A great start to a new series by a talented cozy mystery writer. It's a fast read which is great as it was hard to put down. The world building necessary to start a new series did not bog down the story and the paranormal elements were a great addition-believable and not over the top.

Shayleigh Myers has moved back to the town she grew up in after a contentious divorce with a man who ruined her career and her reputation. She has surprisingly inherited a business and a cottage from Bridget, an older woman in town that she barely knew, and doesn't know why. But she feels a strange pull toward the shop. and as she explores it, she feels hopeful that it would be a great tea shop. That feeling is marred when she discovers a body on the roof of the second floor/greenhouse.

There are a few mysteries to be solved. Was Bridget murdered as her young friend believes? Who murdered the man on the roof and why did Bridget leave her property to Shayleigh? All are resolved by the end although the stage is set for another bad character to arrive.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley but the opinion expressed is my own.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Kensington Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Steeped in Secrets is the perfect introduction to a new cozy mystery series. Lauren Elliot has crafted a meticulous setting with enchanting characters who are flawed, relatable like their readers. The plot isn't overdone, confusing like so many often are. Nor is it predictable, though it's straightforward enough to follow. Looking forward to many from Lauren Elliot and the Tea Shop Mystery series.

An excellent start to a new series. A charming coastal town, an interesting, sometime quirky group of people who are mostly likable and very believable. A roller coaster of emotions. I couldn’t (and didn’t want to) put it down. Can’t wait to see where the series goes.

I enjoyed this book. It’s a fast read and well worth it. I enjoyed the story very much. The characters are great. I can’t wait to see what happens next. #SteepedinSecrets #NetGalley

Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott is a great cozy mystery that is the first in a new series: A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery. I really limed this!


I am a huge fan of Ms. Elliott and really like her established cozy mystery series titled A Beyond the Page Bookshop Mystery, so of course I am super excited that she is lending her talent to a new series.

While this is still a cozy mystery, this one is slightly different in that there are paranormal threads added to the overall plot. This takes place in Bray Harbor, California and involves Shay Myers returning to a location associated with her childhood. Throw in mysterious pasts, an eclectic collection of locals and family, folklore, paranormal threads, a murder/mystery, an inherited shop under additional questions, and one has got themselves an excellent start to a new series.

Looking forward to seeing where this will go.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/29/22.