Steeped to Death

A Witches' Brew Mystery, Book 1

By: Gretchen Rue

Narrated by: Kristin Price

Phoebe Winchester’s beloved Aunt Eudora has a taste for adventure—and a knack for making magical tea. It’s even rumored that she just might be a witch. So when Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. And she knows she’s in deep when a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in.

Two suspects immediately emerge among the townspeople of Raven Creek, Washington. There’s village busybody Dierdre Miller, who seems desperate to buy Eudora’s house, and handsome PI Rich, one of Phoebe’s childhood friends—but how well does she really know him after all these years apart?

Phoebe knows she should leave it to the professionals, but as she starts to dig into the underbelly of Raven Creek, she begins to uncover the truth about Eudora. What’s more, her aunt might not have been the only witch in the family: Phoebe soon discovers she has unique and unexpected gifts of her own.

Now it’s just a matter of putting her newfound power to the test and cast a spell that could catch a killer...

©2022 Gretchen Rue (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Enjoyable story

It's so nice to have a good story without blood and gore.

Enjoyable mystery. I look forward to the next book!

Magic Cozy Mystery

It gives Practical Magic vibes. If you like a cozy mystery and magic, it’s a must read with a cup of tea.

Magic, Murder, and Much More

Excellent first in series! This one hit all the cozy elements: the small town setting, the inheritance, welcoming citizens who become friends (or enemies), the potential for romance, a somewhat cantankerous pet, a strong female protagonist, and a little magic. Oh, and I mustn't forget murder and secrets. Phoebe is a perfect female lead. She is intelligent, friendly, and though she does some snooping, there are no TSTL moments that make readers cringe. The mysteries, and there are several, are well plotted, and I admit the identity of the murderer came as a surprise. This is a keeper, and I cannot wait for the next visit to Raven Creek.

The narrator also did an excellent job with the voices, including the male characters.

Kept me guessing.

I loved this mystery. I always try and figure out ‘who dun it’ but this was a surprise and kept me reading to the end. The author’s delightful little details added spice (no pun intended) to the overall vibe. Loving series, I can’t wait for her next ones. And, I will definitely be trying the recipes.

Charming Magical Cozy Mystery!

This is the first book in the Witches Brew Mystery series, and I am HOOKED. It has everything I look for in a cozy fantasy mystery - tea cafe, bakery, bookshop, magic, murder and found family.

Phoebe has come to Raven Creek after the passing of her aunt left her with a house and combination tea & book shop - and coming off a divorce she was ready for a new start.

Naturally there is small town drama, intrigue, romance and murder. The way the author weaves all of these together was enchanting and endearing - and set me up to dive right into book 2!

WOW---What a start to a series

Gretchen Rue- Steeped to Death Book 1 of A Witches' Brew Mystery
I was impressed with the storyline, characters, and setting. The story starts------Phoebe Winchester’s is dealing with a divorce and trying to reestablish herself when her beloved Aunt dies, leaving her the family mansion and business. The story will suck you in and take you on a journey from that point.

Excellent --I'm hooked and waiting for more.

Kristin Price, narrator ------applause.

Avid reader

Loved …..such good writing and wonderful characters. Will read more books by this author in future.

Interesting and different

This is a happy, unique, Mystery. It has spots of loss and love, Intrigue and new powers. friendship and happinesss

the unique story

i love the uniqueness of the story and will read the next 2 despite the following: Poor English grammar: ,"different than," also repetitive use of phrase "to be honest," which means they have been dishonest. Misuse of the word "hopefully," which is an adverb. Several times use "me" instead of "I." and vice versa.

Horrible narrator with poor pronunciation

Say her name right! Who let this woman read this whole book saying Imogene like that???? It’s pronounced IM+UH+JEEN not Im+a+gin! It ruined the book. You have one job! One job!