Monday, September 4, 2023

Death by a Thousand Sips - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:   Death by a Thousand Sips (A Witches' Brew Mystery #2) by Gretchen Rue

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Ever since she moved to Raven Creek, Washington, Phoebe Winchester knew she would have to grow accustomed to having a lot on her plate. She’s beginning to make the Victorian manor she inherited from her dear and adventurous Aunt Eudora feel more like home, successfully running the bookstore and tea shop, The Earl’s Study, and learning to harness her recently discovered magical powers. But when she discovers a dead body at an estate sale—even Phoebe wonders if this is simply too much.

Rumors of Phoebe’s involvement force her to take action; she needs to find the killer and clear her own name, once again. She enlists Rich Lofting, the handsome private detective and her childhood friend, in her investigation, all while she sorts out her unresolved feelings for him. Is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows of this small tight-knit town? And does Phoebe really want to find out?

With a dash of magic, a pinch of sleuthing skills, and a spoonful of friendly assistance, Phoebe needs to uncover the killer to keep Raven Creek safe once again. But if she doesn’t—will she find herself in even more hot water?

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I enjoyed the first book in the series and was curious to see how the series developed.  

My Impression: I enjoyed my second visit Raven Creek.  Phoebe is getting used to her new pace of life with her bookstore/tea shop, her new friends, her new powers, and her very chubby and opinionated orange cat named Bob.  Things are going fairly smoothly until with the help of Bob, she stumbles across a body at an estate sale.  Quickly pulled into the investigation Phoebe enlists Rich to help sort out the facts and figure out just what is going on.

This isn't the fastest paced of mysteries.  Phoebe goes about her days, deals with business issues, bakes, keeps up with what Bob is up to, explores her new powers, and generally does a great job really making the world that she lives in come alive to the reader.  The investigation is never really on the backburner but more that Phoebe has a lot going on.  

I really enjoy this series and was pleased with this second book.  I enjoyed seeing Phoebe continue to flourish in her new surroundings and the mystery from beginning to end.  I wasn't quite sure how everything was going to be resolved and was caught up until the last page.  I'm looking forward to the third book in Raven Creek.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I've really enjoyed both books I've read this author.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  Definitely!  While this is the second book in the series you could easily start here.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

4 comments:

  1. It's probably not for me but I'm glad you liked it.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  2. I'm reading this one now and enjoying it.

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  3. Well this does sound good, bookstore/tea shop and an orange cat I love and a side dish of paranormal. Like the sound of it.

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  4. This sounds like a series that I would probably like.

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