A book review of Steeped in Secrets – the perfect cozy read for mystery fans. The first in the new A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery by USA Today’s Bestselling author Lauren Elliott is sure to become a favorite among tea lovers and book clubs.
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The One with All the Secrets!
This post is my personal, honest review of Steeped in Secrets!
STEEPED IN SECRETS
A Novel by Lauren Elliott
It’s September! With Summer ending and the beginning of the Fall season it’s time for us to enjoy the bibrant colors, the falling leaves and cozy up with a cuppa by the fireplace. What a better read than a cozy mystery for the Authumn season? Furthermore, September 15th is National Cozy Mystery Day, which takes place on Agatha Christie’s birthday and that’s when we celebrate all cozies.
That said, I am really excited to discuss the first in a new series of cozy mysteries by USA Today’s bestselling author Lauren Elliott. Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mysteries series is sure to become a favorite among mystery readers, whether you are a member of our online IVI’S READS BOOK CLUB or looking for your the next favorite read, here is our official SEPTEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK – STEEPED IN SECRETS.
Book Synopsis & Details
– from the publisher
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries comes the first in a new series featuring an intuitive gemologist and owner of a New Age tea and crystals shop in beautiful coastal California’s Monterey Peninsula.
“Appealing characters, surprising twists, a bit of magic, and the promise of romance. Lovers of paranormal cozies are sure to get on board.” —Publishers Weekly
Even with her life in ruins in New Mexico, Shay feels uneasy about settling into the small seaside town where she grew up on California’s Monterey Peninsula and taking over an estate bequeathed to her by Bridget Early, a woman she had barely known. Her heightened senses—an empathic gift she’s had since childhood—go into overdrive upon touring Crystals & CuriosiTEAS, Bridget’s eclectic tea and psychic shop. They reach a boiling point when Shay looks up to discover a stranger’s body sprawled across the shop’s greenhouse roof . . .
With her new business a crime scene and questions brewing over Bridget’s so-called accidental death, Shay fears she’s also inherited the attention of a killer. The terrifying realization sets her on an impractical investigation for answers aided by her sister, an elusive pure-white German Shepherd, a strikingly handsome pub owner who speaks in a gentle brogue, and a misunderstood young woman with perceptive talents of her own.
Book Details:
Title: STEEPED IN SECRETS
Author: Lauren Elliott
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Print Length: 304 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths, Animal Cozy Mysteries
Where to Buy: Amazon; Bookshop; Barnes & Noble
STEEPED IN SECRETS
BOOK REVIEW
Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott is a delightful read and a promising beginning to the new cozy Crystals & CuriosiTEAS mysteries. There is a lot to love about the story, the settings, and the characters. Lauren Elliott masterfully builds a world that draws us in with vibrant descriptions of this lovely coastal town, cozy tea shop, and charming seaside cottage.
I loved the mystery within a mystery aspect and the plot kept me guessing till the end. Shay is a young lady who moves to her childhood town after inheriting a shop, a cottage, and a dog named Spirit. As Shay attempts to solve the murder of a stranger found above her shop, she finds new friends, a romantic interest, and reconnects with family.
“The forgotten taste stirred warm memories of her childhood and her once carefree life in this little artsy town just down the coast from its sister city, Carmel-by-the-Sea.”
–Lauren Elliott, STEEPED IN SECRETS
From the mysterious Spirit, who appears and disappears at will, to his equally mysterious former owner, the murder of a stranger, sweet romance and a touch of magic, Steeped in Secrets makes for a fun, light read. I loved the fast pace, the psychic and tea shop full of possibilities, and the dog, who comes to Shay’s side almost as soon as she comes into town.
Overall fascinating characters, interesting fast pace story, great writing that draws you in, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. Fantastic, solid start to a new cozy mystery series. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this incredible cast of characters, the tea shop, and Spirit. Great pick for book clubs and if you are looking for a relaxing, fun read with a touch of magic.
About the Author and What to Read Next
USA Today Best-Selling author Lauren Elliott grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theatre who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take centre stage. – from the author’s web page
Book Recommendations for Fans of
Steeped in Secrets
If you loved this book, you should check out these other titles by Lauren Elliott.
FINAL THOUGHTS
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