Steeped in Mystery

Eerie Estes Mysteries #1

by B.I. Skinner

In this small Colorado mountain town, the tea is hot, the books are old, and the ghosts have stories that are dying to be told.In the quaint, mountain-shadowed town of Estes Park, Colorado, investigative journalist Ellie Read inherits a peculiar Spines & Steeps, a book and tea shop brimming with secrets and ghostly whispers.

Expecting to sell the quirky store and return to her life in Manhattan, Ellie is unwittingly drawn into a web of murder, mystery, and ghostly goings-on.

When a celebrity spiritualist’s body is found on a hiking trail clutching Ellie’s business card, it makes her the prime suspect, forcing her to trade deadlines for detective work in a town where everyone knows her name, and the books have a mind of their own.

With a cast of eccentric locals, a mischievous cat named Hobbes, and a shop that at times is more haunted than charming, Ellie uncovers a family history steeped in the unknown.

From cryptic tea blends to shelves that rearrange themselves, Spines & Steeps holds clues that could clear her name... or steep her in danger.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, Steeped in Mystery serves up a tantalizing blend of humor, heart, and spine-chilling suspense that will leave readers desperate to turn the page and join Ellie’s unforgettable adventure.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Paranormal

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I good start to a new series. I loved the setting and the characters. I did wish there was more to the paranormal aspect as the book went on. There is plenty during the first half of the book, then it wanes. I also thought the reveal was a little rushed and easy, but this was still an enjoyable read. I will definitely continue with the series.

[Denise Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

I could see myself in the Bookstore, walking the streets of Estes Park and gazing at the mountain peaks as the author drew me into the story. I just adore the quirky characters and intriguing mystery. I can't wait for the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and look forward to continuing on with the series. My only gripe was how rude the police detective was (and I can foresee him being a love interest in future books) and that he made her the prime suspect for the most ridiculous reasons I have ever heard. I work for a Sheriff’s office so I would know. Anyway, onto the next.

[K Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first “cozy paranormal mystery” I’ve read. It was an engaging story and I came to care about Ellie, the main character and what happened to her. I know Estes Park, the setting of the book, very well and would have liked more real to life details in the book. The mystery and story had a solid framework. And I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author and watching her writing develop over time.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I enjoyed the setting and the paranormal aspect was really interesting. But the writing sometimes confused me to be honest, some of the writing seemed odd about NY (about being desperate to take subway, the subway is used by millions of people every day) and termanology (cracker jacks reporting?) It felt a little light on some details, I honesty don't remember even what our MC looks like.

I will give the next one a try and go from there.

[Shruti Buddhavarapu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Sarah Bewley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mystery!

[Hekareadsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half was incredibly entertaining. The characters were likable, easy to relate to. The second half goes completely off the rails. it seems to be missing some editing on the back half and was significantly longer than it needed to. I also got pretty irritated seeing the female main character ignore the detective over and over and over and over.... she just seems kind of, well, dumb. I won't be continuing this series.

[Sandra Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, it shouldn’t take me that long to finish a book, but I have been distracted lately. Life sometimes gets busy. But this is a story about Ellie Reid a journalist in New York. Unfortunately, in one day, she loses her job and her somewhat boyfriend, but she finds out she inherited a tea/bookstore. Originally she planned to just sell this place but due to life circumstances, she ended up going to visit. Tea/bookstore does have living arrangements upstairs. Shortly, after arriving, she does come across a dead body who happens to have her business card. Now she’s a suspect and what she thought would be a fast trip. She is now stuck there. Now this is a small town, so of course there’s lots of gossiping. And you have mystery and I have a feeling of potential romances brewing. She does learn from her aunt/mom side of the family. She has a special skill, which, of course is very undeveloped. Overall, I really did like the story and the mystery. And I’m curious to see how this continues.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know where my daughter finds these indie authors and their books, but this is the second one she's given me by authors I've never heard of before that turned out to be really good. She gave this cozy to me for Christmas, and I couldn't wait to read it.
A bit paranormal with a murder mystery. I actually liked most of the characters. The only one I didn't really care for was the psychic, Valerie. The author made Estes Park, Colorado, sound like a wonderland. It's a small town, and everyone knows all about Ellie Read before she even gets to Colorado from Manhattan. She inherits a haunted bookstore from an aunt that she never knew existed and finds strange things are afoot in Spines and Steeps.
I would give it a 4.5. I really liked it because it didn't focus on Ellie always leaving the business like other cozies do. In other cozies I wonder how the shopkeeper manages to have a business when she is always out of the store doing something else.
It is a keeper on my shelf, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in a cozy mystery vibe this month, at least it feels that way. I keep looking for them, and I keep reading them. This is the beginning of another series for me, book 1 of 4 that are out, so I may get this series done by the end of the month, hopefully!

This one takes place in Colorado, Estes Park to be exact. A woman finds out about a great aunt she never knew she had, and that she has inherited a book and tea shop in Colorado, far from her daily life in New York City. She ventures to Colorado, with potential plans to sell her great aunt's business combo home, and becomes drawn to the town along with the people. While there a famous person is found murdered, by the MC no less, and the mystery begins on that part. There is also the mystery of abilities and family history. The book is fun, and easy going making it a delightful read. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and see what other adventures she finds herself on.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book. I like BI Skinner books in general, but this one left me very sad it ended! It’s a familiar beginning for most cozy series - a person finds they have a connection to a new place that draws them from an old place. The character is torn between whether to leave or return to the old place. But Skinner does a good job developing the protagonist - Ellie Read - and her backstory. Estes Park and the tea shop she inherits is about as charming as it gets and the characters in town add to the charm. The mystery is compelling. I had an idea of who would be the murderer would be, but the story kept me guessing until the reveal as Skinner added some other wrinkles that threw me off the scent for a bit. I cannot wait for the next book!!

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent Paranormal Mystery

Ellie Reed is an investigative journalist working in Manhattan and she loves it. Doesn’t want to be anywhere else. That is till her boyfriend dumps her, and she loses her job. As fate would have it, or at least in cozy mystery novels, Ellie finds out her Great Aunt left her bookstore, in Estes Park, CO., to her. So she flies out, intent on selling, but murder, and new friends keep her there, since she’s the prime suspect. Everything about this cozy mystery has been used in loads of stories, what keeps this fresh are the characters, especially Ellie, herself. Strong, intelligent, and independent, Ellie is a fresh breath of air in this genre. Great storytelling.

[Nicole Gemme · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a good cozy murder mystery read. This book had elements of mystery, suspense, small town vibes, and some paranormal (more cute than spooky)

Following our FMC who lives in NY with a great life, until her birthday with things turn not so great… she soon finds out she inherited a tea and book shop she goes on a journey to try to visit and tie up the loose ends to get rid of the place. Only on her travels does she find herself and learn much more about people and this new little town. She is smart and witty and seems to fit right into this new life.

Fav quote: “It turns out that sometimes the detour is the destination”

[Sylvia Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town, big excitement

I really enjoyed this series! A straight forward series, a writer who can write well and books I would let kids read. The characters are intriguing! The main character is very obstinate. A very human behavior. She loses everything but gains a business that she’s not very sure she wants. She goes through growing pains of owning a business and living in a small town. There is a murder in town that she winds up being very involved in. I honestly can’t think of any negative thing to say of the series. It was well written and well edited. I would recommend this series.

[Paula Withrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

any book about Estes Park will hold my attention

Having lived in Colorado, especially in Fort Collins and Estes Park area for years, finding a book that had all the things I loved about the area, add in a cat, spirits, and feisty protagonist. It was a great book for me to read in a very short time. I couldn’t quit until I finished it. It wasn’t so much the mystery just the introduction of these interesting people in an especially interesting part of Colorado.
The writing style held my interest and I’m looking forward to more in the series I especially love anything magical

[Sharen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about book stores and libraries. Pros: nice descriptions of Colorado mountains, charming characters and town, a fun ghost (maybe 2?), mystery to solve, no graphic violence, no sex, no editing issues, and no cliffhanger ending.
Cons: I love books that describe other books that I might like to read….but, it is absolutely cruel of the author to describe a book that doesn’t exist! And then to do it a second time!…..not fair!
However, on the whole it is definitely my kinda book. A “curl up in a comfy reading chair with a cup of tea and enjoy” kinda book.

[Raegan Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very easy and enjoyable read. I liked that it had some spooky vibes, which gave it a fun, eerie atmosphere without being too intense. The added mystery element kept things interesting, even though the mystery itself felt a bit juvenile at times. Still, it was engaging enough that I flew through it in just three days. Overall, a quick, entertaining read—and I’ll probably pick up the second book to see where the story goes next!

[Danny Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal Activity Steeped in Mystery and a Cup of Tea

Author B. I. Skinner spins a paranormal plot, incorporating a light hearted cast of characters. Yes, I’ve been to Estes Park, so that’s a little hook. Some characters are a little too, and some plot twists are a little too. The reader will figure out what too means. But the read was fun and I enjoyed it enough to go for the next installment. Thank you, Author Skinner!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Fun Read

It sounds like a perfect evening to get cozy with a good book. The gentle sound of rain outside often creates a wonderful atmosphere for reading. A fun book can transport you to different worlds and offer delightful escapes. You can fully immerse yourself in its pages and enjoy the charming story. Hopefully, you will have a splendid time reading.

[Paula Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent cozy mystery

I used to read a lot of mysteries but tired of them after a while. Lately I've started back with a few and this one caught my eye. It is a nice mixture of mystery with some paranormal features (the bookstore has a resident ghost). Classic tropes, possibility of enemies to lovers romance later in the series. Worth reading if you like this vibe.

[CL · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Estes Park, Colorado Ellie Read has just inherited a book/tea shop from a great aunt she did not know she had and all on the same day she loses her job and her boyfriend breaks up with her. What is a girl to do but pack her bags and go check it out. Then a murder victim turns up with Elle's card on her person and she is now involved in a murder. Great cozy read.

[Michele Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did this have to end?

Big city journalist meets small town mystery... That could be the headline, but it leaves out ghosts and curious cats and a desperate race to prove her own innocence. This is a quick, can't- put-it-down read you won't want to miss!

[beccasbookscapes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a good book for a palette cleanse especially when you need something light after reading a heavy book. I especially love the Colorado setting it made me want to visit. Not a big fan of cozy mysteries anymore but this is ok to read without expectations.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy little mystery! As someone who has visited Estes Park, it was easy to imagine the story as I was reading along. Also picked this book to see if it were appropriate for my 16 year old sister to read and it is 😊

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on a whim, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was cute and not too dramatic - just what I needed. Narration was AI, but it wasn't too bad (I liked that each character had their own voice).

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frustrating

The plot had me extremely frustrated. The main character was very stubborn, and the sheriff was an idiot. The location was beautiful.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I downloaded this book on a whim. I liked the title and the cover looked interesting. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next adventure.

[Shannon Hover · Rating 3 out of 5]

intrigued

A very cute storyline. Loved the characters, details about Colorado but thought the ending was abrupt. Maybe there will be a part 2?

[Robby Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

This is a great cozy mystery with a cat and a ghost! The setting is fun and inviting. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.