Start Here
If you’re new here, this is the World of Bad Magic—a series of historical urban fantasy novels set in the late 19th-century American West.
What are these books about?
This is a single-protagonist series. You stay with Mick as the world expands around her.
What Kind of Stories are these?
These are character driven fantasy books are about people who already know how the world works—and how badly it’s rigged. Magic doesn’t simplify anything; it makes old debts harder to ignore and broken systems more dangerous to cross.
If you like urban fantasy that’s voice-driven, consequence-heavy, and explores themes of identity, aging and consequences in a fantastical setting, then this series is the right fit.
Where to begin?
Start with Bad Magic and Whiskey.
It introduces Mick, post retirement, the rules she lives by, and the kind of trouble that follows her when she gets involved.
A Quick Note on What These Books Are Not
This series isn’t romance-forward or cozy, and they aren’t nostalgic about the past. They’re interested in characters who make poor choices, consequences, and the kind of magic that makes problems worse before it makes them better.
✘ Not a traditional Western
No cowboy cosplay, no gunslinger swagger for its own sake.
✘ Not Romance-Forward
Relationships matter, but this is not romantasy, or paranormal romance.
✘ Not a Procedural Mystery
There’s a central mystery, but this is not an investigative whodunit with forensic beats.
✘ Not Grimdark
Dark things happen, but the heart of the story is survival, consequences, and agency—not nihilism.
What Comes Next?
As the series continues, the world widens—moving into larger cities, deeper corruption, and higher stakes—while staying anchored in Mick’s voice.