Second chance with paranormal element.
Bookstore owner Phoebe has gotten a second chance. Her Aunt Eudora left her a bookshop, home and much more. She’s learning things about her family she never knew and making many close friends. She’s even getting a second chance at love after a bad marriage.
The fact that she’s a witch was a surprise, but as she learns, she’s grateful for it.
Finding a body at an estate sale has turned her world upside down and put her in danger. Humor, cats, recipes, good friends and a love interest make this a winner. I I enjoyed and highly recommend.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

This book started at a nice steady pace and kept me turning the pages.
The characters are lively and fun. I'm particularly fond of Mr. Loughery, the geriatric widower who loves to read Sue Grafton.
Bob is a lovable orange tabby that is a fixture of Phoebe's bookstore. He is adventurous and loves to go on the bike and in the car.
The main character Phoebe is believable and interesting.
There was a good twist at the end, so I was completely surprised.

No sex,
No graphic descriptions of violence or gore.
No bad language.

I would like to go back and get the first book in the series and look forward to more.

I can't think of anything I didn't like about Death by a Thousand Sips.
This was very entertaining and a pleasure to read.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Just loved this one. This is going to be one heck of a series! Definitely going to read them all. Romance, mystery, a bookshop, speciality teas and a cute kitty... What more can you want?

I enjoyed reading Death by a Thousand Sips it has a small town main street, a bakery, book shop and flower shop. I loved going to the Auction and had fun trying to solve the mystery of who killed the Woman running the Auction. I love her recipes that she made with sour dough bread and her cookies made with Earl Gray Tea. It was so fun and I love her idea of opening a cat cafe in her book store so fun. I cannot wait to read the next book I recommend this book highly. The book also included some recipes I might even try to make a sour dough starter we will see.

Death by a Thousand Sips is the second book in the Witches Brew Mysteries, It takes place in the town of Raven Creek. Phoebe Winchester is the main character who inherited her bookstore and tea shop as well as a Victorian house from her aunt Endora who was a witch.. She later finds out she is one also. She also inherited a cat named Bob. Her friend, Amy owns the Sugar Plum Fairy Bakery. Honey is also a good friend who owns New Moon. She is also a witch. Rich Lofting is a PI who was a childhood friend and now maybe boyfriend. His brother, Leo owns the grocery store. All of them know that she is a witch. Rich Lofting is a PI who lives over her shop and maybe boyfriend as well as his brother, Leo who owns the grocery store. He and his brother made a promise to Endora that they would watch over her. All these people know that she is a witch.

Daphne, a student works part=time at the store along with Imogen Prater her full time employee. She shows Phoebe an ad about an auction and sale at Weatherly Manor. Unbeknownst to her Bob sneaked into her car which she discovered while driving to the auction. She leaves him in the car when she gets to her destination. She meets Madeline Morrow who is running the sale and her assistant, Fanny Houseman. Madeline takes her to the library to look at the second hand books and paperbacks. She decides to bid on them and wins bid.

While at the auction Phoebe sees Bob come in the room. She leaves to find him. She finds the cat on the second floor and when picking him up she notices that he has blood on his paws and lower body. She follows the floor prints and finds Madeline dead and calls the police. Patsy Martin and her partner Kwan Kim arrive.

This is here the story takes off with so much going on that I can't put it all down on paper I will leave this to the reader to enjoy up to the exciting climax. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in this series,

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.

Phoebe has returned to a small town, where she had spent many happy childhood holidays, after inheriting a bookshop/teashop and a large house from a favourite aunt. Of course there is love interest (will they wont they) the boy she played with as a child is now a PI living above her shop. And a ginger cat called Bob. So far so much a made for TV afternoon movie. Phoebe then becomes involved in a murder and puts herself in danger. Throw in some cooking, a recipe for sourdough bread, amongst other things mentioned in the story, is included at the end of the book, and some magic - Phoebe is a hereditary witch - and this is a gentle book, the second in a series, despite the murder! . Not quite my cup of tea I'm afraid, all a bit too twee for my taste, although i was tempted by some of the specialty tea mixes described. OK for someone looking for a not very demanding read set in what sounds like a lovely, cosy town.

Many thanks to the publishers Crooked Land Books, and NetGalley for the e-copy.

I enjoyed this book. The characters are pleasant and well filled out. I really like the tea, and love Bob. The story is interesting and moves along, in fact it felt like it was too short. #DeathbyaThousandSips #NetGalley

This is the second in the Witches Brew Mystery. While at an estate auction, a murder happens and Phoebe and her cat are the ones to find the body. Since Phoebe is a person of interest she sets off to investigate who really committed the murder. At first I was annoyed by Phoebe's inability to leave this alone but then we wouldn't have a cozy mystery, would we?? This one definitely has more action than other cozy mysteries I've read and I enjoy that. I love the townspeople of Raven Creek. But Bob (the cat) is my favorite. I am really enjoying this series.

This was a fun cozy mystery with having animals in it to a watches thfmf. It kept you entertained. I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and the storyline. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

Phoebe finds herself the main suspect when she finds a body at an estate sale and she’s got some work to do to clear her name! Again. With her magic coming along, can she manage to eek out of it again, or will her magic not be able to fight back against another false accusation?

The second book in the series and I’m loving it! The right balance of mystery and magic adds to the likable protagonist to make this a series I keep coming back to. Bless Aunt Eudora for leaving Phoebe her home and business that is her new life that we all get to enjoy right along with her.

I really enjoyed this second book in this series following Phoebe wants again as she runs her store and helps solve a mystery that she was witnessed to. In this book she attends a state sale and with the help of her cat bob comes across the body of the person who is running the estate sale. I have to say I'm very envious of her magical skill because I broke my elbow late Last year and it would have been really handy if I could have stopped that from happening. It's a great cast of characters I really enjoy All of them And seeing her relationships grow with people who are in the town is great. We learned some more about the magic that exist within this realm and it's really cool too. Thank you Net galley for the chance to read this advance copy.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.

I love the small town vibe! The cast of characters were great, the magic was wonderful, and I loved the friendship! This was a unique cozy mystery and I will definitely read more by this author!

I absolutely love a cozy mystery and this was a great one. It has the perfect small town setting and interesting townsfolk. The magic is a really nice addition to this series. By far my favorite part of the book was the sweet friendship between Phoebe and her regular customer Norman. This was my first book by Gretchen and I have already purchased the other book in the series! Will very much look forward to the next installment.

✨ 5/5 MAGICAL STARS ✨
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint!

Phoebe Winchester is back! The second installment of the Witches’ Brew Mystery Series picks up with Phoebe and the residents of Raven Creek returning to normal after the chaos that ensued in Steeped to Death. Business is back to normal on Main Street and Phoebe has embraced her role as the owner of her late aunt’s bookstore and tea shop, The Earl’s Study as well as dedicating herself to learning about her magical abilities. Everything is going great until her and her feline companion, Bob attend a estate sale and stumble across a dead body. Once again finding herself mixed up in a murder investigation, Phoebe picks up the metaphorical magnifying glass and puts on her sleuthing cap to catch the killer and clear her name.
This series is everything you could want in a magical cozy mystery! Found family, twists & turns, amazing recipes, adorable felines (added bonus for the animal rescue subplot!), will they/won’t they romance, magical undertones and strong main character who will stop at nothing to protect those around her.

Pick up Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue 9.05.2023!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Gretchen Rue for providing a digital copy in return for an honest review

I didn't read the first book but it was easy slip into the series. Very classic cozy mystery but in a good way. Fans of Cleo Coyle will enjoy this one, including the recipes in the back.

Phoebe was fun to learn about and get to know. Aged right with life experiences. Cute nods to a bookstore and tiny cafe owner without being obnoxious. Like discussing popular certain books without title references.

A bit of Cabot Cove and Stars Hollow in the best way of small towns. Maybe add some Samantha Stephens.. The low level magic enhances the storyline.

Great side characters and settings. The friendships and foundation building towards creating a new life feels authentic.. Phoebe fits and appreciates her team's different skills. Love her newer plans for the store.

I guessed the ending and mystery early on but I didn't take any points away. The journey and clues made it fun to follow along. Nice nostalgic factors without detracting.

The only parts I took off points were for plot repetition (inner thoughts) and the romance. Romance wasn't the problem so much as expected future conflicts. Both easily course corrected in the next few books

Highly recommend for cozy mystery readers. It's a fun, quick read. Perfect vacation or beach bag read. Can't wait to dive into the next one.

This contemporary cozy series is so much fun! It combines several of my favorite things - tea, books, baked goods, paranormal powers, and a sassy, ginger cat with a solid mystery.

The small town of Raven Creek with its quirky inhabitants makes me wish it was real so I could visit all of the shops, getting a butter burger at Peach’s Dinner, and dessert at the Sugar Plum Fairy Bakery.

Phoebe’s relatable as a new small biz owner - trying to find work/life balance for herself and her staff. Trying to make changes to the business without upsetting long-time customers. Her ‘are we dating or not’ romance dance with Rich is charmingly cute in its awkwardness.

I also love how she can’t help but keep looking into the murder, even after being warned away. I understand that feeling of ‘just gotta know!’

I appreciated the strong female friendships that Phoebe’s forming and even her acknowledgment that finding friends as an adult is difficult.

Recipes included for extra deliciousness.

Death by a Thousand Sips is a delightful cozy mystery with a dash of paranormal involvement. The characters are interesting and tend to be true to character.
Phoebe, the owner of a Bookstore and Tea Shop combination, is settling into her new life as the store owner. She is also trying to settle into her newfound life as a witch, If only she knew more about her powers and how to control them, life would be a bit easier.
When Phoebe gets involved with a murder at an estate sale, by finding the body, she feels compelled to get justice for the victim. But who would have wanted to kill this woman - more accurately: which of the many people this woman annoyed had the opportunity to do the deed?
When she meddles in the police investigation, as she is bound to do, will Phoebe hit too close to home and become a target?

This book was fun and very entertaining.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Gretchen Rue for the opportunity to read this book.
#DeathbyaThousandSips #NetGalley

I loved this cozy romance it was so good. I loved this so much. This was a perfect cozy and I can't wait for more of Phoebe and her adventures.
I just reviewed Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue. #DeathbyaThousandSips #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Phoebe Winchester lives in Raven's Creek, WA. She owns a tea/ book shop that she inherited from her Aunt Eudora. She attends an estate sale to buy some popular fiction books. She sees Bob the cat sauntering around the estate and decides to follow him. When they happen upon the body of the estate sale manager. She decides to investigate. She didn't know the victim and she's not the prime suspect. The police and Rich tell her to butt out.

At first I was kind of annoyed by Phoebe butting into the investigation. But she redeems herself in the end. I'm excited to see what else happens.

Death by a Thousand Sips
by Gretchen Rue is a great cozy mystery that is the second book in the enjoyable series: A Witch’s Brew Mystery.

This is such a cute series that is part cozy, part paranormal, and part adorable. Our main character, Phoebe Winchester resides Raven Creek, Washington and I just really enjoyed the character development from the first book.

The murder/mystery was creative and engaging, and I liked the pacing and full character cast.

Looking forward to the next book.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Crooked Lane Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/5/13.