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Death & The Brewmaster’s Widow
by Loretta Ross
Death & the Brewmaster’s Widow
(An Auction Block Mystery)
2nd in Series
Cozy Mystery
Setting – Missouri
Publisher: Midnight Ink (February 8, 2016)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738747057
E-Book ASIN: B019KKTWU4
Synopsis
They call it “the Brewmaster’s Widow”; the abandoned brewery where Death Bogart’s brother died in an arson fire.
With his girlfriend, Wren Morgan, Death goes home to St. Louis to take on a deeply personal mystery. When Randy Bogart went into the Einstadt Brewery, he left his broken badge behind at the firehouse. So why did the coroner find one on his body? Every answer leads to more questions. Why did the phony badge have the wrong number? Who set the brewery fire? What is the connection between Randy’s death and the mysterious Cherokee Caves, where the opulent playground of 19th century beer barons falls into slow decay?
Not understanding how and why he lost his brother is breaking the ex-Marine’s heart. But the Brewmaster’s Widow is jealous of her secrets. Prying them loose could cost Death and Wren both their lives.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The first book in this series made my Best Reads of 2015 list. I couldn’t wait for this book to be released because we were given a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last one.
Wren Morgan and Death (Dee-th) “it’s a family name” Bogart are in St. Louis to wrap up affairs after Death’s brother is killed in an arson fire. But there is a mystery surrounding his death because he was found wearing a badge with the wrong number. His correct badge had a broken clasp and was left back at the fire station. Could this badge mix up have something to do with the fire? Wren and Death take us deep into The Brewmaster’s Widow and her secrets to find out.
I am going to say this up front. This book can be read as a stand alone but you really need to read Death and the Redheaded Woman
In this story Death’s brother Randy died while Death was still deployed. Randy thought Death had been killed in the war. As Death tries to wrap up Randy’s life there seem to be more questions than answers. Before Death can move on he needs to know why his didn’t get out of that building alive. He and Wren go to great lengths to find the answers.
I read this book quickly in an afternoon. I had a little suspicion about where we were headed but it was a wild ride to get there. I am so impressed with this author’s writing. She builds the story with intrigue, romance, and humor in a way that deflects your mind from everything around you and holds your attention fully. Both my dad and my husband were firefighters. I lived the fear of someone getting hurt at a scene. Dying at one would be unfathomable. Randy’s death effected not only his brother, but his chief, his fellow firefighters and so many others that knew him. Ross wrote this in an a way that we knew what everyone was feeling but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story as a whole. All her characters and their reactions and demeanor in the story were very believable.
The setting in the old brewery was so interesting. I enjoyed learning the history of the structure closed down at the start of prohibition in the 1920’s. It was quite a place. A perfect place for a mystery.
I love where Loretta Ross has taken us and these characters, and the little teaser she gave us at the end of this story tells us we are headed on another mysterious adventure soon. Just like the last time, I can’t wait!
Just a little spoiler alert – We finally learn Death D. Bogart’s middle name and it’s a doozy.
About The Author
Loretta Ross is a writer and historian who lives and works in rural Missouri. She is an alumna of Cottey College and holds a BA in archaeology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She has loved mysteries since she first learned to read. Death and the Redheaded Woman will be her first published novel.
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Tour Participants
February 8 – Back Porchervations – Review
February 9 – Laura’s Interests – Review
February 10 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – Review
February 10 – Christa Reads and Writes – Guest Post
February 11 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – Review
February 12 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review
February 13 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – Review
February 14 – Jane Reads – Review, Guest Post
February 15 – The Ninja Librarian – Review
February 16 – Island Confidential – Interview
February 17 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
February 17 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Spotlight
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Thanks for a great review and introduction to a new author. I am going to read both books right now.
This is a new series for me, but it sounds really good. Will be checking it out. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds good to me.
Loretta Ross is a “new-to-me” author … thank you for introducing me to her books. Death & The Brewmaster’s Widow sounds like a good read!
This sounds likea fun series. I do not know how I missed the first book so I am going to have to get it. Thank you for sharing.
This would be a great title to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks for the giveaway. The book sounds like it’s going to be a fascinating read.
The book sounds very interesting. Thanks for the review!
Looks like a good read. Love the cover.
Ann
Sounds fascinating.
Sounds like a great cozy.
This book looks like an amazing read. I’m adding it to my TBR list. You are a new author to me and would like to read your book
This sounds like an interesting story that I would enjoy reading.
I couldn’t get to the goodreads page using the link in the form but I got there. Thanks for this opportunity.
I am new to the author and books…but I’m really interested!
Book tittle attracted my attention. I am looking forward to reading the book. Thank you for this giveaway.
What an interesting book! Thanks for sharing.
It’s neat, but deceptive to call a place Brewmaster’s Widow. It does look very interesting. On my TBR. But hoping for a read sooner. Death and Wren have quite a road ahead of them. I have yet to read this author. So with this giveaway I am hoping to learn more.
I really liked the first book