Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox is the first book in the NEW “Literary Pub” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, December 2018.
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 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.
This is a good start and welcome addition to the cadre of cozy mystery series that I enjoy. Sadie is new in town having left her boyfriend and her old life in Boston. When on a stroll home, she finds the dead body of her ex. Wanting to clear any suspicions on herself and to find a killer, Sadie starts an investigation evoking the wraith of an unknown. Are the two connected, we shall see?
This was a fun book to read and I enjoyed all aspect in this well-written and fast-paced drama. The author knows how to tell a story with visually descriptive narrative that put me in the middle of all the action. I like how the mystery was staged with few suspects, but it was the gathering of the clues that increased the suspect pool from two to many. When I thought I had a handle on the killer’s identity, the author changed direction all to enhance my reading pleasure. All the characters had pivotal roles and it was the sneaky little twists that revealed the killer’s identity and the motive. Overall, a great read and I look forward to the next book in this delightfully engaging series.
I enjoyed your review, Dru Ann. Wine and Punishment sounds like a book I’d really like to read.