> Skip to content
  • Published: 1 March 2022
  • ISBN: 9781496734020
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $62.99
Categories:

Claret and Present Danger




When a Renaissance Faire visits the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, amateur sleuth and proprietor of bookish theme pub The Inkwell, Sadie Coleman, finds deadly happenings stick around like red wine stains on white tunics in the fourth Literary Pub Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox.
 
 

When a Renaissance Faire visits the small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, amateur sleuth and proprietor of bookish theme pub The Inkwell, Sadie Coleman, finds deadly happenings stick around like red wine stains on white tunics in the fourth Literary Pub Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox.
 
 

The Trueheart Renaissance Faire and Circus has rolled into town, attracting locals who can’t wait to spend a few summer days lost in a whimsical world of all-knowing fortune tellers and daring acrobats. Well-read pub owner Sadie Coleman is swept up in the magic herself when she serves drinks to the faire’s resident wizard, the shamelessly brazen illusionist Ozzie Stone, and scores two tickets to his opening performance.
 
Sadie has no complaints about indulging in a free show with her new beau, craft brewery owner Grayson Blake. But while Ozzie is an instant crowd pleaser, the real surprise comes when he collapses in the middle of his set. It’s not part of the act—Ozzie is dead, seemingly poisoned by someone who wasn’t clowning around about writing the roguish showman’s final chapter.
 
The terrifying situation intensifies when the police eye one of Sadie’s employees, last seen caught in a suspicious fist fight at the fairground. With so much at stake, Sadie must strain through a suspect list longer than her cocktail menu to find the real knave of a killer. But when another performer is murdered, it becomes clear that bringing the mixed-up murderer to justice will be about as dangerous as walking the high wire after happy hour…
 

  • Published: 1 March 2022
  • ISBN: 9781496734020
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $62.99
Categories:

Also by Sarah Fox

See all

Praise for Claret and Present Danger

Praise for Sarah Fox's Literary Pub Mystery Series

“The Inkwell’s charming atmosphere, solid plotting, and several enticing recipes are sure to please cozy fans.” Publishers Weekly on The Malt in Our Stars
 
“There’s no shortage of suspects in Sadie’s quaint Vermont town. Add to the mystery Fox’s quintessential spunky and tenacious cozy heroine (whose curiosity often gets her in hot water), a brewing romance between Sadie and Grayson, and an inviting literary pub complete with recipes for its literary-themed concoctions at the end of the book, and you have a treat for book and brew nerds alike.” Mystery Scene Magazine on The Malt in Our Stars
 
“Quirky chaos ensues!” Woman’s World, Book Club pick for The Malt in Our Stars

"Fox offers plenty of plausible suspects and a thrilling confrontation with the killer, along with a dash of decorous romance." —Publishers Weekly on An Ale of Two Cities

"A fast-paced race to see who can stop a killer from striking again...Readers will cheer this brisk, literate addition to the world of small-town cozies." —Kirkus Reviews on Wine and Punishment

"I look forward to the next book to see how the potential relationship moves forward (or will it?), and the expansion of the kitchen." Kings River Life on Wine and Punishment

"Wine and Punishment hits all the right notes—a unique setting, friends and family, an intriguing mystery, and even the promise of romance. Lit pub owner and mystery aficionado Sadie Coleman is an intelligent and likable sleuth. Cozy fans will enjoy visiting Shady Creek. This is a great start to a new series!" Sofie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of the Second Chance Cat mysteries

"Wine and Punishment draws readers into the fold of suspects in Shady Creek and doesn't let go until the culprit is uncovered. There are laugh-out-loud moments, hold-your-breath moments, and moments when you'll think you have the mystery figured out, but the surprises keep coming!" —USA Today bestselling author Amy M. Reade

penguin pop image
penguin pop image