This was an intriguing story with interesting characters. It will keep you guessing until the end. A whiskey distillery owner and a cop work together to solve the murders of two men.

Judge Not!

These books just keep getting better and better. As with many series, the overall story arc is best enjoyed sequentially, but if this is the first volume you've read you will have no difficulty enjoying the current intrigue and learning about whisky and five-star hotels and figuring out whodunnit. The characters are beautifully drawn, plotting artful, and the solution is elegant.

Abigail Logan inherited a distillery from her beloved uncle a year ago. She already feels like part of the small Scottish town. Now, she’s thrown into the middle of a whisky competition and things get really heated when two judges are murdered. Abi throws herself right into the middle of the investigation since many of the suspects are good friends of hers. She is determined to get to the bottom of this.

To add a little more excitement to Abi’s life, her handsome business partner is getting harder to resist all the time. After some bad relationships in her past, Abi is not all that anxious to get involved with another guy. However, she can’t seem to get Grant out of her mind.

This is the third book in the Whisky Business Mystery series. I loved the first book, but I haven’t had a chance to read the second one yet. It didn’t matter to me,,,I enjoyed this one very much. The author includes info throughout the book about incidents that occurred previously, so I never felt like I was in the dark.

The author did a great job of transporting me to Scotland and putting me right in the middle of all the action. I felt as if I was right by Abi’s side as we tried to figure out who the killer was. I got it partially correct, but I didn’t put all the pieces together until Abi did at the end.

It’s a captivating mystery with a cast of characters that are true-to-life and sometimes even a bit offbeat. Abi also has a lovable dog named Liam, who accompanies her most of the time. He does manage to get himself in quite a bit of trouble, although he’s also a good partner for Abi’s investigative ways.

Overall, this is an engrossing mystery which is solved in this book. The mystery doesn’t carry over to the next book, although the personal relationships do. I always feel series books are more enjoyed when you start with the first one, but it’s really not necessary if you are looking for a good mystery. I’m greatly anticipating the next book in this series.

Deadly Dram is the 3rd book in the Whisky Business Mystery series. Abi Logan is still trying to make a name for herself in the whisky business after she inherited her uncle's distillery, Abbey Glen, 9 months ago. The good old boys network in the business (she calls them the Barley Bunch) just don't think a woman should be a distillery owner. She runs Abbey Glen with Grant MacEwen, her business partner, who is a magician with whisky. This year, everyone is pleased that Abbey Glen is up for 3 awards at the Golden Quaich Competition at a nearby 5-star resort. The distilleries aren't just in Scotland. There are whiskys competing from Ireland, India, Japan and other countries as well. Some of the Scottish distilleries are grumbling about foreigners being allowed to compete. Things get even more dicey when one of the event judges, Sir Richard Simpson, is found dead in his room. Local Detective Inspector Ian Michaelson suspects foul play. Was Simpson killed because he clearly was in favor of foreign distilleries competing in the Gold Quaich Awards? Did someone just intend to make him ill to throw off the competition, but accidentally go too far? Or is something more complex afoot?

I like this series. My favorite character is, of course, Liam...abi's wheaten terrier. And his friend Oscar the Sheep is a close second. ha ha :) I'm a sucker for cozies with cute animal antics in them. Liam is quite the cute little guy. Abi is an intelligent and resourceful main character. She has a great working relationship with Grant MacEwan, although their personal relationship is a bit confused. There is a bit of the relationship triangle plot device starting to come through in this series. That is one trope that I wish cozy writers would stop using. Surely there is another way to create a bit of romantic tension or slow relationship building between main characters without resorting to the Triangle Trope. Ugh. That's my only complaint about this latest book. Besides my eyeroll at the triangle starting to pop out on the horizon, I loved this entire book. The characters are interesting and nicely developed. The whisky background theme doesn't overpower the mystery, but adds to it. The romance hints are kept in the background, with the mystery being in the forefront. The plot moved at a nice pace, with plenty of interesting suspects and some twists I didn't see coming at all. Loved it! I will definitely keep reading this series. I love the setting, the information on whisky and distilling, and the characters. :)

The next book in the series, Died in the Wool, will be out in May 2019.

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

Abi Logan, co-owner of Abbey Glen Distillery, is still very new to the business after it was bequeathed to her by her uncle. She has not yet given up her career as a photojournalist and returns to Scotland to attend the prestigious Quaich competition. The competition is a four-day event at a 5-star hotel and promises to be more contentious than usual. Several non-Scots distilleries are competing, and one, in particular, seems very strong. Abi and her partner, Grant McEwan think that the foreign competitors will be a positive influence, but others are adamantly opposed. When two of the judges are poisoned the short-handed local police include Abi in the investigation, mostly to take pictures at the crime scenes. But her dear friend, Patrick, is a suspect and Abby jumps in with both feet. When Grant McEwan is targeted, she is even more determined to get to the bottom of the plot.

The Whisky Business mysteries are an excellent read, with vivid descriptions of the business and Scotland. The characters are well-drawn, and the mystery itself is intricately plotted. I certainly did not figure out "whodunnit" until the end, along with Abi herself. I also enjoy the developing romance between Abi and Grant. After some failed relationships Abi is skittish, but the return of Grant's former flame makes her rethink her position.

Thanks to Random House Alibi and NetGalley for a digital advance copy. The opinions are my own and I look forward to the next in the series!

This mystery has it all! The twists and turns that make a reader scratch their head and think everyone including Abi is suspect. Coming back to Scotland never felt so right for this reader and Abi (I am taking liberties to say she feels the same). I eager to read each book in this fantastic series, as it allows me to hear the Scottish dialect, enter into mysteries that continue to have me hunting for clues and has a cast of characters that really get to become friends.

I really liked that we had two deaths in this book. So many times cozies just stick with a single victim but it was a nice change to have the idea of two victims swirling in my mind. I also love the way Grant and Abi were in this book, I will root for these two all the way to the end of the series, and though at times I question if this is possible, it is undeniable that these two have chemistry and they add to the story in a smooth way. This mystery is unlike any other and will easily have you hiding under the covers with a light to finish in the wee hours

DEADLY DRAM by Melinda Mullet
The Third Whisky Business Mystery

After some time away Abi Logan is back at Abbey Glen, just in time for the Golden Quaich Awards. What Abi first believed was a little competition among local distillers, is actually a four day international event held at a five star hotel, the outcomes of which can have a huge economic effect. When one of the judges is discovered dead the next morning the first thought was that too much good food and drink finally caught up with him. But could it have something to do with the fact that there were several international entries in the blind tasting this year, an offense to several of the Scots? The detective in charge suspects poison. Could Sir Richard's diatribe against the narrow minded view and limited palate of some of his fellow judges angered someone enough to kill him? Or is something more going on?

"You don't know what you got, till it's gone." While that phrase is the title of a Cinderella song from their second album, it could also be the theme for this second Whisky Business Mystery. DEADLY DRAM explores relationships old and new as it shines light into whisky competitions and awards. While providing a a fascinating look into the world of fine whisky and murder, it looks at the human emotions and motivations behind people's actions. The characters are akin to Abbey Glen's fine whiskys, some smooth, some big while others are subtle, but all complex. This complexity leads to an ingenious mystery with lots of possible victims as well as suspects. There is a serious nature to this series. It's a more adult novel. Yet Liam's antics provide plenty of laughs and a respite from the darkness inherent here.

DEADLY DRAM is a whisky drinking mystery lover's dream. You don't, however, need to be a fan of the drink to imbibe this wonderful mystery. Richly atmospheric and fastidiously plotted, DEADLY DRAM is a gold winner.

I love these books by Melinda Mullet because they are well written, have pretty good mysteries, and are set in Scotland. I have a special place in my heart for Scotland, so that is worth some automatic points. The reason there are four stars instead of five was the ending. Come on!!! I was yelling at the book and wanted to throw it. I know authors drag out the romance in these series type books, but really? I, of course, have to read the next one, but can't believe I have to wait another year plus there is no guarantee I will get my HEA with Grant even in that book, but if something doesn't happen in the next one to give me hope... It will be the last one I read, love of Scotland and the books or no. My TBR list is too long to be frustrated.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.

Annnnnd we are back to the book being about an hour too long. I power-listened today just to get it done so I can move forward, but it really is best done over the course of three days and not 2.
Abby is back in Scotland just in time to go to the Annual Whiskey Award program with Grant, where they run into past friends, past girlfriends, and of course [since Abby is there] a dead body. And then there is another one. And then people are getting sick all over the place. And Abby, because she is unable to keep her nose out of anything [due to her life as a photo-journalist], dives right in to try and solve the mystery.

Other than it being about an hour too long, this was a good addition to the Whiskey Business Mysteries; there is a very good mystery [and the end was a bit of a nail-biter], good interaction between all the characters and red-herrings galore. All of the best parts of a mystery. And the audiobook narrator is absolutely divine. She really makes the books come alive and I enjoy listening to her tell the story very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alibi/Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Deadly Dram is the third book in the Whisky Business Mystery series by Melinda Mullet. I have read all three books in the series. Be sure to read the first book...I liked it the best so far.

Deadly Dram is a good solid addition to the series. Abi Logan is settling into the whiskey distillery that she co-owns with the handsome Grant MacEwan. Personally I am not a whiskey fan but I enjoy reading about it in this series. That is what makes a cozy mystery great. The author really understands the world of Scotch whiskeys. Very believable.

One of the better cozy mysteries in my opinion. Good writing and interesting stories. Believable murders. Romantic tension. It's all there. And in Scotland.

If you are cozy fan, then Deadly Dram is for you.

Melinda Mullet’s, Deadly Dram – the third in the Whisky Business serial, is equal to her previous two installations. In this episode, Abby and Grant, her business partner, find themselves up for a prestigious award in the whisky world. Chances are quite good they will win, if they survive long enough to make it through the competition.

Deadly Dram is a fun story with a great deal of talk of the whisky industry and some of the backroom dealings that can take place. The characters are bright and witty, cleverly crafted and remain true to their development. Mullet masterfully handles the actions of each, keeping them from drifting off into deviations. Grant did not make as much of an appearance as expected and the final scene with and about Grant was entirely predictable – but of course, human nature.

Liam may be in serious need of a local AA chapter soon.

The Whiskey Business series continues to delight me. Of course, it’s set in Scotland, a country I’ve visited twice and have always felt drawn to. Ms. Mullet does a good job with description and scene setting, vividly depicting Abbey Glen, the nearby village, and other Scottish venues such as the country-house hotel in this novel.

But it’s her characters that come most alive for me. Abi is a wonderful personality, and her experience as a professional photojournalist makes her curiosity and propensity for involving herself in murder investigations both likely and believable. I love her unruly but loyal wheaten terrier, Liam; her best friend, Patrick; and her complex relationship with Abbey Glen’s master brewer, Grant. (There were hints before the start of this book that things might tend in a romantic direction between Abi and Grant, but don’t hold your breath.) And I enjoy the relationship between Abi and the police inspector, Michaelson, which is also complex. Michaelson is slightly antagonistic even when he has to make use of her as a witness or as a photographer, but at the same time, he and Abi are both are coming to recognize and respect the skills of the other.

The mystery in this third book truly kept me guessing right up to the denouement, and the accumulating evidence had me looking at all the wrong people… which put me in good company, since both Michaelson and Abi did the same. There are rather a lot of suspects and potential victims to keep track of; I would have appreciated a “cast of characters” list to help me out until I had everyone’s name and pertinent information memorized. But once I had everyone sorted, I was quickly swept up into the story.

One side effect of following this series is that I’ve learned quit a bit about whiskey, in particular Scots (or “Scotch”) whiskey. I only regret that I’ve not developed a palate for it — yet. However, my well-developed mystery palate was quite happy to imbibe a Deadly Dram!

Deadly Dram by Melinda Mullet is A Whiskey Business Mystery. Abigail “Abi” Logan co-owns Abbey Glen with Grant McEwen. Abi inherited her share of the whiskey distillery business from her Uncle Ben a year prior. She is attracted to Grant, but, after many disastrous relationships and not wanting to ruin their business partnership, Abi has decided it is best to keep Grant firmly in the friend zone (and avoid him whenever possible). With the holidays over it is time for them to attend a four day event at a five star resort for the Golden Quaich competition. Abbey Glen is up for a couple of awards, but there is stiff competition. After acquiring the appropriate wardrobe, Abi and Liam arrive at the lodge where they will be sharing accommodations with her best friend, Patrick Cooke. After an evening of schmoozing and whiskey drinking, Abi is awakened by screaming. Sir Richard Simpson, one of the judges, is dead in his room. DI Ian Michaelson is on the case and has cause to believe the death is anything but accidental. Abi agrees to keep her eyes and ears open and takes it upon herself to ask a few questions as well. The following morning, Abi is once again awakened early with the news of another death. Archie MacInnes, another judge, is dead in his room. When Patrick becomes a person of interest, Abi steps up game. Can they catch the killer before he strikes again?

Deadly Dram takes readers to Balfour, Scotland where Abi is learning the ropes of the whiskey industry. It is a different life from being a photojournalist, but her skills come in handy when there is a murder. The clothes Abi acquired with the assistance Katherine McRae were beautiful. Abi was stylish in her new ensembles (a good representative for Abbey Glen). While Deadly Dram is the third installment in A Whiskey Business Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. The author provides Abi’s background along with that of the main characters (Grant, Cam, Patrick, and Liam). I was overwhelmed with the number of characters in the beginning. It gets easier to keep them straight as the story progresses. The shining star of Deadly Dram is adorable Liam. He manages to steal the story with his antics (like chasing a rabbit), sleeping on the gorgeous duvet covers and looking dapper in his bow ties. Melinda Mullet is a descriptive writer which allows readers to visualize the scenes, but it also slows down the pace of the story. The mystery is multifaceted with several suspects, a red herring or two, and good clues. The killer does not wish to be caught and attempts to dissuade Abi from investigating (the guilty party evidently does not know Abi very well). Abi was intent on questioning her suspects and looking for clues. Armchair sleuths will find solving this crime a cinch (one little detail is the key). I did not realize there were so many different types of whiskey available and from a variety of countries. It was interesting to learn more about the process of distilling and the range of ingredients. Even the cask used to store the whiskey in is important to the taste. While attending the event and working on the investigation, Abi has been thinking about Grant. Is she ready for a relationship with him? The ending leaves readers with hope and a cliffhanger.

This book had lively, likeable characters and was a great read. My attention was held from the beginning to the end. The dialog was entertaining as well.

Great cozy mystery! I really love the characters. The mystery was EXCELLENT. There were so many leads for Abi to follow that I couldn't figure it out but the ending made so much sense. This was a very enjoyable read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Alibi for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This is the third in the series and I have not read the rest. While it certainly reads ok as a stand alone, I felt that I was lacking information about Abi and Grants relationship. I think these might read best in order, but as I haven't read the first two not really sure. I enjoyed learning about whiskey, quite interesting. This takes place in Scotland, and a lot of people are introduced in a short time. I was a bit overwhelmed. Regardless, the mystery was a good one! The mystery is solved but it is not a HEA with the relationship between Abi/Grant, if you are expecting a lot of romance it's not here! I rate this a 3.5.

Ex-photojournalist Abi Logan inherited Abbey Glen, a Scottish whisky distillery, a year ago but is beginning to feel at home in Balfour and a solid part of the team that includes Cam Lewis, the distiller, and her handsome partner, Grant MacEwen. Although she finds Grant enormously attractive, Abi has tried to keep the relationship strictly professional. The duo has just enjoyed a nomination for the annual Golden Quaich Award. Even better, the competition and judging takes place at a huge posh Scottish five-star resort, and in addition to Grant and Cam, she will be allowed to include her Wheaton terrier, Liam.

It is immediately obvious that there is a rift at the competition having been diluted with distiller entrants outside of Scotland. She calls the male-dominated industry "the Barley Boys," and it doesn't take long before it's obvious the camp is divided between the nationalists and the globalists. So when the first victim, an outspoken judge who openly welcomed the foreign competition is found dead of poisoning, the immediate persons of interest becomes those who would oppose competition outside of Scotland. Enter Detective Inspector Ian Michaelson with whom she has apparently clashed in previous series entries. This time he is short on manpower and enlists her unofficial aid.

The pace of the mystery is slow. Abi is not a character that kept me engaged and Grant just seemed--remote and one-dimensional. While Liam was an occasional fresh breath (or doggy breath) of air, breaking up the narrative occasionally with undisciplined canine antics, I cringed when he was allowed tastes of whisky. (And plates of sausage!) The well-developed plot eventually escalates beyond the second murder into a possible warning to Abi putting Grant in the hospital.

Following hand-wringing bouts of theory and possible scenarios, the plot gains some speed and blindsides you with a conclusion you may only have suspicioned. So the unsuspected twist was fun! Overall, an interesting romp in Scotland with info on a truly Scottish world renown libation. This was my first experience with the author and this series. It might help your engagement if you start with the first in the series and not treat this one as a standalone. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this download. I appreciated the opportunity to read and review!

Just a hint of romance, but this author still managed to break my heart... Needless to say, Deadly Dram was another amazing addition to the Whisky Business Mystery series and I can't wait for the next.

The Whisky Business Mystery series is one that I picked up on a whim. Only three books in and it’s now one that has me hardly being to wait for the next book to be released. Ever since Single Malt Murder I’ve been hooked and each book in the series pulls me in just a little bit more.

So, what has me hooked? Pretty much everything. The witty characters, lovable dog, danger around every corner, the love, devotion and sense of family between the characters – that includes even a touch of romance – and of course the mysteries. All centered around the whisky industry – which in and of itself is pretty interesting.

In Deadly Dram, Abi finds herself in a bit over her head. The competition and all that was involved was overwhelming enough, but when murder is added to the weekend and competition of another sort, things quickly got out of hand. No one was safe from the killer and with each victim, the connections were making less sense. Regardless of being told not to, there was no way that Abi could stay out of the investigation, especially when the killer hits a little too close to home.

There was also no putting this book down once things reached that point. The “who” in Deadly Dram was as surprising as the “why”. Oh, and that touch of romance? Yeah, I have to admit that I may have shed a few tears near the end – which was totally unexpected. Looks like I have a few months before Died in Wool, the next book in The Whisky Business Mystery series. Needless to say, it can’t come soon enough. Things need to be fixed… sooner rather than later. 😉

Deadly Dram is book three in the Whisky Business series. The first two are Single Malt Murder and Death Distilled.

For those who may be new to the series, Abigail Logan is a photojournalist who inherited Abbey Glenn, a Scottish Whisky distillery from her beloved uncle. There is a romantic possibility between Abi and her new business partner, Grant, but she’s been skittish because of previous bad luck in relationships. Her best friend Patrick and her dog Liam are also major players in this series.
It's time for the annual Golden Quaich awards, the Grammys of the Whisky world. Oh, no dead Whisky judges heading our way!
Even with all of the clues I still couldn't figure out who the killer was and why. The author pulled a bit of a Scarlett O'Hara moment on the last page which kinda threw me off. But I can't wait to read book four which releases on May 14, 2019, Died in the Wool https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GN17SQJ/ref=series_rw_dp_sw .
While I enjoyed the story a great deal I just didn't love it in that whole re-read it a thousand times kinda way. It was well plotted, the pacing and descriptions were great and it totally held my attention from beginning to end. I swear reading this series always makes me want to hop a flight and head to the Highlands!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy.

Murder at a Whiskey Competition

Abi Logan has been co-owner of a whiskey distillery for a year. She’s beginning to feel at home in the male dominated industry and loves the town of Balfour. The major temptation is her co-owner Grant MacEwan. Abi is trying to keep her distance. Not only does she have a history of disastrous relationships, but she wants the Whiskey Boys, other distillery owners, to take her seriously. Still it’s hard to stay away from Grant.

One of the major events of the year is the whiskey competition. This year it’s being held at a five star resort. Abi is looking forward to the chance to get away. However, things start to get tense almost immediately. The Scotland distillers are not happy about the international distillers, especially when they see the quality of their entries. It gets even worse when two of the judges are murdered with nicotine poisoning. Inspector Michaelson is short handed, so Abi finds herself pressed into service, not that she minds helping to solve a mystery.

The book has fascinating details about the whiskey industry. I particularly enjoyed the setup for the competition and the differences between various entries. The description of the setting was great. I wanted to got to Scotland to see this lovely area.

I was disappointed that we didn’t see more of Grant. Abi seemed more nervous in this book than previously. She was trying so hard to join the club. Liam, her dog, was a delight, as usual, and stole the show at the competition. If you enjoy mysteries in interesting settings, this is a good one.

I received this book from Alibi for this review.