Sometimes you just want a simple murder, or two, perpetrated in the company of interesting characters, some likeable some not so much, and all wrapped up in a welcoming setting that beckons you to come inside and spend some time. That’s what Deadly Dram by Melinda Mullet was for me. It was a welcome respite, the perfect stress reliever; like curling up in front of a warm fire in a pair of comfy sweats in winter or sitting out on the balcony of a beachside condo with a relaxing cup of coffee in summer.

When the book opens, Abi Logan, former award-winning news photographer and newly minted distillery owner, is preparing to attend the judging and awards ceremony for the year’s best Scotch whiskey which this year is being held at a posh resort in Scotland. She and Liam, her delightfully engaging Wheaten terrier, check in to the dog-friendly resort and settle in for a few days of luxurious living, whiskey sampling and, of course, a couple of murders to add to the enjoyment.

As expected, this is a mystery novel after all, one of the guests is murdered and suspicions abound as to why. Is it because of rivalries between Scottish distilleries and newcomer foreign one? Is it the age-old issue of money and inheritance? Is it something else more obscure? Initially Abi is drawn in partially because her friend is in the group of suspects and partially because she was asked to photograph the scene of the crime by the police detective in charge of the case.

The means for the murder is clear, nicotine poisoning, it’s the motive and opportunity that Abi spends her time exploring. As in any good mystery novel, clues and red herrings abound with Abi traveling first down one path and then another. The final piece of the puzzle isn’t revealed until the last night of the competition and Abi is pressed into action to prevent yet another murder.

This is the third in a series of books featuring Abi, but it stands alone with ease. You do not need to read the first two in order to enjoy the mystery. There are some interesting secondary characters who help round out the story, although they don’t get much attention and as such their depth is more hinted at than fully explored. There is also a love story that is left hanging which adds little to the story and serves more as a hook for the next book in the series. These are minor detractions and do not negatively impact the enjoyment of the murder and its solution as the reader is given ample opportunity to solve the question of “who done it” before reaching the denouement.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Alibi for providing this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Overall, this is an outstanding example of cozy fiction, well written and smart. If the first two Whiskey Business Mysteries are as well-written, this is series well-worth exploring.

I love this series. After the first book I had concerns that the second and third wouldn't be able to hold up. How many murders can happen in a very small remote Scottish town after all. For the third the action is moved away from the town and to a whiskey awards weekend. The characters that we already know are pushed aside a little in this one. This is a little more Abi-centric than the previous books, or a better way to say that is that the side characters didn't feel as developed in this one, probably because they action is moved away from the location of the first two books. I was a little confused by Liam, Abi's dog, was allowed to trot along everywhere with her, including murder scenes, but you can't not love Liam so that was forgivable.

I could have done without the drama around Grant. Either get your characters together or don't but leave me out of the stupid drama. I prefer characters that actually communicate rather than characters that fret and never talk. It's just a trope I hate.

Book # 3 in the series, but the first I've read. I was able to jump right in and enjoyed the characters and the story. I look forward to seeing more in the series and will find the previous two. The interaction between Abi and the two men in her life Grant MacEwan (business partner) and the Detective is interesting.

I received an eARC from Alibi via NetGalley for an honest review.

For my money, this is the best cozy mystery series out there. It takes the familiar cozy tropes (single gal who is more beautiful than she realizes, unexpected inheritance, city gal moves to small town, etc.) and does them so well you forget they're tropes. The story is nice and tidy, if not twisty and shocking, and it still leaves you wanting the next book. Plus, you get to learn a lot about whisky! Highly recommended for any cozy fan, and those who sometimes need an escape.

A new to me cozy series, but I found the description interesting enough to give it a try. I really enjoyed the Scotland setting and the inside look at the whiskey industry, which I didn't have a clue about. Well done characters and well developed enjoyable story. This series will go on my to be read pile after this one.

3.5 stars

Abi Logan is back in the third entry in the Whisky Business mysteries. Abi inherited a distillery from her uncle and has had a big learning curve fitting in to the small village and its male whisky community. She is torn between resuming her career as a war correspondent and photojournalist and settling down to the mostly appealing life in the Highlands. Her distiller Grant MacEwan would like to be more than her business partner, but Abi's track record is not good for romance, and she's afraid a botched relationship would also ruin their business arrangement.

Their company, Abbey Glen, has been nominated for a prestigious award and Abi has been persuaded to attend the festivities and network. But the event is plagued from the outset and it doesn't take long to wonder who is bumping off whisky makers as the bodies accumulate.

I enjoy the writing and the unusual and appealing setting. In my ARC, I found the ending disappointing -- straight out of a romance novel and clearly geared to force us all to read the next novel to read what happens. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

This is a fun cozy with a well developed plot, interesting characters and an inside look at the whiskey industry in Scotland and beyond. Abi Logan has inherited the distillery Abbey Glen from her Uncle Ben and their whiskey has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Quaiches award. Abi and her business (and perhaps more) partner Grant go to the posh Eagles Lodge resort for the awards weekend. Abi meets some of the event judges and her fellow competitors and learns about the disagreement between some of them concerning whether whiskey from countries other than Scotland should be considered for the awards. One of the leading proponents of international competition, Sir richard Simpson is found dead, poisoned by nicotine in a bottle of whiskey by his bedside and when Abi's best friend Patrick was the last to leave his room and therefore a prime suspect, Abi gets involved in the investigation. The story flows at a steady pace,with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.