Brewed Secrets: Whiskers, Lies, And Lattes in Willow Creek

by Victor Dain

In the heart of Willow Creek, a headstrong cafe owner becomes an unlikely sleuth.

A notorious journalist lies dead, and the only clues are tangled in a web of small-town secrets.

A crime scene that’s more riddle than ruin.

Gwen Mulligan’s bubbly charm hides a steely resolve. Ben Hastings, the part-time cop and farmer with a bookish side, is her unflappable partner-in-crime-solving. They face a list of suspects as long as a novel, each with more motive than motive alone bears. The victim's family is embroiled in a drama scripted for disaster, and whispers of town gossip cascade like falling leaves.

Armed with sharp wit and a curiosity sharper than Mister Whiskers’ claws, Gwen and Ben delve into layers of deception and unearthly grudges. Light banter keeps the shadows at bay. The quirky townsfolk add mischief and mayhem only a cat could top.

Will the final chapter of their investigation bind the town together or tear them apart? As the duo draws closer to the heart of the mystery, the town’s long-buried truths may finally come to light. Unmasking the killer promises to be the plot twist of a lifetime.

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Victor Dain writes charming, twist-filled cozy mysteries packed with small-town secrets, witty sleuths, and mischievous pets. If you love heartwarming whodunits with plenty of intrigue, you’re in the right place!

Reviews

[Jean Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series. I enjoyed reading it, but confess that I almost put it down only because every time it seemed like the mystery was solved, another related one popped up. I suspect the way it ended that there will be more related mysteries in the future. Gwen is a headstrong cafe owner who becomes a sleuth. A notorious journalist is found dead and the only clues are mixed in with a web of small town secrets. Ben is a part-time cop who is working to solve the murder. And of course there is a wise and curious cat who is in on the crime solving. The characters were well written and the descriptions were great. I received a free copy of the book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun first book in a new promising series with some great characters. Our main protagonist, Gwen Mulligan owns a cafe in a small town with her curious, clue finding cat, Mr. Whiskers. When a nasty journalist is found dead, Gwen, Mr. Whiskers and Ben Hastings, a part time cop and farmer who team up to investigate the murder. We are taken on a real dangerous roller coaster ride complete with the small town secrets that someone wants to remain buried. Will they solve the murder or will Gwen be next on the murderer's list. We are taken to s surprise ending you never would guess. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy.

I liked this book with its small-town charm and the interaction between the characters. It's the first book I've read but Victor Dain, but definitely not the last. I'm looking forward to reading more about Gwen, Bem and Whiskers!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Brenda Chavers-martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town Secrets

I love reading about small-town mysteries and the amateur sleuths with their very interesting pets. Who would have thought that this much danger,greed and murder would be in a small town. Iam looking forward to reading more about small-town mysteries and the amateur sleuths with their very interesting pets.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Willow Creek’s got secrets, and they’re not staying buried for long.”

This book is worth it. Almost every chapter repeats the same story- almost like a movie or play scene. I got tired of the repetitive nature of the story. This is a DND with 1 star to be recorded as such

[BeBop19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This was a very entertaining story. There was enough mystery and comedy mixed together. Just when you think the mystery is solved another lands.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a cozy mystery series

Enjoyed this one although a bit repetitive at times. Would recommend especially like Mr whiskers the cat who is a hero

[Cyndi Pelosi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing plot line

Book has a great premise but things were repeated or out of order multiple times which made for a very confusing read.