On Flashback Fridays I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
Death by a Thousand Sips (A Witches’ Brew Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Washington State
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books (September 5, 2023)
Hardcover : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1639104534
ISBN-13 : 978-1639104536
Kindle ASIN : B0BP6M8GQ3
Audiobook ASIN B0C311FN5G
Audio CD ASIN : B0CXXD62JT
Phoebe Winchester is back on the case in Raven Creek when a body is discovered at an estate sale in Gretchen Rue’s second book in the Witches’ Brew mystery series, perfect for fans of Laura Childs and Cleo Coyle.
Ever since she moved to Raven Creek, Washington, Phoebe Winchester knew she would have to grow accustomed to having a lot on her plate. She’s beginning to make the Victorian manor she inherited from her dear and adventurous Aunt Eudora feel more like home, successfully running the bookstore and tea shop, The Earl’s Study, and learning to harness her recently discovered magical powers. But when she discovers a dead body at an estate sale—even Phoebe wonders if this is simply too much.
Rumors of Phoebe’s involvement force her to take action; she needs to find the killer and clear her own name, once again. She enlists Rich Lofting, the handsome private detective and her childhood friend, in her investigation, all while she sorts out her unresolved feelings for him. Is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows of this small tight-knit town? And does Phoebe really want to find out?
With a dash of magic, a pinch of sleuthing skills, and a spoonful of friendly assistance, Phoebe needs to uncover the killer to keep Raven Creek safe once again. But if she doesn’t—will she find herself in even more hot water?
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Phoebe Winchester is settling into her new life in Raven Creek, Washington where she is living in a Victorian manor and running The Earl’s Study, a tea shop and bookstore she inherited from her Aunt Eudora. She is also gaining knowledge about her new magical powers.
When Phoebe learns of an estate sale selling a wide variety of books she is curious and hopeful that there will be books she can add to the bookstore’s inventory. After winning the lot that she wanted the day takes a tragic turn when she and the frisky feline, Bob find a dead body in a small alcove. Detective Patsy Martin arrives on the scene, sees Phoebe, gets her statement, and tells her not to leave town. She knows she needs help to prove she is innocent again so she asks/convinces her childhood friend, now a private investigator Rich, to give her a big assist even though she sometimes forgets her own name when she is around the hunky investigator.
Can they work together to clear her name and solve this case? Will it take a little magic? or just some great amateur sleuthing? Or will her confidence in her abilities put her right in the path of the killer?
In this second Witches’ Brew Mystery, the characters are emerging in wonderful ways. Phoebe is finding her place in Raven Creek and her magical gift is more known. It comes out at very opportune times, she still needs to learn how to control it. Thankfully she has her delightful friend Honey, also a witch, to guide her. Her friendships with Leo and Rich are so much fun. The childhood friendships have grown and while the guys had made a promise to Endora to watch over Phoebe and they take that responsibility seriously, their friendships are organic and Phoebe and Rich’s relationship is becoming something more. I love the banter, sass, and good humor between them. Amy owns the bakery next door to The Earl’s Study, and she and Phoebe have become great friends. Imogen and Daphne both worked with Endora and have stayed to work with Phoebe and help her learn all there is to know about the place but they can’t make the special teas that Endora did. Another thing she needs to learn.
The Earl’s Study has a very special customer who is truly a friend. Mr. Loughery. He is an elderly man who comes in every morning for tea and to read his latest used book purchase. Across from him in the other big leather chair by the fireplace is his buddy, Bob, the cat, Endora’s cat, now Phoebe’s. He stays for the day, sometimes napping just like Bob, and always ready to give feedback about new recipes being tried out in the kitchen. If he is late Phoebe, Daphne, and Imogen worry. They care about him and he cares about them. Phoebe has a loving idea in this story. It made me like her even more.
I love the way Ms. Rue sets a scene. Her words aptly describe each setting so you can envision each place easily. In this book, we go to the old Weatherly mansion and one room would have definitely be my happy place.
“Belle from Beauty and the Beast would want to marry this room.”
Yes, the room was filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves “positively groaning under the weight of hundreds and hundreds of books.”
Ms. Rue has written a very twisty mystery full of red herrings. Phoebe goes through a lot trying to piece all the clues together and she goes a little rogue when she thinks she has everything figured out. She had a huge surprise. I was thrilled because my theory was right even though I doubted myself once or twice. The reveal wrapped up the mystery nicely but was mild as far as showdowns are concerned.
Death by a Thousand Sips was a fun entertaining light paranormal mystery with appealing characters including the charming Bob, a small town setting, with bits of magic, humor, and romantic tension. I look forward to reading The Grim Steeper when it is released in September.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Gretchen Rue lives in the Canadian prairies, which affords her ample time to read during six months of winter. She plays cat mom to four mostly indifferent fur children, and plant mom to roughly 100 very demanding flora. When she isn’t sipping tea and working on her next novel, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching baseball.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”