4.25 Stars —This was an enchanting start to a new mystery series! Main character Phoebe Winchester has just inherited a spooky gothic mansion and cozy tea/bookshop from her Aunt Eudora in Raven Creek, Washington. Yep, I spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out a way to jump inside. My dream! The descriptions of the brews and baked goods were to die for.

The mystery comes into play when a deceased man is found outside Phoebe’s store, possibly murdered as he was trying to break in. What was he after, and who wanted him dead? Phoebe also discovers that Eudora was a witch (that tidbit wasn’t just a town rumor!), and she may have inherited more than just an estate from her dear aunt.

This was an enjoyable read with a little magic, romance, and a solid mystery element. Plus a delightful cat named Bob! I can’t wait for the next book. If you love witchy/paranormal cozies be sure to pick this one up.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

https://girllostinabook.com/2023/09/21/review-steeped-to-death-by-gretchen-rue/ ( )

Phoebe inherits her aunt’s home and combo tea shop and bookstore. What Phoebe didn’t know until she arrived is that she also inherited an unusual gift from her aunt. She is dealing with that discovery and the town busybody who wants to buy Phoebe’s home even though she told her she isn’t selling. But it’s a nice homecoming for Phoebe when she reunited with some old friends and makes some new ones. A dead body behind her shop does dampen her spirits a bit, but she is up to the challenge of finding out exactly what happened as well as fulfilling her aunt’s wishes. It’s a good start to a new series, well written, intriguing, and entertaining. ( )

Steeped To Death follows the typical cozy mystery formula but includes enough twists to feel fresh and offer an enjoyable read.

Phoebe Winchester is moving back to Raven Ridge, Washington to take over the property her aunt Eudora bequeathed to her. She’s got the key to the mansion, a sealed letter from her aunt, and a lot of questions. In the letter, Eudora reassured Phoebe of her love and asked her to be open to exploring the town, the mansion, and the bookshop/tea shop before making any snap decisions about her future.

So here’s a basic cozy mystery trope - a woman out of a significant relationship goes back to a small town where she had been happy as a child. Rue adds a twist to this self-discovery journey that expands the quest Phoebe took to figure out her place in a post-divorce world. Phoebe quickly realizes that most people know more about her and Eudora than they’re willing to share. Everyone has their secrets, and Phoebe pieces everything in stages.

Another common trope is a murder mystery. Phoebe goes to the bookshop/tea shop that had been closed since her aunt’s death. She’s met at the door with the town busybody and an intimidating man who unsuccessfully tries to enter the store with her. Less than 24 hours later, the man’s body was found near the back entrance of the store.

A cozy mystery wouldn’t be complete without the mysterious and handsome stranger. It turns out that Phoebe’s childhood friend has grown up to become Rich, who is keeping secrets of his own.

It makes sense that the residents of a small-town would have heard stories about Eudora’s adored niece. Of course they’re curious about Phoebe’s future plans. But why does everyone appear to know more about Phoebe than she does? Who can she trust? And who - to quote Eudora - deserves a kick in the keister?

Cozy mysteries provide a unique challenge. On the one hand, readers want the usual tropes small town, murder, amateur detective, and a handsome stranger. On the other hand, the book needs to have a unique twist to stand out. Is this book a better choice than just some random cozy grabbed from a bargain bin?

Gretchen Rue succeeds in meeting the challenge in Steeped To Death. The pieces of a cozy mystery are here. The secrets within the mystery - particularly Eudora’s and Phoebe’s - stand out. It’s pretty easy to figure out who are the good guys and who are the evildoers, but the murder isn’t the primary solution of the story. By making Eudora’s secrets the main mystery, Rue deliberately unwraps one secret at a time to provide a delightful gift to the reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a copy of this book. ( )

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. ( )