A few times each publishing season, a book generates enough buzz to enter a community’s zeitgeist—that moment when it seems like everyone you know is talking about the same book. It’s rare when that happens for a self-published debut, but Adrian Andover seems to have captured the crime fiction community’s interest with Whiskey Business. Buoyed by the author’s gregarious personality and a stunning cover design, this new cozy series is leaving the starting gates in a prime position, headed for success.
In Whiskey Business, readers meet Reece Parker, the owner and head mixologist at a trendy new craft cocktail bar in Hope Mills, Pennsylvania. The bar is called Subplot and in a detail that will delight any devoted reader who dives into his novel, each of the cocktails has a name inspired by great works of literature. It will be only the cold-hearted reader who doesn’t find themselves wishing Subplot were a real place—a gathering spot for erudite conversation, relaxed contemplation, and delicious drinks with a shared community.
Not long after the grand opening, Reece agrees to rent out Subplot as a meeting location for a gathering of local whiskey aficionados, a decision that ends with one of the group’s more controversial members dead in the alley outside the cocktail lounge—and Reece and his clientele as the prime suspects.
The bread and butter of a good cozy series is the ensemble cast of characters and here is another place that Adrian Andover shines. Between Subplot’s employees, the members of the whiskey tasting group, the people in Reece’s personal life, and those investigating the crime, there is no shortage of compelling characters for readers to meet. We’re only one book into the series and already visiting Hope Mills feels like a homecoming.
Technically, Whiskey Business fits into the new, burgeoning subcategory known as the quozy—the Queer Cozy. But Adrian Andover’s unique take on the concept guarantees the series will have plenty of lifeblood moving forward. Reece has recently ended an engagement to Chloe after admitting to himself (and only a select few others) that he is gay. Documenting this personal journey within the context of a cozy mystery series feels fresh and timely. Many queer youths are so desperate to fit in with a heteronormative society that they will bury their true selves and attempt to have straight relationships, which is harmful for everyone involved. The fact that while Chloe is understandably saddened, she is still able to remain supportive of Reece reflects an honest truth that is not often portrayed in queer entertainment. Watching as Reece becomes more comfortable in his own skin and how he navigates this with friends, family, and his community is certain to provide plenty of plotting avenues for exploration.
Whiskey Business is tightly plotted, with each new development in the case growing organically from previous revelations. Some readers may guess the culprit before the final reveal, but there are plenty of other complications to keep everyone invested. For a first novel, it’s impressive how successfully Adrian Andover juggles multiple threads—even managing to throw in a few unexpected twists when least expected. The pacing of Whiskey Business never lags, setting up one of the most beloved situations for readers—that desire to race to the end while also hoping the book will last forever. Fortunately, this is the start of Mixology Lounge Mystery series for Adrian Andover, so the next drink at the Subplot bar is just around the corner.
BUY LINKS: Whiskey Business by Adrian Andover
Disclaimer: An e-galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the author. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
