Title: Beyond a Reasonable Stout
Author: Ellie Alexander
First published September 29, 2019
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250205759 (ISBN10: 1250205751)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Ellie Alexander’s newest cozy mystery, Beyond a Reasonable Stout, follows amateur sleuth Sloan Krause as she navigates the treacherous waters of Leavenworth’s political scene. After the Oktoberfest crowds have gone home, Leavenworth is quiet and peaceful, but only for a moment.
Sloan and her partner in crime, Garrett Strong, are busy creating a new line of their signature craft beers at Nitro. However, their peace is threatened by Kristopher Cooper, the incumbent city councilmember who wants to banish beer from the village.
Kristopher’s murder just days before election night sends everyone into a tailspin, including Sloan, who finds herself trying to defend April Ablin, Leavenworth’s self-proclaimed ambassador of all things German. With a cast of familiar faces, Sloan must sleuth out the killer before it’s too late.
Filled with delicious scents, bubbling batches of brew, and a touch of danger, Beyond a Reasonable Stout is a delightful mystery that will leave readers thirsty for more.
About the Author
Meet Ellie, a passionate storyteller and book enthusiast who believes that stories have the power to transport and transform us. With over twenty-five published novels under her belt and counting, her aim is to create stories that connect, offer an escape, and foster understanding.
Ellie’s love for books is evident in her desire to step into the shoes of different characters and live their lives through the pages of a book. As a writing coach and teacher, she’s dedicated to helping writers find their unique voice and craft their stories while navigating their path towards publication.
If you’re looking for a good read, be sure to check out Ellie’s latest standalone novel, “Lost Coast Literary,” set to release on March 29th. Additionally, her 15th book in the Bakeshop Mystery Series, “Donut Disturb,” is scheduled to launch on June 28th.
To learn more about Ellie and her work, visit her website or follow her on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Editoral Review
Beyond a Reasonable Stout by Ellie Alexander is a cozy mystery novel that was first published on September 29, 2019. The book is the third installment in the Sloan Krause Mystery series, and it is set in the small town of Leavenworth, Washington.
Ellie Alexander is a renowned author of cozy mysteries, and her books have been praised for their captivating storytelling, relatable characters, and intriguing plotlines.
The book follows the story of Sloan Krause, a brewmaster at a local brewery, who is trying to solve the murder of her friend and colleague, Garrett Strong. The plot thickens when Sloan discovers that Garrett was about to sell the brewery to a rival company before his untimely death.
As Sloan investigates the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy the brewery and everyone associated with it.
The author’s writing style is engaging and immersive, and the reader can easily get lost in the world of Leavenworth. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the craft brewing industry. The author’s knowledge of the industry shines through in her descriptions of the brewing process and the challenges faced by small breweries.
The book also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its predictability. The plot follows a familiar formula that is common in cozy mysteries, and some readers may find it to be too formulaic.
Additionally, some of the characters lack depth, and their motivations are not fully explored.
Overall, Beyond a Reasonable Stout is a well-crafted cozy mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. The book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and the author’s storytelling is sure to captivate readers.
The book receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its engaging plot, relatable characters, and immersive setting.