The second installment in this series doesn't make you feel as if you're coming in too late to the party if you didn't read the first one. It does a nice job of catching you up on the backstory of how Abi, a photojournalist, came to own a distillery in Scotland.

In this cozy, Abi comes back to Scotland to relax after her latest assignment and set up a foundation in honor of her uncle (from the first book). Instead, there's a skeleton unearthed by a renovation project and a rock star who asks for her help in figuring out who might be trying to kill him. The author nicely handles mixing present and historical mysteries, populates the story with a good dog, interesting people, plausible suspects, sheep (I love sheep!), tantalizing descriptions of whisky, and a simmering romantic attraction.

A solid, pleasant read.

In this second installment of the Whisky Business mysteries, Abi Logan has returned from assignment to her inherited new home of Abbey Glen. She's actually finding that she thinks of the Haven as her home now and feels comfortable in the small town. When she gets a message from a man who turns out to be Mickey Dawson now known by his given name Rory Hendricks, her teenage music idol, she can't help but be star struck and wonder what in the world he would need from her. Turns out she's needed for a photo assignment at his reunion concert as well as being his eyes and ears. Rory thinks the recent death of a band member and near death of another were not accidents and that he could be next. When a body is found at the concert, Rory is the main suspect so now he needs Abi more than ever for proving his innocence.

This was a very intense mystery, full of details, suspense and even a little historical side mystery to go along with it. I do love Abi's passion for helping people and how she just pitches in and tries to help. Her relationship with Grant seemed to be going somewhere until the appearance of Rory's daughter Summer, who monopolized Grant's time but later we found out that Grant felt like he was her baby sitter. I liked how things were progressing towards the end with Abi and Grant but Abi being Abi, felt like she was going to ruin it so the end of the book definitely left me wanting to read more.

The mystery solving was great. As always Abi is an admitted help to the local police even though he grudgingly admits it one minute, he'll brag on her and say she would make a great addition to the force. I was glad to see that she found the answer to her side local historical mystery. I have to admit I was more interested in finding out who the murderer was than I was solving the historical mystery but it might interest anyone more inclined towards the history of the area. I'll be waiting for book 3!

A small distillery in Scotland is the centerpiece in this rollicking adventure. Abi Logan returns to the distillery she has inherited to discover a new person in town. She is summoned to meet the stranger and discovers he is a former rock star she had idolized. He proposes that she help him determine who is targeting the former members of his band and his family. From that point on, the action never stops and the whiskey drinking is continuous. As bodies pile up, the killer remains unidentified. The suspense builds right to the end, when the madness is revealed. Several of the characters are linked with Abi in mutual attraction, and her uncertainty about romance plays against her uncertainty about the killer. The characters are unique and lovable, and the writing is clear, despite some Scottish slang. This is not a demanding book, but a fun and entertaining read that will leave you wanting more from this author.

I admit I am a Cover Junkie. I am the kind of reader that chooses a book by it's cover. If the cover doesn't grab me I probably won't pick it up!

Death Distilled is one I would pick up based on the cover.
But, I had the chance to read the first book and I was glad to have the chance to read book 2 in the series!

They keep getting better! Book 1 Single Malt Murder (my review is here. Was a great beginning with great characters and a great fast twisty/turney plot.

Death Distilled did no not disappoint. I was glad to see a few characters coming back. Patrick returned and a few others.
Grant returns as head distiller and romantic interest.
Abi's dog Liam of course is back and opens the door for more mystery when he digs up some old bones.

This is alot of history about the area and about Whisky which is
interesting.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of
your seat and looking forward to the end and filling in the blanks.

But, almost sad to see it end. Book 3 can't be released soon enough!

I have enjoyed this series and look forward to many more!

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.

Whisky maker Abigail Logan is back! The plucky heroine of Single Malt Murder is back with another adventure at her Scottish distillery. After several months away, focusing on her photojournalism, she's back in Balfour and ready for some rest and relaxation at the home that her uncle Ben left for her. And to her credit, this time she finds the peace and quiet she's been craving. I mean, it's hours before she stumbles on the bones of a long-buried corpse. To be honest, it wasn't even Abi--it was Liam, her dog, who dragged her over to the hole where the bones were. 

And it's certainly not her fault that her best friend Patrick Cooke invited a group of Japanese whisky makers to a tour of Abbey Glen, to see one of the country's most innovative craft distilleries, so he can help secure his reputation as editor-in-chief of Whisky Journal, without her knowledge or permission. She can use the good publicity herself, for the charity she had been wanting to start o honor her late uncle's vision and generosity. 

And you really can't blame her for being nervous to meet the new guy in town. He just moved to town from South America and knows no one. He spent a lot of money on Fell Farm, transforming it into an artist's haven, and he usually keeps to himself. And just because he's been asking around about Abi, it doesn't mean that it's her fault for having a reputation as a fearless globe-trotting journalist, or as someone who trouble seems to find. She can't help that. 

But when the stranger in town turns out not to be the leader of a drug cartel or kidnapper or psychopath, it is Abi who agrees to act as his photographer and to help figure out who is threatening him. Because that stranger is none other than Mickey Dawson, former lead singer of the Rebels, a rock band whose runaway success and hard-partying lifestyle made them legends in the vein of the Rolling Stones and the Who.

Mickey (born Rory Hendricks) is getting concerned. One bandmate was killed a couple of months ago by a boating accident, and another was still in a coma due to a hit-and-run. Then his daughter's London art gallery was broken into and several expensive pieces were stolen. So when the threatening messages start, the former Rebels frontman is nervous, and he needs someone he can trust to help him get to the bottom of his mystery. Fortunately, Abi is there and ready for a new adventure, especially for the man who was her teenage crush. But can Abi figure out the identity whoever is making the threats in time to save them both? 

Melinda Mullet's charming follow-up to the debut Whisky Business Mystery, Death Distilled, is even more fun than Single Malt Murder. All the best characters are there, Abbey Glen is purring along as Ben imagined, and Abi is back for more mysteries to solve in the endearing Scottish village. If you're a whisky connoisseur or a newbie, or just a fan of fun cozies set in interesting places, then Death Distilled is not to be missed. Check it out with a glass of your favorite beverage nearby!



Galleys for Death Distilled were provided by Random House Publishing Group - Alibi through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.

I am so glad I stumbled upon this series. Single Malt Murder was like a breath of fresh air on my reading list and Death Distilled turned out to be just as refreshing. I like mixing up my reading genres from time to time ;)

Abi turned a little fan-girlish in Death Distilled. I suppose that's understandable, but because of that she kept second guessing herself. I still had faith in her gut instinct, even though she wasn't always right. To be fair, there were a lot of twists and turns in this one and I honestly didn't figure out who the 'bad guy' was until just before Abi did.

This series is turning into one of my favorite mysteries. There are more than a few quirky characters, an adorable dog (that's now got his own flock of wayward sheep) and a somewhat budding romance. There was also more than one mystery within the pages of Death Distilled and I loved that way the secondary one turned out. The best part is that there's obviously more to come and I can't wait to see what Melinda Mullet has in store for the residents of Balfour.

Fun, fast paced, cozy mystery that takes its readers to Scotland. I have to go back and read the rest of the series!

This book is transporting, and one that I was thrilled to get into my Kindle. This series has a sense of magic, though there isn’t an ounce of magic to the series. It is a most relaxing read, and gives me high hopes for the next book.

This second novel did not disappoint!

Abbey returns to Abbey Glen after another long assignment. A mystery man has been asking for her around town. There is also her apprehension of seeing Grant again. She also takes on a herd of sheep and at one point this made me chuckle out loud. This was a really great, small detailed story, woven into the main story lines.

The mystery man ends up asking for her help thanks to the skills she has acquired as a photo journalist. Someone is out to kill him and has already targeted some of his old rock and roll colleagues. As with the first book, I totally didn't see it coming when the mystery is solved. Melinda has a great way of distracting from who the actual killer is in her books. Its a beautiful thing because I so often already know "whodunit" early on in most mysteries or thrillers. Abbey also discovers more about an old town mystery which is a fun side story mixed in.

I was bummed about where the story line with Grant is going but I'm hoping that means a third book is coming. Can't wait for that announcement!

DEATH DISTILLED by Melinda Mullet
The Second Whisky Business Mystery

Tired of the heat and needing to rest and recuperate from her work as a photojournalist, Abi Logan returns to Abbey Glen, the distillery recently left to her by her uncle. Instead of relaxing, however, she discovers human remains near the pub and an over excited friend wanting to turn the distillery into a special event destination. The biggest shock, however, is a celebrity crush from her past has literally appeared on Abi's doorstep asking for her help. Believing that his former band mates deaths have not been accidental, Rory Hendricks believes he's next in a murderer's sights and wants Abi to use her journalistic skills to pick out a killer. As if finding a killer wasn't dangerous enough, Abi also has to deal with Rory's sexual magnetism, her feelings towards Grant, a historical mystery, and some new furry family members. So much for a respite!

In DEATH DISTILLED we learn a great deal of history of the founders of what is now Abbey Glen. Secret tunnels, discovered diaries lead to new knowledge and add interest and a sense of history to the novel. A rock and roll bad boy, once a crush, adds a sexual magnetism and yearnings for days of youth. As we watch Abi, we relive our crushes from the past and wonder how we would react if we met them in the present. Mixing the past and the present provides depth to the novel as well as heightening emotions. Readers are left to contemplate what they would do if a crush from the past turned up asking for help. The question is also raised if love is worth taking a risk, as well as the consequence of loving too much.

In this, the second book in the Whisky Business Mystery series, Melinda Mullet delivers a fresh mystery filled with nostalgia. Complex characters and a finely tuned mystery make DEATH DISTILLED an adult mystery worth savoring.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
My parents just returned from Scotland where they had several wee drams of whisky so it was with great interest that I read the story. Momma said she could almost smell the heather reading the story but unlike the first one which really delved into the art of distilling, the whisky was more supporting cast than main character.
Abi still isn't sure how much she can let go of her past and embrace owing Glen Abbey. Her partner, Grant, is a big piece of the puzzle so when she is hired by an old rock star to document his comeback and solve the mystery of who is behind the dangers befalling his former band mates and his newly discovered grown up daughter, complications ensue. At the same time, she is trying to find out what happened to the original owner of the property who began the precursor to her whisky. It's as good a mystery as the current day one and I did like how it came full circle at the end.
The modern day mystery had some real twists to it and each time Abi and the reader thought they figured it out, they learned they were wrong. I was just as surprised as Abi when she learned the truth, although I twigged just slightly before her.
This is a cracking good series that any fan of Scotland, whisky or historical elements will enjoy thoroughly.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.

This is another great book by Melinda Mullet. It is the second in a series, the first being Single Malt Murder. As in the first book, it takes place in rural Scotland.
This mystery involves a retired rock and roll star, his daughter, and several others in the music industry.
As in the first book the characters are all described thoroughly and very likeable. The descriptions of the scenery is excellent.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

In this newest Whisky Business Mystery, Abi Logan returns to Abbey Glen, the whisky distillery she inherited, after three months away from Scotland. The village of Balfour is still the same...but so is her best friend, Patrick. Abi immediately gets pulled into his latest scheme -- a distillery tour for a group of Japanese businessme. Abi knows distillery manager, Grant, is not going to like this idea and she really dreads the event. Before there can be much bickering about the proposed tour, human remains dating back at least 200 years are discovered outside the local pub, and Abi meets a new local celebrity, former rock star Rory Hendricks. She idolized him as a young girl when he was part of the Rebels, but now she finds herself working with him as his official photographer while investigating a series of threats and attacks on former band members. Rory is the last member of the Rebels left. Spray painted threats, break-ins and other strange events have followed him to Balfour. Who is killing off the Rebels and why?

I really enjoy this series. Abi is a fun main character. She's independent with lots of spunk and ingenuity, but still a little streak of sentimentality. She loves the distillery because it belonged to her uncle. She loves her dog, Liam. And she puts up with her best friend Patrick's shenanigans because she cares about him. So, she's strong, but still human. I laughed out loud in this book when her emotional side led her to bring home eight sheep.....as pets. The villagers just shake their heads and smile. :) (I would have brought the sheep home, too.)

There is more than one mystery in this second book in the series. Abi investigates the history of the village with the new vicar and the local librarian as a side plot, developing more background about Balfour and some of the side characters. So interesting! It didn't take away from the main investigation into Rory Hendricks and the attacks on the Rebels members, but added to the overall flavor of the book. The pace is spot on, and there were plenty of suspects. I wasn't sure who the killer was until the very end. Nice, exciting ending, too! And Oscar the sheep -- great BFF for Liam. :) I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://melindamullet.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House - Alibi via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Intriguing story

Author Melinds Mullet did a good job with this story, the second in the Whiskey Business mysteries.

Abi is an interesting and determined sleuth. The setting of the distillery in Scotland and the towns legends added extra depth to the story. The rock and roll group component made the story very compelling.
There is a starting of a possible romance between Abi and Grant I look forward to seeing how that unfolds in future books.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Sometimes I pick new books by their name. Death Distilled by Melinda Mullet was one of those books. What a great name for a cozy mystery set in Scotland by a whiskey distillery. Better yet - the owner of the whiskey distillery, Abi Logan is the person who finds the dead body and is an amaetur sleuth. Adding to the excitement, there is a rock star staying in town and needs Abi’s help as a photographer to help him not become the next dead body. Throw in a couple of great scottish legends and a few characters sipping whiskey and a flock of sheep and you have a “whodunit”!

I enjoyed the book and found the characters engaging, the mystery interesting and the conclusion quite satisfying! The nature of the small town and small business rang true to me. I especially enjoyed finding out more of the historical nature of the whiskey business as shared in letter form. Death Distilled by Melinda Mullet was a fun “whodunit” read!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The first book in this series, Single Malt Murder, had already made my list of Best Reads 2017 so I have been anxiously waiting this one. At the end of the first story Abi took off on another photo assignment, this one picks up with her returning to Abbey Glen with her lovable canine companion, Liam. She isn’t back for long when Liam makes a grim discovery, Patrick sets up an event at the Glen without receiving permission from her or her manager Grant, and she finds herself caretaker of a flock of sheep. Plus when she left her romantic relationship with Grant was up in the air and now she has met her teenage crush, rocker Rory Hendricks, so who knows what that means for the two of them. She then learns that the members of his old group the Rebels have been targeted and one killed and he wants her help before he is next. Grant is not pleased when she agrees to follow him to a concert that could be putting them both in danger. Abi has her hands full in this story, definitely not the relaxing homecoming she expected.

Abi Logan is a strong woman. Her career as a photojournalist has taken her to some dark and dangerous places. She jumps right in to help her new “friend” Rory Hendricks knowing the dire circumstances that could arise. But she doesn’t trust her heart, every time she and Grant start to get close she runs away. Abi is a complex character and a great protagonist.

I liked her friend Patrick a lot in the first story but not so much this time. For me, he overstepped his bounds by involving Abi, Grant, and Abbey Glen in his latest scheme to better himself. He really was taking advantage of his friendship with Abi.

Grant stole my heart in the first book and my love for him is still strong. I feel bad that Abi can’t give him what he wants. He remains at Abbey Glen, doing his job and making the distillery thrive. I hope with time Abi will return his love without fear of messing up both their lives.

I absolutely love the setting for this series. The Scottish Village of Balfour is rich in history and that history is part of this story. The village, distillery and the home she inherited are so wonderfully described. I could even visualize the sheep in their new pen. I enjoyed how quickly Liam became a canine shepherd.

The plot to the mystery was again complex, lots of moving parts and pieces. Many suspects but their motives were a bit murky. The way an old mystery was blended with the new gave the story a depth I wasn’t expecting. As more clues drop into place the suspense starts to build. I had my “aha moment” right along with the characters as they climax was playing right out for me to read. I was totally surprised.

Ms. Mullet packs so much into 240 pages. Murder, dysfunctional families, romance, a rock concert, drama, suspense, whisky, Japanese businessmen, and even a flock of sheep. This book will join the first as one of my Best Reads this year. I can’t wait for book #3.

This was a really neat read.  I haven't read the first book in this series yet but I didn't have any trouble at all following along with the story. 

I've got to say, I absolutely loved the setting of this book.  It was so unique and different from everything else that I've read.  I enjoyed the Scotland feel and the descriptions.  Abi and Liam were both very enjoyable characters.  I am always a sucker for a good animal companion in books.  

The mystery was well written and kept me guessing until the end of the book.

Whiskey, Mystery and Rock and Roll all play strong roles in this complex and fascinating cozy murder mystery. Even if you have not read the first book in this series you will be able to follow along and enjoy the action. Dysfunctional families past and present set up dangerous events and mysteries to be solved.
Having given up her fast paced life as a photojournalist when she inherits a well know distillery, Abi Logan finds herself on shaky ground with the locals in the small village of Balfour.
She is only home for a few hours before coming across an unmarked gravesite.
A mysterious stranger has been asking about her and Abi meets the new reverend who has an interesting side hobby. We know things are going to get exciting.

Fast paced and delightful, this mystery will keep you on edge wondering about motive, means and opportunity. Could the old mystery about whiskey smugglers have a connection to the threats to members of a retired set of bad boy rockers?

I am always delighted to discover secret passages and hidden rooms. The addition of the sheep gave the story a few warm moments. Liam is always good for making Abi take action without overthinking. There is a romantic element to this book but it does not overpower the mystery which is what we really came for.
Very well done.

This is the second in this series I've read; when I saw it on Netgalley I requested a copy because I had enjoyed the first so much. The second is even better! You do NOT need to have read the first to enjoy it although you would have a deeper understanding of how Abi, world-renowned photo-journalist, ended up in Balfour. But in Balfour she is and so is Rory Hendricks who used to front the wildly-popular rock band The Rebels. Former bandmembers are being picked off one-by-one giving us a murder mystery to solve before all are dead. At the same time we delve into Scottish history solving another murder or two (should I have gone dialect and said "twa"?) and learn more of the history of Abbey Glen. Quite a lot going on! The clues are there but I didn't deduce the killer nor did I expect the last victim. Charming, delightful and fun!

This is such a wonderfully written story that ties the 1800s to present day Scotland. The description of the land was breathtaking. I have always wanted to go there. After reading this book, I am even more determined to visit. The author does an amazing job of taking readers on a guided tour of a distillery by words that are vivid . I could smell the blends of different flavors that will become drinks that many will love. I don't know why, but I kept picturing a little pub set off in the countryside. People are there raising their glasses as the latest new drink is served .

I loved that there was two stories going on that blended so well to come together as one. Abi is by far my favorite character in the story. She is savvy, inquisitive, caring and has a keen eye for detail. After a photo journal assignment, Abi has come back to check on the distillery she inherited. I don't think I would have a clue what to do with a distillery, but Abi seems to take it in stride. I love her calmness and the way she can make quick decisions. When bones are discovered close by , It was very fascinating to find out who the bones were . The writing of this part was superb and I loved the historical characters that were involved with the distillery. Readers will be glued to their seats as they uncover the mystery surrounding the bones that are very important to the present day story.

When Rory was introduced into the story I wasn't very impressed with him . He once was a very famous member of a band back in the day. He hires Abi to do some photos for his upcoming concert and also to keep her eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. When bodies start dropping from Rory's past, Ali knows he is in real danger. Now why would he fight her on decisions that would keep him safe? I wanted to scream at him and tell him to stop being on an ego trip. But of course the author handles the situation much better than I would. Abi knows how to do her job and doesn't back down from Rory. I have really come to like the authors style of writing and no nonsense way of delivering characters that are so relatable. I must end with that note because there is so much more to this book and readers need to discover it for themselves. . Will Abi find out who is trying to kill Rory before it is to late? Be sure you grab a copy, get comfy and enjoy a story full of intrigue and surprises.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.