Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue is the debut of A Witches' Brew Mystery. I like the author's writing style. It is casual and friendly which makes the story a breeze to read. The author took the time to introduce us to Phoebe Winchester who just inherited her Aunt Eudora's estate. Phoebe inherited a beautiful Victorian house, a bookshop slash teashop called The Earl's Study, and a cat named Bob. She may learn that she has inherited something else from aunt. The story is set in Raven Creek, Washington which has quaint shops that have a European look. A dead man is found in the alley outside The Earl's Study. Phoebe had seen the victim the previous day with Deirdre Miller who has been a pain in Phoebe's backside since she arrived. Phoebe wonders if the man was trying to break into the shop. If so, what was he after? Phoebe also wonders why Deirdre is so bent on buying the house. Phoebe cannot help but be curious about the crime. She asks some questions, overhears a few things, and tries to discover what the man wanted. I found it an easy crime to solve, but I did not mind. The mystery is wrapped up at the end. Phoebe uncovers some interesting information during the investigation. It appears that Aunt Eudora has a secret or two. Phoebe has a lot to process. The magical element is nicely done. It will be interesting to see what else Phoebe will be able to do with her newfound powers. I am eager for the next book in A Witches' Brew Mysteries. There are recipes at the end for the tasty treats mentioned in the story. Steeped to Death is an enchanting tale with a timely bequest, a tom named Bob, a determined Deirdre, bewildering whodunit, enigmatic events, and bewitching treats.
Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
What a fun book! I don't think I've read a cozy since Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series and Karen Olsen's Tattoo Shop series, but this was a great reintroduction to the genre. This one caught my eye with its combination of bookstore, tea shop, and magic. It is set in a small town in Washington with quirky residents and interesting shops. As the first book in the series, the introduction of the characters, setting, and situations was done smoothly without feeling like the first few chapters were an infodump.
Newly divorced Phoebe has just inherited most of her Aunt Eudora's estate, from her home (and cat!) to her thriving business. Phoebe has fond memories of summers spent with her aunt, hanging out in the bookstore, and learning to mix tea varieties. She's not sure how she'll do now that it's hers, but she's looking forward to the new start. I loved Phoebe's memories of her aunt and the adventurous life she led. I enjoyed seeing Phoebe explore her new surroundings and her puzzlement at some of the things she learned. Not the least was the realization that her aunt's reputation as a witch may have been more literal than the New Age hippy variety that Phoebe initially believed.
Her first encounters with some of her neighbors set the tone for the book. First up is Dierdre, who claims to be a good friend of Eudora's but was warned against by Eudora herself in a letter to Phoebe. After first trying to suck up to Phoebe and offering to buy the properties, she quickly turns angry and insulting when Phoebe firmly refuses those offers. Dierdre doesn't give up and shows up later, accompanied by a big brute of a man, still trying to bully Phoebe into selling. Phoebe later meets the man renting the apartment above the store in a scene that made me laugh out loud. You can see an immediate connection between them, one that is explained when it turns out he is her old childhood friend, Ricky (now Rich). Some flickers of attraction also bode well as a romantic touch. She also meets Amy, who owns the bakery next door, and becomes an instant friend.
Matters become complicated when Phoebe receives a call from the police about a dead body outside the back door of her store. She's disturbed to identify the body as the man who had been with Dierdre and wonders why he'd been behind her store. Does it have something to do with Dierdre's desire to buy the properties? She's determined to do what she can to find out.
This is where some of the magic comes in. Phoebe uses some of her aunt's Truth Be Told tea in a batch of scones, hoping that someone will let something slip after eating one. The first taker is Dierdre, of all people, and the next scene is hilarious. Phoebe decides that maybe she'd best hold off on trying anything else until she's more comfortable with what she can do. Other happenings soon convince Phoebe that Eudora wasn't the only witch in the family. The realization is startling, to say the least, and sends Phoebe looking for answers. Her conversation with Honey at the New Age store was eye-opening and stirred up more questions.
As Phoebe delves more into Eudora's life, she becomes more convinced that she is exactly where she's meant to be. But the questions surrounding the murder stir doubts about whether she can trust her judgment. When she discovers Eudora's long-held secret, she has to decide who she can trust. The final confrontation comes quickly after this discovery. I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe faced the killer. The resolution was intense, with a unique method of foiling the killer's intentions. The book concludes with a sweet scene between Phoebe and Rick and a hopeful feeling for the future.
#netgalley
Newly divorced Phoebe has just inherited most of her Aunt Eudora's estate, from her home (and cat!) to her thriving business. Phoebe has fond memories of summers spent with her aunt, hanging out in the bookstore, and learning to mix tea varieties. She's not sure how she'll do now that it's hers, but she's looking forward to the new start. I loved Phoebe's memories of her aunt and the adventurous life she led. I enjoyed seeing Phoebe explore her new surroundings and her puzzlement at some of the things she learned. Not the least was the realization that her aunt's reputation as a witch may have been more literal than the New Age hippy variety that Phoebe initially believed.
Her first encounters with some of her neighbors set the tone for the book. First up is Dierdre, who claims to be a good friend of Eudora's but was warned against by Eudora herself in a letter to Phoebe. After first trying to suck up to Phoebe and offering to buy the properties, she quickly turns angry and insulting when Phoebe firmly refuses those offers. Dierdre doesn't give up and shows up later, accompanied by a big brute of a man, still trying to bully Phoebe into selling. Phoebe later meets the man renting the apartment above the store in a scene that made me laugh out loud. You can see an immediate connection between them, one that is explained when it turns out he is her old childhood friend, Ricky (now Rich). Some flickers of attraction also bode well as a romantic touch. She also meets Amy, who owns the bakery next door, and becomes an instant friend.
Matters become complicated when Phoebe receives a call from the police about a dead body outside the back door of her store. She's disturbed to identify the body as the man who had been with Dierdre and wonders why he'd been behind her store. Does it have something to do with Dierdre's desire to buy the properties? She's determined to do what she can to find out.
This is where some of the magic comes in. Phoebe uses some of her aunt's Truth Be Told tea in a batch of scones, hoping that someone will let something slip after eating one. The first taker is Dierdre, of all people, and the next scene is hilarious. Phoebe decides that maybe she'd best hold off on trying anything else until she's more comfortable with what she can do. Other happenings soon convince Phoebe that Eudora wasn't the only witch in the family. The realization is startling, to say the least, and sends Phoebe looking for answers. Her conversation with Honey at the New Age store was eye-opening and stirred up more questions.
As Phoebe delves more into Eudora's life, she becomes more convinced that she is exactly where she's meant to be. But the questions surrounding the murder stir doubts about whether she can trust her judgment. When she discovers Eudora's long-held secret, she has to decide who she can trust. The final confrontation comes quickly after this discovery. I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe faced the killer. The resolution was intense, with a unique method of foiling the killer's intentions. The book concludes with a sweet scene between Phoebe and Rick and a hopeful feeling for the future.
#netgalley
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Steeped to Death is the debut of the Witches' Brew Mystery series set in the small town of Raven Creek and featuring Phoebe Winchester. Phoebe's Aunt Eudora has passed away and left both her Victorian home, the Lane End House and her vintage bookshop/tea store, the Earl's Study. Phoebe hasn't visited Raven Creek in quite some time, so she finds herself having to adjust to her new life including her new pet cat, Bob.
Phoebe quickly realizes that her beloved Aunt was keeping secrets, mainly that she was a witch. Eudora created specialty teas to fit all kinds of scenarios and Phoebe is determined to follow the recipes her aunt left behind and create a few of her own. Phoebe also wasn't prepared for the dead man discovered in the alley behind the bookshop, and can't help begin investigating into his identity and why he appeared to be breaking into the store.
A fast paced plot with the introduction of many characters including fellow employee Imogen, tenant and past friend Rich Lofting, who is now a private eye and many local shopkeepers. The mystery keeps you turning the pages and when another of Eudora's secrets is revealed at the conclusion, you will most certainly want to tune into the second installment in the series.
Phoebe quickly realizes that her beloved Aunt was keeping secrets, mainly that she was a witch. Eudora created specialty teas to fit all kinds of scenarios and Phoebe is determined to follow the recipes her aunt left behind and create a few of her own. Phoebe also wasn't prepared for the dead man discovered in the alley behind the bookshop, and can't help begin investigating into his identity and why he appeared to be breaking into the store.
A fast paced plot with the introduction of many characters including fellow employee Imogen, tenant and past friend Rich Lofting, who is now a private eye and many local shopkeepers. The mystery keeps you turning the pages and when another of Eudora's secrets is revealed at the conclusion, you will most certainly want to tune into the second installment in the series.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Phoebe Winchester has come to Raven Creek, Washington following the death of her dear Aunt Endora. Endora was a woman who loved life and was always up for adventure. She was also well known for making "magical tea". Endora has left her mansion, tea/book shop, and Bob, her huge orange cat to Phoebe. Her shop, The Earl's Study was her pride and joy. Phoebe just hopes to be able to keep the place going for a long time as her aunt has wished. Finding a dead body in the alley was not part of her business plan.
Phoebe is also dealing with the town's busybody, Dierdre Miller, who is trying to get her to sell both the shop and her home so she can leave Raven Creek and get on with her life. Phoebe has no desire to sell or leave. In fact, she thinks the pressure the woman is putting on her to sell is pretty fishy especially when Phoebe believes she is involved with the man that was murdered.
When Phoebe mixes up, bakes, and serves her first batch of scones using her aunt's precious ingredients she is surprised by what happens after Dierdre takes her first bite. There had been rumors that Endora may have been an actual witch so maybe her ingredients are still filled with magic. Or maybe, she may not have been the only one in the family with a special gift.
The information she gets from Dierdre makes Phoebe start her own investigation to find out who the deceased was?, and why he was at The Earl's Study. Who killed him? And why? She also wants to see if she really does have magical powers and if those powers can help her sweep the killer straight into jail.
____
What a fun start for this series. Endora, a perfect name for a witch right, Agnes Morehead popped into my mind immediately. Thankfully the Endora in the story was a kind and giving witch and not conniving and up to mischief witch like the television Endora. Story Endora loved her niece so much and cared so much about all the people in her life. She also was welcoming to people needing a second chance. She did have her secrets though but true to form she made arrangements for those secrets to be revealed to Phoebe at the proper time. The murder hastened her timetable.
Phoebe loved her aunt and spent many summers with her when she was growing up and made some friends in Raven Creek. She was heartbroken that it had been some time since she had seen her aunt or the friends she had made. It was funny that it took a little prodding for her to recognize those friends though and she didn't know if she could still trust them like she had all those years ago. I really enjoyed all the interactions she had with everyone as she tried to find her place in the town while trying to find out if one of them was the killer. She was easy to connect with and someone whose life I was happy to escape into.
The mystery was very well-plotted especially for the first book in the series when the author has to introduce all the characters and she did that well too. Ms. Rue sets a brisk pace with twists, turns, and secrets revealed. The author took time to set each scene making it easy to envision them in my mind's eye. I had a couple of people in my sights as the guilty party but the reveal completely caught me off guard and let me tell you the pages were flying as a true showdown played out.
Steeped to Death is a lighthearted paranormal mystery filled with engaging characters that I can't wait to revisit. I loved the cozy bookstore/tea shop setting as well as the mansion. Phoebe's whole inheritance was quite interesting. Ms. Rue blends in plenty of humor with her mystery and daily life in Raven Creek. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
Phoebe Winchester has come to Raven Creek, Washington following the death of her dear Aunt Endora. Endora was a woman who loved life and was always up for adventure. She was also well known for making "magical tea". Endora has left her mansion, tea/book shop, and Bob, her huge orange cat to Phoebe. Her shop, The Earl's Study was her pride and joy. Phoebe just hopes to be able to keep the place going for a long time as her aunt has wished. Finding a dead body in the alley was not part of her business plan.
Phoebe is also dealing with the town's busybody, Dierdre Miller, who is trying to get her to sell both the shop and her home so she can leave Raven Creek and get on with her life. Phoebe has no desire to sell or leave. In fact, she thinks the pressure the woman is putting on her to sell is pretty fishy especially when Phoebe believes she is involved with the man that was murdered.
When Phoebe mixes up, bakes, and serves her first batch of scones using her aunt's precious ingredients she is surprised by what happens after Dierdre takes her first bite. There had been rumors that Endora may have been an actual witch so maybe her ingredients are still filled with magic. Or maybe, she may not have been the only one in the family with a special gift.
The information she gets from Dierdre makes Phoebe start her own investigation to find out who the deceased was?, and why he was at The Earl's Study. Who killed him? And why? She also wants to see if she really does have magical powers and if those powers can help her sweep the killer straight into jail.
____
What a fun start for this series. Endora, a perfect name for a witch right, Agnes Morehead popped into my mind immediately. Thankfully the Endora in the story was a kind and giving witch and not conniving and up to mischief witch like the television Endora. Story Endora loved her niece so much and cared so much about all the people in her life. She also was welcoming to people needing a second chance. She did have her secrets though but true to form she made arrangements for those secrets to be revealed to Phoebe at the proper time. The murder hastened her timetable.
Phoebe loved her aunt and spent many summers with her when she was growing up and made some friends in Raven Creek. She was heartbroken that it had been some time since she had seen her aunt or the friends she had made. It was funny that it took a little prodding for her to recognize those friends though and she didn't know if she could still trust them like she had all those years ago. I really enjoyed all the interactions she had with everyone as she tried to find her place in the town while trying to find out if one of them was the killer. She was easy to connect with and someone whose life I was happy to escape into.
The mystery was very well-plotted especially for the first book in the series when the author has to introduce all the characters and she did that well too. Ms. Rue sets a brisk pace with twists, turns, and secrets revealed. The author took time to set each scene making it easy to envision them in my mind's eye. I had a couple of people in my sights as the guilty party but the reveal completely caught me off guard and let me tell you the pages were flying as a true showdown played out.
Steeped to Death is a lighthearted paranormal mystery filled with engaging characters that I can't wait to revisit. I loved the cozy bookstore/tea shop setting as well as the mansion. Phoebe's whole inheritance was quite interesting. Ms. Rue blends in plenty of humor with her mystery and daily life in Raven Creek. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
