What do you think?
Rate this book
Sloan Krause #4
Without a Brew
Amateur sleuth Sloan Krause delves into a murderous winter wonderland in another delightful mystery from cozy writer Ellie Alexander, Without a Brew.
It's winter in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, which for local brewmaster Sloan Krause means lots of layers, pine and citrus-flavored craft beers, and getting the new guest rooms at Nitro into pristine condition before visitors flood in for IceFest--a local tradition filled with fireworks, ice carving, and winter games of all varieties. But Sloan and her boss Garrett quickly learn that being brewkeepers turned innkeepers may not be as idyllic as it sounded.
While one couple staying with them seems completely smitten, a flashy group arrives in the evening demanding rooms. Sloan and Garrett are less than impressed, but agree to rent to them anyway. The night takes a turn when brewery patron Liv Paxton finishes her frothy pint and, with no previous plan for an overnight stay in Leavenworth, eagerly takes Sloan up on the offer of sanctuary from the snow--until she has a strange run in with some locals and the other guests. Sloan could be imagining things, but when Liv's room is found trashed the next morning, a hateful message painted on her car, and Liv herself is nowhere to be found, Sloan is convinced another mystery is brewing. With many of the potential suspects hunkering down under Nitro's roof, she knows her co-workers and friends won't be safe until she serves up the killer a hoppy pint of justice.
It's winter in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, which for local brewmaster Sloan Krause means lots of layers, pine and citrus-flavored craft beers, and getting the new guest rooms at Nitro into pristine condition before visitors flood in for IceFest--a local tradition filled with fireworks, ice carving, and winter games of all varieties. But Sloan and her boss Garrett quickly learn that being brewkeepers turned innkeepers may not be as idyllic as it sounded.
While one couple staying with them seems completely smitten, a flashy group arrives in the evening demanding rooms. Sloan and Garrett are less than impressed, but agree to rent to them anyway. The night takes a turn when brewery patron Liv Paxton finishes her frothy pint and, with no previous plan for an overnight stay in Leavenworth, eagerly takes Sloan up on the offer of sanctuary from the snow--until she has a strange run in with some locals and the other guests. Sloan could be imagining things, but when Liv's room is found trashed the next morning, a hateful message painted on her car, and Liv herself is nowhere to be found, Sloan is convinced another mystery is brewing. With many of the potential suspects hunkering down under Nitro's roof, she knows her co-workers and friends won't be safe until she serves up the killer a hoppy pint of justice.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
167 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Alexander
78 books3,037 followersEllie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
April 23, 2023
Another enjoyable visit to Leavenworth, Washington. I'm still surprised at how quickly I've become invested in this series. Without a Brew is only the second book I have read from this series, yet I've already fallen in love with the quaint Bavarian-themed town, and the characters all feel like old friends. To me, that is just a testament to how good of a writer Ellie Alexander is. She has truly done a wonderful job of describing the town and developing the characters. I felt like I was right there in Leavenworth, enjoying the cozy winter season with Sloan and the other villagers, and I could practically smell and taste the different types of beers being brewed at Nitro. Ellie Alexander's love of food also shines through in this book and like her Bakeshop Mystery series, the mouthwatering food descriptions are guaranteed to make you feel hungry.
I really like Sloan. I found her to be genuine, hardworking, independent, and a good mother and friend. After splitting from her cheating husband, she left his family's brewery and went to work at a new nano-brewery, Nitro. Sloan loves her new job and has become very close with the Nitro team, which includes her boss Garrett and co-worker Kat. In this fourth installment, Sloan and the Nitro gang are excited to be welcoming their first B&B guests. But when one of the guests is murdered and all the other guests become suspects, they wonder if they're really cut out for the B&B business. I found it refreshing that Sloan didn't just drop everything to go hunting for clues and that her job and family always came first.
I thought the mystery was well-done. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out how Ellie Alexander crafts her mysteries but this time, I didn't know who the killer was until the reveal. There's also a second mystery about Sloan's background and I can't wait to see how that storyline plays out. All in all, this was a delightful read and I look forward to the next book. If you're a cozy mystery reader, this author should definitely be on your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really like Sloan. I found her to be genuine, hardworking, independent, and a good mother and friend. After splitting from her cheating husband, she left his family's brewery and went to work at a new nano-brewery, Nitro. Sloan loves her new job and has become very close with the Nitro team, which includes her boss Garrett and co-worker Kat. In this fourth installment, Sloan and the Nitro gang are excited to be welcoming their first B&B guests. But when one of the guests is murdered and all the other guests become suspects, they wonder if they're really cut out for the B&B business. I found it refreshing that Sloan didn't just drop everything to go hunting for clues and that her job and family always came first.
I thought the mystery was well-done. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out how Ellie Alexander crafts her mysteries but this time, I didn't know who the killer was until the reveal. There's also a second mystery about Sloan's background and I can't wait to see how that storyline plays out. All in all, this was a delightful read and I look forward to the next book. If you're a cozy mystery reader, this author should definitely be on your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2021
It's January in Leavenworth and there's snow and a festival, so I was already in for the setting here. Sloan and Garrett are spurred into a bigger soft opening for their B&B venture than they planned for when some tech bro and his entourage roll into town and need lodging. There is also one other guest and she seems to be having some challenges which she almost shares with Sloan but before that happens becomes a murder victim. What proceeds was a pretty good mystery with a sad origin that I found really well done. So why the three stars? Alas, the other thread about Sloan's secret parentage and the in-laws possibly being hidden Nazis... I just... no. Part of it I didn't care about and the other bit was too far afield for me to go with. Because the simple chat that could have cleared it all up, didn't happen until the end, prolonging the thread unnecessarily. And like before, there was just too much of that. It dragged down an otherwise fine mystery.
The setting was rendered as well as ever and that really kept me engaged. The town is always described as simply lovely and the snow and twinkling lights added to that. So did the scenes that took place in the more natural environs. Loved all of that. So I will continue to the next and this was pretty good for my seasonal reading requiring all things winter. Just one more thing that I have driving me crazy at the end of this story. Sloan received a voicemail from an unrecognized number and she did not check it but it was mentioned/referenced more than once so piqued my interest and there's no resolution or mention of who it was from by the last page. Who was the call from & what was it about?!! Agh!
Recommended for readers of the series.
The setting was rendered as well as ever and that really kept me engaged. The town is always described as simply lovely and the snow and twinkling lights added to that. So did the scenes that took place in the more natural environs. Loved all of that. So I will continue to the next and this was pretty good for my seasonal reading requiring all things winter. Just one more thing that I have driving me crazy at the end of this story. Sloan received a voicemail from an unrecognized number and she did not check it but it was mentioned/referenced more than once so piqued my interest and there's no resolution or mention of who it was from by the last page. Who was the call from & what was it about?!! Agh!
Recommended for readers of the series.
March 5, 2023
Another solid installment featuring Sloan Krause, brewer and citizen detective in the Bavarian tourist town and beer mecca of Leavenworth, Washington. I enjoyed it. Sloan figures a bit more out about her past and this one had a bit of a twist at the end that impressed me more than prior installments.
November 16, 2024
I vacationed last Labor Day weekend in Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains that is aimed at tourists. It has Alpine-styled buildings that include all kinds of shops and restaurants serving German food and beer. It’s unique architecture and a festive atmosphere thrives throughout the summer, Octoberfest, and Christmas seasons. It doesn’t hurt that it also serves as a gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries.
While visiting “A Book for All Seasons” bookstore that I love to hangout in, I saw a bunch of books for a mystery series based on Leavenworth by Ellie Alexander. After looking through them I made an impulsive decision to get the first one - “A Death on Tap” – to try out a new mystery series based on a location that I have been visiting for decades. The decision turned out to be a good one as I thoroughly enjoyed the lite mystery and endearing small-town characters.
… And now I have finished the fourth book in the series “Without a Brew” which left a wonderful aftertaste in my reading mind. I am devouring this cozy mystery series and am unabashedly willing to admit that I am loving Sloan Krause’s world and Leavenworth setting. Each book only gets better while building on endearing characters and interesting storylines.
In “Without a Brew”, Sloan Krause - wife, mother, and entrepreneur deeply imbedded in Leavenworth’s business community – finds herself knee deep in another mystery, and this time it involves both locals and guests staying at the Nitro brewery.
Sloan and Garret, her boss and owner Nitro, are getting ready for IceFest, the next Winter celebration in the Bavarian village. They have a couple trying out one of the four new rooms as part of their soft opening to see if their bed and breakfast addition to the brewery will work. However, a foursome shows up, led by a pushy marketing executive, demanding two rooms. Although Sloan and Garrett are less than pleased with the executive, they agree to let them stay. Then another customer, a lady named Liv Paxton, has several pints and is better off not driving several hours back home in the snow and dark. Sloan decides that offering her the last available room is a better way to go.
Things then take an unusual turn. Liv has a strange reaction to meeting one of the locals getting a refill on his drink. One that leads to her telling Sloan that she has a serious regret in life, but before Sloan can what it is, Liv has another bizarre interaction with another one of the guests. Sloan is left wondering what is going on…
The next morning when Sloan shows up for work, she finds Liv’s car has been vandalized with a painted message left on it. When she goes to Liv’s room, it’s trashed and empty with no sign of Liz anywhere. The search for their missing guest begins in earnest and it seems there’s no shortage of potential suspects…
There were several things that make this cozy mystery series enjoyable and addictive. It starts with Alexander’s strong masterful grasp on her characters, storylines, and cozy style mysteries taking place in the charming Leavenworth setting. To put is simply, Alexander provides a fun and entertaining, Hallmark mystery reading experience.
As I have stated in my previous reviews of the first three books in this series, I adore and connect on a personal level with her characters. Sloan is endearing and easy to empathize with on a personal level. She has come a long way from being in foster care to becoming working mother who loves to brew beer, cook, and investigate things that puzzle her. She is moving on from a philandering husband, who is annoying on most levels, but supportive to her when it matters most. She also receives great support from her in-laws, brother-in-law, and new boss. And let’s not kid ourselves. It’s impossible to not notice that her boss, Garrett, is her primary developing love interest. Alexander is taking a slow burn approach with that development, but that’s okay for now.
The continuing storyline that I am enjoying the most is the mystery involving Sloan’s search for her past and who her birth parents are. Alexander is peeling that onion carefully over the first four books in a multi-layered storyline that continues building a serious level of tension and interest on my part. After the newly discovered information that Sloan received in this book, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. We’re getting close to finally finding the answers of her past, and I cannot wait to see what they are. I am fully engaged in the outcome.
The supporting characters also contribute greatly to the stories just as much as the mysteries in a many of ways. Sloan’s husband, Mac, is just the right level of cad. Her brother-in-law, Hans, plays the supporting friend who is secretly in love with her superbly. Even Sloan’s new boss, Garrett, has hints of a secret past that drove him to move to Leavenworth and start a new life. I think there’s more to peel with that onion. Then there’s my favorite characters - Ursula and Otto – Sloan’s in-laws and substitute parents. They are the sweetest, coolest, most understanding, and full-of-wisdom friends that anyone could have. There’s also by the book, police chief Meyers, who keeps everyone in line during her investigations, but in a good way. And last-but-not-least, I cannot leave out April Ablin. Every small-town setting needs that nosy, gossiping, blabbermouth that drives everyone crazy. Yes, it’s a caricature, but it works well in this one. She is so amazingly annoying in a winning way, and I must admit, she’s grown on me in a weirdly twisted manner (except for the pushup dresses that are way too tight; that’s an image that I cannot get out of my head).
I also find the mysteries to be entertaining enough on that cozy mystery / Hallmark level. Even though the characters and relationships really drive this series, the mystery and investigation elements are getting better in each book as the series progresses. Even though this is not on the scale of John Grisham, David Baldacci, or Michael Connelly thriller, it serves its purpose well in the cozy mystery genre. The investigation flows along at a good pace, with several twists, turns, and red herrings throughout, all leading to a surprising climax that puts Sloane’s life in danger.
Having vacationed in Leavenworth for many years, I am honestly biased by the small Bavarian town setting, culture, and environment. I enjoy seeing the different stores and restaurant names that I have been in referred to in the book and appreciated Alexander sprinkling in pieces of the village’s history to enhance her storytelling.
Overall, like the previous books in this series, this was the kind of lite, cozy mystery that delivered a pleasurable reading experience and provided a much-needed escape from my busy life. Alexander’s writing style was smooth, fluid, and had a natural flow to it. She made it easy to enjoy spending time with Sloan Krause, the other characters, and the Leavenworth setting. I find myself looking forward to solving more mysteries with her, as well as experiencing more of the family dynamics, development of character arcs, and the relationships she’s developing with both Garrett and Hans.
Needless to say, I have already started reading the next book – “The Cure for What Ales You” – because I can’t wait to see what happens next in the various storylines of these characters that have become my friends. This is guilty pleasure at its best.
While visiting “A Book for All Seasons” bookstore that I love to hangout in, I saw a bunch of books for a mystery series based on Leavenworth by Ellie Alexander. After looking through them I made an impulsive decision to get the first one - “A Death on Tap” – to try out a new mystery series based on a location that I have been visiting for decades. The decision turned out to be a good one as I thoroughly enjoyed the lite mystery and endearing small-town characters.
… And now I have finished the fourth book in the series “Without a Brew” which left a wonderful aftertaste in my reading mind. I am devouring this cozy mystery series and am unabashedly willing to admit that I am loving Sloan Krause’s world and Leavenworth setting. Each book only gets better while building on endearing characters and interesting storylines.
In “Without a Brew”, Sloan Krause - wife, mother, and entrepreneur deeply imbedded in Leavenworth’s business community – finds herself knee deep in another mystery, and this time it involves both locals and guests staying at the Nitro brewery.
Sloan and Garret, her boss and owner Nitro, are getting ready for IceFest, the next Winter celebration in the Bavarian village. They have a couple trying out one of the four new rooms as part of their soft opening to see if their bed and breakfast addition to the brewery will work. However, a foursome shows up, led by a pushy marketing executive, demanding two rooms. Although Sloan and Garrett are less than pleased with the executive, they agree to let them stay. Then another customer, a lady named Liv Paxton, has several pints and is better off not driving several hours back home in the snow and dark. Sloan decides that offering her the last available room is a better way to go.
Things then take an unusual turn. Liv has a strange reaction to meeting one of the locals getting a refill on his drink. One that leads to her telling Sloan that she has a serious regret in life, but before Sloan can what it is, Liv has another bizarre interaction with another one of the guests. Sloan is left wondering what is going on…
The next morning when Sloan shows up for work, she finds Liv’s car has been vandalized with a painted message left on it. When she goes to Liv’s room, it’s trashed and empty with no sign of Liz anywhere. The search for their missing guest begins in earnest and it seems there’s no shortage of potential suspects…
There were several things that make this cozy mystery series enjoyable and addictive. It starts with Alexander’s strong masterful grasp on her characters, storylines, and cozy style mysteries taking place in the charming Leavenworth setting. To put is simply, Alexander provides a fun and entertaining, Hallmark mystery reading experience.
As I have stated in my previous reviews of the first three books in this series, I adore and connect on a personal level with her characters. Sloan is endearing and easy to empathize with on a personal level. She has come a long way from being in foster care to becoming working mother who loves to brew beer, cook, and investigate things that puzzle her. She is moving on from a philandering husband, who is annoying on most levels, but supportive to her when it matters most. She also receives great support from her in-laws, brother-in-law, and new boss. And let’s not kid ourselves. It’s impossible to not notice that her boss, Garrett, is her primary developing love interest. Alexander is taking a slow burn approach with that development, but that’s okay for now.
The continuing storyline that I am enjoying the most is the mystery involving Sloan’s search for her past and who her birth parents are. Alexander is peeling that onion carefully over the first four books in a multi-layered storyline that continues building a serious level of tension and interest on my part. After the newly discovered information that Sloan received in this book, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. We’re getting close to finally finding the answers of her past, and I cannot wait to see what they are. I am fully engaged in the outcome.
The supporting characters also contribute greatly to the stories just as much as the mysteries in a many of ways. Sloan’s husband, Mac, is just the right level of cad. Her brother-in-law, Hans, plays the supporting friend who is secretly in love with her superbly. Even Sloan’s new boss, Garrett, has hints of a secret past that drove him to move to Leavenworth and start a new life. I think there’s more to peel with that onion. Then there’s my favorite characters - Ursula and Otto – Sloan’s in-laws and substitute parents. They are the sweetest, coolest, most understanding, and full-of-wisdom friends that anyone could have. There’s also by the book, police chief Meyers, who keeps everyone in line during her investigations, but in a good way. And last-but-not-least, I cannot leave out April Ablin. Every small-town setting needs that nosy, gossiping, blabbermouth that drives everyone crazy. Yes, it’s a caricature, but it works well in this one. She is so amazingly annoying in a winning way, and I must admit, she’s grown on me in a weirdly twisted manner (except for the pushup dresses that are way too tight; that’s an image that I cannot get out of my head).
I also find the mysteries to be entertaining enough on that cozy mystery / Hallmark level. Even though the characters and relationships really drive this series, the mystery and investigation elements are getting better in each book as the series progresses. Even though this is not on the scale of John Grisham, David Baldacci, or Michael Connelly thriller, it serves its purpose well in the cozy mystery genre. The investigation flows along at a good pace, with several twists, turns, and red herrings throughout, all leading to a surprising climax that puts Sloane’s life in danger.
Having vacationed in Leavenworth for many years, I am honestly biased by the small Bavarian town setting, culture, and environment. I enjoy seeing the different stores and restaurant names that I have been in referred to in the book and appreciated Alexander sprinkling in pieces of the village’s history to enhance her storytelling.
Overall, like the previous books in this series, this was the kind of lite, cozy mystery that delivered a pleasurable reading experience and provided a much-needed escape from my busy life. Alexander’s writing style was smooth, fluid, and had a natural flow to it. She made it easy to enjoy spending time with Sloan Krause, the other characters, and the Leavenworth setting. I find myself looking forward to solving more mysteries with her, as well as experiencing more of the family dynamics, development of character arcs, and the relationships she’s developing with both Garrett and Hans.
Needless to say, I have already started reading the next book – “The Cure for What Ales You” – because I can’t wait to see what happens next in the various storylines of these characters that have become my friends. This is guilty pleasure at its best.
November 11, 2020
Another engaging foray into the Germanic tourist village, Leavenworth, Wahington, decked out in lights in anticipation of IceFest where Sloan Krause works at the craft beer brew pub, Nitro, with its owner, Garrett. They planned to offer 4 rooms as a B&B starting next week, but bad weather and lack of other accommodations pushed their opening forward. When their last arrival ends up drowned in the morning, Sloan investigates the young woman's death. A thread through the series is Sloan's origin story. After years in foster homes, she was loving brought into her husband's family . But did her in-laws keep secrets from her? I'm hoping in the next book, we will learn more in this fascinating storyline. However, the book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
This is such a good cozy mystery series set in Leavenworth, Washington, the little Bavaria of the Pacific Northwest. In this story, Sloan and Garrett have opened the guest rooms above Nitro, the craft brewery they run, and some of the guests are turning out to be problems. When one of them is found dead in the river, Sloan feels the need to help Chief Meyers figure out whodunit from the cast of crazy characters staying at Nitro.
The story has a wonderful setting, many interesting characters, an intriguing mystery, so much about beer and brewing, and some tasty-sounding food. I looked online for a recipe for Berlin bars that Sloan bakes and can't wait to try them this Christmas! And boy, that Bavarian pizza served up by a local pizzeria sounds delicious: sourdough crust, stone ground mustard, sauerkraut, brats, and peppers. Yum!
I received an arc of this mystery from the author and publisher via NetGalley. It published in November, 2020, my very-bad year for reading during the pandemic. I apologize for the delay in getting it read and reviewed. I am now up to date on the series, which I thoroughly enjoy, and hope Ellie Alexander will continue writing it.
The story has a wonderful setting, many interesting characters, an intriguing mystery, so much about beer and brewing, and some tasty-sounding food. I looked online for a recipe for Berlin bars that Sloan bakes and can't wait to try them this Christmas! And boy, that Bavarian pizza served up by a local pizzeria sounds delicious: sourdough crust, stone ground mustard, sauerkraut, brats, and peppers. Yum!
I received an arc of this mystery from the author and publisher via NetGalley. It published in November, 2020, my very-bad year for reading during the pandemic. I apologize for the delay in getting it read and reviewed. I am now up to date on the series, which I thoroughly enjoy, and hope Ellie Alexander will continue writing it.
November 14, 2020
Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander is the 4th novel in A Sloan Krause Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series or missed a book along the way. I enjoy visiting Leavenworth, Washington which reminds me of German Village where I grew up. It is a quaint town with Bavarian charm. The town is preparing for IceFest with games, fireworks, food, and loads of twinkle lights. I like that Sloan Krause is a strong female who continues to develop. She is finding out who she is away from her husband (soon to be ex-husband) and his family. Sloan loves her job and she is thinking about purchasing a new home. Sloan has been wanting to learn about her birth mother and she is finally getting information thanks to her old case worker, Sally. We learn some startling information when Sally visits. The mystery was nicely plotted out. There are a variety of suspects along with good clues. Sloan uncovers helpful information with her gentle questions. Avid cozy mystery readers, though, will find it a cinch to solve this whodunit. I enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of the town. The authors word images match the pictures of Leavenworth. There are some mouthwatering dishes prepared by Sloan and Nitro serves up some wintery brews. Without a Brew is a charming cozy mystery with a pushy VP, a cozy cottage, a lost lodger, a brash realtor, and a winter wonderland.
September 24, 2022
This book was superb. Really love the overarching mystery and I’m here for it. The mystery in this book was pretty interesting and I had pegged the wrong person so didn’t expect the perpetrator, as usual. The characters and town are so charming, that I want to visit Sloan’s Leavenworth. This series is one that must be read in order.
September 14, 2020
Without a Brew is the 4th book in the Sloan Krause Mystery Series. I love the Pacific Northwest setting for this book and the German town of Leavenworth. Ms. Alexander does such a wonderful job describing the town and events in each book allowing readers to form a quaint picture. The characters are wonderful in this series. Sloane is growing and learning what her new life will hold after her split from Mac. Although, one of the things that keep me coming back to books by this author is her characters. She writes well defined and dimensional characters that as a reader, I enjoy. What I have been really loving about this series, is watching the mysteries grow stronger with each new book. The main mystery in this book had enough suspects to keep me guessing but not so many that I didn't have a legitimate shot at figuring it out. There were plenty of layers and a few surprise twists. The plotline that keeps me guessing is the mystery surrounding Sloane's past. A little more layers are peeled back in this installment but it just leaves the reader with more questions than answers. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy, provided to me by the publisher, Minotaur Books, through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy, provided to me by the publisher, Minotaur Books, through Netgalley.
November 8, 2020
3.5 STARS - Without A Brew is the fourth book in a cozy mystery series featuring craft brewer, Sloan Krause. Set in a picturesque German-inspired village in Washington state, as a craft beer lover of the first order, I enjoy the beer references and reconnecting with the characters in each new book.
This is a typical cozy mystery with its small-town feel, inexperienced sleuth, increasing body count and a gaggle of regular 'townie' characters to round out the story. If you can get past how easily people spill their secrets to Sloan, the mystery is solid with a good variety of culprits (even though the cliched obnoxious, misogynistic arse and the small-town busybody grated on me just a bit).
There are a couple of secondary story lines - Sloan's past and her former in-laws' possibly nefarious history. The story line about Sloan's past keeps popping up and at this point, feels overly drawn out and the issues about her in-law’s past seemed underdeveloped and judging by their age, not feasible. I hope these two subplots come together in the next book.
Overall, this is a charming read with a cute Bavarian small-town feel, a bit of sleuthing and with its tasty beer and beer-inspired food descriptions, this series is a good choice for avid cozy mystery lovers (beer loving not required).
Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
This is a typical cozy mystery with its small-town feel, inexperienced sleuth, increasing body count and a gaggle of regular 'townie' characters to round out the story. If you can get past how easily people spill their secrets to Sloan, the mystery is solid with a good variety of culprits (even though the cliched obnoxious, misogynistic arse and the small-town busybody grated on me just a bit).
There are a couple of secondary story lines - Sloan's past and her former in-laws' possibly nefarious history. The story line about Sloan's past keeps popping up and at this point, feels overly drawn out and the issues about her in-law’s past seemed underdeveloped and judging by their age, not feasible. I hope these two subplots come together in the next book.
Overall, this is a charming read with a cute Bavarian small-town feel, a bit of sleuthing and with its tasty beer and beer-inspired food descriptions, this series is a good choice for avid cozy mystery lovers (beer loving not required).
Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause series. Sloan and Garrett have just put the finishing touches of the guest rooms at Nitro and are having a dry run before the winter festival, IceFest, starts. They have a couple staying in one of the rooms and a second group comes to stay that is downright terrible. They add another guest when Sloan offers a room to a patron, Liv Paxton, who is stuck in Leavenworth for the night. The next morning Liv's room is found trashed and there is no sign of her anywhere. Sloan involves the police and they soon find her body in the river.
I really enjoyed this book. Sloan is a great character. I love seeing how she has evolved from book one. I loved the secondary mystery involving Sloan's past. I hope we finally get the whole story in the next book. The setting is wonderful. I love the idea of Leavenworth during the winter. It sounds lovely and a place I would love to visit. This is a series that I recommend for any cozy mystery fan. Ellie Alexander writes wonderful, realistic and relatable characters and puts them in a wonderful small town setting. I can't wait to read more.
I really enjoyed this book. Sloan is a great character. I love seeing how she has evolved from book one. I loved the secondary mystery involving Sloan's past. I hope we finally get the whole story in the next book. The setting is wonderful. I love the idea of Leavenworth during the winter. It sounds lovely and a place I would love to visit. This is a series that I recommend for any cozy mystery fan. Ellie Alexander writes wonderful, realistic and relatable characters and puts them in a wonderful small town setting. I can't wait to read more.
June 21, 2021
This series just gets better & better! This is one I would definitely recommend you read in order. Not only is there a murder to solve, but throughout each book Sloan gets pieces of the puzzle of her past. Do yourself a favor and read this series!
October 29, 2020
One of the best in this series, author Ellie Alexander doesn't disappoint. I look forward to where this series takes us next..
December 17, 2020
This author continues to be creative and inventive with her plot and characters. This new book in the series will not disappoint. The second story line that runs through the main plot also keep you guessing.
January 3, 2021
This is by far my favorite cozy mystery series! The characters and the setting are wonderful and the series itself is so refreshing in the way that it has some seriously intriguing secondary storylines that connect between the books and very little focus on romance.
I love the storytelling and this was the best one yet :)
I love the storytelling and this was the best one yet :)
September 26, 2023
My favorite Sloan Krause so far! I love how this series just keeps getting better, and it is easily my favorite cozy series out of the many I’ve tried.
This one starts with the soft opening of the brewery B&B. Garrett and Sloan were just renting one room, but after a rental property snafu a group of visitors from Seattle, led by an obnoxious tech bro, are sent their way and they decide to let them have a couple rooms. Next, a lone female arrives with nowhere to stay and Sloan takes pity on her too. Fast forward to the next day, and there’s a dead body discovery and lots of viable suspects!
The mystery flows well as the various secrets are revealed, and it comes to a satisfying finish. We also get a lot more clues about Sloan’s mysterious past, although while some things are answered, of course even more questions are raised at the end to leave you eager for the next.
This one starts with the soft opening of the brewery B&B. Garrett and Sloan were just renting one room, but after a rental property snafu a group of visitors from Seattle, led by an obnoxious tech bro, are sent their way and they decide to let them have a couple rooms. Next, a lone female arrives with nowhere to stay and Sloan takes pity on her too. Fast forward to the next day, and there’s a dead body discovery and lots of viable suspects!
The mystery flows well as the various secrets are revealed, and it comes to a satisfying finish. We also get a lot more clues about Sloan’s mysterious past, although while some things are answered, of course even more questions are raised at the end to leave you eager for the next.
January 31, 2021
I really wanted to like this series, but the author added in an over-arching mystery about the main character's past that I didn't care for at all.
November 10, 2020
A biting January wind blew into the taproom as the front door to Nitro opened and a group of skiers traipsed inside.
This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause series set in Leavenworth, Washington. Garrett has opened the top floor of Nitro for a bed and breakfast. The soft opening for this venture becomes totally booked when a group of skiers come to town without reservations. A lone woman, Liv, also rents a room in addition to an apparently loving couple. When Liv ends up dead, all eyes are on Nitro's guests.
I really enjoy this series. Although I am not much of a beer drinker, I really love the chemistry behind beermaking. The winter beer does not appeal to me but the new spring beer that Garrett and Sloan work on using tea sounds most interesting. It sounds like something I would drink.
The advance copy I received did not have recipes in it so I'll will be picking up the print copy as well. Sloan makes some amazing dishes that I would love to try. Every time I read one of these books I want to go to the kitchen to try her recipes.
Sloan continues to look for her birth mother and she discovers some alarming information about Ursula and Otto that makes her question her relationship with them.
The murder was very well plotted. I begin to suspect the culprit before Sloan picked up on it. This in no way deterred from the storyline. I always enjoy the twists, turns and red herrings in a good cozy.
This series has wonderful characters that are well thought out and seem like old friends when I pick up the book. The setting is amazing! This is definitely on my bucket list for a place to visit. Each book lets us delve more and more into the characters of the town. I look forward to the next book to see what is in store for Sloan. I highly recommend this series!
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#netgalley #withoutabrew #elliealexander #cozymystery
This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause series set in Leavenworth, Washington. Garrett has opened the top floor of Nitro for a bed and breakfast. The soft opening for this venture becomes totally booked when a group of skiers come to town without reservations. A lone woman, Liv, also rents a room in addition to an apparently loving couple. When Liv ends up dead, all eyes are on Nitro's guests.
I really enjoy this series. Although I am not much of a beer drinker, I really love the chemistry behind beermaking. The winter beer does not appeal to me but the new spring beer that Garrett and Sloan work on using tea sounds most interesting. It sounds like something I would drink.
The advance copy I received did not have recipes in it so I'll will be picking up the print copy as well. Sloan makes some amazing dishes that I would love to try. Every time I read one of these books I want to go to the kitchen to try her recipes.
Sloan continues to look for her birth mother and she discovers some alarming information about Ursula and Otto that makes her question her relationship with them.
The murder was very well plotted. I begin to suspect the culprit before Sloan picked up on it. This in no way deterred from the storyline. I always enjoy the twists, turns and red herrings in a good cozy.
This series has wonderful characters that are well thought out and seem like old friends when I pick up the book. The setting is amazing! This is definitely on my bucket list for a place to visit. Each book lets us delve more and more into the characters of the town. I look forward to the next book to see what is in store for Sloan. I highly recommend this series!
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#netgalley #withoutabrew #elliealexander #cozymystery
September 27, 2022
Definitely a 5 star rating. Ellie Alexander’s writing style is so good her books are hard to put down. I love her characters and their relationships. Especially Sloan, Garrett and Kat. Sloan’s relationship with her son Alex is great, too.
Sloan and Garrett have renovated the 2nd floor of Nitro into a B&B. The soft opening they planned for renting out one room quickly turns into a full house when a group of 4 skiers can’t stay in the chalet they rented due to frozen pipes and a young woman shows up without reservation anywhere in town so Sloan and Garrett take them in. The original couple is there to celebrate their anniversary and reconnect after some turmoil in their relationship. The morning after the first night, the young women has been out all night and Sloan is a little worried. Then her body is discovered in the river. She had been murdered. All guests staying at Nitro are suspects.
The subplot regarding Sloan’s mother is also very interesting. With only tidbits revealed in each book this is an ongoing mystery throughout this series.
It’s an intriguing mystery with some red herrings. I loved it. I just wish Sloan and Garrett would open up to each other.
Sloan and Garrett have renovated the 2nd floor of Nitro into a B&B. The soft opening they planned for renting out one room quickly turns into a full house when a group of 4 skiers can’t stay in the chalet they rented due to frozen pipes and a young woman shows up without reservation anywhere in town so Sloan and Garrett take them in. The original couple is there to celebrate their anniversary and reconnect after some turmoil in their relationship. The morning after the first night, the young women has been out all night and Sloan is a little worried. Then her body is discovered in the river. She had been murdered. All guests staying at Nitro are suspects.
The subplot regarding Sloan’s mother is also very interesting. With only tidbits revealed in each book this is an ongoing mystery throughout this series.
It’s an intriguing mystery with some red herrings. I loved it. I just wish Sloan and Garrett would open up to each other.
October 12, 2020
I really, really enjoy the Sloan Krause Mysteries. While a lot of cozies I come back for the characters and community (which I do enjoy in this series too) Ellie Alexander’s descriptions of the town, weather, interior design, and Bavarian culture is really phenomenal. In a lot of cozies, if I’ve read any of the other books in the series, I find it easy to skim through the descriptions since a lot of authors focus more on their characters and plot, but Alexander’s details are so beautiful and interesting that I never skim her books. But that’s not to say that she doesn’t write well developed characters and a good plot, because she’s a master at that too.
In the previous book, Beyond a Reasonable Stout, we are left with some unanswered questions about Sloan’s in-laws. And while we get more answers in this book, it’s not touched on a lot (besides Sloan worrying about what to do) and we are still left with questions that hopefully we’ll find the answers to in book five. In Without a Brew we get to see what Garrett, Sloan, and Kat have done with the rooms to stay in above the brewery since they are doing a soft launch before the upcoming festival (which I’m thinking will happen in the next book). But what starts out with having one couple staying, ends with three couples and a single woman staying, and this leads to murder!
Alexander does a great job with all the different plot lines and advancing Sloan’s character. There are some red herrings and a climactic ending with Sloan and the killer with the perfect amount of tension in the scene.
While I recommend a lot of cozy series, the Sloan Krause Mysteries is one series of about a dozen cozy series that are on my pre-order list because I enjoy it so much.
In the previous book, Beyond a Reasonable Stout, we are left with some unanswered questions about Sloan’s in-laws. And while we get more answers in this book, it’s not touched on a lot (besides Sloan worrying about what to do) and we are still left with questions that hopefully we’ll find the answers to in book five. In Without a Brew we get to see what Garrett, Sloan, and Kat have done with the rooms to stay in above the brewery since they are doing a soft launch before the upcoming festival (which I’m thinking will happen in the next book). But what starts out with having one couple staying, ends with three couples and a single woman staying, and this leads to murder!
Alexander does a great job with all the different plot lines and advancing Sloan’s character. There are some red herrings and a climactic ending with Sloan and the killer with the perfect amount of tension in the scene.
While I recommend a lot of cozy series, the Sloan Krause Mysteries is one series of about a dozen cozy series that are on my pre-order list because I enjoy it so much.
August 14, 2020
As much as enjoy Ellie Alexander's brew pub mysteries, this one had a huge plot hole in it and I struggled to overlook it. In previous books, Sloan Krause has been searching for her birth mother and it seems her former in-laws, Ursula and Otto, know more than they have revealed. When Sloan's former counselor Sally reveals Ursula and Otto are not who they seem, Sloan is crushed by the deception. Suffice it to say, this is where the giant hole enters the picture. They allegedly fled Germany after the war because they were Nazi sympathizers, but if that were the case, they would be almost 90 years old. If they left in their 20s and the war ended in 1945, the math doesn't add up.
I enjoyed the other portion of the story, but this Nazi bit made no sense to me, especially as the drama had been teased out in previous books. Too bad because I always enjoy these books.
Maybe just 2.5 stars
I enjoyed the other portion of the story, but this Nazi bit made no sense to me, especially as the drama had been teased out in previous books. Too bad because I always enjoy these books.
Maybe just 2.5 stars
November 19, 2020
The first two books were good, the this and #3 aren't. Again too muchg with the idiotic adoption back story. In addition, the plunking of a key fact late in the story kind of ruins the flow. Add to that some very canned, stereotyped characters and this one's a fail. The only thing saving it from one star is when she does tell a story, regardless of how poor, it's well told.
In this one, Sloan and Garret are finally opening the B&B side of the business. You get a stereotyped techie schmuck, a stereotyped hanger on, and two cardboard buddies along for the ride. You get another couple of guests and some, again, stereotyped locals. Please, have a sign fall on and kill April.
I'll give this series one more chance.
In this one, Sloan and Garret are finally opening the B&B side of the business. You get a stereotyped techie schmuck, a stereotyped hanger on, and two cardboard buddies along for the ride. You get another couple of guests and some, again, stereotyped locals. Please, have a sign fall on and kill April.
I'll give this series one more chance.
November 11, 2020
The third book in this series (Beyond a Reasonable Stout) was my first Ellie Alexander (don't judge me for reading out of order--it's what the library had!) and I fell in love with her. I immediately ordered books one and two (and the first in her Bakeshop series). When I had the chance to read this book, book four, I was ecstatic! And it DID NOT DISSAPPOINT!
I've been reading a lot of cozy mysteries lately, and these just show me why Alexander is the QUEEN of cozy mysteries. When you have a "cozy," full of small town charm, recipes, and puns, sometimes the plot can feel a little slow or predictable or the characters too quirky--NOT WITH ELLIE. She's a master at creating somehow realistic but idealistic worlds (with murder!), keeping the plot moving, and giving us a crime that's an actual challenge to solve! I love her writing style and new she was going to be a new must-read author for me.
With regards to this book, and series, in particular I love it. Beer is a whole new spin on the cozy mystery baking obsession, and somehow feels more adult and less quaint (maybe because it's alcohol...). I don't even like beer, but I love learning more about it in these books. All the different kinds of beer, how to taste them, how they're brewed--it's so fun! And the town of Leavenworth, a make-shift Bavarian village in Washington State? I'm in love. I recently discovered it was a real place and am dying to go one day! Alexander creates such a charming picture of the town I'm adding it to my bucket list.
While I know the main mystery of this story--who murdered the guest at the beer B&B--should be the main star, a large part of me keeps reading to discover what happened to Sloan's birth parents! The mystery of Sloan's birth parents and how she ended up in foster care as a child are a subplot that's threaded throughout the books in the series, and in each one we learn and little bit more. Somehow, I think it might be years before we get an answer (and Sloan gets divorced and gets with Garrett), that's okay--I'll keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 stars - 9/10
I've been reading a lot of cozy mysteries lately, and these just show me why Alexander is the QUEEN of cozy mysteries. When you have a "cozy," full of small town charm, recipes, and puns, sometimes the plot can feel a little slow or predictable or the characters too quirky--NOT WITH ELLIE. She's a master at creating somehow realistic but idealistic worlds (with murder!), keeping the plot moving, and giving us a crime that's an actual challenge to solve! I love her writing style and new she was going to be a new must-read author for me.
With regards to this book, and series, in particular I love it. Beer is a whole new spin on the cozy mystery baking obsession, and somehow feels more adult and less quaint (maybe because it's alcohol...). I don't even like beer, but I love learning more about it in these books. All the different kinds of beer, how to taste them, how they're brewed--it's so fun! And the town of Leavenworth, a make-shift Bavarian village in Washington State? I'm in love. I recently discovered it was a real place and am dying to go one day! Alexander creates such a charming picture of the town I'm adding it to my bucket list.
While I know the main mystery of this story--who murdered the guest at the beer B&B--should be the main star, a large part of me keeps reading to discover what happened to Sloan's birth parents! The mystery of Sloan's birth parents and how she ended up in foster care as a child are a subplot that's threaded throughout the books in the series, and in each one we learn and little bit more. Somehow, I think it might be years before we get an answer (and Sloan gets divorced and gets with Garrett), that's okay--I'll keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!
5 stars - 9/10
October 13, 2020
I really like this series; Sloan is a really good MC and I like her surrounding group of friends very much. The day-to-day at the brewery is interesting [I had no idea so much went into making microbeer and this has been a fun way to learn about something that isn't really on my radar] and Garrett and Kat are good characters and balance Sloan well. I also like that Sloan does her JOB [and does it well. Her job and business are important to her and it shows] and doesn't pass the buck to others so she can sleuth [yes, this has become a HUGE pet-peeve for me in the cozy world. IF you have a job or run a business, this comes first and THEN sleuthing. NOT the other way around. So grateful that this author gets that]. The mystery was good [though I kinda guessed who it was near the beginning of the story - ONLY because I read a ton of mysteries and thought they'd be a good "bad guy", not because the writing led me there], but not the why, until right before the reveal [like a page before] and that made up for knowing pretty much the who. The writing was still very good and there were red herrings galore. Plus, some of the characters in this story made me realize for the millionth time why I am NOT in the service industry. I absolutely could not deal with people like that on a daily basis and not end up in jail or being sued.
All that said - this book was still a bit flat for me. The personal issues that Sloan is dealing with [and no more will be said on that because you need to read these for yourself and make your own determination] have bogged down the story and I feel like it is taking away from the story as a whole. I get how important this is, but I feel like instead of enhancing the story and having us learn more about Sloan, it is just slowing the story down. So much of this was focused on that, and for me, it took away from the story. I still really liked the story [I don't want you to think I didn't], and am already looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All that said - this book was still a bit flat for me. The personal issues that Sloan is dealing with [and no more will be said on that because you need to read these for yourself and make your own determination] have bogged down the story and I feel like it is taking away from the story as a whole. I get how important this is, but I feel like instead of enhancing the story and having us learn more about Sloan, it is just slowing the story down. So much of this was focused on that, and for me, it took away from the story. I still really liked the story [I don't want you to think I didn't], and am already looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2020
Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander is part of a fun series about a woman and her partner who run a microbrewery and tasting room in a small town in Washington, very German. The woman is Sloan Krause, hence the title of the series. They are about to open the second floor of the brewery as a small bed and breakfast, only about four rooms, when it became necessary to open it early as they apparently had the only empty rooms in town. They had the one couple they had counted on, Ali and Brad, when a blustery, very important man (just ask him) insisted that they rent him rooms for he and his three companions. Not really wanting trouble, they agreed. Last but not least was a single woman, Liv, who appeared to be miserably unhappy. So the evening had begun. The next morning when Sloan arrived, Kat, their Jill-of-all-trades, informed Sloan that Liv's room had been trashed and there was no sign of Liv. Sloan went to see for herself and immediately called the police chief who came and immediately started a town-wide search. Of course, Liv turned up, murdered, and all of the suspects seemed to be staying at their bed and breakfast.
This is a terrific series with an abundance of interesting characters. Sloan has separated from her husband, who she caught cheating. She is estranged from his family, the only family she has ever known, for reasons unrelated to the separation. Her partner in the microbrewery, Garrett, may be her future. Who knows? Everything is moving apace. Meanwhile, the convoluted plot does eventually yield a murderer, although with a motive the read would never expect. It is a well-written, mystery, easy to read, and compelling enough to keep your interest, with subplots and alternate storylines aplenty, not to mention misdirection and red herrings. It is well worth your time. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Without a Brew by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #withoutabrew
This is a terrific series with an abundance of interesting characters. Sloan has separated from her husband, who she caught cheating. She is estranged from his family, the only family she has ever known, for reasons unrelated to the separation. Her partner in the microbrewery, Garrett, may be her future. Who knows? Everything is moving apace. Meanwhile, the convoluted plot does eventually yield a murderer, although with a motive the read would never expect. It is a well-written, mystery, easy to read, and compelling enough to keep your interest, with subplots and alternate storylines aplenty, not to mention misdirection and red herrings. It is well worth your time. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Without a Brew by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #withoutabrew
June 15, 2021
I think I gained 5 lbs. reading this series. The food descriptions of beer infused recipes and the various seasonal beers all sound delicious.
I think this book can be read as a stand-alone given enough backstory on each of the characters is provided.
The possible murder suspects and the murder victim more interesting than previous books in series.
Sloan Krause, the main character continues to pursue her birth parents, leaving more questions than answers, and the possibility that her in-laws left Germany to avoid being seen as Nazi sympathizers, but they were integral in the town of Leavenworth development as a Bavarian styled village (all things German) with Alpine styled buildings.
In real life, this is a town that evolved to save itself from becoming a ghost town after mining and logging had left the area.
Sometimes I’m troubled reading about a town that celebrates Germany. There are no central characters that seem to be descended from or are the miners or loggers. Other than the murders, there’s an upbeat promotion of all things touristy about Leavenworth and the surrounding Yakima Valley agriculture area. It’s obvious the author loves this central Washington part of the state. So far, the series has moved through several seasons giving a full sense of tourism.
It’s time for me to lose 5 lbs before the next book in series is due to publish in late fall.
I think this book can be read as a stand-alone given enough backstory on each of the characters is provided.
The possible murder suspects and the murder victim more interesting than previous books in series.
Sloan Krause, the main character continues to pursue her birth parents, leaving more questions than answers, and the possibility that her in-laws left Germany to avoid being seen as Nazi sympathizers, but they were integral in the town of Leavenworth development as a Bavarian styled village (all things German) with Alpine styled buildings.
In real life, this is a town that evolved to save itself from becoming a ghost town after mining and logging had left the area.
Sometimes I’m troubled reading about a town that celebrates Germany. There are no central characters that seem to be descended from or are the miners or loggers. Other than the murders, there’s an upbeat promotion of all things touristy about Leavenworth and the surrounding Yakima Valley agriculture area. It’s obvious the author loves this central Washington part of the state. So far, the series has moved through several seasons giving a full sense of tourism.
It’s time for me to lose 5 lbs before the next book in series is due to publish in late fall.
October 11, 2023
I really like this series - the setting, (most of) the characters, their relationships and the storylines in each individual book and the ones that continue from one book to the next.
This installment finds Sloan moving on with her life, and I like the way the people around her supported her decisions. I get that she's trying to understand why her mother essentially abandoned her years ago, but she seems oblivious to the fact that, given the circumstances, there could be several very good reasons.
Besides the other puzzles in this book, there was (of course) a murder. The victim was a visitor to town, so there didn't seem to be many suspects at first, but as Sloan and the police learned more about the victim, the list of possibilities kept growing. I had a funny feeling about a couple of characters almost from the moment they were introduced, and one of them did indeed turn out to be the killer, but not for the reasons I guessed.
I look forward to returning to Leavenworth and Nitro to see if Sloan learns anything new about her mother, and to celebrate Maifest with Sloan, Garrett and the rest.
This installment finds Sloan moving on with her life, and I like the way the people around her supported her decisions. I get that she's trying to understand why her mother essentially abandoned her years ago, but she seems oblivious to the fact that, given the circumstances, there could be several very good reasons.
Besides the other puzzles in this book, there was (of course) a murder. The victim was a visitor to town, so there didn't seem to be many suspects at first, but as Sloan and the police learned more about the victim, the list of possibilities kept growing. I had a funny feeling about a couple of characters almost from the moment they were introduced, and one of them did indeed turn out to be the killer, but not for the reasons I guessed.
I look forward to returning to Leavenworth and Nitro to see if Sloan learns anything new about her mother, and to celebrate Maifest with Sloan, Garrett and the rest.
August 10, 2020
4.75 stars
This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause mystery series by Ellie Alexander.
Wow, every book makes me love this series even more. I loved how you had side storylines that really gave Sloan pause (eg. are Mac’s parents really Nazi supporters and dangerous?). This on top of the murder of one of their visitors staying in their Nitro guest rooms.
Sloan helps the local police chief ferret out who might have a motive to kill a young girl. This story is a lot more than it seems. I love it when you just keep changing who you think dunit.
And to top it off, this book isn’t just about the mystery, it is about who Sloan is and what is happening in her life. I loved getting to see her rebuilding her life after Mac���s betrayal. This is just an inspiring read that I can’t recommend enough. Definitely check this one out for sure!
If you like cozy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed in this series. Take a deep dive into this Bavarian brew-tastic series!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause mystery series by Ellie Alexander.
Wow, every book makes me love this series even more. I loved how you had side storylines that really gave Sloan pause (eg. are Mac’s parents really Nazi supporters and dangerous?). This on top of the murder of one of their visitors staying in their Nitro guest rooms.
Sloan helps the local police chief ferret out who might have a motive to kill a young girl. This story is a lot more than it seems. I love it when you just keep changing who you think dunit.
And to top it off, this book isn’t just about the mystery, it is about who Sloan is and what is happening in her life. I loved getting to see her rebuilding her life after Mac���s betrayal. This is just an inspiring read that I can’t recommend enough. Definitely check this one out for sure!
If you like cozy mysteries, you won’t be disappointed in this series. Take a deep dive into this Bavarian brew-tastic series!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
November 6, 2020
Sloan certainly didn't expect that Liv would be found dead in the river the day after she spent the night at Nitro, Sloan's new B&B. This latest installment in a delightful series set in Leavenworth, Washington is perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. Cozy readers know that there was more going on with Liv than Sloan could have known and that the obnoxious patrons are likely a red herring. This is a bit more than the usual cozy, though- it's also a story about a woman coming into her own. Sloan's husband Mac cheated on her, they are divorcing, and she's building a new business life with her partner Garrett. The characters are good, the atmospherics in town well done, and you will learn a bit about beer. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. It's fun entertainment for a cozy afternoon.
March 20, 2023
This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite series. I love Sloan Krause and visiting Leavenworth Washington. I love the various characters in the book that bring the book alive like Garret, Otto and Ursula, Max, Alex and all the other characters. I always have to laugh at April the unofficial ambassador to Leavenworth who can't speak German but wants the whole town to deck out like Germany.
I love hearing how beer is brewed and how Garret and Sloan mix strange flavors to make their new ales and stouts. I also really loved the story line that had twists and turns. I also liked the side story of Sloan's parents, and Otto and Ursula secret.
A really well written book that will keep you turning the pages and totally enthralled.
I love hearing how beer is brewed and how Garret and Sloan mix strange flavors to make their new ales and stouts. I also really loved the story line that had twists and turns. I also liked the side story of Sloan's parents, and Otto and Ursula secret.
A really well written book that will keep you turning the pages and totally enthralled.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews