Spaceboy Books

Title: A Study in Black Brew
Author: Marie Howalt

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“They say life is a string of chances held together with grit and guided by passion, and who am I to disagree?”

Kellieth ReinAraneinth was headed for a career as a field chemist on a newly settled planet when their dreams and ambitions were crushed by coincidences and chronic illness.

They return broke to the wendek homeworld, Ganmak, where everyone’s basic needs are covered, but import luxuries like Kellieth’s favorite human-made beverage, black brew, is costly.

While piecing together a new life and recovering from their ordeals, Kellieth ends up sharing lodgings with the attractive, enigmatic, and infuriating Raithan WeinZalneinth.

When a human is found dead next to an alarming message on the wall in an empty house, Kellieth gets caught up in a gruesome mystery involving Raithan and the local peace corps.

Who is the human? How did he die? What is Raithan hiding? And when will Kellieth have the time to catch their breath?

ISBN: 978-1-951393-48-9
Price: $14 (paperback) $4 (Kindle ebook)
Release date: May 22, 2025

Praise for A Study in Black Brew:

“Who doesn’t love a good Sherlock Holmes retelling? Now make it diverse, with wonderful lovable characters, an alien world, a dash of humour, and a lot of cosy vibes. And did I mention the space elves? Definitely not just for fans of the infamous detective duo, but everyone who enjoys cosy sci-fi and mysteries.”
— Iris Retzlaff, author of Moon’s Lament

“A Study in Black Brew is a Sherlockian mystery with a fresh sci-fi slant that enlivens a classic while paying homage to spirit of the original. A must read for fans of Conan Doyle who yearn for a modern twist.”
— Kara Jorgenson, author of The Reanimator’s Heart

“A Study in Black Brew is a story that lingers. It’s full of Marie’s signature wit and banter, presenting a layered plot that’s pushed forward by a charming cast of characters.”
— Nathaniel Luscombe, author of Moon Soul

“An alien Sherlock Holmes lets Howalt explore new aspects of the well-known characters. The relationship between the retired chemist Kellieth, who has a respiratory dysfunction, and the brilliant but also somewhat annoying and insensitive detective Raithan unfolds convincingly. Through Kellieth’s narration we experience the struggle of living with a disability that is physically straining as well as a social problem because the wendek communicate their emotions through scent. Like Howalt’s Colibri Investigations books it’s a soft SF cozy murder mystery with a lot of seriousness to it. A nice cup of black brew, well rounded but still sharp.”
— Jane Mondrup, author of Zeitgeist and Zoi

“Writing a great retelling is the art of presenting the expected, and often sentimental, in a fresh and exciting way. In A Study in Black Brew, Marie does this with flair and heart. While the story is recognizably based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, everything is shifted to unveil an alien world of excitement and danger, while making ample room for cozier moments and lovable characters. There is nothing elementary about this charming detective story. Well done Marie!”
— J. Cornelius, author of Remembering Demons and Catching Spiders

“A futuristic take on a classic detective that’s as fresh as the brew. And if you’re someone with an invisible disability, be prepared to be visible like never before. And I never had the same fangirl attraction to Sherlock and Watson in popular remakes. But reading this? I get it.”
— Aden Ng, author of The Chronicles of Tearha

“Marie Howalt does queer and neurodivergent justice to Sherlock Holmes’ legacy in the latest novel, A Study in Black Brew. Highly entertaining, clever, with a true dose of mystery and deep empathy, A Study in Black Brew will satisfy any reader who enjoys puzzle mysteries and a modern reflection on the true personal cost of handicap and neurodiversity. Totally recommended.”
— Seb Doubinsky, author of The Sum Of All Things

“Who says you can’t touch the classics? Marie Howalt’s queer sci-fi remix of one of Sherlock Holmes’ best-known adventures is a brilliant new spin on Conan Doyle’s Great Detective and his faithful assistant, full of effortless word-building and irresistible characters. Pour yourself a cup of black brew and cozy up with it.”
— Brandon Getz, author of Lars Breaxface: Werewolf in Space

“A Study in Black Brew is a vibrant Sherlock Holmes retelling with some great characters in an interesting world. I enjoyed the chemistry between the alien cast and trying to remember or guess where the story was going.”
— K. P. Kilbride, author of Spaceships Passing in the Night