„A Study in Black Brew“ is a masterpiece.

I honestly don‘t know how I could sum up my love for this book in just a short review.

This reminded me of why I loved Sherlock Holmes stories in the first place. But while the Sherlock and Watson dynamic as well as the intriguing cases are already a great base for an interesting story, the way Marie Howalt put a creative spin on it by setting the story on a foreign planet and adding lots of sci-fi elements makes this even better than a classic retelling.

I would have loved to make a creative comparison to this story being like drinking coffee and getting a caffeine rush, with the plot getting faster and more addictive here, but that would simply not do this book enough justice. 

Right from the beginning, you are immediately drawn in by an intriguing main character, who‘s balancing the line between being a John Watson reimagining and still being a unique character, to perfection. And then you just never get pulled out of the thrilling adventure that this story is.

There is only one thing about "A Study in Black Brew“ that I was disappointed about. It‘s a standalone. Because how should I cope with the fact that this is all I get of Kellieth and Raithan‘s story?

I fell in love with the characters (a nonbinary, chronically ill chemist and a charismatic, incredibly intelligent agent-what's not to love?) and the planet as well as the writing style head over heels, I was hoping the book would never end. Well, I guess this means I will have to fight my sadness by reading every other book by Marie Howalt.

This story is a true gift to every Sherlock Holmes enjoyer as well as everyone who enjoys science fiction, crime solving, and an outsider perspective on our absurd human behaviors.


Thank you to NetGalley and Spaceboy Books for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review.