This was a really fun and cosy autumn mystery, it was a treat to be back with such lovely characters!

DNF at 48%.

Thank you for letting me read this ARC, unfortunately it wasn’t for me and I had to DNF.

I found it too slow to get into it and I was still struggling at almost 50%.

I think if you enjoy a cozy, small town mystery read, then this book is definitely for you! But for my personal taste it was just too slow going.

Thank you again for giving me a chance to read the ARC.

A cozy slow burn, autumn mystery… what more could you want?? 😍 I really enjoyed this, it really was a super cozy read and I loved Phoebe and rich! I hadn’t read the first two books in the series so I made sure to read them before I started which I think really helped me appreciate the book AND the characters more

This book has a very cosy vibe. I really enjoyed the attention to detail in describing the daily activities Pheobe goes through while running her book and tea shop, the Earl's Study. I particularly found the details of tea blending and baking quite soothing to read. I also found the magic element interesting and thought it was woven through the story well.

I hadn't relelised this was the third book in a series when I started it, and while I think it would have been best to read the series in order, it didn't seem like I was missing any huge aspect of the story to have started in the middle.

I initially found the mystery intriguing and was keen to see how things played out. Unfortunately I found that aspect of the book somewhat disappointing. The ending seemed rushed and convoluted, and far too much explaining instead of things naturally being uncovered.

The budding relationship between Pheobe and the male character (who made so little an impression I can't actually remember his name) was perfectly unexceptional, and probably fine, except I had the misconception that there was a stronger romance element to the story so was disappointed.

Overall I was say it was a mostly enjoyable cosy read. Good for tea and magic, less so for romance and mystery, depending on how invested you are in the actualy details of solving a mystery or actual feelings being explored.

Name: Playing with Magic - Gretchen Rue
Published: 12th September
Rating: 3/5

I was going into this book thinking it was a witchy romance but instead got introduced to a cozy murder mystery.

This book had everything for a cozy autumn read. Small town, Cold weather, tea making, cats and a murder mystery. What more could u want for a cozy read this season.

When starting this book I thought it was quite slow but I kept reading on and I’m so glad I did because,I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to read and read till I found out how it ended and it really didn’t disappoint.

I didn’t realise that this book was a part of a series until half way through. It was still pretty easy to follow but I wish I read the first 2 before starting this one and I recommend that you start with book 1 before reading this one.

Overall, this book is a perfect read for a cozy autumn night and I recommend to people who are looking for a suspenseful read.

*Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing me this arc in return for an honest review*

So. I didn't know it was the THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES when I started to read it. Admittedly, I didn't read the whole description, but Goodreads didn't tell me that either. And then I saw some hints about Rich, a guy she was supposedly dating but not really, and some allusions to what happened previously and I was 20% in but decided to look it up. And wouldn't you know, there are more books about Phoebe.

I just wish Goodreads included this bit of information before I started reading this book lmao.

So yes, I had to read "Something Wicked" and "Spell Bound" first. Ugh. Okay. Onto this book!

After reading the previous two books, I actually appreciate the characters more.

It was fun to see Phoebe being invited to be a part of investigation since everyone knew she would just try to solve it on her own. And her partnering with Rich was amazing because it gave them more opportunity to spend time together. But I wish it was ore focused on romance, you know? The plot was all and good but I was hoping for more Rich/Phoebe content. At least their first official date. And we didn't get it.

But they FINALLY kissed??? And it was amazing. Too bad nothing else happened haha.

Overall, the book is well written but the plot of the murder mystery was confusing and over the top. And I think the author forgot a few things from her previous books - for example, Rich already knew that Phoebe was a witch, because he told her that Eudora asked him to keep an eye on her. But in this book Phoebe suddenly didn't know about that? And was shosked when she found out? She already learned about it in the previous book! A little consistency, please.

Also, there are some stylistic choices I would have done differently. For example text messages I would have preferred them to be in cursive, or even in quotation marks to differentiate them from the narration. And put them in separate paragraphs. There's nothing like this here, which makes it hard for the reader to figure out that they're part of the dialogue.

But the book was good although I wa disappointed in the lack of romance. And the fact that NetGalley didn't advertise this book as the third one in the series. It can't really be read as a standalone imo, and the marketing should have reflected it.

I would go as far as to say this is my favourite in the series so far! 🥹

I’ve fully embraced the fact that the romance is a VERY slow burn, but I’m starting to enjoy Phoebe & Rich’s friendship for what it is now. The wholesome descriptions of the town and Phoebe’s food & drink creations always make me smile, and the cosy mystery element in this one was a lot of fun.

I never want this series to end ✨

Playing with magic is the ultimate cosy crime! Phoebe Winchester is an amateur witch from a small town, who owns a tea/bookshop. While hosting a book signing with a social media star, Phoebe gets mixed up in a murder investigation. With the help of handsome private investigator and love interest Rich, Phoebe can’t resist investigating the crime. Lighthearted, funny and heartwarming, this was the perfect autumn read! I also loved all the food and drink descriptions and recipes!

Such a sweet and cosy book. I did not realise that this was part of a series until a good third in, as it didn’t make quite sense with some detail about the characters. But you can still understand it It did feel like there were a lot of themes going on at once (living in a small town, discovering her witchy powers, food focus, murder mystery, romance). But they all came together in the end and it works! Thanks to net galley and the publisher for my ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
5 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in Playing With Magic and the relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

Thank you to Aria & Aries, NetGalley and author Gretchen Rue for this eARC.

So when I requested this book on NetGalley I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series.
Which is why I can tell you, you can absolutely read this as a standalone - you may just not want to. I’m probably gonna go pick up book 1 & 2 in autumn.

Playing with Magic is a well written, witchy, cozy-mystery perfect for an afternoon with a cup of your favorite tea and a tasty treat.

I instantly fell in love with the little town, The Earl’s Study and all the characters, especially Bob.
The mystery was interesting and I gotta admit I didn’t see the twist coming.
And while I really enjoyed the book I think my favorite might have been the little surprise at the end - the recipes for some of the teas and bakes mentioned throughout the book. It was just so cute and fit so well.
4.25 stars

4.5 ⭐️

Reading this book was such a cosy experience, I loved it. Every scene was painted with such detailed imagery that it made me feel so connected to the story. All the characters in town were so comforting, even Deirdre. Having to put my kindle down at the end of the night in order to sleep was genuinely so devastating, I just wanted to keep reading. It wasn’t that the book was necessarily suspenseful, it was just so inviting and made the world quiet for just a moment… despite the whole 🔪 thing.

Thank you so much to the Aria & Aries team, Gretchen Rue, and NetGalley for the ARC ♥︎

Grab your favorite cup of tea and settle down in your favorite chair for this charming tale.

Welcome to the enchanting world of Earl's Study, where bookstore owner and amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is buzzing with excitement for her first major author event. Her cozy book and tea store is set to host the famous birder Sebastian Marlow, who’s about to unveil the rediscovery of a supposedly extinct bird. But the event takes a dark twist when Sebastian is found dead, making it clear that someone wanted him permanently out of the picture.

Phoebe joins forces with the handsome local private investigator, Rich Lofting. Together, they unravel a web of suspects, from Sebastian’s disgruntled former manager to other quirky characters who had their feathers ruffled by the late author. Just when things couldn't get more complicated, another victim falls prey, and someone close to Phoebe becomes a suspect!

Gretchen Rue weaves an enchanting tale in Playing with Magic, balancing witchy charm, humor, and suspense with ease. This cozy, magical story, is both light and captivating with hints of romance. Phoebe, with her determination, wit, and magical touch, is a protagonist who quickly wins your heart. Every page of this book is a joy. If you’re seeking a cozy mystery with a magical twist, Playing with Magic is a must-read.

I loved every moment of this charming tale and can’t wait for more adventures with Phoebe Winchester and Bob the Cat!

Thank you to The Publisher Aria & Aries | Aria ,The Author Gretchen Rue & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC)

"Playing with Magic" by Gretchen Rue is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, blending a charming bookshop setting with a touch of witchcraft and a perplexing murder mystery. The protagonist, Phoebe Winchester, a bookstore owner and amateur witch, is set to host her first major author event at her shop, Earl’s Study. The excitement quickly turns into a nightmare when the event’s star, renowned birder Sebastian Marlow, is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

Phoebe's character is wonderfully crafted, with her determination and wit shining through as she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. The stakes are high as she worries about the reputation of her beloved store and seeks to uncover the truth behind Sebastian's death. Her partnership with the dashing local private investigator, Rich Lofting, adds a layer of intrigue and romance that keeps readers engaged.

The plot is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The discovery of a second victim raises the stakes even further, drawing Phoebe deeper into the mystery and closer to potential danger. The quaint setting of Raven Creek and the enchanting atmosphere of Phoebe’s book and tea store provide the perfect backdrop for this cozy mystery.

Gretchen Rue excels in creating a warm and inviting world that readers will want to return to again and again. The blend of magic, murder, and romance is expertly balanced, making "Playing with Magic" a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of Cleo Coyle and Jenn McKinlay will find much to love in this enchanting series.

While some aspects of the mystery may be somewhat predictable, the overall charm and engaging characters more than make up for it. "Playing with Magic" earns a solid four stars for its captivating storyline, delightful setting, and the endearing Phoebe Winchester. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a cozy escape with a magical twist.

This is a cute cosy mystery series - certainly I'm finding them gently entertaining, to keep reading until the third book - but the marketing of these as "witchy romance" and the comparison titles are doing this series a huge disservice: it IS NOT witchy romance and those looking for that genre will be bored. The magic takes a minuscule backseat to the cosy mystery, endless tea making, and small-town politics, a la Gilmore Girls with more murder, and we've had two cut-short dates and one fake kiss between the lead couple by the end of book three. It's such a disappointment that these are being rereleased with such poor, misleading marketing.

Phoebe, owner of a book/tea shop and new witch, is involved in yet another murder. This time of an author/bird watcher who had visited her shop for a talk and guided walk. As usual, I didn't figure out the murderer until the reveal.

This time the police ask Phoebe to keep an eye out for information (but not interfere). She still crosses lines but involves the police quickly after each incident. The police know more than Phoebe thought, and I'm looking forward to how that information will be used in future books.

This is book 3 in the series. In my reviews of books 1 and 2, I suggested there wasn't enough magic or romance. Book 3 has changed my mind - Phoebe's powers start going crazy and she searches for an explanation. The scenes with Karma and Aunt Eudora are a perfect explanation of why the magic has been seemingly so slow. Obviously a new witch isn't going to grasp her powers immediately, and Phoebe figuring out her powers ends up being much more dramatic. There still isn't much romance in this - a distraction kiss during a stakeout, but you can see the romance is building up. I think book 3 is set 9 months after book 1, which is still a slow burn romance but actually makes a change that the characters aren't rushing into a happily ever after within a week of reconnecting.

My favourite character is still Bob the magic cat, and want to know what happens with his new friend next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Playing With Magic by Gretchen Rue
Rating: 4/5

Bookstore owner and amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is hosting her first major author event at her book and tea store, the Earl’s Study, when things take a dark turn. The guest author, famous birder Sebastian Marlow, is found dead before he can lead a bird hike to prove the existence of a rediscovered bird. Determined to protect her store's reputation, Phoebe teams up with handsome local private investigator Rich Lofting to solve the murder. As they delve into the mystery, another victim is killed, and someone close to Phoebe becomes a suspect. With the clock ticking, Phoebe must uncover the killer in this cozy, witchy mystery perfect for fans of Cleo Coyle and Jenn McKinlay.

"Playing with Magic" is a wonderful read that had me gripped from the very first page. This book perfectly blends mystery and romance, all set in a charming small-town setting that adds an extra layer of coziness to the story.

One of the highlights for me was the protagonist, Phoebe Winchester. She is an incredibly well-crafted character, brimming with personality and charm. I found myself instantly loving her, thanks to her determination and relatable nature. Phoebe's journey, as she navigates the twists and turns of the mystery while also handling her personal life and budding romance, is engaging and heartwarming.

The mystery element is compelling and keeps you guessing, while the romantic subplot adds a delightful touch of warmth and connection. The small-town setting is vividly described, making you feel as though you are right there alongside Phoebe, experiencing the quaint charm and unique quirks of the community.

Overall, "Playing with Magic" is a captivating read that balances intrigue and romance beautifully, with a protagonist you'll adore and a setting you'll wish you could visit. It's a book that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aria & Aries, and the author, Gretchen Rue, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A really lovely novel. A beautiful balance of gentle romance, cosy detective skills and a gorgeous cat! Although murder is involved there is plenty of tea to cheer you up. A great book for a cosy weekend in or a week on the beach.

I loved the first book and the vibes are just perfection. Cosy, magical, witches and a sprinkle of romance. It’s light, addicting and super addicting. Did I mention addicting? I could read huge chunks of the book at once and still be left wanting more.

Immediately, it had the first page hook effect and I’ve already grown to love the characters (and of course Bob the cat who warrants his own special mention) and now I love them even more.

I also loved the murder mystery element: a famous nature writer and bird lover who attends Phoebe’s book shop to promote his latest read. But much like some of his beloved birds, someone was bent on seeing him extinct too… but is that the full story? There’s more than meets the eye… oooer. If that’s not enough to hook I don’t know what will!

Phoebe is absolutely fab and a cosy murder mystery fantasy was exactly what I needed. If you’re after a book to immerse yourself in and disappear from the world for a bit, look no further. It’s like a warm blanket hug of a book!

Title: Playing with Magic by Gretchen Rue

Release date: September, 12th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Playing with Magic" by Gretchen Rue is an absolute delight for cozy mystery lovers and anyone who enjoys a touch of magic!

Phoebe Winchester, bookstore owner and amateur witch, is all set to host her first major author event at the Earl's Study when things take a dark turn. Sebastian Marlow, the famous birder and guest author, ends up dead before he can unveil his rediscovery of a supposedly extinct bird.

Suddenly, Phoebe finds herself in the middle of a real-life whodunit!

Sebastian's untimely demise sets the stage for a thrilling mystery full of twists and turns.

Phoebe, determined to protect her store's reputation, teams up with the charming local private investigator, Rich Lofting. Together, they navigate a web of suspects, from Sebastian's disgruntled former manager to other characters who had their feathers ruffled by the late author.

Gretchen Rue weaves a captivating story filled with suspense, humour, and just the right amount of witchy charm. The small-town setting of Raven Creek comes alive, making you feel like you're right there with Phoebe, sipping tea and sleuthing through the aisles of her cozy bookstore.

"Playing with Magic" is perfect for fans of Cleo Coyle and Jenn McKinlay, offering a mix of quirky characters, engaging plot twists, and an enchanting atmosphere.

I loved every minute of this book and couldn't put it down until the very end. Phoebe's determination, wit, and magical flair make her a delightful protagonist you can't help but root for.

If you're in the mood for a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing and leave you spellbound, "Playing with Magic" is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting tale and can't wait for more adventures with Phoebe Winchester!

Thank you to The Publisher Aria & Aries | Aria ,The Author Gretchen Rue & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.