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Brewing Trouble #2
Tangled Up in Brew
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend Jake Lambert are excited to be participating in the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Max hopes to win the coveted Golden Stein for best craft beer—but even if she doesn’t, the festival will be great publicity for her Allegheny Brew House.
Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner.
Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner.
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
40 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Tremel
5 books379 followersThis author also writes under the pen name Joyce St. Anthony
Joyce Tremel was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail.
Her debut novel, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW was nominated for a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best amateur sleuth by RT Book Reviews.
The second book in the series TANGLED UP IN BREW, was released 10.4.2016. It was chosen as a "Best Book of 2016" by Kings River Life magazine. It was the winner of the 2016 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
A ROOM WITH A BREW, the third book in the series was released in October 2017.
Under the pseudonym Joyce St. Anthony, she is the author of the upcoming Homefront News Mysteries. The first in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, will be released on March 8, 2022.
Joyce Tremel was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail.
Her debut novel, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW was nominated for a 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award for best amateur sleuth by RT Book Reviews.
The second book in the series TANGLED UP IN BREW, was released 10.4.2016. It was chosen as a "Best Book of 2016" by Kings River Life magazine. It was the winner of the 2016 Reviewers' Choice Award for best amateur sleuth.
A ROOM WITH A BREW, the third book in the series was released in October 2017.
Under the pseudonym Joyce St. Anthony, she is the author of the upcoming Homefront News Mysteries. The first in the series, FRONT PAGE MURDER, will be released on March 8, 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 17, 2016
Review/Giveaway
Oct 17
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
There is trouble brewing Tangled up in Brew. The Three Rivers Brew festival is coming to Pittsburg, there are prizes for the best beer and the best burgers. Max O’Hara is the proprietor of Allegheny Brew House and she is entering along with her chef boyfriend, Jake who is entering with a secret burger recipe that Max is dying to get out of him. The prize is a golden stein and one thousand dollars.
There’s great comradery among the brewers all except one brewer, Dwayne. Max and Jake try not to let that bring them down. Reginald Mobley is a food and beverage critic who is known for giving bad reviews and driving restaurants out of business and it’s no surprise when Max’s Brew and Jakes Burger leaves a bad taste in his mouth, so bad the food critic keels over and dies.
Jake is soon accused of murder and with Max’s dad being a detective and his partner set on locking Jake up and throwing away the key Max needs to brew up something fast to get Jake out of this predicament.
Foodie competitions in mysteries I love them, it reminds me of watching reality t.v. Tangled up in Brew is less filling,reads great. It will make you in the mood for a cold one. Max and Jake made a great couple combined with a page-turning plot and a villian you couldnt wait to die. I loved the beer premise of A Brewing Trouble Series. I think men as well as women can enjoy.
Oct 17
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
There is trouble brewing Tangled up in Brew. The Three Rivers Brew festival is coming to Pittsburg, there are prizes for the best beer and the best burgers. Max O’Hara is the proprietor of Allegheny Brew House and she is entering along with her chef boyfriend, Jake who is entering with a secret burger recipe that Max is dying to get out of him. The prize is a golden stein and one thousand dollars.
There’s great comradery among the brewers all except one brewer, Dwayne. Max and Jake try not to let that bring them down. Reginald Mobley is a food and beverage critic who is known for giving bad reviews and driving restaurants out of business and it’s no surprise when Max’s Brew and Jakes Burger leaves a bad taste in his mouth, so bad the food critic keels over and dies.
Jake is soon accused of murder and with Max’s dad being a detective and his partner set on locking Jake up and throwing away the key Max needs to brew up something fast to get Jake out of this predicament.
Foodie competitions in mysteries I love them, it reminds me of watching reality t.v. Tangled up in Brew is less filling,reads great. It will make you in the mood for a cold one. Max and Jake made a great couple combined with a page-turning plot and a villian you couldnt wait to die. I loved the beer premise of A Brewing Trouble Series. I think men as well as women can enjoy.
September 21, 2019
4 stelle e mezza
Avevo divorato il primo tanto da aspettare l'uscita di questo con ansia e poi... me ne sono completamente dimenticata! Grazie a una challenge mi sono finalmente ricordata di questa trilogia, così ho letto questo, che è il secondo volume. Bella storia (ma appena è stato svelato un indizio ho capito chi fosse il colpevole, che già aveva attirato la mia attenzione per un comportamento a mio dire strano) e bei personaggi, peccato che la gattina stavolta faccia solo rarissime e brevi comparsate.
Il tema di questa serie è la birra e vengono spiegate diverse cose su come sia fabbricata. Siccome è la mia bevanda preferita, mi veniva voglia di berne un po' mentre leggevo: peccato che per gran parte del tempo fossi al lavoro, approfittando dei tempi morti per leggere un po'...
Avevo divorato il primo tanto da aspettare l'uscita di questo con ansia e poi... me ne sono completamente dimenticata! Grazie a una challenge mi sono finalmente ricordata di questa trilogia, così ho letto questo, che è il secondo volume. Bella storia (ma appena è stato svelato un indizio ho capito chi fosse il colpevole, che già aveva attirato la mia attenzione per un comportamento a mio dire strano) e bei personaggi, peccato che la gattina stavolta faccia solo rarissime e brevi comparsate.
Il tema di questa serie è la birra e vengono spiegate diverse cose su come sia fabbricata. Siccome è la mia bevanda preferita, mi veniva voglia di berne un po' mentre leggevo: peccato che per gran parte del tempo fossi al lavoro, approfittando dei tempi morti per leggere un po'...
July 19, 2017
This book is lots of fun, hey it's about beer! Even more fun is inserted when they have a beer festival and cooking competition. The main character Max is interesting she knows a lot about beer and brewing and we learn something about it as the book progresses and her Dad is a cop so when the mystery and investigation begins it makes sense that Max knows something about how a police investigation is run.
I'll be reading the 3rd book once it's released later this fall.
I'll be reading the 3rd book once it's released later this fall.
October 6, 2017
It’s festival time in Pittsburgh and Maxine “Max” O’Hara is excited that her Allegheny Brew House will be a participant. Not only is her craft beer up for an award, so is her chef’s burgers. Her chef, Jake Lambert, is more than an employee, he’s also her boyfriend. They are hoping their participation in Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival will be a huge success for Max’s brew house.
Unfortunately, one of the judges, Reginald Mobley, happens to be one of the nastiest food critics around. Mobley doesn’t make the festival experience very pleasant for anyone, especially not for Max and Jake. He publicly blasts their products. Things go from bad to worse when Mobley suddenly dies at the festival. The newest detective on the force is out to make a name for himself and decides to focus his attentions on Max and Jake as the prime suspects.
Max is not going to take this lying down. She needs to protect herself, Jake and her brew house. So, she conducts her own investigation and quickly learns there are way more suspects than just Max and Jake. All have much better reasons to want the critic dead, too.
This is the second book in the series. I loved the first one. I love this one even more. Max and Jake are a cute couple with a ton of chemistry. They are surrounded by family and friends who help to make this story come to life.
For me, this story grabbed me from the start. I find a brew house premise to be a unique setting for a cozy mystery. It’s fast-paced, with a touch of romance mixed in with the mystery. Joyce Tremel had me guessing right along with Max as to “whodunit”.
Tangled Up In Brew is a well written, riveting story. Although it’s the second book in the series, it can be read on its own as the mystery is self-contained in this book. However, I think readers will enjoy reading about Max’s adventures from the day she first opened her brew house. Joyce Tremel is quickly making a name for herself in the cozy mystery community.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, one of the judges, Reginald Mobley, happens to be one of the nastiest food critics around. Mobley doesn’t make the festival experience very pleasant for anyone, especially not for Max and Jake. He publicly blasts their products. Things go from bad to worse when Mobley suddenly dies at the festival. The newest detective on the force is out to make a name for himself and decides to focus his attentions on Max and Jake as the prime suspects.
Max is not going to take this lying down. She needs to protect herself, Jake and her brew house. So, she conducts her own investigation and quickly learns there are way more suspects than just Max and Jake. All have much better reasons to want the critic dead, too.
This is the second book in the series. I loved the first one. I love this one even more. Max and Jake are a cute couple with a ton of chemistry. They are surrounded by family and friends who help to make this story come to life.
For me, this story grabbed me from the start. I find a brew house premise to be a unique setting for a cozy mystery. It’s fast-paced, with a touch of romance mixed in with the mystery. Joyce Tremel had me guessing right along with Max as to “whodunit”.
Tangled Up In Brew is a well written, riveting story. Although it’s the second book in the series, it can be read on its own as the mystery is self-contained in this book. However, I think readers will enjoy reading about Max’s adventures from the day she first opened her brew house. Joyce Tremel is quickly making a name for herself in the cozy mystery community.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2016
This was a first for me in the series and I will be honest here, I picked it for the cover and thought "Brew" meant "coffee" and I may not have read it if I knew it was about beer! If I had read what the book was about and the series I may not have picked it up at all. What a happy accident it turned out to be. I am so glad I picked it and read it! While Beer is not my brew of choice, I was delighted with this book and the entire concept. The story revolves around a female brew master and her NHL retired chef boyfriend. Their back stories alone make for an excellent read! Then there was main character "Max's" amazing family. Father who is a police man, brother a priest, then there is a cat named hops.....the back story was fun! The mystery its self was very well done and I found myself very angry at the first victim in the book and not nearly as motivated to help solve the mystery as the main character, I would have been happy to sit back and eat burgers while Max solved the mystery...actually that is exactly what I did. LOL This is a different take on a cozy and I loved the idea, I like strong female characters who have really interesting jobs and this one was delightfully different.
July 13, 2024
This is a fun series I found after I read the start of Joyce Tremel new series, Deadly to the Core, earlier this year. Several people suggested I read the Brewing Trouble series since I enjoyed the new series so much, and I am glad I did. This is the second book in the series. Max has her brewery up and going. She has her team with Jake and Nicole, her large and extended family and her book group and fellow business owners all as her support group. When a food critic is poisoned at a local brewing festival after a confrontation with Jake and Max, they become the main suspects. Can Max and company figure out what really happened? Can they prevent a repeat? You definitely want to be around for the chase.
October 12, 2016
Thanks to Goodreads and Berkley for giving me the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion about this book.
I love the cover of this book and the "pun" of the title as in the song "Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan.
A light mystery (#2 in the series) set in Pittsburgh, PA, about a brewfest. You don't have to read the 1st of the series to follow along. It mentions some things about the 1st one too. I really enjoyed the brewing process and it wasn't overwhelming to understand. The characters were well thought out too and I didn't know whodunit at all.
She has a 3rd one coming out in October of 2017 which I will read.
I love the cover of this book and the "pun" of the title as in the song "Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan.
A light mystery (#2 in the series) set in Pittsburgh, PA, about a brewfest. You don't have to read the 1st of the series to follow along. It mentions some things about the 1st one too. I really enjoyed the brewing process and it wasn't overwhelming to understand. The characters were well thought out too and I didn't know whodunit at all.
She has a 3rd one coming out in October of 2017 which I will read.
November 24, 2017
There is great potential in this series and this one was better than the first one. Have definitely learned a lot about beer and the characters are growing on me. The mystery have been a bit better in the first one, but this, as a whole, was better. About 3.5 stars. Will read the 3rd one.
October 4, 2016
This second book in the Brewing Trouble Mysteries series is an inebriating read!
I mentioned in my review of book one in this series, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW, that beer is not my thing. This series however, is my thing. Wonderful characters, fantastic writing, and a fresh idea will always draw me to a book. Author Joyce Tremel brings all of that and more in the Brewing Trouble Mysteries.
I really enjoy a story when there is a food competition involved. (Too much time watching food channels on my part?) In TANGLED UP IN BREW there are two food competitions in one. One for best craft beer which protagonist Maxine “Max” O’Hara wants to win, and one for burgers which Max’s boyfriend Jake is competing in. I also really enjoy it when a character I don’t like is the one who gets murdered. Helps me with real life frustrations. ;-) So, this book had a lot of things that make a fun read for me.
Author Tremel has a great series here. TANGLED UP IN BREW is the foamy head on the ice cold beer of her series. It was truly an intoxicating read. I’m very much looking forward to this author’s third brew!
When you have your copy, don’t miss the yummy recipes, and an excerpt from A ROOM WITH A BREW, all located at the back of the book.
I mentioned in my review of book one in this series, TO BREW OR NOT TO BREW, that beer is not my thing. This series however, is my thing. Wonderful characters, fantastic writing, and a fresh idea will always draw me to a book. Author Joyce Tremel brings all of that and more in the Brewing Trouble Mysteries.
I really enjoy a story when there is a food competition involved. (Too much time watching food channels on my part?) In TANGLED UP IN BREW there are two food competitions in one. One for best craft beer which protagonist Maxine “Max” O’Hara wants to win, and one for burgers which Max’s boyfriend Jake is competing in. I also really enjoy it when a character I don’t like is the one who gets murdered. Helps me with real life frustrations. ;-) So, this book had a lot of things that make a fun read for me.
Author Tremel has a great series here. TANGLED UP IN BREW is the foamy head on the ice cold beer of her series. It was truly an intoxicating read. I’m very much looking forward to this author’s third brew!
When you have your copy, don’t miss the yummy recipes, and an excerpt from A ROOM WITH A BREW, all located at the back of the book.
January 21, 2019
For full review - The Limit of Books Does Not Exist
This is the second novel in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I really like this series because it’s different than other cozy mystery series since it’s about beer brewing!
The mystery wasn’t too complex and I figured out the killer a few chapters before the killer was announced (yay me!). I learned so much about the brewing process and realized it is much more complex than I thought it was. I also like how it takes place in Pittsburgh, so I had a bit of an understanding of locations since I had visited Pittsburgh a few times.
The best part of the series is the characters, I really like Max and her boyfriend/chef Jake. There is also a great cast of secondary characters who keeps things entertaining!
An enjoyable cozy mystery which I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in brewing!
This is the second novel in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I really like this series because it’s different than other cozy mystery series since it’s about beer brewing!
The mystery wasn’t too complex and I figured out the killer a few chapters before the killer was announced (yay me!). I learned so much about the brewing process and realized it is much more complex than I thought it was. I also like how it takes place in Pittsburgh, so I had a bit of an understanding of locations since I had visited Pittsburgh a few times.
The best part of the series is the characters, I really like Max and her boyfriend/chef Jake. There is also a great cast of secondary characters who keeps things entertaining!
An enjoyable cozy mystery which I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in brewing!
August 17, 2017
his is the second in the Brewing Trouble series and it is every bit as fun as the first one!
The characters are smart, funny and very family oriented. The descriptions of Pittsburgh and the brewing process are very entertaining, as is Max's family! I have learned more about brewing beer than I ever imagined and have a deep respect for those who do this complicated and delicious liquid!
Max and Jake make a good team and the action is well paced and the subject matter is spot on. These are people you probably know. Intelligent, fun-loving and very well thought out. Between good beer, tasty food and a mystery to solve, what's not to love?
The best part is they share their recipes with you! So you can make a killer burger as well!
The third book in the series should be out in October! Books,BooksandMoreBooks Reviews.
Berkley Prime Crime
The characters are smart, funny and very family oriented. The descriptions of Pittsburgh and the brewing process are very entertaining, as is Max's family! I have learned more about brewing beer than I ever imagined and have a deep respect for those who do this complicated and delicious liquid!
Max and Jake make a good team and the action is well paced and the subject matter is spot on. These are people you probably know. Intelligent, fun-loving and very well thought out. Between good beer, tasty food and a mystery to solve, what's not to love?
The best part is they share their recipes with you! So you can make a killer burger as well!
The third book in the series should be out in October! Books,BooksandMoreBooks Reviews.
Berkley Prime Crime
October 9, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Belly up to the bar and try one of Max’s new brews.
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend, Jake Lambert, are 2 awesome characters. Working with your significant other can be tough but these two compliment each other nicely and each have their own strengths. Max knows beer and Jake knows food and the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival is the perfect place so show everyone their talents. But cranky critic Reginald Mobley is not a fan of the Allegheny Brew House fare and delvers a scathing review. It puts them in the police’s cross hairs when he dies in front of a crowd of people while eating Jake’s burger. Max’s dad is also on the case but his partner has his mind made up. It may be time to call on a higher being, Max’s brother is a priest so he will be praying but Max is determined to save Jake, herself, and their pub any way she can.
The characters in this series are very interesting. Setting the story at a festival draws an eclectic group of people too. They are also very well crafted. The lead characters are both strong and independent, equals and very supportive of each other. They lean on each other but are not dependent on each other. They have known each other most of their lives and that gave them a strong bond before they even started dating.
The author also gives us a very strong plot with plenty twists. Reading the first book in this series, I figured out the culprit before Max, this time I was right there with her and figured it out at the same time. My early suspicions were totally wrong. She also gives us enough depth into the world of micro-brews with overwhelming the reader. I love learning new things.
I enjoyed the setting of the festival and could easily picture the booths and their layout. Ms. Tremel’s descriptions were so rich I could almost taste the beer and those burgers,
This is a fantastic addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next installment, A Room With A Brew. Now if I could just have a glass or two of Max’s citrus ale to hold me over until then…
Belly up to the bar and try one of Max’s new brews.
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend, Jake Lambert, are 2 awesome characters. Working with your significant other can be tough but these two compliment each other nicely and each have their own strengths. Max knows beer and Jake knows food and the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival is the perfect place so show everyone their talents. But cranky critic Reginald Mobley is not a fan of the Allegheny Brew House fare and delvers a scathing review. It puts them in the police’s cross hairs when he dies in front of a crowd of people while eating Jake’s burger. Max’s dad is also on the case but his partner has his mind made up. It may be time to call on a higher being, Max’s brother is a priest so he will be praying but Max is determined to save Jake, herself, and their pub any way she can.
The characters in this series are very interesting. Setting the story at a festival draws an eclectic group of people too. They are also very well crafted. The lead characters are both strong and independent, equals and very supportive of each other. They lean on each other but are not dependent on each other. They have known each other most of their lives and that gave them a strong bond before they even started dating.
The author also gives us a very strong plot with plenty twists. Reading the first book in this series, I figured out the culprit before Max, this time I was right there with her and figured it out at the same time. My early suspicions were totally wrong. She also gives us enough depth into the world of micro-brews with overwhelming the reader. I love learning new things.
I enjoyed the setting of the festival and could easily picture the booths and their layout. Ms. Tremel’s descriptions were so rich I could almost taste the beer and those burgers,
This is a fantastic addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next installment, A Room With A Brew. Now if I could just have a glass or two of Max’s citrus ale to hold me over until then…
October 11, 2016
I can’t get enough of fall themed mysteries this time of year. I just finished Tangled Up In Brew by Joyce Tremel and wanted to share a little about this perfect fall read.
This is the second book in the “A Brewing Trouble Mystery” series and follows the adventures of Max, a female brewpub owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this adventure (the first one I’ve read in the series), Max finds herself investigating the murder of a much disliked local restaurant critic who dies after taking a bite of Max’s boyfriends entry in the Three Rivers Brew & Burgers Festival burger contest. In her attempt to clear Jake’s name, Max finds that this critic has things in his past that he’s worked to keep hidden and she is determined to find out the whole story and save the day.
I found myself instantly drawn to many of Max’s family and friends in this book. She has a delegation of family that lives close by, including her parents and a couple brothers. Add in some fellow brewery buddies and fellow shop owners around her pub, and there is a heavy contingent of likable background characters that you can see playing a larger role in future books.
I was oddly excited to read a cozy mystery that focused around a brewpub. It haven’t read any cozy mysteries with that setting before and it was a nice change. I also liked that this inspired a few heartier recipes being included in the back of the book. I just tried out the Caramel Pecan Brownies and Jake’s Brew Burgers last night. They were a hit with the hubby and my three boys!
Originally posted here: https://mariemcnary.com/2016/10/04/ta...
This is the second book in the “A Brewing Trouble Mystery” series and follows the adventures of Max, a female brewpub owner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this adventure (the first one I’ve read in the series), Max finds herself investigating the murder of a much disliked local restaurant critic who dies after taking a bite of Max’s boyfriends entry in the Three Rivers Brew & Burgers Festival burger contest. In her attempt to clear Jake’s name, Max finds that this critic has things in his past that he’s worked to keep hidden and she is determined to find out the whole story and save the day.
I found myself instantly drawn to many of Max’s family and friends in this book. She has a delegation of family that lives close by, including her parents and a couple brothers. Add in some fellow brewery buddies and fellow shop owners around her pub, and there is a heavy contingent of likable background characters that you can see playing a larger role in future books.
I was oddly excited to read a cozy mystery that focused around a brewpub. It haven’t read any cozy mysteries with that setting before and it was a nice change. I also liked that this inspired a few heartier recipes being included in the back of the book. I just tried out the Caramel Pecan Brownies and Jake’s Brew Burgers last night. They were a hit with the hubby and my three boys!
Originally posted here: https://mariemcnary.com/2016/10/04/ta...
October 5, 2016
Maxine “Max” O’Hara and Jake Lambert are entering a local brews and burgers festival. However, the festival takes a turn for the worse when notoriously nasty food critic Reginald Mobley signs on as a replacement judge. However, no one expects him to be murdered. Worse yet, he collapses right after eating Jake’s entry in the burger competition. Can Max figure out what is happening.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more. The characters we met in the first book are all back, and they are still fantastic. The mystery is compelling with lots of secrets to be revealed before we reach a suspenseful and logical climax. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I loved this one even more. The characters we met in the first book are all back, and they are still fantastic. The mystery is compelling with lots of secrets to be revealed before we reach a suspenseful and logical climax. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 18, 2016
What a delightful second entry into this series! Admittedly, I have a Pittsburgh hometown bias, but I think even if you aren't from the 'Burgh, you'll really get a kick this book. In fact, I even enjoyed this one more than the first. The craft brewery scene is hot through the country, and while it's an unusual setting for a cozy series, it's a perfect fit.
One of my pet peeves in series is the often unbelievable set of circumstances that arise to keep the heroine and her "love" interest in conflict. And this trope was totally avoided. Whew!
Highly recommended!
One of my pet peeves in series is the often unbelievable set of circumstances that arise to keep the heroine and her "love" interest in conflict. And this trope was totally avoided. Whew!
Highly recommended!
January 1, 2017
This is an interesting series where the main character is actually running a Brewery and creating the brews herself and the competition she has as a woman. I like it that the stories in the series are different but involve the brewery in different ways. The good part is that one does not know who the real culprit is till the end. Can't wait till the next one.
January 1, 2017
A fun followup to the first in the series, Tangled Up in Brew delivers entertaining characters and a real taste of Pittsburgh plus a mystery that will have you guessing until the end.
April 16, 2017
This time Maxine(Max)O'Hara and Jake Lambert are at the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Jake is entered in the burgers contest while Max has three brews entered. When one of the judges drops dead after trying Jake's burger the race is on to find the murderer. The lead police detective investigating the murder believes it is Max and Jake even though Max is the daughter of a Pittsburgh detective who is also on the case. The book was a quick easy read.
November 11, 2019
This may be the worst book I've ever read. My boyfriend brought it back from his last trip home to Pittsburgh, mostly as a joke but also hoping it would be entertaining. (They were out of the first one in series.) In a way, it was entertaining, if you are, like I am, entertained by analyzing all the ways a writer has gone wrong. A book like this would be great to read in a creative writing class to identify all the things to not do when writing a book: introduce each character by describing exactly what he is wearing, interrupt dialogue to insert meaningless exposition, make your villains buffoons more unlikable (and illogical) than anyone in existence. I would probably also recommend against cramming in every possible reference to Pittsburgh culture you can think of, except that the ridiculousness of it all actually made the book more readable. A hockey player boyfriend, a friend who owns a bakery called Cupcakes N'at and wears all black and gold, a guy with a mullet, fries on sandwiches, and lots and lots of driving. All we're missing is Donny Iris and jagger bushes.
December 6, 2017
This isn’t my favorite style of cozy romance but I really appreciated that the main characters didn’t insert themselves into the mystery until they were active suspects. The brewing details added a lot to the novel as well.
August 7, 2020
Really enjoying this fun cozy mystery set in a brewpub. This was focusing on a murder during a local craft beer and food festival. The story well written and kept me turning the page. I read it in one sitting.
July 2, 2022
3 stars for the mystery + 1 star for Pittsburgh
June 29, 2023
I really like this series. The characters are likeable and I really enjoyed the festival setting in this one. While I’m not big on beer I enjoy reading about how it’s made. The mystery was good too.
October 27, 2019
Another good installment in this series. I especially liked reading about the beer making process within the myster.
May 29, 2017
Another great book! I started this book thus afternoon but in between cleaning and cooking kept going back I just finished and like the first book enjoyed this book so much. I love a book that you get so involved with the characters in the book they start to feel like family and Max and Jake and family do that for me....I love how it has so many curves to it one minute you think this one did it to another suspect. Very good book! Enjoy!
October 14, 2016
I loved this book! In fact, as I am writing this I am wondering how to get Goodreads to give me 6+ stars to give this book. Joyce Tremel writes her characters, events, and even the murder with such realism that I am wishing this was real life. Max, is awesome. A total independent, ” I got this” kind of gal. She has built a successful brewery and is getting to be known for the murders too! Not, that it is something to brag about, but I find her solving skills unique and fun.
This here is just a hint of my full review found at : https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...
Please visit the blog to read the rest!
December 9, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ta...
Tangled Up in Brew
Brewing Trouble, Book #2
By Joyce Tremel
ISBN13: 9780425277706
Author website: http://www.joycetremel.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend Jake Lambert are excited to be participating in the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Max hopes to win the coveted Golden Stein for best craft beer—but even if she doesn’t, the festival will be great publicity for her Allegheny Brew House.
Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner.
Review:
I really enjoy the protagonist of Tangled Up in Brew. Max O’Hara is everything you look for in a lead character of a fabulous cozy. She is independent, smart, has a fun career and has the know how to figure out the mystery. Her father is a police detective so it is not too farfetched for her interested in solving crime. I love that author Joyce Tremel put so much detail in not only Max’s back story but all of the characters in her series. Max even studied beer making in Germany. Wow!! Max is a brewer of beer and she brews the beer, while her boyfriend/childhood friend Jake Lambert cooks up excellent pub food for her Allegheny Brew House. So, it only makes sense when the Three Rivers Brew festival comes to town that they should enter. Max is entering her beers and Jake is entering the burger contest. What could go wrong? Everything
When Max and Jake set up at the festival, all the entrants are friendly and everything is wonderful. That is until one brewer with a horrible reputation shows up and tries to put a damper on things. Then to top that off they find out that instead of the wonderful crew of judges, one has been replaced by nasty food/drink critic Reginald Mobley who has a reputation for writing career ending reviews. When he tries Max’s beer he not only does not like the taste he spits it out. For some reason, he loves the horrible swill Dwayne is putting out but does not like anyone else’s brews. Then the next day it is burger tasting time. Reginald not only thinks Jake’s burger is abysmal, he ends up falling over dead. The prime suspect is none other than Jake. And not even Max’s father can help much when his new partner is dead set on proving Jake’s guilt.
This is the second installment in author Joyce Tremel’s “Brewing Trouble Mystery” series and it is even better than the first. The mystery is well written and I did not figure it out until Max did. The characters are very well developed and seem to get better. This is definitely a more heady story than the first and that was really good. I am not a beer fan, but love the details and the fun that is portrayed with the stream of great writing using the drink of choice for so many. The recipes are wonderful as well. I love that the book set at a beer festival was released during the Octoberfest period. Perfect timing.
Tangled Up in Brew is a fun, fabulous read that is perfect for any season and any lover of the cozy genre’. You definitely do not have to be a fan of the golden nectar beer to drink in the tasty writing and delicious storyline. You also do not have to have read the first in this series to get the full enjoyment of this one. Joyce Tremel is just getting better and better and I cannot wait for the third in this entertaining series. Love the characters and their interplay. Love the setting which is different than a lot of cozies as it is in a big city, Pittsburgh rather than a small town. The wonderful thing here is, even in a large city there are “small town” sections. Fun read for sure.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Tangled Up in Brew
Brewing Trouble, Book #2
By Joyce Tremel
ISBN13: 9780425277706
Author website: http://www.joycetremel.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Brew pub owner Maxine “Max” O’Hara and her chef/boyfriend Jake Lambert are excited to be participating in the Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival. Max hopes to win the coveted Golden Stein for best craft beer—but even if she doesn’t, the festival will be great publicity for her Allegheny Brew House.
Or will it? When notoriously nasty food and beverage critic Reginald Mobley is drafted as a last-minute replacement judge, Max dreads a punishing review. Her fears are confirmed when Mobley literally spits out her beer, but things get even worse when the cranky critic drops dead right after trying one of Jake’s burgers. Now an ambitious new police detective is determined to pin Mobley’s murder on Max and Jake, who must pore over the clues to protect their freedom and reputations—and to find the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner.
Review:
I really enjoy the protagonist of Tangled Up in Brew. Max O’Hara is everything you look for in a lead character of a fabulous cozy. She is independent, smart, has a fun career and has the know how to figure out the mystery. Her father is a police detective so it is not too farfetched for her interested in solving crime. I love that author Joyce Tremel put so much detail in not only Max’s back story but all of the characters in her series. Max even studied beer making in Germany. Wow!! Max is a brewer of beer and she brews the beer, while her boyfriend/childhood friend Jake Lambert cooks up excellent pub food for her Allegheny Brew House. So, it only makes sense when the Three Rivers Brew festival comes to town that they should enter. Max is entering her beers and Jake is entering the burger contest. What could go wrong? Everything
When Max and Jake set up at the festival, all the entrants are friendly and everything is wonderful. That is until one brewer with a horrible reputation shows up and tries to put a damper on things. Then to top that off they find out that instead of the wonderful crew of judges, one has been replaced by nasty food/drink critic Reginald Mobley who has a reputation for writing career ending reviews. When he tries Max’s beer he not only does not like the taste he spits it out. For some reason, he loves the horrible swill Dwayne is putting out but does not like anyone else’s brews. Then the next day it is burger tasting time. Reginald not only thinks Jake’s burger is abysmal, he ends up falling over dead. The prime suspect is none other than Jake. And not even Max’s father can help much when his new partner is dead set on proving Jake’s guilt.
This is the second installment in author Joyce Tremel’s “Brewing Trouble Mystery” series and it is even better than the first. The mystery is well written and I did not figure it out until Max did. The characters are very well developed and seem to get better. This is definitely a more heady story than the first and that was really good. I am not a beer fan, but love the details and the fun that is portrayed with the stream of great writing using the drink of choice for so many. The recipes are wonderful as well. I love that the book set at a beer festival was released during the Octoberfest period. Perfect timing.
Tangled Up in Brew is a fun, fabulous read that is perfect for any season and any lover of the cozy genre’. You definitely do not have to be a fan of the golden nectar beer to drink in the tasty writing and delicious storyline. You also do not have to have read the first in this series to get the full enjoyment of this one. Joyce Tremel is just getting better and better and I cannot wait for the third in this entertaining series. Love the characters and their interplay. Love the setting which is different than a lot of cozies as it is in a big city, Pittsburgh rather than a small town. The wonderful thing here is, even in a large city there are “small town” sections. Fun read for sure.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
November 29, 2020
This one was definitely better than the first one. The subject line of the series intrigued me and it didn’t disappoint me. I had my two guess half way through, but with the last piece of the puzzle I knew who it was. I still like the idea of learning how to make beer. You learn something new everyday. I wish their were more books to the series.
October 7, 2016
Tangled Up in Brew is the sequel to To Brew or Not to Brew, and it is a sequel worth reading! Brewpub owner Maxine "Max" O'Hara and her chef boyfriend, Jake, are preparing for the summer beer and burger festival to be held in their town; Max has some new brews she wants to enter into the festival's contest, and Jake has a secret burger planned for the burger tasting contest. However, during the soft opening, one of the judges is called away on an emergency and is replaced by Reginald Mobley, a truly detestable food critic who only gives scathing reviews. The festival is no different, and he ends up giving all the brewers, even Max, a hard time. Then, when the festival is up and running, he dies during the first round of burger tasting, right after taking a bite of Jake's burger. Murder is suspected, and Max's father, a police officer, is called in, along with a young hot-shot newbie, Vincent, who immediately deems Max and Jake guilty and sets out to prove it. Although she trusts her father, Max can't sit idly by while "Vinnie the Viper", as she correctly calls him, focuses only on her and Jake as possible murder suspects. Thus, she takes it upon herself to investigate, along with help from Jake and her bookclub crew, Kristie, Candy, and Elmer.
For most of the book, I had no idea who the murderer could be; there were just so many possibilities! Then about 3/4 of the way through, I got a strong inkling who it was and indeed I ended up being correct, but it was still fun to see the mystery's tangled web unraveled. I utterly loathed Mobley and was not sorry when he died, and the other character I absolutely hated was Dwayne Tunstall, a hack beer brewer who stole his recipes from some of the others when he was working for them and thinks he is the greatest thing since Betty White. Vincent was the other annoyance, since he was so gun-ho about Max and Jake's guilt; it worried me that he might go so far as to pin the murder on them, but thankfully he wasn't that stupid, just obnoxious. Other than those characters, however, I enjoyed the return of the rest from the first novel. It was nice seeing Jake and Max together, even if they're taking things slowly; and of course Candy's big personality and Kristie's level-headedness were equally welcomed. Add to it Max's wonderful family and it made for a picture-perfect cast.
The pace was set well, neither too slow nor too fast, and the ending wasn't thrown together at the last minute, but instead proceeded just as one would expect from such an extensive investigation. And the resolution was just right, adding enough to settle things from the climax and offer reconciliations where needed, but not dragging on for too many pages. Another cozy mystery I highly recommend, even without the delicious food recipes at the back!
For most of the book, I had no idea who the murderer could be; there were just so many possibilities! Then about 3/4 of the way through, I got a strong inkling who it was and indeed I ended up being correct, but it was still fun to see the mystery's tangled web unraveled. I utterly loathed Mobley and was not sorry when he died, and the other character I absolutely hated was Dwayne Tunstall, a hack beer brewer who stole his recipes from some of the others when he was working for them and thinks he is the greatest thing since Betty White. Vincent was the other annoyance, since he was so gun-ho about Max and Jake's guilt; it worried me that he might go so far as to pin the murder on them, but thankfully he wasn't that stupid, just obnoxious. Other than those characters, however, I enjoyed the return of the rest from the first novel. It was nice seeing Jake and Max together, even if they're taking things slowly; and of course Candy's big personality and Kristie's level-headedness were equally welcomed. Add to it Max's wonderful family and it made for a picture-perfect cast.
The pace was set well, neither too slow nor too fast, and the ending wasn't thrown together at the last minute, but instead proceeded just as one would expect from such an extensive investigation. And the resolution was just right, adding enough to settle things from the climax and offer reconciliations where needed, but not dragging on for too many pages. Another cozy mystery I highly recommend, even without the delicious food recipes at the back!
October 5, 2016
Tangled Up In Brew is the second book in the A Brewing Trouble Mystery series.
It’s time for another exciting visit with Maxine(Max) and Jake at the Allegheny Brew House and friends and family.
Max and Jake are excited about being in the first Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival and are busy getting their booth ready for what all hope will be a successful show. Max has three of brews in entered in the festival, hoping to be able to win the Golden Stein award. Jake also has his Jake’s Brew Burger entered in the Burger contest.
As the festival is about to begin one of the judges has to be replaced. The replacement judge, Reginald Mobley, is well known for panning just about anyone in the food industry. As he is tasting Max’s beers and ales, he was quick to state that worse thing he had ever tasted. Jake comes to Max’s defense and almost gets into a fight with Mobley. Next, he goes to the burger area and begins to lambaste Jake’s burger when he falls over dead. When the police show up a new detective to the force, Vince Falk, feels confident that this an open and shut case, with Jake as the murderer.
So Max needs to not only clear her name, the brewpub but also Jake. So with the help of her friends from a book club, they set off to uncover what really happened at the festival. What with all the bad reviews Mobley has written there has to be a mind boggling amount of suspects.
The book has an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. Like the first book in the series, the author touches lightly on what goes into the brewing of beer, which I found interesting.
Recipes are also included in the book.
Eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
It’s time for another exciting visit with Maxine(Max) and Jake at the Allegheny Brew House and friends and family.
Max and Jake are excited about being in the first Three Rivers Brews and Burgers Festival and are busy getting their booth ready for what all hope will be a successful show. Max has three of brews in entered in the festival, hoping to be able to win the Golden Stein award. Jake also has his Jake’s Brew Burger entered in the Burger contest.
As the festival is about to begin one of the judges has to be replaced. The replacement judge, Reginald Mobley, is well known for panning just about anyone in the food industry. As he is tasting Max’s beers and ales, he was quick to state that worse thing he had ever tasted. Jake comes to Max’s defense and almost gets into a fight with Mobley. Next, he goes to the burger area and begins to lambaste Jake’s burger when he falls over dead. When the police show up a new detective to the force, Vince Falk, feels confident that this an open and shut case, with Jake as the murderer.
So Max needs to not only clear her name, the brewpub but also Jake. So with the help of her friends from a book club, they set off to uncover what really happened at the festival. What with all the bad reviews Mobley has written there has to be a mind boggling amount of suspects.
The book has an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. Like the first book in the series, the author touches lightly on what goes into the brewing of beer, which I found interesting.
Recipes are also included in the book.
Eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
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