Exciting, riveting, and intricately detailed. These are the three words that first come to my head when I try to describe Death Distilled by Melinda Mullet. Although I technically used four words, but you still get the gist. For the main character Abi Logan, a photojournalist and amateur sleuth with a knack for attracting trouble, three-word phrases are essential to her career. The trouble begins when Hamish McDunn, the drummer in the band Punk Junk, is brutally murdered. To add to the horror, someone is also targeting the other members of the band and trying to frame the leader, Rory, who Abi believes to be innocent. Abi, although not a professional detective, is not afraid to jump headfirst into the case. I absolutely love her strong personality and no-nonsense attitude, which is both a hindrance and an asset to her career. However, I really wish I could have learned more about the other people in Abi’s life, especially Patrick and Grant. I feel like the subplot of Abi and Grant’s relationship could have been developed a little more thoroughly. That being said, I enjoyed her narrative and I applaud the author for telling the story using a strong female narrator. This is certainly a plot-driven story, and the plot moves along rapidly and seamlessly. I could feel the tension build as the murder slowly wreaked havoc on the lives of the bandmates and their families.

What differentiates this story from many others is that rather than relying on blood and gore, the author takes a much more subtle approach. For instance, the scene in which a certain character is framed does not involve any direct action or confrontation, yet I still got the chills while reading it. It takes a lot of skill to create that kind of tension, especially without using jam-packed action scenes. In addition, the author does an excellent job of establishing the setting without overloading the detail. While the Scotland backdrop was not essential for the story, it provided an extra layer of richness and nuance. I loved any time someone mentioned they were having tea or referenced an old clan or tribe. It is these subtle details that reinforce the setting without detracting from the plot. Although the high level of action in Distilled Death distinguishes it from many other cozy mysteries, it still very much a tale of an amateur detective using her wits and natural-born talents to fight for good. I’m really glad I picked this one up, and I can’t wait to see what Abi is up to next!

This is the second book in this outstanding series. I have not read the first book but I follow the story easily.
Abi Logan and her Weston terrier, Liam returned to Balfour to relax after a stint of reporting in the war zone. On her first day back Liam finds some old bones, Charles informed her he has promised the use of Whiskey site to entrain a group of Japanese. Upon learning a small group of sheep are to be slaughtered, she buys them. Rory Hendricks, former Rock Star is living near her. Rory that he is being stalked and asked Abi to investigate. She can't turn him down. This is enough to keep her busy. Enlisting Charlie's computer skills, Abi begins her investigation that will take her through a Rock show before the thrilling climax.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was the first book I read from the Whiskey Business series, and I enjoyed it very much. Melinda Mullet's writing style is one of a kind, keeping you guessing about this mystery until the very end.

I liked this book very much. It had a lot of very interesting characters and they were well developed.
It kept my attention and had a lot of interesting twists. I really liked the ending and look forward to more.

Great title for a book as is the mystery told by Melinda Mullet. Second in the Whisky Business series but this can be read as a stand alone which is what I did. Almost too many characters to keep track of but as the pages kept turning events being told kept the suspense moving at a rapid pace. Abigail Logan returns to Balfour Scotland with her dog Liam. Being a war correspondent and a new resident of Balfour Scotland; Abigail is still getting used to the fact that she has inherited her Uncle Ben's home and Whisky Distillery. The only down side to this novel is not being able to taste the whisky. Many facets are touched in this story such as Genealogy, Archaeology, Folklore, Bootleggers, Hidden tunnels and passages. Not to mention furry sheep. Oh yes and unsolved murders present and past. Uncovering the wrongs and the revenge keeps Abigail busy till the end. "A copy of this book was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Alibi via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and my comments here are my honest opinion."

Death Distilled was a lovely little cozy mystery. The plot has been done before, but the characters and the setting made the book delightful. The author has a gift for description that made me feel as if I was in Scotland. The characters were intereresting, and well-developed enough to feel that you would like to get to know them.

Photojournalist Abi Logan has returned home to Balfour in book two of Melinda Mullet's A Whiskey Business mystery series.

Within the first 24 hours, Abi finds the remains of a body, becomes the proud owner of a flock of sheep and gets involved in another mystery.  When she is told a newcomer to Balfour has a friend in common with Abi and wants to meet her, Abi travels to his home only to find the person in question is Rory Hendricks, former frontman for the group Rebels and Abi's former crush.  Several of his former band mates have died from apparent accidents, but Rory believes they were murdered.  When he starts receiving threatening messages, he believes he is next.  Rory hires Abi to photograph his next show which is a benefit for wounded servicemen and at the same time try to see who would want to kill him by talking to his friends and associates.

This is a well written, entertaining cozy set in Scotland with great characters. The plot was great and I never guessed the killer until it was revealed. This is one of my new favorite series and I would recommend it to cozy mystery lovers.

**Please note:  I was given a free copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

'Death Distilled' by Melinda Mullet is thoughtful, instructive and absolutely delightful. The interwoven stories from the history of Abi's whiskey distillery to a current string of murders is pure genius. Especially the surprising way everything comes full circle. Abi is progressing toward calling Balfour the home of her heart. I can't wait for the next addition, I want her settled in. I can't recommend this highly enough!

A very enjoyable and sometimes heart-stopping read. This novel in the series contains bits of the town's history with underground tunnels, the ravages of the rock and roll world, revenge, romance and murder.

A very entertaining and well written novel. I highly recommend!

I'm really enjoying this series! I love how the author adds character complexities and history throughout in a way that flows with the story instead of impeding it.

Quite delightful! I was concerned when I read this would involve aging rockstars, but I really think the plot came together well. There isn't as much time given to the other villagers, but the beautiful Scottish background is still fairly present.

Another great book in the Whiskey Business series! I think this one was better than the first book. This is a very well-written cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns, and the identity of the murderer was a surprise to me until the very end.

Abigail Logan has returned to Balfour, Scotland and her distillery, Abbey Glen. Her old friend Patrick is in Balfour as well, with a new job and trying to get Abi to host out-of-town visitors at the Glen. She needs to work this out with her partner in the business and the manager, Grant, who won't be happy.

At the same time, she gets a message from a Fell Farm, where a stranger has moved in. She goes to visit, and finds an aging rock star named Rory Hendricks in hiding, one that she used to have a crush on as a teenager. Rory hires Abi to be a tour photographer so she can keep her eyes open, because he and his old band members have been threatened.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Abi is very involved in unmasking the culprit, and in an interesting way.

The story was really interesting, and the Scottish setting is unique. The characters were very well developed and and I enjoyed reading about them. Abigail also discovers old secrets about the village, and Abbey Glen's founding which are interesting reading from a historical perspective.

I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Alibi and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book, especially the descriptions of the Scottish countryside. The author makes it seem as if you are right there and can so easily picture the beautiful views. Abigail Logan is a photojournalist who has inherited 50% of a whiskey distillery in Balfour, Scotland. She has returned from three months in Nigeria and as soon as she arrives she finds herself enmeshed in the discovery of old bones near the local pub, a request from an old rock star heart throb that she investigate what is happening to the members of his old band, and her best friend Patrick's request that she hold a master class for some Japanese businessman in distilling at her distillery. She manages to get involved in it all, and still have time to consider her relationship with Grant, her co-owner and possible love interest. It is easy to get involved in all of Abi's adventures and to root for her to succeed at investigating and in love.