Sadie's settling in nicely in Shady Creek, Vermont. Her pub, the Inkwell is doing good business, she's made some friends, and she has a little romance going with Grayson. So when there's an ice sculpting competition at the annual Winter Carnival, she's excited but when Freddy, one of the competitors is found with Sadie's employee Mel's icepick in his chest- not so much. Freddy is the classic cozy victim- he's irritated many and contributed little of value to life- but he didn't deserve this. There's a long list of suspects and unfortunately Mel, who didn't do it, is on it. Then there's a another murder (no spoilers!). Sadie is a good intrepid amateur investigator- she's got moxie. Nice atmospheric and good characters (including Sadie's aunt and her friend Shontelle) made this a good read. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. OH- and cocktail recipes!

AN ALE OF TWO CITIES by Sarah Fox is the second book in the Literary Pub Mystery series. It worked as a stand-alone novel for me. This is a cozy mystery series that centers on a literary-themed pub, the Inkwell, and its owner Sadie Coleman. The pub serves food and drink that have book pun names and the shelves in the pub are full of Sadie’s book collection.

The story begins as Sadie and the town of Shady Creek, Vermont gear up for the annual Winter Carnival. Sadie has only been in town for six months and is looking forward to all of the events. Her pub is hosting a literary quiz, but there are many events planned. When a famous chef that grew up in the town comes back to compete in the ice sculpture competition and is later found dead by Sadie, tensions and accusations arise. Many people had reasons to despise the chef and the pursuit of the killer’s identity unfolds with lots of twists and turns.

Sadie is a strong and intelligent protagonist. She wants to help support the town and her friends and employees. She is definitely someone you can cheer on as her investigations unfold to ensure that the real killer is found. At the same time, her pub puts together an impromptu team for the hockey competition, she is training for the snowshoe race, hosting book club meetings and participating in other carnival events.
This was a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot twists were believable and the characters were well defined. The author did a great job of bringing the winter setting and the town to life. There is even a bit of a romance forming to add to the enjoyment without detracting from the mystery.

If you like cozy mystery books, then you will likely enjoy this story as much as I did. For those that like cocktails, there are even a few recipes for literary-themed drinks at the end of the book. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and Sarah Fox for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

An excellent cozy mystery, well crafted and entertaining.
I liked the engrossing and entertaining plot, the well thought cast of characters, and the setting.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Want a fun and entertaining cozy read? Here you go!—An Ale of Two Cities. It’s a winter wonderland in Vermont this December where Sadie Coleman owns her cheery literary-themed pub, the Inkwell. The annual Winter Carnival is holding an ice sculpting competition and one of Sadie’s employees, Melanie ‘Mel’ Costas has entered. One of the contestants is a homeboy made successful chef who has returned believing he’s now better than everyone else. Someone shows him he’s no chip off the old block any longer—now he’s stiff and dead. Carnival attendees share theories about whodunnit, and Mel is Suspect #1.

I found this cozy novel a lot of fun to read! The main cast of secondary characters are great help to Sadie. Her handsome long-haired cat, Wimsey is a comfort. Clues are expertly woven into the smartly plotted manuscript. I always felt cozy reading the pub scenes, and enjoyed the colorful names for the literary titled cocktails and menu items. I was completely thrown off track as to the psycho killer reveal. A very memorable Christmas tale! The author adds cocktail recipes for readers to try.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

Oh how I like this author and her writing. This new series has been such great fun and I am so glad that she is continuing on with it. THIS is how you write a good cozy series folks!!

This story picks up just months from the previous book and finds Sadie flourishing [and still recovering] from the events in the previous book. She and her business are doing well and she is looking forward to being a part of the town's spectacular Winter Carnival. Until she finds a dead body that is. And then it is all hands on deck to find the killer and save one of her own - unless the killer finds her first.

This was a very good story; very well written. I will say that I had guessed the killer and the why early on, but I truly think that is because I have read so many cozies that I just naturally see things that most people miss - regardless, it didn't ruin the book for me [because the writing is very good here] and I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Shady Creek, Vermont, Winter Carnival is about to begin and Sadie Coleman is excited about experiencing it, even though it is freezing cold outside. In An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox, Sadie, a former Southerner isn't sure the cold weather is for her.

Although she is happily running her literary pub and developing tasty literary-themed cocktails, Sadie knows she needs to venture outside to at least see her employee Mel in the ice sculpting contest. Mel has been the winner the previous two years, and there are high hopes at the Inkwell. When one of the competitors is stabbed with an ice pick that turns out to be Mel's Sadie needs to clear her employee.

Love the literary themed cocktails and the entire concept of the pub.

I love Sarah Fox's Pancake House Mysteries so I had no doubts that I would enjoy this 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, the town, and the story.

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.

After dealing with a murder and a murderer after her in the first installment, she has settled down in her new life in a great town with great people, including her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the handsome brewery owner Grayson.

Its winter in the town of Shady Creek and what better way to celebrate than with a Winter Carnival and ice sculpture contest? Everything is going perfect until one of the contests is found dead. To make matters worse, Mel, one of Sadie's employees, has had her tools from the competition stolen and it turns out one of them was the murder weapon. With Mel being Suspect #1, Sadie is out to prove her friend's innocence. Although the police have their eyes set on Mel, it seems everyone in town had a grudge against Freddy, including his assistant, his mentor, his former flame, and even his half-brother.

With the help up Grayson, who has some interesting secrets and sleuthing skills, Sadie is heating up the search for the killer.... and heating up her emotions for Grayson.

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 for Sadie and Grayson. I am highly anticipating book 3.
I was humbly awarded an advanced copy of the book, signed by Sarah Fox, as well as a digital copy from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.

This is the 2nd in the Literary Pub Series. As the town of Shady Creek Vermont is preparing for the Winter Festival there is also a murderer in town.Sadie Colemen is still relatively new to town and she runs a literary pub and as the she is coming up with new drinks and hosting trivia she is hoping her own employee Mel will win the ice sculpting contest. Unfortunately, a local boy made good is back in town, Chef Freddie Mancini who happens to be a jerk although he is incredibly talented. Mel's ice sculpting tools goes missing and you guessed her ice pick is found in Freddy's dead body. Sadie knows that Mel is not quilty and with so many other people not loving the hometown boy there are lots of other suspects. The descriptions made me feel like I was right there and this is such a great setting for a series. Nice to see Sadie grow and put down stronger roots and romance with Grayson is not bad either. Looking forward to the next in the series.

This story was great fun! It is the second in a series but reads as a standalone. The main character is running a pub and solving crimes. And it's all very entertaining. It's the perfect cozy for fall and a really enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the third and seeing this series continue. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Cozy Mysteries are a subgenre of crime fiction which is a little lighter on things like sex and violence. They usually involve small town crime solvers who may or may not be amateurs. Each cozy series often has a theme that can be anything from coffee to cooking, to magic or even talking pets. The possibilities are endless.

In the past I have reviewed and offered many giveaways for Berkley Prime Crime titles but not many from other publishers. I know that you as my readers have been very interested in cozy mysteries and I want to provide you with a bigger range of cozy books to explore.

Kensington Publishing offers a huge selection of cozies every month and I’ve decided to do a post at the beginning of each month to spotlight their titles for the upcoming month and another to feature the new books from Berkley as well.

Enjoy!

Kensington has ten new titles for November. Their books come out at the end of the month, so these will be available by 11/26/2019. Preorder is available on select titles and Amazon links will be provided. There will also be a link to the goodreads page for each book and a short summary.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44283547-cobblered-to-death?from_search=true

Check it out!

Courtney Archer Book 1

Out of the frying pan, into the fire . . .

Courtney Archer is known for hosting the show Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter . . . despite the fact that she’s actually a pediatrician’s daughter. Now she’s signed on for a role on The American Baking Battle. On this reality show, she can start developing a more authentic image for herself—and as a bonus, the usual backstabbing and manufactured drama isn’t part of the Baking Battle script. But genuine drama is heating up behind the scenes . . .

During a film shoot in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Courtney has to juggle career commitments like pots on a six-burner stove. Adding to the stress is Mick, a contestant who finds out about her fake farm-girl story. Determined to succeed at her new gig, she whips up a cherry cobbler in a cast-iron fry pan one evening and leaves it out to cool. But the next morning, it’s Mick’s body that’s cooling—right next to Courtney’s pan, now classified as a murder weapon . . .

Get a copy!





Check it out!

Daisy’s Tea Garden Book 4

In Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson has a tea shop to run, a daughter to marry off--and a murder to solve . . .

Daisy's worried one of her employees at Daisy's Tea Garden may be in a spot of trouble. Lately Karina's been loading up on soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift--and while the shop's scrumptious treats may be hard to resist, Daisy suspects there's more going on, especially since Karina has been seen hanging out in a rundown part of Willow Creek.

Planning her own daughter's wedding is enough to keep her busy, but Daisy can't help feeling a protective maternal instinct--and an instinct to investigate. It turns out Karina has been helping a down-on-his luck single dad who's been making ends meet--barely--by selling antiques at a place called Pirated Treasures.

But when an employee at the antiques store is bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin, Karina's new friend is suspect number one. Though the motives are muddy and steeped in intrigue, Daisy is more than determined to flush the real killer out.

Get a copy!




Check it out!

Lucy Stone Book 26

With family tensions intensifying in Tinker’s Cove, part-time reporter Lucy Stone could really use some time off the grid. But after she RSVPs to an unconventional celebration on remote Holiday Island, Lucy realizes that disconnecting from reality comes at a deadly price . . .

Lucy doesn’t know what to expect as she arrives on a private Maine island owned by eccentric billionaire Scott Newman, only that the exclusive experience should make for a very intriguing feature story. An avid environmentalist, Scott has stripped the isolated property of modern conveniences in favor of an extreme eco-friendly lifestyle. A trip to Holiday Island is like traveling back to the nineteenth Century, and it turns out other residents aren’t exactly enthusiastic about living without cell service and electricity . . .

Before Lucy can get the full scoop on Scott, she is horrified to find one of his daughters dead at the bottom of a seaside cliff. The young woman’s tragic end gets pinned as an accident, but a sinister plot unfolds when there’s a sudden disappearance . . .

Stuck on a clammy island with murder suspects aplenty, the simple life isn’t so idyllic after all. Now, Lucy must tap into the limited resources around her to outwit a cold-blooded killer—before it’s lights out for her next!

Get a copy!




Check it out!

Lady and Lady’s Maid Book4

Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady’s maid, Eva Huntford, are preparing for a wedding, but it may not be the happy occasion everyone hopes for . . .

Since the Great War, some family fortunes have suffered, including those of the Renshaws. Despite being the granddaughter of an earl, Julia Renshaw is under pressure to marry for money—and has settled for Gilbert Townsend, a viscount and a wealthy industrialist. He is decades older than Julia, and it’s clear to her sister Phoebe—and to Eva, who has been like a surrogate mother to the girls—that this is not a love match. Nevertheless, the wedding takes place—and in a hurry.

At the reception aboard the groom’s yacht, there appears to be tension between Gil and several guests: his best man, a fellow veteran of the Boer War; his grouchy spinster sister; and his current heir, a nervous young cousin named Ernest. The bride is also less than pleased when she discovers that her honeymoon will be more crowded than expected—with Gil’s pretty secretary, among others, coming along.

That very night, Julia pounds on her sister’s door, brandishing a bandaged hand and reporting a hot-tempered outburst on her new husband’s part. Julia is feeling doubt and regret about her hasty decision, but returns to the boat. Then the next morning, before the yacht can depart the harbor, Gil’s body is found in the water below—and Phoebe and Eva must discover who pushed him over . . . before the Renshaws’ social standing is irreparably stained by Julia’s arrest for his murder . . .

Get a copy!




Check it out!

Desert Flowers Book 1

Lee Hollis begins a delightful new series in which Poppy Harmon and her friends find that life after retirement can be much busier--and deadlier--than any of them ever anticipated . . .

When Poppy goes from complacent retiree to penniless widow in a matter of weeks, the idea of spending her golden years as the biggest charity case in Palm Springs renders her speechless. With no real skills and nothing left to lose, Poppy uses her obsession with true crime shows to start a career as a private eye . . .

But after opening the Desert Flowers Detective Agency with help from her two best friends, Violet and Iris, Poppy realizes that age brings wisdom, not business--until she convinces her daughter's handsome boyfriend, Matt, to pose as the face of the agency. It's not long before Matt's irresistible act snags a client desperate to retrieve priceless jewelry burglarized from an aging actress at the Palm Leaf Retirement Village. Or before Poppy stumbles upon the bloodied body of the victim's arch rival . . .

In a flash, Poppy's innocent detective gig is upstaged by a dangerous murder investigation riddled with slimy suspects and unspeakable scandal. As she and her team uncover the truth, Poppy must confront the secrets about her late husband's past and swiftly catch a killer lurking around the retirement community--even if it means turning her world upside down all over again.

Get a copy!




Check it out!

Ferrara Family Mystery Book 3

Seasoned Italian-American Alberta Scaglione can whip up a traditional dish for any occasion. But when an impromptu vacation turns deadly, can she sift out the deadly ingredient?

When her granddaughter lands a reporting gig at the grand opening of the luxurious Icicle Lodge, Alberta and friends tag along for a week of much-needed R&R amid the snowcapped hills of northeastern Pennsylvania. But the idyllic winter getaway becomes a nightmare after the gang discovers blood on the ice—and the dead body of celebrity guest Pamela Gregory, a frosty Olympic gold medal figure skater who won herself more enemies than fans . . .

With a killer on the loose, multiple suspects, and a blizzard on the way, Alberta must now race to crack a bone-chilling case . . . before the outspoken Ferrara ladies get served murder: family style!

Get a copy!




Check it out!

Literary Pub Mystery Book 2

In this intoxicating mystery by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox, a winter carnival becomes a recipe for disaster when a Shady Creek celebrity gets iced.

The Winter Carnival always brings holiday cheer, Christmas joy—and tourists with cash—to picturesque Shady Creek, Vermont. At the center of the glittering decorations and twinkling lights is booklover and pub owner Sadie Coleman, creating original cocktails, hosting a literary trivia evening, and cheering on her loyal employee Melanie “Mel” Costas as she competes in the ice carving competition.

But holiday cheer can’t compete with former resident and renowned chef Freddy Mancini, who arrives with his nose in the air, showing off his ice-sculpting skills like a modern-day Michelangelo. During the artists’ break in the night-long contest, Mel’s tools disappear . . . and Freddy is found dead with her missing pick in his chest.

Although the police turn their attention to Mel, it seems everyone in town had a grudge against Freddy, including his assistant, his mentor, his former flame, and even his half-brother.

Faster than she can fling a Huckleberry Gin, Sadie finds herself racing to make sure the police don’t arrest the wrong suspect—all while sharing a flirtation with local brewery owner Grayson Blake. Their chemistry leads to a heated rivalry at the hockey rink—and to the hot pursuit of a killer.

Get a copy!



Check it out!


Mystery Bookshop Book 5
Amateur sleuth Samantha Washington’s shopping trip to Chicago takes a deadly detour when a man is murdered on her bus . . .

After some post-Christmas retail therapy in the Windy City, mystery bookshop owner and historical whodunit novelist Sam Washington is returning home to North Harbor, Michigan, on a chartered bus. With Nana Jo and her gal pals Irma, Dorothy, and Ruby Mae from Shady Acres Retirement Village along for the ride, it's a lively trip. But one passenger is not so lively—a gentleman Irma befriended is found dead in his seat after an unscheduled stop. The ladies immediately shift gears to find out who punched his ticket, while Sam slips into the driver's seat to make sure Nana Jo and her crew steer clear of fatal conclusions . . .

Get a copy!





Check it out?

Eleanor Wilde Mystery Book 2

It may have been a ghost that led Eleanor Wilde to set up shop in a quaint English village. But now that she’s established herself as the town witch, Ellie’s contentedly casting spells on anyone desperate enough—or gullible enough—to request her mysterious potions…

Selling mystical elixirs and tantalizing tonics is a pretty good way for a fake medium to earn a living. Or at least it’s Ellie’s main source of income—until a villager turns up dead. The cause? Murder by poisoning. And though Ellie’s concoctions don’t include anything worthy of a skull and crossbones, suddenly she’s the prime suspect. Her only recourse is to find the culprit who did do away with Sarah Blackthorne. No one liked the mean old battle-axe. But did anyone hate her enough to kill her?

It’s enough of a mystery to make Ellie hang up her witch’s hat and take millionaire beau Nicholas Hartford up on his offer to keep her afloat. Except Ellie is not the kind of woman to lean on a man—least of all a man she adores but whose place in her life is uncertain. Besides, Ellie’s taken on two young witches-in-training—apprentices if you will—and both of them are convinced a werewolf is the murderer.

Just as Ellie’s wondering if there really is something otherworldly going on, animals suddenly begin to disappear—including her beloved cat, Beast. Now Ellie’s on the warpath to uncover the wicked truth about the people and the place she’s only just begun to call home…

Get a copy!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is so much fun!

The mc Sadie gets embroiled in winter activities and murder when a snooty homegrown chef takes an ice pick to the chest.

Pretty much everyone who met the dingus chef had a reason to want him dead so Sadie has her hands full when a friend us fingered as a suspect.

I'm a huge fan of this writer and was so excited to read the second book in these series. Just as good as the first one. When a local celebrity chef gets murdered there's no shortage of people who hated him. When Mel becomes the prime suspect Sadie needs to step in and clear her friend's name. I'm really liking the budding romance with Grayson- and the way Sadie's life and new business are shaping up.

This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first one!
The main character Sadie is really settling into her new role as a pub owner, and she is interesting to read about.
The ice carving competition is a great premise for this book.
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.

An Ale of Two Cities is a great winter read. Sadie finds herself drawn into trying to help her friends when she finds a murder victim. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing and turning the pages until the end.

Sadie is once again looking for a killer with the aid of Grayson. When past citizen comes to the Winter Carnival to compete in the ice sculpture contest winds up dead, there is no shortage of suspects. Sadie doesn’t believe Mel is the killer, so once again she starts asking questions to find the murderer.
Goodreads & Facebook

friendship, small-business, small-town, situational-humor, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths

With books, puns, fun ice hockey, a winter festival, and a murder or two to solve, how can you go wrong? !
The book themed pub has food and drinks with book punny names, local businesses have ice hockey teams, and while the villain gets bumped off fairly early, it's that the suspicion falls on friends that mobilizes the sleuthing. Good characterizations combined with a plot that moves along well and funny incidents makes for a really good read. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. It’s winter (and cold!) in Shady Creek, Vermont. Publican, and book lover, Sadie Coleman creates food and drinks with literary themes, while enjoying her first Vermont winter. One of her employees, Melanie ‘Mel’ Costas, is competing in the town’s ice sculpture competition. When a fellow carver is found dead and one of Mel’s tools is used as the murder weapon, Sadie is determined to clear Mel’s name. This is a lovely winter cosy, making you appreciate hot tea, cider or chocolate as you curl up and read. The story is well told; the characters are relatable and easy to distinguish. The cold and well written Vermont setting made me appreciate that winter isn’t here yet.

In this second installment of the literary pub mysteries, there is a winter carnival in town. Of course there is the requisite nasty person- a former resident come back to show off and act terrible. Sadie's employee is the number one suspect which leads her to start investigating; which isn't too hard to believe as she tells us she is a nosy person. Then of course the relationship with the hottie in town is developed further. It is a bit formulaic, but overall it is an enjoyable read as it is all pulled together and there are no weak spots. Characters are well developed and believable. This is a series on my watch list.

The winter festival is taking place. The first day there is a ice carving contest. Sadie's worker mel is in the contest when someone is killed that night. Sadie' sets out to find the killer before they kill again. To hear what happens next read the book.

An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox was an engaging addition to Ms. Fox's Literary Pub series.

I find this series to be unusual due to the fact that the main character, Sadie, owns a literary pub. I love that idea and would love to visit one. The small cozy town of Shady Creek, Vermont sounds idyllic but I wouldn't want to visit in the winter. Ms. Fox's description of how cold it was outside was enough for me. Sadie is smart, independent and enthusiastic in supporting her business and her new home town. I laughed during the hockey game. The plot moved swiftly with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing and turning the pages. The romance is subtle and allowed me to get to know Sadie and Grayson better. The secondary characters are intrinsic to the story and helped to move it along. I'm looking forward to more in this series.