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Literary Pub Mystery #2
An Ale of Two Cities
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.
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.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
About the author
Sarah Fox
19 books667 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 13, 2019
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.
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.
July 27, 2021
An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox is the second book in the cozy Literary Pub Mystery series. As with most cozy series each book of the series contains it’s own mystery that will be solved so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. Of course there will be character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
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.
It’s now time for the winter carnival in Shady Creek, Vermont with the small town all decorated and lit up as Christmas is coming soon. Sadie’s friend and employee, Mel, is competing in this year’s ice carving competition and Sadie plans to root her on. However, Sadie’s ice carving tools go missing during the competition and her biggest competitor, Freddy Mancini, is found dead with the missing ice pick used as the weapon so Sadie vows to find the real killer before her friend is pinned with the murder.
Reading the first book in the Literary Pub Mystery series I was a little disappointed the series didn’t really stand out much to me and felt I needed to get to know the characters and town better. Now that I’ve read book two I felt a stronger connection to the story and really started to like the characters and setting a bit more but feel there could still be room for improvement on making them more unique in a world of so many cozies. Since the mysteries in these are solid and I did enjoy this one a bit more for three and a half stars I will happily return to see if the next book also improves for me too.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
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.
It’s now time for the winter carnival in Shady Creek, Vermont with the small town all decorated and lit up as Christmas is coming soon. Sadie’s friend and employee, Mel, is competing in this year’s ice carving competition and Sadie plans to root her on. However, Sadie’s ice carving tools go missing during the competition and her biggest competitor, Freddy Mancini, is found dead with the missing ice pick used as the weapon so Sadie vows to find the real killer before her friend is pinned with the murder.
Reading the first book in the Literary Pub Mystery series I was a little disappointed the series didn’t really stand out much to me and felt I needed to get to know the characters and town better. Now that I’ve read book two I felt a stronger connection to the story and really started to like the characters and setting a bit more but feel there could still be room for improvement on making them more unique in a world of so many cozies. Since the mysteries in these are solid and I did enjoy this one a bit more for three and a half stars I will happily return to see if the next book also improves for me too.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 12, 2019
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.
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.
April 5, 2020
I read the first book in this series last week and decided to jump right into the second in the series. While this did have a well-done mystery and some fine additions of new characters (Booker the cook and his sister Teagan, in particular) this didn't grab me. I did like the setting of the Winter Carnival and the ice sculpting competition. I kind of wished I'd read this during the Christmas/winter season because it was perfect with all the decorations and snow. There were a good number of suspects and the reveal of the murderer was well done. This one also had subsequent murders after the main one creating quite a web. The romance with Grayson is heating up but I'm still neutral on it. To be fair, I rarely find the romantic thread in cozies satisfying or worth the time taken in the telling. This one is no worse than others.
As to the recipes in the back of the book, I'm still glad they're here but alas, I was hoping for the chilled avocado soup and it was not to be. The cocktail/mocktail sounds tasty, however. Recommended for series readers. I'll definitely read the next in the series when it comes out.
As to the recipes in the back of the book, I'm still glad they're here but alas, I was hoping for the chilled avocado soup and it was not to be. The cocktail/mocktail sounds tasty, however. Recommended for series readers. I'll definitely read the next in the series when it comes out.
October 14, 2019
The second installment in the Literary Pub Mystery series continues to entertain. I've enjoyed this author's Pancake House Mystery series so there was no hesitation in starting this series. The setting is idyllic for a cozy mystery, a fictional town set in Vermont. What drew me to the series was the unique spin on the culinary cozy - I love that the pub owned by Sadie has a literary theme to it. Sadie is a good character and the author has done a good job of developing her over the course of the two books and starting to really define her. She is still finding her feet after moving to a new town and starting a new business but she has made some good friends among the citizens of the town and her employees. The secondary characters are all likable and compliment Sadie. There is a budding romance with Grayson, the owner of the local brewery but it is progressing slowly and clumsily which is a nice change of pace.
I thought the mystery was well done. Small town kid who makes it big on the restaurant scene in Boston, returns home for the Winter Carnival. Too bad he is a jerk and completely unlikable. This allows Ms. Fox to give the reader a number of plausible suspects all with good, believable motives. There were plenty of clues and twist for the readers to follow in this story. The suspect was unmasked in a climactic reveal and once again, I didn't see this person as the murderer.
This is an entertaining series that has a great setting, interesting characters, solid mysteries and plots that move the story along at a good pace. I'm looking forward to more in this series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I thought the mystery was well done. Small town kid who makes it big on the restaurant scene in Boston, returns home for the Winter Carnival. Too bad he is a jerk and completely unlikable. This allows Ms. Fox to give the reader a number of plausible suspects all with good, believable motives. There were plenty of clues and twist for the readers to follow in this story. The suspect was unmasked in a climactic reveal and once again, I didn't see this person as the murderer.
This is an entertaining series that has a great setting, interesting characters, solid mysteries and plots that move the story along at a good pace. I'm looking forward to more in this series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
December 21, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We arrive in Shady Creek, Vermont just in time for the Winter Festival. An overnight ice carving competition is the big event but there are hockey games, sleigh rides, a chili supper, and the Inkwell, Sadie Coleman’s literary-themed pub, is holding a trivia contest. Tourists are pouring in along with the Shady Creek residents to enjoy the fun. A former resident has even come home to participate in the ice carving contest.
Freddy Mancini is now a chef who has a pretty high opinion of himself. He assumes he will grab the big $5000 prize while rubbing his fame in everyone’s faces. Sadie is cheering on her friend and employee Melanie “Mel” Costas who has won the last few years. Mel isn’t intimidated by Frankie, but while on her lunch break someone steals all ger tools. She vows to soldier on as a friend returns to the park with her backup tools. That is until she hears Sadie screaming and finds her outside of the community hall, not far from the dead body of Chef Frankie Mancini, with Mel’s missing ice pick protruding from his chest.
Turns out the chef had plenty of enemies but the evidence points clearly at Mel. Sadie is determined not to let her friend get iced for the crime, even if it means some pain before the final gain.
____
I have been excited about this book since I finished the first one! I love the setting so much. A pub full of books, a menu full of literary-themed foods and drink, all reached by going over a little footbridge above Shady Creek. The town park is nearby as are all the businesses and the community hall. The snow would be a little iffy for me but everyone there loves it and takes it in stride. If I could go back in time I would have said yes when asked to take over my parent’s tavern and turned it into a pub like the Inkwell. Now, I am delighted to escape to Sadie’s pub within the pages of her books.
Okay, the setting is ideal but so are the characters. I really like Sadie and she is surrounded by family and friends that support and love her. She dealt with some really heavy stuff in the last book but she is moving forward the best she can. She and the other characters continue to evolve in exciting ways. Mel is in the hot seat this time. The people who know her, know she had nothing to do with the murder, but there are some shaky times for her.
Meanwhile, Sadie thinks the pub needs to have a team in the upcoming hockey tournament and she puts a motley crew together. Grayson is still hanging around and definitely has something on his mind besides an upcoming hockey game. Aunt Gilda and her friends are wrapped up in the chili supper but she is always there for Sadie. All the characters are genuine and people I would love to hang out with.
The mystery is very well done too. Chef Freddy is a real jerk and as such there are plenty of suspects. Sadie is one of those sleuths that has good instincts but she doesn’t always think things through before she opens her mouth or jumps into a situation. Of course, that adds to the drama and the fun. The author has plotted out a story with a plethora of twists that kept me guessing right up to the very end.
An Ale of Two Cities is a very entertaining read. Set in the holiday season it is a perfect book to curl up with in front of a fire on a wintery afternoon or evening. Skip to the end of the book for a cocktail recipe and fix yourself a Count Dracula or Evil Stepmother cocktail to enjoy while you’re reading.
We arrive in Shady Creek, Vermont just in time for the Winter Festival. An overnight ice carving competition is the big event but there are hockey games, sleigh rides, a chili supper, and the Inkwell, Sadie Coleman’s literary-themed pub, is holding a trivia contest. Tourists are pouring in along with the Shady Creek residents to enjoy the fun. A former resident has even come home to participate in the ice carving contest.
Freddy Mancini is now a chef who has a pretty high opinion of himself. He assumes he will grab the big $5000 prize while rubbing his fame in everyone’s faces. Sadie is cheering on her friend and employee Melanie “Mel” Costas who has won the last few years. Mel isn’t intimidated by Frankie, but while on her lunch break someone steals all ger tools. She vows to soldier on as a friend returns to the park with her backup tools. That is until she hears Sadie screaming and finds her outside of the community hall, not far from the dead body of Chef Frankie Mancini, with Mel’s missing ice pick protruding from his chest.
Turns out the chef had plenty of enemies but the evidence points clearly at Mel. Sadie is determined not to let her friend get iced for the crime, even if it means some pain before the final gain.
____
I have been excited about this book since I finished the first one! I love the setting so much. A pub full of books, a menu full of literary-themed foods and drink, all reached by going over a little footbridge above Shady Creek. The town park is nearby as are all the businesses and the community hall. The snow would be a little iffy for me but everyone there loves it and takes it in stride. If I could go back in time I would have said yes when asked to take over my parent’s tavern and turned it into a pub like the Inkwell. Now, I am delighted to escape to Sadie’s pub within the pages of her books.
Okay, the setting is ideal but so are the characters. I really like Sadie and she is surrounded by family and friends that support and love her. She dealt with some really heavy stuff in the last book but she is moving forward the best she can. She and the other characters continue to evolve in exciting ways. Mel is in the hot seat this time. The people who know her, know she had nothing to do with the murder, but there are some shaky times for her.
Meanwhile, Sadie thinks the pub needs to have a team in the upcoming hockey tournament and she puts a motley crew together. Grayson is still hanging around and definitely has something on his mind besides an upcoming hockey game. Aunt Gilda and her friends are wrapped up in the chili supper but she is always there for Sadie. All the characters are genuine and people I would love to hang out with.
The mystery is very well done too. Chef Freddy is a real jerk and as such there are plenty of suspects. Sadie is one of those sleuths that has good instincts but she doesn’t always think things through before she opens her mouth or jumps into a situation. Of course, that adds to the drama and the fun. The author has plotted out a story with a plethora of twists that kept me guessing right up to the very end.
An Ale of Two Cities is a very entertaining read. Set in the holiday season it is a perfect book to curl up with in front of a fire on a wintery afternoon or evening. Skip to the end of the book for a cocktail recipe and fix yourself a Count Dracula or Evil Stepmother cocktail to enjoy while you’re reading.
November 22, 2019
This is the second book in the Literary Pub Mystery series and takes place as the town of Shady Creek begins their Winter Carnival festival to ring in the holiday season. It opens with an ice carving contest where Mel, one of the employees of Sadie’s pub is competing. During the competition, her tools are stolen and although the large tools are found, the small ones are not. Later, one of these tools is discovered as the tool used to murder a former town resident who has come back to the town specifically to compete in the ice carving. He spends the rest of his time marching around town, belittling all of the residents he encounters, many of whom helped him achieve his current level of success. He is accompanied by his assistant, Jade, Mel’s former girlfriend.
This sets Mel up as the number one suspect for the murder and leads Sadie to begin her own investigation to try and clear Mel of the charges. During her investigations, Sadie joins forces with Grayson, who owns the local craft brewery. There is a growing attraction between Sadie and Grayson, although their relationship is often characterized by misunderstandings and frustration. There is movement in the relationship which plays out through the book and for readers who enjoy reading as relationships begin and go through growing pains, this is a good place to start.
The mystery itself is self-contained within the book, so it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this one. Although there are a few characters who appear in both books, Fox does a good job of describing their relationship to Sadie so it isn’t necessary to have read the first book for explanations.
The mystery is a good plot, although it could have been a bit tighter. The murderer is easily identified by the reader by using the familiar expectation to look for the character who is usually around but not a central part of the action. There are some clues given, along with some red herrings, but they were not sufficient to cause me any doubt as to who was responsible for the murder.
This is an easy book to read and would make a good airplane/train ride read. The descriptions of Shady Creek as a winter wonderland are enticing and can help ease you into the spirit of the season with their descriptions. My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Digital Reader copy in exchange for an unbiased review. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see how it grows.
This sets Mel up as the number one suspect for the murder and leads Sadie to begin her own investigation to try and clear Mel of the charges. During her investigations, Sadie joins forces with Grayson, who owns the local craft brewery. There is a growing attraction between Sadie and Grayson, although their relationship is often characterized by misunderstandings and frustration. There is movement in the relationship which plays out through the book and for readers who enjoy reading as relationships begin and go through growing pains, this is a good place to start.
The mystery itself is self-contained within the book, so it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this one. Although there are a few characters who appear in both books, Fox does a good job of describing their relationship to Sadie so it isn’t necessary to have read the first book for explanations.
The mystery is a good plot, although it could have been a bit tighter. The murderer is easily identified by the reader by using the familiar expectation to look for the character who is usually around but not a central part of the action. There are some clues given, along with some red herrings, but they were not sufficient to cause me any doubt as to who was responsible for the murder.
This is an easy book to read and would make a good airplane/train ride read. The descriptions of Shady Creek as a winter wonderland are enticing and can help ease you into the spirit of the season with their descriptions. My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Digital Reader copy in exchange for an unbiased review. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see how it grows.
October 16, 2019
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.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
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.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 23, 2019
AN ALE OF TWO CITIES, the solid second entry in the Literary Pub Mystery Series, is a quintessential winter/holiday themed cozy mystery. With well defined characters, a finely executed mystery, and a snowy wonderland Vermont setting, it hits all of the requirements of a quality cozy mystery.
Pub owner Sadie is busy with Shady Creeks’ Winter Carnival festivities, but she takes time out to support her employee and friend Mel who is competing in the ice carving contest. She cannot help but notice another contestant, obnoxious and full of himself hometown boy turned famous chef Freddy. He is a real jerk to everyone who helped him become the success he is today. When Sadie finds him stabbed to death with Mel’s missing ice pick and Mel becomes the prime suspect, she dives right in to find the real killer and clear Mel’s name.
Author Sarah Fox does a fantastic job describing the idyllic Vermont setting, making it feel like a vital character and placing readers right in the midst of the beauty and action. The pub is a wonderful spin on the traditional culinary cozy, and I wish I could patronize the Inkwell. I think the cozy, literary atmosphere and tasty food and drinks make it an ideal place to hang out…and solve mysteries.
Sadie is a competent, intelligent amateur sleuth. Yes, she is nosy, but her inquisitiveness comes from a good heart, sense of loyalty, and a need for justice. She does face danger but never intentionally puts herself in “too stupid to live” situations. The supporting cast of characters is interesting and varied, and everyone serves a purpose in the story. Sadie’s bumbling almost romance with brewery owner Grayson is endearing, annoying, and entertaining all at the same time. I hope their relationship defines itself better in the coming books.
The mystery is well constructed. The victim is sufficiently unlikable, and there are several suspects with viable, relatable motives. Clues sprinkled throughout the tale kept me vacillating about the killer’s identity, and I was surprised by the final revelation of whodunit. It provided a satisfying end to a challenging puzzle.
AN ALE OF TWO CITIES is fun reading for any cozy mystery fan. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Pub owner Sadie is busy with Shady Creeks’ Winter Carnival festivities, but she takes time out to support her employee and friend Mel who is competing in the ice carving contest. She cannot help but notice another contestant, obnoxious and full of himself hometown boy turned famous chef Freddy. He is a real jerk to everyone who helped him become the success he is today. When Sadie finds him stabbed to death with Mel’s missing ice pick and Mel becomes the prime suspect, she dives right in to find the real killer and clear Mel’s name.
Author Sarah Fox does a fantastic job describing the idyllic Vermont setting, making it feel like a vital character and placing readers right in the midst of the beauty and action. The pub is a wonderful spin on the traditional culinary cozy, and I wish I could patronize the Inkwell. I think the cozy, literary atmosphere and tasty food and drinks make it an ideal place to hang out…and solve mysteries.
Sadie is a competent, intelligent amateur sleuth. Yes, she is nosy, but her inquisitiveness comes from a good heart, sense of loyalty, and a need for justice. She does face danger but never intentionally puts herself in “too stupid to live” situations. The supporting cast of characters is interesting and varied, and everyone serves a purpose in the story. Sadie’s bumbling almost romance with brewery owner Grayson is endearing, annoying, and entertaining all at the same time. I hope their relationship defines itself better in the coming books.
The mystery is well constructed. The victim is sufficiently unlikable, and there are several suspects with viable, relatable motives. Clues sprinkled throughout the tale kept me vacillating about the killer’s identity, and I was surprised by the final revelation of whodunit. It provided a satisfying end to a challenging puzzle.
AN ALE OF TWO CITIES is fun reading for any cozy mystery fan. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
November 26, 2019
Ale of Two Cities, a solid second in the Literary Pub Mystery series by Sarah Fox, is as fun as it is challenging! I love the setting in December in Vermont and the well-rounded small-town characters. It was a delight to get to know Sadie and her friends better as well as see the growth of customers at the Inkwell, her literary pub that includes two book clubs so far among the activities they sponsor.
Sadie has lived in Shady Creek about six months. With her ideas as well as those of her new chefs, the business keeps growing. Mel is her right-hand bartender and waitstaff, as well as a talented artist. The winter carnival is in full swing, and one of the big attractions is an ice sculpture contest that she is participating in. Several contestants are from out of the area, including a popular Boston chef who grew up in Shady Creek. One can tell by the way he carries himself and speaks to others that he is arrogant and has forgotten those who helped him learn and grow into the chef he is today.
Freddy is not well-liked among the people who attend the chili dinner that night at town hall. He and his step-brother Leo have words after Freddy blows off a man who had treated Freddy like a son. Eli had taught him how to cook in his own restaurant. He even ignores a young woman who he dated for several years, Penny, who is hurt by his behavior. He even fired his personal assistant, Jade, in front of everyone when he learned she bet on another contestant. When Sadie left the chili dinner at town hall, she heard a clatter in the alley between the town hall and another building. When she saw what looked like someone lying in the alley, she found Freddy, stabbed with an icepick. And not just any icepick. It is one of the hand tools that someone had stolen from Mel while she was at dinner, with her initials on it.
Mel quickly becomes a prime suspect because Freddy is a top competitor in the contest. She also has a history with Jade, and Jade told a slight lie to the police thinking she was protecting Mel by giving her an alibi. Sadie is determined to find who really did the deed, as she believes Mel when she says she didn’t do it. As the days go by, one person is arrested for the murder, then another victim, killed before the person was arrested, is found.
I enjoyed seeing Sadie’s Aunt Gilda again, as well as Sadie’s best friend Shontelle and owner of the neighboring Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson. Sadie and Grayson did not get off on the right foot when they first met, especially since he was one of Sadie’s suspects when her ex-boyfriend was found murdered in the fall. They now have a tenuous friendship; Shontelle thinks they make a wonderful couple, but he still sometimes calls her a “nosey Parker” and she continues to embarrass herself in front of him. I admit to being completely stumped regarding whodunit! I had what I thought were two possible suspects, but neither had visible motives for both victims. The end was satisfying and surprising in several ways! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, classic mysteries, Christmas in New England settings, with a touch of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required.
Sadie has lived in Shady Creek about six months. With her ideas as well as those of her new chefs, the business keeps growing. Mel is her right-hand bartender and waitstaff, as well as a talented artist. The winter carnival is in full swing, and one of the big attractions is an ice sculpture contest that she is participating in. Several contestants are from out of the area, including a popular Boston chef who grew up in Shady Creek. One can tell by the way he carries himself and speaks to others that he is arrogant and has forgotten those who helped him learn and grow into the chef he is today.
Freddy is not well-liked among the people who attend the chili dinner that night at town hall. He and his step-brother Leo have words after Freddy blows off a man who had treated Freddy like a son. Eli had taught him how to cook in his own restaurant. He even ignores a young woman who he dated for several years, Penny, who is hurt by his behavior. He even fired his personal assistant, Jade, in front of everyone when he learned she bet on another contestant. When Sadie left the chili dinner at town hall, she heard a clatter in the alley between the town hall and another building. When she saw what looked like someone lying in the alley, she found Freddy, stabbed with an icepick. And not just any icepick. It is one of the hand tools that someone had stolen from Mel while she was at dinner, with her initials on it.
Mel quickly becomes a prime suspect because Freddy is a top competitor in the contest. She also has a history with Jade, and Jade told a slight lie to the police thinking she was protecting Mel by giving her an alibi. Sadie is determined to find who really did the deed, as she believes Mel when she says she didn’t do it. As the days go by, one person is arrested for the murder, then another victim, killed before the person was arrested, is found.
I enjoyed seeing Sadie’s Aunt Gilda again, as well as Sadie’s best friend Shontelle and owner of the neighboring Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson. Sadie and Grayson did not get off on the right foot when they first met, especially since he was one of Sadie’s suspects when her ex-boyfriend was found murdered in the fall. They now have a tenuous friendship; Shontelle thinks they make a wonderful couple, but he still sometimes calls her a “nosey Parker” and she continues to embarrass herself in front of him. I admit to being completely stumped regarding whodunit! I had what I thought were two possible suspects, but neither had visible motives for both victims. The end was satisfying and surprising in several ways! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and highly recommend it to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, classic mysteries, Christmas in New England settings, with a touch of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required.
November 11, 2019
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.
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.
January 3, 2022
This is an amazing series! When you read them they are just like thriller cozies, which is amazing. The characters are wonderful and the murders are done in a way that could actually happen. I love the action. The end of the book was beautiful and everything tied it well.
July 26, 2022
It was a good follow up.
November 27, 2019
An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox is the 2nd book in Literary Pub Mystery, and another great addition. Sadie Coleman loves books, and she's happy with her new beginnings in Shady Creek, Vermont, where she owns a pub, called Inkwell. Sadie is busy getting ready for the Winter Carnival in town. The Winter Carnival brings in a lot of tourists money as they buy Christmas and holiday items, and watch the ice sculpting contest. Freddy Mancini, a famous chef comes back to town to enter the ice sculpting contest. He is nasty to everyone, and it is not long before he is found murdered. Sadie and local brewery owner Grayson Blake team up to solve the murder. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. I can not wait to see what happens next in Sadie's life. If you love fun cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, I highly recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
November 1, 2020
This is the second book in the literary pub mystery series and I find myself eager for the third. Who wouldn’t love a setting that is a pub with literary themes and book club meeting groups? I found myself caught up in this story and the mystery and was unable to put the book down until I finished. Sadie finds herself caught up in trying to solve another murder after she discovers the body of renowned chef Freddy Mancini who had been visiting his home town for the winter festival. Sadie’s friend Mel appears to be the leading suspect and she’s unwilling to abandon her friend to go down for a crime she’s convinced she didn’t commit. I thought the story did a good job of laying out clues to make it fun to solve and neither too easy or hard. Sadie is a compelling heroine and I look forward to reading her next adventure soon!
August 25, 2021
This is an excellent second book of the series! I'll definitely read more Literary Pub Mystery books.
An Ale of Two Cities is taking place in the same small town in Vermont. I was glad to be back to the town of Shady Creek and meet again with Sadie Coleman — the main character and the owner of the pub Inkwell. It was great to see that Sadie still use her pub as a meeting place for book lovers and members of a few book clubs.
This time I saw Shady Creek at the time of Christmas and The Winter Carnival. Who could guess that the ice carving competition can go wrong? Again, Sadie proved herself to be a good friend and tried to protect the innocent.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and already reading the next one in this series: The Malt in Our Stars. Thanks to the author! / In Russian (По-русски):
Мой отзыв на роман «Эль двух городов» («An Ale of Two Cities» Книга вторая из серии Детективы литературного паба) автора Сары Фокс. Роман на английском языке.
Вторая книга серии получилась отлично! Я обязательно прочту и другие «Детективы литературного паба».
Действие романа «Эль двух городов» проходит в том же маленьком городке в Вермонте. Я была рад вернуться в городок Шейди Крик и снова встретиться с Сэйди Колман — главной героиней и владелицей паба «Чернильница». Приятно было видеть, что Сэйди до сих пор использует свой паб как место встреч для книголюбов и членов нескольких книжных клубов.
На этот раз я увидела г. Шейди Крик во время Рождества и Зимнего карнавала. Кто бы мог предположить, что соревнования по резьбе скульптур изо льда могут пойти не так? И снова Сэйди показала себя хорошим другом и попыталась защитить невиновных.
Я наслаждалась, читая этот «уютный детектив» (cozy mystery) и уже читаю следующую книгу из этой серии: «Солод в наших звездах» (The Malt in Our Stars). Спасибо автору!
An Ale of Two Cities is taking place in the same small town in Vermont. I was glad to be back to the town of Shady Creek and meet again with Sadie Coleman — the main character and the owner of the pub Inkwell. It was great to see that Sadie still use her pub as a meeting place for book lovers and members of a few book clubs.
This time I saw Shady Creek at the time of Christmas and The Winter Carnival. Who could guess that the ice carving competition can go wrong? Again, Sadie proved herself to be a good friend and tried to protect the innocent.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and already reading the next one in this series: The Malt in Our Stars. Thanks to the author! / In Russian (По-русски):
Мой отзыв на роман «Эль двух городов» («An Ale of Two Cities» Книга вторая из серии Детективы литературного паба) автора Сары Фокс. Роман на английском языке.
Вторая книга серии получилась отлично! Я обязательно прочту и другие «Детективы литературного паба».
Действие романа «Эль двух городов» проходит в том же маленьком городке в Вермонте. Я была рад вернуться в городок Шейди Крик и снова встретиться с Сэйди Колман — главной героиней и владелицей паба «Чернильница». Приятно было видеть, что Сэйди до сих пор использует свой паб как место встреч для книголюбов и членов нескольких книжных клубов.
На этот раз я увидела г. Шейди Крик во время Рождества и Зимнего карнавала. Кто бы мог предположить, что соревнования по резьбе скульптур изо льда могут пойти не так? И снова Сэйди показала себя хорошим другом и попыталась защитить невиновных.
Я наслаждалась, читая этот «уютный детектив» (cozy mystery) и уже читаю следующую книгу из этой серии: «Солод в наших звездах» (The Malt in Our Stars). Спасибо автору!
May 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Literary Pub series. The main character and all her bookish love thrills me and the mysteries have been stellar. I really like the budding relationship between Sadie and Grayson as well. This is a favorite cozy series for me and I look forward to more stories!
April 22, 2020
Great second book in a very good series.
November 4, 2019
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.
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.
December 31, 2020
A well-planned mystery! I really enjoy the setting and the characters in this series. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 21, 2021
I'm so in love with this newly discovered series that I'm listening to them back to back. A solid mystery with so many possible suspects that I was almost caught by surprise when the killer was revealed. I'd just clued in a page or two before Sadie. :-)
I'm really enjoying the pacing in this series as well. There's plenty of time givien to Sadie's day to day life with her friends and running the pub that makes me feel like I'm right there with them all in Shady Creek.. I also love the novelty of a Vermont setting. Plus there's tons of Christmasy references that made this a fun holiday read as well.
And I am super excited about the way the romance is developing. It starts out antagonistic for the first half of book one that switches to the start of a friendship once a few things get sorted out. In this second book, there's a bit of flirtation and more friendship building, but the pacing is low key though there's a great energy whenever the couple are together. I'm hoping this series is going to be proof that you can develop a slow-burn romance within a series without resorting to the dreaded love triangle. I'm starting book 3 with fingers crossed and ever so hopeful. :-)
I'm really enjoying the pacing in this series as well. There's plenty of time givien to Sadie's day to day life with her friends and running the pub that makes me feel like I'm right there with them all in Shady Creek.. I also love the novelty of a Vermont setting. Plus there's tons of Christmasy references that made this a fun holiday read as well.
And I am super excited about the way the romance is developing. It starts out antagonistic for the first half of book one that switches to the start of a friendship once a few things get sorted out. In this second book, there's a bit of flirtation and more friendship building, but the pacing is low key though there's a great energy whenever the couple are together. I'm hoping this series is going to be proof that you can develop a slow-burn romance within a series without resorting to the dreaded love triangle. I'm starting book 3 with fingers crossed and ever so hopeful. :-)
October 29, 2019
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.
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.
November 30, 2019
Series: A Literary Pub Mystery - Book 2
Author: Sarah Fox
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
From Kensington Books comes the new addition to the “A Literary Pub Mystery” cozy series, by Sarah Fox, An Ale of Two Cities.
Book two in this new cozy series shows the growth of the characters and the more likable aspects of who they are becoming. Ms. Fox writes with the ease of experience and tells original stories readers will love. The characters have pleasant personalities, with faults, a sense of humor, fears, and concerns that make this series worth exploring.
The victim is genuinely unlikeable, even when he is alive, which isn’t always the case in a cozy series. He is reprehensible in every way, and most of the characters and suspects throughout the book are happy to be rid of him. Unfortunately, the killer is not what they seem and in the end, makes the mistake of thinking Sadie will be a pushover. After some tense moments, Sadie wins out and catches the killer, clearing her friend's name and making certain no one else dies.
I enjoyed this book immensely and think that Sarah Fox writes some of the most compelling and believable characters, as well as plots in a cozy series today. Readers will fall for these people and will love the town. I hope this series will continue for many years to come and urge readers to check out An Ale of Two Cities along with the first book in the series, “Wine and Punishment.”
Author: Sarah Fox
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
From Kensington Books comes the new addition to the “A Literary Pub Mystery” cozy series, by Sarah Fox, An Ale of Two Cities.
Book two in this new cozy series shows the growth of the characters and the more likable aspects of who they are becoming. Ms. Fox writes with the ease of experience and tells original stories readers will love. The characters have pleasant personalities, with faults, a sense of humor, fears, and concerns that make this series worth exploring.
The victim is genuinely unlikeable, even when he is alive, which isn’t always the case in a cozy series. He is reprehensible in every way, and most of the characters and suspects throughout the book are happy to be rid of him. Unfortunately, the killer is not what they seem and in the end, makes the mistake of thinking Sadie will be a pushover. After some tense moments, Sadie wins out and catches the killer, clearing her friend's name and making certain no one else dies.
I enjoyed this book immensely and think that Sarah Fox writes some of the most compelling and believable characters, as well as plots in a cozy series today. Readers will fall for these people and will love the town. I hope this series will continue for many years to come and urge readers to check out An Ale of Two Cities along with the first book in the series, “Wine and Punishment.”
November 25, 2019
"Ale of Two Cities " the 2nd installment in the "A Literary Pub Mystery " series by Sarah Fox. I had not read the first book but had no trouble following along so yes it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading them in order, this way you really get to know the setting and characters.
I really enjoyed this book and the setting of Shady Creek, Vermont. I always like a small town setting where almost everyone knows one another. Makes for a fun range of side characters.
The Protagonist Sadie is a likeable, independent woman who when her bartender Mel becomes the chief suspect in the murder is determined to find out who did it. I also enjoyed best friend Shontelle, Sadie’s Aunt Gilda and the owner of the neighboring Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson. Is there going to be a budding romance there...
The story was well paced, I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
Highly recommended. A wonderful second installment from an author I will definitely be following.
I really enjoyed this book and the setting of Shady Creek, Vermont. I always like a small town setting where almost everyone knows one another. Makes for a fun range of side characters.
The Protagonist Sadie is a likeable, independent woman who when her bartender Mel becomes the chief suspect in the murder is determined to find out who did it. I also enjoyed best friend Shontelle, Sadie’s Aunt Gilda and the owner of the neighboring Spirit Hill Brewery, Grayson. Is there going to be a budding romance there...
The story was well paced, I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
Highly recommended. A wonderful second installment from an author I will definitely be following.
December 3, 2019
I had really been looking forward to this second book and I was definitely not disappointed! The mystery of the murder was a good one, and I was totally surprised by the killer reveal which was pretty exciting. Thinking about Christmas and wintertime in Vermont was so cool. I'm not a fan of being out in the cold, but looking out at the scenery would be awesome. The town of Shady Creek sounds like an adorable little Hallmark town, especially during Winter Carnival that had an ice sculpture contest.
I just love Aunt Gilda! She's just what Sadie needed--and who wouldn't love an aunt like her. Shontelle was the kind of bestie any girl would be glad to have, and the various employees at Inkwell were all good people. The trivia night that Sadie had was fun, and I even caught some cozy mystery name dropping which is always super fun to read about. Hopefully Sadie will eventually think of Grayson as more sweet than annoying, but I think she got a good start in this book by talking about spending Christmas with him. I definitely can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I just love Aunt Gilda! She's just what Sadie needed--and who wouldn't love an aunt like her. Shontelle was the kind of bestie any girl would be glad to have, and the various employees at Inkwell were all good people. The trivia night that Sadie had was fun, and I even caught some cozy mystery name dropping which is always super fun to read about. Hopefully Sadie will eventually think of Grayson as more sweet than annoying, but I think she got a good start in this book by talking about spending Christmas with him. I definitely can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
October 18, 2020
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 because the mysteries are self-contained, but you will miss out on some character development and relationship building. Sadie Coleman owns The Inkwell, a literary pub, that houses Sadie's personal collection of books. It is Winter Carnival time and she is hosting a literary quiz night as part of the festivities. There is also an ice carving contest. When a previous resident shows up to participate in the contest, it becomes obvious he was not missed and not really welcome back. When he is found dead with Mel's ice pick in his chest, she is the main suspect. Sadie begins investigation to get Mel, one of her employees, off the hook, but it won't be easy based on the number of people who dislike Freddy.
I really like Sadie as she is a strong and intelligent protagonist. Her goal is to support her friends and employees. I loved the trivia contest, I learned a few facts and enjoyed the name dropping and titles shared. I am enjoying this series, it is fun and the characters are people I would want to be friends with. The plot was well developed with twists that were believable and kept me guessing. I am not a big fan of cold weather, but with the festival and all the fun activities, even I enjoyed this wintry setting. The town of Shady Creek sounds absolutely delightful with great businesses, people and events. I like that Sadie and Grayson are getting along better and even planning to spend Christmas together. Perhaps there will be some romance down the road. A fun cozy mystery and I look forward to the third in the series coming soon. If you enjoy trying new cocktails, there are a few recipes included at the end for literary-themed drinks. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hannah Cabell. She did a nice job with the story using expression and tone to add to the story.
I really like Sadie as she is a strong and intelligent protagonist. Her goal is to support her friends and employees. I loved the trivia contest, I learned a few facts and enjoyed the name dropping and titles shared. I am enjoying this series, it is fun and the characters are people I would want to be friends with. The plot was well developed with twists that were believable and kept me guessing. I am not a big fan of cold weather, but with the festival and all the fun activities, even I enjoyed this wintry setting. The town of Shady Creek sounds absolutely delightful with great businesses, people and events. I like that Sadie and Grayson are getting along better and even planning to spend Christmas together. Perhaps there will be some romance down the road. A fun cozy mystery and I look forward to the third in the series coming soon. If you enjoy trying new cocktails, there are a few recipes included at the end for literary-themed drinks. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hannah Cabell. She did a nice job with the story using expression and tone to add to the story.
January 22, 2020
Book number 2 in an adorable series. The mystery was not all that exciting, but the characters and their interactions make up for that. Make sure to read book number 1 first.
"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."
"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."
October 10, 2019
Sadie Coleman is gearing up for her first Winter Carnival in Shady Creek, Vermont. She’s excited to have things kick off with the ice sculpting contest in which one of her employees, Mel, is participating in. Stopping by to check on Mel’s progress, she finds that Mel’s tools have been stolen. While they find the chain saw, the hand tools have disappeared. Well that is until the ice pick is found in the chest of a very dead celebrity chef who was considered Mel’s biggest competition.
Sadie knows Mel wouldn’t do this, but when Mel is linked to the fired personal assistant of the murdered chef, things don’t look good when the young woman is also found dead. Sadie needs to prove Mel’s innocence by finding the murderer.
Lot of red herrings and suspects that will keep you guessing until the murderer and the motive are finally revealed. This is the first book I have read in the series and it was perfect as a standalone. Looking forward to more in this series from an author I have read under some of her other pseudonyms.
Sadie knows Mel wouldn’t do this, but when Mel is linked to the fired personal assistant of the murdered chef, things don’t look good when the young woman is also found dead. Sadie needs to prove Mel’s innocence by finding the murderer.
Lot of red herrings and suspects that will keep you guessing until the murderer and the motive are finally revealed. This is the first book I have read in the series and it was perfect as a standalone. Looking forward to more in this series from an author I have read under some of her other pseudonyms.
December 3, 2019
Another great story in this newer series! Taking us to the winter carnival ice carving event, Mel finds her carving tools stolen amid a tight competition with some local characters. Unfortunately one of the most colorful competitors finds himself dead, and one of Mel's tools is mysteriously found as someone's weapon of choice. Our main character, Sadie tries to keep her nose out of the local business but she can't do so for very long once Mel becomes one of the top suspects. I love this town and the friendliness of the characters. Sadie's pub is a great place to hang out with friends, in a cozy warm atmosphere. One of my favorite parts of this story was the friendly local hockey competition amongst friends and town members. It's not every day that hockey is highlighted in fun stories. Looking forward to more from this wonderful author.
November 19, 2019
An Ale of Two Cities is the second book in the LIterary Pub Mystery Series.
This series is fantastically fresh! I love the main character , Sadie and the setting of Shady Creek, Vermont.
Who would not LOVE a literary pub? I live in Maine and winters are really rough and the author did a fantastic job of describing the winter and cold in Vermont.
This small town reminds me of a Hallmark movie and I LOVE that! The mystery is complex and well developed. I do love the budding romance between Sadie and Grayson.
This is such a well written book in a series that I love. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
This series is fantastically fresh! I love the main character , Sadie and the setting of Shady Creek, Vermont.
Who would not LOVE a literary pub? I live in Maine and winters are really rough and the author did a fantastic job of describing the winter and cold in Vermont.
This small town reminds me of a Hallmark movie and I LOVE that! The mystery is complex and well developed. I do love the budding romance between Sadie and Grayson.
This is such a well written book in a series that I love. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
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