TWL 911: Amity in Bloom, by Jessica McHugh

Today's story is by the amazing Jessica McHugh, and is part of Nightscape Press's 2018 Ashes & Entropy anthology. This tale also made Ellen Datlow's recommended list of Best Horror of 2019.

Miss Jennie Creagh's brothel on Amity Street comes highly recommended by The Gentleman's Directory, and her freak show in the little house across the road ain't bad either. But after sixteen years, Polly's ready to graduate to the big house, where Miss Jennie's girls want for nothing, and she'll never again have to hear the haunting song of the devil-girl living in the cellar.

But the Madam of Amity is abloom with secrets, and Polly soon discovers just how deep those roots go.

Author: Jessica McHugh

Told by: Denise Michelle Johnson

Custom Score and vocal edit/mix:: Nico Vettese

Voice of the Librarian: Nelson W. Pyles | Artwork: Alex J. Murd | Host / Producer / Showrunner: Daniel Foytik | Executive Producers: Cynthia Lowman, Nelson W. Pyles, Nico Vettese

The Wicked Library will be appearing Live at the Artober Gwinnett Event, "Spirits and Spirits, Featuring the Wicked Library" at the Amazing Aurora Theatre near Atlanta, GA on the 14th of October. See more info and get your tickets from thewickedlibrary.com/live

Get your copy of The Lift, 9 Stories of Transformation Volume One on Kindle, or in print. Visit victoriaslift.com/read to get your copy today.

Production Music

"The Wicked Library Theme"
Anthony Rowsick of Novus (novus3.bandcamp.com)

Audio Recording

Final mix by Daniel Foytik, 9th Story Studios: www.9thstory.com

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Audio program ©2025 – 9th Story Studios LLC.

All Rights Reserved.No reproduction or use of this content is permitted without the express written consent of 9th Story Studios LLC. The copyrights for stories are held by the respective authors.

Main Theme: “The Library Awakens” Nico Vettese
Final Audio Mix: Daniel Foytik, 9th Story Studios LLCz

FX: freesound.org

Produced by: Daniel Foytik
Hosted by: Daniel Foytik