Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing these ARCs in exchange for honest reviews. The recipe reviews and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.
The Grim Steeper
A Witches Brew Mystery #3
Gretchen Rue
Crooked Lane Books
This time The Earl’s Study tea and bookshop has gone to the birds. Phoebe Winchester, store owner, sometime sleuth, and newish witch, is hosting bird enthusiast and author, Sebastian Marlow for one of his book tour stops. Sebastian aka the Backyard Bird Man considered an expert birder who is easy on the eyes, has a huge announcement to make during his upcoming author event at Phoebe‘s books store. So of course he ends up being the victim. Everyone loved Sebastian, or seemed to love him so why was he murdered? Like all good cozy sleuths, Phoebe has a need to find out the “who” and the” why.”
I am not sure how Phoebe finds time to look for clues and ask questions. Most of her time is divided up between baking amazing sourdough bread from a homemade starter (refer to book 2 Death of a Thousand Sips), running the bookstore, (maybe) dating a dark-haired private investigator, and worrying about her magic acting wonky and unpredictable. It’s that last part, the magic acting wonky that could lead to a sticky situation, people aren’t used to seeing things floating and Phoebe’s witchy abilities are on the down low. The town has one other witch, Phoebe’s friend Honey, who can read runes but cannot offer a clear path for the mystery or guidance on what Phoebe needs to do for her magic.
Suspects include the former manager and best friend who was “let go” the day before the group arrives at Phoebe’s place for their tour stop. Maybe it is one of Sebastian’s team, or maybe someone else altogether. Everyone seems to be up to something and Phoebe was asked by Detective Martin to keep her eyes and ears open. Good thing her long-time friend (and maybe more), Rich Lofting is a former cop and currently a very good private investigator who is willing to indulge her and conduct stakeouts. The interactions between these two are fun and adorable as they dance around the “should we take this out of the friend zone” attitudes. Rich may or may not know about Phoebe’s extra abilities, he knew her aunt Eudora, who was the subject of small town rumors about being a witch. Her teas helped a little too well, such a finding love and getting sleep.
The plot is well constructed and the
clues well placed. The red herrings make it a challenge and the character interactions
keep you turning pages as well as chuckling. Being a fan of the culinary cozies
I was very happy to see that there were recipes at the conclusion of the story.
I had sourdough starter already going after reading book two and used it to
make the blueberry lemon sourdough bread. Both the story and the sourdough were
highly enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what happens next. The ending is a
doozy!
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