I was given an advance reader copy of Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue. It was a fun, easy read. When Phoebe Winchester’s aunt Eudora passes away and leaves everything to her niece—her Victorian mansion, her bookshop/tea store, The Earl’s Study, and one very chubby orange cat named Bob—Phoebe gets more than she bargained for. When a dead man is found on the shop’s back step, apparently killed while trying to break in, Phoebe investigates. 

I really enjoyed the story (mystery, romance, and even a bit of magic!) and found it quite engrossing. Phoebe is a very likable character and I found myself rooting for her. The book made me crave a good cup of tea (perhaps sitting by a cozy fire with an orange cat sitting in my lap) and the recipes at the end were a fun surprise. 

My only complaint, and the reason I only give the book 4 stars rather than 5, is the editorial errors peppered throughout; typos, and a few grammatical errors. Not many, but enough to distract from the story. 

Overall, I recommend Steeped to Death (publication date 9/6/22). Ms. Rue has created an engaging character in Phoebe and a delightful ambiance in the tea shop and bookstore.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC.