The Alewives

The Alewives of Colmar, Book 1

By: Elizabeth R. Andersen

Narrated by: Ella Lynch

Colmar, 1353 CE: Gritta, 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.

©2023 Elizabeth R. Andersen (P)2023 Elizabeth R. Andersen

Good light short book

I had a little trouble assigning stars here. While the mystery isn’t very complex, this story of found family and women rising above society’s expectations is still a diverting look at an interesting time and place. I’d say the story is a 3.5 and think it would’ve benefited from more character development . I do look forward to reading more by the author, though, especially if she does a deeper dive into medieval Alsace.

Rollicking Fun—Perfect Escape

Cozy murder mystery with mouthy “fine” ale wives? This story collect three different women, and a friar, and then, boom, it’s apparent that all is not well in our fun little medieval world. I was suddenly hooked. And this came just when I needed it, so glad I read/ listened. Great narration, too! Well done.

Enjoyed it

This was a fun tale. Good characters and historical details. I will definitely check out her other work.

Love This Book

A delightful and charming mystery with engaging characters and well researched historical settings. Andersen’s clever, descriptive writing immerses one in the center of the story.
Ella Lynch’s storytelling brings the book to life with humor and heart.
Listen and enjoy.

Grab a pint and listen up

Like ale, like competent women, like history and hate the Plague? If so, grab some ale and lend an ear. You'll learn, chuckle and contort your face as you follow our three heroes through 14th Century France. Bonus - being a fan of the French is not required. Being a fan of good writing means you'll likely be delighted throughout.

Gritta, Efe and Appel push their way through drunkards and bureaucracy to defy skeptics and male views, being one in the same. An intelligently written book that will leave you laughing out loud or pausing with head shake. Fast-paced and forward moving, it won't sink into lulls nor get lost in subplots. The characters are sincere and unique, so if you like a period piece with realism thrown in, give it a try.

Elizabeth has a sequel in the works, along with another series I'm looking forward to catching up on. Cheers!

A bit dull in the middle with great main character

- I really enjoyed the beginning and most of the end. The middle dragged on and I had to force myself to get through the middle.
- The main characters were fantastically written. I especially loved how the author made Efi likeable. She might be a challenging character to make loveable, but this author achieved that.
- There were too many minor characters to keep track of. Too many Fraus and Friars and Sheriffs to keep straight.
- I also found it challenging in the middle to keep Gritta and Appel straight. Sometimes, the two would be in conversation and I couldn't remember who had all those kids and who had lost her family.
- The descriptions were great. I could visualize the world.
- I found it too convenient and, frankly, unbelievable the way Gritta found her hoe. I understand when people lose things inside their own homes, but it seems bizarre to forget that you intentionally lent that object to a neighbor. And the remembering seemed to come out of nowhere just because the plot required it.