I really enjoyed Without a Brew, the fourth installment in the Sloan Krause series!

The mystery in this cozy is a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series - the developments in Sloan's life make me glad I've been reading these in order. Sloan is a recent divorcee who now works at a microbrewery in a small village in the Pacific Northwest.

And that, really, is what keeps me coming back to these books. I often struggle to picture what authors describe, but Ellie Alexander continually manages to describe scenes in such a way that I can almost imagine myself in Leavenworth (the little Bavarian village where this series is set). The side details add so much to the story, from their latest brewing adventure to what's on offer for breakfast.

In Without a Brew, Sloan (and Garrett, the brewery owner,) have opened the brewery up for overnight guests (B&B style). But then one of the guests winds up dead. Sloan could hang behind the bar, slinging pints, but she dives right in to talking with other guests and townspeople, trying to figure out who might know something - and who could be the murderer.

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

4.5/5 stars
One of my favourite elements is the setting for this series. It’s such a part of the story and the people you encounter within the pages. Every time I read one of these books I’m dying to get a taste of the beers, like the fruit-forward ales and sweet strawberry pilsners. Interwoven (very well) with the story we see how craft brewing works from the chemistry to the marketing process. Each book brings new and interesting details.

Of course, if you’re not excited about the world of micro brewing, you can simply enjoy Leavenworth with its Bavarian charm. In this installment, it’s just after Christmas but the snowfall and special winter lighting add a festive cheer… except for that pesky murder business.

Who killed out-of-towner, Liv? It’s so odd that in this small place with random strangers, quite a few people seem to recognize her. Sloan gets to sleuthing when Liv’s body turns up and the police chief asks her to keep ears and eyes open. There are numerous suspects from obnoxious bed and breakfast guests to an old friend and even a random couple with a past link. While opportunities seem evident, what are the motives? To find the truth, Sloan will have to look harder and ask some difficult questions. There are enough clues and red herrings to get you fully involved in the case.

The other big secondary storyline is the truth behind Sloan’s placement in the foster care system, as a child. Her old case worker, Sally, had concerns in the past and now has proof that things weren’t kosher with Sloan’s case. Unfortunately some of that ‘proof’ casts shadowy light on Sloan’s ex in-laws and only true family she’s ever known. As much as I like Sloan, I found her actions and thoughts to be highly judgmental and unfair towards people who had only ever shown her love and kindness. Her situation is difficult and she really grapples with it, so I’ll cut her some slack. However, every piece of this puzzle makes for an intriguing series arc!

Overall, this is an awesome series. Easily one of my favourites and I look forward to continuing!

Ellie Alexander is one of my favorite authors. She is an easy read, a fantastic author and is a painter with her words. While this book in the series did fall a little short for me (there’s a lot of fluff writing in my opinion... in this book) I still enjoyed it. Her mysteries always keep you guessing until the last page. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen something else happens. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Without a Brew is the fourth book in the Sloan Krause Mysteries, and sees Sloan, Garrett and the crew at Nitro Brew Pub getting ready for winter in Leavenworth, a little Bavarian-esque town in Washington. Nitro is seeing their first B-and-B guests. However, not all is rosy with their guests, when one of them turns up dead! It's up to Sloan to put her ear to the ground and find the killer, before they strike again!

I love this series so much! While I do like Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries, this series is my absolute favourite. I love how she twirls together a fabulous spine-tingling mystery, with a cozy brew pub and village. Add in her detailed descriptions of the brewing process, and every book is a fascinating read.

The mystery itself involves out-of-towners, and it was interesting trying to untangle it before Sloan does. However, it is the other sub-plot of this series that interests me the most... that is of Sloan's heritage. We are slowly learning more about her background, and that is even more of a mystery. I absolutely can't wait for the next book to find out more, as Sloan untangles her own heritage.

Without a Brew is a first class mystery that is going to make you want more and more. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book!! If you like mysteries with a unique twist, I thoroughly recommend this series. Even if brew pubs aren't your thing (they're not mine) this series will keep you interested with its fantastic plots and fun characters.

This is my first read in this series and I want to thank NetGalley for providing this one to me. I plan to read the others in the series ASAP. Sloan and her friends are a great group of characters. I also liked that Sloan is a bit older than most of the cozy protagonists with a lot of the backstory included. I didn’t feel like I’d come in the middle of the story. Enough details were included to catch me up on the previous story lines.

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.

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.

I've read all of the books in this series and have loved them all, but this one.... Wow this one while in the same theme as the others was still kind of different. This one had me on the edge of my seat and totally engrossed. Our author has obviously upped her game and brought this series to another level. We still have the local village feel but now we have a bit more intrigue from outside the village and from Sloan's past. This series keeps getting better. I'd love if there were some recipes included, I mean the food sounds so good. Looking forward to the next in the series.

This series continues to deliver! I love seeing how the relationships evolve, and the setting is so inviting. The dual mystery in this volume was particularly good!

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.

I really enjoy tearing into this series as soon as the next book is available. Craft beer is such an art.
Sloan Krause is the product of the foster care system, but has found a strong family and idyllic home in Leavenworth, Washington, where she has joined Garrett in crafting unique beers made from specialty hops. They’ve gradually added more services, light snacks and soups and are now looking forward to opening rooms above Nitro as a limited B&B.

In this episode, they are gearing up for IceFest and testing their B&B quarters which has resulted in an eclectic group of guests.

So many strong layers to enjoy: the information regarding the art of brewing, Sloan’s mysterious background coming to the fore, and the mystery itself expertly woven smoothly together. It’s okay that it’s Book 4, the author easily adds bits of pertinent data (no info dump), although these are fun enough to go back and start with Book 1.

The protagonist herself, Sloan, is not an in-your-face amateur sleuth and she works well with local police Chief Meyers, herself an intelligent woman, effective, exchanging hints.

The mystery is not without twists or red herrings. The author builds her characters so three-dimensionally, the reader quickly becomes engaged.

Fully invested in all the layers, the conclusion comes whether or not you’re ready. The storyline resolves several issues, sets up for the next book, and fully cements you in the series. The only issue I had was of “the sharp edge of the shovel.” Just not sure that’s one you’d walk away from.

Check out this atmospheric and character-driven series. Well-plotted and paced, it’s highly entertaining and immersive. FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my unbiased thoughts. 4.5/5 stars

Read my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/10/04/without-a-brew-a-sloan-krause-mystery-book-4-by-ellie-alexander-a-bookreview-cozymystery/

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books

Another winner from Ellie Alexander! This is a really engaging mystery and I love the character of Sloan. It's a very quick exciting read!

Without a Brew is the latest in the Sloan Krause series. What I love about this series is how the author manages to write a story where the female amateur sleuth avoids putting herself in danger at every step. While I love cozy mysteries, I often am cringing at how often the women characters do things that put themselves and those around them in danger. Ellie Alexander seems to avoid that, which makes this series a must-read for me.

There are some plot threads that span multiple books in this series. While the author does a good job of summarizing what happened in previous books and this book could be read as a stand-alone, I think most would enjoy the series more when read in order.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sloan Krause and her business partner Garrett are ready to make their Nitro Brewery into a bed and breakfast. They plan on a soft opening, but things get out of hand when a lack of local hotel rooms means they end up with a full house. When one of the guests is discovered missing the following morning, and her room ransacked, Sloan immediately calls the police chief. With the guests as the prime suspects, Sloan must use her resources to find out what is going on, and keep the business thriving. I like while Sloan helps solve the mystery, she always lets the police take the lead. She serves as an extra set of eyes and ears, but always shares her information with the police chief. Sloan is good at listening and talking to people, which is how she picks up clues.

The mystery was well done. There were several suspects and a couple of twists. Everything pulled together well at the end, and the crime was believable, if sad.

I’m not a fan of Sloan’s investigation into her own past. I get that a woman who spent her childhood bouncing from foster home to foster home would want to know more about her background, but the “facts” presented by her former caseworker are just odd. The whole situation seems unbelievable and takes away from the story, in my opinion. I like that Sloan is a strong woman, raising a teenage son and healing from her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s infidelity.

I’m not a beer drinker but my husband and our friends are definitely craft beer fans. The brewery and the brewing process is interesting. It gives me an appreciation for the process if not the final product.

Without a Brew is a fun read. I do love mysteries this time of year – well any time of the year honestly. This is the second in the Sloan Krause series I’ve read. I enjoy the people and Leavenworth is definitely a quirky town. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. Maybe Sloan will be able to reconcile with her past and her move to town may even give her social life a boost.

I enjoy this series as its very richly atmospheric set in the fictional Germanic tourist village of Leavenworth, Washington. Sloan is back and she is on the case of a complex murder while preparing their B&B for guests. The setting is winter snowstorm at its most fierce and the snow is the perfect background for this sleuth. I love the supporting charcters and how close everyone is in the town. The guest that arrive are each obnoxious in their personality and difficult for Sloan and crew to deal with. Sloan is still part of her ex in laws lives and very important to them as she traverses life without her ex husband in the same town. Another winning cozy read by Ellie Alexander that will appeal to all cozy readers and especially those who enjoy beer brewing .

Thank you for the opportunity to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.

I've have fallen in love with Ellie Alexander's writing and her two mystery series set in fictional small towns in the Pacific Northwest. The Bakeshop Mysteries and the Sloan Krause mysteries transport you to communities and towns that I would love to visit for their climate, the friendliness of the inhabitants, the absence of crime (except as relates to these mysterious murders) and the delicious food available. In the way that I'd escape to St Mary's Mead, I am happy to spend hours in Leavenworth, Washington with Sloan Krause and her Krause family and Garrett and her Nitro workplace family.

From the earlier mysteries, it is clear that while Sloan and her husband have separated, the Krause holds Sloan close and she remains an important part of the brewery and the town. In #3 of the series, Beyond A Reasonable Stout, Sloan learns about her mother and that the Krauses had known her biological family. Sloan is upset at Ursula and draws away from the Krauses as she learns more about her past. But there is only so much that you can push away family and in Without A Brew we return to the mystery of Sloan's past and try to heal the breach with her mother-in-law and close friend Ursula.

I'm drawn to the Sloan Krause mysteries because of the relationships in the Krause family. But as Without A Brew is a murder mystery, Ellie Alexander goes far beyond the family drama. Nitro is led to open their B&B earlier than they'd hoped. Their soft opening brings them a strange mix of guests. When one of their guests is found dead, Sloan and Garrett are led to investigate the murder. They uncover more than one motive and several potential suspects. With more bravery than sense, Sloan undertakes to test the alibis and narrow down the suspects. Without A Brew delivers the sense of community, delight in food and drink and an engaging mystery.

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.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"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."

I received a free Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review. I liked the story. We continue to find out a bit more about Sloane's background and about her German in-laws. I do not want to give away spoilers here.

This was an enjoyable read. It has been a while since I've read one in the series, but didn't feel lost about who was who. I shall go back and read the others. The mystery kept me guessing. I also enjoyed all of the characters.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a strong series, with an interesting setting and a good ensemble cast. Set in a small faux-German town in the Pacific Northwest known for its beer and its German festivals, the author does a great job of creating a realistic feeling community.

Main character Sloan Krause started out by being married to the son of one of the town's leading couples and owners of the biggest brewery. But she left her cheating husband and is now part of the brew crew at another smaller local operation.

Sloan is a strong woman. She was abandoned by her mother at a young age and bounced through the foster care system. She had a sympathetic caseworker and learned a lot of hard lessons and wisdoms early. When she married, her in-laws became her family and she is still close to them. But she recently found out they had been hiding a secret for years about her birth mother and she has been distancing from them.

If this sounds overly angsty, it actually isn't and is handled well and just provides some interesting background. Meanwhile, Sloan and Garrett, the brewer she works for, have just opened up a few B&B rooms to the public. When one of the guests disappears and is later found murdered, suspicion falls on the other B&B guests.

This series has more depth than you often find in the cozy genre, and it's easy to like Sloan. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.