Step into the frothy, mystery-filled world of Sloan Krause, where craft beer and clever sleuthing bubble up in the charming Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth, Washington! Ellie Alexander’s Sloan Krause series is a delightful cozy mystery blend, starring a master brewer with a nose for hops and a knack for solving crimes. With its quirky characters, small-town charm, and a pint-sized twist on the genre, this series is perfect for readers who love a good whodunit with a side of brewing culture.
Sloan Krause, a foster child turned chef, brewer, and mother, is no ordinary protagonist. Her journey through personal challenges—like a cheating ex-husband and a search for her roots—pairs seamlessly with her detective work, making her a relatable and resilient heroine. Let’s dive into the heart of this hoppy mystery series!
How Sloan Krause Began
Ellie Alexander, a Pacific Northwest native with a passion for storytelling, crafted the Sloan Krause series to marry her love for cozy mysteries with the vibrant craft beer scene. Inspired by Leavenworth’s real-life Bavarian charm and its thriving brewery culture, Alexander introduced Sloan in 2017 with Death on Tap. The series was a natural extension of her successful Bakeshop Mysteries, but with a sudsy twist, offering readers a fresh take on the cozy genre through the lens of a female brewmaster turned amateur sleuth.
The Heart of Sloan Krause
The Sloan Krause series kicks off with Death on Tap (2017), where Sloan catches her husband, Mac, cheating and leaves his family’s brewery to join Nitro, a hip nano-brewery. When a rival brewer is found dead, Sloan dives into the mystery to clear Mac’s name, uncovering secrets in Beervaria’s tight-knit community. The Pint of No Return (2018) sees Sloan investigating a movie star’s murder during a brewfest, while Beyond a Reasonable Stout (2019) tackles a city councilmember’s death tied to a dry-town proposal. Without a Brew (2020) brings a wintery mystery as Sloan navigates a trashed B&B room and a missing guest.
Set in Leavenworth, nicknamed Beervaria, the series weaves brewing culture into its DNA. Alexander’s vivid descriptions of hoppy IPAs, chocolate stouts, and brewing processes delight beer enthusiasts, while the cozy setting—think twinkling lights and alpine streets—creates a warm backdrop for chilling mysteries. Themes of resilience, community, and self-discovery shine through Sloan’s story, blending witty dialogue, quirky locals, and just enough edge to keep the genre fresh.
The series’ style is concise yet immersive, with murders unfolding at a leisurely pace to let readers savor the town and its characters. Sloan’s personal growth, from navigating divorce to building a new life at Nitro, adds depth, making each book a satisfying sip of mystery and heart.
Why Sloan Krause Resonates
The Sloan Krause series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world by blending craft beer culture with small-town intrigue. Fans praise its unique setting and Sloan’s strength as a female lead, with reviews calling it “a hopping good cozy” and “an entertaining sip” of the genre. Its Pacific Northwest pride and focus on brewing make it a love letter to the region, appealing to readers who crave authenticity and charm. As Alexander continues to expand the series, its growing fanbase proves that Sloan’s adventures are here to stay.
- First Book: Death on Tap (2017)
- Number of Books: 9 (including novellas as of 2023)
- Setting: Leavenworth, Washington
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Death on Tap and dive into Sloan Krause’s frothy world of beer and mystery! Whether you’re a cozy fan or a craft beer lover, this series promises a refreshing adventure.