Book ~ "Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue" (2023) Ellie Alexander

From Goodreads ~ 'Tis the season for frothy winter ales and the annual Bavarian holiday market in the charming alpine village of Leavenworth, Washington. Brewing partners Sloan Krause and Garrett Strong are debuting their latest collaboration, “Merry Brew Year,” a hoppy ale brewed with caramel, toffee, and cinnamon for the opening night of Christkindlmarkt. It’s a festival atmosphere in Front Street Park as the snow begins to fall and the children’s lantern parade illuminates the street. But not all is merry and bright when a twisted turn of events leaves a local vendor as dead as last year's Tannenbaum. 

Now Sloan Krause must tap into the mystery and pour over the clues. Can she barrel through the lies and uncask the truth, or will the holiday season end in a bitter finish? With their new beer on the line and a killer who's not afraid to malt the competition, Sloan must unravel the mystery before the final toast is made. Will it be a "hoppy" holiday, or will the murderer's cold-hearted draft leave everyone's spirits flat?

I like beer and I like mysteries so that's why this series has caught my eye.

Sloan works with Garrett in his microbrewery/pub, Nitro. It's time for the annual Bavarian holiday market in Leavenworth and Nitro has a booth along with other local vendors. Owen, a merchant who recently moved to the village, isn't particularly liked because he's not a very nice fella. When he's found with a knife in his head and barely alive, there are a few who could have wanted him dead. Sloan sets out to find out who would want him dead.

This is a novella after the sixth book in the Sloan Krause Series and I liked it.  I've read the others and this works as a stand alone (there is enough background provided). It's written in first person perspective in Sloan's voice.  There is some talk about beer and food pairings and recipes at the end. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity.