The Malt in Our Stars

What a fresh, exciting novel! Third in the Literary Pub mystery series, this is a great mystery for the bibliophile who enjoys the camaraderie of meeting like-minded people in a social setting. The Inkwell has a fabulous menu of literary-themed food and beverage items, including mocktails, and there are now three book clubs meeting in the Christie Room. The characters are engaging and most are very likable. I was definitely challenged by the mystery, especially as one by one, my pet suspects show themselves to be red herrings. Sadie came to Shady Creek, Vermont almost a year ago. Her beloved Aunt Gilda lives here, and they are happy to be in each other’s lives each day. The building Sadie purchased was originally a working gristmill, and it had previously been converted to a pub. It was the perfect opportunity for Sadie to make a fresh start, and she enjoys it immensely. One of Sadie’s favorite authors, Linnea Bliss, is going to do a reading and book signing for her; it will be the very first one at the pub. Linnea is well-known, and the signing is a success. She enjoys Linnea’s company as well as that of Marcie, her assistant. The day after the signing, Sadie has lunch with Linnea at the elegant Shady Creek Manor where the author and her assistant are staying. Marcie had the start of a migraine and went to her room. After the luncheon, as Sadie is leaving, they hear a scream. Sadie ran outside and is horrified to see Marcie lying on the ground, dead, with a third- floor window open overhead. The room, which wasn’t Marcie’s, looked as if a struggle took place. Sadie has helped solve murders since moving to town. As she tries to learn what she can from people at the Manor, another challenge arises. Craft Nation, a reality TV show that films at various craft beer brewers, is in town to film an episode at Spirit Hill Brewery next to the pub. Grayson, the owner, and Sadie have had their eyes on each other for quite some time. Since the Craft Nation crew came to town, vandalism occurs, from a missing cell phone to broken windshields. Then Olivia, the new director, goes missing, and another person is accosted at the Manor. What a great plot! It is hard to determine which of the crimes are connected – if any. I really enjoy the characters, especially those who help Sadie figure out whodunit. I was very surprised at who was really behind the crimes, especially the murder and attack, and it was fitting to discover the who and the why at the annual Masquerade at the manor. There are relationship challenges with some of my favorite characters, but it was well balanced and didn’t overwhelm the plot. The pub and the manor are but two of the fabulous places in Shady Creek I would want to visit if a tourist there. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with delightful characters, a fascinating setting, and challenging mystery. From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, small-town, small-business, murder-investigation, friendship***** The murder victim was not the nasty local woman I expected it to be but the assistant to a visiting author. Sadie the pub owner gets involved in sleuthing to the dismay of the local law. She also has other things going on in her life that might distract her, but she just needs to know. The characters are all so clearly presented that I felt that I'd recognize them at the grocery and the story grabbed me and held on until I finished it. Lots of misdirection, red herrings, and plot twists to keep it all going. I thought it was great, and I think that it works well as a stand alone because the author explains whatever is needed. I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!