The Cure for What Ales You: A Sloan Krause Mystery

The Cure for What Ales You by Ellie Alexander is the 5th A Sloan Krause Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. It is spring in Leavenworth, Washington which means it is time for the Maifest Festival which includes booths, parade, costumes, food, and good brews. The author brings Leavenworth alive with her vivid descriptions of the city. I enjoyed reading about the charming Bavarian looking buildings, the food, the drinks, parade, and festival fun. This series is character driven. The characters are realistic and friendly. I like how they are there for each other and are a family. The main characters have grown and developed since Death on Tap. There are two mysteries in this book. A figure from Sloan's past, Marianne surfaces. Sloan might finally get the answers she seeks about her birth parents. It seems danger has followed Marianne to town. A housekeeper at the local hotel ends up murdered in Marianne's room. Marianne claims that Sloan and her family are in danger. Marianne behavior is a little frenetic and some of her actions make the book seem more like a suspense instead of a cozy mystery. I am glad that this storyline is finally wrapped up. I have not been a fan of it and the details were a little out there. I was disappointed with the resolution. The death of the housekeeper was a mystery more in keeping with a cozy. There are several suspects including Marianne. It is a straightforward whodunit which can be solved before the reveal. I could have done without Sloan repeating the list of suspects so often. The ending was warm with Sloan reflecting upon her future. Sloan and her son, Alex are lucky to have such close friends and the Kraus family. I liked learning more about the brewing process and what goes into creating unique brews. The final brew in the book was certainly different. The Cure for What Ales You is a gripping tale with crafty brews, a shadowy woman, terrifying threats, a miniscule costume, and a fun Maipole Festival.