Go on a mystery lover's pub crawl with Ellie Alexander, author of Death on Tap, and make sure to sign in and comment below for a chance to win a copy of the first Sloan Krause Mystery!
I was first introduced to the mystery genre by my grandmother, who had stacks upon stacks of dusty paperbacks crowding every square inch of her built-in cabinets in the dining room. She didn’t display fancy China or polished silverware in her mid-century modern arched dining room with brown shag carpet and a dimly-lit brass chandelier. Nope. The heart of her family table housed homemade pies and books from every corner of the world. Any visit to my grandmother’s involved returning home with root beer bottle candies and a binge-worthy pile of mysteries.
Thanks to my grandmother, I traveled to distant places, met eclectic characters, puzzled through clues, and sifted through red herrings in the tattered pages of her mystery collection. Now, as a writer, I often reflect on my early reading years and the sleuths who took me along on their adventures. These characters are like old friends. There’s so much more I want to know about them, and what better way to connect than over a cold, frothy pint?
My new book, Death On Tap, features a female brewmistress, Sloan Krause, who can hang with the big guys and has a nose for hops and murder. She’s taking the craft beer world by storm, pushing the envelope with inventive flavor combinations and daring brewing techniques. Sloan has carved out her piece of Beervaria in the German-inspired village of Leavenworth, Washington. She’s smart with a sophisticated palate and a unique ability to carefully watch and observe those around her.
Without having devoured my grandmother’s extensive paperbacks, Sloan might not exist. As an homage to my favorite sleuths, I want to take you on a tasting tour. Grab your stein, and let’s hit the pub.
Stop One: St. Mary Mead
No mystery lover’s pub crawl would be complete without a visit to St. Mary Mead, the famed village of Miss Marple. We’ll travel along cobblestone streets until we reach the Blue Boar Pub, where we’ll cozy up in front of a crackling fireplace with an English classic: a pint of bitter. Miss Marple will sip her pint with her ever-watchful eye. She’ll knit as we chat, subtly nodding to the vicar, who has had one too many and is flirting with a pretty young thing who is most definitely not his wife. Instead of making a scene, Miss Marple will raise her golden glass of British pale ale and suggest that once we’ve finished our drinks we take a turn through the Vicarage Gardens.
Stop Two: Gaborone
Africa is calling. We’ll touch down in Botswana and be greeted with a warm hug by Mma Ramotswe. From witch doctors to South African diamond mines, Mma Ramotswe will give us an insider’s glimpse into the changing culture of her homeland. Speaking of home, she’ll invite us into her kitchen and bake her signature dish: chicken and pumpkin. A meal this rich in tradition requires a worthy beer. We’ll bring a barrel-aged pumpkin ale to compliment dinner. Aged in bourbon, this sweet and spicy ale with touches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice should blend beautifully with Mma Ramotswe’s masterpiece and allow the conversation to flow freely—especially when it comes to Mma’s ability to stay centered and calm in the midst of chaos.
Stop Three: The Valley of the Kings
Stop Four: Edinburgh
Things will take a slightly darker and drearier turn when we head to Scotland to meet up with Detective John Rebus. The rain and wind lash Edinburgh’s sidewalks. News around town is that two young girls have been brutally murdered, and the man on the case is Rebus. No light beer will suffice for this stop on our pub crawl. We find Rebus already a few drinks in and order a round of Scottish Imperial Ale. He laments about his tumultuous past as we knock back the rich, dark beer with hints of smoke and a deep, malty finish. Keeping up with Rebus is a challenge, but we’re up to the task.
Stop Five: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Break out your boots, our last stop will take us to Texas to meet Anna Pigeon. Anna’s a park ranger who knows her way around the mountains. We’ll have to stay alert for vultures circling the trails and keep an eye out for mountain lions as Anna takes us on a trek through the backcountry. The hike will be worth it when we hit the local watering hole for an afternoon American Wild Ale. This fruity raspberry ale will quench our thirst and leave us wanting more. As will our conversation with Anna. She’s a treasure-trove of information about the national park and is convinced that predators, other than the native wildlife, are on the prowl.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our pub crawl. Let’s raise a glass to some of mystery’s most marvelous. Prost!
Take a visual tour of Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander with GIFnotes!
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Death on Tap Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2017/10/a-mystery-lovers-pub-crawl-touring-the-world-with-my-favorite-sleuths-in-search-of-the-perfect-pint-comment-sweepstakes beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) October 2, 2017. Sweepstakes ends 3:59 p.m. ET October 10, 2017. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
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Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she's not coated in flour, you'll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of “research.” Ellie is the author of the Bakeshop Mysteries, including Another One Bites the Crust. Find her on Facebook to learn more!
No Inspector Frost? When I think of a fictional detective enjoying a pint, I think of Frost. (maybe that’s just the tv series)
great fan of anything Real beer centric…
Thanks for the tour.
Yes, I’d like to go to Beervaria!
Sounds like a great read!
How fun! And creative! Would love to win. Thanks.
I would gladly raise a glass with any of the sleuths on this pub crawl!
I agree. I’m missing Frost but will toast him in my thoughts.
I agree. I’m missing Frost but will toast him in my thoughts.
I can’t wait to read this series! Sounds like it will be a good one!
This was a fun post. Oxford and Morse are missing though. 😉
Love the cover art for “Death on Tap”
Isn’t Death always on tap?
This is going on my “to read” list. Now, if it were possible to get the beer too….
Sounds fun! Appeals to my appreciation of both beer and equal rights.
I love craft beer—I want to go on a real pub crawl.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I am reminded of the incomparable Morse, who regarded beer as a food group. Beer and mystery and indeed joined at the hop!
Thanks for the pub crawl. I’m with
Amelia Peabody on the Stella!
Great tour but Morse is missing (though the drink did him in, in the end). Would love to win this book to see if it’s a series to be followed!
Sounds tasty.
Sounds good to me!
Great fun!
Yes, please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks —
sounds like a winner!
beer and books, perfect
Sounds like an intriguing new take on the mystery series.
I’m looking forward to this series! Interesting to know that you started reading mysteries found in your grandmother’s home. I had a similar experience, both reading books in one grandparent’s home and inheriting books from another grandmother. A great way to begin a lifelong journey.
Love contests
Some of my favorite sleuths…how fun to pair a visit with them and an appropriate craft beer! Sloane Krause sounds like a woman I’d really like to meet. A very smart and interesting female sleuth!
This sounds like it will be fu t read, even though I hate beer.
This is a MUST READ for me. Thanks!
I am always looking for new authors to read. This book sounds really good
Sounds super. And I love the title!
I am always looking for a new author, and would love to read this book!
This read has my interest peaked. The title is catchy & I wish I had it right now to enjoy reading.
Love to read this!
Can’t wait to get my fill of brew while reading Death on Tap. I’m already thirsty!!!!
Can’t wait to meet Sloan Krause!
I can “beerly” wait until I get a chance to read this book. Thanks for the tour.
Rhat was a fun read!
Can’t wait to get my fill of brew while reading Death on Tap. I’m already thirsty!!!!
Love the pub crawl! Wish I could really go on one.
Sounds really interesting. I ‘d like to try a real pub crawl.
different
I am already hooked. I want more
The perfect quart! Yes!
Yay! A new series…want, want, want!!!
Draw me a frothy pint of everything, I’m here for the duration. Thanks!
Thank you for the virtual tour! I’m looking forward to reading your book!
This is right up my alley!
What a fantastic idea for a book journey! We have a Germantown in my state and it is one of my favorite places. I can’t wait to read this.
glad to see amelia on the list
Sounds like fun!
Sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the ss.
Sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the ss.
A beer-tasting vacation with a great mystery! What more could anyone ask for?
sounds like a fun one
[b]S[/b]ounds like a great read! I’m looking forward to it!
[b]S[/b]ounds like a great read! I’m looking forward to it!
[b]Sounds like a great read.[/b]
Interesting pub crawl.
Sounds like fun.
Please choose my name!
I love beer. This sounds fun.
Sounds like a really excellent read. Would love to win the book!
Sounds like a really excellent read. Would love to win the book!
pubs and mysteries…two of my favorite things….
lots of good sleuths missing – found this post very interesting and would love to read Death on Tap
O to have a Stella with Amelia! Another ruined shirt!
O to have a Stella with Amelia (& Father of Curses). Another dead body, another ruined shirt.
Loved the Pub Crawl and looking forward to reading the book!
1228jcr
Have enjoyed all the Anna Pigeon books and would love to try other pubs and brews. Can’t wait for the book.
1228jcr
Have enjoyed all the Anna Pigeon books and would love to try other pubs and brews. Can’t wait for the book.
Count me in for the pub crawl!
I enjoy reading but I’m done with pub crawls. I’d rather read instead.
Sounds like a fun book to read.
Raising a glass with some of my favorite female sleuths sounds like big fun. Being introduced to a new one even better!
I’m looking forward to this series. The story line stands out from the crowd.
I want to go. This sounds so good.
I want to go. This sounds so good.
I*d love to win. Wish me luck!
what a ‘novel’ idea! would love to read it.
Love Ellie Alexander’s books and am so excited for a new series!
Looks like a great mystery!
love that it starts in Leavenworth – I live near there!
Looking forward to reading this book!
great read for a cold winters night.
intruiging reads
A book (especially a mystery) and a beer…a winning combination!
This sounds like a fun read!
sure sounds like fun – and a great read. thanks
would love to win
I think I might’ve just found my new favorite author!
I think I had a wee bit too much lager 🙂
I’m thirsty!
Thank you for the pub crawl and giveaway! I’ve added this to my TBR.
Perfect for Octoberfest season!
made me thirsty just reading this part!
made me thirsty just reading this part!
I never knew Miss Marple drank!
fun to be read thanks
Love the concept!!
What a fun read for a cold winter’s night!
Sounds like a really fun trip!
Beer and mystery! Can it get any better?
Enjoyed it!
This sounds very interisting.
It sounds like a fun read. Thanks for this chance.
It sounds like a fun read. Thanks for this chance.
As someone who absolutely loves all types of beer, and almost became the ‘Beer Queen’ of Seattle – long story – I need to read this, and deserve to win this!! 🙂
This looks very intriguing
Enjoyed your tour. looking forward to your new series.
I would like this.
Sounds like fun!
Always looking to try a new author in a mysrery genre. Would love to win this one.
I love this cover- sounds like a great book!
awesome.
Count me in, please!
I have to enjoy my beer vicariously now, so this hits the spot.
Want to win…this looks like a great read
All the beers sound great – thinking fondly of some of my favoite sleuths, too!
Great fan of murder mysteries. How awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to win
Love a good murder mystery, and a good pub crawl – so 2 wins with this one!
Death on Tap sounds like my “cup of tea”!
What a great tour! Need to reread some of these with a pint or two. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your “Death on Tap”.
looks good
Pub crawl and a good book. Great combo.
Pick me, pick me!
Brew Master! Sounds good!
Brew Master! Sounds good!
Have an urge to do a pub crawl!
Sounds like a new twist to a crime story. Very interesting. Look forward to reading this.
Love mysteries… Thank you!
Enjoyed the tour.
This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the interesting tour!
This sounds like so much fun!
No Martin Walker or Robert B. Parker?
Sounds like great places. I wish it was actually realistic for me to go and visit.
I wasn’t logged in before. Oops. Sorry.
sounds great!
sounds great sign me up
Want!
What a great idea for a cozy mystery series! It sounds delicious- and now, I’m thirsty! lol
Looking forward to reading this book!
Sounds like a winner
thank you for the chance to win
Yhis is for me. Love a great book & a big brew.
sounds like a lot of fun and I would love to win
Thanks for the beer tour! It could have also been called a beer flight – just a little taste of each – LOL. Love that you included Mma Ramotswe – one of my fave investigators. Your new book sounds cool – love the concept.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the beer tour! Prost!
Thanks for the tour.
Sounds marvelous!!
thanks for chance
I would like to read the work of Ellie Alexander.
Great tour! Please include me in the drawing.
awesome sounding book
Would love a new book to read.
love mysteries
want to win this…I love a good read
want to win this…I love a good read
This will make for great reading. I would like to honor your great and outstanding review.
Pick Me!
Good deal, count me in!
Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I think I’ll have a pint. It sounds interesting.
[b]Great, now I have to go buy some beer.[/b]
This list will help in our travels! LOL Thanks!
Travel is my life so let’s go on an adventure!
love the idea of matching places to stories – even though I’m not a beer drinker
So very often, place is a major character in a plot.