‘Andersen exhibits her mastery of language, laying the groundwork for a dark and whimsically satirical tale.’
Sleight of Hand
In the spring of 1354, all was well in the town of Colmar - until Efi Kleven discovered a hand in her pot of new ale…a hand that was not attached to a body. Now, Gritta, Appel, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, must solve the mystery of the severed hand before suspicion falls on them. While they attempt to keep their fledgling brewery afloat, more bodies turn up outside of town - along with more suspects.
With few allies and several powerful men working against them, the alewives find themselves flummoxed: How did the hand of a man from Vogelgrun end up in a cooking pot in Colmar? Why were none of the victims local? And would this most inconvenient ingredient get in the way of Efi's plans to find herself a new husband?
Book 2 in The Alewives of Colmar mystery series, Sleight of Hand follows the three alewives as they confront life after the Black Death with bravery and wicked humor, showing resourcefulness and determination in the face of poverty, misogyny, and murder.
What reviewers are saying
“Sleight of Hand" is a standout in the growing genre of historical mystery due to its vivid depiction of post-Black Death society and its captivating plot. This second book in The Alewives of Colmar series deftly combines historical realism, suspense, and character depth to provide readers with an engaging story that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable.”
- The Historical Fiction Company
‘Humourous, plausible and thoroughly engrossing - I cannot recommend this book/series enough!”
- Jan Foster, author of the Naturae series