Steeped to Death

A Witches' Brew Mystery, Book 1

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: 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...

©2022 Gretchen Rue (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Magic Cozy Mystery

It gives Practical Magic vibes. If you like a cozy mystery and magic, it’s a must read with a cup of tea.

the unique story

i love the uniqueness of the story and will read the next 2 despite the following: Poor English grammar: ,"different than," also repetitive use of phrase "to be honest," which means they have been dishonest. Misuse of the word "hopefully," which is an adverb. Several times use "me" instead of "I." and vice versa.

nice, light listen

the cat on the cover entuced me and I occassionally like a light listen. this one doesn't disappoint even though the solution to the crime came more accidentally than purposefully.

Surprisingly Good

I am not usually a fan of 'magic' tales or books with any 'witchcraft' in them. Even if they are fun and light hearted, I usually pass on them. I didn't actually read the forward to this book. Since it was included, I just got it to have something to listen to while being snowed in during this winter storm. I'm glad I did. I really liked this book and want to listen to more in the series. It was a good and entertaining mystery. I would recommend to anyone looking for something easy and fun with a little mystery brewed into it.

Magic, Murder, and Much More

Excellent first in series! This one hit all the cozy elements: the small town setting, the inheritance, welcoming citizens who become friends (or enemies), the potential for romance, a somewhat cantankerous pet, a strong female protagonist, and a little magic. Oh, and I mustn't forget murder and secrets. Phoebe is a perfect female lead. She is intelligent, friendly, and though she does some snooping, there are no TSTL moments that make readers cringe. The mysteries, and there are several, are well plotted, and I admit the identity of the murderer came as a surprise. This is a keeper, and I cannot wait for the next visit to Raven Creek.

The narrator also did an excellent job with the voices, including the male characters.