I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
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. 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.
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.
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 it to flow smoothly throughout the novel with the murder, it really has become quite overdramatized. The murder itself was very good and the suspects just kept lining up. A good mystery, in my opinion, gives the reader various suspects, motives, and possibilities, and this one was not slacking.
Overall I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
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