I did not realise this was part of a series. I think I would of enjoyed it more if I had started this from the beginning. Nice little cosy fantasy which at times had a lot going on. Good book for a warm summers night. This writes will do well.

Thankyou NetGalley for the arc of this book
I love the story of this book and loved the chemistry between Alex and Dylan even more!!
So excited to read more from this author might have to get the rest of the series as I didn’t realise this was book 3 😍
Excited for others to get the chance to read this book too

Witches and Mermaids and Dragons, oh my! Plus a government conspiracy... and in a part of North Carolina that I know and love. There's so much regional know-how that's brought to life, you kind of feel like you're there - in the apothecary or the beer hall or the aquarium. This would be great as a Netflix series.

There is so much going on in the small town of Bellamy Bay - magic, mystery, mermaids, murder, but it is all woven together beautifully as an intriguing cosy mystery.

The Enchanted Bay series is not just a cozy mystery but genre hops to fantasy as it focuses on a family of water witches descended from the mermaid of Warsaw. Recommended for all of you who enjoy a side of magic with your mystery!

I love the idea of this book more than the execution. I wish it would have been clearer in the description that it is number three in a series. The language and word style was not for me, but still a good read.

Thank you to Severn House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Alex Daniels is a mermaid descendent, a genetic mermaid who has lost the ability to shift, Alex works in her family’s apothecary in Bellamy Bay in North Carolina. She loves her new job and is enjoying getting to know her new boyfriend detective Jack Frazier, Alex is still trying to get to grips with her new found powers as a genetic mermaid. The town is eagerly waiting for Oktoberfest and craft beer competition, Alex’s friend journalist Pepper is investigating a cold case involving a local serial killer known as the fisherman who has never been caught. When Pepper’s boss Jonah is discovered dead on the local beach, Alex joins forces with Pepper to find out who killed Jonah and find out the identity of the fisherman.

What a trip this book was, I loved it! I love stories containing mermaids and this book did not disappoint. I loved Alex and the chemistry between her and Dylan was smoking but I guess we will have to wait until the next book to find out if anything does develop there. I haven’t read the other books in this series but after reading this book, I will certainly be reading them. Poor misguided Jack, I did feel a bit sorry for him but he still a rat as he looks down on Alex’s kind. I would describe this book as a murder mystery involving mermaids and I would not hesitate to recommend it. I can’t rate this book highly enough, 5+stars from me.

A Brew of Chaos by Esme Addison whisked me into autumnal small-town magic and cozy mystery in the best way. Alex’s herbal apothecary, her emerging mermaid powers, and funky fall festivals (Oktoberfest AND craft beer?) felt deliciously atmospheric. Then her journalist friend drags her into probing a decades-old serial killer case, only for bodies to turn up—instantly, the story shifts from cozy to compelling .

I loved how the mystery grips tight, but it’s the seaside charm and herbal-magic worldbuilding that kept me smiling through the suspense . Alex’s dynamic with her detective boyfriend Jack adds sweetness, and the magic/monster twists gave it the right amount of edge .

A few moments felt a tad predictable, but the clever reveals and autumn vibes more than made up for it. If you want a cozy with bite, friendly magic, and a mystery that sneaks up on you—this is your kind of brew.

A Brew for Chaos is book 3 in the Enchanted Bay series, and I feel like this is the best one so far! This series is cozy but mysterious, and book 3 really shows the FMC, Alex Daniels, embracing her magic more and honing her detective skills. The mystery was a lot more complex that I was expecting too. I’m excited to see where the series goes!

In this book, we follow Alex, a mermaid descendant, on an adventure in Bellamy Bay. This adventure happens in the fall, close to Oktoberfest, where there will be a craft beer competition, and this is a very intense competition. In the middle of all of this comes the anniversary of The Fisherman, a local woman kidnapper/killer who was never discovered, as well as the abducted women. Alex's friend, Pepper, works at the local newspaper and decides to further investigate this cold case. The plot thickens when Pepper's boss, and beer-crafter, is found dead at the beach with a mystery woman by his side.

This story is interesting; the plot is nicely driven and well-structured, but I was a little disappointed to see so little of the fantasy. This is a cozy mystery fantasy, but I think it should be more of a cozy mystery sci-fi. It is really difficult to give an opinion about a mystery book without being a spoiler, but I have to say that although the plot behind The Fisherman and the death of Pepper's boss (Jonah) is completely unexpected, as well as the reasons for it, I do find the killer to be very predictable! This, however, does not take away the fun of discovering the whole plot.
One detail that I loved was the science meets fantasy, the way Alex explains how she can control water, ... and behind genetically mermaid, which means a little science done there. Another detail that I loved was Alex and Dylan interactions, I hope this two end up together because from what I've read in reviews, this banter is already present in book #2 :)

Overall, very original story, I didn't find any loopholes, the pace is good, but sometimes it drags a little bit. I found myself completely immersed in this small town and all these mysteries. I just wish that this one had much more mermaid-related plot so that it would truly be a fantasy book. Other than that, very nice surprise!

Thanks, NetGalley, for allowing us to read this one :)

This book is the third in the series, and it’s really ramping up. Alex is still finding her place in Bellamy Bay, dealing with her feelings for Jack, and then a friend is murdered. What follows is a complex, well-written mystery, full of twists and turns. I know that some of the details are a little bit of a fantastical stretch (aside from mermaids, I mean! LOL!), but they make for an interesting read. When we come to the end, there is a surprise, and I’m hoping that surprise will be addressed in the next book. If you liked the previous books in the series, you’ll definitely like this one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Returning to Bellamy Bay in A Brew for Chaos felt like slipping into a cozy sweater on a breezy day, comforting and just a little bit magical! Esme Addison delivers a gentle mystery steeped in family, folklore, and quiet strength, with Alex Daniels once again at the heart of it all.

Alex is the kind of protagonist I really enjoy spending time with calm, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded. She’s not overly quirky or impulsive, but there’s a steady resilience to her that draws you in. As she juggles a murder investigation and her complicated magical legacy and her challenging relationship the story weaves mystery and personal growth in a way that’s satisfying, if occasionally a little too subtle.

The murder itself was well-structured, with enough red herrings to keep me engaged. That said, some of the side characters felt a bit more like background noise than actual players in the mystery, and I found myself wishing a few had been given more texture or time on the page.

What I really appreciated, though, was the sense of small town. Bellamy Bay was the highlight full of that small- dynamic where everyone knows everyone (and sometimes, that’s the problem). The magical elements are soft and understated, which works for the cozy tone, but I do hope future books delve deeper into the magical lore. There’s clearly more beneath the surface.

And ending left it on an exciting cliffhanger ready to read more of this series.

Strengths:
• Warm, relatable protagonist
• Strong setting with a cozy, slightly magical vibe
• Balanced mystery with some solid twists
• Authentic family relationships
• A good blend of magic and realism

Weaknesses:
• Some underdeveloped side characters
• The magical system still feels vague
• Middle pacing lagged in some places

Overall, A Brew for Chaos is a light, enjoyable read that feels like catching up with old friends, if your friends just happened to be magical and investigating murder.

Many thanks to Severn House NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a quick, easy read. I would describe it as cozy with the element of surprise and mystery. I loved the mermaid lore and the apothecary setting, which gives this book a unique plot, different than other books I’ve read. I would definitely continue reading this series as she expands the series. I thought it was a great time and would recommend to others. This is a perfect book for the fall, giving off those vibes. I loved being an arc reader for this book, thank you NetGalley!

A Brew for Chaos has all the right ingredients for a fun fall read — a cozy atmosphere, a touch of magic, and small-town charm. While I didn’t completely fall in love with the story, I didn’t dislike it either.

There was a lot going on plot-wise, which at times made it feel a little chaotic, but I still enjoyed the seasonal vibe and whimsical touches. It’s definitely a book to curl up with on a crisp autumn weekend, especially if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a magical twist.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5 stars. This book is the 3rd in a series. If you have not read the previous 2 books, you should be able to figure out easily enough on what is going on. The author makes sure that she "recaps" the importance pieces, such as the magically abilities that the main character has and who all the characters are. This is a cozy mystery, where there are many different plot lines going on that somehow all make sense in the end and tie together. The author also perfectly set up the ending for the next book. Some critiques, while the author was good with identifying everyone, it was a struggle to keep in mind all of the characters. There was a lot of moving pieces that make it so you have to be paying attention to who is saying/doing what. The book was the perfect length, not too long, not too short.

Esme Addison’s A Brew for Chaos invites readers back to the quaint coastal town of Bellamy Bay, where the charm of Oktoberfest and a local craft beer competition sets the stage for a chilling mystery. The narrative centers around Alex, who, despite her desire to leave sleuthing behind, finds herself entangled in a decades-old cold case when her friend Pepper's boss, Jonah, is found dead on the beach. The town's dark history resurfaces, hinting at the unresolved crimes of a serial killer known as The Fisherman, who abducted ten women in the 1980s.

Addison masterfully blends elements of cozy mystery with contemporary fantasy and a touch of sci-fi, creating an intricately plotted tale that keeps readers engaged. Fans of her previous work, An Intrigue of Witches, as well as readers who enjoy authors like Iris Beaglehole, Amanda Flower, and Ellery Adams, will find this book particularly enchanting.

The novel delves into themes of friendship, the complexities of letting go of the past, and the courage to confront long-buried secrets. Alex's internal conflict and her interactions with the townspeople add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical mystery.

While A Brew for Chaos offers a fresh and engaging plot, some readers might find the blend of genres—cozy mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi—a bit unconventional. However, this unique combination contributes to the book's distinctive charm and sets it apart from standard entries in the genre.

In conclusion, A Brew for Chaos is a compelling addition to Esme Addison’s repertoire, offering a delightful mix of mystery and magic. It's a must-read for those seeking an atmospheric and genre-blending tale that keeps them guessing until the very end.

As a magical/mermaid enthusiast I really enjoyed this book. This definitely felt like a cozy mystery with higher stakes than a usual cozy story. Following a series of strange events that lead to a murder and a string of disappearances, Alex is trying to juggle her friends, relationship, and family all the while fine tuning her mer-powers. I enjoyed the magical elements and community showcased. As for the story, I did not read the first two books but I was still able to follow along well enough to want to go back and read the other two as well as await for the next book's release! I do believe there were a lot of different variables happening at the same time that I wasn't sure if it was put in purposefully to confuse the reader or if it was actual information that needed to be retained. I do love how this ended and am excited to see what happens in the next book!

There is a large cast of characters, so large it is difficult to become fully immersed or invested as we are constantly leaping from person to person and setting to setting—new physical details and connections are being added over a hundred pages in so there’s not a clear picture of the characters. There are a lot of elements to solve, and it’s as if all the people are introduced as a way to guess elements rather than actually making them difficult to figure out. The main character is more of an observer than an active participant in the story, being strung along by characters who don’t have any particularly redeeming qualities. I was enticed by the magical elements, but rather than exploring and expanding on those there was so much corporate conspiracy and military presence that the cozy and magic got lost.

A perfect small town mystery story with the addition of mermaids and magic!
It's beautifully written and kept me interested from the start. It kept you guessing who and why and had a wholesome ending.
Would definitely recommend!

Cosy, autumnal, small town, mystery story which was just a lovely story from start to finish really.

I love a book with a who-done-it plot line... but with mermaids and dolphins? Yep, count me in!