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Dewberry Farm #3

Deadly Brew

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It's Halloween in Buttercup, Texas, and reporter-turned-farmer Lucy Resnick is up to her ears in more than goats and wayward cows. Not only has her well dried up, but it turns out the old house Lucy recently moved to the farm has a reputation for spooks... and they are disturbingly active. Then a tarot card reading at a local mead winery foretells death... only to have exotic game ranch owner Bug Wharton turn up dead. Cause of death? Murder, by a fatal dose of bee venom. When the dimwitted sheriff fingers local witch and mead winery owner Seraphine Alexandre, Lucy gets involved... and soon discovers that all kinds of things are brewing in Buttercup. And some of them are deadly.

254 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2017

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About the author

Karen MacInerney

52 books1,147 followers
I'm the author of the Agatha-nominated Gray Whale Inn mystery series, Tales of an Urban Werewolf. the Margie Peterson mysteries and the Dewberry Farm mysteries (plus a new fantasy in the works). My reading is like my writing: eclectic!

I grew up in the Northeast, but I currently live in Austin with my husband, two kids, and a houserabbit named Bunny. Feel free to visit me online at www.karenmacinerney.com; I love connecting with readers.

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5 stars
778 (43%)
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635 (35%)
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313 (17%)
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40 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Kylie D.
464 reviews613 followers
August 18, 2019
I must say I do like the Dewberry Farm series, but I didn't find Deadly Brew to be quite as engaging as the earlier books in the series. In this, the third installment, a ranch owner dies from bee venom, and local witch Serafine is blamed by the useless Sheriff Rooster. Lucy is immediately on the case, and with her beau, handsome vet Tobias, starts sniffing around the ranch looking for clues. But Lucy has more to worry about than finding a murderer, her well has run dry, the old cottage she's had moved to her land is haunted, and there's a Chupacabra rumoured to be on the loose. As always there's a lot going on in Buttercup!

I did find Deadly Brew to be a quick and easy read, it just seemed to lack the charm of the other books in the series, and it could do with an editorial overhaul. There were just a few things that didn't add up, but in the big picture these were minor. It's a fun series and I will be looking out for the next one.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,612 reviews14 followers
October 26, 2017
Ready for a Halloween read? The third story in the Dewberry Farm series moves swiftly and keeps you guessing about a couple of mysteries in the plot. A likeable protagonist, a great supporting cast, and plenty of suspects entertwine like barbwire for an edge-of-your-seat read. Recipes at end of story.
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
November 5, 2017
The Dewberry Farm mysteries is a series that I HAVE TO read as soon as each book is released. And then I am sad having to wait for the next installment - Deadly Brew was no disappointment.

It oozes Halloween elements in different forms all the way through the book and starts with a murder at the Witches’ Ball at Honeyed Moon Mead Winery. Then there is a mysterious four-legged creature attacking the farm animals in the village and a haunted old house on Lucy's farm. The paranormal elements seem to slowly increase with each installment.

The exotic game hunting ranch was an interesting setting and provided for a good cast of suspects.
I couldn't put the book down and stuck glued to the couch until I read the final page.

It's about time for Rooster, the incompetent Sheriff, to retire. He is over the top annoying an dumb.
I am looking forward to the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Mark Baker.
2,401 reviews202 followers
September 14, 2017
Lucy is trying to deal with a dry well in the middle of October heat. Meanwhile, in town, rumors are flying that there is a mythological creature attacking animals in the area and the house Lucy just moved to her property is haunted. She is looking forward to a night out at the Witches’ Ball, but that doesn’t happen either when a man dies. When it is ruled a homicide, Lucy knows that her friends are going to be the prime suspects. Can she find out the truth?

Obviously, there is a lot going on with the strong mystery and the multiple sub-plots, and that kept the pages turning. One plot point is dropped, but the rest are wrapped up successfully in a great climax. We get some updates on minor characters as well as plenty of time with Lucy and the other leads. The copy I read needed another pass for continuity issues, but they annoyed rather than truly interfer with the mystery.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,292 reviews101 followers
August 15, 2019
Deadly Brew by Karen MacInerney is the 3rd book in the Dewberry Farm Mystery series. Ex investigative reporter and now farmer Lucy Resnick has multiple problems- her well has dried up, there is an animal predator on the loose, an exotic game ranch has openned up and a house moved to her property is reportedly haunted. When the owner of the exotic game ranch is murdered and her friend arrested, Lucy, of course, investigates. A wonderful mystery with a lot going on that keeps you entralled and entertained. Lucy is a terrific character, ready to help out where ever she can. The series just gets better and better.
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,178 reviews86 followers
May 29, 2022
I love all the farm life stuff. And the cooking and crafting things. Like candle and soap making. This book made me want to try my hand at pumpkin butter. These books can drag though. And I can't tell if the paranormal aspects of the book are real or not. I think the author meant it that way. It's frustrating lol.

I started the series with the audiobooks but KU stopped offering the audio with this book, so I had to read it. It is just interesting enough to make me want to continue the series.
Profile Image for Amy.
171 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2021
The Dewberry Farm series has moved into my favorite series. The mysteries and sleuthing are believable and fun. I never manage to figure out whodunit ahead of time, but I always enjoy the puzzle and following along with Lucy and the other characters to reach the conclusion. Definitely recommend the series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,185 reviews126 followers
September 9, 2017
Another fantastic addition to the series

I love Halloween and this book hit the spot.
Lucy is a great character and I love all the challenges she faces trying to keep Dewberry farm going.
This book was full of twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Sue Ross.
610 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2017
Murder and ghosts

What could be better than a tiny haunted house moved to a farm and a murder? This plus an evil retreat for big game hunting are what you get this time. Buttercup is suffering from a drought and to make this even worse, Dewberry's well has dried up. There are thrills and chills in the reading of this book. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,369 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. I love the characters and how the small town comes together to help each other when there is a need. I love the love interest Tobias and so glad that for once there is not a who should I pick kind of thing. I really enjoy Lucy and her friends. I hope that Quinn's ex is finally out of the picture and that the new deputy takes over as Sherriff instead of the bumbling one they have now.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,071 reviews82 followers
September 6, 2017
Deadly Brew by Karen MacInerney is the third chapter in A Dewberry Farm Mystery series. Lucy Resnick owns Dewberry Farm in Buttercup, Texas. It has been a dry summer with no rain for the last five months, and now Lucy’s well has run dry. She needs to find a way to get water for her animals, plants and herself. Tonight, though, Lucy is off to Buttercup’s first Witches’ Ball at Honeyed Moon Mead Winery owned by Serafine Alexandre. They are enjoying the festivities including tarot reading when a scream rings out. They run over to find Bug Wharton, owner of the controversial Safari Exotic Game Ranch, struggling to breathe in his truck. They administer the requested Epi-Pen, but Bug fails to survive. Sheriff Rooster Kocurek quickly zeros in on Serafine as the guilty party (because she is Wiccan). Lucy knows Serafine did not harm Bug and starts hunting for the killer. Reports are coming in about a supposed Chupacabra on the loose. Animals are being harmed and the descriptions of the beast are varied. To add to Lucy’s already full plate, the old Ulrich farmhouse that Lucy rescued appears to be haunted and Quinn’s abusive ex has returned to town. And Lucy thought life in Buttercup would be relaxing! Join Lucy for a Halloween adventure in Deadly Brew!

Deadly Brew is nicely written, has a good pace, and a lovely setting. It contains quirky, fun characters that readers will enjoy getting to know and spend time with in each A Dewberry Farm Mystery. I do not recommend starting with Deadly Brew (you might be a little lost in the beginning). It is best to read the series in order. There are some details missing from Deadly Brew (why Rooster is sheriff for example—isn’t it time for an election). My rating for Deadly Brew is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The mystery is clever and many people will be surprised with the outcome. I appreciated the paranormal elements in the story. I hope we see more of it in the future books in the series. There is some repetition of information regarding the main mystery, the goats (one is named Hot Lips), lack of rain and the exotic game ranch. There are recipes for the dishes and drink mentioned in the story at the end of the book. Deadly Brew is an entertaining and action packed cozy mystery that will put you in the Halloween spirit. I look forward to the next installment in A Dewberry Farm Mystery series.
Profile Image for Barb.
249 reviews12 followers
September 5, 2017
What an intriguing concept! Dewberry Farms in Buttercup, Texas, owned by Lucy Resnick, is hit with a drought, there's a strange predatory animal on the loose, an exotic game ranch is offending the sensibilities of many of the residents of Buttercup, and two sisters from New Orleans, who just happen to be witches, have set up to produce mead from their own honey. When the owner of the game ranch dies from his allergies to bee venom, the local sheriff, who is rather clueless, figures that one of the witches must have killed him. Oh, and the convicted abuser of Lucy's best friend has been paroled, and there's a haunted house on Lucy's property that's making a lot of noise! The plotlines are intertwined like a Celtic knot, and there's even a little romance thrown in just to keep things cozy. Loved it!
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews40 followers
November 5, 2017
Our amateur sleuth, Lucy and her friends face death, danger and drought as we open this new volume.

Lacy finds her farm facing a Texan drought. No water in the well. Soon, however, Lacy finds she perhaps has a lot more even threatening situations to face. Her friend, Seraphine is arrested for a murder she did not commit. There is also a Chupacabra rumored to be attacking lifestock. An exotic animal farm (for hunting purposes) has entered the community, ex's have been released, and a fire set to harm Lucy. These are just some of the tests our sleuth must deal with.

There are lovely recipes at the end of the tale to try. We went for the Pumpkin Butter...yummy!

All and all this book was a good read. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2017
I can honestly say this one was a disappointment for me and I didn't particularly enjoy reading it. There were several inconsistencies in the story that were distracting, almost as if the author just dashed this one off in a hurry. I found the story to be quite chaotic and not up to the same standard as the first two.
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews25 followers
October 29, 2021
Book 3 I did not read book 2 yet. Because I wanted to read a Halloween book because it is almost Halloween 🎃 now lol. This is a disturbing book really about the goings on of Exotic animals that were getting killed on a ranch for their trophies. In the book it says that it is legal in some states.But is very upsetting that that really goes on. I love animals any kind. Well this book was about that with 2 brother Bug and Mitch owning it. And a whole lot of people hated them especially Amiee and Sarafina two wiccians sisters. They had a Halloween event for so they can raise money for there Mead wine and for their animals they rescue. Lucy, Quinn Lucy friend , Peter, Quinn boyfriend and Tobias, Lucy boyfriend were there at event and so were most of the people. Some people did not like the witches.Bug and Mitch were there also. Bug and Sarafina were caught arguing. Sarafina telling Bug that him and his brother are a disgrace because they have the exotic animals. Well Bug then was died. Everyone thought it was because he was allergic to bees cause they all saw bees in his truck. Tobias stuck Bug with an Epipen but it did not work. And Lucy little old house that she put on her farm 🚜was haunted. This was a pretty good book in the series. But I did not like the plot about the exotic animals.no read book 1 I liked that one. But I will read book 2 and others. Like Karen stories
Profile Image for Donna.
301 reviews
November 13, 2019
I love Karen's book. You can always expect to be entertained. This is the 3rd book in the Dewberry Farm Mysteries and a great series. Lucy use to be a reporter but is now a farmer and living in a small town called Buttercup, Texas. Halloween isn't far away and everyone is trying to get their crop picked, planted or watered. Unfortunately for Lucy her well goes dry and the old house she had moved to her property may be haunted. She doesn't have the time or money for either of these situations. There is also a farm that brings in exotic animals for people to hunt and kill on their property which has stirred up problems for several people in the town. When one of the owners of the exotic ranch is killed by a bee sting, Lucy's friend Serafine is arrested for the murder because she has bee hives. Lucy sets out to clear her name. To make matters worse, Serafine sister Aimee is secretly dating the brother of the victim. Great story and interesting characters. By the end of the book you think everyone is the killer. Very enjoyable read and I will continue with this series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
702 reviews
September 17, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better! It's Halloween in Buttercup, Texas and the third installment in Karen MacInerney's Dewberry Farm Mystery series, Deadly Brew, starts off with the murder of exotic game ranch owner Bug Wharton at the Witches' Ball hosted by Buttercup's local witches, Serafine and Aimee Alexandre. Serafine is suspected immediately since she had a very public and loud disagreement with Bug right before his death, but intrepid reporter turned rancher Lucy knows there's more to the story. On top of the murder Lucy's well has dried up, there are drought conditions in Buttercup, a legendary animal may be attacking local livestock, a haunted house has been relocated to Dewberry Farm, and Quinn's abusive ex-husband has returned. 5/5 stars to this very cozy page-turner! p.s. Love the included recipes and I'm looking forward to trying the pumpkin bars and apple dumplings! :-)
Profile Image for Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review).
882 reviews
October 27, 2019
Nearly everyone in Buttercup is looking forward to two things, the Halloween party at the local Mead producers and Rain - lots of rain! There has been a major drought and now Lucy's well has dried up, she puts her panic over the water situation on hold until post the party, but no one expects the fireworks they get, a local man made good (Bug Wharton) has bought a farm nearby and has turned it into an exotic game ranch, leading to a collision course between him, the Wiccan Mead maker (Selena) and Peter one of the volunteer firemen. That should have been the end of it but later that evening Bug is found to be having an anaphylactic attack and even though he is given adreneline he winds up dead.

Now the local Sheriff has decided that Selena is guilty of murder (apparently with no evidence pointing to her!) so Lucy dusts off her Investigative reporter hat and starts to hunt for the real killer!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,725 reviews228 followers
December 31, 2022
Okay. I'm back in Buttercup and things are taking a slightly deadly turn. As one would expect in a small town cozy. Fortunately for everyone (but especially whoever the sheriff has in his sights for the crime), Lucy is on the case and she's uncovering truths like...something that digs things up well.

In other words, this town would be sunk without this lady. Seriously, like half the town would be locked up for crimes they didn't commit. Maybe more.

This time around we have an odious man with an odious ranch as our victim. There are more than a few people who aren't mourning his loss and, well, that makes Lucy's unofficial job a little more difficult. Because when everyone wants someone dead, well, it's a lot of suspects.

A little case of murder, a small fire or two, some dangerous animals, a creature sighting, and Lucy doing her thing. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Caitlin C.
517 reviews14 followers
March 26, 2018
Lucy Resnick, Houston reporter turned small town farmer is looking forward to harvesting her fall crops when she learns her well has dried up and there's no ETA on when she can get water again. Lucy is getting worried about her crops and her growing population of farm animals. She is looking for a little bit of relaxation when she attends a Halloween bash at the local mead winery, but it is all but relaxing when Bug Wharton is stung by a bee and dies and the police are looking at the winery owner as the killer. Bug had just opened a game ranch in Buttercup so when Lucy's boyfriend, the local vet is called out to check the animals she tags along to do some snooping. This is a great series. The sheriff, Rooster makes me mad and I find myself wondering how such an incompetent jerk could remain the sheriff. I hope at some point she boots him out.
Profile Image for Melinda.
417 reviews131 followers
January 7, 2023
CHARACTERS
🔲 mary-sue party
🔲 mostly 2D
🔲 great main cast, forgettable side characters
✅ well-written
🔲 complex and fascinating
🔲 hard to believe they are fictional

PLOT
🔲 you've already heard this exact story a thousand times
🔲 nothing memorable
✅ gripping
🔲 exceptional
🔲 mind=blown

WORLDBUILDING
✅ takes place in our world
🔲 incoherent
🔲 OK
🔲 nicely detailed
🔲 meticulous
🔲 even the last tree in the forest has its own story

ATMOSPHERE
🔲 nonexistent
🔲 fine
🔲 immersive
✅ you forget you are reading a book

PACING
🔲 dragging
🔲 inconsistent
🔲 picks up with time
✅ page-turner
🔲 impossible to put down

This was waaay too extra.
Profile Image for Meg.
612 reviews
October 16, 2017
3.5* for this entry in the series. Unfortunately there so many repetitions and inconsistencies that I kept getting pulled out of the story. Good story line was a little chaotic. The bumbling, incompetent caricature known as Rooster is getting old; I'm thinking it's time to replace that character with a strong, compelling presence that will add more 'oomph' to the stories. The wildlife ranch situation was very sad, as were the neglected pets; thank goodness there were people that cared. I did enjoy the touch of paranormal. And I just might try to make those pumpkin bars!
Profile Image for Baiba Loves Books.
813 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2025
This book had nice Halloween vibes, the plot takes place in Texas with a draught and 100 degrees. There was a nice creepy subplot. We have a bad detective so the townies take charge of the investigation of the murder. It was interesting.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,334 reviews59 followers
October 9, 2022
This is such a fun series. There was so much going on in Buttercup in this story. I enjoyed the mystery and Lucy’s detecting. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
899 reviews99 followers
October 20, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed

Read in 3 sittings, was a fast read . Can't wait to read the rest in the series. Loved the characters, and buttercup Texas
15 reviews
September 11, 2017
Chupacabras, Kangaroos, and Bees, Oh My!

Deadly Brew is the 3rd book in the Dewberry Farm Mystery series by Karen MacInerney. The book opens with former investigative reporter turned farmer, Lucy Resnick's, well running dry and with no rain in the forecast, things are looking dire for her fall crop. To help get her mind off her troubles at home, Lucy's best friend, Quinn, encourages her to not forgo the first-ever Buttercup Witches' Ball at the Honeyed Moon Mead Winery that evening. While at the Ball, more trouble finds Lucy and her friends with an ominous tarot card reading and the sudden death of Bug Wharton, proprietor of the local and pricey exotic game ranch. An arrest is soon made by the inept Sheriff Rooster, who shows no signs of investigating further despite additional evidence and more likely suspects. After an arson attempt and another attack, Lucy quickly realizes that it is up to her and her friends to solve the murder before one of them is the next target.

This was the first book that I have read in the series and I absolutely want to continue reading the series from the beginning. I think that is the sign of a great author, when a book in their series can stand alone. Enough information is provided where I don't feel lost jumping into the series and it was intriguing enough to make me want to start the series from book #1. I really loved this book from start to finish, the recipes at the end...BONUS! The plot was fast placed, didn't drag and was full of twists and turns. Having the main character as a previous investigative reporter, makes it more believable when she solves the crime. The way the victim was murdered was very unique and perfectly exemplifies the author's creativity. The reasons behind the murder are even more jaw-dropping and not something I ever saw coming. Add in a chupacabra, a haunted house and a psycho ex-boyfriend, and you have the recipe for a great read. The author's witty sense of humor comes out in her writing and her detailed descriptions make you feel like you are sweltering in the hot Texas sun.

I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. In no way did my receiving a free book influence my review. Seriously, it was a fantastic read!!!
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
September 23, 2018
Deadly Brew took me for freaking ever to read and it's not even 300 pages. Blerg

I loved books 1 & 2. Did them on audio and couldn't listen fast enough. Deadly Brew and I had some issues, though.

The Gist: A Halloween celebration turns deadly and a neighbor is accused of murdering the owner of a new hunting lodge. Lucy is sure she's innocent and determined to figure out what exactly is going on over at that lodge. Something fishy for sure.

I do continue to like the characters. It's fun watching Lucy go from big city life to living on a farm and homesteading. Seeing her victories as she creates goods with the things she grows, as she deals with trials like drought and wayward farm creatures. And I like her friends and love interest. They're good people who are a nice support for each other.

The mystery I had issues with. There's a lot of hypocrisy with meat eaters in my opinion. And I struggled with that here. The dead guy runs an exotic hunting lodge and everyone is up in arms over it because those poor animals! How could anyone kill them?!! And then they go about eating their sausage and shredding chicken. But that's okay because the animal died to provide for them. Yeah, I'm pretty sure the animal isn't going to be 'okay' with that either. It's dead either way you damn hypocrites. Stop trying to justify why it's okay for you to kill an animal and not someone else. Ugh. #VegetarianRant

Other than that it was fine I guess. I had a hard time caring about it overall which was the downfall. They pieced things together and it was fine watching them figure it out. I just wish they'd laid off the oh terrible hunters but we're much better because at least we eat what we kill. *eye roll*

Poor editing made it take another hit. She's all...do you set the fire? And he's like No but it was X he was happy to do it. Then turn the page. Her...you wouldn't know who set the first would you? Him...I have an idea.

Well duh. You just told her on the previous page. AHHHHHH yall. That drives me batty.

So I didn't love it. It annoyed me a number of times but it was read-able and I'll move on to the next in hopes the things that irked me this time will be left behind in book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews

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