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Hallow’s Promise #1
Brews and Clues
CSI meets fantasy - with a dash of cozy!
Trouble is brewing in Hallow’s Promise…
Rae wants to steep in the success of her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL, and sell drinks that help the residents of Hallow’s Promise. She certainly doesn’t want to assist the town’s investigator in solving another murder. Except this crime has a personal link to her own the victim came from the same place she’d once escaped. Rae agrees to help with the case on one it’s her last one.
But her “last” case simmers with danger, dark connections to her past, and a delicious man with a really big…sword. While dodging increasing threats, juggling a creature that keeps trying to eat (dead) people, Rae eventually faces her greatest challenge of determining if the life she’s built in Hallow’s Promise is worth risking everything.
Grab a hot beverage, a warm blanket, and curl up for this almost-cozy fantasy murder mystery, spiced with magic, sweetened with new friendships, and stewed especially for you.
Trouble is brewing in Hallow’s Promise…
Rae wants to steep in the success of her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL, and sell drinks that help the residents of Hallow’s Promise. She certainly doesn’t want to assist the town’s investigator in solving another murder. Except this crime has a personal link to her own the victim came from the same place she’d once escaped. Rae agrees to help with the case on one it’s her last one.
But her “last” case simmers with danger, dark connections to her past, and a delicious man with a really big…sword. While dodging increasing threats, juggling a creature that keeps trying to eat (dead) people, Rae eventually faces her greatest challenge of determining if the life she’s built in Hallow’s Promise is worth risking everything.
Grab a hot beverage, a warm blanket, and curl up for this almost-cozy fantasy murder mystery, spiced with magic, sweetened with new friendships, and stewed especially for you.
- GenresFantasy
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 26, 2024
CSI meets fantasy - with a dash of cozy!
Trouble is brewing in Hallow’s Promise…
Rae wants to steep in the success of her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL, and sell drinks that help the residents of Hallow’s Promise. She certainly doesn’t want to assist the town’s investigator in solving another murder.
This was such a cute little well written read! The mystery was written in such a way, that you think you have solved it, but you haven't! The combination of mystery, magic, fantasy, crime and a hint of romance, really worked well together. I absolutely adored the characters especially Bubbles and Brew.
Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Magic
- Murder mystery
Trouble is brewing in Hallow’s Promise…
Rae wants to steep in the success of her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL, and sell drinks that help the residents of Hallow’s Promise. She certainly doesn’t want to assist the town’s investigator in solving another murder.
This was such a cute little well written read! The mystery was written in such a way, that you think you have solved it, but you haven't! The combination of mystery, magic, fantasy, crime and a hint of romance, really worked well together. I absolutely adored the characters especially Bubbles and Brew.
Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Magic
- Murder mystery
March 4, 2025
4⭐️
Okay, this book is adorable!! I absolutely loved it! Literally the only thing that would make it better is a little bit of ✨spice✨! Bubbles was so cute somehow, which, once you read the book, you'll realize doesn't make any sense. Brew is also somehow adorable! Just goes to show how great A. N. Payton is! I loved Leof, Krissa and Valen too! The tension between Valen and Rae?? 😏 This whole book was great! I wish it was longer, but a quick read is always fun too!
Okay, this book is adorable!! I absolutely loved it! Literally the only thing that would make it better is a little bit of ✨spice✨! Bubbles was so cute somehow, which, once you read the book, you'll realize doesn't make any sense. Brew is also somehow adorable! Just goes to show how great A. N. Payton is! I loved Leof, Krissa and Valen too! The tension between Valen and Rae?? 😏 This whole book was great! I wish it was longer, but a quick read is always fun too!
July 11, 2024
Adorable cozy mystery fantasy. It was a super quick lighthearted read. The FMC, Rae, is awesome. The relationship between her a the marshal Leo’s reminded me of Bones and the relationship between her and Booth. I loved the Crime Investigation aspect of this. It was all around a great read.
Highlights:
✨Smart Witchy Tea Brewing FMC
✨Protective Mysterious MMC
✨Slow Burn
✨Witchy Tea
✨CSI meets Fantasy world
Favorite Quotes: “Those lips may beg to be kissed, but I’d just as soon carve them from his face.”
Highlights:
✨Smart Witchy Tea Brewing FMC
✨Protective Mysterious MMC
✨Slow Burn
✨Witchy Tea
✨CSI meets Fantasy world
Favorite Quotes: “Those lips may beg to be kissed, but I’d just as soon carve them from his face.”
April 18, 2025
“The world doesn’t require magic to do great things.”
I absolutely adored this book! I had actually read the second book in the series first, so I had to double back. I very much wanted to see Rae’s backstory and her and Valen meeting. I was not disappointed!
The meeting of science and magic is such an outstanding story point, the found family and the banter!! Everything about this is amazing and I’m jumping into book 3 immediately!
I absolutely adored this book! I had actually read the second book in the series first, so I had to double back. I very much wanted to see Rae’s backstory and her and Valen meeting. I was not disappointed!
The meeting of science and magic is such an outstanding story point, the found family and the banter!! Everything about this is amazing and I’m jumping into book 3 immediately!
May 12, 2024
A cute cozy mystery that will definitely keep you entertained. This was a really fun read, clean writing. Ya appropriate. I really enjoyed the characters and story. I will be continuing to read this series.
May 12, 2024
This was a great story!!! I loved the creative forensic stuff and Brew and Bubbles 😍. I definitely can't wait to see what other adventures these characters are going to get to!!
May 5, 2024
I loved this cozy, fast-paced fantasy. While I loved the mystery, I could totally read a whole book all about Brew and the different concoctions that Rae comes up with out of that wagon.
Bubbles is my favorite little side character!!
Bubbles is my favorite little side character!!
June 20, 2024
I loved it! Loved the characters, loved the plot! Enjoyed the coziness of it. Definitely want to read more.
September 4, 2024
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: 𝐀 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭-𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬.
~ 4.8 ⭐
CSI meets fantasy - with a dash of cozy!
Rae wants nothing but to sell drinks through her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL. But the town’s investigator wants her to assist in solving another murder. A murder which’s linked to her past.
When danger lurks in shadows and trouble brews in Hallow’s Promise, is it worth risking everything she's built?
Right from the inception you’re thrust into a world that is both vivid and magical but at the same time slightly confounding. Rae was a complex and intriguing character: she was mysterious, traumatized, badass but likable, someone you would love to befriend. Bubble and Brew were a vibrant presence in this novel.
The investigation and forensics parts were thrilling and addicting which were balanced well with brewing and tea making, thus making it a perfect cozy mystery.
And the slow burn romance but crackling chemistry was icing on the top!
There was forced proximity, and he called her with a nickname (aka sunshine), so how could I not love it? There’s also a love triangle under development and I would love to know more about it. My only problem with this book was that it was short. I really wish it was longer!
In short, if you want an accomplished blend of mystery, magic, fantasy, romance, friendship and coziness, I’m here to recommend Brews and Clues.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Brews and Clues by A.N Payton (cozy fantasy - book 1)
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
~ 4.8 ⭐
CSI meets fantasy - with a dash of cozy!
Rae wants nothing but to sell drinks through her magic potion wagon, BREW-TEA-FUL. But the town’s investigator wants her to assist in solving another murder. A murder which’s linked to her past.
When danger lurks in shadows and trouble brews in Hallow’s Promise, is it worth risking everything she's built?
Right from the inception you’re thrust into a world that is both vivid and magical but at the same time slightly confounding. Rae was a complex and intriguing character: she was mysterious, traumatized, badass but likable, someone you would love to befriend. Bubble and Brew were a vibrant presence in this novel.
The investigation and forensics parts were thrilling and addicting which were balanced well with brewing and tea making, thus making it a perfect cozy mystery.
And the slow burn romance but crackling chemistry was icing on the top!
There was forced proximity, and he called her with a nickname (aka sunshine), so how could I not love it? There’s also a love triangle under development and I would love to know more about it. My only problem with this book was that it was short. I really wish it was longer!
In short, if you want an accomplished blend of mystery, magic, fantasy, romance, friendship and coziness, I’m here to recommend Brews and Clues.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Brews and Clues by A.N Payton (cozy fantasy - book 1)
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
May 30, 2024
Brews and Clues by A.N. Payton is an enchanting dive into the magical town of Hallow’s Promise, where trouble is always brewing. Rae, the protagonist, runs a charming magic potion wagon called BREW-TEA-FUL, aiming to serve drinks that aid the quirky residents of her town. Her plans to focus solely on her business are derailed when she’s pulled into another murder investigation, one that hits close to home.
She ends up assisting the town’s investigator, despite her reluctance, setting the stage for a thrilling mystery with dark ties to her past. Payton does an excellent job of weaving a narrative that balances the cozy charm of a small town with the suspense of a murder mystery. The inclusion of a "delicious man with a really big…sword" adds a layer of romantic tension that is both amusing and intriguing.
Brews and Clues is a fun, engaging read that promises to be the start of a series worth following. The characters are well-developed, the story is captivating, and the magical elements add a unique twist to the cozy mystery genre. If you’re looking for a book to curl up with on a cozy evening, Brews and Clues is the perfect choice. A.N. Payton has crafted a delightful tale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Rae’s adventures.
She ends up assisting the town’s investigator, despite her reluctance, setting the stage for a thrilling mystery with dark ties to her past. Payton does an excellent job of weaving a narrative that balances the cozy charm of a small town with the suspense of a murder mystery. The inclusion of a "delicious man with a really big…sword" adds a layer of romantic tension that is both amusing and intriguing.
Brews and Clues is a fun, engaging read that promises to be the start of a series worth following. The characters are well-developed, the story is captivating, and the magical elements add a unique twist to the cozy mystery genre. If you’re looking for a book to curl up with on a cozy evening, Brews and Clues is the perfect choice. A.N. Payton has crafted a delightful tale that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Rae’s adventures.
May 8, 2024
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Book Name : Brews and Clues
Author : A. N. Payton
Stars : 4 stars
Tropes:
1. Forensics meets Fantasy
2. He's a Sunshine and She is Grumpy
3. He helps her take down her enemies
4. Forced Proximity
Review :
A special mix of murder and mystery with a hint of fantasy. It is indeed quite a blend. It's an interesting read with magic, tasty brews, and companions named Brews and Bubbles.
Rae is someone with a secretive past hiding in Hallow's Promise, but one needs to earn a living to survive. So she sells her delicious brews in town from her potions wagon, Brew-Tea-Ful. Everything is going well for her until there is a murder staged as a suicide in town. She confirms Deputy Leof's suspicion, and that builds up the whole plot.
This murder attracts a gentleman from the Capital and his mercenary to Hallows Promise. He gives Rae fourteen days to solve the murder, or she dies.
Travel along with Rae to see if she manages to solve the mystery and how she does it.
In the bonus chapter, we find out there is more to the story—and I am excited to find out about that. Along with that, I would love to know more about Rae's past with the Capital and more about Brew, her magical potions wagon. So I am hoping to find out about them in Book 2.
Book Name : Brews and Clues
Author : A. N. Payton
Stars : 4 stars
Tropes:
1. Forensics meets Fantasy
2. He's a Sunshine and She is Grumpy
3. He helps her take down her enemies
4. Forced Proximity
Review :
A special mix of murder and mystery with a hint of fantasy. It is indeed quite a blend. It's an interesting read with magic, tasty brews, and companions named Brews and Bubbles.
Rae is someone with a secretive past hiding in Hallow's Promise, but one needs to earn a living to survive. So she sells her delicious brews in town from her potions wagon, Brew-Tea-Ful. Everything is going well for her until there is a murder staged as a suicide in town. She confirms Deputy Leof's suspicion, and that builds up the whole plot.
This murder attracts a gentleman from the Capital and his mercenary to Hallows Promise. He gives Rae fourteen days to solve the murder, or she dies.
Travel along with Rae to see if she manages to solve the mystery and how she does it.
In the bonus chapter, we find out there is more to the story—and I am excited to find out about that. Along with that, I would love to know more about Rae's past with the Capital and more about Brew, her magical potions wagon. So I am hoping to find out about them in Book 2.
May 29, 2024
🍵This genre bending fantasy / mystery novel has it all, there’s potions and magic, witches and werewolves, a touch of romance and a murder case to be solved. All wrapped up in a cosy warm hug.
🍵The stakes are still high and there’s the more serious investigation side of the story but the whole setting is just perfect cosy fantasy feels.
🍵The book is just under 200 pages, so it’s a quick and easy well written read, it took me about 3 hours to get through. It’s well paced and never short of action while managing to go into detail about potion making (which I loved!)
🍵I loved the characters there’s a bit of everything, strong females, a brooding mercenary, werewolves, fantasy creatures and an of course bad guys.
🍵I definitely recommend reading this book and hope the author makes it a series set in Hallows Promise.
Thank you so much to @anpayton.author the EArc in exchange for an honest review.
🍵The stakes are still high and there’s the more serious investigation side of the story but the whole setting is just perfect cosy fantasy feels.
🍵The book is just under 200 pages, so it’s a quick and easy well written read, it took me about 3 hours to get through. It’s well paced and never short of action while managing to go into detail about potion making (which I loved!)
🍵I loved the characters there’s a bit of everything, strong females, a brooding mercenary, werewolves, fantasy creatures and an of course bad guys.
🍵I definitely recommend reading this book and hope the author makes it a series set in Hallows Promise.
Thank you so much to @anpayton.author the EArc in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
I found this book as I was accepted to be an advance reader for the sequel, bubbles and troubles. It is really like almost LOTR/Fantasy mixed with CSI. at 178 pages, it’s a perfect quick and easy binge read and I really enjoyed it. Sometimes the characters and the creatures take a minute to mentally come together and create a picture, but it seriously is such a good read. I love Rae and her process of recreating her life, something I’ve absolutely had to do. She has things in her past she regrets, just like all of us, and with the fantasy aspect tied in, it really is such a cozy cottage tale!
May 5, 2024
A cozy murder mystery (which seems impossible but it works!) with unique magic, delicious brews, and "cute" animal companions!
I'm very picky about which series I try to keep up with due to my looooong TBR, and Brews and Clues is definitely a series I look forward to watching.
I love Bubbles and Brew, I thought the main character's secret was really interesting! This was a very fun fantasy world with easy world building and cute character interactions. Very curious about Valen!
Also, I cannot resist a purple cover!
I'm very picky about which series I try to keep up with due to my looooong TBR, and Brews and Clues is definitely a series I look forward to watching.
I love Bubbles and Brew, I thought the main character's secret was really interesting! This was a very fun fantasy world with easy world building and cute character interactions. Very curious about Valen!
Also, I cannot resist a purple cover!
May 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a mystery in while, but in the past I've always been able to solve the mystery pretty quickly. Usually within 5-6 chapters. I didn't solve this mystery until over 80% into it. I love that the mystery wasn't an easy one. Now this could be because it's been a few years since reading a mystery book, but I believe it's more the writing. I also loved the magic in it. It's there, but not all about the magic itself (if that makes sense). This book was all around great.
June 5, 2024
This is a different read for me. It’s a murder mystery in a fantasy setting. But it doesn’t feel over the top. The beginning was a little confusing but the middle of the book really answered my burning questions on why Rae left the capital. Rae is a magical being that didn’t know what friendship and love was until she was being threatened to be taken back to the capital if she didn’t solve the murder mystery. I can’t wait to read more in the series and learn more about the back stories of all the characters.
June 10, 2024
This was like an episode of your favorite crime-fighting show with a dash of fantasy sprinkled in!
I don't usually read cozy murder mystery, but after this one I might read some more! This was such a nice, cute, easy read.
The worldbuilding was nicely done but not too overwhelming making this a perfect book for people looking to start getting into fantasy.
Is it weird when I say I want my own Bubbles? He's just such a good boy!
The only thing that could've made this even better was some more romance. But who knows, maybe in the next books?
I don't usually read cozy murder mystery, but after this one I might read some more! This was such a nice, cute, easy read.
The worldbuilding was nicely done but not too overwhelming making this a perfect book for people looking to start getting into fantasy.
Is it weird when I say I want my own Bubbles? He's just such a good boy!
The only thing that could've made this even better was some more romance. But who knows, maybe in the next books?
July 2, 2024
"The world doesn't require magic to do great things. It only requires some hard thinking and lots of determination. "
Firstly, I want a warplog named Bubble and a Brew also!!
I LOVED Rae. I only wish we had more of her backstory. She seemed to have lived a pretty bad past, and she was finding herself and learning to trust and create friendships! This was a great book.
If you love..
A dose of fantasy, mystery, and hints of romance brewing, then pick this book up. Fingers are crossed for more of Rae and her friends in book two
Firstly, I want a warplog named Bubble and a Brew also!!
I LOVED Rae. I only wish we had more of her backstory. She seemed to have lived a pretty bad past, and she was finding herself and learning to trust and create friendships! This was a great book.
If you love..
A dose of fantasy, mystery, and hints of romance brewing, then pick this book up. Fingers are crossed for more of Rae and her friends in book two
July 4, 2024
A cute story! We’ve got magic, a murder mystery, a runaway witch that runs a magical tea/potions cart, and friends along the way.
You follow Rae as she’s forced to solve a murder mystery; if she doesn’t she’ll be forced to return to the Capital where she literally wants anything but to go back there.
It was a slow and steady read, enough to keep me going. I did find it wasn’t very suspenseful - what grabs you in so you can’t stop reading.. It was a super cute read and I love the concept.. give it a go
You follow Rae as she’s forced to solve a murder mystery; if she doesn’t she’ll be forced to return to the Capital where she literally wants anything but to go back there.
It was a slow and steady read, enough to keep me going. I did find it wasn’t very suspenseful - what grabs you in so you can’t stop reading.. It was a super cute read and I love the concept.. give it a go
May 12, 2024
I used to love cozy mysteries. They were my absolute favorite and I would devour them by the dozens. Eventually, life got the best of me and I stopped making time to read. Brews and Clues reminded me of that love again.
I love the combination of a magical fantasy world combined with real forensic science. The tension between Valen and Rae is insanely good. I can't wait for the second book. This is definitely going to end up a great new series.
I love the combination of a magical fantasy world combined with real forensic science. The tension between Valen and Rae is insanely good. I can't wait for the second book. This is definitely going to end up a great new series.
May 1, 2025
The delightful premise of this book initially drew in me. While the story is charming and full of potential (and I did enjoy the sentient wagon), the execution unfortunately falters. The story's reliance on telling rather than showing made some parts tedious. The occasional shifts in perspective also made it challenging to fully invest in the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of a hint of LGBTQ felt somewhat out of place, as it didn't seem to serve a clear purpose in advancing the plot.
January 18, 2026
.5
I loved this book! The characters are very memorable and I love the dynamic between all of them! The FMC is bad ass but got me frustrated with just how stupid she can be when emotions run high. I love how magic, fantasy and mystery all intersect. I do wish there was more world building and more explanation of the magic system, but it was a very fun read!
I cannot wait to pick up the second book in this series!
I loved this book! The characters are very memorable and I love the dynamic between all of them! The FMC is bad ass but got me frustrated with just how stupid she can be when emotions run high. I love how magic, fantasy and mystery all intersect. I do wish there was more world building and more explanation of the magic system, but it was a very fun read!
I cannot wait to pick up the second book in this series!
May 14, 2024
The turns and twists in this story will keep your mind so active that you won't know what time of day it is. Much less know who you are pulling - Leof the werewolf sheriff or Valen the mercenary for the Capital.butno matter what you have to hear on the magic hiding, potion making Rae. If you like mystery, suspense, and a little romance, you will love this story.
May 31, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! I will definitely be on the lookout for the next books in the series!
I love a cozy, witchy mystery and the slow burn romance has me itching for more! I can't wait for the next one.
Also, a sentient potion wagon and an adorable warpog pet are the perfect additions to this story. Grab a blanket, a cup of tea or cocoa, and enjoy the ride!
I love a cozy, witchy mystery and the slow burn romance has me itching for more! I can't wait for the next one.
Also, a sentient potion wagon and an adorable warpog pet are the perfect additions to this story. Grab a blanket, a cup of tea or cocoa, and enjoy the ride!
June 1, 2024
This book was a cozy true crime mystery. Filled with Rae and her brews. I loved the witchy vibes and the slow burn romance. I was obsessed with the forensic aspects of the book. It was def a cute cozy fast paced read. There's no spice so it is ok for YA readers. I can not wait to hear more of Raes story in the future, hopefully Valen is involved.
June 4, 2024
I was totally enthralled.
Rae is smart and resourceful. She didn't let anyone push her around. Her friendship with Krissa is so fun. I love when FMCs have solid friendships. The clues for the whodunnit were laid out cleverly that I didn't figure it out until the end. Valen is also incredibly detailed and feels like a real person.
I cannot recommend this book enough 😍
Rae is smart and resourceful. She didn't let anyone push her around. Her friendship with Krissa is so fun. I love when FMCs have solid friendships. The clues for the whodunnit were laid out cleverly that I didn't figure it out until the end. Valen is also incredibly detailed and feels like a real person.
I cannot recommend this book enough 😍
June 5, 2024
Thank you soo much A.N Payton for this ARC read!! ❤️
This book was such a cute cozy mystery, such an easy quick read! 😍
I love Bubbles and Brew. Bubbles was soo cute, somehow, iykyk! 🤣
I loved the characters, there was a good mix of everything. 🍵
I definitely can't wait to see what adventures the characters are going to get into!!
This book was such a cute cozy mystery, such an easy quick read! 😍
I love Bubbles and Brew. Bubbles was soo cute, somehow, iykyk! 🤣
I loved the characters, there was a good mix of everything. 🍵
I definitely can't wait to see what adventures the characters are going to get into!!
June 27, 2024
ARC Review
Rae lives in a small town making potions for the town. Leof, the werewolf marshel, needs her help solving a murder. The person murdered was important to the capital city so when a stranger comes to town and tells her she has two weeks to figure it out or she'll die. She uses all her magic to figure it out.
Rae lives in a small town making potions for the town. Leof, the werewolf marshel, needs her help solving a murder. The person murdered was important to the capital city so when a stranger comes to town and tells her she has two weeks to figure it out or she'll die. She uses all her magic to figure it out.
August 24, 2025
Exceptional!!!
I cannot express how exceptional this novel is. I fell in love with this series after reading a short. And I am so glad I stumbled upon this delightful world created by A.N. Payton. The characters grab your heart quickly, and you can't help but adore them. You get so sucked in that you're right there in Hallow's Promise.
I cannot express how exceptional this novel is. I fell in love with this series after reading a short. And I am so glad I stumbled upon this delightful world created by A.N. Payton. The characters grab your heart quickly, and you can't help but adore them. You get so sucked in that you're right there in Hallow's Promise.
May 4, 2024
This was different from my normal reads, but I didn’t hate it. It was a cute, witchy mystery. It’s great for a beginner fantasy reader! Thanks to the author for the eARC, I enjoyed reading it, even with it being out of my realm. It was pretty quirky, magical, and witchy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews