In the first in an engaging new mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox, the owner of a charming literary pub finds her fresh start on the rocks thanks to a case of murder. Booklover Sadie Coleman knows that in life, as in fiction, the right setting can make a world of difference. The small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, seems like the perfect place to start over after losing … place to start over after losing her Boston job to a merger and her relationship to her ex’s gambling addiction. She’s bought and redecorated the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a cozy spot where tourists and regulars alike can enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail, or join one of several book clubs.
Little by little, Sadie is adjusting to the rhythms of her new home. Fall in Shady Creek is bookmarked by the much-anticipated Autumn Festival, complete with a pumpkin catapult competition and pie bake-off. Unfortunately, the season also brings an unwelcome visitor—Sadie’s ex, Eric, who’s angling for a second chance . . .
Before Sadie can tell Eric to leave, he’s found dead near the Inkwell. When the local antique shop catches fire on the same night, it’s clear the town is harboring at least one unsavory character. Now, with her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the pub’s patrons all in the mix, Sadie must uncover the truth . . . before a killer declares last call.
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Sarah Fox’s first Literary Pub Mystery was sheer enjoyment! Protagonist Sadie Coleman is my kind of sleuth–smart, courageous, and a wee bit nosy. The book’s Vermont setting warmed my heart, and each of the characters was a delight. Just when I thought I’d ID’d the killer, I got a big surprise–an ending I never guessed! Now I’m anxious for the second installment in this charming new cozy series.
A good start to a new series which is set in Shady Creek, Vermont. The town, & the pub, the Inkwell, that Sadie, the main character owns, sound like places you’d want to visit. I truly loved the description of the Inkwell & the little footbridge you need to cross to enter the pub. The description of the little creek made it so easy to not only picture, but to hear it babbling.
I do wish publishers would allow a small map to be included because I was confused about where the shops were on the village green & where the Inkwell was in relation to the green. The author did give descriptions of where things were located, but I was still confused, so it could just be me.
The mystery was excellent, & not easy to solve. I certainly didn’t figure it out!. But it did make perfect sense. It truly had me going “one more chapter”.
The literary themed cocktails were a very creative touch & sounded really good too. Some recipes are included for them which is a nice touch.
My favorite character was Grayson Blake, owner of the Spirit Hill Brewery located next to the pub. He was a fun character & if he turns into a love interest for Sadie maybe he can loosen her up. Sadie seems awfully serious for somebody who’s only 30.
I thought that there was just the right amount of characters introduced in this 1st book. Maybe they weren’t all totally fleshed out, but I felt I had enough info to know them. I’m sure as the series progresses we’ll get to know them better.
All in all, a strong start to a new series & I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Good mystery
The characters and world building are easy and enjoyable to read. The little twists and details added make the literary pub come alive in your mind.
Don’t miss this new series set in the small community of Shady Creek, with a big hearted protagonist who runs the new pub in town! And this isn’t just any new pub, but a literary themed pub with book club dates and themed drinks for all! Sadie is fleeing the big city of Boston to be closer to family and her dreams of incorporating her love of books into a successful business. Before long, an uninvited guest shows up in her pub and she quickly runs the other way. Unfortunately, this would be the last time she would see her ex-boyfriend Eric and would never get to ask him why he was showing up unexpectedly in her new town, unannounced. His body would be discovered the next day by Sadie, when confronting her arch-nemisis, Grayson Blake. While Sadie tries to uncover the truth surrounding Eric’s murder, we learn more about the new characters of Shady Creek. You will enjoy the personalities and characteristics that make each member of town a special player in the story. I felt the town and the literary pub was a fun setting and I loved how the author mentioned so many of my own favorite authors and stories (Nancy Drew, Baby-Sitters Club, Jody Holford, and so many more). The details were well developed and thought out and the reader is only wanting for the next book in the series to arrive sooner rather than later, once finished! Shady Creek, Sadie and friends have a lot to offer us as readers and I can’t wait to catch up with them soon!
Wine and Punishment hits all the right notes — a unique setting, friends and family, an intriguing mystery. Cozy fans will enjoy visiting Shady Creek. A great start to a new series
An excellent series debut by Sarah Fox! There are quite a few mysterious events throughout the story that kept me engaged right up to the very surprising end. I liked getting to know pub owner Sadie, her employees Mel and Damien, her best friend Shontelle, her Aunt Gilda, and fellow business owner Grayson. I love the setting of a literary pub, housed in an old mill, bordering a town green in a cozy Vermont village. The plot of this book is well-written and moved at a good pace, at no point leaving me feeling like the story was rambling just for the sake of adding filler. A few recipes at the end of the book were a nice touch, and I’m really interested to try the Happily Ever After.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series, and I’m glad I don’t have a long wait ahead of me!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s Autumn in Shady Creek, Vermont and Sadie Coleman is excited to take part in the yearly festival. You see, she is new in town and has turned the old grist mill pub into a book lover’s delight. The Inkwell is the perfect place to relax with friends or hold your book club meeting. Sadie pushed out by a merger in her old job and moving on after breaking up with her gambling lying ex is ready to make herself at home in this wonderful little town. Her literary-themed cocktails have been well received and she is anxious to feature them in her booth at the festival.
Happily shelving her past she has made herself at home. Then she is shocked to learn Eric, he ex, is in town. She avoids him the first night and goes to a birthday party for her Aunt Gilda. On the way home, she is diverted by a huge fire at the local antique shop. She almost forgets about Eric being in town. But before they can meet he is found dead in a culvert near the pub. Is his death connected to the fire? What would he come all this way to see her now? With more questions than answers, she decides to keep her ears open and her eyes peeled in hopes of catching the killer and throwing the book at them.
I absolutely love the setting of this book. A pub full of books in Vermont. The pub is unique, its little footbridge charming and Shady Creek sounds absolutely delightful. Sans the fire and the murder, of course.
I really like Sadie. She has a great vision and the determination to see it through. She is surrounded by a great cast. Her Aunt Gilda is totally supportive and willing to help Sadie in any way she can. The same with her friend Shontelle. Her two employees, Damien and Melanie, are familiar with the area and the festival and want Sadie to succeed. Then there is Grayson Blake, owner of the Spirit Hill Brewery. He and Sadie get off to a very rocky start. Everyone thinks he is a wonderful man, Sadie just doesn’t see it. In fact, she believes he is responsible for some dastardly deeds like slashing her tires and egging the pub. Sadie also has a frisky feline named Wimsey. I feel Ms. Fox has barely opened the books on these characters. She has left them plenty of room to grow.
I enjoyed the way the author penned this mystery. Twists galore. I loved that the lead detective was a woman and that while she questioned Sadie thoroughly, she didn’t zero in on Sadie as her main suspect. I will say the killer was so far off my radar they were never even considered. BAM, I was right there with Sadie, completely surprised and scared for our new protagonist. Great job, Sarah Fox!
This series is off to an excellent start. I want to get to know these characters better and I definitely want to spend more time at the book filled Inkwell pub. I know there is a mystery book club starting there soon and I can’t wait to see if that plays into this author’s next mystery.
Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox is the debut novel in A Literary Pub Mystery. Sadie Coleman has purchased an old grist mill in Shady Creek, Vermont. She has turned the lower floor into Inkwell, a literary themed pub. The annual Autumn Festival is scheduled to begin in four days with the pumpkin catapult contest, a pie contest (which Sadie has got roped into judging) and vendor tents. Sadie is getting ready to depart for her Aunt Gilda’s birthday party when one of her employee’s tells her that her ex-boyfriend, Eric is in the pub. Not wanting a confrontation, Sadie sneaks out the back and enjoys an evening with her aunt and friends. On her way home, Sadie is shocked to see the Treasure Chest, a local antique shop and the building next door on fire. The next morning Sadie goes to her car and finds that someone has slashed all four of the tires. Sadie believes Grayson Blake of Spirit Hill Brewery is responsible and heads off to confront him. Instead, Sadie finds a deceased Eric sprawled by the edge of the creek. Sadie finds herself at the top of Detective Marquez’s suspect list which puts her wonderful new life in jeopardy. Feeling that she has no other choice, Sadie starts nosing around. She needs to discover why Eric was in town and retrace his footsteps. Can Sadie find the killer before she must trade in her pub apron for a prison jumpsuit?
I thought Wine and Punishment was nicely written with a good flow which made it an easy to read cozy mystery. I loved the description of the old grist mill that has been turned into a literary pub called Inkwell (wood, stone and plenty of books). There are cozy chairs, books and drinks named for books and authors. Sadie Coleman has left Boston to start over in Shady Creek, Vermont where her Aunt Gilda resides. Sadie leaves her ex-boyfriend, Eric behind who has trouble recognizing the truth and a terrible gambling addiction. I liked the picturesque town of Shady Creek with its charming shops and friendly residents (minus the killer). The town is gearing up for the annual Autumn Festival which has the unique pumpkin catapult contest. Each team constructs its own catapult for which Sadie is thankful she has employee, Damien Keys. The scarecrow for outside Inkwell is dressed like Sherlock Holmes (how cute). Sarah Fox took the time to set the stage for the series by describing the town and giving readers details on the main characters. I hope we get to learn more about the secondary characters in future books (Damien and Melanie for example). There is even a cute cat named Wimsy. I liked the interactions between Sadie and Wimsy, but I was surprised that she let her cat run around outside. There are various books and authors mentioned throughout Wine and Punishment including Ellery Adams. The mystery was interesting, and some readers may be surprised by the killer’s identity. I did feel that the pacing was inconsistent. I would have liked a brisker pace. I am giving Wine and Punishment 3.5 stars. Wine and Punishment is a good beginning to A Literary Pub Mystery series and I am curious to see what the author dishes up next time.
Draws readers into the fold of suspects in Shady Creek and doesn’t let go until the culprit is uncovered. There are laugh-out-loud moments, hold-your-breath moments, and moments when you’ll think you have the mystery figured out, but the surprises keep coming!
A great, intriguing new series from author Sarah Fox! Sadie Coleman has moved to Shady Creek, Vermont to get a fresh start. She owns Inkwell, a literary pub, featuring literary themed cocktails and beers as well as book clubs and eventually hopes to have literary themed food. When her ex-boyfriend shows up in town trying to win her back, he’s found murdered before he has the chance. Also, a suspicious fire happens the same night. Can Sadie get to the bottom of things and find out what really happened? I really enjoyed all the literary themed cocktails even though I don’t drink and all of Sadie’s literary expressions. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her and hope that she and Grayson might start dating! I highly recommend this fantastic new series!
Wine And Punishment is the first book in the new Literary Pub Mystery series by Sarah Fox. I enjoy the authors other series so I was excited when I heard about this one and couldn’t wait to read it.
I loved this book, I didn’t want to put it down! I read it in two days. It is a solid , well written mystery, and the murder was committed in a rather interesting manner.
The characters are charming and relatable. I would love to spend an afternoon having a cocktail with Sadie discussing books. And I have to mention Aunt Gilda, she’s a hoot!
I am already anxious for the next book and looking forward to the Sadie’s next adventure in Shady Creek.
I received an ARC of this book from the author which I voluntarily reviewed.
A fabulous fall themed cozy mystery. Leaf peeping, pumpkin pie contests, and pumpkin launching to name just a few enticing fall activities described within this story. Best of all I would dearly love to join a mystery book group in that warm and cozy pub. I loved it! I highly recommend this book!
A well written mystery. The town and mystery takes place in Vermont. Sadie, the main character, is likable, strong and independent. The mystery has twist and turns. Hope the other characters in the book will be developed into additional interest. This series has potential and I can’t wait to read more. The audio was good also.
Finally a twist I didn’t see coming
I enjoyed the book. The character development was a little weak as was scene depiction. I think the series has potential and will seek out the next in the series.
Books, wine and mystery in a charming little Vermont town. Not everyone in Shady Creek seems eager to welcome the owner of the newest establishment, a literary themed pub. As residents prepare for a fall festival, reality gets as intense as fiction when crime rears its dangerous head in the otherwise quiet and peaceful town. Sleuthing, colored leaves, a nine-day fall festival with a pie contest, a readers’ group, and literary themed drinks, all added to the atmosphere of this delightful read.
Sadie Coleman is a booklover. She moves to Shady Creek a small town after losing her job and her boyfriend due to his gambling problem. She buys the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a place where tourists and regulars can come and enjoy a cocktail and something to read. Everything is going pretty good until her ex boyfriend shows up, and then is murdered. Someone is lurking about their small town and causing problems. Can Sadie her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the patrons from the pub find the killer before he or she strikes again? You will need to read this wonderfully written story to find the answer. I would like to thank Keningston Publishing for an ARC. I voluntarily reviewed it.
WINE AND PUNISHMENT lays a strong foundation and is a great starting point for the new Literary Pub Mystery series.
Its small town Vermont setting provides the perfect cozy backdrop for the story. I am completely charmed by the old grist mill pub, Inkwell, with its bookish theme and setting. I would love to visit Shady Creek, Vermont, when the fall foliage is at its peak and have a lovely cocktail at the Inkwell during a Book Club meet up.
In WINE AND PUNISHMENT, we meet protagonist Sadie Coleman, a recent transplant from Boston seeking to start over after losing her job and her boyfriend Eric. She is settling in nicely with her Aunt Gilda close by and has already made a new friend Shontelle. Business is steady, and she is looking forward to the upcoming Autumn Festival. Things start to deteriorate when her tires are slashed, a local antique store goes up flames, and Eric comes to town to win Sadie back. Sadie avoids him, and is shocked to discover him murdered the next day. Sadie finds herself a suspect and must find the real killer to clear her name and find justice for Eric’s family all while facing more peril of her own.
It is a treat to investigate along with Sadie as she weeds through suspects and motives. Fox provides a steady tale with plenty of red herrings. The killer, though they appear throughout the book, was never even on my radar. It is always nice to not have it all figured out until the end, but looking back there were clues that I disregarded. The mystery does drag a little in the middle, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.
I like Sadie, Aunt Gilda, Shontelle, and local brewery owner Grayson Blake. There is plenty of chemistry between Sadie and Grayson, and I look forward to seeing where their friendship, or more, goes. Even though we get a good introduction to the recurring characters, I do hope that they a much more developed in future books. They have the potential to be really appealing, stellar personalities.
I enjoyed WINE AND PUNISHMENT and look forward to reading more adventures featuring Sadie and friends.
I received an ARC of this title from the author/publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Wine and Punishment is the first book in Sarah Fox’s new Literary Pub Mystery series. Sadie Coleman has recently relocated from Boston to Shady Creek, Vermont. She came to visit her Aunt Gilda after breaking up with long time boyfriend Eric Jense, but fell for the area and decided to stay. Eric’s chronic gambling and lying had finally pushed her away from him and her old life.
Now she has purchased the old mill and converted the former bar to a literary pub where she lives in the upstairs apartment. The pub is serving as a local meeting place, watering hole, and host to a variety of book clubs and events. Luckily, former employees of the previous owner, Mel and Damien, have decided to stay on, and between the three of them they are making it work. The three of them are working together to give the Pub a positive presence at the annual Autumn Festival, and sharing the workload at the pub.
On the evening of her Aunt Gilda’s birthday, as she and best friend and fellow small business owner, Shontelle Williams, are ready to depart, Mel comes to Sadie’s apartment to tell her Eric the ex is downstairs in the pub. Sadie and Shontelle sneak out the back door and head to a pleasant evening at Louie Edmonds, Aunt Gilda’s fellow, home for the celebration.
As they are walking home later in the evening they encounter Grayson Blake, owner of Spirit Hill Brewery located adjacent to the Inkwell. While the town seems to be enamored with Grayson, Sadie has always found him to be aloof and borderline rude. As they run into each other, they smell smoke and find the local antique market ablaze.
The following morning Sadie finds her tires slashed and confronts her neighbor to see if, and why, he would do such a thing. She encounters him on his driveway with his white German shepherd, Bowie. When Bowie takes off, they follow him to get him back under control before coming to the road. But not only do they find Bowie, they also find Eric’s lifeless body.
In the ensuing days, while clearing her own name and seeking justice for Eric, Sadie is plagued by threatening events, including a gasoline can set by her back door, a fire set to an out building, being grabbed from behind as she leaves her friend’s after dinner, and the egging of her entire building. And at this point the story takes off into well woven twists and turns to lead to a very unexpected climax!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series. I do recommend it!