Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel

by Behcet Kaya

At Tutley Brewery, the beer is local, the secrets are old, and someone has decided murder is on the menu.

When a death inside the brewery's walls points to a tangled history of family rivalries, buried betrayals, and carefully guarded lies, the case becomes anything but straightforward. As the evidence deepens, so does the suspicion that the killer isn't just hiding in plain sight- they may be part of the very story Tutley has spent years trying to forget.

With a sharp-eyed investigator, a layered cast of suspects, and a setting rich with atmosphere, Murder at Tutley Brewery delivers a classic mystery puzzle with modern tension. Fans of character-driven crime fiction, small town secrets, and cunning twists will find plenty to savor as the truth slowly comes to the surface.

If you enjoy mysteries where every clue matters and every character has something to hide, this novel will keep you turning pages until the final reveal.

Genres: Book Club, Novels, Drama, Contemporary

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Behcet Kaya is the author of ten novels. His first literary fiction novel, Voice of Conscience, follows, to some extent, his own life experiences. His second novel, Murder on the Naval Base is a fast-paced who-done-it, his third novel, Road to Siran, Erin’s Story, is the sequel to Voice of Conscience.

Kaya began the Jack Ludefance PI Series in 2017 after he and his wife moved back to the Florida Panhandle. Treacherous Estate, the first novel in the series, introduces Jack who takes on his first major case when a beautiful young woman sits down next to him at a local bar, begins to ask for his help, then suddenly falls off the stool, dead.

After publishing Treacherous Estate, Kaya completed six novels in the series, Body in the Woods, Appellate Judge, Murder in Buckhead, Uncanny Alliance, Deception and Murder at Tutley Brewery. He currently in working on The Silencer.

Born in northeastern Turkey, Behcet grew up in a very small village with long held traditions. His rebellious nature emerged at an early age and by time he was ten, he had read, in secret, all the Turkish translated stories of Mike Hammer. In addition, he read several of Dale Carnage’s works, and all of Yashar Kemal’s novels. His world burst out beyond that of his small village, and he yearned for a more western way of life.

Defying his father, Behcet left home at fourteen and travelled first to Istanbul and then on to London. His obsession was to complete his high school education and then a college degree in engineering. He supported himself by working full-time and earning scholarships from Inner London Education Authority. His creative side began emerging when his drama and literature teacher cast him in a play in which his performance awed the audience. His insatiable appetite for literature widened to include the classics of Dickens, D.H. Laurence, and the Russian masters.

While at Hatfield Polytechnic, Behcet made his first visit to the US as an exchange student with the British Universities North American Club. He made the move to the US in 1976 and became a US citizen in 1985. While living in Atlanta, Georgia he followed his creative yearnings and attended the Alliance Theatre School and studied at the SAG Conservatory of Georgia, which earned him his Screen Actors Guild card. In 1994, Kaya and his wife moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his studies at the Roby Theatre Company and the Shakespeare, A Noise Within, Theatre Workshop.

Behcet Kaya received a BA in Political Science from California State University Channel Islands in 2017.

In the recently released movie, “Being American” starring Lorenzo Lamas, Behcet plays the part of a Turkish Defense Minister.

In other exciting news: Kaya has been honored with the International Impact Book Award for his crime thriller Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel, winning in the categories of Mystery/Thrillers: Conspiracy Thrillers and Outstanding Literary Achievement.

The award, presented by a global community recognizing excellence in storytelling, celebrates works that demonstrate exceptional creativity, influence, and literary impact across genres. Crime thrillers and detective fiction remain among the most popular genres worldwide, and Deception is praised for its gripping premise, suspense, and layered mystery. This win adds to Kaya’s growing reputation in the thriller genre and underscores the global appeal of his work.

Reviews

[Rakhi (New Book Reviewer)]

Why are the best mystery novels often the ones that keep you guessing until the very last page? An interesting fact about this book is that every clue matters, and every secret adds another layer to the mystery.

Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel is presented as an amazing and cleverly crafted mystery by Behcet Kaya. This book is considered a captivating read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction filled with suspense, hidden secrets, and unexpected twists.

The highlight I loved about this book is how suspense is built so naturally throughout the story. The storyline is carefully layered with mystery and intrigue, allowing curiosity to be maintained from the first page to the last. Every chapter is filled with tension, making it difficult to stop reading.

The author has shown remarkable skill in creating a mystery that feels both classic and fresh. The writing is smooth, engaging, and highly immersive, allowing the atmosphere to be felt vividly. A strong sense of anticipation is created, and the pacing is handled beautifully.

This book is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys detective mysteries, small-town secrets, and clever puzzles. I found this book to be entertaining, suspenseful, and incredibly satisfying. The experience felt like solving a puzzle where every piece mattered.

The author’s writing skills are impressive and polished. The suspense is maintained with great control. The mystery unfolds in a rewarding way. I am excited to explore more mysteries written by this talented author.

Overall, a suspenseful, clever, and thoroughly satisfying mystery.

[Glenda Bixler]

https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershe...

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews]

Behcet Kaya’s Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel delivers a compelling blend of small-town mystery, buried family secrets, and methodical detective work.

The novel opens with a chilling discovery of the body of Wilhelmina Wein, newly appointed CEO of Tutley Brewery. Her body is found floating in a vat of fermenting liquid. With no fingerprints and a brutal head wound identified as the cause of death, there is not enough evidence to utilize. Jacques “Jack” Ludefance, the only licensed private investigator in Santa Rosaria, Florida, is hired by Wilhelmina’s grandfather, Detlef Wein Jr., to find the murderer. As Jack digs deeper, he finds more than he expects. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation spirals into a layered narrative of generational conflict, concealed histories, and quiet corruption within one of Tutley’s most powerful families.

At the heart of the story is Jack Ludefance, a steady, observant investigator. His calm demeanor contrasts effectively with the turbulence of the Wein family. Jack’s character is defined by persistence and moral clarity, making him a reliable guide through the novel’s shifting suspicions. Detlef Wein Jr. emerges as a complex figure, grieving yet guarded, determined to find justice while withholding critical truths about his family’s past. The supporting cast provides a grounded procedural framework, while figures like Hardy and Wolfram Wein deepen the emotional and psychological tension. The strained and unusually close relationship between Wilhelmina and her twin brother adds an unsettling dimension, hinting at deeper dysfunction beneath the family’s polished exterior.

Kaya explores themes of secrecy, legacy, and the destructive weight of unresolved pasts. The novel underscores how buried truths rarely remain hidden without consequence, particularly when power and pride are at stake. The Wein family’s long-standing influence over Tutley serves as both shield and prison, protecting them from scrutiny while perpetuating cycles of silence and denial. The moral ambiguity surrounding Detlef’s decisions, especially his deliberate omission of his son, Ulrich’s past actions, raises important questions about justice versus preservation. Readers are invited to consider whether uncovering the full truth always serves the greater good, especially when it threatens to unravel entire lives and reputations.

The writing style in Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel is clear, deliberate, and rooted in the traditions of classic detective fiction. Kaya maintains a steady pace, allowing clues to surface organically while keeping tension simmering beneath the surface. The procedural elements are handled with care, lending authenticity to the investigation, though some readers may find the pacing more methodical than fast-moving. The narrative’s strength lies in its gradual revelation of character motivations and hidden connections rather than in dramatic twists alone. The dialogue is purposeful, peeling back layers of deception, and Tutley was a character in its own right.

Quill says: Murder at Tutley Brewery: A Jack Ludefance Novel is a thoughtful and engaging mystery that prioritizes depth over spectacle. While it may not rely on relentless action, its strength lies in its intricate character dynamics and the slow unraveling of long-held secrets.

[Nancy]

Murder at Tutley Brewery gives the reader exactly what a modern mystery should: a crime that seems straightforward at first glance, a community full of secrets, and a private investigator who refuses to accept easy answers. Kaya’s protagonist, PI Jack Ludefance, is methodical, observant, and quietly compelling — the kind of investigator who solves cases through persistence rather than theatrics.

The setting is one of the book’s strengths. The brewery and its surrounding town feel lived‑in, textured, and just claustrophobic enough to make every character a potential suspect. As the investigation deepens, Kaya layers motives, misdirection, and interpersonal drama without ever losing narrative clarity.

Readers who enjoy character‑driven mysteries, private‑investigator fiction, or small‑town crime stories will find this a satisfying, fast‑moving read.

[Grady]

A captivating page turner!

There is something to be said about the combination of a writer who also is an actor that somehow makes tension scenes more credible. At least that is the case with author Behçet Kaya who is also known by his stage name as an actor Ben Kaya (`Fast Food', `The Practice', `Being American' on film and numerous roles on the legitimate stages such as The Noise Within among others). Whether it is the fallout of thinking though a storyline or actually taking on the role of a fictional character, the result in the case of Behçet Kaya heightens the verismo as is evident in his short stories and his novels VOICE OF CONSCIENCE, MURDER ON THE NAVAL BASE, ROAD TO SIRAN: ERIN'S STORY, TREACHEROUS ESTATE, BODY IN THE WOODS, APPELLATE JUDGE, MURDER IN BUCKHEAD, UNCANNY ALLIANCE, DECEPTION,, and now MURDER AT TUTLEY BREWERY True, his background of having been born and raised in a small village in Turkey, secretly consuming the exemplary works of the Turkish writer of Kurdish origin Yaşar Kemal, his subsequent rebellious flight to Istanbul and London, compelled and succeeding to earn a degree in engineering, his successful introduction to the stage while attending the inner London Education Authority and his subsequent move to the United States where he gained citizenship and worked successfully to achieve his Screen Actors Guild card after studies in Georgia, and then moving to Los Angeles to embrace both his acting ambitions and writing skills - all of this is the progress of a man committed to his art - and it shows.

Setting the stage for his dramas, Kaya’s ability to engage readers is superb, as his opening page attests: ‘The night watchman had lost count of how many times he circled the second-floor observation walkway that night. Although the storm had begun to subside, the wind still howled outside, heavy rain lashed against the building, and lightning struck so close it shook the platform beneath his feet. As he approached the first row of fermentation tanks numbered one, two, and three on his final round, he noticed the fluorescent light above tank three had burned out...’ And the plot is distilled well: ‘At Tutley Brewery, the beer is local, the secrets are old, and someone has decided murder is on the menu. When a death inside the brewery's walls points to a tangled history of family rivalries, buried betrayals, and carefully guarded lies, the case becomes anything but straightforward. As the evidence deepens, so does the suspicion that the killer isn't just hiding in plain sight- they may be part of the very story Tutley has spent years trying to forget.’

Behçet Kaya's gift is not limited to the creation of brilliant intriguing stories: his style of writing captures the essence of ‘mysteries,’ giving the reader a sense of place and tenor like few other writers are capable of achieving. He is obviously one of our more important writers of the times and his niche in literature is secure. Highly recommended on every level.

[Hooja]

Okay, Murder at Tutley Brewery sounds like one of those books where a grizzled PI walks into a small town, sniffs the air, says something manly about justice, and then everyone politely waits for him to solve their family trauma. And yes, Jack Ludefance absolutely does have that battered private investigator thing going on. Scar, bourbon, black coffee, emotional constipation. The whole masculine crime fiction starter pack.
But hear me out. The actual mystery is juicy as hell.
A murdered brewery heiress found floating in a fermentation tank? Disgusting. Dramatic. Honestly, points for commitment. Wilhelmina Wein’s death opens up this whole rancid keg of old family rivalries, inherited grudges, sibling damage, dirty secrets, and rich people behaving like morality is something poor people invented to ruin dinner parties.
What I liked most is that the book is not just interested in who killed her. It keeps circling the uglier question of how Wilhelmina got shaped into someone so vulnerable, so brilliant, so damaged, and so badly failed by everyone who should have protected her. The gender stuff is messy, and occasionally I wanted to throw a shoe at the page, especially when men kept explaining women’s pain like they’d discovered it behind the sofa. But the book does not let the damage sit there prettily. It pokes at it. Sometimes awkwardly. Sometimes effectively.

Jack is ridiculous, but in a way I found weirdly comforting. He drinks, broods, misses his family, gets dragged back into danger, and somehow keeps stumbling into the truth like a depressed bloodhound with a credit card.

[Roxier]

This is a mystery first, not a romance, but the emotional pull worked for me because Jack’s home life with Melina and Jocy gives the whole investigation a beating heart.
The case opens with a body found in a Tutley Brewery fermentation tank, then pulls Jack Ludefance out of semi retirement and into a Georgia town full of old grudges, guarded family history, and people who know more than they want to say. I bought it when Jack resisted the case at first, because his hesitation felt tied to real exhaustion, not detective theatrics.
What I needed from this book was atmosphere, tension, and emotional payoff, and it mostly delivered. The brewery setting is wonderfully grimy and specific, and the mystery keeps widening without losing its central question. Jack’s chemistry with Melina is warm in a lived in way, especially through their calls, teasing, and the way she grounds him when the case gets uglier. That mattered more to me than any grand romantic gesture.
My one issue is pacing. Some conversations run long, and a few explanations could have been tighter, especially in the middle stretch.
Still, I wanted answers, I cared about the fallout, and I would absolutely recommend this to readers who like character driven mysteries with family secrets, moral mess, and a detective who brings his whole heart to the job.

[Pegboard]

Murder at Tutley Brewery, by Behcat Kaya, continues the intense PI Jack Ludefance cases. Jack has earned enough money from his previous cases to live a prosperous life without taking on any more jobs. Then he gets a call, and the grandfather refuses to give up; he needs closure from the murder of his granddaughter. Wilhelmina Wein, the newly appointed CEO of Tutley Brewery, comes from a family of old grudges, dark secrets, and murder, making it difficult to find who killed her. Jack wades through half-truths and lies before he can set the hook that will connect the killer with the one tiny piece of evidence they have on him from the crime scene.

Followers of Jack Ludefance’s previous cases will find this novel isn’t as hard on Jack’s physical health, which is recovering from a forced drug addiction, but the twists weigh heavily on him mentally. I love that characters from previous books are included to help Jack crack this case. Behcat Kaya creatively unravels one twist, while generating another. I highly recommend this novel and the whole series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. I look forward to the next one!

[Hushdawn]

Pour a drink and investigate. 
A brewery CEO is found floating in a fermentation tank, dragging reluctant PI Jack Ludefance into a family mystery packed with old grudges, missing evidence, and approximately nine thousand secrets.
Listen….. the opening is gloriously grim. From there, Jack starts interviewing the Wein family, and every conversation somehow makes the situation more unhinged. I loved the steady clue trail, the constantly shifting suspects, and the way seemingly tiny details eventually mattered. The contrast between Jack’s increasingly bizarre investigation and his sweet home life with Melina and Jocy also gave the story some much-needed heart.
And the family dynamics? I was UNWELL. Every time I thought I understood these people, another revelation arrived and politely threw my theory into a fermentation tank. The middle occasionally slows under repeated interviews, travel details, and Jack’s daily routines. A tighter edit would have kept the tension sharper.
Still, the mystery payoff works, and I absolutely needed to know who did it. Read this if you like methodical investigations, wealthy families behaving terribly, and secrets stacked on secrets.

[CathyT]

Dark, sour, and quietly rotten at the edges, Murder at Tutley Brewery turns a small Georgia town into a pressure barrel of old grief and older grudges.
The premise is grimly effective. Wilhelmina Wein, newly placed at the head of Tutley Brewery, is found dead in a fermentation tank, and private investigator Jack Ludefance is pulled out of his uneasy peace to untangle what happened inside a family built on money, secrecy, and inheritance.
The brewery is not just a location. It breathes. It stinks of wet grain, metal, stormwater, and history. Kaya lets the place feel damp and watched, with the tanks looming like silent witnesses. There is a slow, almost claustrophobic dread in the way every interview opens another sealed room.
Jack remains a solid, weary guide through the ugliness, especially as the case moves from inheritance drama into damaged psychology and buried family shame. Some stretches repeat themselves, and the intensity wavers when the narrative lingers too long on side details. Still, the central mystery has teeth, and the final sadness has weight. A moody, character-heavy mystery with a bitter aftertaste.

[Prisha Rohra]

Murder at Tutley Brewery is an atmospheric mystery that makes excellent use of its unusual brewery setting. The story immediately creates curiosity, and I enjoyed the way old family tensions and unresolved secrets gradually become connected to the crime. There’s a nice feeling that every conversation and detail could potentially mean more than it first appears.

The investigation is what kept me engaged, particularly because the characters all seem to have their own motives, histories, and reasons for keeping quiet. Rather than relying only on the murder itself, the story builds suspense through relationships and buried truths, making it enjoyable to follow the clues and question who can actually be trusted.

A solid choice for readers who enjoy classic whodunits with small-town secrets, memorable suspects, and a setting that adds personality to the mystery. The twists and gradual revelations keep the pace interesting, making this a satisfying read for anyone who likes trying to solve a case before the final reveal.

[Swati Tanu]

Can one murder expose secrets that an entire town would rather keep hidden?

That's what pulled me into Murder at Tutley Brewery by Behcet Kaya. I enjoyed following Detective Mike Stoneman as he untangles a case filled with suspicious characters, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. The brewery setting gives the mystery its own unique atmosphere and makes the investigation even more engaging.

Behcet Kaya keeps the suspense building while letting the characters shine, making it easy to stay invested until the final reveal. If you enjoy classic whodunits with clever detective work and plenty of surprises, Murder at Tutley Brewery is a satisfying read.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals, they’re full of sparks and surprises.

[Behcet]

There is a saying that what actions we take today will have an impact on what happens to us in the future. Then, there is always Karma. Whatever we do to others has a way of coming back to us, either positive or negative.

In the latest Jack Ludefance PI series, Tutley Brewery, a brewing company keeps many secrets hidden including generations of feuds with rival families. The bright exterior of Detlef Wein Jr.'s family contrasts with those secrets that go back over 200 years all the way to Bavaria, Germany. The result is generations of feuds, all in the name of making a superior beer and remaining on top of the game. But Karma always has a way of balancing things sooner or later. Jack is hired to find the killer of Detlef's beloved grand-daughter whose body is discovered floating in a fermentation tank. Is the killer one of the rival feuding families? Or could it be someone even closer to the family...

[Daniyah]

Murder at Tutley Brewery is an engaging mystery that blends a richly atmospheric setting with a cleverly woven investigation. Behcet Kaya creates a compelling cast of suspects, each hiding secrets that keep readers guessing until the very end. The combination of family rivalries, long-buried betrayals, and unexpected twists makes the story both suspenseful and satisfying. Jack Ludefance is a sharp and likable investigator who steadily uncovers the truth through careful observation and determination. Fans of classic whodunits with modern pacing, intriguing characters, and a strong sense of place will find this an entertaining and rewarding read from start to finish.

[Jellybean]

Murder at Tutley Brewery is an entertaining mystery that kept me reading from beginning to end. Jack Ludefance is a likable, sharp investigator, and I enjoyed following him as he cracked the case. The brewery setting adds a unique atmosphere, and the well-paced plot has plenty of twists and red herrings without being confusing. Behcet Kaya creates an enjoyable blend of suspense, intriguing characters, and clever detective work. Mystery fans looking for a satisfying whodunit with a memorable setting will find this a rewarding read. Recommended.

[Rose]

When his granddaughter's body is found in a fermentation tank at the brewery, Detlef Wein Jr. hires Jack Ludenfance to investigate. Jack doesn't want to take the case, he wants to stay home with his wife and young daughter, but he is intrigued. As Jack delves into the case, he discovers family secrets and a rivalry between families. The family secret is something no one wants made public, but it ultimately leads Jack to the person who dumped the body.
Another solid entry in the Jack Ludenfance series. I like how Jack is growing into a family man!

[Deborah Walker]

I love the Jack Ludefance series, and Murder at Tutley Brewery does not disappoint. Ben Kaya delivers the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and thrills while also shedding light on the rich history of the German brewing industry. The story is engaging from start to finish, with intriguing twists and memorable characters. I definitely recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries and anyone looking for a captivating read.

[Linda Cotton]

Murder at Tutley Brewery is another captivating murder mystery in Behcet Kaya’s Jack Ludefance series. By weaving current topics and their challenges into intriguing storylines, Kaya captures the reader’s attention. Developing old characters and introducing interesting new faces, is beautifully done. The result is a well-written, compelling mystery!

I highly recommend Murder at Tutley Brewery and the entire series. Mystery lovers, enjoy! Looking forward to Kaya's next book!

[Virginia Wright]

Murder at Tutley Brewery by Behcet Kaya kicks off with a chilling discovery inside the brewery itself. From there, the story takes off with countless twists and turns as this riveting, masterfully written murder mystery unfolds. I found myself turning page after page, desperately trying to guess the killer's identity—and ended up devouring the entire book in a single afternoon. Behcet Kaya has delivered another irresistible "whodunit" that you simply won't be able to put down.