day at the shop, when a bored Annie decides to play hide and seek. Thistle and Clove are distracted when Mrs. Little comes in to try to talk them into signing a petition to start a DDA.
Annie takes that opportunity to slip out the back door, and promptly disappears.
The search is on, and everyone quickly gets involved.
The feisty nine year old is gone!
Thistle is beside herself with worry and guilt.
And then, Aunt Tillie steps in.
The wickedest witch in the West is on the hunt, and if someone took Annie, or hurt her...
Well, they better start running!
I somehow missed this WWOTW short when it first came out in 2017. It was a real treat to read one that was new to me, and answered a couple of things I wondered about.
These books check all the boxes for what I look for in a good story.
I highly recommend this series! Be sure to read them in order.
Thistle and Clove are watching Annie while her mom is attending a class. It's just another day at the shop, when a bored Annie decides to play hide and seek. Thistle and Clove are distracted when Mrs. Little comes in to try to talk them into signing a petition to start a DDA.
Annie takes that opportunity to slip out the back door, and promptly disappears.
The search is on, and everyone quickly gets involved.
The feisty nine year old is gone!
Thistle is beside herself with worry and guilt.
And then, Aunt Tillie steps in.
The wickedest witch in the West is on the hunt, and if someone took Annie, or hurt her...
Well, they better start running!
I somehow missed this WWOTW short when it first came out in 2017. It was a real treat to read one that was new to me, and answered a couple of things I wondered about.
These books check all the boxes for what I look for in a good story.
I highly recommend this series! Be sure to read them in order.
June 8, 2017
Young Annie goes missing under Thistle's watch and it's all hands on deck for the search. Annie is found, but traumatized by something in the woods where she was taken. It's up to the Winchester witches to root out the evil that lurks in the woods. However, the evil turns out to be just a woman with a sad story and I enjoyed reading how everyone pitched in to help her.
February 23, 2019
It's all about Annie...
Thistle shows a softer side in this story. She 'babysits & looses' Annie which sets off a chain of emotions... Of course Aunt Tillie gets involved & is furious for many reasons... Unsurprising all's well that ends well but you have to read it to believe it...
Thistle shows a softer side in this story. She 'babysits & looses' Annie which sets off a chain of emotions... Of course Aunt Tillie gets involved & is furious for many reasons... Unsurprising all's well that ends well but you have to read it to believe it...
June 15, 2023
Kvetches all around
Another cute short however it was more like a 3.5 than a 4. It ended on a cliffhanger which this author doesn't really do and alot of proofreading errors.
There was more suspense in this story which I liked I just wish we got a follow through at the end when all the action was happening.
We got to know a little bit more about Thistle finally.
Decent read
Another cute short however it was more like a 3.5 than a 4. It ended on a cliffhanger which this author doesn't really do and alot of proofreading errors.
There was more suspense in this story which I liked I just wish we got a follow through at the end when all the action was happening.
We got to know a little bit more about Thistle finally.
Decent read
December 27, 2023
enough with the bacon
I am so over the bacon. They mentioned it at least two times a book but I swear this book it was more like 50 times. We know Landon likes bacon; get over it already. Annie goes missing in this block, and for some reason it doesn’t occur to anyone to use a locator spell until she’s been gone for quite some time.
I am so over the bacon. They mentioned it at least two times a book but I swear this book it was more like 50 times. We know Landon likes bacon; get over it already. Annie goes missing in this block, and for some reason it doesn’t occur to anyone to use a locator spell until she’s been gone for quite some time.
May 7, 2017
What , no murder?
I loved this book showing a softer side of Thistle. Aunt Tillie as always cracked me up . Please keep Annie's character in the series . She's going to be a handful. The departure from the normal murder mystery to the human interest story was refreshing.
I loved this book showing a softer side of Thistle. Aunt Tillie as always cracked me up . Please keep Annie's character in the series . She's going to be a handful. The departure from the normal murder mystery to the human interest story was refreshing.
May 20, 2017
A feel good read
The Wicked Witches books have all been a joy to read and this short is no different. The characters are interesting and evolving. Hope there will be many more stories.
The Wicked Witches books have all been a joy to read and this short is no different. The characters are interesting and evolving. Hope there will be many more stories.
August 10, 2017
Thistle and Aunt Tilllie are at it again
Thistle is babysitting Annie while Belinda is away and things get bad when Annie comes up missing. Thistle enlist the help of the clan to find Annie.
Thistle is babysitting Annie while Belinda is away and things get bad when Annie comes up missing. Thistle enlist the help of the clan to find Annie.
September 10, 2017
Momma bear
Never really pictured Thistle the motherly type until now... I have always sensed she has a caring side, but not the nurturing side. Love how the Winchesters came together as always. Now off to the next Winchester "short" adventure
Never really pictured Thistle the motherly type until now... I have always sensed she has a caring side, but not the nurturing side. Love how the Winchesters came together as always. Now off to the next Winchester "short" adventure
May 13, 2018
Good Read
I just love this cooky Crazy Family! This is a look into a subject that is still so misunderstood and feared, Mental Illness. Thistle being the lead in this story is so fitting. A bad situation and a happy ending, with a few laughs in between.
I just love this cooky Crazy Family! This is a look into a subject that is still so misunderstood and feared, Mental Illness. Thistle being the lead in this story is so fitting. A bad situation and a happy ending, with a few laughs in between.
September 28, 2018
I enjoyed this short story
Annabel M.Lee did it again.I managed to read this story between the right two books., "The Trouble With Witches" and " Murder Most Witchy". I recommend the whole group of "A Wicked Witches of the Midwest" books .
Annabel M.Lee did it again.I managed to read this story between the right two books., "The Trouble With Witches" and " Murder Most Witchy". I recommend the whole group of "A Wicked Witches of the Midwest" books .
September 8, 2019
Annie wanders off from the store and leaves everyone looking for her. I found that part of the story entertaining. I wish we knew more information about the new character. Granted this was a short story but it felt like she was thrown in last minute.
April 3, 2020
Always a fun read with this series
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
September 1, 2020
Good read
You know short stories make a good variety in the diet of an addicted bibliophile (book reader), because we all have to sleep sometimes, and this series is just too enjoyable to put down lol. Enjoy 👍💜🔮
You know short stories make a good variety in the diet of an addicted bibliophile (book reader), because we all have to sleep sometimes, and this series is just too enjoyable to put down lol. Enjoy 👍💜🔮
November 29, 2020
Oh, I really liked this book from Thistle's perspective. Annie is such an integral part of the family now, that I found this story very touching. Aunt Tillie never ceases to amaze me. So very heartwarming...
December 10, 2020
Fun.
This book was completely enjoyable. It was nice to see what the characters were like from someone else's point of view. I look forward to reading more of these shorts.This book is definitely worth reading.
This book was completely enjoyable. It was nice to see what the characters were like from someone else's point of view. I look forward to reading more of these shorts.This book is definitely worth reading.
May 8, 2017
Another Witchy Hit From This Author
I so love this series. It's a wonderful haven, the characters are well developed, the humor fun and easy and best of all, Ms Lee invites the reader to believe that just a nudge of bright magic will be there to save us from ourselves.
I so love this series. It's a wonderful haven, the characters are well developed, the humor fun and easy and best of all, Ms Lee invites the reader to believe that just a nudge of bright magic will be there to save us from ourselves.
May 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book...
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Everything is good at the Overlook Inn.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Everything is good at the Overlook Inn.
June 13, 2017
Not bad, but definitely not a favorite.
July 6, 2017
Guilty
Short story about guilt, happenstance, and self forgiveness. Better if read in order with the series or else it is a spoiler.
Short story about guilt, happenstance, and self forgiveness. Better if read in order with the series or else it is a spoiler.
July 19, 2017
Good
Good reading. I love how the books are written in first person by one of the characters in the books. It makes it easier to get to know and love them all
Good reading. I love how the books are written in first person by one of the characters in the books. It makes it easier to get to know and love them all
July 22, 2017
Love this Author
Any book written by Amanda Lee is entertaining. Everyone I have told to read her books praise her. This series is hilarious.
Any book written by Amanda Lee is entertaining. Everyone I have told to read her books praise her. This series is hilarious.
August 24, 2017
Cute
Aunt Tillie is always full of surprises when it comes to her family. Annie is family. When Annie goes missing, it's all hands on deck.
Aunt Tillie is always full of surprises when it comes to her family. Annie is family. When Annie goes missing, it's all hands on deck.
February 18, 2018
Good story. I like reading Thistle's POV.
July 7, 2018
Funny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
VIEWPOINT!!!
It touched on many serious issues without being preaching. You have to love Aunt Tillie as the badass with a heart of gold.
It touched on many serious issues without being preaching. You have to love Aunt Tillie as the badass with a heart of gold.
January 13, 2019
Lost
My opinion of Thistle has changed...She does have a heart.
Annie is so cute and fiesty. This was a pretty heart wrenching story.
Loved the ending!
My opinion of Thistle has changed...She does have a heart.
Annie is so cute and fiesty. This was a pretty heart wrenching story.
Loved the ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews