Small Town Cozy With Paranormal Elements
Phoebe inherited her Aunt Eudora’s home and business, and more she hadn’t a clue about. Ms Rue pens a small town cozy with intrigue and paranormal elements. Her character Phoebe, recently divorced plans on staying in town and is meeting old friends, making new ones, and relearning her aunt’s bookshop/cafe habits. She is called by police about a body on her back stoop after a run in with the same man and a local woman. While curious about the murder and trying to put it together, she is repeatedly sidetracked by other things. Well written the tale moves along with motives and suspects.
I requested and received this ARC because the blurb interested me and I was not disappointed.

Original Review Posted to Goodreads

Steeped to Death-Book One in the Witches’ Brew Mystery follows Phoebe Winchester who returns to Raven Creek after quite a bit of time away. Her aunt has passed away, leaving everything to Phoebe to inherit, her aunt’s bookshop and tea store (The Earl’s Study), Lane End House (a Victorian mansion), and Bob the orange cat! After some exploring she bumps into an old friend who is a private eye. Before we know it there has been a murder. The book takes you on a whirlwind adventure! I just loved everything about this book, the witchiness, the murder mystery and the magic!
I mean obviously my favorite character is the resident witch Phoebe, for magical purposes! The characters throughout the book felt very real to me, this was such an immersive read for me! It kept me on my toes and guessing, I’m sure that’s how Phoebe felt! I devoured the pages in a day, I could not put it down! The cover drew me in (I LOVE cats and mystery) but the story made me stay! I wish I could stay in this magical world of witches, murder and CATS! I definitely thinks fans of murder mystery and fantasy will love this fun and easy read! A great read for all! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! Now excuse me while I make some chocolate hazelnut lattes and biscuits!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book has elements that I like in a cozy mystery: an eye-catching cover, recipes, books, tea, and a cat. There’s also a bit of magic.

Phoebe Winchester inherits a Victorian mansion, a bookshop/tea store and a ginger cat named Bob, from her grandmother, Eudora, in the village of Raven Creek. Sounds idyllic until a body is found on the doorstep of the bookshop. Phoebe finds some unique tea blends in the tea store and begins to think that Eudora could have been a witch. Phoebe discovers that she has probability witch powers herself.

This is a great start to a new series, and I look forward to the next book!

Cover illustration by Mary Ann Lasher
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC.

Steeped to Death in the first book in a new cosy mystery series called A Witches’ Brew Mystery. To sum it up, I LOVED everything about it. I rarely give five stars reviews, so when I do, it means I would gladly re-read the novel multiple times.

The plot is great, the cast of characters colourful and the witch component a must. The magic, the investigation, the setting including a bookshop, a cat, tons of baking ideas, combined with a fluid and addictive writing style make for a great reading experience.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next books in the series!

A witchy cozy mystery with a cute cat? Count me in! This first installment of this new cozy mystery series was a delight. I love the idea of our amateur sleuth Phoebe moving into the small town of Raven Creek to carry out her late Aunt Eudora’s legacy. Also, what could be more cozy than a spooky mansion and a combination bookstore and tea shop?! The characters were charming just like the town, and the murder mystery was fun as well. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, as well as trying some of the recipes from the book as well!

This was a super cozy witchy read ! There was a perfect blend of fun and mystery to keep you interested the whole time. The hot private investigator and the cute orange kitty added a flare of their own as well. Looking forward to seeing more from this author ! ;)

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a cozy mystery involving magical tea, a handsome private investigator, a village busybody, and a family with psychic gifts. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised. There is something fascinating about the winning combination of coziness, mystery, nostalgia, and magical elements that are woven together to create a compelling plot in Steeped to Death. This is the story of Phoebe, a young women who inherits her Aunt Eudora’s home, chubby buddy ( an orange cat), and bookshop and tea store located in quaint small-town Washington. But Phoebe encounters far more than she bargained for when mystery, family secrets, and magic collide. Bring on the next in the series!

Steeped to Death is a magical cozy mystery set against the backdrop of a small town in the Pacific NW. Phoebe inherits the house at Lane’s End and The Earl’s Study, a bookshop/ tea room from her favorite Aunt Eudora. The story of their connection through Phoebe's reminiscing was heartfelt. After Phoebe’s 1st day of work a murder occurs at her tea room and this sets off the mystery for the book. I wish the nuances of the magic played a larger role. I find myself thinking of the book when I make tea now. The book was an easy escape and I would recommend it.

First book by this author I have read. Now on the hunt for more! Thoroughly enjoyed the characters, setting, everything. Looking forward to more books in this series.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Crooked Lane Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Another cozy mystery series that’s perfectly charming. The cozy genre is a favorite of mine, this one didn’t disappoint.

I loved this book! Great quirky characters, small town, magic, recipes and mysteries that keep you intrigued!

Phoebe's favorite Aunt Eudora, passes away and leaves Phoebe a tea shop/book store and her old Victorian home. Phoebe decides to relocate to Raven Creek and take over Eudora's business, where she meets many of her new neighbors, some friendly, some not and one dead. Phoebe starts looking for answers and finds more than she expected. I can't wait to read the next book, to see what is in store for Phoebe next.

Steeped To Death is a fun, magical, nostalgic cozy mystery. Give me small towns, witches, books, and cats, literally any day of the week. This book had it all!

There is a romance arc, but true to mysteries/mystery series, it's slow to start. We know we're settling in for the long haul with Phoebe and Rich, and I am so very happy for that slow burn. I also love the slight reveal he gives her at the very end--I won't spoil it.

The cast of characters is wonderfully varied, diverse, and there are no wasted cast members. Everyone plays a part in Phoebe's journey, either providing clues and information, or paving her way for her new life in Raven Creek.

I wish Eudora was my aunt, and I would love nothing more than to hunker down at the Earl's Study with a book and a slice of sourdough toast to go with my tea. Can't wait for the next book in this sure-to-be fun series.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of STEEPED TO DEATH (Book 1 of the Witches’ Brew Mystery), by Gretchen Rue, in exchange for an honest review. Phoebe Winchester inherits her Aunt Eudora’ home and business. While working at the bookstore/teashop named The Earl’s Study, Gretchen begins to learn that rumors of her aunt’s witchiness may have been true. As Gretchen explores her own magical potential she reconnects with some of her childhood friends. Trouble arises when a mystery man is found murdered in a way that looks like he was killed why trying to break into The Earl’s Study. Gretchen wants to trust her old friends, but circumstances and odd behavior evoke Gretchen’s suspicions. With her suspicions preventing her from creating bonds with her fellow citizen’s, Gretchen must clear the air before making new friendships or renewing old ones.

I liked this book. I recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, witches, potions, bookstores, and magical teas.

#SteepedtoDeath #NetGalley

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Phoebe Winchester’s beloved aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.

Two suspects immediately emerge among the townspeople of Raven Creek, Washington. There’s village busybody Dierdre Miller, who seems desperate to buy Eudora’s house, and handsome PI Rich, one of Phoebe’s childhood friends—but how well does she really know him after all these years apart?

Phoebe knows she should leave it to the professionals, but as she starts to dig into the underbelly of Raven Creek, she begins to uncover the truth about Eudora. What’s more, her aunt might not have been the only witch in the family, as Phoebe soon discovers she has unique and unexpected gifts of her own.

Now, it’s just a matter of putting her newfound power to the test and cast a spell that could catch a killer. (Goodreads synopsis)

Gretchen Rue is a new author and she does it with a resounding success!

I loved this novel. I love Phoebe, Eudora, Imogen, Amy, the town of Raven Creek, and Bob. It is quite clear how much Phoebe loved her Aunt Eudora and the bookstore, so there isn’t any surprise to the inheritance or hesitation in staying. However, as she discovers her Aunt’s other secrets she does show the appropriate amount of skepticism, but doesn’t go through a ridiculous amount of denial, like many books do. Phoebe instead sees an exciting adventure, and I just genuinely loved how optimistic Phoebe was throughout the entire novel.

Walking through the mystery with Phoebe was the best, because the reader learns along with Phoebe. About the mystery, but also the town and the unique individuals. I hope that the author, Gretchen Rue, sees the hilarious potential in the owners of The Green Thumb.

The recipes at the end are great (definitely making Amy’s Chocolate Hazelnut latte soon), but there were a few teas that I would love to try.

Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and can not wait for the next installment.

Phoebe Winchester moves to Raven Creek, Washington when her Aunt Eudora dies. Phoebe inherits a Victorian house and a book/tea shop. Phoebe spent summers with her Aunt as a child. There are rumors in town that Eudora was a witch. A dead body is discovered in the alley behind the shop. Phoebe decides to investigate.

I loved this book. I could not put it down. It hooked me after one paragraph. I'm so excited that this is a new series. I can't wait to find out more about Phoebe.

Tea, books, and magic make a winning combination for this first in the series. Well writing with great characters. Looking forward to more in this one.

I absolutely love a cozy mystery, especially when I need a break from hard core thrillers. I enjoyed this one very much!

A mystery that has a bookstore, tea, and a bit of magic...score.
When Phoebe comes to run her aunt Eudora's store and live in her mansion of a house, she learns, there are some people in town that are not happy that she is there. Within two days of her arrival, someone is killed outside the back of her shop. As Phoebe starts to learn more about her shop neighbors, and more about Raven Creek, Phoebe also learns she is a witch.
I really love the relationship I can see brewing with Amy at the bakery, Imogen, who works with Phoebe, Holly at the crystal store, and the possible love interest....but I am torn between Rich and Leo.
All the bakery and tea recipes left me hungry and thirsty at the same time!
Let's not forget Bob the cat...I feel he is warming up to Phoebe and wouldn't it be awesome if he has more "talking" with Phoebe in the future. The mystery was good and I was surprised at who dun it...I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books, Gretchen Rue, and NetGalley for this advance read.
I just reviewed Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue. #SteepedtoDeath #NetGalley

I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Steeped to Death caught my eye when I was browsing Netgalley with the cover and blurb. This sounded like such a fun read and I am glad I got a copy of it. Steeped to Death was a great start to this new series and I really enjoyed reading it! There is a great mystery, a cat, a small town and a hint of magic. The pacing and writing were well done and I got quickly sucked into the story eager to find out more.

In Steeped to Death main character Phoebe arrives in Raven Creek. Her beloved aunt Eudora has died and she Phoebe inherited her Victorian mansion as well as her bookstore/ tea shop. Phoebe is finding her way in this small town and almost right away seems committed to staying and running the store. I liked there wasn't as much back and forth and uncertainty. Someone gets murdered while trying to break into the shop. Before she knows it Phoebe is surrounded by mysteries that she has to figure out.

I like how Phoebe got involved in the mystery, with how the dead guy was trying to break in. Phoebe is wondering what he was looking for. Another resident seems very interested in buying her house. Phoebe has to figure out what's going on and I like how the mystery ties into the properties she has inherited. It felt realistic how she got involved and how most of mystery and investigation progressed. I also liked how she wasn't afraid to call the police and share her findings. It was fun to figure things out alongside Phoebe and I thought there were some nice reveals along the way as Phoebe finds out more of what's going on. The conclusion to the murder mystery wasn't too surprising and made sense, but I have to admit I hadn't expected it. The revelations Phoebe discovers along the way were the most interesting part for me, as she slowly begins to understand more of her aunt and what she left to her.

I liked the story and the way it grabbed my attention. The book was well written and I thought the pacing was done well. The mystery is intertwined with Phoebe finding her way in this town, running the book and tea store and getting along with her new cat Bob. She also makes some new friends, meets some of the town residents and even encounters two old friends again. There is a hint of possible romance as well. Then there is the magical thread running throughout the book as Phoebe slowly comes to terms with the fact that her aunt was a witch and she is one too. It really made for a great read and I am looking forward to the next book already!

The paranormal aspect is a bit slow to progress in this book, but I thought it worked well and nicely progressed alongside the other story threads. I liked seeing Phoebe figure out more about her aunt and her magic. The magical teas were fun to read about and then seeing Phoebe discover her own powers was great too. I like the way the magical aspect played a role in the mystery as well. I am eager to see how this progresses over the course of the series.

To summarize: This was a great read and a solid start to this new series. Steeped to Death hits all the usual cozy tropes and manages to feel fresh as well. I liked following Phoebe along as she settles into the small town where her aunt used to live and how she has to figure out a mystery as well as discover she's a witch. The book had that cozy small town vibe and I enjoyed seeing Phoebe find her place and meet some people here. The mystery was a good one and I liked all the discoveries Phoebe had along the way. The reveal made sense and seemed logical and still managed to take me by surprise as well. I liked how the paranormal aspect slowly progressed throughout the book and played an important role as well. I am looking forward to the next book!

Loved reading Steeped to Death! Captivating and fun all wrapped up into one great cozy mystery.

Phoebe Winchester’s beloved aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.

Well written with excellent characters you wish you knew.