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Sloan Krause #5.5
Hold on for Beer Life
Amateur sleuth and brewer Sloan Krause returns in Hold on for Beer Life, a new cozy mystery novella from author Ellie Alexander. Includes recipes!
Spring has given way to early summer in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, where Sloan Krause and her brewing partner in crime, Garrett Strong, are taking off for a weekend adventure. They’ve been invited to Confluence Brewing in nearby Wenatchee for the brewery’s soft opening. Confluence is taking beer tourism to the next level with farm-to-table dinners in their lush apple orchard, hop field tours, overnight accommodations complete with beer-themed breakfasts, and of course, plenty of tastings.
The trip is part work and part pleasure. Sloan is looking forward to a weekend away with Garrett and getting a chance to learn more about Confluence. There’s no doubt that the nanobrewery is a perfect escape for any craft beer lover. Sloan is immediately captivated by the rustic barn, turned tasting room, and the expansive orchards that stretch as far as her eye can see. Dinner under the stars is nothing short of magical. Maybe it’s the organic food and beer pairings, or perhaps it’s the company. Either way, she’s happy to be finally stepping outside of herself and figuring out what’s next for her.
However, the blissful moment is short-lived. Sinister things are brewing at Confluence. When Sloan discovers one of the brewery’s young interns knocked out in the middle of the orchard, she realizes she and Garrett are in for more than sampling summer IPAs. If they can’t get to the bottom of what’s really going on at the new start-up, they might just end up at the bottom of the barrel.
Spring has given way to early summer in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, where Sloan Krause and her brewing partner in crime, Garrett Strong, are taking off for a weekend adventure. They’ve been invited to Confluence Brewing in nearby Wenatchee for the brewery’s soft opening. Confluence is taking beer tourism to the next level with farm-to-table dinners in their lush apple orchard, hop field tours, overnight accommodations complete with beer-themed breakfasts, and of course, plenty of tastings.
The trip is part work and part pleasure. Sloan is looking forward to a weekend away with Garrett and getting a chance to learn more about Confluence. There’s no doubt that the nanobrewery is a perfect escape for any craft beer lover. Sloan is immediately captivated by the rustic barn, turned tasting room, and the expansive orchards that stretch as far as her eye can see. Dinner under the stars is nothing short of magical. Maybe it’s the organic food and beer pairings, or perhaps it’s the company. Either way, she’s happy to be finally stepping outside of herself and figuring out what’s next for her.
However, the blissful moment is short-lived. Sinister things are brewing at Confluence. When Sloan discovers one of the brewery’s young interns knocked out in the middle of the orchard, she realizes she and Garrett are in for more than sampling summer IPAs. If they can’t get to the bottom of what’s really going on at the new start-up, they might just end up at the bottom of the barrel.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2022
79 people are currently reading
618 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...
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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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 16, 2022
This was a good installment in the beery adventures of Sloan and Garrett (yes, it has taken me this long into the series to commit that guy's name to memory!). Finally, the long drawn-out thread of Sloan's parentage in the mists of time has been lain to rest and I for one am pleased. Her divorce from the cheating husband isn't quite final but that felt more tied off this time out and no appearance and little mention of his lovely, supportive, over-used parents. These are all good things and most likely possible because this story takes place outside the town of Leavenworth. No April Ablin sightings (to my slight chagrin because I love that misfit toy!)
This time Sloan and Garrett are on a trip together which is forward momentum for their relationship and also possibly an opportunity for business with another brewery. But alas, all is not right with the pastoral location and after one of the workers is knocked on the head, Sloan is pretty much on the case. The dirty dealings were pretty obvious and well done with red herrings and solutions. The descriptions of the valley were beautiful and I always love that. Even better, this one had recipes in the back from the meals mentioned in the story and that always wins points from me. I have no idea at all where I'd find rosehip beer but a recipe it was used in sounded so nice, I might try to locate it. When you can get a non-beer drinker to do that, you've succeeded.
In the beginning of the book, the author mentions that the series had been cancelled by the publisher but as fans had so much interest, she continued on her own. I love that and look forward to the next installment.
Recommended.
This time Sloan and Garrett are on a trip together which is forward momentum for their relationship and also possibly an opportunity for business with another brewery. But alas, all is not right with the pastoral location and after one of the workers is knocked on the head, Sloan is pretty much on the case. The dirty dealings were pretty obvious and well done with red herrings and solutions. The descriptions of the valley were beautiful and I always love that. Even better, this one had recipes in the back from the meals mentioned in the story and that always wins points from me. I have no idea at all where I'd find rosehip beer but a recipe it was used in sounded so nice, I might try to locate it. When you can get a non-beer drinker to do that, you've succeeded.
In the beginning of the book, the author mentions that the series had been cancelled by the publisher but as fans had so much interest, she continued on her own. I love that and look forward to the next installment.
Recommended.
December 10, 2022
Sloan Krause and Garrett Strong decide a weekend getaway from Nitro, their microbrewery in Leavenworth, Washington, is just what they need so they accept an invitation to attend Confluence Brewery's launch of their immersive beer retreat in Wenatchee. Right from the start though, something is really off.
I've enjoyed this cozy mystery series. This little novella is a fun, quick read with even some recipes included. Sloan and Garrett's romance seems to be heating up. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I've enjoyed this cozy mystery series. This little novella is a fun, quick read with even some recipes included. Sloan and Garrett's romance seems to be heating up. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
May 4, 2022
Interesting mystery. Nice addition to the series!
August 16, 2022
Hold On For Beer Life was a nice, quick read, a light refresher between more meaty books. If you haven’t read any of the other Sloan Krause books, this would be ok - you probably won’t be lost, but why not start with one of the full-length books in the series instead? This was a decent mystery and a satisfying ending, filled with the atmosphere this series is known for, and lots of information on the making of beer along the way. The author includes recipes for some of the delicious-sounding food mentioned during the story. I was sorry to hear that this series was being discontinued and was glad to see this novella come along.
March 4, 2023
I found this book to be ok. I think I’m not a fan of novellas or short stories. They don’t feel like full fleshed out stories to me. The plot was fine so I didn’t dislike it. I think I prefer a longer story with a more of a plot.
May 8, 2022
Nice addition to the series
This was a fun addition to a good series. While Sloane and Garrett explore their new and evolving relationship, they hope to enjoy the work of another brewery and maybe make a new working relationship. But not everything is as it seems on their get away weekend!
This was a fun addition to a good series. While Sloane and Garrett explore their new and evolving relationship, they hope to enjoy the work of another brewery and maybe make a new working relationship. But not everything is as it seems on their get away weekend!
May 10, 2022
This is my comfort series. I am sure I will love every book.
August 9, 2023
when!! will! they!! smooch!!!!!!!!!!!
May 9, 2022
A nice addition to the series at just the right length for the mystery. I am so glad to have the chance to visit with Sloan and Garrett again and watch their relationship progress. Hoping for more in the series.
June 20, 2024
I like beer and I like mysteries so that's why this series has caught my eye.
Sloan has been working with Garrett in his microbrewery/pub, Nitro. Over time, they have developed feelings for each other but are taking it slowly as she recently got out of a marriage to Mac, whom she'd caught cheating on her.
Nearby Confluence Brewing has recently opened and is doing tours and tasting. It sounds like a fun way for Sloan and Garrett to spend a weekend ... supporting the local craft beer industry and spending time together. What they hadn't bargained for is discovering shifty activities at the Confluence and they are determined to find out what's going on to protect their industry.
This is a novella after the fifth book in the Sloan Krause Series and I liked it. I've read the others and this works as a stand alone (there is enough background provided). It's written in first person perspective in Sloane's voice. There is some talk about beer and food pairings and recipes at the end. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2024/06...
Sloan has been working with Garrett in his microbrewery/pub, Nitro. Over time, they have developed feelings for each other but are taking it slowly as she recently got out of a marriage to Mac, whom she'd caught cheating on her.
Nearby Confluence Brewing has recently opened and is doing tours and tasting. It sounds like a fun way for Sloan and Garrett to spend a weekend ... supporting the local craft beer industry and spending time together. What they hadn't bargained for is discovering shifty activities at the Confluence and they are determined to find out what's going on to protect their industry.
This is a novella after the fifth book in the Sloan Krause Series and I liked it. I've read the others and this works as a stand alone (there is enough background provided). It's written in first person perspective in Sloane's voice. There is some talk about beer and food pairings and recipes at the end. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2024/06...
June 6, 2023
Fun, very quick little mystery starting my favorite brewer/amateur detective Sloan Krause! In this novella, Sloan and Garrett are heading to nearby Wenatchee for an amazing weekend getaway at another nano-brewery, Confluence. Only it turns out to be not so amazing as they encounter bizarre behavior from all the staff members, and decide they have to figure out what’s going on.
The foodie details are epic as always - even though the staff are acting crazy, they are serving up excellent creative food and beer pairings that made me want a seat at the table. And the budding romance between Sloan and Garrett sees a few little sparks that make me hope to see them finally start dating in the next full book.
If you like this mystery series, don’t hesitate to pick this one up and spend a couple hours with Sloan and Garrett!
The foodie details are epic as always - even though the staff are acting crazy, they are serving up excellent creative food and beer pairings that made me want a seat at the table. And the budding romance between Sloan and Garrett sees a few little sparks that make me hope to see them finally start dating in the next full book.
If you like this mystery series, don’t hesitate to pick this one up and spend a couple hours with Sloan and Garrett!
August 3, 2024
Sloan Krause Mystery Light
I wondered why Hold on for Beer Life was book 5.5 in the series. This book is a novella, and I imagine, a bit of a filler until the next novel.
The entire action takes place at a farm at an event held by another brewer. It also provides the backdrop for the progession of the relationship between Sloan and her boss Garrett.
Once again, Sloan finds herself investigating a strange occurrence, and it becomes dangerous for her. She's quick to put the pieces together as it all happens in less than two days.
The book contains the recipes for the food served at the farm. I love books with recipes, but none of these left a lasting impression.
Overall, the novella felt a bit light on the normal content in Ellie Alexander's Sloan Krause Mysteries.
I wondered why Hold on for Beer Life was book 5.5 in the series. This book is a novella, and I imagine, a bit of a filler until the next novel.
The entire action takes place at a farm at an event held by another brewer. It also provides the backdrop for the progession of the relationship between Sloan and her boss Garrett.
Once again, Sloan finds herself investigating a strange occurrence, and it becomes dangerous for her. She's quick to put the pieces together as it all happens in less than two days.
The book contains the recipes for the food served at the farm. I love books with recipes, but none of these left a lasting impression.
Overall, the novella felt a bit light on the normal content in Ellie Alexander's Sloan Krause Mysteries.
August 19, 2022
For a short mystery, this was very well done. Sloan Krause goes for a brew tour weekend with her employer/love interest, Garrett Strong. When they get to Confluence Brewery, it's obvious something is very wrong. The two almost-lovebirds want to get to the heart of why the craft brewery's interns seem so afraid. Sloan and Garrett actually use their expertise in beer making to figure out what's going on at the brewery, and it's a believable solution. I have to say, though, this series does keep up the "will-they, won't-they" for a verrrrry long time.
November 30, 2023
Oggi avevo voglia di una lettura veloce, ma comunque interessante per cui mi sono rivolta a una delle mie serie preferite. Ci sono quattro racconti in questa serie, quindi ho scelto di leggerne uno e non sono rimasta delusa. Buona storia, con un bel pizzico di pathos romantico che non guasta. Poi è anche abbastanza lungo (poco più di 100 pagine), il che è importante per me che in genere non amo i racconti. Detto questo, devo decidermi a mettermi in pari con questa serie...
April 15, 2024
I enjoyed this novella in the Sloan Krause series. Sloan and Matthew are away for the weekend checking out a small brewery. They are considering a collaboration with them. It doesn't take long for them to realize there is something seriously wrong. They do find out what's going on and the police are involved. This was the first "date" for Sloan and Matthew. It was lovely to see even if it was interrupted by crime.
May 5, 2022
I'm happy the Sloan Krause series is continuing, and "Hold on for Beer Life" is a fun addition to the series. I do hope that we stop hearing about Mac and the beerwench in the following books because it doesn't seem natural for a character who's obviously moved on to still think about it so frequently. Other than that, I was interested and delighted with this cozy mystery novella.
May 5, 2022
I’m so glad Sloan is back! This short, teaser mystery is a perfect bridge between the last and next full length Sloan book. This book eases us back into her brewing world and her new outlook on life and Garrett since her major life events in the last book. ( No spoilers here)
I enjoyed this appetizer before book #6 is released. I’m looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed this appetizer before book #6 is released. I’m looking forward to the next one.
June 1, 2022
Another great Ellie Alexander read!!
This short mystery was great from the start! Sloan investigates a situation at another brewery that she and Garrett visit. When reading this book you will be able to picture the characters as well as the scenes. I would recommend adding this book to your to be read list for sure!
This short mystery was great from the start! Sloan investigates a situation at another brewery that she and Garrett visit. When reading this book you will be able to picture the characters as well as the scenes. I would recommend adding this book to your to be read list for sure!
June 5, 2022
I enjoy the series especially because the setting is Leavenworth, WA, the most magical place during the Christmas season. It’s a bit more unique as opposed to all the books flooding the market about a woman inheriting a dilapidated inn that she restores while finding love along the way. I credit Ellie Alexander for being a bit more creative in this series.
June 15, 2022
I have enjoyed both of her series as they're based in the area I live in but this ending to the Sloan series is off and feels thrown together. Not really as fleshed out as her other novels. Also, the use of Confluence as a brewery seemed strange since Confluence Health is a huge medical network here in the Wenatchee Valley and Columbia Basin.
March 19, 2023
I was a bit disapointed in this novella, but I'm SO glad to see that the next full length cosy mystery in this series comes out in March, 2023. I can't wait to see what Sloan gets into next. Thanks to readers prodding, this series is continuing after the publisher originally cancelled the series at book 4.
April 4, 2023
A perfect nitro novella
Sloan can never catch a break, but at least life isn't boring. She and Garrett are just trying to enjoy a weekends long brewery experience at another nano brewery but things aren't adding up. They find themselves solving a mystery while also trying to enjoy themselves.
Sloan can never catch a break, but at least life isn't boring. She and Garrett are just trying to enjoy a weekends long brewery experience at another nano brewery but things aren't adding up. They find themselves solving a mystery while also trying to enjoy themselves.
November 3, 2023
good short story
Sloan and Garrett decide to do a weekend trip to a local brewery however things get off to a rough start when they see one of the workers on the ground. However the brews and food are good. However things don’t seem like they should. So they keep their wits to find out what was going on.
Sloan and Garrett decide to do a weekend trip to a local brewery however things get off to a rough start when they see one of the workers on the ground. However the brews and food are good. However things don’t seem like they should. So they keep their wits to find out what was going on.
January 4, 2024
Getting this short is like reuniting with an old friend; the familiarity of the PNW and the whole cast instantly comforts you.
The content of this short is especially time relevant, and I loved seeing Sloane and Garrett develop their relationship further.
Plus, the beer infused recipes never hurt either!
The content of this short is especially time relevant, and I loved seeing Sloane and Garrett develop their relationship further.
Plus, the beer infused recipes never hurt either!
May 7, 2022
Love This Series!
This series just keeps getting better. So glad a public outcry kept it going. I’m looking forward to more adventures from Sloan and Garrett. Ellie Alexander is a master.
This series just keeps getting better. So glad a public outcry kept it going. I’m looking forward to more adventures from Sloan and Garrett. Ellie Alexander is a master.
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Usually I don't like it when characters are taken out of their usual setting, but this one worked for me. Maybe it was because I didn't have to endure reading the dialect of Sloan Krause's former in-laws.
July 15, 2022
This was a fun addition to the series moving the relationship between Garrett and Sloan forward with a less deadly mystery for their weekend away. A quick read that makes me eagerly anticipate the next full novel in one of my favorite series.
January 17, 2024
This was a quick read and so enjoyable. So great to read about Sloan and Garrett again. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Ellie Alexander is one of my favorite authors. She does such an amazing job of bringing the characters to life.
May 27, 2024
I have enjoyed this series and this short entry moves forward the relationship between Sloan and Garrett.
The story, although a shorter length , delivers a mystery complete with red herrings and multiple suspects. I hope there will be more entries to enjoy in this series .
The story, although a shorter length , delivers a mystery complete with red herrings and multiple suspects. I hope there will be more entries to enjoy in this series .
July 26, 2025
A great fast read (and no one was murdered)! Just crimes solved before a murder occurred! Love this series, even though I'm not a beer (craft or store purchased) or alcohol drinker period! But I do enjoy solving the mysteries. Now on to the next book in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews