The Grim Steeper is the delightful third book in A Witches’ Brew mystery series. Phoebe Winchester inherited a book/tea shop, a house and a cat from her aunt Eudora. But these things aren’t all Phoebe gains when she moves to Raven Creek. Apparently Eudora was a witch and so is Phoebe. That is all backstory from the first two books in the series.
Phoebe is excited and stressed about welcoming a bird expert to town. There are hidden secrets in the group that comes to Raven Creek. The mystery is quite puzzling and complex. Few of the clues lead exactly where you’d expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Grim Steeper. I have enjoyed each book I’ve read by the author.
The paranormal aspects of Phoebe’s magic just add to the experience. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Bookms for the opportunity to read The Grim Steeper.

This third installment in the Witches' Brew cozy mystery series was so fun! I enjoy this series, with a bookstore/tea shop owner who has discovered she has magical powers, and a fun cast of supporting characters, all in a small Washington town. In this book, we're treated to an author event with a bird specialist, Fourth of July events, and delicious recipes (I can't wait to make the Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread!). This characters and events are developed more in this story, but it can also be read as a standalone for anyone who wants to jump into the series here. I can't wait for the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy.

This time The Earl’s Study tea and bookshop has gone to the birds. Phoebe Winchester, store owner, sometime sleuth, and newish witch, is hosting bird enthusiast and author, Sebastian Marlow for one of his book tour stops. Sebastian aka the Backyard Bird Man considered an expert birder who is easy on the eyes, has a huge announcement to make during his upcoming author event at Phoebe‘s books store. So of course, he ends up being the victim. Everyone loved Sebastian, or seemed to love him so why was he murdered? Like all good cozy sleuths, Phoebe has a need to find out the “who” and the ”why.”

I am not sure how Phoebe finds time to look for clues and ask questions. Most of her days include running the bookstore/tea shop, baking amazing sourdough breads from a homemade starter (refer to book 2 Death of a Thousand Sips), running the bookstore, (maybe) dating a dark-haired private investigator, and worrying about her magic acting wonky and unpredictable. It’s that last part, the magic acting wonky that could lead to a sticky situation, people aren’t used to seeing things floating and Phoebe’s witchy abilities are on the down low. The town has one other witch, Phoebe’s friend Honey, who can read runes but cannot offer a clear path for the mystery or guidance on what Phoebe needs to do to get her magic under control.

Suspects include the former manager and best friend of Sebastian, who was “let go” the day before the group arrives at Phoebe’s place for their tour stop. Maybe it is one of Sebastian’s team, or maybe someone else altogether. Everyone seems to be up to something and Phoebe was asked by Detective Martin to keep her eyes and ears open. Good thing her long-time friend (and maybe more), Rich Lofting is a former cop and currently a very good private investigator who is willing to indulge her and conduct stakeouts. The interactions between those two are fun and adorable as they dance around the “when should we start dating” thing. Rich may or may not know about Phoebe’s extra abilities, he knew her aunt Eudora, who was the subject of small town rumors about being a witch. Eudora’s teas helped a little too well, such as finding love and getting sleep.

The plot is well constructed and the clues well placed. The red herrings make it a challenge and the character interactions keep you turning pages as well as chuckling. Being a fan of the culinary cozies I was very happy to see that there were recipes at the conclusion of the story. I had sourdough starter already going after reading book two and used it to make the blueberry lemon sourdough bread. Both the story and the sourdough were highly enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what happens next. By the way, the ending is a doozy!

This was a fabulous cozy read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for letting me have an advance copy.

Phoebe runs at book and tea shop that her deceased aunt left her. Her aunt was a witch and so is Phoebe, although she doesn't really know much about her powers yet.

When she invites Sebastian to do a book signing at her shop about birding; she has no idea what a crowd he'll attract or what trouble he'll bring.

Soon there is a murder and it's up to Phoebe to see what she can find out to solve the case with the help of her "boyfriend??" and private eye Rich.

I loved the witchy vibes in this book and the way Phoebe runs her shop. The relationship between her and Rich is adorable and to top it off she has a loveable cat named Bob. What more could a girl want, especially as we approach Fall?

It was too cozy for me, but sometimes that's what you need.

This one is for you if you love birdwatching and small-town cozy mysteries.

This was the second book in the series. I did not miss anything, but you should check the first book to know more about the main character's backstory.

I adore this cozy series in the small town of Raven Creek, WA. Phoebe's bookstore sounds like exactly the type of place I'd like to hang out. I appreciate the author's approach to the paranormal and that it is generally accepted in Raven Creek. I adore magic in books.

Phoebe is gearing up for the big 4th of July weekend at The Earl's Study and the weekend kicks off with a reading by a backyard YouTube sensation, Sebastian Marlow. The festivities are to be followed the next day by a nature hike where Marlow hopes to catch a glimpse of a bird thought to be extinct. Unfortunately, he is murdered before the hike takes place and there is no shortage of suspects. Phoebe finds herself enmeshed in the investigation once again. Except this time she is dealing with her witch powers going haywire and levitating fruit.

I admit this cozy plot was a little too complex and even when it was all explained I was still scratching my head. While I appreciate some attempt at uniqueness (although motive is still one of the big three), I needed it laid out better to go "oh yeah!" *forehead smack* like I have at some of the other plots that have left me confused until the ending.

Despite that, I still enjoyed this delightful cozy and cannot wait to see what else the author has to offer. I look forward to more books in this series. They are such a joy to read.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The third book in the Witches' Brew Mystery series and I have read the previous two.

Phoebe Winchester is hosting an author's event at the Earl's Study, her book and tea shop. When the author and his team arrive it seems they are not getting on at all well and pretty soon there is a murder. When one of her friends is accused Phoebe seeks out the help of local P.I. Rich Lofting to solve the case.

The most important thing to know about this series is that Phoebe is a witch who has only recently come into her powers and is having some difficulties learning how to manage. The highlight of this book is the scene where someone is threatening her cat which makes her very angry. Do not make Phoebe angry. The results are hilarious.

A lighthearted and entertaining book, well written and with enjoyable characters. I look forward to more.

4.5⭐
Phoebe inherited her Aunt Aurora's tea shop/bookstore earlier this year. She's learned how to make the special tea blends, breads and Earl Grey shortbread and hosted her first author signing event for the handsome Backyard Birder. Unfortunately before the sponsored nature walk the next morning, he was found dead. As she only discovered her witchy talents when she came back to town to take over the store, she's not quite in control of them yet as the various items that start floating whenever she gets too stressed. I loved this series from the first book and found this latest delightful, and clever.

It was great going back to this town and seeing what was going on with the characters again. The mystery kept me guessing. I enjoy the town, the characters and the story.

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

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I always enjoy slipping back into the comfort of a cozy mystery, and this book was no exception. It has all the elements I love to read about, books, animals and tea! Add the small town charm and a chance to solve a murder and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect cozy!

This is the third book in the series, but I didn’t find myself confused or limited by jumping in at this point. The setting sells itself and the characters seamlessly add to both the plot and the charm. I definitely want to read the rest now though, so I’m almost glad I have some to catch up on.

A fantastic book, a must read for fans of this genre!

The Grim Steeper by Rue was a lovely cozy mystery with great characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be published.

I thought this was a cute cozy read! I felt it was a little slow at times but overall I did enjoy it.

This is the third book in the Witches' Brew Mystery by Gretchen Rue. Phoebe is still learning about her powers. She is having an issue controlling them when her anxiety spikes. The is problematic to keeping your powers a secret but lends itself to an interesting story.
The author is a bit haughty and his team is a real Witch of a team. It was sad that he died but the crux is was he the intended victim or was someone else. We find that many of the author’s team do not play well with others.

I like the story with plenty of twists and turns. I disliked some of the author’s team but that was by design.

Recipes included at the back of the book.

If you are looking for something a little different in your cozy mysteries, give this series and this book a try. It is a standalone story.
I was given an advanced readers copy and these are my opinions.

Oh no- the very first guest- very first one- for an event at Phoebe's bookshop has been murdered! Phoebe, her "pal" Rick, and the estimable Bob the cat sort through the wide range of people Sebastian had wronged to find the true killer in this latest in a series that's also fine as a standalone. Oh, and Phoebe is a witch just learning how to use her powers. It's a classic paranormal cozy with good characters (and yes, I, like others, am a fan of Bob). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read

Phoebe Winchester moves to small Washington town after inheriting a bookshop from her late Aunt. She finds out that she is a witch and has a knack for solving murders. When a visiting author turns up dead she decides to uncover the murderer. Good cozy with recipes.

I adored this cozy mystery! The group of characters were fantastic, and I loved the beach setting. I enjoyed the plot twists and the mystery. It was well paced and well written!

I enjoyed this book. I do wish it had more depth as far as some of the characters & the world building. It doesn’t feel like much progress is made throughout the story on the investigation despite them investigating. I was surprised by who the killer turned out to be. #TheGrimSteeper #NetGalley

Phoebe has invited a bird-influencer for a talk at her store. Part of the activities is also a birdwatching hike. The hike never takes place because the influencer is killed in the night.

Phoebe is surprised that detective Martin asks her to keep her eyes and ears open for any information on the case. Which Phoebe takes - wrongly - to mean she should investigate herself.

Meanwhile, Phoebe is having some trouble controlling her magic. Things just start floating around her when she feels anxious. She asks her friend Honey for help. Honey does a rune reading and gives Phoebe a clue to the mystery.

It was a nice enough story, though people got drenched by rain rather quickly. The clues were a bit obvious. <spoiler>Who brings an incriminating bank statement with them on a trip?</spoiler> It was a bit much that Phoebe started a cat shelter at her bookshop / tearoom.

And one mystery was not solved: <spoiler>How did Connor know about that hiding place at the bird conservation?</spoiler>

Paranormal Literary Culinary Cozy Mystery which finds a Washington amateur witch who owns a book and tea shop as she turns sleuth after her first guest author, a famous birder, is found dead.

5/5 stars: This is the third book in the Rue's Witches' Brew Mystery series which is Paranormal Literary Culinary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Washington and features an amateur witch book and tea shop owner who's first author event takes a murderous turn when her guest author, a famous birder, is found dead. Worried about her store’s image, she turns sleuth to uncover the killer and figure out who’s up to fowl play. Rue has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. As for the paranormal elements, Phoebe's a newbie witch still learning her craft and her rare ability to stop time manifests when she's under threat. In this book, her magic's glitching and she consults fellow witches Honey and her mother Karma to figure out why. With plenty of wit and humor, Rue's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to be back in Raven Creek and Phoebe's charming shop The Earl’s Study with her eclectic and diverse friends and employees. I also really like seeing Phoebe and Rich the private investigator progressing in their relationship. And of course one mustn't forget the Phoebe's lovable chubby orange tabby Bob, shop cat and viral sensation. I love Bob's Place, the new shop section where Phoebe hosts cats for adoption. Additionally, there's plenty of summery fourth of July fun and you won't want to miss any of the yummy recipes included. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Steeped to Death.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

It's the third book in the series, and I still very much enjoy the overall atmosphere, the witchy element and, as far as the investigation goes, it was compelling and interesting til the end. A solid new installment. Looking forward to the next one!