To Brew or Not To Brew by Joyce Tremel

Cozy readers, settle in because I found a new series! I've just finished To Brew or Not To Brew, which is the first part in the A Brewing Trouble Mystery series by Joyce Tremel. This book has fun characters and a well-written mystery that had me turning pages until I finished the story in one sitting!

From the back of the book:

An all-new mystery series set in a Pittsburgh craft brew pub, featuring a brewmaster with a head for sleuthing.

The Allegheny Brew House is a dream come true for Maxine “Max” O’Hara, who went all the way to Germany for her brewmaster certification, and is now preparing to open her own craft brew pub in a newly revitalized section of Pittsburgh. But before she can start pouring stouts and lagers to thirsty throngs, there’s trouble on tap. Suspicious acts of sabotage culminate in Max finding her assistant brewmaster and chef Kurt Schmidt strangled in one of the vats.

Between rescuing a stray gray tabby she names Hops and considering a handsome ex-hockey player as her new chef, Max doesn’t have a lot of time to solve a murder. But with a homicide detective for a dad, she comes to criminal investigation naturally. And if someone is desperate enough to kill to stop her from opening, Max needs to act fast—before her brand-new brew biz totally tanks...

My thoughts:

I really liked Max. I found her to be very down to Earth and her family was the big loving family every one dreams of having. I always wanted a bunch of brothers like that. Of course, the brother's good looking and charming friends also sounded like a nice bonus and I look forward to reading more parts and watching that relationship develop. 

One thing I really liked about this was that it was solvable for the reader yet Max didn't just know who it was. There was some luck and stumbling into the truth involved, which I think added to the realistic feel and tension of the ending. Plus I feel smart when I figure it before they do. I think readers will find this a rich world with great characters. I am glad to be here at the start so I can watch everyone grow together. 

Did I mention there are recipes too? There sure are, and a sneak peek at the next part too! 

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.