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Witches' Brew Mystery #4
Earl Grave Tea
Halloween is coming to Raven Creek, Washington, and in addition to the town going wild for themed decor, there is also brewing enthusiasm about a famed improv group coming to help stage an Agatha Christie play for the locals. When mega-Hollywood star Naomi Novak shows up, the whole town is star-struck. But local teashop owner and witch Phoebe Winchester is shocked for a different the fiance Naomi has in tow is none other than Phoebe's cheating ex-husband, Blaine.
When Naomi is found dead during local auditions for the play, suspicion quickly turns to the person who served her a seemingly poisoned Phoebe's friend Amy! Phoebe knows Amy wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone a famous actress, so Phoebe will need to rely on magic, meddling, and of course, her feline sidekick Bob, to help figure out who really killed Naomi. Even if it might be her own ex.
And she needs to do it before they strike again.
A charming, fall-themed cozy perfect for curling up with your cats and a cup of hot tea.
When Naomi is found dead during local auditions for the play, suspicion quickly turns to the person who served her a seemingly poisoned Phoebe's friend Amy! Phoebe knows Amy wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone a famous actress, so Phoebe will need to rely on magic, meddling, and of course, her feline sidekick Bob, to help figure out who really killed Naomi. Even if it might be her own ex.
And she needs to do it before they strike again.
A charming, fall-themed cozy perfect for curling up with your cats and a cup of hot tea.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
12 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Rue
10 books229 followersGretchen Rue lives in the Canadian prairies, which affords her ample time to read during six months of winter. She plays cat mom to four mostly indifferent fur children, and plant mom to roughly 100 very demanding flora. When she isn’t sipping tea and working on her next novel, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching baseball.
**Gretchen Rue also writes as Sierra Dean and Kate Wiley**
Dean - urban fantasy/paranormal
Wiley - gritty mystery suspense
**Gretchen Rue also writes as Sierra Dean and Kate Wiley**
Dean - urban fantasy/paranormal
Wiley - gritty mystery suspense
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 3, 2025
why I love this series: It's intelligent.
It's descriptive...teas, sourdough breads, etc. All described so satisfactorily.
The cats aren't just in the background... So much kitty love! A direct quote: " As I approached the window he looked up at me, his orange fur glowing in the sunlight, and I felt a pang of such love for this little animal that it actually made my heart hurt." The author's love of cats is evident.
There's humor, but it's not silly.
It makes me want tea!
Books are often mentioned.
Bob curls into a little marmalade loaf.
This is a series that I hope will continue on well into the future. The author is a rare talent and I can't wait to read everything she writes.
It's descriptive...teas, sourdough breads, etc. All described so satisfactorily.
The cats aren't just in the background... So much kitty love! A direct quote: " As I approached the window he looked up at me, his orange fur glowing in the sunlight, and I felt a pang of such love for this little animal that it actually made my heart hurt." The author's love of cats is evident.
There's humor, but it's not silly.
It makes me want tea!
Books are often mentioned.
Bob curls into a little marmalade loaf.
This is a series that I hope will continue on well into the future. The author is a rare talent and I can't wait to read everything she writes.
October 8, 2025
3.75 stars. I really enjoy this series. This one was heavier on the mystery and lighter on the things I read this series for, which are the love story off to the side, the lessons Phoebe has with another store owner to learn about her magical powers and the business side of her book and tea shop.
And, although I love the arts in general, theater has never done anything for me and that was a theme here due to the mystery aspect.
So while I didn’t love this as much as the others, I love the characters and the way magic feels very real in these books. It feels so real that I wish a bunch of white witches would rise up and put this world to rights. What the christofascists are trying to do to women in the US right now is nauseating. Particularly when some women are happy about this 🤬😖 So, while I can’t put the world to rights right now, I can imagine the possibility in a book.
I also appreciate the fact that the same audio narrator does all of the books.
And, although I love the arts in general, theater has never done anything for me and that was a theme here due to the mystery aspect.
So while I didn’t love this as much as the others, I love the characters and the way magic feels very real in these books. It feels so real that I wish a bunch of white witches would rise up and put this world to rights. What the christofascists are trying to do to women in the US right now is nauseating. Particularly when some women are happy about this 🤬😖 So, while I can’t put the world to rights right now, I can imagine the possibility in a book.
I also appreciate the fact that the same audio narrator does all of the books.
September 26, 2025
This series is so much fun, I am glad it continues. I really enjoy Phoebe and the life she is building herself in Raven Creek. We have an adorable shop, interesting and involved employees, an eclectic circle of friends, a cozy witches retreat, and rescue kitties. In this story, we get to add a witch's scavenger hunt, Halloween, and the murder of a well-known actress in town for the town's Agatha Christie play. Just when Phoebe thinks her life is just about perfect, her employees and friends talk her into trying out for the play, and she discovers her ex-husband is engaged to the now dead famous actress. Phoebe is determined to keep her distance until her friend Amy becomes the main suspect and a little truthful tea helps her understand that her ex is not being honest about the circumstances surrounding his fiancee death. Come along for clues, hunches, and magic. You will definitely enjoy your time here, a perfect seasonal read! #EarlGraveTea #AWitchesBrewMystery #GretchenRue #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the first 3 books in this series and I was excited when I saw this fourth book just released, I bought a copy and read it soon after that. Earl Grave Tea is set around Halloween and it was fun to read this during mid/ late October. This is such a fun cozy series and I had a great time reading this book.
Main character Phoebe gets involved in another mystery when a group of actors comes to town to help with the town's annual Halloween play and the most famous actress among the group is now dating Phoebe's ex. When the actress ends up dead Phoebe tries to solve the mystery. I have to admit the mystery didn't fully grip me, there were some suspects and it was interesting to see it all play out, but something was missing to fully pull me in. I liked the part Phoebe played in solving the mystery and the way the pieces fell on it's place at the end.
I liked the Halloween theme and seeing the town prepare for the Halloween festival with decorations. I didn't really care about the play as much and didn't know the play they were doing, I just felt bad for Phoebe as she didn't really seem to want to be part of it, but kinda got forced into it. I did appreciate the way she still found enjoyment in it and the way she could use it to investigate. This book also resolved her emotions around the break up with her ex and that was good, but I am just not a big fan of these type of stories with the ex making an appearance.
My favorite parts of this one were reading about Phoebe, her shop, her cats as well as the fun side characters she interacts with and are friends with. This book just has such a cozy vibe and I really enjoy spending time reading about these characters. I really like reading about Phoebe running her store as well and the cozy familiar vibes of this book were really nice. I also liked seeing Phoebe and Rich now that they are in a relationship, there are some fun scenes involving the two of them.
There is also a more personal side mystery in this book with Phoebe's late aunt leaving her a scavenger hunt. I really liked this plot line and seeing it progress throughout the book. The conclusion was really nice and the way this connects Phoebe to her aunt as well as the town's people who help her with the scavenger hunt was nice to see.
This book isn't as heavy on the paranormal element. Phoebe is a witch, but there isn't as much about her magic in this book. I would've liked to see a bit more, but I think that might be in future books.
To summarize: I had a great time reading this one close to Halloween while the book featured a Halloween theme as well. I liked returning to this small town and reading about Phoebe, her store and her friends. The cozy vibes of this book are really well done. I didn't feel as invested in the mystery in this book one and wasn't as interested in the play plot line and the ex appearance. Despite that I still really enjoyed this book, especially the scenes focusing on phoebe running her shop or interacting with other characters. The scavenger hunt that Phoebe's late aunt left her was a fun little side mystery and I liked seeing how that all played out. I look forward to the next book!
Main character Phoebe gets involved in another mystery when a group of actors comes to town to help with the town's annual Halloween play and the most famous actress among the group is now dating Phoebe's ex. When the actress ends up dead Phoebe tries to solve the mystery. I have to admit the mystery didn't fully grip me, there were some suspects and it was interesting to see it all play out, but something was missing to fully pull me in. I liked the part Phoebe played in solving the mystery and the way the pieces fell on it's place at the end.
I liked the Halloween theme and seeing the town prepare for the Halloween festival with decorations. I didn't really care about the play as much and didn't know the play they were doing, I just felt bad for Phoebe as she didn't really seem to want to be part of it, but kinda got forced into it. I did appreciate the way she still found enjoyment in it and the way she could use it to investigate. This book also resolved her emotions around the break up with her ex and that was good, but I am just not a big fan of these type of stories with the ex making an appearance.
My favorite parts of this one were reading about Phoebe, her shop, her cats as well as the fun side characters she interacts with and are friends with. This book just has such a cozy vibe and I really enjoy spending time reading about these characters. I really like reading about Phoebe running her store as well and the cozy familiar vibes of this book were really nice. I also liked seeing Phoebe and Rich now that they are in a relationship, there are some fun scenes involving the two of them.
There is also a more personal side mystery in this book with Phoebe's late aunt leaving her a scavenger hunt. I really liked this plot line and seeing it progress throughout the book. The conclusion was really nice and the way this connects Phoebe to her aunt as well as the town's people who help her with the scavenger hunt was nice to see.
This book isn't as heavy on the paranormal element. Phoebe is a witch, but there isn't as much about her magic in this book. I would've liked to see a bit more, but I think that might be in future books.
To summarize: I had a great time reading this one close to Halloween while the book featured a Halloween theme as well. I liked returning to this small town and reading about Phoebe, her store and her friends. The cozy vibes of this book are really well done. I didn't feel as invested in the mystery in this book one and wasn't as interested in the play plot line and the ex appearance. Despite that I still really enjoyed this book, especially the scenes focusing on phoebe running her shop or interacting with other characters. The scavenger hunt that Phoebe's late aunt left her was a fun little side mystery and I liked seeing how that all played out. I look forward to the next book!
October 18, 2025
A twist on whodunnit with the mystery involving a witch with novice powers and one of the suspects is her ex husband! Zero spice, but acute relationship, but seems more a second chance not just in romance but in giving back to her former town.
November 20, 2025
Deadly Good
I rarely jump into a series in the middle and when I’ve tried it’s usually a disaster. This time around I found the warmth of a community of friends formed around an amateur sleuth/struggling witch and felt right at home. This is an author comfortable in her abilities and well able to draw in a reader. The drizzle and mystery of Halloween season combined with a celebrity death in a small town made for a quick and delight-filled read. I especially enjoyed the scavenger hunt that required the sleuth to connect with friends and discover a treasure left to her by her witchy aunt Eudora. If you love cats, a hint of magic, getting over a cheating ex, and improv—community theater style—Earl Grave Tea might be the perfect brew.
I rarely jump into a series in the middle and when I’ve tried it’s usually a disaster. This time around I found the warmth of a community of friends formed around an amateur sleuth/struggling witch and felt right at home. This is an author comfortable in her abilities and well able to draw in a reader. The drizzle and mystery of Halloween season combined with a celebrity death in a small town made for a quick and delight-filled read. I especially enjoyed the scavenger hunt that required the sleuth to connect with friends and discover a treasure left to her by her witchy aunt Eudora. If you love cats, a hint of magic, getting over a cheating ex, and improv—community theater style—Earl Grave Tea might be the perfect brew.
October 1, 2025
I was ecstatic when it was announced that this series was going to continue because I love these books! They have everything I love in books & cozies, so I can only hope we get many more! 🤞🏻
October 14, 2025
this was fun. I really did enjoy this. not sure if this is the end or not but I'd read more of we got more.
September 26, 2025
3.5 stars. I liked the story but this one didn’t stand out to me
November 20, 2025
If not for all the murders, I would be tempted to describe these books as "sugar and spice and everything nice." I love dropping in on life in the village of Raven Creek with its lovely setting, quirky characters, Earl Grave bookshop, Sugar Plum Fairy Bakery, mouth-watering baked goods and magical teas, all watched over by the star of the show, Bob, a loveable, huggable orange cat.
However, it's the spice that keeps me coming back as Phoebe develops her powers and helps the police solve murders in the charming little village. The series reminds me somewhat of Father Brown or Sister Boniface - "civilized" murder mysteries in quaint settings - with a little magic thrown in.
Bob's person, Phoebe, a late-blooming witch, continues to get herself in trouble interfering in police matters and putting herself in danger. The nice thing about a new series is that we know the main character isn't going to get bumped off for being reckless - although they might get a little banged up. The police have actually asked for Phoebe's help in this book so Phoebe steps it up as she helps them investigate another murder.
I would like to see Phoebe develop her magical powers a little faster, but she has done some impressive things already in moments of danger. Finding will hopefully help Phoebe develop more of her magical powers in book five.
Phoebe's and Bob's personal lives are blooming as Phoebe and her childhood friend, Rich, grow closer and Bob falls for a shy little cat named Coco. Gretchen Rue's talent for giving Bob and Coco charming personalities makes them the stars of the show. I love the names and different personalities of the bookshop cats, including Frodo, who charms Mr. Loughery, a daily visitor to Earl Grave bookshop.
There are no recipes in this book, but the author has promised more in book five which will hopefully be coming out in 2026. I am always impressed with the fanciful and beautiful cover illustrations for these books, the first three covers done by Mary Ann Lasher and this one by Adrian DKC after Mary Ann Lasher retired.
However, it's the spice that keeps me coming back as Phoebe develops her powers and helps the police solve murders in the charming little village. The series reminds me somewhat of Father Brown or Sister Boniface - "civilized" murder mysteries in quaint settings - with a little magic thrown in.
Bob's person, Phoebe, a late-blooming witch, continues to get herself in trouble interfering in police matters and putting herself in danger. The nice thing about a new series is that we know the main character isn't going to get bumped off for being reckless - although they might get a little banged up. The police have actually asked for Phoebe's help in this book so Phoebe steps it up as she helps them investigate another murder.
I would like to see Phoebe develop her magical powers a little faster, but she has done some impressive things already in moments of danger. Finding will hopefully help Phoebe develop more of her magical powers in book five.
Phoebe's and Bob's personal lives are blooming as Phoebe and her childhood friend, Rich, grow closer and Bob falls for a shy little cat named Coco. Gretchen Rue's talent for giving Bob and Coco charming personalities makes them the stars of the show. I love the names and different personalities of the bookshop cats, including Frodo, who charms Mr. Loughery, a daily visitor to Earl Grave bookshop.
There are no recipes in this book, but the author has promised more in book five which will hopefully be coming out in 2026. I am always impressed with the fanciful and beautiful cover illustrations for these books, the first three covers done by Mary Ann Lasher and this one by Adrian DKC after Mary Ann Lasher retired.
September 25, 2025
I absolutely ADORED this. I've read all of the books in this series (and her other cozy series) and this is my favorite one! Phoebe really comes into her own here. She has a partner, friends, employees, two cats, and more of a handle on her magic. She's really learned who she is, and even grows in this book, too. The setting of Raven Creek is so pleasant and cozy feeling, even when it's pouring rain all the time. There is loads of imagery describing the decor of the town as well as the autumnal scents and tastes throughout the story. We get to see more of the town itself in this one, with several stops at the community center and a stop at the library. We also get to meet Phoebe's ex-husband Blaine -- and see why it's OK that they divorced, actually -- and we get to know Phoebe's daily customer, the lovely senior widower Norman, even more than we did from the cat rescue mission in previous books. The characters are just delightful. Overall, if you like cozy mysteries or cozy fantasies, I think you'll love this series.
October 30, 2025
I loved being back in Raven Creek! This series is so fun and entertaining. It’s cute and keeps you on your toes! Who has done it? While being taken through this gorgeous and adorable town, filled with lovely characters. I really enjoyed being taken on Phoebe’s little adventure to discover the clues that her aunt has left her and to bring completely immersed into another dead that she, of course, wants to try to solve. Th detectives in town aren’t even confused anymore they welcome the help. I love her and Rich’s relationship and the help that her friends are giving her. I would so love for this to be TV series! Like Gilmore Girls but with some added magic and more mysteries.
October 15, 2025
3.5 This is a really cozy series and I’ll continue to read it. This one just felt flat. Phoebe doesn’t act or think like a witch. She is a friendly, nosy cat lady who owns a bookstore/teashop. The magic element was more of a side quest. I mean, she complains that she doesn’t know how to use magic but then she picked watching reality tv over learning about her magic at every chance. She is also constantly confused and two steps behind about everything. It would be nice if in the next book she did more critical thinking and more magic.
September 29, 2025
I’m so glad this series is back. I missed it. The mystery was good and it’s nice to see the gang all back together! I love the magic in this series.
However, didn’t love the negative self talk. Also I did laugh when she was like this town is so safe no one locks their doors… in PNW? Home of serial killers? And you live in a town that has seen multiple murders in the few years you’ve been there!
However, didn’t love the negative self talk. Also I did laugh when she was like this town is so safe no one locks their doors… in PNW? Home of serial killers? And you live in a town that has seen multiple murders in the few years you’ve been there!
October 16, 2025
Love the heartwarming mixed in with cozy and mystery in this series! Solid friendships, armchair sleuth co-conspirators and a a slow burn romance -- absolute perfection! And this fourth Witches' Brew Mystery novel is the perfect seasonal read with all the autumnal touches from food to decorations to the brisk weather vibes. One of my favourite cozy mystery series.
November 7, 2025
This is quickly becoming a fast favorite series! I am in love with this cozy town, the teashop/bookshop, Bob, and the characters. This author consistently incorporates wonderful subplots that enhance the main plot without detracting from it, adding a great deal of intrigue to the storyline. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
November 19, 2025
This was the best one yet. It was so cozy and I just wanted to curl up with a blanket and some warm tea and my cat! The ending was so heartwarming. I wanted a little more magic but overall i love this one.
September 23, 2025
So so cute and perfect for the beginning of spooky season.
October 7, 2025
I absolutely adore this series. I love the cast and the setting. It’s definitely a place I would love to be and people I would love to be friends with.
The whole series is a vibe… books, tea, magic, and murder.
Perfect for a Cozy Autumn Vibe and reads well as a stand alone.
The whole series is a vibe… books, tea, magic, and murder.
Perfect for a Cozy Autumn Vibe and reads well as a stand alone.
October 7, 2025
Cozy and fun. Perfect start to October.
October 10, 2025
3.6 stars. This one was my favorite of the three. Super cozy with multiple mysteries.
October 21, 2025
Tea, books, magic… trifecta!
October 23, 2025
I really enjoy this series. The characters are all interesting, and the mysteries are good as well.
October 23, 2025
Love this series and can't wait for the next book!
November 3, 2025
3.5 🌟
Fun cozy read.🎃 I miss these easy reads.
Fun cozy read.🎃 I miss these easy reads.
November 9, 2025
Love this series ! The mystery, characters, cats, and tea! Whenever there is a new book- it is like visiting old friends (Bob the cat is my favorite )! I look forward to the next one !
December 10, 2025
I love the characters in the this series. They are so colorful and fun. Looking forward to the next book in the series
October 25, 2025
10/10 must read for fall, best cozy mystery series by a landslide
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews