Lindsay Merbaum — Witches of the Wheel

Lindsay Merbaum discusses *Witches of the Wheel*, a metaphysical mystery centered on mythology, bartending, queer belonging, ghosts, and an underground lesbian bar. The novel follows Gold, a young woman who can see ghosts and uncover her neighbors’ secrets while struggling with her mother’s hostility. After leaving home, Gold finds work at The Wheel, a subterranean lesbian bar where a coven meets every Thursday and entry comes at the cost of a painful sacrifice. Although the bar initially feels like the first community where Gold belongs, its patrons and history conceal growing dangers, including the attention of an ancient goddess.

Merbaum is a queer feminist author and high priestess of home mixology. Her short fiction has received award nominations and appeared in publications including PANK, The Collagist, *Electric Literature*, *Bustle*, *Bitch Media*, and *The Huffington Post*. Her previous books include *The Gold Persimmon* and *Vampires at Sea*. She lives in Flint, Michigan, with her partner and cats.

When: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Politics and Prose at Union Market, 1324 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Tickets: Free.

Seating: First come, first served.

Accessibility: To request accommodations or ask about accessibility, email events@politics-prose.com. The venue recommends making requests ideally one week before the event, though it will try to accommodate requests made up to the event time.

Related book: *Witches of the Wheel* by Lindsay Merbaum is available in paperback for $18.95. The book’s ISBN is 9781951971540, and its publication date is September 22, 2026.