“Wine and Punishment” by Sarah Fox it's a delightful 4-star cozy mystery that combines wine, friendship, and a captivating whodunnit. Fox’s writing style is engaging and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers to the charming setting of Shady Creek Vineyards. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their personal journeys adding depth to the story. The vineyard setting adds a unique intriguing backdrop, with the author's attention to detail painting a vivid picture of the winemaking process. The mystery itself is cleverly crafted, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. While some aspects of the plot could have been further explored, the overall pacing and suspense make it an enjoyable and satisfying read for mystery enthusiasts. “Wine and Punishment” Is a cozy mystery that pairs perfectly with the glass of your favorite wine, creating a delightful escape into a world of intrigue and grape-filled charm.

This title has many of the elements that readers enjoy in a cozy. There is a protagonist, Sadie, who is trying to start over. Readers will learn why. She is a book lover, yay. There is a nice setting in Vermont. There are a pub, antiques, and, oh yes, a murder. It is someone to whom Sadie was close. Will she solve the case? Of course, she will. The fun is watching her do it and spending time with the other characters and suspects.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading this first book in a new cozy series. Sadie has moved to small town Vermont and opened up a Literary pub. The food and drinks are all named after her favorite literature. While out walking one morning she stumbles across the body of her ex fiance. Since she is the prime suspect she sets out to solve the murder. I really like the Literary Pub, the town and the characters. The mystery was good and the solution made sense. I look for word to visiting the pub again. Enjoy

Sadie Coleman is starting over in the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont. She was downsized out of a job in Boston and left her boyfriend behind to deal with his gambling addiction. Purchasing and redecorating the old grist mill pub, the booklover in her transforms the Inkwell into a cozy spot to enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail. She also starts up several book clubs, good for the locals and her bottom line. Being fall, it is time for the Autumn Festival, complete with a pumpkin catapult competition and a pie bake-off. What Sadie was not expecting and had no time for was the appearance of Eric, her ex, with a ring and a proposal prepared. Before the proposal and before Sadie can tell him to leave, he is found dead near the Inkwell. Of course, Sadie is the first suspect. She knows she is innocent, so begins her own investigation to prove it and find the real murderer.

This was a wonderful debut to a new series. I enjoyed a lot about this one. I loved the setting and the business that Sadie owned. Aunt Gilda is also a fun character who supports Sadie along the way. Grayson Blake, a neighboring business owner seems to have a problem with Sadie and she is convinced he might have something to do with the murder. As the story progresses, they actually talk and are able to sort things out. He joins forces with Sadie and it seems like they might become good friends or more. I also liked that the detective was a female (no love interest here), and was good at her job. This was an easy to read or listen to story with nice pacing. The characters are developing nicely and I want to get to know them better. There was more than one mystery or crime to solve and Sarah Fox had me guessing throughout the story as to what exactly was happening. There were enough suspects to keep the investigation moving quickly. The showdown was well done and tied up the story nicely.

I apologize due to a death in the family I was unable to read and review this book. I apologize to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my inability to follow through.

I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I love cosy mysteries, but I had not read anything by this author before. This was an enjoyable read about a woman, Sadie, who moves to a small town from Boston and opens a pub. While getting to know the locals, building up her business providing signature cocktails and starting a book club, she is surprised to hear that her ex-boyfriend has come to town to try and win her back. This unwelcome news is followed by news of his grisly death and the fact that she is the prime suspect. Sadie also has to contend with the competitive pumpkin pie festival, the Autumnal Festival and a belligerent (but handsome) neighbour who also seems to have had a reason to kill her ex ...
I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

A wonderful first book in a new series. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store. I love the setting of this book as much as the characters.

This is the first Literary Pub Mystery. It's a strong start to what I hope will be a series. The main character, Sadie, moves to Vermont to open a literary pub called the Inkwell (sounds like a fun place to go in real life!). She's not happy to see her ex, Eric, come into the bar and when he turns up dead she becomes a suspect.

The characters are fun, especially Sadie's aunt Gilda. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox is the first book in the Literary Pub Mystery series. The setting for this series is as you would guess, a Literary Pub owned by booklover and amateur sleuth, Sadie Coleman, who has opened the Inkwell in starting her life in a new town after losing her job. This book was not for me. The number of times Sadie jumps to conclusions based on limited observations and presumptions was too ludicrous to be believable. I give credit to the author for a great setting and the literary pub but the story was a little too superficial for this reader.

I wanted to read this cozy because I really like Sarah's Pancake cozy series. This one did not disappoint, if anything I liked this even better than the pancake series! This was a charming story with wonderful characters, a great premise(love the literary pub!) and an excellent mystery! It was a easy read and kept me intrigued throughout. This will be a must read series for me going forward!

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Another delightful cozy mystery filled with suspense and plenty of twists and turns along the way. An amazing book to get lost in, a great read.

I love Sarah Fox's Pancake House Mysteries so I had no doubts that I would enjoy this new series, and of course I was correct. How much fun would it be to have a literary pub to hang out in?!?!?!

Ms. Fox has a great way of making you fall in love with the characters (both human and pets), the town, and the story.

In this first of a new series book, Sadie leaves her life in Boston with her gambling addicted boyfriend and moves to the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont. 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. Everything seems to be falling into place for Sadie until her ex-boyfriend, Erik, shows up in town. She is able to avoid meeting up with him when he shows up at the pub, but when his body is found the next morning, she doesn't have time to gather her feelings because it seems someone may be out to harm her too. With the help of her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the handsome brewery owner Grayson, Sadie must uncover the truth . . . before its too late.

A very fast paced read, I didn't want to stop. I am totally on board with Sadie and the gang and can't wait to see what the future holds. I am highly anticipating book 2, An Ale of Two Cities, to be release in November 2019. I had the Audible version as well as a digital copy from NetGalley. The narrator, Eva Kaminsky, was exceptional.

I received Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox as an ARC from Netgalley. This is the first book in a new mystery series. The main character is Sadie Coleman who opens a literary pub in the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont after leaving Boston to get away from her ex. I enjoy mysteries set in small towns with a great cast of characters. This book was very entertaining and I look forward to reading other books in this series,,

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.

This book had the most charming setting and Sara Fox's descriptions were truly wonderful. The book kept me on my toes from the very start. Excellent plot with a fun-literary theme throughout!

Sadie Coleman has broken up with her boyfriend, Eric, left Boston and purchased the old Grist mill in Shady Creek, Vermont opening a literary pub - wine, beer, drinks and books! The Autumn Festival is just a few days away, but Sadie has other things to deal with - slashed tires, fire in a neighboring building, and an ex-boyfriend that wants her back. When she discovers Eric's dead body and she seems to be the only one in town that knows him, Sadie jumps to the top of the suspect list and has to figure out who did it to clear herself.

As the first in the series, I will pleased to see a good description of the town and many of the secondary as well as the man characters. Great start

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. This is a new author to me. Sarah Fox who wrote the book “Wine and Punishment.” Will give no spoilers. It was a fast read. I do look forward to more in this series and reading any other previous books by this author. It does not disappoint at all.

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.

Even though this is a brand new series, I have enjoyed other books by the author and started reading expecting to enjoy it. Luckily, my expectations were met and I thoroughly enjoyed Wine and Punishment. Sarah Coleman is the new owner of a literary themed pub in Vermont when an ex comes to town to win her back. Only he ends up dead and she is a likely suspect. What I liked about this book is the usual trope of antagonism between the heroine and the potential love interest is handled more deftly than it first seemed. Sarah takes a few risks that are a little unbelievable, but the mystery is well plotted. Thumbs up on this one!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Sadie and her kitty Wimsie are settling nicely into her new home and business, a pub with a literary theme. There are still those in the small community who have yet to warm to Sadie but she is hoping by participating in the Fall festival, she can win them over. Throwing a major monkey wrench into her plans is the arrival of her ex who is hoping to woo her back. She manages to avoid him until she stumbles over his corpse. Initially she is the prime suspect until her alibi checks out but it doesn’t mean she is not involved in trying to figure out why a stranger to everyone but her was killed. Did his shady past catch up with him or was he simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?
She suspects the owner of a micro brewery next door. The two of them have gotten off to a testy start so the reader knows there will be sparks in the air, especially since everyone in town, other than Sadie, really like the guy. These two main characters and the assorted town folk, including Sadie’s aunt and her friends are all interesting. There is even a major twist that caught me completely off-guard. In all, it was a good solid mystery, well constructed with just the right combination of suspense and edgy romance.
It is the first of a new series. I look forward to see where it is going.
Five purrs and two paws up.

Wine and Punishment
By: Sarah Fox
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: December 18, 2018
3.5 Stars


Sadie Coleman packed up her old life in Boston and moved to the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont. There she bought an old mill and turned it into a pub with a literary theme which she called Inkwell. Sadie was adjusting well to life as a pub owner and resident of Shady Creek. Things changed, however, the night that her lying, gambling ex-boyfriend, Eric showed up at her pub. Sadie was on her way out of the apartment above the pub when one of her employees let her know that Eric was asking for her. Sadie didn’t want to deal with him that night and continued on to the birthday party she was headed to. On the way home from the party, Sadie noticed smoke and ran to find two stores ablaze. By the time that Sadie finally made it back to her pub, her employees had closed up for the night, and Eric was gone. The next day, Sadie went to head into town but found all four of her tires slashed. She instantly thought that Grayson Blake could be responsible because she felt he seemed to have taken an immediate dislike to her. She went to confront Grayson, and then they both ended up stumbling upon Eric’s body. Sadie wants to find out what happened to Eric and if the other odd events are at all related.

Wine and Punishment is the first book in the Literary Pub Mystery Series. It was a good read, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

At the beginning of the police investigation, the police consider Sadie a possible suspect. I believe that is what fuels her desire to investigate the case on her own. She knows she didn’t do it, and she wants to make sure that Eric’s family gets some closure. Like many other amateur sleuths, Sadie’s investigations lead to more trouble for herself. Sadie then is not only trying to solve Eric’s murder, but also to protect her own life and property. I think Sadie is a likable character except I found her a little too quick to fly off the handle with regards to Grayson Blake. Yes, he doesn’t appear to like her, but she is downright rude to him. There are a number of other memorable characters that help bring depth to this story.

I think the author developed a great storyline that was easy to get invested in. I was intrigued and wanted to keep reading to see what happened to Sadie, and to see if she could solve her ex’s murder. The New England fall provides a beautiful backdrop for this story, and the literary inspired pub makes it a unique setting.

For those that are interested, the author includes the recipes for the literary inspired mixed drinks that Sadie created for her pub. Sadie also hopes to add literary inspired menu items, and I’m looking forward to seeing those recipes in the future books.

Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #WineAndPunishment