Scan barcode
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
The second installment of the Brewing Trouble series is just as delightful as the first. This is a well crafted cozy that is well written with a good steady pace that keeps the reader turning pages to see how the mystery will be solved. The characters are developing nicely and I really enjoy the fact that Max is in business that is traditionally male dominated. She is holding her own and is supported by a terrific group of secondary characters. What I like is the sense of camaraderie that the author conveys among all of the brewers. I also like how Max and Jake's relationship is progressing. It feels natural and doesn't overpower the mystery. The mystery was solid with plenty of twists to distract me from the real culprit. I did not guess the identity of the killer until it was revealed.
I will definitely be returning to the Allegheny Brew House to see what Max, Jake and the gang get themselves into next.
I will definitely be returning to the Allegheny Brew House to see what Max, Jake and the gang get themselves into next.
rynflynn12's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
Quick, light mystery. Fewer "I don't think the it would really happen like that?" moments here than in the first book in the series. An enjoyable setting and cast of characters, even if the mystery isn't particularly amazing.
melmmoore's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really enjoying this cozy series. I'd probably enjoy it better if I'd waited when I could relax with a beer while reading!
mandyk's review against another edition
3.0
Tangled Up in Brew is the second installment in the Brewing Trouble trilogy. This time our MC is a vendor in a new beer festival when one of the judges dies suddenly. The victim was a much-hated critic for the local paper, and the list of suspects is nearly endless. Unfortunately, the new detective on the case is convinced the killers were our MC and her boyfriend/chef.
While the first in this series was devoid of any of the cozy tropes I dislike, this one managed to hit two of them: MC being the prime suspect and an enemy detective. However, the tropes were handled in such a way that it never got annoying. So while I was disheartened to see both tropes pop up at once (although to be fair, the two do tend to be utilized together) it didn't turn out as bad as I feared.
I liked the mystery in the first book better, I felt that the first one did better with weaving clues to the real killer earlier on than this one did. However, I adored the festival setting and really enjoyed the burger and craft beer competition side plot.
While the first in this series was devoid of any of the cozy tropes I dislike, this one managed to hit two of them: MC being the prime suspect and an enemy detective. However, the tropes were handled in such a way that it never got annoying. So while I was disheartened to see both tropes pop up at once (although to be fair, the two do tend to be utilized together) it didn't turn out as bad as I feared.
Spoiler
The MC's dad being the lead detective on the case, and the fact that the real killer was never trying to frame someone else is what kept the tropes in check and less annoying than they tend to be.I liked the mystery in the first book better, I felt that the first one did better with weaving clues to the real killer earlier on than this one did. However, I adored the festival setting and really enjoyed the burger and craft beer competition side plot.
bookwoman37's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Belly up to the bar and try one of Max’s new brews.
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend, Jake Lambert, are 2 awesome characters. Working with your significant other can be tough but these two compliment each other nicely and each have their own strengths. Max knows beer and Jake knows food and the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival is the perfect place so show everyone their talents. But cranky critic Reginald Mobley is not a fan of the Allegheny Brew House fare and delvers a scathing review. It puts them in the police’s cross hairs when he dies in front of a crowd of people while eating Jake’s burger. Max’s dad is also on the case but his partner has his mind made up. It may be time to call on a higher being, Max’s brother is a priest so he will be praying but Max is determined to save Jake, herself, and their pub any way she can.
The characters in this series are very interesting. Setting the story at a festival draws an eclectic group of people too. They are also very well crafted. The lead characters are both strong and independent, equals and very supportive of each other. They lean on each other but are not dependent on each other. They have known each other most of their lives and that gave them a strong bond before they even started dating.
The author also gives us a very strong plot with plenty twists. Reading the first book in this series, I figured out the culprit before Max, this time I was right there with her and figured it out at the same time. My early suspicions were totally wrong. She also gives us enough depth into the world of micro-brews with overwhelming the reader. I love learning new things.
I enjoyed the setting of the festival and could easily picture the booths and their layout. Ms. Tremel’s descriptions were so rich I could almost taste the beer and those burgers,
This is a fantastic addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next installment, A Room With A Brew. Now if I could just have a glass or two of Max’s citrus ale to hold me over until then…
Belly up to the bar and try one of Max’s new brews.
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend, Jake Lambert, are 2 awesome characters. Working with your significant other can be tough but these two compliment each other nicely and each have their own strengths. Max knows beer and Jake knows food and the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival is the perfect place so show everyone their talents. But cranky critic Reginald Mobley is not a fan of the Allegheny Brew House fare and delvers a scathing review. It puts them in the police’s cross hairs when he dies in front of a crowd of people while eating Jake’s burger. Max’s dad is also on the case but his partner has his mind made up. It may be time to call on a higher being, Max’s brother is a priest so he will be praying but Max is determined to save Jake, herself, and their pub any way she can.
The characters in this series are very interesting. Setting the story at a festival draws an eclectic group of people too. They are also very well crafted. The lead characters are both strong and independent, equals and very supportive of each other. They lean on each other but are not dependent on each other. They have known each other most of their lives and that gave them a strong bond before they even started dating.
The author also gives us a very strong plot with plenty twists. Reading the first book in this series, I figured out the culprit before Max, this time I was right there with her and figured it out at the same time. My early suspicions were totally wrong. She also gives us enough depth into the world of micro-brews with overwhelming the reader. I love learning new things.
I enjoyed the setting of the festival and could easily picture the booths and their layout. Ms. Tremel’s descriptions were so rich I could almost taste the beer and those burgers,
This is a fantastic addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next installment, A Room With A Brew. Now if I could just have a glass or two of Max’s citrus ale to hold me over until then…
jgallagher1983's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series!!! My father is from Lawrenceville so I, know a lot of he places in the book. Pittsburgh has always felt like home to me, and the people are so nice, so this book is comforting to me. Plus, the brewery, Max and Jake's relationship, and Hops! I love that little kitten