Another delightful visit to the brewery. More of Sloan's family history is revealed. A convoluted murder mystery. Some extra stuff going on to help confuse the issue and keep one guessing. Relax, have a pint or glass of wine and enjoy the tale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

It’s Mailfest in the charming and cozy town of Leavenworth! Sloane and the crew of Nitro are eager to start slinging pints of their newest craft beer, Lemon Kiss for the town festivities. Ready for a busy but fun weekend Sloane gets wrapped in more than beer and brats. The woman from past that Sloane has been looking for shows up at the festival, a local housekeeper is murdered and now she and Alex are in danger too. Sloane does why she does best….. brews and clues!!!



Wow! What a powerhouse of a story with The Cure for What Ales You. Ellie Alexander is a Fascinating writer and it definitely shows within the story. Sloane has done a lot of growing over the last few months and learning to live life a new way. Also trying to find out who she is. A lot of those questions are answered in this almost double mystery. Sloane never gives up or in and has become a stronger person for it. The Cure for What Ales You is fun and festive, a well plotted mystery and long time fans will have some long time questions answered. A very entertaining cozy.

I had to take a night to think about this book and try and figure out just how to write a review for a book that 1. made me throw my kindle hard onto my desk, and 2. made me so angry that I did nothing but spout off about it for about 2 hours total to several people after I was done [and just spouted off again about it to my poor mom 20 minutes ago]. No book should make a person feel this way, especially a cozy mystery, which typically are supposed to be light and fun with some suspense near the end. But when you are invested in a series and have read ALL of them and have loved them, to have one that is just so obviously wrong and tepid and repetitive and then to give us the crappiest ending E V E R, anger is a natural emotion. Add to the fact that, while I received this as an ARC, most people will have to pay $13.99 for this as a kindle book, makes it even more infuriating. If the publishers wish for us readers to pay that kind of money, they need to make sure the book is readable.

What I liked about this book:
* Sloan, Garrett, Kat, Alex and all the supporting characters [except for April, who needs shut up somewhere]. We still get glimpses of the Krauses which is lovely, but the focus becomes more and more on Sloan and her job at Nitro, which is how it should be.

* All the beer talk and information. I do not drink beer, have never liked it [from the first taste of it when I was young] and don't understand the nuances of it, but these books make me wish I did like beer and could have a pint at Nitro, with Sloan or Garrett explaining the notes and process of what I would be drinking. I love learning and this part of these books is always fascinating to me and this book was no exception [I would have liked more info on the Lemon Kiss - what an interesting sounding beer!!].

* The way the town rallies around Sloan at a rather difficult time [<spoiler>though, are we to really believe that Sloan's child would be missing for up to a half hour with NO ONE TELLING HER, leaving her to find out from APRIL??? SERIOUSLY???</spoiler]. She is very well known in Leavenworth and is extremely well-liked and it shows in this time of crisis. It was extremely heartwarming in a time when that kind of behavior is hard to find in real life. Can you even imagine if we all did that on a regular basis?

* The way Sloan remains upbeat, even when in the middle of a ton of stress. Growing up in foster care has taught her to take care of herself and that only she is responsible for her happiness [her split from Mac has reinforced that, in a very good way], and the way she is able to find the good within the bad [even when this absolutely doesn't make ANY SENSE] is something we all should strive for.

What absolutely did not work for me [and should not really work for anyone else who reads this]:
* The tepid repetitive [EXTREMELY repetitive] dialogue that makes up most of this book. SO. MUCH. REPETITION of simply mundane things. Dialogue that goes nowhere and doesn't add to the story. Careless mistakes [that show as lazy writing] in every chapter [example: Sloan and a girl are talking and the girl clocks out of work and they walk to the exit together. The girl gets distracted and Sloan "leaves her to get back to her work". What is it? Was she working or clocked out? While this seems silly and inconsequential, when it happens multiple times chapter after chapter, it gets old.

* The whole insane BACKSTORY that just never, ever rings true <spoiler>GANGSTERS? Really? Would someone really hunt down a person who was a child 40ish years previous to kill them because they might "know something"? I think not. This was so unbelievable that I could barely even stand this part of the story-line. And Marianne being the wacko she was? SERIOUSLY?? This whole story was just so wrong and so UNBELIEVABLE. I absolutely hated it.</spoilers>, nor does Sloan's reaction to all the news that is dumped on her. It was crazy to think that the readers would fall for this and believe all this to be true. NO ONE REALLY SEEMS WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON, which also leads to the story never, ever ringing true. So disappointing.

* The murder. Seriously? HOW did that add to the story? It didn't. It just muddied the waters.

* The reveal. Again, SERIOUSLY? <spoiler>THE MURDER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORY AND WE DO NOT EVEN GET A FULL EXPLANATION AS TO WHY A COMPLETELY INNOCUOUS ALMOST INVISIBLE CHARACTER IS THE KILLER. What the heck? This does nothing for the story, bogs things WAY down and left me going "WHAT?" and scratching my head. </spoiler>

* The wrap up surrounding Sloan's past and all that happened [or didn't happen] in the book. I cannot even. That has got to be the most uninspired, tepid, unbelievable ending of any book I have ever read. What a huge disservice this is to all the readers and fans that have loved these books.

I have loved this series and am so hoping to love it again. One [poorly written] book will not make me stop reading this [normally] outstanding series. But I cannot, in good faith, write a good review for a book that clearly was not a good read or a well-written book with a good, fleshed out mystery and satisfying end. My only hope is that we are done with this chapter in Sloan's life and now can move on to bigger and [hopefully] better things.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Alexander, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Alexander is my favorite cozy mystery author, and she did not disappoint with this installment. I absolutely love the Beervaria setting and I can tell that Ellie's work is well-researched. The mystery was so much fun, and I adore the characters!

Ugh! I hate to give the Sloan Krause Mysteries by Ellie Alexander anything less than five stars because I love this series, but The Cure for What Ales You just didn’t hold up as well as her previous books in the series.

There are still the fantastic descriptions of the village, breweries, and Germanic history that Alexander infuses in this series, and which I love so much about it. As well as the wonderful and caring characters that keeps me coming back to Leavenworth, Washington. But I found myself skimming more than I would have liked due to the hectic nature of Marianne, which seemed to want to pull this cozy mystery into a suspense book, but just didn’t have the oomph to do so. Along with how much Sloan kept going over information about the possible suspects made some of the sections very long winded. Now I know that every main character does this in a cozy, but this just seemed a lot more than Alexander usually writes.

I was pleased that we finally wrapped up the questions Sloan had about her mother and childhood history that she can’t remember, but it felt a bit out there and more suited for a thriller…. which is fine, but it was something that stood out and not in a great way for me. And usually the endings are not quite as rushed in Alexander’s books, but this one was and the inclusion of the letter to finalize the story line felt like a bit of an easy out as a way to finish the book.

Will this stop me from reading future installments of the Sloan Krause Mysteries, no, no it will not!

I really enjoyed reading this book. This book took me away for a few hours in which I could forget my everyday reality and just relax and decompress for a while. It moves along at a great pace making for an easy read. It has interesting characters that you want to know more about and you cant help but fall in love with. It has a story that is interesting and will keep you reading till the end and then you are wanting more. This book is a must read, there is no doubt about it.

This is part of a series but you can enjoy the book without having read any of the others. Although i think I want to read more in the series to really get to know Sloan and her family. This mystery has a few twists and turns and I really enjoyed learning a bit about microbrewery. This is a fun read. I received a copy of this book from Minotaur for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This is the fifth book in the Sloan Krause series and is set in Leavenworth, Washington. This town is a replica of a typical German town.

Sloan runs a brewery in the German style town of Leavenworth, Washington. Sloan has been looking for her aunt Marianne. Sloan was a foster child and would like to find her birth parents.

Marianne tells Sloan that someone is out to kill them both.
A lot of the mysteries involving Sloan's past are answered in this book.

I love the sense of community, the acceptance of Sloan as one of their own by her soon-to-be ex in-laws, and the recurring characters. They make this series a keeper and I just can’t wait for the next installment.
I was given an advanced reader’s copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.

Wow, this was an awesome and suspense-filled book that pretty much brought all the other books together as far as answers Sloan had been looking for. I don't want to say too much or take a chance spoiling something, so all I'll say is, don't miss this one! But do read the other books first! I feel like that's really imperative with a series like this because each book builds a little on the one before it even though the main murders were always solved. I really, really hope this isn't the last book, but if it was, I think the ending was perfect.

The search for an elusive killer was what most of the book was spent doing along with a short search for someone else close to Sloan. And this was all happening in the middle of a super busy Maifest. The comic relief of course, was always April, the hugely-overboard cheerleader for the town that no one really wanted to claim as its official representative, lol. But anyone would admit she did have the town's best interests at heart however extreme or weird her requests were! There was a scene before the parade that just cracked me up! And it was only where April was mentioned.

You might need a tissue for the last few pages of the book, but it's the happy kind of eye leakage. Whatever happens next and if there's another book, I'm always eager to read it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

A wonderful addition to the Sloan Krause series! It's Maifest in Leavenworth and there is so much going on. First of all, this book felt like a turning point in the series. There was definite growth and healing within the Krause family. I am glad that they were able to all sit down and have a much needed conversation. There was also a breakthrough with the mystery of Sloan's past. The second half had me so worried and kept me on the edge of my seat. Wow... Oh yeah, can't forget that April is back to her old -delightfully- annoying ways. All I know is that Garrett is still one of my faves and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Great characters, a cozy town, a Maifest festival, craft beer, past secrets, and an interesting murder....what more could you need in a cozy mystery?
I'm continuing to enjoy each entry in this series. Looking forward to the next book.

Many thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

The Cure for What Ales You by Ellie Alexander (Sloan Krause #5) 4.5 stars

In this years entry of the Sloan Krause mysteries after "Without a Brew", we find Sloan Krause and the crew of Nitro getting ready for Maifest, a celebration of Spring and German culture. Dancing, music, food and especially beer are the stars of the festival. When Sloan spots Marianne, a mysterious figure from her past in the crowd things get interesting. Marianne insists that Sloan is in danger; a paroled criminal is coming to kill her. When a hotel employee is killed near the room where Marianne is staying, Sloan feels anything but safe. Is Marianne trying to protect Sloan or is she a person of interest. It will take finishing the book to find out the answers.

There has always been a mystery surrounding Sloan's past - a child surrendered into the foster system, she has always wanted to know about her family. The desire to find out about her parents has been a underlying plot line in all the books. This book will finally provide some answers and start a new chapter in Sloan's life. I find that Sloan's character growth from the first book "Death on Tap" to this current book a wonderful journey. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.

What could be better than Spring in Leavenworth, Washington? It's a beautiful town no matter the season and Sloan and her partner, Garrett, are eager to introduce the latest creation, Lemon Kiss. What should have been isn't what really is when a woman turns up and who looks like her Aunt Marianne, the one person who may have answers to Sloans past and the loss of her mother. There are lots of questions and very few sources of answers.
Instead of answers Marianne becomes involved in a murder and Sloan is warned of danger to her family. No wonder that Sloan investigates the current homicide - her future may hang in the balance. Marianne made it clear that the past was going to endanger her future.
This is the 5th book inn the series and I prefer to read series in order but, if that is of no concern to your choice of reading, this will stand on its own. The mystery is well plotted, the characters are multi dimensional and the setting is perfect. (What can I say, I'm a big fan of Leavenworth) Ellie Alexander brings real towns to life making the reader want to pack their bags and hit the road for a long visit.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This has to be one of the best cozy mystery books that I have ever read. I loved the characters and the back story. The locations are places that I want to visit. Such a treat.

Nice setting, good characters. I like going back and visiting this series with each new book. I'd like to know most of these characters in real life, and definitely retire to such a town. I enjoyed the mystery and finding out more of Sloan's past.

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

Sloan Krause is a partner in a start-up craft brewery with partner Garrett. They are excited to introduce their new spring time release, Lemon Kiss, just in time for the annual Maifest parade and the onslaught of the tourists. Besides people, there will be tons of flowers, lights, German foods, music, and craft beers. Such an immersive atmosphere!

Sloan is a foster child and has only had glimpses of her birth background, but in this entry to the series, an aunt makes herself known with the plea that Sloan may be in grave danger and needs to flee. A sub-plot occurs in which the body of a maid turns up that either may or may not be related to the unknown dangerous person.

The mystery curls around the development of the festival, the costumes, and the sights and sounds of the picturesque village. In the meantime, Sloan is working on the death of the hotel housekeeper, while trying to keep her son safe. We are finally getting the low-down on Sloan’s background!
The conclusion reveals the whodunits and once the can of worms is opened spills a lot of secrets and shared history. Okay. Love the series, just not thrilled with the wrap up of this one.

The fifth in the Sloan Krause Mystery series, I’ve been captivated by the characters, the little town of Leavenworth WA, the incredible story of craft beers and I’ve greatly enjoyed them all. Wanna take an armchair vacation? I recommend this series.

*3-3.5 stars

The fifth book in a cozy-mystery series set in the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, WA, featuring brewmaster Sloan Krause. It's best to read these in order as the story builds. Somehow I missed book four and so the story was missing a chunk of detail for me.

Marianne, a woman from Sloan's confusing past, shows up in town during the busy Maifest celebration with dire warnings that an evil man named Forest is out to harm Sloan and her family. In fact, she reports a dead body in her hotel room that could be his victim. It's all very cloak and daggerish but the local police take it seriously and Sloan is assigned a police guard. Can she figure out what's going on herself before the body count increases?

This installment of the series didn't engage me as much as her earlier stories have. In future books, I'd be happy to read more in the current day and about craft brewing than this focus on Sloan's past.

I received an arc of this mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.

In the fifth book of a Sloan Krause Mystery series, we finally get the questions answered about Sloan's past. Though there is a murder to be solved that is possibly contracted to her past, the main focus is on the mystery that has taken five books to solve.

I love this series and look forward to each new book. Enjoy reading about how Sloan and Garrett make the various beverages that they serve at Nitrogen. I do wish one of the higher-ups in town will have a talk with April. While her job as ambassador is self-appointed, she could still harm the town's reputation by center for her antics and the way she dresses. If I was wanting to open a business in town April trying to strong arm businesses in carrying tacky souvenirs and wearing German costumes. The description of one of the dresses sounds like something you could would find on an adult website.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It has been so interesting to follow Sloan's development from hurt, cheated on wife to confident, independent partner in a nanobrewery. So much personal growth has occurred and so many personal issues have been resolved by the end of this book that I have to wonder if the series is also ending. The murder of a housekeeper may or may not be connected to Sloan's past. A mystery woman may have answers about Sloan's past but may also be delusional. The current crime wave and Mai Fest happenings are enough to keep readers engrossed. The details that come out about Sloan's past are a bit hard to swallow if not far-fetched. I hope there are more stories about Sloan, friends, and family. And who is Sloan's father?

Maifest is coming to Leavenworth, WA and Nitro is ready to debut some new beers. Sloan is busy with the planning. Much to her surprise a woman purporting to be her aunt shows up and warns Sloan and her family are in danger. There is a lot of excitement and resolution in Sloan’s life in this book. Hopefully, good things are coming to her life from her on out. I enjoyed this read. Wonderful setting and great characters.