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Later in the year, I was ecstatic when I was the winner of a giveaway - a signed paperback copy of Whiskey Business! This book is nominated for Best First Mystery Novel at Malice Domestic this year, so I wanted to have it read before then. I recently finished it, and I have to say I now know why it's nominated and why everyone has been raving about it.
In this first in series, Reece Parker is dealing with his recent breakup with Chloe. They had planned on getting married, but as Reece is coming to terms with his sexuality, he called it off. As a way to cope with the breakup, Reece, a mixologist, opens an underground cocktail lounge. One night, after a whiskey club meeting, Reece stumbles upon a dead body and he becomes a prime suspect in this murder investigation. To make matters worse, Chloe's big brother is an officer assigned to the case. Reece sets out to find out who the culprit really is in an effort to clear his name and save his business's reputation.
Wow! This is an exceptional debut novel! I loved the relationships. I never felt overwhelmed by the number of characters. There was a comfortable balance between getting to know them and moving the plot along. It's always a challenge to accomplish this in a first in series, but it's done perfectly here.
Although Reece and Chloe have parted ways as a romantic couple, they still get along well with each other. They support each other the way two good friends would. Chloe's brother adds an interesting layer. He is very protective of Chloe and he does have trouble accepting that Reece broke it off with her, but he's also willing to listen and talk about it. There is tension between them, but they are not enemies. Reece also has the support of his best friend Nate. Reece's parents are introduced as well and I love the scenes when they are together. All of these relationships are multi-dimensional and they really held my interest from beginning to end. I love when there are layers to characters' relationship, but not too much animosity. It made for a pleasant read.
There was just the right amount of romance in this book. As Reece is now coming to terms with his sexuality, he is not quite sure if he's ready for another relationship. He is open to possibilities, but is taking it slow. There could be a possible love interest and I'm interested in seeing where that storyline goes.
If you enjoy fur babies in cozies, be patient. There is a feline friend who shows up later in the book. It looks like Jameson could be a permanent member of the cast going forward. I certainly hope so!
While I don't drink alcohol, I enjoyed this aspect of the book. I was interested in reading about the different cocktails they created and how they were made. It's also good to know that Subplot, the name of Reece's cocktail lounge, serves mocktails. My only question about the setting is whether or not Subplot is accessible for wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments. There are two entrances. One has stairs. The other leads to a back alley and I'm not sure the path is flat enough for everyone. I really like to imagine myself in the setting, but this is not easy to do if I'm not sure I can access it.
The mystery is solid. There are several viable suspects and I was unable to guess the whodunnit. It was a carefully-crafted mystery, with twists and turns I didn't see coming and a conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat when all was being revealed. It all came together perfectly in the end.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend Whiskey Business, by Adrian Andover. Book two will be released in a couple of months, so you have time to catch up before then. I'm confident you won't be disappointed!
