Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue

 Steeped to Death

Book Summary

For fans of Laura Childs and Amanda Flowers, it’s teatime in Raven Creek—but a murder at the The Earl’s Study sets the stage for an intoxicating brew of small-town chicanery with a hint of the supernatural.

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.

My Thoughts

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.

Steeped to Death is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Gretchen Rue on Amazon so you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower.  It is the debut of An Emily Dickinson Mystery series.  I had a lovely birthday weekend.  I did get the Vera Bradley bag that I wanted (from their new Harry Potter line).  I like that it has whimsy.  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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