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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
3.0
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.
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.
allykat's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
katreader's review
4.0
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.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
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.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
git_r_read's review
5.0
This is one of my favorite series. It's set in Scotland, the main character is photojournalist who is trying to settle down as the part-owner of a whiskey distillery she inherited from her uncle.
This is more amateur sleuth than cozy as it's a bit darker, but not overwhelmingly so. The setting is Scotland but the author doesn't overdo the accents for the characters like some writers aggravatingly do.
The mystery is excellently done and I like that Abi naturally becomes a part of the investigation due to her photojournalism background and relationship with the detective. He trusts her instincts.
Abi has a habit of having three descriptive words pop into her mind when she meets someone. I love this each time it pops up in the story. I always wonder what three words would pop up for me if we met. If she were real...but she feels real. Another aspect I love about the series.
I will be starting the next one, DIED IN THE WOOL, soon. It's already on my Nook.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
This is more amateur sleuth than cozy as it's a bit darker, but not overwhelmingly so. The setting is Scotland but the author doesn't overdo the accents for the characters like some writers aggravatingly do.
The mystery is excellently done and I like that Abi naturally becomes a part of the investigation due to her photojournalism background and relationship with the detective. He trusts her instincts.
Abi has a habit of having three descriptive words pop into her mind when she meets someone. I love this each time it pops up in the story. I always wonder what three words would pop up for me if we met. If she were real...but she feels real. Another aspect I love about the series.
I will be starting the next one, DIED IN THE WOOL, soon. It's already on my Nook.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
peggyemi's review
4.0
This is a series that has quickly become one I look forward to reading. It has a unique theme, the characters are smart, mature and the mysteries always keep me engaged. Abi is a smart, mature, independent woman who makes a good amateur sleuth. Her profession as a journalist has given her insight into human nature which she often relies on in conjunction with Detective Michelson's reliance on evidence to help solve the mystery. The mystery kept me engaged with the twist and turns throughout the story. The killer's identity, for me, was a surprise but the motive behind the killings was believable resulting in a satisfactory ending.
I will be back to see what the author has in store next for these characters. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Alibi, through Netgalley.
I will be back to see what the author has in store next for these characters. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Alibi, through Netgalley.
kwitzel's review
5.0
As a fan of cozy mysteries, I am always looking for a new series. When I found this one I quickly downloaded the previous two books and fell hard for Abigail Logan. Abigail has inherited her uncles estate and becomes involved with the people in the neighboring village. Business and romance combine as danger seems to follow Abigail as she operates her Uncle's whiskey business. Looking forward the volume #4.
invisibleninjacat's review
5.0
Another excellent story in the series! Abi and Michaelson are starting to get along and work together, and Liam confines to be adorable. Also a bit of a bird's eye view into lifestyles of the rich and weird. Abi is not impressed.
bookwyrm_lark's review
4.0
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!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
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!
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
teapoweredrobot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0