The Alewives, Elizabeth R. Andersen
The Alewives, Elizabeth R. Andersen
List: $10.00 | Sale: $7.00
Club: $5.00

The Alewives
A plague-era tale of murder, friendship, and fine ale

Author: Elizabeth R. Andersen

Narrator: Ella Lynch

Unabridged: 5 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Haeddre Press

Published: 05/15/2023


Synopsis

Colmar, 1353 CEGritta, Appel, and Efi managed to survive the Black Death, only to find that they are in desperate need of money. With limited options and lots of obstacles, they band together to become alewives - brewing and selling ale in the free Alsatian town of Colmar. But when an elderly neighbor is discovered dead in her house, the alewives cannot convince the sheriff and the town council that her death wasn’t an accident, it was murder. As the body count piles up, the ale flows and mystery is afoot!Set in the tumultuous years after the most devastating pandemic the world has ever experienced, The Alewives is a playful romp through a dark time, when society was reeling from loss and a grieving population attempted to return to normal, proving that with the bonds of love, friendship, and humor, the human spirit will always continue to shine.* * * * * A short, sharp, snappy, hugely entertaining, medieval mystery that portrays the realities of life at the time, with just the right amount of humour to make it thoroughly entertaining. A well-deserved 5/5 from me! - MJ Porter, author of Cragside and The Erdington Mysteries* * * *.* 'The Alewives' is laid out with great compassion, insight and humour and the reader comes to care for these people! The strong and growing working relationship and friendship of the three ale wives in question and round which the action evolves is moving and profound. We are left hoping that good times - and further adventures - are just around the corner! - The Historical Fiction Company* * * *.* Bravo to the alewives, I say. And bravo to Ms. Andersen for delivering such an enjoyable read! - THe Historical Novel Society

Reviews

Goodreads review by Ashley on July 19, 2023

This was pretty much everything I wanted it to be. Honestly, I didn't even read the synopsis before I ordered this, just because I love reading about alewives, but was even more delighted to learn it's about female friendship and life post-Black Death in medieval Europe, and also solving murders. Wo......more

This was a really enjoyable audiobook! I've been interested in events around the Black Death, and this helped further my knowledge of those times. The narrator was fantastic, and kept me engaged throughout. I loved the characters too, they were humorous yet emotional. I hope there is a sequel coming!......more

Goodreads review by M.J. on September 28, 2023

The Alewives is a fantastically well-written murder mystery set in the immediate aftermath of the Black Death, with delightful characters and a sinister murderer and thief, at the heart of all the problems. Set in the tannery area of Colmar, something smells bad. The three main characters of Gritta,......more

Goodreads review by Christine on March 29, 2023

I really really enjoyed this mystery novel! I loved the main female characters, the plot was riveting and I laughed a lot! Vivid descriptions of Colmar, of how the inhabitants lived, I could see them...and smell them. Can't wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommended!......more

Goodreads review by Bookworm86 on October 15, 2023

BLOG TOUR REVIEW  Review for 'The Alewives' by Elizabeth R Anderson and Ella Lynch.  Read and reviewed for Elizabeth R Anderson, Ella Lynch, Haeddre Press and Rachel's Random Resources Tours  Publication date 16th January 2023.  This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first boo......more