Death by a Thousand Sips

There was more of Bob the cat in this book than there was in the first book. That was reason enough to enjoy this second book.

It’s a delightful series so far.

When the first really frightening thing happened I was thinking how maybe this wasn’t cozy enough for me but then her powers kicked in and I decided I’d never have to be that anxious while reading these books. Then the second really frightening thing happened and it stayed scary. Oh, well. These books are still cozies but not without some scary parts which is typical for mystery books.

I appreciate that the paranormal aspect of these books takes a backseat to the realistic fiction aspects, even though the witch powers parts are fun.

I love Bob the cat and I’m sure I’m show more going to love Frodo (and the other cats apparently coming) too. Bob is a real character though and he is going to be hard to outshine.

I love the shop(s) and the tea and the baked goods and the books. I eager to see if there are any gems in the new lot of books that Phoebe bought and I hope that we find out if there are.

I love the several main characters and there are many great supporting characters, but not too many for the story/stories.

I loathe love triangles so I hope it never goes there. It seems as though both Rich and Leo might be potential love interests for Phoebe. It’s not as though I think Phoebe would cheat on either or anything like that but I’d rather have no competition at all between them. So far, so good but I am concerned.

I'm impressed with the quality of the central mystery in this one, just as I was with the mystery in the first book.

As with the first book there are a few recipes in the back of the book, including one for an easy to make sourdough starter.

This is an entertaining, just for fun book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. These first two books in the series were the right books at the right time for me.

So far the titles don’t really have much/anything to do with the storylines but that’s okay.

I’ve already put books 3 and 4 on my to read list. show less

This second book in the Witches' Brew Mystery series is an enjoyable cozy. I typically don't like witch-related mysteries but that part is minimal (and, in fact, fun to see her learning about witchcraft) and didn't detract one bit from my enjoyment of the book.

Phoebe Winchester took over her Aunt Eudora's bookstore/teashop as well as her mansion after the aunt's death. In this second book, Phoebe is at an estate sale buying books when she, or rather her cat, Bob, discovers a dead body.

With help from her friends in town, Phoebe gets to the bottom of this.

An interesting, clever plot and some wonderful characters in this one. I hadn't read the first book so I immediately picked up a copy of that so I can fill in the gaps and I'm eager show more for more books in this delightful cozy series.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.) show less

Phoebe Winchester has the good fortune of inheriting both a thriving bookshop and a fat orange tabby from her aunt Eudora. OK, it's not good that beloved aunt Eudora shuffled off this mortal coil, but c'mon, who wouldn't love a bookstore, creaky old mansion, and furry bundle of purrs handed to them out of the blue? Phoebe has also inherited something else from her deceased aunt -- some witchcraft powers. Aunt Eudora's talents were mostly used in crafting special tea blends that were discreetly sold to people who appreciated her gifts. Phoebe has discovered that, in moments of peril, she's able to literally stop time in order to extricate herself from the danger. However, she has no control over when this happens or how to summon it. show more When she hears of an estate auction that might include books she can use as inventory at her store, she jumps at the chance to attend. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the site of the auction, she discovers Bob the cat, who spends his days curled up by the fire at the bookstore, has stowed away in the car. She decides to leave him there as she attends the auction, only to spot him out of the corner of her eye just as she places the winning bid on the books. As she attempts to track him down, she discovers that he has stumbled upon a crime scene. Phoebe decides to investigate, along with her old friend and former police officer Rich, who might just become more than an old friend.

The story was slow-paced but enjoyable. I really loved reading about all of the yummy teas and baked treats that were on offer in the bookstore and the bakery next door (thankfully, there are some recipes included at the end!). Bob the cat made frequent appearances and charmed everyone who met him. This is the second book in the series, so I look forward to reading more of Bob's adventures (and salivating over the Earl Grey shortbread!) in the future! show less

Death by a Thousand Sips by Gretchen Rue is the second book in the Witches’ Brew Mysteries, and another fun read.

The character development is strong in this series, I’m simply adoring the older gentleman who hangs out in the bookshop all day and I’m enjoying the fellow shop owners. I’m looking forward to reading how the person who will be renting a new shop in town will add to the story. Will he be a new love interest, a jerk like his relative, something else?
And, Bob, the store cat, is fantastic. He behaves like a true cat and perhaps we’ll see him in a more familiar light in future books.

Loved reading more descriptions of the town, the bakery’s goodies, and the tea in Phoebe’s store. I do wish there was a bit more magic show more in this one, since it’s a supernatural cozy. Phoebe stops time once, during a very tense scene, and she finally feels more comfortable making magically enhanced tea, but that was pretty much it.

As for the mystery, I thought it was done very well, and had a solid conclusion. I do wish there was a bit less going over the clues. Finding a good balance can be difficult, but I hope Rue is able to do so since I enjoy the premise of this series. show less

Phoebe is hoping to purchase some books for her tea shop and bookstore at an estate sale. She wins the lot at the auction, but she also finds a dead body there. And since she discovered the body, she is a person of interest to the police. She needs the help of an old friend, now a detective, to clear her name. It’s a cute and well written mystery, with just the right amount of romance - and magic - to make the mystery even more interesting.

Very fun cozy and a great follow up to the first in the series, which I also enjoyed. I love some details for visualization but this seemed overly bogged down with minutia that I found myself just skipping over about halfway through the read. Love the characters in this series and am enjoying the rescue cats - as long as they don't get put into dangerous situations :) I was so happy to see recipes for the great food in the book were provided. Fun series that I am looking forward to next installments. Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy and provide my honest opinion.

inheritance, tea-shop, bookseller, divorced, baker, small-business, small-town, magical-twist, cozy-mystery, cat, law-enforcement, murder-investigation, murder, auctions, amateur-sleuth, private-investigators, series, paranormal, recipes, friendship, friends, romantic*****

This is a lovely cozy combining amateur sleuthing with a bit of witchy magic. I loved it and do think that it can easily stand alone.
I requested and received an EARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Canadian author