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Literary Pub Mystery #5
Through the Liquor Glass
Autumn brings a wonderland of color and atmosphere to Vermont. As the last leaves fall from the trees, the town is gearing up for a new festival: A Taste of Shady Creek. Pub proprietor Sadie Coleman is looking forward to visitors coming to sample her literary-themed cocktails. She’s a little more wary about her mother’s impending first visit. What if her mom doesn’t like Sadie’s adopted town—or her new boyfriend, Grayson Blake?
Those concerns are overshadowed when a food critic is found dead at Grayson’s craft brewery, pinned under a barrel. Curiouser and curiouser—the victim is linked to Grayson’s past as a private investigator, and all the evidence points to him as the killer. While Grayson lays low, Sadie starts some investigating of her own, diving down a rabbit hole of suspects. Was it a bad review that made the killer mad as a hatter? Or are there other motives at play?
In between serving Kiss of the Cider Woman cocktails and book-minded bites to festival goers, Sadie is striving to clear Grayson’s name. But it’ll take more than a dash of ingenuity to prevent the festival from fizzing out completely—and stop a killer from downing another innocent life . . .
Those concerns are overshadowed when a food critic is found dead at Grayson’s craft brewery, pinned under a barrel. Curiouser and curiouser—the victim is linked to Grayson’s past as a private investigator, and all the evidence points to him as the killer. While Grayson lays low, Sadie starts some investigating of her own, diving down a rabbit hole of suspects. Was it a bad review that made the killer mad as a hatter? Or are there other motives at play?
In between serving Kiss of the Cider Woman cocktails and book-minded bites to festival goers, Sadie is striving to clear Grayson’s name. But it’ll take more than a dash of ingenuity to prevent the festival from fizzing out completely—and stop a killer from downing another innocent life . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
Published November 29, 2022
45 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
23 books739 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 26, 2022
I have to admit I have a soft spot for this series, it was the first cozy mystery series I every discovered. I really love the tie in with the books both with the book club and with the names of the food and drinks at the pub. This is book five in the literary pub mystery and while character development and relationships grow through the series it is a full mystery by itself. Sadie and her boyfriend Grayson discover a dead body in his brewery and unfortunately he has history with the out of town food critic and it isn’t a positive critic. The police follow the evidence and soon have Grayson as their number one suspect. Sadie is sure he is innocent so she takes matters into her own hands and is determined to solve the mystery herself. I thought there were some good twists and turns and the mystery was well paced. A great addition to a fun series!
November 22, 2022
This is the first book I have read in this series but it was easy to get to know the characters and to get into the story. Things start to go wrong when Sadie and her boyfriend Grayson discover a dead body and get worse when Grayson is the main suspect for committing the murder.
I liked the setting and was especially charmed by the description of Sadie's literary pub, the Inkwell. Some of the cocktails she served had very adventurous names. The story followed the usual cosy tropes. I was uncomfortable with the fact that Grayson went into hiding from the police. Normal upstanding members of the community get bail and find legal ways of sorting out who really dunnit.
Still an interesting and entertaining read. Three stars from me.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I liked the setting and was especially charmed by the description of Sadie's literary pub, the Inkwell. Some of the cocktails she served had very adventurous names. The story followed the usual cosy tropes. I was uncomfortable with the fact that Grayson went into hiding from the police. Normal upstanding members of the community get bail and find legal ways of sorting out who really dunnit.
Still an interesting and entertaining read. Three stars from me.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 24, 2023
This was a great addition to the series! The book had me sold w/ Fall in Vermont and the small town is hosting a taste of Shady Creek.
I really love Fox's writing style and her development of the characters and the feel of the towns in her books!
I highly recommend this book and entire series to any cozy mystery lover!I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Sarah Fox, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I really love Fox's writing style and her development of the characters and the feel of the towns in her books!
I highly recommend this book and entire series to any cozy mystery lover!I received an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank netgalley, the author Sarah Fox, and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
October 23, 2022
Protagonist, Sadie Coleman, owns a really cool bar, the Inkwell, at which literary themed food and drinks are served, and books available. Grayson, Sadie’s boyfriend, owns Spirit Hill Brewery, next door. It’s autumn in Vermont, and time for the first annual food and drink festival; A Taste of Shady Creek. At least two rival food critics are in town, and everyone selling food or drinks wants to make a great impression on them. It’s not long before the two female rivals get into a fight, and soon after, Grayson and Sadie discover one of them murdered in the Brewery!
The plot begins to move quickly into the crime investigation. Grayson seems to be the #1 suspect and he disappears into hiding before the lead detective can arrest him leaving his best friend and head of brewery security, Jason, at the helm. Jason and Sadie wonder if a past incident when Grayson was a private investigator could be tied to the present trouble. Several secondary characters made me wonder if, or how, they could be involved in the crime.
Author Sarah Fox mixes great narrative and exciting action scenes along with interesting food and drink descriptions at the Inkwell. That’s one of the main likes I enjoy about the originality of this story! The employees at the bar are always supportive of Sadie and she of them. Sadie also has friends all over town who help her find out pertinent information about her main suspects. Cozy cats and a dog are precious pet companions.
The ending was surprising to me, and I felt satisfied the author did a wonderful job writing an entertaining cozy mystery. I really enjoy the Literary Pub series.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
The plot begins to move quickly into the crime investigation. Grayson seems to be the #1 suspect and he disappears into hiding before the lead detective can arrest him leaving his best friend and head of brewery security, Jason, at the helm. Jason and Sadie wonder if a past incident when Grayson was a private investigator could be tied to the present trouble. Several secondary characters made me wonder if, or how, they could be involved in the crime.
Author Sarah Fox mixes great narrative and exciting action scenes along with interesting food and drink descriptions at the Inkwell. That’s one of the main likes I enjoy about the originality of this story! The employees at the bar are always supportive of Sadie and she of them. Sadie also has friends all over town who help her find out pertinent information about her main suspects. Cozy cats and a dog are precious pet companions.
The ending was surprising to me, and I felt satisfied the author did a wonderful job writing an entertaining cozy mystery. I really enjoy the Literary Pub series.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2022
Sadie Coleman runs The Inkwell, her literary-themed pub, housed in a renovated grist mill in Shady Creek, Vermont. Sadie is preparing for a visit from her mum and a local taste festival is featuring all the food and drink establishments in town. When someone is murdered, Sadie's boyfriend, Grayson is suspect number one but who is framing him?
Sarah Fox's fifth Literary Pub Mystery is fabulously entertaining. I really like Sadie as she has a great vision and determination. There is so much to like in this cozy murder mystery, besides Sadie herself. The plot is sound, the whole cast is well-drawn, the mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. Through the Liquor Glass was a very enjoyable instalment and I will be catching up with the first books in the series as well looking forward to book #6. An excellent series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Sarah Fox's fifth Literary Pub Mystery is fabulously entertaining. I really like Sadie as she has a great vision and determination. There is so much to like in this cozy murder mystery, besides Sadie herself. The plot is sound, the whole cast is well-drawn, the mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. Through the Liquor Glass was a very enjoyable instalment and I will be catching up with the first books in the series as well looking forward to book #6. An excellent series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
December 2, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s Autumn in Vermont and it is the first year of the A Taste of Shady Creek Festival and Inkwell owner Sadie Coleman is excited to share her literary-themed cocktails with all the visitors at the event. Her mother is also coming to town for the first time and she wants everything to be perfect when she arrives. She wants to show off her new business and introduce her to her friends including her craft brewery boyfriend, Grayson Blake. She is so nervous her mother will not like anything about her new life in Vermont, especially now that another murder has occurred. A murder where Grayson is the prime suspect. With the evidence mounting against him, he disappears while he tries to find proof that he had nothing to do with the murder. Sadie misses him terribly and refuses to stand by and do nothing. Can she chase down a killer, run her pub, and entertain her mother all at the same time? Time will tell.
This is one of my favorite series. I anxiously await each new book to catch up with Sadie and all her friends in Shady Creek. The Inkwell is such a unique pub where people can partake in literary-themed cocktails and food while surrounded by books. Book clubs meet there and Sadie comes up with several bookish events plus it’s a great place to meet with friends and relax. I’ve said it before and will say it again, the Inkwell is my fictional happy place.
Ms. Fox has developed fantastic characters over the course of the series. Sadie continues to grow more confident and is becoming a great amateur sleuth. I love how her relationship is progressing with Grayson. With him in hot water this time she is really tested. She wants to not only find the true killer but find Grayson. Not having any idea where he is and if he is safe was so hard on her. I really enjoyed that her mother came to town. She was totally different than what I was expecting. I was also happy that some secondary characters played a larger role in this story. It was nice to get to know them a little better. The new characters introduced were well crafted as well.
The author plotted out quite a mystery. We all know that Grayson had to be innocent but when a part of his past along with the people involved show up in the idyllic Shady Creek it does give us pause especially when he takes off instead of defending himself. This led to a very fast-paced and exciting story. I was completely in the dark until everything came to a head. I was happy with the way the drama played out and that we learned the whole story after the culprit was caught,
Through the Liquor Glass was such an entertaining mystery. It checks all the cozy boxes and left me wanting more! I can’t wait for my next visit to Shady Creek!
It’s Autumn in Vermont and it is the first year of the A Taste of Shady Creek Festival and Inkwell owner Sadie Coleman is excited to share her literary-themed cocktails with all the visitors at the event. Her mother is also coming to town for the first time and she wants everything to be perfect when she arrives. She wants to show off her new business and introduce her to her friends including her craft brewery boyfriend, Grayson Blake. She is so nervous her mother will not like anything about her new life in Vermont, especially now that another murder has occurred. A murder where Grayson is the prime suspect. With the evidence mounting against him, he disappears while he tries to find proof that he had nothing to do with the murder. Sadie misses him terribly and refuses to stand by and do nothing. Can she chase down a killer, run her pub, and entertain her mother all at the same time? Time will tell.
This is one of my favorite series. I anxiously await each new book to catch up with Sadie and all her friends in Shady Creek. The Inkwell is such a unique pub where people can partake in literary-themed cocktails and food while surrounded by books. Book clubs meet there and Sadie comes up with several bookish events plus it’s a great place to meet with friends and relax. I’ve said it before and will say it again, the Inkwell is my fictional happy place.
Ms. Fox has developed fantastic characters over the course of the series. Sadie continues to grow more confident and is becoming a great amateur sleuth. I love how her relationship is progressing with Grayson. With him in hot water this time she is really tested. She wants to not only find the true killer but find Grayson. Not having any idea where he is and if he is safe was so hard on her. I really enjoyed that her mother came to town. She was totally different than what I was expecting. I was also happy that some secondary characters played a larger role in this story. It was nice to get to know them a little better. The new characters introduced were well crafted as well.
The author plotted out quite a mystery. We all know that Grayson had to be innocent but when a part of his past along with the people involved show up in the idyllic Shady Creek it does give us pause especially when he takes off instead of defending himself. This led to a very fast-paced and exciting story. I was completely in the dark until everything came to a head. I was happy with the way the drama played out and that we learned the whole story after the culprit was caught,
Through the Liquor Glass was such an entertaining mystery. It checks all the cozy boxes and left me wanting more! I can’t wait for my next visit to Shady Creek!
February 6, 2023
This was a 3.7-4 star read. In the midst of prepping for a town festival and the arrival of her mother in town, Sadie learns there are food critics in town for the festival who may have caused the closure of another restaurant years prior. Encountering several good critics and travel writers in her pub, Sadie has to defuse arguments and fights while going her pub gets a good review. Upon visiting her boyfriend, Grady, she learns that he has a past with one of the good critics, and a few minutes later her dead body is discovered at the distillery.
With Grady the main suspect and on the run, Sadie desperately tried to clear his name all while keeping the issue away from her mother.
There are several suspects and mysteries to solve, is the current murder related to a prior murder and the history between Grady and the murdered PI? Who is stealing clothes from townsfolk’s?
This book was good but had the characters acting out of normal. Grady going on the run from the police instead of trying to clear his name after hiring a lawyer was just perplexing. Sadie, trying to find him, knowing the police was watching and that Grady specifically did not want her to do that was another issue. Also, unlike in other cases, she did not immediately turn over evidence. I deducted from the book for those and other issues because I think it set the characters and the tone of the book back instead of maturing.
With Grady the main suspect and on the run, Sadie desperately tried to clear his name all while keeping the issue away from her mother.
There are several suspects and mysteries to solve, is the current murder related to a prior murder and the history between Grady and the murdered PI? Who is stealing clothes from townsfolk’s?
This book was good but had the characters acting out of normal. Grady going on the run from the police instead of trying to clear his name after hiring a lawyer was just perplexing. Sadie, trying to find him, knowing the police was watching and that Grady specifically did not want her to do that was another issue. Also, unlike in other cases, she did not immediately turn over evidence. I deducted from the book for those and other issues because I think it set the characters and the tone of the book back instead of maturing.
August 25, 2022
Caught and held my attention from beginning to the end. Sadie Colemen is a likable character even if her questioning technique needs a bit of fine tuning. She's blunt, let's just say. Of course, a body having been found in her boyfriend's brewery that leaves him the most viable suspect is enough to make anyone a bit snippy. Toss in dealing with the Taste of Shady Creek (Vermont) festival, the presence of celebrated food critics in town,and the anticipated arrival of her mother in town and Sadie has a few things on her mind.
Initially it's simply will her mother like her chosen home and business, not to mention boyfriend Grayson, but that quickly changes after Grayson and Sadie find the dead body. It's one of the critics that, as it turns out, Grayson has a history with. Grayson, realizing he'll be the chief suspect, opts to go into hiding and use his former PI skills to try to prove his own innocence. He wisely doesn't tell Sadie where he's going.
So, who killed critic Dominique? What is her connection to Grayson? Could it have been a competing critic, one Sadie overheard saying she planned to get her resume in to replace Dominique? Who is the mysterious man that seems to have spooked Dominique? Phoebe and he seem to know each other. How will Sadie's mom react when she hears her daughter's boyfriend is a murder suspect? Why is someone trying to frame Grayson? How did Dominique ruin Alicia's dreams? Why are George and Mildred acting so suspicious? Why....oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's fast paced, well written, and full of characters you'll like in a lovely fall setting. It is part of a series but works well as a standalone, not to mention there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes at the end.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Shady Creek for a dose of Maple Butter Popcorn, fall colors and, gulp, murder.
Initially it's simply will her mother like her chosen home and business, not to mention boyfriend Grayson, but that quickly changes after Grayson and Sadie find the dead body. It's one of the critics that, as it turns out, Grayson has a history with. Grayson, realizing he'll be the chief suspect, opts to go into hiding and use his former PI skills to try to prove his own innocence. He wisely doesn't tell Sadie where he's going.
So, who killed critic Dominique? What is her connection to Grayson? Could it have been a competing critic, one Sadie overheard saying she planned to get her resume in to replace Dominique? Who is the mysterious man that seems to have spooked Dominique? Phoebe and he seem to know each other. How will Sadie's mom react when she hears her daughter's boyfriend is a murder suspect? Why is someone trying to frame Grayson? How did Dominique ruin Alicia's dreams? Why are George and Mildred acting so suspicious? Why....oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's fast paced, well written, and full of characters you'll like in a lovely fall setting. It is part of a series but works well as a standalone, not to mention there are some absolutely delicious sounding recipes at the end.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to Shady Creek for a dose of Maple Butter Popcorn, fall colors and, gulp, murder.
July 30, 2022
This is one of my favorite series, and this new addition is fantastic.
Sadie owns the most magical (in my mind) literary pub one can imagine.
I would love to be a customer, enjoying my surroundings and drinking one of Sadie's clever cocktails.
In this book, Sadie needs to prove her boyfriend is not guilty of murder, have a visit with her mom, and keep her business going.
This was a fast paced story and I really liked getting to know her mom. I hope she appears in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#ThroughtheLiquorGlass #NetGalley
Sadie owns the most magical (in my mind) literary pub one can imagine.
I would love to be a customer, enjoying my surroundings and drinking one of Sadie's clever cocktails.
In this book, Sadie needs to prove her boyfriend is not guilty of murder, have a visit with her mom, and keep her business going.
This was a fast paced story and I really liked getting to know her mom. I hope she appears in future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#ThroughtheLiquorGlass #NetGalley
August 10, 2022
Okay, what else could happen? A food critic who is known for her cutting reviews is dead, your boyfriend is in hiding because law enforcement thinks he murdered her to get revenge for the death of a friend's daughter, your business, the Inkwell (a literary themed pub) was where the victim was seen arguing with a rival food critic and your Mother is coming to town, to meet your new boyfriend and see your new life. What do you do? If you're Sadie Coleman, you put you amateur sleuthing hat on and try to find out who killed the critic before your life is changed forever.
A fast-paced mystery, the story kept me reading and guessing. Sadie is determined, focused and madly in love with her boyfriend. It was fun to see her interact with her Mother and the twists and turns and the ending kept me guessing. If you like take charge main characters, You won't be disappointed, Sadie delivers!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A fast-paced mystery, the story kept me reading and guessing. Sadie is determined, focused and madly in love with her boyfriend. It was fun to see her interact with her Mother and the twists and turns and the ending kept me guessing. If you like take charge main characters, You won't be disappointed, Sadie delivers!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 19, 2023
This was a well written mystery that really drew me in. Unfortunately, the author used one of my most hated devices to find information for their investigation – the amateur sleuth continually broke into an area to gather clues; this drives me nuts and I find it lazy. There are a million other ways to get clues besides breaking the law. Other than that, I enjoy the setting and find the Sadie’s friends likeable. I’m not a huge fan of Sadie but still continue with the series because the drink names are amusing.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
“Through the Liquor Glass" the 5th instalment in the "A Literary Pub" Mystery series by Sarah Fox. I love both of Sarah’s Cozy Mystery series but Sadie and Shady Creek hold a special place in my heart as I like the whole concept of a Literary Pub. I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah this summer as she lives in my hometown, she is as likeable as her main characters and I wish her nothing but the best in her new series “A True Confections Mystery”
Fall is in full swing in the picturesque New England town of Shady Creek, Vermont, and Sadie Coleman, owner of the literary-themed Inkwell pub, is serving up delicious food and drinks with a side of sleuthing
I really love this series and am sad this will be the last book.
The characters are well developed and I love the whole setting of Shady Creek, with its shops around the green, the local busybody, inclusion of children, Sadies friends and fellow shop owners. It made me want to live there and walk the green just like Sadie does.
The romance between Sadie and Grayson is heading in the right direction and Sadie’s mum finally got to meet him and see she has a happy life in Shady Creek even if there has been a few murders.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and 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 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.
Fall is in full swing in the picturesque New England town of Shady Creek, Vermont, and Sadie Coleman, owner of the literary-themed Inkwell pub, is serving up delicious food and drinks with a side of sleuthing
I really love this series and am sad this will be the last book.
The characters are well developed and I love the whole setting of Shady Creek, with its shops around the green, the local busybody, inclusion of children, Sadies friends and fellow shop owners. It made me want to live there and walk the green just like Sadie does.
The romance between Sadie and Grayson is heading in the right direction and Sadie’s mum finally got to meet him and see she has a happy life in Shady Creek even if there has been a few murders.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and 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 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.
October 23, 2025
I am sad to see this series come to an end, which is why it took me some time to read it! I just love the idea of Literary Pub, and I wish there was one around here I could enjoy. In this adventure, Sadie is enjoying her Pub, her relationship with Grayson, and waiting a bit nervously for her Mom to come and visit and check out both! In the meantime, she and the Pub are into supporting a new festival in town: A Taste of Shady Creek and is excited that a couple of food writers have stopped into the Inkwell! Unfortunately, before anything is written, one of the writers is murdered at Grayson's brewery, and since he has a history with her, Grayson becomes the main suspect. When Grayson disappears to hunt the killer and prevent Sadie from being dragged into the mess, can she work on her own to find answers, manage the Pub and keep her mother from having horrible thoughts about her boyfriend? This one will keep you hopping, I just wish Sadie didn't do so many questionable things to find answers. If you haven't discovered this series yet, it is definitely worth your time! #ThroughtheLiquorGlass #ALiteraryPubMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 26, 2022
Through the Liquor Glass is the fifth book in the Literary Pub Mystery series by Sarah Fox.
I absolutely LOVE this unique cozy mystery series and this latest installment was so well written.
Sadie Coleman owns the Inkwell a unique bar that is literary themed and even sells books. I so want to go to the Inkwel! Sadie's boyfriend Grayson owns Spirit Hill Brewery right next door.
The story is set in the fall in Vermont. I live in Maine and the descriptions of Vermont in the fall is spot on. The town is having its very first annual food and drink festival and there is a rivalry and one of them ends up murdered.
It seems that Grayson is a suspect. The investigation starts and past secrets are revealed.
This is a well written multi-layered mystery. The characters are so fantastic.
I love the romance between Sadie and Grayson.
The secondary characters are anything but secondary. I love the furry characters too.
I was so surprised by the ending and the twists created a mystery that kept me guessing until the end.
I absolutely LOVE this series!
I absolutely LOVE this unique cozy mystery series and this latest installment was so well written.
Sadie Coleman owns the Inkwell a unique bar that is literary themed and even sells books. I so want to go to the Inkwel! Sadie's boyfriend Grayson owns Spirit Hill Brewery right next door.
The story is set in the fall in Vermont. I live in Maine and the descriptions of Vermont in the fall is spot on. The town is having its very first annual food and drink festival and there is a rivalry and one of them ends up murdered.
It seems that Grayson is a suspect. The investigation starts and past secrets are revealed.
This is a well written multi-layered mystery. The characters are so fantastic.
I love the romance between Sadie and Grayson.
The secondary characters are anything but secondary. I love the furry characters too.
I was so surprised by the ending and the twists created a mystery that kept me guessing until the end.
I absolutely LOVE this series!
November 29, 2022
I really had a hard time putting this down, and the sleuthing Grayson and Sadie did was definitely page-turning! I think I was as worried about Grayson as Sadie was when he went into hiding after the murder of a woman he had some bad history with when he was a private investigator. It was cool that some of the characters that in the past hadn't had all that much page time got their little moments to shine, especially during the showdown! Jason, Joey and Cordelia were characters I hadn't remembered reading much about but they got quite a bit of mentioning in this case.
I never guessed whodunit and it was a great showdown. The whole mystery was well-explained in great detail after the perp was hauled away. I love that Sadie's mom finally got to come see Sadie's new town and eventually got to meet Grayson...and who wouldn't love that guy, right? Can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I never guessed whodunit and it was a great showdown. The whole mystery was well-explained in great detail after the perp was hauled away. I love that Sadie's mom finally got to come see Sadie's new town and eventually got to meet Grayson...and who wouldn't love that guy, right? Can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
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February 16, 2025I will always want more of this series! My first cozy mystery was, after all, book one of it. It captured me and made this reader a certified cozy mystery enthusiast with its absolutely perfect representation of what this genre ought to be. This installment, like all the Shady Creek books before it, made me happy and cozy and contented. Sarah Fox fan for life!
January 17, 2023
I really love this series and each one more so. Sadie is such a fun character and I so wish I could visit the Inkwell and this town because Sarah Fox's descriptions are so wonderful. Poor Grayson is a suspect and I feel for Sadie trying to balance so much and help clear his name. There are some truly nerve racking scenes in this book! I can't wait for more.
July 26, 2022
I was given the amazing opportunity to read this book as an e-book ARC through NetGalley thanks to Kensington Books. This cozy mystery will make you want to move to Shady Creek. This book is cozy autumn vibes with a twist. Autumn is hands down my favourite season which really drew me to this book and who knew a book could make you crave a season?? But this one does, I can’t wait for autumn and all it has to bring. The descriptions of the beautiful weather, scenery, and in season food and drink painted such a vivd picture that each scene played out like a movie.
Sadie is an owner of a literary themed pub (which is also the coolest thing ever!) in a small town in Vermont. Her mom is coming to visit to see the town she has chosen to settle down in and to also meet Sadie’s boyfriend and brewery owner Grayson. Things seem to be on the right track for her mother’s visit. That is until a food critic was found murdered in Grayson’s brewery. With the victim having a linked past to Grayson during his time as a PI and evidence pointing to Grayson, he goes into hiding. Sadie and her friends all believe him to be innocent and start on the task of clearing his name and finding the real killer. As Sadie starts her own investigation, the list of potential suspect is long. She navigates narrowing down suspects, running her pub, helping her friends, and visiting with her mother. But who killed Dominique? What was the motive behind the killing? Was it linked to Grayson’s past? A bad review she had written? Or something else entirely?
The story is so detailed and descriptive its hard to put down! With many twists and turns I just loved this cozy read. I can’t wait to go back and read the other novels that are part of this series. My only regret is not knowing about these books sooner!
Sadie is an owner of a literary themed pub (which is also the coolest thing ever!) in a small town in Vermont. Her mom is coming to visit to see the town she has chosen to settle down in and to also meet Sadie’s boyfriend and brewery owner Grayson. Things seem to be on the right track for her mother’s visit. That is until a food critic was found murdered in Grayson’s brewery. With the victim having a linked past to Grayson during his time as a PI and evidence pointing to Grayson, he goes into hiding. Sadie and her friends all believe him to be innocent and start on the task of clearing his name and finding the real killer. As Sadie starts her own investigation, the list of potential suspect is long. She navigates narrowing down suspects, running her pub, helping her friends, and visiting with her mother. But who killed Dominique? What was the motive behind the killing? Was it linked to Grayson’s past? A bad review she had written? Or something else entirely?
The story is so detailed and descriptive its hard to put down! With many twists and turns I just loved this cozy read. I can’t wait to go back and read the other novels that are part of this series. My only regret is not knowing about these books sooner!
August 26, 2022
I generally really enjoy this series, but I found this book a bit disappointing. It's not anything to do with the mystery plot itself, which I think is well executed, with one exception--having to do with
But the bigger issue for me has to do with Sadie's behavior around her boyfriend being suspected of the murder. First off, Sadie keeps trying to track Grayson down even though he's told her he's going to hide out and doesn't want to have any contact with her. Sadie comes across as immature and sort of ridiculous in her over-the-top efforts to find where he's hiding. Second, the idea that she tries to hide the whole thing from her mom, while hardly spending any time with her mom when it's her mom's much awaited first visit to Sadie's new hometown, is ludicrous.
Cozies never have realistic plots, of course. That's inherent in the genre. But when the main character acts in ways that draw attention to how unbelievable the entire thing is, then it makes it hard for me as a reader to get lost in the story, which is all I ever really want.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
But the bigger issue for me has to do with Sadie's behavior around her boyfriend being suspected of the murder. First off, Sadie keeps trying to track Grayson down even though he's told her he's going to hide out and doesn't want to have any contact with her. Sadie comes across as immature and sort of ridiculous in her over-the-top efforts to find where he's hiding. Second, the idea that she tries to hide the whole thing from her mom, while hardly spending any time with her mom when it's her mom's much awaited first visit to Sadie's new hometown, is ludicrous.
Cozies never have realistic plots, of course. That's inherent in the genre. But when the main character acts in ways that draw attention to how unbelievable the entire thing is, then it makes it hard for me as a reader to get lost in the story, which is all I ever really want.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2023
It’s Autumn and Shady Creek Vermont is participating in the A Taste of Shady Creek festival. Pub proprietor Sadie Coleman is looking forward to visitors coming to sample her literary-themed cocktails, and her mother’s visit. But, when a food critic is found dead at Grayson’s craft brewery, pinned under a barrel, Grayson becomes a suspect. While Grayson lays low, Sadie investigates to find the truth.
This was a fun and fast paced cozy mystery. Sadie is an intelligent and lovable sleuth, and I love her attitude and how she helps her friends and family when there’s a need. The plot was very engrossing, and I didn’t want to stop reading until I got to the end. I was surprised by the big reveal. The setting is so well described I would love to visit a literary pub in a place like Shady Creek. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This was a fun and fast paced cozy mystery. Sadie is an intelligent and lovable sleuth, and I love her attitude and how she helps her friends and family when there’s a need. The plot was very engrossing, and I didn’t want to stop reading until I got to the end. I was surprised by the big reveal. The setting is so well described I would love to visit a literary pub in a place like Shady Creek. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
November 30, 2022
Sadie ,who owns the Inkwell pub, is gearing up for the autumn festival, A Taste of Shady Creek, what she is expecting is her Mother’s arrival, what she isn’t expecting, is for her and her boyfriend Grayson to find the body of a dead food critic in the doorway of Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson’s brewery. Grayson becomes the prime suspect, and then the action really gets moving! This is book five in the series, and I feel like each one is better than the last. This story flowed quickly, the plot was sound, with just enough misdirection to keep you on your toes! I was unable to guess the perpetrator until just before the reveal. This is my favorite series by this author, and it is always a pleasure to spend time in Shady Creek with Sadie, Grayson & friends.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
November 23, 2022
I enjoyed this fifth entry in the Literary Pub mystery series, as I have all of the others. One of my main loves of cozy mysteries is getting to know the protagonist and the supporting characters, and feeling a connection to their lives, and in this series seems like we haven't had many opportunities to do that. I'm happy that we did meet more of Sadie's family and friends and see more of the townspeople, and that made it a more enjoyable story. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy! I look forward to reading the next one.
November 29, 2022
Sadie Coleman, owner of the Inkwell Pub, is ready for a new festival “A Tast of Shady Creek” and a visit from her mom. This will be the first time her mom will visit the Inkwell and meets Sadie’s boyfriend Grayson Blake, owner of local craft brewery.
All should be well, until one of the visiting food critics is found dead in the Garyson’s brewery and he is the number one suspect.
Another great installment in the Literary Pub Series, and I love the recipes!
All should be well, until one of the visiting food critics is found dead in the Garyson’s brewery and he is the number one suspect.
Another great installment in the Literary Pub Series, and I love the recipes!
January 13, 2023
I really enjoy these books. Sometimes Sadie comes off as a little brash, but she usually manages to cover it up well. I love her and Grayson. So cute together. I hope her mom stays around. I think that would make for a great storyline.
January 29, 2023
No much different than the last book. Predictably.
April 9, 2024
This is the best mystery yet. It was action packed and hard to put it down. I hope there will be more books in this series. I highly recommend this series!
August 23, 2022
Sadie Coleman, owner of the literary-themed Inkwell pub. She is stressing preparing for her mothers first visit to her adopted town. To bad there is a murder and her boyfriend is being accused.
This I was a fun, fast and creative mystery.
#ThroughtheLiquorGlass
This I was a fun, fast and creative mystery.
#ThroughtheLiquorGlass
January 21, 2023
Sadie and Grayson find a food critic’s body under a cask at Grayson’s brewery. It soon becomes clear that someone is trying to frame Grayson for the murder. He goes into hiding, and Sadie, owner of the Inkwell pub, tries to find the real murderer. She is also dealing with maintaining the Inkwell’s booth at the local food and drink festival, and running her business during this top tourist season. Add to that her mother’s first visit to Sadie’s new home and business in Vermont. Sadie wants her mother’s approval on her new life and her new boyfriend who is currently on the run from law enforcement.
I have enjoyed all of the cozy mysteries in The Literary Pub Mystery Series by Sarah Fox, but this one was disappointing for me. The plot was well-conceived, but the execution was repetitious. Just how many times do I want to read about Sadie drinking coffee at her apartment, at her pub, and at the local coffee shop? How many times does the author need to verbalize Sadie’s emotional distress over missing her boyfriend? They were only separated for a little over a week. Sadie, in her efforts to clear Grayson, does a number of stupid, dangerous and illegal things. One example is stealing a hotel key card, breaking into a guest’s room, and returning the key card—actions which she repeats! Grayson purposely does not tell Sadie where he will hide out so she can truthfully relate that to the police when she is questioned. Despite the police having surveillance over her pub and apartment, she works as hard at discovering his location as she does at uncovering the murderer, putting herself and Grayson in even more threat of being arrested unless the murderer finds them first.
The whodunnit part of the book is interesting and surprising, but not really worth the read for me. I want to read the next book in the series as I hope this was a one off.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I have enjoyed all of the cozy mysteries in The Literary Pub Mystery Series by Sarah Fox, but this one was disappointing for me. The plot was well-conceived, but the execution was repetitious. Just how many times do I want to read about Sadie drinking coffee at her apartment, at her pub, and at the local coffee shop? How many times does the author need to verbalize Sadie’s emotional distress over missing her boyfriend? They were only separated for a little over a week. Sadie, in her efforts to clear Grayson, does a number of stupid, dangerous and illegal things. One example is stealing a hotel key card, breaking into a guest’s room, and returning the key card—actions which she repeats! Grayson purposely does not tell Sadie where he will hide out so she can truthfully relate that to the police when she is questioned. Despite the police having surveillance over her pub and apartment, she works as hard at discovering his location as she does at uncovering the murderer, putting herself and Grayson in even more threat of being arrested unless the murderer finds them first.
The whodunnit part of the book is interesting and surprising, but not really worth the read for me. I want to read the next book in the series as I hope this was a one off.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2023
I usually like this series but so far this has been my least favorite entry in the series. I'm not big on innocent people going into hiding so they aren't arrested even if they are trying to solve the crime on their own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
Sadie has to be an independent sleuth when Grayson is the prime suspect in this latest murder mystery, and he goes into hiding.
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