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, Fiction, Fantasy, Tea, Amazon

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

Reviews

[Knjiga i Kavica · Rating 5 out of 5]

RECENZIJA
# 1 Steeped into mystery - B.L.Skinner
5⭐️
Prva od zasada četiri objavljene knjige u magičnom serijalu od ženi koja naslijedi knjižaru i kafić u Coloradu.
Ubojstvo. Misterij. Smijeh i luda avantura.
Ovaj cozy mystery je bio toliko lud i smiješan da se iskreno ne sjećam kada sam se zadnji put toliko smijala. Lude vratolomije. Duhovi. Nova prijateljstva, ali i pokoje ubojstvo okosnica su ovog šarmantnog djela.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a brew-tiful blend of mystery and magic, Steeped in Mystery, the first book in the Eerie Estes Mysteries series by B.I. Skinner is sure to steep you in suspense and delight.

The story introduces Ellie Read, an investigative journalist from Manhattan whose life takes a steep turn when she inherits a unique property from a family member she never knew existed. That legacy is Spines & Steeps, a charming book and tea shop nestled in the mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado. Ellie plans to sell the shop quickly and return to her bustling city life—what’s left of it, but she soon realizes the storefront is anything but ordinary. Her plans to leave grow increasingly complicated and dangerous when a local tragedy occurs, involving, of course, a dead body. When a puzzling piece of evidence found at the scene points directly to her, a skeptical local detective places Ellie at the top of the suspect list. To clear her name and survive small-town suspicion, she must dust off her journalism skills and take on the role of amateur sleuth. As Ellie digs into the investigation, she encounters a colorful cast of eccentric locals, each with secrets of their own. At the same time, she must contend with the unpredictable, evolving magical properties of her new shop and a deeply buried family history tied to the paranormal. To prove her innocence, Ellie must embrace her unexpected heritage and sharpen her investigative instincts—before local law enforcement shuts her down for good.

I fell in love with the well-developed, realistic characters that bring this tight-knit community to life. Ellie is a fantastic protagonist, and her city instincts create an engaging dynamic as she adapts to small-town life and her unexpected supernatural legacy. I especially adored Hobbes, her scene-stealing cat who clearly knows more about the shop’s magic than he lets on. Ellie’s found family—Lucy, Valarie, Sofia, Baxter, and others—adds warmth and charm as they help her unravel clues and stay grounded. On the other side, the straight-laced Detective Noah Morrison serves as a perfect by-the-book foil, while Officer Sinclair represents the everyday legal hurdles Ellie must navigate—or occasionally outmaneuver.

Spines & Steeps feels like a character in its own right, a cozy haven with a supernatural twist. B.I. Skinner’s vivid writing captures the mountain-town atmosphere beautifully, and the brisk pacing keeps the story moving. With Ellie immediately cast as a suspect, a strong ticking-clock tension drives the plot, heightened by her uncertain future. The mystery unfolds with satisfying unpredictability, blending local lore and Ellie’s emerging abilities. The ending delivers a full resolution while leaving intriguing threads open, firmly grounding Ellie in her new life and making me excited for Book 2, A Steep Price to Pay.

This book is a regular matcha made in heaven for cozy mystery lovers, so pinky up, settle in, and get ready for a story that will be leafing you wanting more!

[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.

[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.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. What a great story. Ellie, an investigative reporter living in New York City, lost her job and lost her boyfriend all on her 30th birthday, the same day she found out she had inherited a Bookstore & Tea Shop in the mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado. Since she is unemployed, she decides to visit Estes Park to see what it is she has inherited. She is also convinced that the best course of action is to sell the store and get back home as soon as possible. However, she finds a dead body in the woods and finds herself as a person of interest. She uses her investigative knowledge to find the murderer so she can return to her home, only to find herself liking the peace of this mountain town.

[Angela Zepeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun with this book! It was perfect to read during an up north weekend (specifically in a hammock on the lake surrounded by pine trees!!!!)

I loved the cozy cottage style book and tea shop (can I move in??), the small town and nosey townspeople that come with it, the paranormal touch (perfect summeeween vibes!!!) and the mystery!! I’m so gullible I always have guessed everyone was the killer except for the person who actually did it LOL (I even made a note on my kindle highlighting the name saying this is NOT the person 😅) I’m excited to read the rest of the series!!!

(One note I had was I found a few grammatical mistakes- mainly missing quotation marks around dialogue so I had to go back and re-read parts because I didn’t realize dialogue had started.)

[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.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting cozy mystery with a dash of Paranormal!

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery - the first book in the Eerie Estes series. With a ghost and a cat thrown in among murder, mayhem and mystery, what is not to love? Ellie loses both her job and boyfriend on her birthday and inherits a book & tea shop in Colorado from an aunt she never knew. From there the adventure begins and the action doesn't stop. Great characters, fast paced and a quirky storyline. Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries and the Paranormal.

[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!

[Michele Reise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
New paranormal cozy mystery series by B.I. Skinner.
This is the first book by this author that I've read.
I love the cover!
A decent first book in a series.
Look forward to learning more about the citizens of this small mountain town.
Dislike the detective and can see him being a future love interest with a "sob story" for why he's such an ass.
The paranormal aspect wasn't too much and has lots of room to grow.

Already downloaded the rest of the books in the series

[Oggiesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing beginning to this series. I love that it's based off Estes Park. Next to Glenwood Springs, that's one of my favorite spots to visit. This cozy has a touch of humor. There is nothing like inheriting a haunted book and tea shop. Baxter steals the show at times. This mystery was really kind of entertaining because she and her friends are trying to solve it around the detective. It's funny, charming and a cool read.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story far more than I expected to. The plot is one used quite often, perhaps because it works to get the reader's attention. The characters are relatable, because we have all found ourselves in similar circumstances, and the premise is finding out who really killed the self-help guru and why. The pressure was on the protagonist, because she was a person of interest in the murder. I definitely recommend this book.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "can't put down" book!!!!

Once I started I couldn't stop! It was a fascinating start to a series new to me. I lived in Colorado for some years and went to the Stanley Hotel a few times. So Estes Park is fondly remembered place for me. I loved the storyline and the characters were interesting. Hobbs and Baxter being my favorites. Of course, the cats and the ghosts are always my favorite characters. This series is definitely one of my favorites!!!!!!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by this author and this by far was the best in many ways…the characters are likable and relatable. The main protagonist is string, confident and someone I could see getting along with over time. The location and description of the town bring it to life in my mind as I was reading.

The only negative for me….it seems this is the only book in the series. So if anyone knows the author please get them to write more!!!

[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.