Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox is the first book in the new cozy Literary Pub Mystery series. The setting for this series is just as it may sound, a Literary Pub owned by booklover Sadie Coleman who has opened the Inkwell in an attempt to restart her life in a new town.

Sadie had lost her job due to a business merger and she had become fed up with dealing with her ex’s gambling addiction so she chose to move to Shady Creek, Vermont for a fresh start. Sadie’s bookish side put a spin on the Inkwell in which she serves up themed cocktails and hosts many book club events in her literary themed rooms.

Enjoying her new life the last person Sadie wanted to walk in was her ex, Eric, so when she sees he’s shown up in her new town she dodges a confrontation heading out to her original plans for the night. However, when Eric’s body is found shortly after Sadie wishes she had taken the time to hear him out and find out just what brought him to her new town.

Wine and Punishment was a solid start to this new series. The author did a nice job setting up a mystery upon mystery to solve and keep a reader on their toes guessing with plenty of suspects. I did find myself wishing I had developed a stronger connection to the characters in this opener, perhaps it’s due to reading so many cozies or that they truly did need more depth to them but so far no one was really standing out and making me fall in love with the charming town just yet but I would be interested to see what happens in book two.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I've enjoyed the Pancake House series from Sarah Fox and so was eager to read this first book in her new Literary Pub series. In this very promising first book in an extremely promising new series, Sadie Coleman leaves Boston and relocates to the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont where she opens a literary pub, the Inkwell, at an old grist mill, complete with literary-themed cocktails and book clubs.

The book includes a number of engaging characters and, to me, is a series that seems primed for a long and fun run for cozy lovers. I especially loved the chemistry between Sadie and the brewery owner. This book, one of the best new cozies I've read this year, is one I'd highly recommend to cozy fans. Absolutely loved it.

After a bad romantic break up, Sadie left her home in Boston to buy a pub in Shady Creek, Vermont. She was loving her new life near her Aunt Gilda, and far from her ex in Boston until the ex turned up at her pub one evening. She was just getting ready to go out for the night when her employee told her that her ex was asking for her. Unwilling to change her plans, she slipped out the back door. She would deal with him tomorrow. Or would have if he hadn't been murdered that night.
I absolutely love this author. This book did not disappoint.

I LOVED this book. A pub called the Inkwell with literary cocktails...what’s not to love?! Seriously the story was gripping, with likable and not so likable characters and the small town feel cane across perfectly. I want to move there and join the mystery book club in the Agatha Christie room! I’m looking forward to more from this series.

If you wonder what a cozy mystery is, this is the perfect example. Great plot and story, but the very believable characters are the best. I was going to grade the book "gran reserva", but there is actually very little wine in the book.

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

My Thoughts
Rating:4.5
A humorous cozy mystery about a main character that loves books and even goes so far to name her drinks after books, love The characters , love how the drinks are named of books ,and how you even get the recipe for the drinks , and how much craziness the main character Sadie gets into , can't wait to read more of this series.With that said I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this new series in change for my honest opinion , a great start to a series .

Sadie Coleman has relocated to Shady Creek, Vermont, purchased an old grist mill and turned it into a literary pub – The Inkwell, featuring a literary-themed menu and a few book clubs.

The story gets off to a quick start with the pub preparing for the town’s upcoming Autumn Festival, a must participate for all local businesses. In addition, Sadie is picking up a cake for her Aunt Gilda’s birthday party and sneaks out of the pub to avoid a confrontation with her ex-boyfriend and gambling addict, Eric, who is seeking to re-unite with her. On her way home from her aunt’s birthday dinner with her friend Shontelle, she runs into brewery owner Grayson Blake as they all spot flames coming from the local antiques store. Grayson calls the fire department.

When Sadie discovers the tires on her car slashed the next morning, she wonders if Grayson is responsible and accuses him of having a problem with her presence in Shady Creek. Turns out a few people are unhappy with the way the mill was sold, not knowing the full story. As Grayson turns to leave, he chases his dog only to find Eric, dead at the creek side.

This is Sarah Fox’s first entry in the Literary Pub Mystery series. The mystery is well plotted, sustaining interest at a steady pace. The characters are quite believable and the dialogue realistic. There are a good many twists. And the exchanges with her cat Wimsey are simply charming.

Shady Creek is a new start for Sadie, whose world imploded. Now she's got the Inkwell, a pub and bookstore, and things seem to be going well. Her aunt Gilda is in town and she's made a friend in Shontelle. Then the vandalism starts and even worse, her ex Eric turns up dead! In classic cozy fashion, Sadie and company solve the crimes. It's not too twisty and you might guess before the end but Fox is setting up a new series so go with it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more.

Cozy and Tight Murder Mystery
This wonderful cozy mystery takes place in a small New England Town. The plot is exciting with many suspects, multiple crimes and a fascinating small town experience. The characters are just what one would expect in a small town. I plan on reading as much of this author's work as I can! I received this book for free and this is my honest review.

Sadie Coleman moves to the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont to renew her life and leave behind an ex with a gambling addiction. Because of her love of books, she opens a literary pub named the Inkwell. Then her ex comes to town to win her back. When his body is found near Sadie’s pub, Sadie becomes a suspect and decides a little snooping is in order. But, will this nosey Parker find herself in more trouble than she can handle?
This was a good beginning to a new cozy mystery series from one of my favorite authors. The plot was engrossing and suspenseful. The setting was either fun or spooky and helped with the thrilling plot twists. The main character was very interesting and likeable. I was curious about her profession of being a pub owner, but it was not distastefully written, but had an intelligent feel. When the culprit was revealed, I didn’t remember her. She was not that prominent of a character and I felt uncertain how she related to the main plotline. I loved the recipes found at the end of the story. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

After a break-up with her long time boyfriend, Sadie moves to Shady Creek, Vermont, buys an old building and opens up a literary themed pub. Cute concept! However, the story doesn't deal much with the day-to-day events at the pub, but more with events around the town, including the Autumn Festival. It was a good way to introduce many characters, but I felt the central theme of the pub wasn't given enough attention. I hope this is remedied in future installments. There seem to be a lot of possibilities for future books in this series. Sadie is a strong character and I can see some good mysteries in her future! I can't wait to read them.

WINE AND PUNISHMENT is a promising start to this new literary pub-themed series by Sarah Fox, who is my favorite cozy mystery writer. I enjoyed the plot, which revolves around the murder of the main character's ex-boyfriend plus arson and vandalism, and the darling setting of a small Vermont town. Fox is a top notch writer and her prose really sparkles. The pacing is ideal for a cozy as well. Finally, the romance subplot sizzles and will be fun to follow in future entries.

This cozy series starter is a great introduction to a new setting and character. While it uses a lot of the standard and expected genre conventions, the author made choices within these expectations that kept the story entertaining (I'd like a literary pub near me, please, and I'm eager to learn more about the neighboring brewer's past).

I loved loved this book I read this as an e-book. This is the second series I have read by author Sarah Fox. I am excited the next book in this series The Literary Pub Mysteries. I love the pub setting I can imagine the inside lined with book shelfs filled with books that people can read. I can see the book clubs meeting in the special rooms. I also loved how Sadie the owner of the pub named cocktails after books how cool. You will love Sadie, Grant, Mel, Damien and Aunt Gilda. This plot has mystery and some hints of romance and what could happen down the road. This is a book for any reader at the legal age to drink. I can't wait to try these recipes!!

This is a fantastic first in a new cozy series.
I really enjoyed the characters especially the protagonist. The premise and location were interesting and well described.
The mystery was a top notch whodunit and kept me guessing.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

A very cute mystery. I loved Wine and Punishment. The little rivalry between Sadie and Grayson is amazing. I love the chemistry they build as they work through who is behind everything going on in Shady Creek. Sadie is a breathe of fresh air. I love how she embraces the little town and all that live there. A perfect read to curl up with any day. I'm so looking forward to more of the Literary Pub Mystery series and see where things go.

Fall in small town New England
A bar with author and book named drinks. Love the characters they are interesting and the plot has lots of twists that will keep you guessing until the end.

Wine and Punishment is the debut of the Literary Pub Mystery series set in the small town of Shady Creek, VT and featuring Sadie Coleman. Sadie has left her job and her gambling ex boyfriend behind in Boston and sunk her life savings into purchasing the old gristmill turned pub and creating the Inkwell, a book themed pub.

It's time for the annual Autumn Festival and Sadie is looking forward to having a booth on the Town Green which will feature samples of her delicious drinks named after famous books, authors and characters. The two employees that she inherited with the pub, Damien and Mel, are working on building a pumpkin catapult and helping to keep things running smoothly. Sadie is also thankful for her Aunt Gilda and her new friend Shontelle who are both helping her to settle into the community.

Things are looking up until her ex boyfriend, Eric appears in the bar and not looking for a public confrontation, Sadie and Shontelle sneak out the back door. On the way back from Aunt Gilda's birthday party Sadie comes across the local antique store which is fully engulfed in flames, the next day rumors swirl that the fire was arson.

The only person that is not very welcoming is brewery owner, Grayson Blake. While all of the other women in town think he's dreamy, Sadie can't understand what they all see in the grumpy man. After finding her tires slashed Sadie confronts Grayson in his driveway and they are both sidetracked from the argument when Grayson's dog discovers a dead body on the bank of the creek. Shockingly, the body turns out to be none other than Eric and it's no surprise when Sadie becomes the primary suspect in his murder.

Determined to clear her name, Sadie sets out to investigate and ultimately finds herself the killers target. A series of cruel pranks and another bout of arson threaten to drive Sadie and her fluffy cat Wimsey away, but an unlikely ally comes to her aid and together they uncover a murderer.

A terrific debut with a fast paced plot. The author creates a cozy town setting and a wonderful cast of main characters. So many possibilities lie ahead for the series, the creation of the different book clubs, a possible friendship between Sadie and Grayson, etc. I will definitely be on the lookout for the second in the series.

I received an advanced copy of Wine and Punishment from NetGalley via Kensington Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

This is a very quick read, and I finished it in 2 nights, but that's because it was so hard to put down! Sarah has a great way of setting her characters up, toward the end of a chapter, that you just HAVE to turn the page to see what happens next, and next thing you know it's 1am and you can't stay away any longer! LOL

The book sets up the new series and the town of Shady Creek quite well. I had visions of a town a few over from the set of Gilmore Girls- it was just that charming! What seems like one mystery quickly folds into another and then another, and while being the new property owner in town puts Sadie in the cross hairs of the police investigations, the truth when it comes out shocks everyone!

Don't miss this new series, it's perfect for reading with a cup of cocoa by a fire!

An excellent start to what looks to be a great new series by Sarah Fox!
I read the author's other series "The Pancake House Mysteries" and I have both enjoyed them and the writing very much, so when I saw this available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read this and I am happy to say, I was not disappointed at all!

I love the setting [an old renovated mill converted into a pub] - the idea of turning a pub into a literary pub is genius. With books all around, literary-themed drinks and space for book clubs to meet, it sounds like a place I wish my own town had. And the characters that both work at the pub with Sadie and around the town she lives in are fun and engaging if not a bit snotty and suspicious.

I will say that I guessed who the killer was about midway [though there are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing] and as the reveal was happening, I realized I knew the why too. And yet, this is still a 4 star read simply because the writing is very good, the characters are believable and fun and I absolutely adore the setting. And I cannot wait for the next one!!!

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.