The Malt in Our Stars is the third book in author Sarah Fox’s Literary Pub mystery series. Owner of the literary pub, the Inkwell, Sadie Coleman, is very excited to be hosting a book talk by romance author Linnea Bliss at the Inkwell. She has worked well with the author’s personal assistant, Marcie Kent. However, Marcie has not been so kind to others trying to access the author. But no issues for Sadie as the event is well attended and goes off without a hitch. In fact, Linnea is so pleased with the event that she invites Sadie to have lunch with her at Shady Creek Manor, an historic mansion turned luxury hotel, the following day.

During Sadie’s time with Linnea, she sees Marcie cross swords with several people trying to access the author. While Marcie begs off from lunch saying she has a migraine coming on, Sadie and Linnea continue having a lovely meal together. As Sadie is leaving the Manor there is a scream and Marcie is found on the manicured grounds sprawled in a pose of death. Sadie hurries to the third floor where a window was open and appears to be where Marcie had fallen, or was she pushed? However, Marcie’s room was on the second floor.

This well plotted mystery intertwines area history with current happenings. As Sadie is drawn further into the solving of the mystery, neighboring brewery owner, Grayson Blake, joins with Sadie as more than a collaborator in solving crimes.

Ms, Fox has again crafted a wonderful mystery with many curve balls as they discover the heart pounding solution. This was a very good mystery and I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I absolutely love this series. It always feels like visiting with old friends. Not only is the main character amazing, so are the supporting characters. I love the town and the Inkwell. I wish a place like the existed. I would love to live there. I cannot wait until the next book.

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Literary Pub mystery series.

Sadie, our heroine, convinces a popular author to come to her Literary style pub named The Inkwell. When the assistant to this author plummets to her death from the third floor everyone wonders about the motive behind the deed. Quickly, Sadie decides to dig into the mystery.

This is a refreshing concept in the cozy mystery genre. The characters really draw you easily into the action and get you invested. I especially enjoyed the scenes between Sadie and her aunt as well as the romantic possibilities she had with brewer Grayson. These scenes make the story so readable. The mystery was well plotted but it was the characters that really stood out for me. This could easily be read as a standalone. But you will definitely want to see more when you get to the last page. This story just draws you in from the first sentence.

If you love cozy mysteries, definitely check this out.

It was great to return to Shady Creek, Vermont and visit with Sadie and her friends at her literary pub, Inkwell. I was especially happy with how well things were progressing for her and Grayson. I always love the scenes with Aunt Libby and Sadie.

While a murder occurred at the manor recently bought by a couple named Honeywell, Grayson's brewery had some filming going on for a craft beer show. That was an interesting side mystery, and I wondered if it was connected to the main mystery. The whodunit was a total surprise for me, and the showdown was pretty awesome. I'm really anxious 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.

THE MALT IN OUR STARS, the third Literary Pub Mystery by Sarah Fox, is delightful cozy reading. I adore the small town Vermont setting, and I wish I could patronize protagonist Sadie’s gristmill-turned-pub with its inventively named food and cocktails.

This time around Sadie finds herself involved in yet another murder investigation when a famous author’s assistant falls to her death after a book signing at Sadie’s pub. In addition, a reality show crew in town to feature the local brewery faces vandalism and a missing director. Add to that rumors of hidden treasure, a potential move for Sadie’s beloved aunt, a violent attack, an unpleasant town resident, a budding romance, and a masquerade ball, and Sadie definitely has her hands full.

Fox has created a wonderful cast of characters and all are well developed, interesting, and fun to be around (with the exception of Eleanor). I like Sadie, and her insatiable curiosity makes her a natural sleuth. The engaging mystery seems simple, but readers find well cloaked clues and red herrings at every turn. I struggled to figure out whodunit until the end, a sign of a truly good puzzle.

I enjoy my time in Shady Creek, Vermont, and look forward to many more thrilling adventures with Sadie. Bring on the book clubs, cocktails, and snacks! Highly recommended.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

THE MALT IN OUR STARS by Sarah Fox
The Third Literary Pub Mystery

The Inkwell is about to host its first author appearance and owner Sadie Coleman is thrilled and anxious. Fortunately, romantic suspense author Linnea Bliss and her assistant, Marcie, provide an entertaining event that is hugely successful. Sadie takes up Linnea's offer for lunch at the historic Shady Creek Manor and has a delightful time, despite an intrusion by the town's curmudgeon. A woman's scream stops Sadie's departure and she discovers Marcie's body which apparently has fallen out of a third story window. What was Marcie doing in an unoccupied room? Does it have anything to do with the rumor of the manor's hidden treasure? Or Eleanor's insinuation about the young woman? And what about the problems plaguing the film crew trying to film an episode for their craft beer show? Sadie is unable to contain her curiosity and delves into the investigation herself. But will her curiosity kill her?

Between the vandalism of the film crew, and the murder of the author's assistant, as well as the upcoming Masquerade Ball and her growing relationship with Grayson, Sadie has a lot to deal with in this third Literary Pub Mystery. But she does it all with grace and pluck. Well, she's not always graceful around Grayson, but that's fun for readers, if not for Sadie.

I love the Inkwell and delight in the descriptions of the literary themed food and beverages served there. I'd be enjoying a Yellow Brick Road...or two. Sarah Fox is able to capture the coziness of this Vermont town with it's historic buildings and multifaceted characters while providing an intriguing puzzle.

THE MALT IN OUR STARS is a captivating mystery bringing the past and present together amid the literary cocktails and craft brews of a charming Vermont village.

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.

The Malt in Our Stars by Sarah Fox is the 3rd book in Literary Pub Mystery, and another great addition. Sadie Coleman loves books, and she owns a pub, called Inkwell in Shady Creek, Vermont. Sadie is busy and excited because she booked one of her favorite authors to speak at her pub. When the author's assistant falls to her death in the an historic hotel they are staying at, Sadie is determined 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 with a touch of romance, which are my favorite, I highly recommend this book.

Sadie Coleman runs The Inkwell, her literary-themed pub, housed in a renovated grist mill in Shady Creek, Vermont. Sadie is really thrilled to have booked famous romantic suspense novelist Linnea Bliss for an event but soon finds herself in a tricky situation. Linnea and her assistant are staying at a local historical hotel that was previously a mansion and is rumoured to house hidden treasure. Marcie, Linnea’s assistant falls to her death from a third storey window at the hotel. Matters are further complicated with the arrival of a film crew, in town to film at the local brewery owned by Grayson Blake. After Sadie discovers signs of a struggle in Marcie's room, it's clear that someone aided the assistant's exit out of the window and Sadie can't resist the urge to get involved...

Sarah Fox's third Literary Pub Mystery was fabulously entertaining. I really liked Sadie as she has a great vision and determination. There was so much to like in this cozy murder-mystery, besides Sadie herself. The plot was sound, the whole cast was well drawn, and both mysteries - the death of Marcie and the vandalism relating to the film crew - were intriguing. The murder-mystery kept me guessing until the very end. The Malt in Our Stars was a very enjoyable instalment and I will be catching up with the first books in the series as well looking forward to book four.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This third book in the Literary Pub Mystery series, pub owner Sadie is hosting an event with a famous visiting author. When the author's assistant Marcie is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Sadie decides to do what she can to help solve the crime. This book is really well written, and I had a really tough time trying to uncover the culprit. I love the characters and the setting of this series, both the small, Vermont town and the Inkwell, Sadie's literary pub. I had a hard time putting this book down and look forward to more books in this series!

I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

I just finished this book and couldn't wait to write a review, I enjoyed it THAT much! A fabulous 3rd installment in the Literary Pub series, Sarah Fox perfectly combines murder, hidden treasure, and secret passages in her latest cozy mystery - The Malt in Our Stars. If this series is new to you do yourself a favor and start with the first book (Wine and Punishment), move onto the second (An Ale of Two Cities) and then grab this one! A+++ and 5 stars!

I liked this book. I still love the titles. This is a stand-alone cozy mystery; the third in a series. While I have read the first two books prior to picking this up, it isn’t strictly necessary. There is no information imparted in the first two novels that is required to read and understand the third book in the series.

However, my reading experience was enhanced by reading all three books in order, in quick succession.

The main character, Sadie, is nicely fleshed out. I know enough about her by the third book to make her feel alive. Her motives are clear if not altogether understandable. Her motive in this book is less concrete than in the first two books. It was more honest but less realistic.

Some of the other recurring characters were also done well. Our love interest feels real even if I still feel like we know nothing about him. The attraction isn’t insta-love which is nice. The setting also read well. It was alive for me and felt like a true cozy small town.

Yet, the mystery was still a bit lacklustre for me. This book still suffers from a feeling of being overly formulaic. It still feels a bit too thought out and not natural enough. The story arc is plotted in a way that didn’t work for me. The climax, denouement and conclusion were too close together and left the ending feeling very abrupt. All the action felt clumped together. The villain, at least, had a better motive this time and wasn’t obvious.

Something about all three books still bothers me though. I can’t quite pinpoint it. All three mysteries are about murder but the villains don’t seem passionate or calculating enough to actual commit murder to further their motives. I have a hard time believing that they went that far.

All in all, I like this town and the main character. I love the titles and I’ll be picking up the next book whenever it comes along. Each book got better than the last, so I hope if there is a fourth book the mystery will also improve. A solid 3.5 stars. Worth reading for the characters and the ongoing adventures of Sadie.

When a famous author's assistant falls out of a window in a local hotel Sadie, who is first on the scene, decides to investigate. The story leads her to a famous deceased local man, a legend of buried treasure and a map revealing secret passages throughout the hotel. While at it, Sadie and Grayson's relationship finally moves to the next level. Can Sadie catch a killer before the killer catches her?

There is a lot going on in this cozy title. There are a murder, a possible hidden treasure, and vandalism on a film set. Then there is the amateur sleuth, her book themed pub, her cocktail creations and her romantic life. There is also a nice, small town setting in Vermont. This all makes for a perfect confluence for readers who like their mysteries without too much violence and with the right amount of plot. I recommend this title for those readers. It was a fun read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Very enjoyable book that is the third in the series. I love the main characters occupation. It makes for a really fun story! I really enjoy this series.

Sadie just wanted to host an author event at the Inkwell and she ended up with another murder mystery and then some on her hands. Author, Linnea Bliss and her assistant Marcie are new to town so who would possibly want to harm Marcie? What was Marcie doing in a room on the third floor when she had gone to lie down in her room on the second floor. At the same time the Craft Nation film crew from is dealing with malicious mischief as well while filming a new episode featuring Spirit Hill Brewery. All of this chaos has Sadie more than a little nervous or maybe she just has some butterflies because of the way Grayson, the owner of Spirit Hill Brewery, looks at her. Although I have not had a chance to read the series starter I know that their relationship did not start off so well, of course she did accuse him of murder so I find it rather big of him to let that go. Which goes to show that you don't have to start at the beginning of the series to understand who is who. This story starts off like a layered cocktail, with a new and different "taste" as you read, so many mysteries at the same time. Speaking of cocktail, there are some great cocktail recipes at the end of the story as well as a tasty slaw dish that makes you feel a little less guilty about pairing it with a cocktail.

Happy to be back in Shady Creek, VT in this third installment of the Literary Pub mystery series. While we're watching Sadie figure out who the murderer is, we get to know the fun cast of characters better. I enjoy Sadie's escapades and all of her friends, family, and the random townspeople who appear. I also love that Sadie actually works at The Inkwell and goes home to feed her cat while she's solving crimes. The mystery itself was interesting, and my guesses for the killer were totally wrong :) . Looking forward to the next book in the series! Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy.

The Malt in Our Stars is a delightful small town cozy. Sadie owns a literary brewpub and it opens with her meeting an author who is about to have an event at her pub. The meeting is at the hotel that becomes the centre of the story, after the author's assistant is murdered there. Who would want to murder the young woman with no ties to the town? Other mysterious events happen and Sadie enlists her handsome crush, Grayson, to help her. She is also prepping for the masquerade that is being held there. I was quite pleased to see the secondary storyline of Sadie and Grayson's will-they-or-won't-they move along in this book. There's a good balance of series developments and story developments as the mystery moves closer to being solved. The different aspects of the mystery and how it had different potential angles was well done. Was the murder victim targeted or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Sadie has her work cut out for her as she navigates various clues (all while not actually investigating, of course, that's really up to the police,). Perfect read to curl up with and enjoy during a cozy winter evening.

A very well written and entertaining cozy mystery. Mystery fans will love this book. I highly recommend it. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

This is such a fun series. Sarah Fox is a good mystery writer and for once [and this rarely happens these days], I have barely anything to complain about with it. ;-) The only major complaint I do have is simple and easily fixed - one, the MC Sadie [and what a fun name that is] is all of the sudden using "book idioms" and THAT is a trope that I am not a fan of [Leslie Budewitz uses them to excess in her Food Lover's Village series {and I stopped reading that series for that reason} and in her Spice Shop series, but to a lesser degree and I haven't had to quit that series yet] and IMO, makes the writer look lazy. NO ONE says stuff like that. I am friends with a lot of serious readers [like many in this series] and NONE OF US say stuff like "OH my Sherlock" and worse. Sadie is a great MC [one of the best of all the series that I read - she does her job before snooping, she doesn't snoop too much {though there was a bit more of that in this one, but again, not to the detriment of her job} ], and doesn't need a cheesy trope to make her interesting. She is really great just as she is, so I hope the author decides to stop that particular trope.

Aside from that, this was an excellent cozy - I was sure I knew who the killer was [but not until about 68% which is awesome], but I was wrong. WHICH is glorious. Absolutely glorious.
Sadie [as stated before] is a great MC, the peripheral characters are fun and compliment her well and I love that while she likes Grayson a lot, she is not dependent on him [for her happiness or anything else] and is also careful with jumping in too quick [especially after the events in the last book]. The mystery surrounding a business in town was good as was the mystery around the person murdered and there were red herrings all around. And the reveal was also very good - I had figured it out about 2 minutes before Sadie [but not the total why] and that made it even more fun and a little ontheedgeofyourseat moments as well. And all that made for a very good read.

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