A good cozy mystery set in Scotland. Abi, along with her journalist partner Patrick and her whiskey partner Grant, help solve a murder mystery of a young girl in the local shelter. Liked this one, although was easy to skim at times. Might just be me. Would recommend.

Dark secrets and murder. How could you go wrong?

Died in the Wool has well-crafted characters and an easy to follow story that keeps you entertained and guessing until the very end.

Synopsis:

Photojournalist Abi Logan is finally ready to put her hectic career on hold and set down roots in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Studying the business and art of distilling whisky at Abbey Glen and volunteering at the Shepherd’s Rest women’s shelter in her spare time seems a surefire way to find the peace and stability she craves. It’s also the logical way to take her mind off her personal life. Abi’s business partner, Grant MacEwan, is facing a career-threatening disability, and as much as Abi longs to be there for him, he seems to prefer the company of a rival.

Less whiskey in this one, but still a good story. I liked Abi helping the community.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

This is the 4th book in the Whiskey Business Mystery series. I've read the other books in the series, and they're enjoyable cozies with well-described characters and a wonderful Scottish setting.

In this book, Abi Logan gets involved with a murder at a women's shelter where she volunteers. At the same time, she's trying to resolve her romantic relationship with Grant, her partner in the whiskey distillery.

I read this book in one sitting and recommend it.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Abi, the whiskey maker that relies on Grant for guidance is more interested in a good mystery. She seems to be a magnet for trouble. When she gets involved with Woolies and Shepherd's Rest, she finds more than she expected wrong with their situation....all I can say without revealing too much, is that Abi is an extremely determined woman!

I loved how this cozy mystery was written. It flowed wonderfully and the focus was primarily on figuring out what was happening other than the whiskey. There was only a hint of romance until the mystery was solved. I really liked that, and the fact that this novel really has something for everyone.

A much better showing (to me) from that last one which suffered a lot from how the romantic subplot was handled. (It was handled much better in this one, everyone being you know up front and communicating with each other was so nice). I love that the sheep are kept as a plot point! I thought the plot about the women's shelter was mostly handled okay. Everyone is evil! was a bit of an annoying trope but you know that happens. People who take advantage of people flock to people who don't have the resources to escape. The mystery was meh for me, and I had sort of forgotten who some of the character were, but overall a solid fun read.

This is one book that I had to keep reading. the story drew me in and at one point I even forgot about making supper. I loved learning about the whiskey and Scotland.. keep up the good work. Can't wait for the next instalment . to see what happens in the next book. you didn't disappoint me in this one.

Died in the Wool by Melinda Mullet
Book #4: Whisky Business Mystery Series
Source: NetGalley and Alibi
Rating: 5/5 stars


Life at Abbey Glen is nearly perfect for Abi Logan. She has settled into her role as part owner of a distillery, she is taking classes to learn more about the fine art of distilling whisky, and her herd of geriatric sheep are loving their life as Abi’s pets. In fact, Abi has been in the community long enough that she has not only been accepted by the locals but often called on to help with certain issues, problems, if you will. While Abi has not once advertised herself as or called herself a detective, she seems to find trouble wherever she goes, and that trouble always leads to investigating.

Abi’s latest foray into community involvement has come at the behest of the local vicar. When a man of God suggests you check on the women at the local women’s refuge, you do so. What Abi finds when she calls on the women of Shepherd’s Rest is a place to unload the wool recently shorn from her geriatric sheep and a house in disarray thanks to a recently committed crime. All the women at Shepherd’s Rest are seeking shelter and refuge from abusive relationships. Shepherd’s Rest allows the women to get back on their feet, find their confidence, and reenter the world with a sense of safety and security. For one of their own to be so brutally taken from them shakes the foundation of the refuge and demands answers. Abi isn’t about to let these women suffer more than they already have which means she’s going to go poking her nose into a lot of people’s business.

With her usual tenacity and dogged determination, Abi begins to peel back the layers of a young woman’s death. What she finds is corruption, greed, abuse, blackmail, drugs, and a whole host of other forms of awful. The men and women involved view themselves as untouchable, as above petty things like the law, and see Abi as nothing more than an obstacle to be dealt with. What all involved don’t know or understand about Abi is her courage, her ability to face down and expose an enemy, and unwillingness to allow a crime to go unpunished. What’s more, Abi isn’t ever alone in her investigations and with the help of her friends she finds the answers she’s looking for and more than her fair share of danger.

The Bottom Line: This series is getting better and better with each succeeding book! For only the second time in the series, Abi’s involvement in a crime/investigation doesn’t directly involve Abbey Glen or whiskey and while I certainly like those aspects of the series, it is also a nice change of pace. While I certainly enjoyed the plot, what I enjoyed more than anything else is how much Abi has become a part of community and her environment. In a short time, Abi has become as much a part of the fabric of Balfour and Abbey Glen as its natives. Abi is a part of the community and that not only brings her happiness and contentment, but a real sense of belonging that has long been absent from her life. Her life, both personal and professional are evolving and that is going to keep me coming back for more. Oh, and her ever-growing herd of geriatric sheep 😊

Princess Fuzzypants here: Abi may have blown it. Instead of responding to the attraction between her and Grant, she has allowed a predatory female to stake her claim to his heart while he recuperates from injuries suffered helping Abi. Wanting to give her business partner space, she takes on a new charity at the behest of her local minister.
It is a women’s shelter but it seems the men in their lives might not have been the only males abusing these ladies. One of the girls is found dead from a toxic combination of drugs and booze. It would be easy to call it suicide but Abi has her doubts. Might the cutthroat lawyer and landlord on the Board who wants to evict the shelter or might it be another sleazy character who is responsible. Then when another woman goes missing, it becomes clear there is more going on. She left her 11 year old daughter behind so Abi and her friends know she must have been abducted.
When the ransom note appears, things really ramp up and Abi, her friends and the police attempt to find the woman before she becomes victim number 2. No one is quite sure how all the events connect, or even if they do but finding out could be deadly for Abi.
It was an enticing mystery with lots of moving parts. I do enjoy this series in part because of the development of the characters but also the insight into the whisky business. There was less of that in this particular book but it still fascinates. Even if you are not a whisky fan, it’s a cracking good series. I like the way the heroine still can do things a heroine in a cozy should do but also involves the police and all parties are treated with mutual respect all around.
Five purrs and two paws up.

This is one of those series that I started on a whim. Once I started Single Malt Murder, the first book in Melinda Mullet’s Whisky Business Mystery series, I was hooked. So much so that I find myself not so patiently waiting for the next book soon after I finish the current one. It’s also one of those series that gets better with each new book. Died in the Wool did not break that trend.

I love Abi. She’s strong, independent, tenacious, a loyal friend and a determined defender of those who need it most. She simply can’t sit back and watch someone being hurt or taken advantage of without stepping in to try to help. It’s also a trait that’s gotten her into a few tight spots herself. It’s a good thing that she has a strong group of supportive friends.

Speaking of which, I’ve mentioned before that I think the supporting characters are what I love most about the Whisky Business Mystery series. Her long-time friend Patrick, her loyal sidekick Liam (I adore that dog), her business partner Grant (hopefully more), her tenuous “relationship” with Deputy Inspector Michaelson and a growing group of others have helped transform her from a world traveler to a content homebody.

As far as the “mystery” aspect in Died in the Wool, it was just as intriguing as expected from this series so far. There were a lot of players and a lot more going on than just what seemed to be happening on the surface. The mystery was only a slight distraction to what was going on with Abi personally. Nothing is quite how it seems though and that’s what keeps things interesting. 😉

Things were wrapped up nicely at the end of Died in the Wool, (thankfully much better than the end of Deadly Dram) but I have a feeling that we haven’t seen the last of Abi and friends. At least I hope not.

This is the 4th in series and one of my favorites of the series. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the copy for review . My opinion is my own. This book can be read as a stand alone.

In this next in series our protagnist Abi, who recently inherited a whisky business in Scotland is involved in another murder mystery. Abi is connected with a local women's shelter that she donates her time to. One of the residents is found dead and the police are just calling it a suicide. The other residents find the death suspicious and those that knew the victim do not believe it was suicide. When another shelter resident goes missing, Abi and her friends suspect foul play and vow to ascertain what truly happened to the two women.
I appreciated that the author focused this book on the victims at the shelter and that she wrote Abi as a volunteer who is caring and empathetic about domestic violence victims. It is a critically important topic today as millions of women die every year from domestic violence and often as in this book they are murdered after they leave the abuser by the abuser. Women are killed at shelters all the time and it receives little media coverage. Thank you to the author for your sensitivity to this subject and for writing this book that highlights this subject so important for women.
I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment for all who enjoy cozy mysteries. The mystery was very well crafted and had a pleasing conclusion. A excellent read !

Abi has put her photojournalism career on hold and is fully embracing her role at the whisky distillery she inherited. Besides taking classes to further her knowledge in the whiskey distilling business, Abi has joined the Board of a local women’s shelter for domestic abuse victims.

Perhaps keeping busy is the best way to deal with her personal life (or lack thereof). In the previous three books, we see Abi’s growing attraction to Grant MacEwan, her business partner. Abi has been reluctant to give in to her feelings because she wants to be taken seriously as a distillery owner (and not just as Grant’s girlfriend) and her past comes with some emotional baggage that has her wary of committing to anything serious.

At the end of Book 3, Deadly Dram, Grant gets seriously injured and Abi realizes that she loves him. But is it too little, too late? Grant’s ex-fiancee, Brenna, has shown up and has moved in to nurse Grant back to health (and rekindle their romance). Plus, Grant isn’t acting like himself – he’s wallowing in self-pity because his injury may be permanent, which could mean the end of his whisky-distilling career.

The ‘murder-mystery’ takes place away from the distillery and in the women’s shelter that Abi is involved in. After one woman is found dead and another goes missing, Abi races to find out who would want to harm these women. The police rule the death as a suicide and assume that the missing woman was involved and ran away, but Abi knows there’s something more going on. To complicate things, many of Abi’s suspects are her fellow Board members – men and women who are supposed to be helping the shelter, not destroying it.

This was another solid addition to the series and I enjoyed it quite a lot, but it was probably my least favourite of the four books so far (keeping in mind that I LOVED the first three books). The writing was great and the mystery was so full of twists and turns that I was guessing until the thrilling conclusion. This is still one of my favourite cozy mystery series, but honestly, I think I really missed the distillery.

One of the reasons I fell in love with this series was because of the whisky distillery. It was so different from so many other cozy mysteries I’ve been reading and I loved learning so much about the whisky business. It was a unique and refreshing background that was almost a character in itself.

I understand that not every mystery in the series can be centred around the distillery, but this story was so removed from the distillery that I really felt it’s absence. However, I do appreciate that there was some great character development and I’m excited to see how they continue along their paths in the next story. I have my fingers crossed that the next book will return to being more whisky-centric! Cheers!

*** Thank you to the publisher, Random House – Alibi, for providing me with a e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! Even though this is the 4th book in the Whisky Business series, I had no problems getting to know and love the characters. In this book, Abi, who recently inherited a whisky business in Scotland, is embroiled in another murder mystery. Abi is connected with a local women's shelter and one of the residents is found dead. The police are chalking it up to a suicide, but it doesn't sit well with the other residents. When another resident goes missing,, leaving her daughter behind, Abi and her friends could not be more sure of foul play.

I love the setting of this book in Scotland, and I like to read about Abi's adventures. I thought this was a fun cozy mystery, and I"ll definitely be going to find the first three books in the series. Thanks to #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Abi Logan, award-winning photojournalist, inherited Abbey Glen distillery in Scotland from her uncle. Still trying to learn the Whiskey business, Abi has also taken to rescuing sheep been sent to the slaughterhouse. Sheering time has arrived at Abbey Glen and Abi has discovered a women's shelter who can use the wool, but she also discovers that the women's shelter is being given a rough time by their landlord who had been forced into giving a no rent lease by the previous shelter leader. Feeling a need to help, Abi agrees to join the board of directors which gets her smack in the middle of situations related to the women seeking help.

Meanwhile, back at Abbey Glen, Grant McEwan, master blender, is still recovering from a bad concussion and has lost his sense of taste and smell. Grant is also being "nursed" by his former fiancée who badly wants to rekindle their romance.

Abi has her hands full at home and in town. The mysteries surrounding her could be overwhelming, but will she survive"?

This is a great series and I definitely enjoy the characters as well as the whisky references!

We're back in Scotland with Abigail Logan at Abbey Glen Distillery, but Grant is still recuperating from his injuries. What's worse, is that he's lost his sense of smell and taste--vital senses for a "nose." Brenna , is gorgeous ex, has moved in and is annoying everyone. Meanwhile, Abi arranges for her rescued flock of sheep to be sheared and the wool donated to Shepherds Rest, a shelter for abused women. As Any learns more about this non-profit, their landlord threatens the loss of their facilities. Joining the board, Abi becomes involved when a young woman is murdered and another goes missing, presumed kidnapped. A top-notch mystery with contemporary themes with sharp characters, mostly likeable, and a surprising twist.

This book is another great addition to the series! I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first three. The flow and pace of the book is great, making it an easy read to get lost in. The author does a fabulous job of setting up the Scottish hills atmosphere without being overly descriptive, leaving me with a serious desire to visit! I also love the Whiskey distillery angle. It’s one I haven’t seen in other cozy mystery series and I appreciate that. Overall this is a really great series and this book is just as great. While I think reading the series from the beginning is always the best option, they can all be read as standalones.

No good deed goes unpunished in the Whisky Business cozy mystery series as distillery owner Abigail Logan uncovers dark secrets—and murder—at a local charity.

Photojournalist Abi Logan is finally ready to put her hectic career on hold and set down roots in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Studying the business and art of distilling whisky at Abbey Glen and volunteering at the Shepherd’s Rest women’s shelter in her spare time seem a surefire way to find the peace and stability she craves. It’s also the logical way to take her mind off her personal life. Abi’s business partner, Grant MacEwan, is facing a career-threatening disability, and as much as Abi longs to be there for him, he seems to prefer the company of a rival.

But as Abi becomes more involved with Shepherd’s Rest, she discovers that their refuge is elusive. When the shelter is rocked by a murder/suicide, Abi is outraged by the police’s lack of attention to these already marginalized women. Increasingly confident in her own skills as an investigator, Abi steps in to find out what the police will not: who left one young woman dead and another missing. But when more deadly deeds come to light, Abi must race to unravel the connections between the shelter’s benefactors and the women they have pledged to protect—and expose the killer before he strikes again.

I really enjoyed this book and I appreciate the author noting the fact that this is part of a series but is easily read alone.

This is number 4 of the Abby Glen Whiskey Business Mysteries and I think it is the best one yet! Abbi finds herself on the board of a women's shelter and embroiled in a suicide or is it murder? There is something not quite kosher amongst other board members making Abbi's journalistic qualities come out in full force. On top of it, the cook at the shelter turns up missing, leaving behind her young daughter. The cook is terribly devoted to her daughter and would NEVER willingly abandon her. So many questions to be answered and so many people are keeping too quiet. Which turns out to be a great distraction to the possibility of her business partner Grant's slow recovery and possible loss of career from the previous novel and her finally acknowledging heart's longing which might be too late. To think this mystery started out by Abbi trying to relieve her flock's over abundance of fleece. No good deed goes unpunished and Abbi will have to be careful as digs into things that some would rather she left well enough alone. Multiple plots and subplots and I was riding that emotional roller coaster right along with Abbi especially with regards to Grant!

Died in the Wool is the fourth book in the Whisky Business Mystery series by Melinda Mullet. I began reading the series about two years ago when I saw it was set at a whisky distillery in Scotland, but I continued to read it because the characters and plots are wonderful. In this caper, Abi gets involved in volunteering on the board for a home run by a not-for-profit organization that protects battered women. She's trying to decide what to do about her feelings for the Scotsman, Grant MacEwan, including how to run the distillery if he's no longer involved, based on an injury in the last book. And then there are those pesky sheep she rescues; it's time for sheering but she's lost on the process. Let's not forget Patrick, the best friend I'd like to meet one day, and his new relationship woes. Throw in a murder, organic farming trends, and drugs... you've got a well-rounded mystery with dynamic characters.

Mullet's books are always easy to read and quite enjoyable. I look forward to them more than most other series because of how rich the setting and characters are. The author balances the perfect amount of details with subtle hints about the person's appearance, just enough to picture it but also throw in your own ideas. I feel like I'm on the hills or at the distillery, and I like how Abi has no family around her -- it makes her rely on friends even more. I wonder what it'd be like in that situation... I might drink too much of the whisky, I suppose. That's the other great thing about this series: you learn a lot and have an opportunity to understand something you might not normally be privy to without traveling somewhere.

If you enjoy a setting that's not in a small town in America (love them too, but this is a good alternative), with culture and a different appeal, this would be a great one to sample. You can read them out of order, as they are standalone mysteries, but it's always better to read from the beginning. While Abi's personal life is certainly a focus, this one is mostly about the major mystery at the shelter where a young woman dies from an apparent drug overdose. Abi investigates and finds her fellow board members aren't all on the up-and-up. There are also a few other suspects who have a piece in this puzzle, as well as a new detective from a different town that makes Abi's sleuthing complicated. All in all, a fun and delightful read. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a little extra in their cozy mysteries and enjoys an international story.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Abi Logan is getting much more comfortable in her role as a distillery owner. She is taking classes to enrich her knowledge especially with her partner recovering from an injury that could end his career.

She also is dealing with her ever-growing herd of rescued sheep who badly need to be sheered. When the local vet tells her not clipping their wool could be called animal abuse she promises to handle it right away but hates the thought of just throwing all the wool away. A reverend that was traveling with the vet tells her he knows someone who will take the wool, Amanda, the owner of a knitting shop who donates part of her profits to a shelter for abused woman. Abi sets up a meeting, she and Amanda hit it off right away. Abi is thrilled when she meets some of the women at the shelter and sees how the operation is run. She thinks the shelter is a perfect match to work with her foundation.

Shortly after their meeting one of the women is found dead. The police feel the woman took her own life, but Amanda and Ali think otherwise. When another of the woman goes missing leaving her daughter behind, Abi finds herself embroiled in the middle of her own investigation. Time is of the essence because the killer could strike again and Abi could be the victim.

_____

I love the way Melinda Mullet tells a story. She continues to top herself.

Ms. Mullet quickly transports readers to Balfour and Edinburgh, Scotland and all their glory. Her words paint beautiful pictures in my mind of each place as we follow with Abi on her quest to catch a killer.

The human characters are well developed with lives that ebb and flow realistically. The sheep, who all have names, and Abi’s dog, Liam and their antics add a great touch to the story too. Abi finally starts to realize her true feelings for Grant but it may be too late. Grant’s recovery is monitored by another woman who is doing all she can to become a permanent part of his life. A woman who may not only steal him from Abi but from Abbey Glen Abi has grown so much over the course of this series. She is truly becoming a vital part of her business. I like all the positive steps she has taken to make herself at home.

The author has taken on an international issue – domestic abuse. Through this, we are introduced to several new characters, they are all connected to the Shepherd’s Rest Shelter. The women living there, one with her amazing daughter, members of the board, and Amanda the director. These characters are complex, some are really shady and downright corrupt.

I have to say many parts hit me emotionally. The storyline was gripping and held my interest tightly. I enjoyed the twists, they kept me guessing right up to the very end. I read the entire thing in almost one sitting. I took a short break for food and discussed the book at the table, then skipped dessert to get back to reading.

The characters draw you in, the story is very well-written, the location is ideal. Learning more about distilling whisky is always a fun bonus.

Every book in this series is top-notch. I highly recommend every one. The author is generous and gives enough history of previous books that they can each be read on their own but for maximum enjoyment, you will want to read them all in order. This book on my Best Reads of 2019 list!