I was given this free advanced reader copy by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. And I loved it.
Sloan Krause and her business partner Garrett are ready to make their Nitro Brewery opening into a bed and breakfast. However, their debut weekend gets a little out of hand when a burst pipe brings in guest. Plus there's the stranded visitor. Unfortunately all the other hotels are full, and so Nitro Breweey B & B is jumping off with 2 feet. 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.
Let's (again) start by saying that this book is the 4th in a series that I have never read until now. However, starting with the fourth book is doable, because Ellie Alexander is very good about bringing the reader up to date with Sloan and the village. Right off the bat, I thought the author had started the series in the middle of a crisis in the main character's life. I thought "how original!" Then I researched it and discovered my mistake, but it never felt like I was missing something. I was never overwhelmed by information. Instead, it flowed seamlessly and smoothly with the plot of the crime.
There is a personal investigation for Sloan as she pursues her own past. This was also pretty easy to follow with the author providing the transactions and information. I would say that this added some insight into Sloan and her personality, but it didn't. I thought her interactions with the rest of the characters gave the reader those insights. I am interested, however, to see if Ellie Alexander will make that mystery a book all on its own. (Or maybe it already is, and I just need to start at the beginning.)
I enjoyed the main crime for how relatable it was. I could understand the motive, and even feel some pity. I was definitely kept guessing with all of the suspects and the different twists and turns. But what also made this enjoyable was Sloan herself. She didn't run off into action, or try to figure it out herself. Instead, she listened and talked to people. She told the chief what she knew and encouraged everyone else to do the same, even to the point of walking a couple of them to the station herself. I thought that was the most realistic and common sense like aspect of the novel. I do have one question. Why do none of the characters use their cell phones? I mean, I guess because it is a small village so walking is possible. But a couple of times, Sloan would walk to the police station and the chief would be out. Wouldn't calling her on her cell and leaving a voicemail be a good idea? Or even a quick text?
Seeing as how that was my only question, I didn't feel it took anything away from the story or why I enjoyed it so much. The Brewery and the brewing process was interesting. Again, not overwhelming or confusing for a first time reader. I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and will go back and read from the beginning before book 5 comes out.
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