I've loved everything I've read by Sarah Fox, but this is my favorite series. It's complex enough to be interesting, but not a jumble of unnecessary information.

It's Autumn in Shady Creek, Vermont and the community is sponsoring A Taste of Shady Creek. The main event allows visitors to enjoy samples from most of the vendors in the Shady Creek.
Sadie Coleman is one of those vendors . She owns a literary pub. She loves her life, friends and community..... but her mother is coming for a first visit and she is a little nervous.

Much to Sady's surprise, two food critics and a travel journalist are visiting the festival. She notices some interesting interactions between the three and is curious about their back story.

When Sadie and her boyfriend, Grayson are doing the nightly final walk-through of his craft brewery facility, they find the dead body of one of the food critics. Grayson knew this critic many years ago when he was a private investigator. He thought she got away with killing a friend of his, so the police consider this a revenge killing on Grayson's part. In actuality, someone is setting him up. Since the police don't believe this, it's up to Grayson and Sadie to find the killer.

In my opinion, it's always best to read series books in order. In this case the book could be a standalone.

Through the Liquor Glass is a fun cozy mystery that takes place in a small town in Vermont, and the main character, Sadie, owns a literary themed pub (an idea that I absolutely love!). In Through the Liquor Glass, the town is celebrating A Taste of Shady Creek, which brings several food critics and travel writers to town. Unfortunately, one of the food critics is found murdered, and Sadie's boyfriend is the prime suspect. Now, Sadie must conduct her own investigation in order to prove Grayson innocent. In addition to trying to solve a murder, Sadie is also playing host to her mother, who is visiting Shady Creek for the first time.

Through the Liquor Glass is the perfect cozy mystery, especially since it takes place in Vermont during autumn. Moreover, the adorable literary-themed pub provides a perfect backdrop for a cozy mystery. I appreciated all of the creatively named drinks and dishes. I also enjoyed getting to know the other citizens and business owners of Shady Creek. If you're looking for a fun, comfortable read, Through the Liquor Glass is it!

This is a pretty good series. I like the idea of a literary pub, full of books and with food and drinks that have literary names. I like Sadie and Grayson too. Sadie has lots of suspects in this latest murder investigation, and I did not suspect the actual murderer or any of the other background secrets that came to light. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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 <spoiler> a power outage that is conveniently not mentioned at the time when it seems like it clearly would be!</spoiler>

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.

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.

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

Setting the Scene: Since moving to Vermont from Tennessee, Sadie has had quite an eventful time. Her literary pub is going well. Her relationship with the handsome Grayson is going better than well. She has a wonderful community and a solid group of friends. Now she is ready to show it all off to her mom - maybe - but before Mom arrives a ghost from Grayson's past shows up and is murdered at his brewery, sending Grayson on the run and Sadie doing her best to clear his name, all while running her business, steering clear of law enforcement, and introducing her mom to her new life. Whew! Get ready for a bumpy but very entertaining ride.

What I thought: This one checks all the cozy boxes from the smart independent female protagonist to the small town setting to the slightly offbeat career choice to the hunky guy to the loyal circle of friends. and, of course, the murder. I love the references to Indie bookstores, authors, and book titles, including some of my favorites; and even a reference to the resources the library offers. Like all of my favorite lead cozy characters, Sadie is smart and independent but likeable, as well as relatable. Law enforcement is not characterized as bumbling or incompetent. They are just following the evidence and the rules while Sadie is more creative in her investigation tactics. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and a few tense moments to keep the pace going. All in all, this is a well written cozy mystery with a wonderful cast of characters with whom you want to be friends and an entertaining mystery you want to solve. I cannot wait to go sleuthing with Sadie, Garrison, and the gang again soon.

Love this series! I want so bad to find a library themed pub to visit! Rich well developed characters make an excellent read. Awesome story setting. Filled with many twists and turns. Do yourself a favor and read!!! Thanks #netgalley and #Keningston for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Kensington Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Kudos to this cozy mystery for keeping me entertained and on my toes.

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.

It’s Fall in Vermont and Sadie’s birthday is almost here. The town is decorated and everything looks perfect for the visit…and introducing her Mother to Grayson. Life is good.

When a food critic is found dead in Grayson’s brewery, it turns Grayson has a past connection to the woman and he becomes the prime suspect. Grayson goes into hiding so he can prove his innocence and Sadie is left to find a way to clear Grayson while keeping her Mother from finding out about it. Not quite the way Sadie envisioned the visit going. Can Sadie finger the true culprit and clear Grayson’s name all while entertaining her mother, running the pub and more? And can she do it before her mother finds out she’s dating a murder suspect?

I love this series! The literary pub was a genius concept and the drinks are always brilliant! The whodunit I’d well devised and full of enough red herrings to oftentimes stymie you for awhile. I’m hoping this series continues for many, many more books to come!

I have enjoyed ready this series in the past and was not disappointed by this one. I find the setting of the village in Vermont to be quaint and it is a place that I would even like to visit. Many of the regular characters are back with the addition of some new one in town for a foodie festival. There is some conflict among several of the characters from the past that comes out when a body is found. Sadie's boyfriend is the main suspect so she gets involved. of course. At times she is a bit blunt in asking questions. This is a typical cozy but is it well done. The ending is a bit of a surprise.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of 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?

I would love to visit Sadie’s pub; the Inkwell sounds like the coziest place to have dinner and a drink! I enjoyed the characters in this story and hearing about the cute little town of Shady Creek.

This story is also full of delicious sounding snacks and drinks, most of which are listed as recipes at the back of the back.

DNF - overwhelmed by details given. Almost a checklist. Had potential as I could hear your voice. Do not use standard covers.

What's not to love about a literary themed pub! Well written with interesting twist and turns with lovely characters. A great addition to this series.

Netgalley sent me this book for review. Thanks to the publisher for the electronic copy. This is a cozy mystery set in Vermont...love that place...the characters are likable...quirky and fun...this is a quick read for an afternoon before the fire, cozy in a comfy chair, steaming herbal tea and scones with a warm, fuzzy blanket...be taken away with these people in this book...because they are people not just characters...this reads like real life...Would love to see a movie from this book. Enjoy

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

Love this author and book. If you haven't read this book yet. I highly recommend doing so. Read the books I'm order.

I enjoyed this book although the reveal of the killer was a bit abrupt. I enjoyed the characters. #ThroughtheLiquorGlass #NetGalley

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!