Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am happy to feature The Grim Steeper by Gretchen Rue.
The Grim Steeper (A Witches’ Brew Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Washington State
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books (September 10, 2024)
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1639108653
ISBN-13 : 978-1639108657
Kindle ASIN : B0CPXT4R1D
Audiobook ASIN B0D7WCYHN9
Audio CD ASIN : B0DBWJLGPY
Bookstore owner Phoebe Winchester is putting on her first major author event when a body is discovered and the plot goes off the rails in this cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Cleo Coyle and Jenn McKinlay.
Amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is excited to host her first big author event at the Earl’s Study, her book and tea store. The author, Sebastian Marlow, is a famous birder excited to put Raven Creek on the map for his rediscovery of a presumed-extinct bird. When Sebastian is found dead before his planned bird hike, where he expected to prove the existence of the bird to fellow birding enthusiasts, it’s obvious someone wanted him to be extinct, too.
Sebastian had a few unfriendly encounters with his staff—including his recently fired manager, who was seen arguing with him at the author event. Phoebe is determined to figure out who killed Sebastian, worried that it will negatively affect her store’s image that her biggest guest author got killed. With the clock ticking, she enlists the help of Rich Lofting, the handsome local private investigator, to help her look into the murder.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Author Sebastian Marlow is coming to Phoebe Winchester’s book and tea store Earl’s Study for a talk and a book signing. The famous birder has also agreed to a hike with his fans as he looks to put Raven Creek on the map if he is right about finding a Pacific tanager that is believed to have been extinct for over 50 years. The signing goes well but before the hike, Sebastian is found dead in his suite at a local B&B.
Phoebe has noticed tension between the author and the members of his entourage. He had also recently fired his business manager who came to Raven Creek to try to get his job back. Worried that the murder will reflect badly on her store, Phoebe knows the killer has to be apprehended quickly. She is going to need help so she asks her friend, tenant, and handsome private investigator Rich Lofting to aid her in her quest to find the killer.
Our protagonist Phoebe Winchester is struggling to control her witchy abilities and is worried that her secret will be out because of it. She is also learning how to make all the special tea blends her aunt previously made as well as adding some new blends of her own. There’s a lawyer in town trying to buy up properties for a big corporation as well, upsetting Leo and her other friends. Add to that a signing with a famous birder followed by his murder means her hands are more than full. There is definitely romantic tension between her and Rich. Her best friend Amy owns the Sugarplum Fairy bakery next to Earl’s Study. She not only bakes delicious treats, but she is a great sounding board for Phoebe ready to give her a shove in the right direction especially considering her love life. Phoebe also has Imogen and Daphne who were friends and employees of her aunt to lean on. All the characters are cleverly crafted with great dialogue. All are very enjoyable.
The mystery is full of a spider web of clues, secrets, lies, twists, and turns. Ms. Rue plotted the whole thing out so well that I thought many different people were guilty as I tried to do my armchair sleuthing. As Phoebe works to make sense of the death investigation she even states the plot was “so thick Agatha Christie would have needed a few whiteboards to unravel it all.” So I am not ashamed to say I was kept guessing until everything was spelled out for me. I liked that Phoebe shared her and Rich’s findings with Detective Patsy Martin and she appreciated it for the most part. But Phoebe’s involvement did put her in danger. I loved the showdown and the enlightenment Phoebe received from the good detective.
A book and tea store is a splendid setting for a cozy mystery series especially when you add cats. Phoebe’s cat Bob is such a cool cat, smart and perceptive. He is also the store cat so he goes to work with her almost every day. Phoebe will do anything to protect him and he would do the same for her. In The Grim Steeper, Phoebe is finally able to open Bob’s Place, a small section of the store where she will host adoptable kitties. Bob’s reactions were humorous and heartwarming.
The Grim Steeper is the perfect mix of mystery and magic. Well written with great detail, Ms. Rue’s words pull you into the story to enjoy her wonderful characters and all their triumphs and tribulations with a delightful dose of humor in all the right places. I am very excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About the Author
Gretchen Rue lives in the Canadian prairies, which affords her ample time to read during six months of winter. She plays cat mom to four mostly indifferent fur children, and plant mom to roughly 100 very demanding flora. When she isn’t sipping tea and working on her next novel, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching baseball.
Author Links
Website Facebook Twitter/X Instagram
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.
Thanks to the publisher I have 1 hardcover copy to give away!
The contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
with a US or Canadian mailing address.
Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited.
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page.
Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads
for 3 Bonus Entries.
Follow Crooked Lane Books on Facebook for 3 Bonus Entries
Follow Crooked Lane Books on Instagram for 3 Bonus Entries
Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries.
If you share the giveaway on Threads, X, or Facebook or anywhere you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
The Contest Will End September 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST
The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org
The Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
Click Here For Entry Form
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”
