Tangled Up in Brew (Brewing Trouble #2) by Joyce Tremel

There is a special feeling to a cozy, all cozy readers know that. It starts on page one and tells you that this is going to be a place of friends and good times, even though there will be loss and scandals. That was the feeling I had on page one of Tangled Up in Brew (Brewing Trouble #2) by Joyce Tremel.

From the back of the book:

Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend Jake Lambert are excited to be participating in the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Max hopes to win the coveted Golden Stein for best craft beer—but even if she doesn’t, the festival will be great publicity for her Allegheny Brew House.

Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner.

My thoughts:

I knew from reading part one that this series was filled with the type of characters I love. Easy to relate to and hard to leave. The setting is cute, and adds a bit to the cozy food theme by being a brewery as well. It was good see the returning characters and I enjoyed the new faces, even though a few were the type you think might be next on the murder list. I like that both Max and Jake's parents get stronger parts and I still think they have a sweet relationship that isn't spoiled by any cliche triangles.

They mystery wasn't one I was able to figure out. I did figure the why quicker than that was revealed, but the who was a bit harder to draw a line to. The contest and festival was a lovely setting within the setting, I do love a celebration. It had a nice pace and left me feeling good, as well as looking forward to the next part, which was hinted at in the back... behind the delicious recipes.

You still have time to grab part one and be caught up when this releases on October 4th! 

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