There’s some shady business in Shady Creek, Vermont, this spring—in the third mystery by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox featuring pub owner and amateur sleuth Sadie Coleman . . . Sadie is delighted to have booked famous romantic suspense novelist Linnea Bliss for an event at The Inkwell, her literary-themed pub, housed in a renovated grist mill. The author and her personal assistant … literary-themed pub, housed in a renovated grist mill. The author and her personal assistant Marcie are staying at Shady Creek Manor, a grand historical hotel that was once a private mansion and is rumored to still hold hidden treasure somewhere within its walls.
But the hotel’s storied past is nothing compared to its tragic present when Marcie plummets to her death from an open window on the third floor. After Sadie discovers signs of a struggle in the room, it’s clear that someone assisted the assistant out the window. But Marcie is new in town—who would have a motive to kill her?
In between pulling pints and naming literary-themed cocktails, Sadie takes it on herself to solve the case, wondering if the crime is connected to the vandalized vehicles of a film crew in town to do a feature on local brewer Grayson Blake, with whom Sadie shares a strong flirtation. Or could the poor woman’s defenestration have anything to do with the legendary treasure? As Shady Creek Manor prepares for a May Day masquerade ball, Sadie is determined to unmask the killer—but when she uncorks a whole lot of trouble, will she meet a bitter end?
more
The Malt in Our Stars earns 5/5 Masked Motives…Entertaining Fun!
Sadie Coleman was very excited about meeting with Linnea Bliss, her favorite author of romantic suspense. She had been in talks with Bliss’s assistant, Marcie Kent, about adding The Inkwell, her literature-inspired pub, to the end of the author’s book tour. A nice presentation, some Q&A, and a book signing for Sadie, and exploring Vermont to add authenticity to her next novel for Linnea Bliss. Win! Win! However, things get complicated when Marcie ends up dead. Sadie had witnessed Marcie in a heated discussion with the owner of the hotel when she first arrived. Eleanor Grimes, curator of the local museum, was angry at Marcie for calling her out about misinformation in Eleanor’s self-published book about the town’s history and its most illustrious historic figure. Karidee, a young fan of Linnea Bliss, had been blocked by Marcie whenever she tried to get a private meeting with the author. Of course, there’s eavesdropping, overheard phone calls, secrets, a shady past, and legends of hidden riches, so murder just might not be such a surprise.
Sarah Fox’s witty third book in her Literary Pub Mystery series follows the traditional cozy formula of which I am a fan. The crime occurs early in the story, so the investigation is the primary focus; there are plenty of clever revelations and connections between the characters and motives involve both the obvious and the secretive. Fox’s characters are varied like in any real community, realistic in their actions, reactions and collaborations with police, and also a “will they or won’t they” debate. The final reveal is a bit a surprise, peril, and another surprise making this a fun read! There are lots of book references through the pub’s menu or book lovers mentioning a must read which offered me something to check out, too. Beyond the clever murder mystery, a busy television crew, curious vandalisms, and the police scrutinizing everyone, readers get a marvelous view of Shady Creek, meeting a variety of residents and visitors, shopkeepers and patrons, readers and writers, and of course, some helpful and others annoying. There is a farmers’ markets, book clubs, lunch at the Inkwell or coffee at the Village Bean, and a delightful masquerade ball. This has created a plethora of literary friends, an interest in their lives, and a desire to spend more time in Shady Creek. Loved it!
Sarah includes a few of The Inkwell’s recipes for mocktails and cocktails: Milky Way Gargle Blaster with and without vanilla vodka, the Yellow Brick Road sparkling with limoncello, and The Malt in Our Stars with Scotch whisky (without the “e”). She also includes a lovely salad, The Red Cabbage of Courage, to enjoy. I love bonuses!
Sarah Fox has done it again with another fabulous addition to her Literary Pub Mysteries! The Malt in Our Stars had all the twists, turns, and pitfalls that I love in a cozy mystery. Added to that were a caring and relatable protagonist, a cast of well-defined characters, and an overflowing tank of slippery red herrings. The book’s charming and satisfying ending ensured that I will be reading every future installment in this delightful mystery series.
I just finished this book and couldn’t wait to write a review, I enjoyed it THAT much! A fabulous 3rd installment in the Literary Pub series, Sarah Fox perfectly combines murder, hidden treasure, and secret passages in her latest cozy mystery – The Malt in Our Stars. If this series is new to you do yourself a favor and start with the first book (Wine and Punishment), move onto the second (An Ale of Two Cities) and then grab this one! A+++ and 5 stars!
What a fresh, exciting novel! Third in the Literary Pub mystery series, this is a great mystery for the bibliophile who enjoys the camaraderie of meeting like-minded people in a social setting. The Inkwell has a fabulous menu of literary-themed food and beverage items, including mocktails, and there are now three book clubs meeting in the Christie Room. The characters are engaging and most are very likable. I was definitely challenged by the mystery, especially as one by one, my pet suspects show themselves to be red herrings.
Sadie came to Shady Creek, Vermont almost a year ago. Her beloved Aunt Gilda lives here, and they are happy to be in each other’s lives each day. The building Sadie purchased was originally a working gristmill, and it had previously been converted to a pub. It was the perfect opportunity for Sadie to make a fresh start, and she enjoys it immensely.
One of Sadie’s favorite authors, Linnea Bliss, is going to do a reading and book signing for her; it will be the very first one at the pub. Linnea is well-known, and the signing is a success. She enjoys Linnea’s company as well as that of Marcie, her assistant. The day after the signing, Sadie has lunch with Linnea at the elegant Shady Creek Manor where the author and her assistant are staying. Marcie had the start of a migraine and went to her room. After the luncheon, as Sadie is leaving, they hear a scream. Sadie ran outside and is horrified to see Marcie lying on the ground, dead, with a third- floor window open overhead. The room, which wasn’t Marcie’s, looked as if a struggle took place.
Sadie has helped solve murders since moving to town. As she tries to learn what she can from people at the Manor, another challenge arises. Craft Nation, a reality TV show that films at various craft beer brewers, is in town to film an episode at Spirit Hill Brewery next to the pub. Grayson, the owner, and Sadie have had their eyes on each other for quite some time. Since the Craft Nation crew came to town, vandalism occurs, from a missing cell phone to broken windshields. Then Olivia, the new director, goes missing, and another person is accosted at the Manor.
What a great plot! It is hard to determine which of the crimes are connected – if any. I really enjoy the characters, especially those who help Sadie figure out whodunit. I was very surprised at who was really behind the crimes, especially the murder and attack, and it was fitting to discover the who and the why at the annual Masquerade at the manor. There are relationship challenges with some of my favorite characters, but it was well balanced and didn’t overwhelm the plot. The pub and the manor are but two of the fabulous places in Shady Creek I would want to visit if a tourist there. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with delightful characters, a fascinating setting, and challenging mystery.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
The Malt in Our Stars is Book 3 in the Literary Pub Mystery Series by Sarah Fox.
I absolutely LOVE this series and this latest installment was SO GOOD!
The main character Sadie is the owner of a pub in Shady Creek, Vermont with a book theme. The pub has book themed cocktails and literary book clubs. Sadie is SO excited that one of her favorite authors, Linnea Bliss will be holding a book talk and signing books.
Sadie and Linnea have lunch after the signing at Shady Creek Manor and that is when the trouble is afoot involving Linnea’s assistant.
As if that is not enough there is a crew in town filming at a brewery and there has been all sorts of vandalism.
It is not easy to pull off a mystery within a mystery , but this author does it seamlessly. There is no shortage of suspects and surely I put my sleuth cap on and thought I knew who did it but when it was revealed I was shocked.
The mystery is well written with great descriptive writing. The concept is so brilliant, a literary themed pub. The characters are complex and well fleshed out.
This can be read as a stand alone mystery, but you will definitely want to read the first two books to get more backstory.
As someone that reads A LOT of cozy mysteries, I can say that this is one that you definitely want to get your hands on.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I think Sadie is a delightful character. She isn’t too intense but has a pleasant inquisitive nature about her. She is empathetic and charming, as well as curious and unflappable, most of the time. However, hearing the scream of someone falling to their death would make the most hardened person feel vulnerable and helpless. In The Malt in Our Stars, Sadie is once again at the center of a murder investigation, and her literary pub draws attention from a possible suspect.
Owning a pub that has a literary bent isn’t the easiest thing to pull off, but so far, Sadie has done well. The murder of a famous writer’s assistant after spending time at Sadie’s pub could be a real downer, but thankful the woman didn’t die at the bar. Still, Sadie feels somewhat responsible because the writer and her assistant wouldn’t have been in Shady Creek if she hadn’t invited them. It doesn’t take Sadie long to figure out that the murder had nothing to do with her pub.
The main plot is a bit unusual and beguiling. The book has a great subplot as well that all ties in at the end. The characters are, as usual, fun and engaging. I felt that the pub and the literary cocktails didn’t play a significant enough role in this installment. Motives are plentiful, and all of them persuasive enough that readers may not figure out who the killer is until the very end. The victim is given enough background to have readers sympathetic without being too emotionally distraught. The killer is revealed in a dramatic fashion, and Sadie at the center of danger. Luckily for her, Grayson is there as well as others who are concerned about her well being and know what sort of trouble she can get into.
The Malt in Our Stars is an enormously entertaining story filled with red herrings, lively, warm characters, and a pub, The Inkwell; I wouldn’t mind spending a few hours at enjoying a cocktail and reading a good book.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to the Inkwell, a literary-themed pub owned by Sadie Coleman. Sadie is excited to host her first truly literary event, a book signing by famous romantic suspense novelist Linnea Bliss. The author and her assistant are staying nearby at Shady Creek Manor. The former private mansion has quite a history and some people believe there is a treasure hidden somewhere on the premises.
The book signing went great but the next day the author’s assistant falls to her death from a third-floor window at Shady Creek Manor. Sadie had been having lunch with Linnea Bliss and was leaving when she heard the young woman’s screams. Arriving at the scene just after she hits the pavement. Sadie puts on her sleuthing hat and decides to check out the room on the third floor before the police arrive. She knows immediately that fall was no accident. Linnea’s assistant was murdered. They were just visiting Shady Creek, why would anyone want to murder an author’s personal assistant? Sadie is determined to find out. Maybe it has something to do with the film crew from Craft Nation, a reality TV show, in town filming at Grayson Blake’s brewery. Maybe a fan of the author took things to the extreme. Or could it have been someone looking for the hidden treasure?
I love the setting of this series. A pub full of books, a menu full of literary-themed foods and drink, all reached by going over a little footbridge over Shady Creek. It would definitely be my happy place. Growing up my parents owned a tavern so I know the ins and outs. None of us kids wanted to take it over so it was sold but had I thought I could turn it into a place like the Inkwell, I may have changed my mind. Sadie has really taken her theme and ran with it. The food and drink all have names derived from popular books, like the Malt in My Stars.
Sadie is making herself right at home in Shady Creek and her pub appears to be a hit. She has found herself wrapped up in a few murder investigations. Her curious nature is well suited to her amateur sleuthing. The author has surrounded her protagonist with a strong supporting cast. Her Aunt Gilda owns a beauty shop and she keeps her ears open for any gossip that could help Sadie in her endeavors. Sadie leans heavily on her two employees, Damien and Melanie. They know the business and their presence lets Sadie run off to chase down any clues that pop up. Grayson Blake, owner of the Spirit Hill Brewery has really started to grow on Sadie. She gets all flustered around him because she can feel their relationship moving in what could be a romantic direction.
Ms. Fox has entwined two mysteries in this book. They may or may not be related but Sadie finds herself trying to solve both. They both had some nice twists and I enjoyed how they played out. I especially liked that the murder reveal happened at the annual Masquerade Party at the manor. It was the perfect place to unmask a killer. There were plenty of clues sparsed out throughout the book but I must have missed something because I was totally surprised when the killer was identified. Or more likely, Sarah Fox wrote a heck of a story that I escaped right into and let Sadie do the hard work. The story was very well-written and plotted and so interesting.
The Malt in Our Stars is a wonderful whodunit. Complex characters, an intriguing mystery, and a fun setting had me totally entertained from beginning to end. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
The Malt in Our Stars is the third book in author Sarah Fox’s Literary Pub mystery series. Owner of the literary pub, the Inkwell, Sadie Coleman, is very excited to be hosting a book talk by romance author Linnea Bliss at the Inkwell. She has worked well with the author’s personal assistant, Marcie Kent. However, Marcie has not been so kind to others trying to access the author. But no issues for Sadie as the event is well attended and goes off without a hitch. In fact, Linnea is so pleased with the event that she invites Sadie to have lunch with her at Shady Creek Manor, an historic mansion turned luxury hotel, the following day.
During Sadie’s time with Linnea, she sees Marcie cross swords with several people trying to access the author. While Marcie begs off from lunch saying she has a migraine coming on, Sadie and Linnea continue having a lovely meal together. As Sadie is leaving the Manor there is a scream and Marcie is found on the manicured grounds sprawled in a pose of death. Sadie hurries to the third floor where a window was open and appears to be where Marcie had fallen, or was she pushed? However, Marcie’s room was on the second floor.
This well plotted mystery intertwines area history with current happenings. As Sadie is drawn further into the solving of the mystery, neighboring brewery owner, Grayson Blake, joins with Sadie as more than a collaborator in solving crimes.
Ms, Fox has again crafted a wonderful mystery with many curve balls as they discover the heart pounding solution. This was a very good mystery and I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
THE MALT IN OUR STARS, the third Literary Pub Mystery by Sarah Fox, is delightful cozy reading. I adore the small town Vermont setting, and I wish I could patronize protagonist Sadie’s gristmill-turned-pub with its inventively named food and cocktails.
This time around Sadie finds herself involved in yet another murder investigation when a famous author’s assistant falls to her death after a book signing at Sadie’s pub. In addition, a reality show crew in town to feature the local brewery faces vandalism and a missing director. Add to that rumors of hidden treasure, a potential move for Sadie’s beloved aunt, a violent attack, an unpleasant town resident, a budding romance, and a masquerade ball, and Sadie definitely has her hands full.
Fox has created a wonderful cast of characters and all are well developed, interesting, and fun to be around (with the exception of Eleanor). I like Sadie, and her insatiable curiosity makes her a natural sleuth. The engaging mystery seems simple, but readers find well cloaked clues and red herrings at every turn. I struggled to figure out whodunit until the end, a sign of a truly good puzzle.
I enjoy my time in Shady Creek, Vermont, and look forward to many more thrilling adventures with Sadie. Bring on the book clubs, cocktails, and snacks! Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
THE MALT IN OUR STARS by Sarah Fox
The Third Literary Pub Mystery
The Inkwell is about to host its first author appearance and owner Sadie Coleman is thrilled and anxious. Fortunately, romantic suspense author Linnea Bliss and her assistant, Marcie, provide an entertaining event that is hugely successful. Sadie takes up Linnea’s offer for lunch at the historic Shady Creek Manor and has a delightful time, despite an intrusion by the town’s curmudgeon. A woman’s scream stops Sadie’s departure and she discovers Marcie’s body which apparently has fallen out of a third story window. What was Marcie doing in an unoccupied room? Does it have anything to do with the rumor of the manor’s hidden treasure? Or Eleanor’s insinuation about the young woman? And what about the problems plaguing the film crew trying to film an episode for their craft beer show? Sadie is unable to contain her curiosity and delves into the investigation herself. But will her curiosity kill her?
Between the vandalism of the film crew, and the murder of the author’s assistant, as well as the upcoming Masquerade Ball and her growing relationship with Grayson, Sadie has a lot to deal with in this third Literary Pub Mystery. But she does it all with grace and pluck. Well, she’s not always graceful around Grayson, but that’s fun for readers, if not for Sadie.
I love the Inkwell and delight in the descriptions of the literary themed food and beverages served there. I’d be enjoying a Yellow Brick Road…or two. Sarah Fox is able to capture the coziness of this Vermont town with it’s historic buildings and multifaceted characters while providing an intriguing puzzle.
THE MALT IN OUR STARS is a captivating mystery bringing the past and present together amid the literary cocktails and craft brews of a charming Vermont village.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
This third book in the Literary Pub Mystery series, pub owner Sadie is hosting an event with a famous visiting author. When the author’s assistant Marcie is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Sadie decides to do what she can to help solve the crime. This book is really well written, and I had a really tough time trying to uncover the culprit. I love the characters and the setting of this series, both the small, Vermont town and the Inkwell, Sadie’s literary pub. I had a hard time putting this book down and look forward to more books in this series!
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
This is such a fun series!! I love the idea of a literary pub with literary-themed drinks and food in addition to the book clubs held. The small town of Shady Creek is charming and quaint and sounds like a delightful place to visit. Sadie is hosting an author event at the pub with romance author Linnea Bliss. The event goes over well and Sadie enjoys meeting one of her favorite authors. Unfortunately, the next day, Linnea’s assistant, Marcie, falls to her death from a third floor window at the Manor House where she is staying. Her death is ruled suspicious and Sadie starts looking into things. After a local woman is attacked in the Manor house and Sadie finds that the woman had blueprints on her, she starts to suspect someone is looking for the treasure that is said to be buried. I enjoyed puzzling this mystery out along with Sadie as well as seeing Sadie and Grayson’s relationship grow. There was also a film crew for a television show in town to do a story on Grayson’s pub and they also had a lot of strange incidents. Local grump, Eleanor, tries to get the show stopped. A very intriguing and interesting read. I highly recommend this fantastic series!! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
The Malt in Our Stars is the 3rd instalment in the “A Literary Pub” Mystery series by Sarah Fox. I am a huge fan girl of Sarah’s and love both her Cozy Mystery sesries and bonus she is a fellow Canadian!
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I love Sadie and the whole setting of Shady Creek. It made me want to live there and walk the green just like Sadie.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I did not figure it out till the reveal and was a bit surprised. I really look forward to reading more about Sadie and her friends.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, small-town, small-business, murder-investigation, friendship
The murder victim was not the nasty local woman I expected it to be but the assistant to a visiting author. Sadie the pub owner gets involved in sleuthing to the dismay of the local law. She also has other things going on in her life that might distract her, but she just needs to know. The characters are all so clearly presented that I felt that I’d recognize them at the grocery and the story grabbed me and held on until I finished it. Lots of misdirection, red herrings, and plot twists to keep it all going.
I thought it was great, and I think that it works well as a stand alone because the author explains whatever is needed.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
“The Malt in Our Stars” is Sarah Fox’s 3rd installment to her Literary Pub Mystery series. As with the previous books, this one does not disappoint. She keeps the story moving along and involves enough characters to keep the reader guessing who did it.
Sadie once again is involved in a murder and gets some assistance from hunky Grayson, owner of the Spirit Hill Brewery and the one who secretly makes Sadie’s heart thump faster. Will they figure out who the murderer is, or will they be the next victims?
A great continuation in this series. If you have read Ms. Fox’s other series, be sure to pick this one up. If you haven’t read any of her works, you are missing out on great writing.
I received an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
This was a very enjoyable read. It is the third in the Literary Pub series but the first I’ve read. I had no issues with not starting with book 1 as the author does a great job filling in the backstory. But I’ve already checked the first book out from the library because I really liked “The Malt in Our Stars” and its protagonist Sadie Coleman.
Sadie operates a pub in Shady Creek, Vermont which celebrates literature. It features literary themed cocktails and book clubs. She is thrilled to be hosting Linnea Bliss, one of her romantic suspense favorite authors for a book talk and signing of the the author’s latest book which takes place in Vermont. After a successful event, Sadie meets Linea for lunch at Shady Creek Manor, a 5 star hotel that was formerly a mansion owned by a man with a dubious past. It is rumored that he stashed some of his ill gotten gains at the mansion. After lunch, Sadie is shocked to hear a woman scream and discover that Marcie, Linnea’s assistant had fallen from an upstairs window from a room that was not hers and was not in use. When she and the manor’s owner, go to the room to investigate, she can tell there was a struggle and that Marcie’s fall was not an accident. And Sadie, can’t help but try to investigate.
There is also another mystery going on. A TV crew is in town to film a show about a local brewer but they are experiencing vandalism. Are the two related?
The murder mystery is well done and not easily resolved. While Marcie is not local, Sadie witnesses her arguing with someone and there is also a fan-stalker type and a woman from the local historical museum who had earlier argued with Marcie about the town’s history. Besides the mystery, it’s good to meet Sadie’s aunt, friends and coworkers as well as other townspeople. And a potential romance for Sadie too.
So, settle in with the literary themed cocktail (recipes at the back of the book) or your beverage of choice and enjoy!
I received a ARC from the publisher via Net Galley. However, the opinions expressed are my own.
The Malt in Our Stars by Sarah Fox drew me right in from the first page. I could relate to Sadie’s excitement of meeting a favorite novelist as I’ve felt the same thing at an author signing.
Ms. Fox has been able to develop the characters very well in the last two books and the secondary characters add more and more to each story as readers get to know them better along with Sadie. This story has two mysteries that may or may not be connected. The plot moved smoothly but did slow down around the middle for some time. Then the paced picked up and the clues began to fall into place for Sadie and Grayson. The romance between Sadie and Grayson seems to be evolving naturally. With two mysteries, several suspects, twists and turns, a myth regarding a hidden treasure (or is it?)and a startling reveal at a masked ball kept me turning the pages.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The Malt in Our Stars is the third book in the Literary Pub Mystery series and I think this series is really hitting its stride. The author has done a nice job with character development in only three books. Sadie is an enjoyable protagonist even if her busybody tendencies end to get her into trouble. This time around, Sadie is in the wrong place at the wrong time and even with her past brushes with danger, she can’t resist the urge to try on solve the death of an author’s assistant. Author Sarah Fox did a terrific job with the mystery. There are two mysteries at the beginning of the book and Sadie must decide if they are related or separate events. The vandalism of the TV Crew in town to shoot an episode around Grayson’s pub is resolved fairly early on, leaving the murder at the local inn which is steeped in history and stories about a lost treasure. The murder mystery kept me guessing until the very end with the killer’s identity was revealed. The mystery was nuanced so you have to pay attention to the clues if you hope to guess right. Sadie’s romance with Grayson is starting to blossom a bit and feels natural. This is a very enjoyable series and I am looking forward to more to come.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.