When I read Steeped to Death, the first book in the Witches' Brew Mystery series, two years ago I knew I had found a new cozy mystery series that I would enjoy a lot.

It is fresh, entertaining and funny with a great setting-- the town of Raven Creek and the bookstore/tea shop The Earl's Study, a group of sensible, quirky and intelligent characters, copious amounts of delicious sounding tea blends & bakery goodies, good murder mystery all topped off with Phoebe's (who as a probability witch can stop time), still mostly untapped magical powers and Bob the orange tabby cat.

Bob is a character in his own right and a star of these books and I wonder if there is more to him than just his sharp feline senses.

Phoebe is still coming to terms with her magical powers since they activated very late for her. As a probability witch, Phoebe is a rare kind even amongst witches and I look forward to the time when we can hopefully see her use it on a grand scale.

There are also recipes at the end for the various tea blends and baked goodies mentioned in the books.

And finally, who doesn't love the Winchester surname 😉❤️?

I received the ARC of the book from the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Gretchen Rue via NetGalley.

Death by a Thousand Sips
by Gretchen Rue
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed book 1 and I think I liked book 2 even more. Phoebe owns/runs The Earl Study and it sounds like a place I would love to visit. Books, tea, & yummy pastries. I love the community and friends that she has and I really enjoyed that the cops were not dumb or mean. Phoebe also has help this time from her handsome PI friend, which I think was a smart move and made things even more interesting. I am eagerly awaiting book 3! (Pre-ordered!) Oh! && I thought the narrator on the audio did a great job.

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.

(3.5 stars)

If you like a bit of the paranormal mixed in with a cozy mystery, you’ll enjoy Death By A Thousand Sips, book two in the Witches’ Brew mystery series. Phoebe, recently divorced, inherited her beloved Aunt Eudora’s Victorian mansion and business in a small town in Washington State and moved there. So now she is the owner of a combined bookstore and tea room. Eudora was known for her custom tea blends, and was rumored to be a witch; luckily she left the recipes/instructions for those tea blends for Phoebe! It turns out that Phoebe does have some of her aunt’s uncanny abilities; Phoebe has the ability to momentarily stop time, but she hasn’t figured out how to control it yet. In this story, it came in handy during a car crash but Phoebe couldn’t call up the ability at another point in the story where it also would have come in handy.

The mystery this time concerns a murder at an estate sale that Phoebe was attending in the hope of buying a lot of books for her store.

Her cat, Bob, is a major player in this story. He has a talent for getting into a bit of trouble, but he is a super-sweet kitty.

I’m a tea lover, so the special blends had me salivating, along with the descriptions of Phoebe making her treats for the store. There are some yummy-sounding recipes included at the end of the book, including how to make your own sour dough starter.

It’s been a while since I’ve read book one, so I can confidently say that this would work fine as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue. It was okay to not have read the first book in the series.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Gretchen Rue

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Magic themed books are generally not at the top of my reading list except for a few series. I had not read the first book in the series, but I had no trouble following this one. Phoebe is a likable main character although Bob absolutely steals the show. The mystery and supporting characters are strong. Great characters and a good mystery are things I look for in a cozy series. I will be reading more by this author!

I really enjoyed Death By a Thousand Sips. Phoebe is such an interesting character and it's fun to see her evolving with her magic, even in just the second book in the series. The murder mystery was interesting and kept me stumped until the big reveal. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to see what happens next.

News of an estate sale sent Phoebe Winchester to a nearby town, hoping for a chance to bid for the huge collection of books, which would stock her bookstore and tea shop, The Earl's Study, for sometime to come. Leaving her two helpers to run the shop, as well as leaving her cat Bob behind in the shop, was the plan. But Bob had somehow snuck into the car - his presence was not unwelcome, but could be awkward. The estate agent showed her the book collection and Phoebe hoped the bidding wouldn't go too high. After she secured the collection as the highest bidder, her delight turned to horror when she discovered a dead body upstairs in the library.

Being a suspect meant Phoebe was determined to prove her innocence, as well as discover the killer. With her good friend and private investigator, Rich Lofting, helping out - reluctantly it must be said - Phoebe quite obviously came close to the solution, as she was threatened. Would she discover who the killer was, or would it be her last effort at being an amateur sleuth?

Death by a Thousand Sips is quite entertaining. Bob is adorable - his picture is on the book's cover - and his constant presence in Phoebe's life is cute. There wasn't a lot of "witchy stuff" in this book but what there was was fun! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

"Death by a Thousand Sips" by Gretchen Rue is a delightful addition to the Witches' Brew mystery series, offering readers a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and a touch of romance. In this second installment, Phoebe Winchester returns to Raven Creek, and Rue weaves a tale that keeps the reader eagerly turning the pages.

Phoebe's character is charming and relatable, and her journey of adjusting to life in Raven Creek is both heartwarming and entertaining. The Victorian manor, the bookstore, and tea shop, The Earl's Study, all contribute to the cozy and magical atmosphere that Rue skillfully creates. The integration of Phoebe's recently discovered magical powers adds an intriguing element to the story, making it stand out in the genre.

The discovery of a dead body at an estate sale sets the stage for a compelling mystery. Rue masterfully crafts a plot filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing about the true identity of the killer. Phoebe's determination to clear her name and the involvement of Rich Lofting, the handsome private detective and childhood friend, add depth to the investigation and contribute to the overall appeal of the story.

The unresolved feelings between Phoebe and Rich add a layer of romantic tension, offering a nice balance to the mystery plot. Rue handles this aspect of the narrative with finesse, enhancing the character dynamics without overshadowing the central mystery.

The small, tight-knit town of Raven Creek serves as a charming backdrop, and Rue effectively explores the shadows lurking within, raising questions about the town's secrets. The infusion of magic, Phoebe's sleuthing skills, and the support of friends create a well-rounded narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

"Death by a Thousand Sips" is a four-star read that successfully combines the elements of a cozy mystery with magical undertones. Gretchen Rue has crafted a captivating story that will resonate with fans of Laura Childs and Cleo Coyle. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and the perfect blend of magic and mystery, this book is a delightful escape into the enchanting world of Raven Creek.

Death by a Thousand Sips is a witchy cozy with books, cats and food, including recipes. Phoebe is a likable character who takes over the town's book and tea shop following her aunt's death. The story includes lots of cozy vibes and a touch of romance. Well this one was slower to me than the first book, I look forward to the next installment in this series. Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

I liked this book. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked the characters and the setting

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in the Witches Brew Mysteries series, and did you notice that the first book is oh so cutely displayed on this cover. Phoebe Winchester is both a tea shop owner/book store owner by trade and a witch with probability powers and slow motion time abilities (in a pinch). She also seems to be developing a knack at solving mysteries. What should have been an average estate sale Weatherly mansion, with a decent haul of mass media paperbacks turns out to be an unfortunate incident of murder. The suspects include Riley the disowned by association family member whose grandfather had never met him. Riley felt that the victim got what she deserved. Was it Franny, the quiet assistant who took a verbal lashing from Madelaine right before Madelaine turns up dead? Or maybe it was the oh-so attractive personal secretary to Mr. Weatherly who given…pretty much everything. Since Phoebe was the person to find Madelaine dead, she figures she is on the suspect list as well and needs to do what she can to get off of it by finding the killer. Thank goodness Phoebe has friends such as her mentor, Honey who helps with her memory by way of a little magic in a bottle for under the pillow. Rich, the handsome PI is also ready to lend a hand both professionally and personally. This was a great cozy with engaging characters and a clever plot that kept me turning pages while taking notes and trying to avoid red herrings. I was also impressed by the recipes in the back and cannot wait to try my hand at making the sourdough starter. I will be on the lookout for the next book in the series to add to my TBR list.

I LOVED book one of this series when I read it earlier this year, and I knew I had to read book two. It did not disappoint. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series. What's not to love - a witch new to her powers, a charming tea shop, a chubby cat, and murder? It's got everything a girl could want. 😉

This is the 2nd installment in the Witches Brew mystery series. Phoebe Winchester runs the Earl’s Study (A tea and book shop) in Raven Creek which she inherited from her Aunt Eudora. When her employees Daphne and Imogen find a newspaper clipping for an estate sale at Weatherly Manor and they are interested in the library for adding stock to the book shop. The next day Phoebe leaves the store and is shocked to find Bob her cat in the car with her as she is on her way to the estate sale. Too late to turn back she takes Bob with her and keeps him in the car. When she arrives she meets Madeline Morrow who is running the estate sale and learns about the library inventory and later overhears Madeline in an argument on her phone. Phoebe successfully wins the books she is interested in and as she is looking around she is shocked to see Bob in the manor. She goes searching for him and finds him in the library that Madeline had showed her earlier and when Bob has blood on his paws she finds Madeline’s dead body. Now she is involved in another murder investigation. She asks her friend Rich who is a private investigator to help with some information on the other attendees at the auction. When an attempt is made on her life she knows she is on the right track. This was a really good mystery and it was nice to see Phoebe grow in her friendships in town. Looking forward to the next installment.

There are a few cozy mysteries with cats on their cover, and I may have been mixing them up in my head when I request them. When I started reading this, however, I could firmly place it with the first book in the series that I have already read.
In the first, our lead protagonist comes to terms with her inheritance. This inheritance has both a physical and metaphysical connotation. Both of which she uses to solve a murder in the town. This time, the plot begins with Phoebe getting a push to try and get more books for the books part of her store. She ends up in an auction, which seems to have a lot of bad blood within the system. Her escaping cat leads her to the body, and the police quickly make their presence felt.
Although she does not have much of a connection with the victim, Phoebe is compelled to look for the actual killer with just an inkling that the police suspect her for being in the place at the wrong time. This was a little hard for me to digest. The investigation itself is straightforward and makes sense, but I wish the reason for the process was not so lukewarm.
There is also the romantic angle, with two men showing signs of being interested in being the leading man of the narrative, but only one can win. This and the magical part of the thought process definitely takes its own space in the narrative.
I would recommend this series to fans of the genre, especially those who like a bit of magic being treated as if it is part of regular life as a major boost to a murder investigation.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I was so excited to read Death by Thousand Sips, the second book in the Witches Brew series. It did not disappoint! It was as good as the first book. I love all the mystical aspects of the story and learning about teas.

The connection Phoebe still has to her aunt even though she passed away is wonderful. It was such a sweet touch to the story to add things Phoebe found of her aunt's hidden thought out the house that made her feel like her aunt was still watching over her.

I also loved how the romance is building between Rich and Phoebe. Also, all the town interactions remind more of Stars Hallow in Gilmore Girls. The mystery was a lot of fun too and wasn't predictable, which I liked a lot. I highly recommend this series and look forward to the third installment!

Thank you, Netgallery and Crooked Lane Books, for the ARC!

This was a very interesting read. While it is the second book in the series, you don't need to have read the previous book to easily follow along. The depiction of a small community is accurate. The murder mystery realistically, takes a back seat to day to day life. The cat is a normal cat, but I am left wondering if there may actually be more to him than anyone alive knows. Few people are what they seems to be. A very enjoyable read.

I love a good tea/book shop! Phoebe Winchester has taken over the shop from her late aunt. Finding another body at an estate sale makes Phoebe have to get involved. This is a fun series with a touch of magic.


#DeathbyaThousandSips #NetGalley

Death by a Thousand Sips
By Gretchen Rue
Crooked Lane Books
September 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s only been seven months since Phoebe Winchester moved in to take over her late aunt’s tea shop bookstore in Raven Creek, Washington, but so much about her life has changed. Not only has she discovered that she has inherited ownership of nearly half of the businesses on Main Street, she also learned that she is a witch with a special talent for probability. The former being more of a secret than the latter is probably the oddest thing about the state of affairs, but at least it means that Phoebe has other witches available to mentor her with spellcrafting. Her biggest priority at the moment though is building up stock for the Earl’s Study bookstore collection, which is why Phoebe attends a huge estate sale being held at the Weatherly mansion in the hopes of bidding on its large library collection. What Phoebe didn’t plan on was the ride along by her adopted cat Bob, nor that he and his paw prints would make their bloody way through the discovery of a body.

Madeline Morrow had been in charge of organizing the estate auction, and even before finding her body Phoebe had witnessed Madeline’s dismissive treatment of an assistant and the making of an angry phone call. So despite not being treated by the investigating detectives as a suspect for Madeline’s murder, Phoebe decides to take it upon herself to start making a list of possible killers with motives for the murder. She even recruits her childhood friend and current tenant Rich Lofting in her investigations, although his being a private investigator does make his involvement more predictable. What they discover is a Succession-level of family rivalry within the Weatherlys, as despite there supposedly being family descendants it turns out that the patriarch disinherited his daughters while making his very young, very attractive assistant the sole heir. So when not baking exquisite sourdough breads from long-living sourdough starters or eating the mouthwatering specialties of local restaurants, Phoebe and her growing witchcraft skills investigate the auction attendees and especially the complicated Weatherly family.

This second in the series treads lightly through Phoebe’s magical talents, especially when it comes to her still uncontrollable ability to slow time. While that does come in handy when menaced by a threatening SUV, it is Phoebe’s practical questioning of suspects that proves far more successful in tracking down a murderer. That doesn’t mean that a potion to awaken her memory doesn’t come into play, nor that her talent doesn’t save her from a nasty fall through a rotten board. Their both being recent divorcees have Rich and Phoebe deciding to put a pause on any possible romance between them, but the sparks still sizzle through their “professional” interactions. This mystery with a paranormal twist will appeal to those looking for a genre-blending read, but foodies will also find so much to love about this series. The description of a smash burger dripping with butter is extraordinary, making the inclusion of its recipe almost a requirement. Topping off this delightfully magical mystery is of course Bob the cat, who accompanies Phoebe on bike rides in a spaceship-like backpack. This is the perfect cozy read for any time of the year but of course suits those looking for a little witchcraft to add to the Halloween holiday season.