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Book Review: The Cure For What Ales You by Ellie Alexander

A Cozy Mystery for Micro Brewers

By Caitlin GonyaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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In number 5 of her Sloan Krause series, our heroine is preparing for Maifest in Leavenworth, Washington. With her Nitro partner, Garrett, they are debuting a new craft brew, Lemon Kiss ale. Despite the overwhelming preparations, Sloan has an unexpected visitor named Marianne, who claims to be her aunt, arrive at her cottage in a state of hysterical alarm. At Marianne's hotel, in her room, there has been a murder, and Marianne is convinced that Sloan and her family are in immediate danger. While at the hotel, Sloan discovers there have been a string of thefts, including Marianne’s own proof of identity. Sloan must decide if she believes this complete stranger from her past before any one she loves gets hurt.

This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries. Sloan Krause is so down to earth, and common sense brilliant. She doesn't put herself in unnecessary danger, and if she suspects there might be a chance, she takes so many precautions. There is a steady stream of personal growth for Sloan from book one to book five. Though she has divorced Mac, the family relations between Sloan and the Krauses continue to bring warmth to a reader’s heart. This is the only family she knows, and they will not abandon her. The fact that Sloan knows this, and that her friends are also there for her, and that she is beginning to rely on them shows how she is evolving. When her son is targeted, it is quite clear how the people of the town feel about Sloan, and how she has learned to accept their assistance.

I also really love the craft beer aspect of the novel. It is refreshing from some of the other cozy novels of bookstore owners on the water, or librarians, gardeners, etc. It is a new experience to read about a different profession. I also find it fascinating how craft beer is created. There is also the location with the different festivals displaying Bavaria that represent a whole different culture. The descriptions in the novel bring the town to life, and makes the reader want to attend it’s many festivals. I wonder if the author will use the same festivals in future novels or if there will be new venues, new histories, that the author could research along with the microbrewery.

One thing I hope this novel puts an end to is the mystery of Sloan's past. It's a nice side issue but really has no bearing on the immediate murders or the plot. Though this novel allows Sloan’s mysterious childhood to flow smoothly throughout the novel by including Marianne as a suspect, it really has become quite over dramatized. Combing the two mysteries allows for more suspects, but also some wild theories. That is what makes the murder itself very good. The suspects just kept lining up, each with their own motive and their own opportunity. A good mystery, in my opinion, gives the reader various suspects, motives, and possibilities, and this one was not slacking. Reading as Sloan deciphered each clue, each story, and each happenstance made the reader a sounding board for Sloan. As she was conducting her investigation, so were we. I found myself connecting clues before Sloan, but also giving Sloan/Ellie Alexander credit for a connection I hadn’t made yet.

My hope is that the future novels focus more on the adult Sloan, and less on her childhood. I want to know where adult Sloan goes in regards to her partnership in Nitro, but also the burgeoning romance between her and Garrett. Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and cannot wait for more.

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About the Creator

Caitlin Gonya

I love reading. Everything and, just about anything, I can put my hands on. I was guided towards writing, so I started with book reviews, and am now feeling ready to showcase some of my stories. I would appreciate any constructive feedback.

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