Sometimes, the cover art is better than the mystery itself. That’s not the case with the first book in Gretchen Rue’s Witches’ Brew Mystery series, Steeped to Death. Rue gives us one of the best amateur sleuths I’ve read in a cozy mystery series in quite some time. There’s a solid supporting cast of characters, an excellent setting, and, in my conclusion, I’ll mention why Phoebe Winchester is so much better than many amateur sleuths.

Phoebe Winchester needs that change of scenery when she inherits her Aunt Eudora’s Victorian mansion and bookstore/tea shop in Raven Creek, Washington. She hadn’t been back in ten years, but she spent summers with her aunt when she was young. Now, at thirty-five and recently divorced, she’s ready for a new home. She laughs when Aunt Eudora admitted in a letter that she never liked Phoebe’s ex, Blaine. The house seems to welcome her home, as does Bob, Eudora’s big orange cat.

She doesn’t feel quite as welcome when she goes to check on the shop. But, Eudora had warned her about Deirdre Miller in that letter, saying to watch out for her because she was always up to something. Phoebe thinks Deirdre is trying to intimidate her into selling the house when Miller shows up at the shop with a large man in tow. Phoebe insists she’s not selling. However, when the police call that night, saying there was a body found in the alley behind the store, Phoebe recognizes him as the man she saw with Deirdre.

There’s so much for Phoebe to rediscover about Raven Creek. As a young teen, she loved her aunt’s teas, and learned how to make them, but it never occurred to her that the rumors about Eudora were true. The local kids referred to the house as the witch’s house. But, the local adults admit Eudora’s teas had magic. And, it’s over dinner one night with a childhood friend, Rich, that Phoebe learns she has a power of her own.

Despite her new ability, and her efforts to learn about it, Phoebe feels threatened and followed. She doesn’t even know if she can trust Rich. However, she knows she won’t sell the house or the store, no matter how much pressure she’s feeling from several local residents, including Deirdre. She just wants to know what Eudora’s house is so important to others.

My biggest complaint with amateur sleuths is their determination to investigate, ignoring the police at every turn. Phoebe not only admits she lacks the knowledge and skill set to investigate a murder, she worries that she’s calling the police too often. But, what do you do when you overhear a plot to break into your house? Phoebe does her best to keep Detective Patricia Martin in the loop, and she tries to consult her aunt’s attorneys with her questions. Sometimes, things just go wrong despite the best efforts of the sleuth, and the warnings of a cat.

As a said, there’s an excellent cast, including some supportive women. And, fans of Miranda James’ cat Diesel will adore Bob. Books, tea, and magic just go together in this satisfying debut of a new series. Check out Steeped to Death if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries.

Gretchen Rue’s website is https://www.sierradean.com/

Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue. Crooked Lane Books, 2022. ISBN 9781639101641 (hardcover), 304p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley to review for a journal.