Good mystery that left me guessing as to who committed the crime and why. A little frustrating seeing Abi and Grant dancing around each other but overall a decent read.

Abbie Logan is a distillery owner in this cosy mystery, Deadly Dram by Melinda Mullet. I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a review. It is the third in a series, but the first I have read. There were no ill effects from not reading the other two. This works fine on its own. The setting is the Scottish country side and I enjoyed the peek into the world of Sctotts whiskey. It was an interesting twist to have a woman as the distillery owner., she is new to the business as she inherited it. The mystery of who poisoned people at the convention is engaging, as is the almost romance. I will look for other books by this author.

4+ Stars
This is the third in the Abi Logan series and second that I have read. In this mystery novel, Abi is off to a Whiskey competition at a local five star hotel to help her new business partner, Grant MacEwan and Cam Lewi, the distillery manager, showcase their Abbey Glen whiskey.
At the whiskey competition, Abi gets exposed more to the old boy network of the whiskey business and the nationalist mentality that only good whiskey (or Scotch) can be made correctly in Scotland. There is an entry from Japan that has a lot of potential but creates a divide in the judges’ opinions. Shortly after a night of heated discussions from the various groups), a judge is found dead.
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, mystery and background of the whiskey industry. The characters are interesting - I especially enjoyed Abi’s dog! And the mystery kept me guessing pretty much up until the end.
As a background story, Grant’s old girlfriend turns up, creating turmoil for Abi relative to her feelings for Grant. This gets played up a little too much for me. Wish this wasn’t such a focus.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Head of Zeus, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

As Abi Logan tries to settle in her new Abbey Glen whiskey distillery co-owner role, she finds herself attending the annual whiskey competition where they had been nominated. But this competition proves deadly for one of the judges. There was definite rivalry between Scottish whiskeys and other outsiders, but would that cause someone to resort to murder. This is the third book in this series and I love how Abi goes about her investigations. As an experienced photojournalist, she is used to getting people to talk, but this also may put her in the path of a murderer. I love her relationship with her adorable dog, Liam, and his precious antics. I also like her friendship with Patrick, as well as that with her co-owner, Grant. The visual and aromatic descriptions of the whiskeys are almost brought to life, making me want a taste myself (and I am not a whiskey fan). I definitely need to read the next book in this series to see how her relationships progress. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received through NetGalley.

Abi Logan is a good cozy lead. She's strong-willed but also pretty darn capable. Unlike many cozies, Abi's interest in crime and her ability to work through a case is bolstered by her backstory as a journalist often dispatched to theaters of war. There are two sides to this coin though. I enjoyed her relationship with the detective as it has the right amount of tension without being downright adversarial. The issue though is that it takes the suspension of much disbelief to imagine a cop, no matter how short staffed, turning to a civilian and a member of the press to help solve crimes.

I thought the villain and his/her motives was a great addition to the story because it adds this gray area that you don't see often in cozies. Also, the addition of Liam as a character is fantastic. Pets are usually just decoration but he really steals the show and I loved it.

My biggest qualm is with the romance. I understand that a contemporary cozy almost demands a romance but this one felt very stuffed in. The 'will they/won't they' bit, along with the addition of a love triangle, is done so often but this book really didn't need it. There is so much good stuff in here (gosh, especially the scenes where they go into whisky and the distillation process) that it doesn't need a romance, or at least doesn't need one so in-your-face. While I found the resolution of the crime very satisfying, the end of the book itself was wanting because of this romance being pushed to the forefront.

My biggest piece of advice: Don't be silly like me and read book three first! I don't know why I thought it was a good idea but I don't consider this book a standalone. The relationships Abi has with earlier characters are explained but you miss the richness that happens with long-running characters. So, don't be like me!

Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Random House--Alibi, and the author Melinda Mullet for the opportunity to do so.

Abi Logan, Owner of Abbey Glen Whiskey Distillery, attends a Whisky industry competition where two of the judges turn up poisoned. Chief Inspector Craig asks Abi to photograph the crime scenes due to a flu epidemic at the police station.

Suspicion of tampering with competition judging, attempts on her life as well as those with her, cause Abi to set out to find the murderer.

Loved the plot, the characters and the competition.

Looking forward to the next story of Abbey Glen Whisky!

An engaging mystery centered around the world of Scottish whiskey production.
When I read the Coffeehouse mysteries of Cleo Coyle I want a good cup of coffee immediately.
Reading this story I was eager to taste some high quality whiskey.
The newer foreign producers were an interesting element. It is easy to see how the established producers could be nervous about non-scots producers.
This being the first book in this series I have read, I wasn't up to date on some of the relationship elements.
Fortunately, it doesn't matter.
All in all, good characters in a tight story.

I loved this book! This is the first in the series that I have read, but I will go back and start at the first one! The storyline was well-written and easy to follow. The characters were well formed and held the storyline together. The setting was described beautifully, so that I felt like I was there. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes strong female protagonists, engaging mysteries and surprise endings. This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it!
Scotland, murder, whiskey, and a cast of great characters. Add humor and a cleverly plotted story and I was up til the wee hours rading!
Ms Mullet has mived to the top of my “can’t wait for the next book” list.

Looks like Abi Logan is finally realizing how serious the whiskey business is when she attends a conference and whiskey awards event. Serious enough that people might be dying over it! And then, of course, when people near and dear to her are suspected of the murders, Abi steps in to investigate. This time, in contrast to previous opportunities, with the tacit approval of the detective, who is extremely short handed due to a flu that seems to have taken down the force. While I enjoyed the mystery, I really enjoyed the relationship blooming between Abi and the detective. Not romantic, but a solid friendship. Rarely do we see that in most cozies. Usually it is a bit adversarial. This, like a good good whiskey, was rare and refreshing.

Abi Logan (former investigative and war corespondent journalist) who had inherited a whisky business, is at a competition for whisky from around the world with several awards being handed out. Some of the purist are upset the some of the foreign whiskey has been nominated. When two of the judges are killed and inspector Michaelson is looking at her friend as a suspect. Abi goes into investigative mode.

This story is a stand alone mystery that does not rely on previous stories for the plot or outcome.

This is a good story with well defined characters and a strong plot. My one complaint is the author hit on one of my pet peeves. A non law enforcement person has no business looking at evidence, or even a list of possible suspects in a crime no matter how short handed they are. Their has to be another police force nearby that they can ask for help from.

If not for that action I would have given this a 5 star rating.

This was my first time reading a book from the Whiskey Business series but the story was such that I didn’t feel lost. I was thoroughly pleased with the characters and the way they interacted. There were plenty of twists and I was guessing until the end. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to release.

Melinda Mullet does not disappoint! This is the 3rd installment and Abi just keeps getting better and better as she works her way into the Barley Boys club on her terms. A merry cast of characters at the annual awards night including Grant's former girlfriend, Brenna, who makes it quite clear that she would like to pick up where things left off. Between the ex-girlfriend making Abi second guess her decision regarding Grant, the possibility of discrimination amongst the judging and last but not least murder of the judges. So many possible culprits but how are the victims connected? So hard not to spoil so just let me say that while it can stand alone as far as the story goes, you will want to read this series in order to follow the time sync for Abbey and Grant.

This is the third installment in the ‘Whiskey Business’ series by Melinda Mullet. This is an interesting, enjoyable, well written series. Melinda Mullet does a very good job keeping the reader’s interest in following the mystery. My issues with the storyline involve the romance aspect between Abi and Grant. Will they finally acknowledge and act on their interest in one another? Nope! Now we have the overused crutch of a love triangle. I like this series but am so tired of the romance angst so many authors use as a plot tool. Let the characters be adults and become a couple if that’s a desired part of the storyline.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a fascinating mystery set in Scotland. I've not read the earlier books in this series but I plan to remedy that! Placing a murder at a prestigious whisky judging provides all sorts of opportunities for readers to learn about the whisky industry. The characters are an interesting and varied lot. I look forward to more mysteries from Melinda Mullet.

In this third installment in a genuinely interesting cozy series, Abi's got her feet under her at her recently inherited distillery, is dealing well with her business parter Grant, and is living her best life along with her dog Liam when she heads off to a conference and, of course, there are murders. One of the nice things about this is that Abi works with law enforcement, rather than around them, and that DI Michaelson is a well written character. There are some twists and turns and you'll be worried for a bit, but all in all, things work out in the end. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This one will have you checking your liquor cabinet. Don't worry if you didn't read the first two- this is fine on its own and I'm now waiting for the next one!

Twists, suspense and drama keep this story a real page turner. I really enjoyed this story and would love another soon.

Abi is back in another great installment in the series! What I love most about this series is that Abi has a great relationship with the local law enforcement, and actively helps them solve cases. It's a refreshing change from most cozies where our amateur sleuth is tolerated at best. In a way, this story reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel - not sure if it was the mystery or the setting. Regardless, I enjoyed it! I can always count on Melinda Mullet to deliver a light, yet meaty, cozy.

I would give this ten stars if I could. I just love this series and I anxiously anticipated 'Deadly Dram'. I wasn't disappointed. I find Abi Logan an intriguing character, with a surrounding cast that is engaging. The mystery was so well done and kept me guessing until the very end. Abi's romantic life has a big hurdle that needs to be resolved, and I can't wait for the next book in the A Whiskey Business Mystery series. It can't come soon enough!

A lovely, atmospheric cozy. There were lots of interesting suspects and backstories but let’s be real. It’s all about Liam. Definitely one of my favourite literary puppers.