The Cure for What Ales You

In Alexander’s taut fifth mystery featuring Leavenworth, Wash., craft brewer Sloan Krause (after 2020’s Without a Brew), Marianne DuPont—a woman from Sloan’s past—confronts her with a wild claim: Sloan’s life is in danger from a man linked to the death of her biological mother. Wary of the erratic Marianne, the levelheaded Sloan consults police chief Meyers , who assigns an officer to protect Sloan and promises to check out Marianne’s story. Meanwhile, the housekeeper at the Hotel Vierter Stock, where Marianne is staying, is murdered amid the busy town festival of Maifest, and Sloan speculates about Marianne’s possible involvement with the crime, as she was seen arguing with the housekeeper. Sloan also learns of a poisonous atmosphere among the hotel staff as well as a string of thefts, wondering about potential connections to the housekeeper’s death. The fascinating details about brewing, activities of Leavenworth’s colorful residents and tourists, and steadily ratcheting suspense keep readers turning the pages. Alexander continues to please with Sloan’s complex personal story and intelligent sleuthing. (Oct.)