Review: To Brew or Not to Brew: A Brewing Trouble Mystery by Joyce Tremel

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

To Brew or Not to Brew by Joyce Tremel
Series: A Brewing Trouble Mystery
Also in this series: Tangled Up in Brew
Also by this author: Tangled Up in Brew
Published by Berkley Publishing Group on December 1, 2015
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Source: the publisher

Maxine “Max” O’Hara is so passionate about fulfilling her dream of opening her own craft brew pub that she traveled all the way to Germany to obtain her brewmaster certification. Now, back in her home city of Pittsburgh, she's ready to open The Allegheny Brew House.

Yet with almost daily equipment repairs popping up out of the blue, the stress of the pub opening begins to weigh heavily on Max. She believes it all to be a coincidence, but Kurt, her assistant brewmaster and chef, thinks it is sabotage. Just as he's about to tell her who he believes is responsible for the damage, Kurt is found strangled in a piece of their brewing equipment.

Though the police believe his death to be an accident, Max is certain someone is responsible. There are a few that aren't too happy about the Brew House opening, someone willing to kill. With her homicide detective father behind her, Max launches her own investigation into the sabotage and murder.

I’m not going to lie, there isn’t a single thing about this new cozy mystery series that I don’t adore.

1. It’s set in Pittsburgh. My father’s hometown, a city full of fond memories for me.

2. The food. Oh, the food. Even reading on a full stomach, my mouth would water with all the food talk.

3. Beer. Craft beer.

Oh, and I should probably mention the handsome childhood friend (and crush) who returns to town, just in time to help Max after her dear friend’s death. And a kitten. Let’s not forget the kitten.

Mostly, this book had me longing for a visit to Pittsburgh, the description of the setting (and did I mention the food!?) was so detailed that I felt as though I were there myself. The culture, the language, oh so perfectly captured in a cast of characters that are real and as genuine as they get. This series has definitely jumped to the top of my favorites list. I can’t wait for more!