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The Alewives of Colmar #2
Sleight of Hand
In the spring of 1354, all was well in the town of Colmar - until Efi Kleven discovered a hand in her pot of new ale . . . a hand that was not attached to a body. Now, Gritta, Appel, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, must solve the mystery of the severed hand before suspicion falls on them.
While they attempt to keep their fledgling brewery afloat, more bodies turn up outside of town - along with more suspects. With few allies and several powerful men working against them, the alewives find themselves How did the hand of a man from Vogelgrun end up in a cooking pot in Colmar? Why were none of the victims local? And would this most inconvenient ingredient get in the way of Efi's plans to find herself a new husband?
Book two in The Alewives of Colmar mystery series, Sleight of Hand follows the three alewives as they confront life after the Black Death with bravery and wicked humor, showing resourcefulness and determination in the face of poverty, misogyny, and murder.
While they attempt to keep their fledgling brewery afloat, more bodies turn up outside of town - along with more suspects. With few allies and several powerful men working against them, the alewives find themselves How did the hand of a man from Vogelgrun end up in a cooking pot in Colmar? Why were none of the victims local? And would this most inconvenient ingredient get in the way of Efi's plans to find herself a new husband?
Book two in The Alewives of Colmar mystery series, Sleight of Hand follows the three alewives as they confront life after the Black Death with bravery and wicked humor, showing resourcefulness and determination in the face of poverty, misogyny, and murder.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2024
19 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth R. Andersen
7 books66 followersElizabeth R. Andersen lives in the Seattle area with her young son and energetic husky named Riva. On the weekends she usually hikes in the stunning Cascade mountains to hide from people and dream up new plotlines and characters.
- Join Elizabeth's monthly newsletter and receive the first two chapters of The Scribe for free. Sign up at https://www.elizabethrandersen.com
- Find photos of hikes and daily author life (as well as Medieval marginalia takeovers every month) at Elizabeth's Instagram/Threads: @elizabethrandersen
- Watch Elizabeth attempt to feel comfortable on camera on her TikTok channel: @elizabethrandersen
Elizabeth is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Crime Writers Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
- Join Elizabeth's monthly newsletter and receive the first two chapters of The Scribe for free. Sign up at https://www.elizabethrandersen.com
- Find photos of hikes and daily author life (as well as Medieval marginalia takeovers every month) at Elizabeth's Instagram/Threads: @elizabethrandersen
- Watch Elizabeth attempt to feel comfortable on camera on her TikTok channel: @elizabethrandersen
Elizabeth is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Crime Writers Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 30, 2024
This series continues to be wonderful. Full review later.
March 20, 2025
I am absolutely loving this series. The mystery kept me guessing, the historical details are rich and fascinating, and I love the protagonists. This sequel is just as good as the first. I also listened to the audio edition of this (which isn't available to select on goodreads at the time of this review), read by Ella Lynch just as she did the first one, and I once again very much enjoyed her narration (even though the pronunciation of Breisach changed from book to book, and I think the first pronunciation was the correct one? I digress). Overall, a lot to love about this. Definitely recommended for anyone who thinks a cozy medieval mystery sounds like their cup! It looks like there is a planned release for a third book later this year, and I very much look forward to reading it when I can.
October 30, 2024
Sleight of Hand was a great surprise! I went into reading with no knowledge or expectations. The characters were all unique and interesting - not only the alewives but also their families and friends (such as Friar Wikerus). There is a mystery at the center of the plot, but comedy dominates throughout the whole book. It was different from my usual reads, but I really enjoyed it. 4 stars for entertaining characters, surprising comedy, and a touching friendship. It is a mystery novel but has a lot of comedy and some cozy vibes. It is set shortly after the black plague and is filled with moments based on actual history. This is technically the 2nd book in a series, but I read it as a stand-alone and still found it easy to follow.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from The Niche Reader.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from The Niche Reader.
April 26, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the first Alewives book so I was pleasantly surprised there was a second installment. 'Sleight of Hand' builds upon the first to give the characters more depth. I was totally immersed into Colmar with the Alewives as they navigated the treacherous circumstances of their lives. Elizabeth has a real skill at building suspense and keeping you guessing all the way to the end.
I'm very thankful to be on the ARC team, but even more thankful to Elizabeth for continuing the Alewives of Colmar series with such a great novel 'Sleight of Hand'.
I'm very thankful to be on the ARC team, but even more thankful to Elizabeth for continuing the Alewives of Colmar series with such a great novel 'Sleight of Hand'.
April 1, 2025
I was browsing the new book shelves at our local library and found this one' I'm usually obsessive about reading in order but the first wasn't available so I jumped in. Set in Colmar in the Alsace region in the middle ages, the series features 3 women, 2 widows and their friend who is struggling to support her 12 children. The 3 are ale-makers and their brews are legendary throughout the area.
One morning the youngest, comely Efi, finds a severed hand in the current batch of ale being brewed. Suspicion soon falls on another of the trio, Gritta, and her ne'er do well husband. With the aid of a local Franciscan monk, they set out to find the body that matches the hand and clear Gritta.
Full of rich period detail, this was very well written and engaging. The characters and their time are vividly portrayed and the mystery was a fascinating tangle. I have visited and stayed in Colmar and know the area Appel's house is in - Les Tanneurs - and that added to the fun of the book.
This was a real winner for me and I am tracking down the first volume and hoping for more to come.
One morning the youngest, comely Efi, finds a severed hand in the current batch of ale being brewed. Suspicion soon falls on another of the trio, Gritta, and her ne'er do well husband. With the aid of a local Franciscan monk, they set out to find the body that matches the hand and clear Gritta.
Full of rich period detail, this was very well written and engaging. The characters and their time are vividly portrayed and the mystery was a fascinating tangle. I have visited and stayed in Colmar and know the area Appel's house is in - Les Tanneurs - and that added to the fun of the book.
This was a real winner for me and I am tracking down the first volume and hoping for more to come.
May 15, 2024
"A hand lay there, dark red and bloated from being boiled with the malted grain."
This second novel featuring the adventurous Alewives of Colmar begins with a shock for young widowed Efi, as she hits an unexpected object when she stirs the ale mash. Thinking it a child's toy, discarded to annoy the women, she recoils in horror when it is in fact a severed hand, with a distinctive feature. But who did it belong to? And what is it doing in their mash?
So begins another gripping murder mystery full of suspects, personal vendettas, intrigues, and a suspected witch!
With her good friends and fellow alewives, Gritta – wife of a drunkard and mother of 12 children – and Appel – a seemingly respectful widow of a certain age, suspected of unsuitable liaisons after dark – by her side, all three become embroiled in a plot that has so many red herrings, it leaves you breathless.
Things turn serious when Gritta and her husband, Jorges, are arrested on suspicion of murdering the now identified victim. Jorges had quarrelled with him, and Gritta, always the practical one, is suspected of helping him dispose of the body.
Believing their friend innocent and the Sheriff Werner utterly biased, Appel begins her own investigation, with the help of Friar Wikerus, A Franciscan temporarily staying with the local Dominicans. This, in turn, leads to further complications which add to the rich tapestry of the intricate plot.
When another murder happens, Gritta is released, but her husband soon falls under suspicion again. As the body count rises, together with severed hands, fear grips the community at Les Tanneurs, the poor tannery quarter of Colmar where the three women live. With the locals in fear, anything could happen.
Will the true murderer be found before any more murders occur? Well, make sure to read the novel to find out!
~~
All the characters in Sleight of Hand are utterly unique, in their views, quirks, lives, and foibles. Appel, Gritta and Efi are so different, their ale-making venture shouldn't work – but it does, as, beyond their often nonchalant surface, they care deeply about one another. Even so, Efi is keen to find another husband soon, Appel vanishes at certain times of day, and Gritta is as outspoken as they come, with almost serious consequences.
The enmity between Friar Wikerus and the Dominican Friar Tacitus is shown with great humour, as the two men of the cloth never see eye to eye. The mischievous attitude of easy-going Wikerus, with a past of his own left behind in his home town of Breisach, on the other side of the river Rhine, is in stark contrast to the serious Tacitus, who sees sinful behaviour behind every corner.
The town's officials are also wonderfully depicted: the rather lazy sheriff, Herr Schlock, owner of the weinstube, and Lord Fridus, who tries not to get too involved in smalltown squabbles.
Through all these unique characters, Ms Andersen has created a wonderfully lively image of a small town in rural medieval Alsace, where you find secrets galore behind closed doors.
The language and description of the setting is exquisitely researched, showing clearly the combined French and German nature of the area. The region of Alsace changed hands many times over the last millennium, and the residents have come to terms with living with two quite distinct cultures and terminologies. Ms Andersen has brought this unique location and its people vividly to life.
A sometimes subtle and at other times laugh-out-loud sense of humour runs through the novel, adding a touch of lightheartedness that creates the perfect contrast against the dark backdrop of the gruesome murders.
The background of the main characters, which was featured in book #1, The Alewives, is cleverly fed into the plot, and although we would always recommend reading a series from the beginning, Sleight of Hand works well as a standalone story.
As far as the murder mystery is concerned, we find many false leads and suspects. All the characters I suspected were actually innocent. This is a rare feat, as often you can guess 'whodunit' quite early on. Not so in Sleight of Hand! The author's skill in creating all these different threads – without losing track or losing a reader's interest – is remarkable. As I ticked off the suspects in my head, I was left wondering who it could have been. In the end, the revelation of the murderer came as a surprise. Mission accomplished, Ms Andersen!
Sleight of Hand is an incredibly clever murder mystery, with quirky characters, a fascinating historic location, and intriguing plot lines. The immersive narrative and local, medieval terminology gives you a real sense of time and place.
Fans of medieval murder mysteries and cosy 'whodunits' will thoroughly enjoy reading Sleight of Hand.
Highly Recommended.
Review by Cathie Dunn
The Coffee Pot Book Club
August 21, 2024
I received a free ARC copy of this book from The Niche Reader.
Author Elizabeth Andersen will transport you back to just after the Black Death (or at least the one of the multiple bubonic plague events through the Medieval and Renaissance periods that everyone seems to know about) to the world of two widows and their neighbor brewing ale to sell to the community. It only takes a handful of pages to find an additional ingredient in the batch, a severed hand of a dead man, in the pot.
This is the second in the Alewives of Colmar series, but Sleight of Hand is easily read as a standalone mystery. The lives of Gritta, Appel, and Efi may sound modernized to readers of today indoctrinated by the “traditional” housewife life forced upon women until very recently. However, the brewing of ales and other food products was part of the everyday life of women in this period, and the owning of a business by women was not unheard of during the time, especially for widows.
The Alewives don’t want to be accused of the crime (bad enough that they had to pour away a week’s profits down the drain) and begin to ponder who could have placed the hand in the pot. Before they get too far in their musings, Appel and her husband are accused of the crime of murder, as circumstantial evidence is as strong a case 700 years ago as it is today with lazy sherifs.
With the help of Friar Wikerus, the Alewives pin down the correct suspect. The book had its twists and turns to keep you guessing, and you will enjoy this book.
Author Elizabeth Andersen will transport you back to just after the Black Death (or at least the one of the multiple bubonic plague events through the Medieval and Renaissance periods that everyone seems to know about) to the world of two widows and their neighbor brewing ale to sell to the community. It only takes a handful of pages to find an additional ingredient in the batch, a severed hand of a dead man, in the pot.
This is the second in the Alewives of Colmar series, but Sleight of Hand is easily read as a standalone mystery. The lives of Gritta, Appel, and Efi may sound modernized to readers of today indoctrinated by the “traditional” housewife life forced upon women until very recently. However, the brewing of ales and other food products was part of the everyday life of women in this period, and the owning of a business by women was not unheard of during the time, especially for widows.
The Alewives don’t want to be accused of the crime (bad enough that they had to pour away a week’s profits down the drain) and begin to ponder who could have placed the hand in the pot. Before they get too far in their musings, Appel and her husband are accused of the crime of murder, as circumstantial evidence is as strong a case 700 years ago as it is today with lazy sherifs.
With the help of Friar Wikerus, the Alewives pin down the correct suspect. The book had its twists and turns to keep you guessing, and you will enjoy this book.
December 28, 2025
Elizabeth R. Andersen has outdone herself with Sleight of Hand, a historical mystery that masterfully blends suspense, humor, and the resilience of women in post-Black Death Colmar. From the moment Efi discovers that horrifying hand in her pot of ale, I was completely immersed in a world that feels vivid, lived-in, and historically authentic. The medieval setting comes alive not only through meticulous detail but through the clever use of period-accurate language, making every scene feel immediate and real.
I loved following the trio of alewives Efi, Gritta, and Appel as they navigate murder, misogyny, and the constant challenge of keeping their brewery afloat. Each character is distinct, witty, and full of agency; I was rooting for them from start to finish. The plot is a finely tuned puzzle, with twists and turns that kept me guessing, while also exploring deeper themes of survival, independence, and female camaraderie in a world stacked against them.
Andersen’s combination of humor, historical insight, and murder mystery makes this book feel both educational and utterly entertaining. I laughed, gasped, and felt my heart race as the alewives uncovered each shocking clue. The blend of personal stakes Efi’s love life and the brewery and the deadly game around them was perfectly balanced, creating a story that is impossible to put down.
Sleight of Hand is a triumph of historical fiction and cozy mystery, and I cannot wait to see what Efi and her friends face next. This is a series that deserves all the recognition it can get!
I loved following the trio of alewives Efi, Gritta, and Appel as they navigate murder, misogyny, and the constant challenge of keeping their brewery afloat. Each character is distinct, witty, and full of agency; I was rooting for them from start to finish. The plot is a finely tuned puzzle, with twists and turns that kept me guessing, while also exploring deeper themes of survival, independence, and female camaraderie in a world stacked against them.
Andersen’s combination of humor, historical insight, and murder mystery makes this book feel both educational and utterly entertaining. I laughed, gasped, and felt my heart race as the alewives uncovered each shocking clue. The blend of personal stakes Efi’s love life and the brewery and the deadly game around them was perfectly balanced, creating a story that is impossible to put down.
Sleight of Hand is a triumph of historical fiction and cozy mystery, and I cannot wait to see what Efi and her friends face next. This is a series that deserves all the recognition it can get!
April 26, 2024
Ther Alewives of Colmar are three widows that as their title might suggest, are brewers of the ale that the whole region enjoys. In the 1300's when faced without a partner in life, many widows starved. Efi, Gritta and Appel find a way to make a life for themselves and prosper in their current state. But all of a sudden, during the process of making the ale, a severed hand has been dropped into the new brew. What should have turned out to be a wonderful new and fresh ale, has turned into a mess with this discovery!
What in heavens name is going on and who would that hand belong to and how did it end up in a new kettle of ale mash?
The three women must find out all they can about the mysterious severed hand. Who, what, where, when and most of all why, need to be answered.
There is something rotten afoot in Colmar and Efi, Gritta and Appel must take on the responsibility to grt to the bottom of this mystery before it ruins the nice life they have managed to make for themselves.
Elizabeth Andersen has done a great job in taking you to the life and times of these three women. I'm sure you will enjoy this book and have a whole new respect for the women of those times.
I received a copy of this book from Bookfunnel for my honest review.
What in heavens name is going on and who would that hand belong to and how did it end up in a new kettle of ale mash?
The three women must find out all they can about the mysterious severed hand. Who, what, where, when and most of all why, need to be answered.
There is something rotten afoot in Colmar and Efi, Gritta and Appel must take on the responsibility to grt to the bottom of this mystery before it ruins the nice life they have managed to make for themselves.
Elizabeth Andersen has done a great job in taking you to the life and times of these three women. I'm sure you will enjoy this book and have a whole new respect for the women of those times.
I received a copy of this book from Bookfunnel for my honest review.
August 20, 2024
Sleight of Hand is the second in a series of historical murder mysteries but never fear it reads well as a stand-alone too. The story is set in Colmar, a town in Central Europe in 1354 in the aftermath of the Black Death pandemic. Circumstances force three women: Gritta, Mum of twelve children and wife of a habitual drunk, young Efi recently widowed and homeless before being taken in by the older Appel who has not only lost her husband and family but all her wealth. The three friends thrown together in poverty discover how to make a very desirable brew in one of the least desirable areas of the town where they are forced to live.They face the daily challenges and harassment from men who are jealous of their success and if that wasn't enough, Efi discovers a dismembered hand in her cauldron. The author then weaves a great story on how the three alewives solve the murder mystery and save themselves from being accused as the perpetrators by their enemies. I was hooked from page one and enjoyed every minute. Hubby not so keen when he had to prepare his own lunch as I just had to know how it was all going to end.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
April 19, 2024
If you read the award-winning first book, you'll be as delighted as I was to return to the post-plague village where Gritta, Efi and Appel are still risking it all to brew their ale (and solve a few murders along the way). This follow up story doesn't disappoint, with the bizarre discovery of a hand minus the rest of its body in their cauldron, almost as soon as you open the book! It's not long before one of their own is accused (on extremely flimsy evidence!) and those left behind begin hunting the true killer. Humourous, plausible and thoroughly engrossing - I cannot recommend this book/series enough!
What I really love about Ms Andersen's writing is how accurate and authentic everything feels - a testament to her research skills and immersive writing. C14 Colmar isn't actually that pleasant a place to be, and there's no mistaking life is hard for the whole community, but the lighter touches of humour and humanity somehow make you feel that it's going to be alright in the end. As long as you have the can-do attitude of Appel, the irrepressible optimism (ok, she's a bit daft but...) of Efi, and the sheer determination to survive of Gritta of course!
If you like cosy mysteries, laugh-out-loud situations and intrigue, Sleight of Hand is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you love your history, discovering little written about times and traditions, this book should absolutely live on your shelves!
What I really love about Ms Andersen's writing is how accurate and authentic everything feels - a testament to her research skills and immersive writing. C14 Colmar isn't actually that pleasant a place to be, and there's no mistaking life is hard for the whole community, but the lighter touches of humour and humanity somehow make you feel that it's going to be alright in the end. As long as you have the can-do attitude of Appel, the irrepressible optimism (ok, she's a bit daft but...) of Efi, and the sheer determination to survive of Gritta of course!
If you like cosy mysteries, laugh-out-loud situations and intrigue, Sleight of Hand is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you love your history, discovering little written about times and traditions, this book should absolutely live on your shelves!
February 22, 2025
An alewife can always use an extra hand in brewing…but not an extra hand IN their brew!!!
Sleight of Hand: An Alewives of Colmar Mystery by Elizabeth R. Andersen is the second in a mystery novel series set in the years after the black plague.
The three alewives of Colmar run a potentially prosperous business, though there are still risks in getting in going.
Things take a turn for the worse when one of them is arrested after a severed hand is found in the mash…leaving the other two to figure things out…
As time marches on and more bodies pop up, the mystery deepens.
It’s tough trying to run a business when one alewife has a drunk unreliable husband, another is a young widow constantly flirting with potential suitors, and the older widow has a reputation for “spending time” with many of the dubious men around town…
Still…they won’t be able to get any work done if they’re suspected of murder…
I really like this series…particularly its quirky dialogue…
Sleight of Hand: An Alewives of Colmar Mystery by Elizabeth R. Andersen is the second in a mystery novel series set in the years after the black plague.
The three alewives of Colmar run a potentially prosperous business, though there are still risks in getting in going.
Things take a turn for the worse when one of them is arrested after a severed hand is found in the mash…leaving the other two to figure things out…
As time marches on and more bodies pop up, the mystery deepens.
It’s tough trying to run a business when one alewife has a drunk unreliable husband, another is a young widow constantly flirting with potential suitors, and the older widow has a reputation for “spending time” with many of the dubious men around town…
Still…they won’t be able to get any work done if they’re suspected of murder…
I really like this series…particularly its quirky dialogue…
April 29, 2025
Sleight of Hand by Elizabeth R. Andersen
I love these characters. This story has so much charm and wit, and I very much enjoyed listening to this second book.
Ella was fantastic, bringing each character to life with a unique voice and personality. I adore her work and will listen to anything she performs. I am always willing to listen to her bring a story to life.
I love the humor in this book. I am hoping there will be more in this series; the plot and cast are always so entertaining. I enjoy how Elizabeth tells a story. She created such a bright and sassy story with adventures and beautifully woven fact with fiction.
This was an absolute joy to listen to. I have enjoyed the alewives journey to getting their business going, and the shenanigans they have endured along the way. I am crossing my fingers that we get more in this series.
Publication date: April 2, 2025
Publisher: Elizabeth R. Andersen
Narrator: Ella Lynch
I love these characters. This story has so much charm and wit, and I very much enjoyed listening to this second book.
Ella was fantastic, bringing each character to life with a unique voice and personality. I adore her work and will listen to anything she performs. I am always willing to listen to her bring a story to life.
I love the humor in this book. I am hoping there will be more in this series; the plot and cast are always so entertaining. I enjoy how Elizabeth tells a story. She created such a bright and sassy story with adventures and beautifully woven fact with fiction.
This was an absolute joy to listen to. I have enjoyed the alewives journey to getting their business going, and the shenanigans they have endured along the way. I am crossing my fingers that we get more in this series.
Publication date: April 2, 2025
Publisher: Elizabeth R. Andersen
Narrator: Ella Lynch
March 28, 2024
This is a very good mystery which had me stumped until the end. However, it is so much more! It is set in the middle ages, soon after a wave of plague has hit and decimated the population, devastated the lives of many, and left deep emotional scars in the survivors. It also paints a compelling picture about the challenges the lower ranks of society faced, and of ways women might have managed to find a place for themselves, oftentimes a precarious one, in what was very much a man´s world: through marriage – or through their own wit and initiative to survive.
I could not put this book down. I had to know, who did the crime? Where are things going from here? What mishap will befall the characters next? And believe me, a lot does happen, good and bad!
I highly recommend this book.
I could not put this book down. I had to know, who did the crime? Where are things going from here? What mishap will befall the characters next? And believe me, a lot does happen, good and bad!
I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2024
Exciting Murder Mystery!
What an enlightening who-dun-it during some of the most desperate times when people either get closer, or they start pointing fingers and crying out murder!
This was a wonderful addition to the Alewives of Colmar series. I went round and round with all of the questions and turns of the story, who cut off the hands, who was blamed for cutting then off, but who then put a hand IN the ale brew?
Finally, what made the person who did those things, do those things?
Then, there is the matter of stealing right there in plain site! Wow, reading that and in my mind's eye seeing it, that was a superb addition!
This story would be good as a standalone but is much better when reading the series.
Thank you, Elizabeth R. Andersen for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
What an enlightening who-dun-it during some of the most desperate times when people either get closer, or they start pointing fingers and crying out murder!
This was a wonderful addition to the Alewives of Colmar series. I went round and round with all of the questions and turns of the story, who cut off the hands, who was blamed for cutting then off, but who then put a hand IN the ale brew?
Finally, what made the person who did those things, do those things?
Then, there is the matter of stealing right there in plain site! Wow, reading that and in my mind's eye seeing it, that was a superb addition!
This story would be good as a standalone but is much better when reading the series.
Thank you, Elizabeth R. Andersen for another great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this story and this is my honest review.
July 26, 2024
I realized, after signing up to read and review this book, it is the second in the Alewives series. Well it stands alone quite well. Two widows in Colmar and one wife join together to brew ale to support themselves. Suddenly vicious mutilations and murders are happening on the road to Vogelgrun. Because someone seems to be attempting to frame the alewives, they join with a gentle Franciscan Friar to try to solve the murders.
Danger, strange characters, threats of witchcraft, brutal everyday life of the poor, a biased sheriff, posses and fire make this a book the reader feels must be read in one sitting.
A page turner for sure!
Danger, strange characters, threats of witchcraft, brutal everyday life of the poor, a biased sheriff, posses and fire make this a book the reader feels must be read in one sitting.
A page turner for sure!
August 21, 2024
These books are a must read. In this second book, the alewives find a severed hand in their mash. With help from friends they try to find the killer. Gritta and her drunk of a husband, Jorges, get throw in the tower accused by the sheriff of the murder. They are cleared when another murder happens while they’re locked up. The sheriff accuses someone else who also is cleared when another murder happens. So much action and activity in this story. The character development was established in book one and continues in this book along with continuity. Which I find very important. Lovable characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
April 9, 2024
This is the second book of the Alewives and the women are in trouble again. They have to outsmart gossiping men, spiteful women, and even the brothers of the church just so they can live life as they want. Then there is someone who wants them to take the fall for the murders. Life is tough in the Middle Ages.
I love the characters in Andersen's stories. Each is unique and a bundle of good and bad. The world she has built is true to life, dirty and gritty. The mystery kept me guessing and the end nail-biting.
I love the characters in Andersen's stories. Each is unique and a bundle of good and bad. The world she has built is true to life, dirty and gritty. The mystery kept me guessing and the end nail-biting.
May 15, 2024
Sleight of Hand: An Alewives of Colmar Mystery (The Alewives of Colmar), my first read from author Elizabeth R. Andersen. A 279-page Historical Mystery. “I received a Kindle copy of this bookback on March 26, 2024 and even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, The Alewives: A plague-era tale of murder, friendship, and fine ale (The Alewives of Colmar) I'm voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 4, 2025
The alewives are back! I love this trio of quirky women bonded over mutual affection and ale-brewing. Some of the other characters will absolutely make you crazy, but each one is well drawn. I love that Andersen has chosen to write the chapters in the medieval format, with a summary or tease before the text. I want to go back to re-read the mystery to see if the clues were dropped and I just missed them, or if it was as arbitrary as it seemed. But it's always fun to spend time with the folks of Colmar.
May 19, 2025
While the sequel definitely delved into the characters' development, I did not like it for a lot of reasons.
I'm unsure why the author included so many fatshaming sentences about the Friar. It was so unnecessary and it felt like the author was making him into a comic relief at times.
I also think that the character journeys of the heroines were a bit messy, especially Gritta's. She was just a mess, hurting Effi then being attracted to her abusive husband??? All of these scenes dampened my enjoyment overall because she was my favorite one.
The murder mystery also took a backward spot with all of the conflicts added among the cast, so when the big reveal came about... I didn't feel anything at all.
Also, I'm unsure but I think the narration of Appel changed? She sounded like an old woman in the first audiobook but in this one... she sounded younger. Weird.
If ever there's another book in this series, I don't think I'll read anymore. Will see though.
I'm unsure why the author included so many fatshaming sentences about the Friar. It was so unnecessary and it felt like the author was making him into a comic relief at times.
I also think that the character journeys of the heroines were a bit messy, especially Gritta's. She was just a mess, hurting Effi then being attracted to her abusive husband??? All of these scenes dampened my enjoyment overall because she was my favorite one.
The murder mystery also took a backward spot with all of the conflicts added among the cast, so when the big reveal came about... I didn't feel anything at all.
Also, I'm unsure but I think the narration of Appel changed? She sounded like an old woman in the first audiobook but in this one... she sounded younger. Weird.
If ever there's another book in this series, I don't think I'll read anymore. Will see though.
April 14, 2024
I have not read the 1st book but this is a stand alone, so quite easy to pick up with the wonderful characters. I read this in one sitting as the story is so immersive I didn't want to put it down. Thoroughly enjoyable and can't wait for the next instalment.
I received this book for free in return for my review.
I received this book for free in return for my review.
August 21, 2024
I found this book really fun. I enjoyed the community and the friend’s relationship, and I loved the humour in it.
There were a lot of characters but it brought the town to life more.
The mystery was also really interesting and it felt well wrapped up by the end.
I received a free copy of the book via The Niche Reader.
There were a lot of characters but it brought the town to life more.
The mystery was also really interesting and it felt well wrapped up by the end.
I received a free copy of the book via The Niche Reader.
August 25, 2024
Again in this second book, I had a splendid time with the three "charming" and formidable alewives of 14 th century Colmar! Very witty, I enjoyed their investigating some murders.... I loved the way most men are described in this novel which made me laugh quite a few times! I can't wait for a third book! Hopefully, there will be one!
May 9, 2025
The gang is back and one day a severed hand is found in the pot of ale, here we go again. Btw, can you still sell ale that has had a hand floating around in it? Asking for a friend.
Same as the first book but a new story, it’s fun, it’s not dragged down and too serious like some historical settings can be. Good times!
Same as the first book but a new story, it’s fun, it’s not dragged down and too serious like some historical settings can be. Good times!
August 1, 2025
I love this series. I love all the petty squabbles, the verbal backstabbing -- and I'd never thought I'd like any of that. Listening to these books makes me feel at peace, at home even. And although it is never mindbending, the whodunnits have been engaging every time so far.
Also, the voice of the narrator of the audiobook is so pleasant and versatile.
Also, the voice of the narrator of the audiobook is so pleasant and versatile.
May 16, 2024
They have gone for a drink and one is shocked to find a disembodied hand in her mug. More disembodied hands will be found and now they need to find out what is going on. Who is behind it all? Can they stop it? Will they get the blame? See how it will all go
May 25, 2024
This Is always so brutish, but I actually love it. It Feels more accurate than normal historical fiction I am used to. It has anguish and grip and the perfect lenght. It flows nicely and it is frustrating, but in an intenional and interesting way. I am hoping for more installments.
September 9, 2025
This is a nice sequel to "The Alewives". Not great literature, but not pretending to be, either. It is simply an interesting continuation of the tales of the three alewives in Colmar in the Middle Ages.
May 6, 2024
3.75
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