Through the Liquor Glass - A Review

 Review

THROUGH THE LIQUOR GLASS by Sarah Fox
The Fifth Literary Pub Mystery 

Food critics, travel writers, and tourists are descending on Shady Creek for the village's Taste of Shady Creek. Sadie Coleman and her team are hosting a table at the event as well as serving up their literary themed food and drinks at the Inkwell. Sadie can't help but notice one critic has garnered a fair share of hate, from fellow journalists and townsfolk alike. A visit to her boyfriend's brewery leads the pair to discover the critic dead. With someone trying to frame Grayson for the murder Sadie is going to have to pull out the stops to find the real killer.

I'm always delighted to visit Shady Creek, but it's especially nice to visit this picturesque Vermont town in the autumn. Brilliant foliage, crisp air, and murder! I love the idea of the Taste of Shady Creek, especially as it brings in new drama and suspects. Although it was obvious that many people disliked the victim, it came as a surprising twist that Grayson not only had a connection with her, but would become a prime suspect. 

I really like Sadie, but I was ready to smack her in this fifth Literary Club Mystery. I understood why Grayson went into hiding and why he kept his location from her. What got me was Sadie's desperation to find him. She made more than one attempt, knowing she could possibly lead the police to him-and he'd only been gone a day! Her need to be with him was cloying, annoying, and dangerous. Pushing that annoyance away, I did like how she uncovered and followed clues and that she called the police prior to the penultimate confrontation scene.

I also enjoyed the entire ambiance of the book. How the cold rainy weather corresponded with the emotions of the characters. It was fun having Sadie's mom come to visit and explore the many wonderful venues in and around Shady Creek while surreptitiously digging for clues. Sadie's interactions with her mom, as well as her friends, leads to stronger character development. Sadie is growing, even if she can't be parted from her boyfriend for a few days.

Surprising connections, a puzzling mystery, and richly drawn characters make THROUGH THE LIQUOR GLASS an enjoyable autumnal read.