Whiskey Business

Reece Parker is a mixologist—shaken by his recent breakup, stirred up in a mystery, and searching for proof of his innocence... After breaking off an engagement with his fiancée, Reece Parker opens Subplot, a literary-themed underground cocktail lounge in his quaint hometown of Hope Mills, Pennsylvania. While launching a new business temporarily distracts him from self-pity, Reece‘s regret is compounded when he stumbles upon a customer‘s body behind the lounge after a whiskey club meeting gone wrong. As if he wasn‘t already on the rocks, his ex-fiancée‘s big brother is a police officer on the case. Reece takes matters into his own hands to prove his innocence, save his new lounge‘s reputation, and restore peace in his beloved town. But as he seeks out the victim‘s killer, will he meet his own bitter end? Whiskey Business won the 2026 Agatha Award and Lefty Award, each for Best Debut Novel. What others are saying about Whiskey Business: "With a cast of quirky characters, bookish charm on every page, and a sleuth you‘ll want to root for, Whiskey Business is a fresh pour on the cozy with so much heart, a touch of humor, and a deeper look at what it means to step into who you‘re meant to be." - Ellie Alexander, author of the Bakeshop Mysteries "In Whiskey Business, the first in a new series, author Adrian Andover stirs up the perfect blend of mystery, mischief, and mixology in a small town full of big secrets. When a murder rocks the quiet charm of the literary speakeasy, Subplot, a lovable cast of characters must navigate clues, cocktails, and the occasional cover-up. With clever twists, a setting you‘ll want to crawl right into, and just the right dash of danger, this cozy mystery is the perfect pour from start to finish." - Annie McEwen, author of the Northwoods Mysteries "A literary-themed speakeasy in a charming small town is a fabulous start to this great new series by debut author Adrian Andover! You‘ll want to craft your own literary cocktail while you pour over the details to help Reece shake up the suspects to find the killer." - Paula Charles, author of the Hometown Hardware Mysteries "This is such a great addition to the cozy mystery world. The book is full of heart, humor, and healthy dose of delicious sounding drinks! (And this comes from someone who doesn‘t drink at all)." - Nicole Asselin, author of The Ballpark Mysteries Readers love Whiskey Business, too! "Amazing debut! Fun exciting mystery, awesome likable characters, A+ puns, and a great unique premise!" - The Beachbum Bookworm review, "Whiskey Business is an original new cozy mystery with a gay main character, wonderful supportive characters, a lot of heart." - Goodreads reader review, "The book was intricately set with spaces I hope will be real some day. The attention to details in decoration, recipes and mood easily allowed distraction from the damning bits that were artfully introduced." - Goodreads reader review, "Adrian Andover is a debut author and quickly became a top favorite of mine before I was even halfway through the book." - Goodreads reader review, "Solid storytelling, solid plot, and enough personal stories to make you love the people." - Goodreads reader review,