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Book Review
Reviewed: 24 January 2025

Wine and Punishment

by: Sarah Fox

A Literary Pub Mystery - Book 1

  • Rating: full starfull starfull starstar outlinestar outline (3/5)

When moving on means death to your ex

This book was ok. As others have noted the character development was a bit lacking. I struggled with liking the main character Sadie and wanted to know more about Aunt G and the others. Background Details suddenly appeared near the end.

I struggled with Sadie’s motivation to solve the murder since she was cleared early and no one she cared about was a suspect. I especially didn’t understand her need to investigate the fire. Maybe Grayson calling her ‘Parker’ as in ‘Nosy Parker’ makes sense and isn’t just a tease.

I don’t know if I just missed something but I was confused about all the traversing of the foot bridge. I may try the second book to see if there is more character development. I hope that all the focus and protesting about Grayson is done. We get that Sadie likes him but just doesn’t want to admit it to herself. 

It is only book 1 and maybe the next one works things out.

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 18-December-2018
Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Female Sleuth

Plot Summary

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.