The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
ejparvin's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fun light mysteryÂ
bakingbookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As a book nerd who loves craft beer (porters + stouts all the way, baby!), this cozy mystery series is right down my alley. But you don't have to love beer to enjoy this series set in a small town in Washington state.
In this sixth book, there's (yet another) murder in the small Bavarian-inspired town and Sloan and Garrett quickly put themselves and the Nitro brewery front and centre to figure out whodunnit. I'm thankful that the on-going (and a little belabored) story arc about Sloan's past that spanned the previous 5 books is done.Â
In this book, there's a good balance between the murder mystery and the growing secondary cast, most of whom I love to reconnect with (except April, the over-the-top Bavarian-addict who thankfully plays a very minor role. Can we kill her off?). We get to know Garrett's family and learn a 'big secret from his past' which was a bit lackluster and seemed to come out of nowhere.Â
There are decent red herrings, tension (mysterious and sexual) and the possibility of a new resident coming to Leavenworth, WA. And I always enjoy the delicious beer and food descriptions (there are a few recipes in the back!).
This book can be read as a standalone and is a light, 'clean' cozy mystery that has a unique setting and a wintery feel, perfect as we head into cold weather. Cheers!Â
emilymd20's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
manal_osmally's review
4.0
I remember the panic this book release caused... worth everybit of it...
Pros:
- Main Character development was very subtle but in a cute way, unlike other cozy mysteries the romance here is not forced.
- I like that we moved a bit away from Sloan's past, taking into consideration the previous book, I was under the impression that it might be a repeated issue.
- I am really glad that we didn't get any in-law complications, that would have ruined the story line, also that there was no stigma about sloan.
- This one of the rather"April"less books and I am so glad for that, having so many new characters with that certain one would have been really challenging.
- The argument of who is doing what is one a very smart approach in this book (If that person wasn't the murder it would have been a real nail bitter), you have a seasoned doctor who claims that by having the drug and tweaking it as she went, she would end up saving way more people than she kills. and you have the young doctor who thinks the idea of the drug itself is very risky
Which lead us to (The Trolly Paradox)
Cons:
- The focus is scattered a bit too much in this series, there's just so many characters running around in the book, the crime itself might have been an afterthought, over shadowed by the life events rolling around
- Once again, I am looking for the connection between Garrett's family and Sloan, why did he find the picture of her mother in what have been his aunt's property.
- The element of speed in this book was just, too fast, I felt like the event were rolling (x2) speed.
- Garrett past part was a bit anti-climactic for what it should have been, or more likely what I thought what it should have been.
- The disarray of the suspect list was just so annoying, up till the last chapter I was doubting that the case was over.
- The part about Leah's participation in the stakeout was so rushed, one second Leah was about to join them and the other the entire thing was over.
Am I worried about this series coming to an end, YEAH, VERY... but I am going to hop to book6.5
Pros:
- Main Character development was very subtle but in a cute way, unlike other cozy mysteries the romance here is not forced.
- I like that we moved a bit away from Sloan's past, taking into consideration the previous book, I was under the impression that it might be a repeated issue.
- I am really glad that we didn't get any in-law complications, that would have ruined the story line, also that there was no stigma about sloan.
- This one of the rather"April"less books and I am so glad for that, having so many new characters with that certain one would have been really challenging.
- The argument of who is doing what is one a very smart approach in this book (If that person wasn't the murder it would have been a real nail bitter), you have a seasoned doctor who claims that by having the drug and tweaking it as she went, she would end up saving way more people than she kills. and you have the young doctor who thinks the idea of the drug itself is very risky
Which lead us to (The Trolly Paradox)
Cons:
- The focus is scattered a bit too much in this series, there's just so many characters running around in the book, the crime itself might have been an afterthought, over shadowed by the life events rolling around
- Once again, I am looking for the connection between Garrett's family and Sloan, why did he find the picture of her mother in what have been his aunt's property.
- The element of speed in this book was just, too fast, I felt like the event were rolling (x2) speed.
- Garrett past part was a bit anti-climactic for what it should have been, or more likely what I thought what it should have been.
- The disarray of the suspect list was just so annoying, up till the last chapter I was doubting that the case was over.
- The part about Leah's participation in the stakeout was so rushed, one second Leah was about to join them and the other the entire thing was over.
Am I worried about this series coming to an end, YEAH, VERY... but I am going to hop to book6.5
connie_d's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
reading_srsly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75