THE WHISKY MURDERS

by Richard Grindal ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 6, 1987

Scotch whisky, that is--and it's the Scottish background, both topographical and sociocultural, that gives extra zip to this sturdy action-mystery by the author (under the name Richard Grayson) of a solid police-procedural series set in turn-of-the-century Paris (The Murders at Impasse Louvain, etc.). Bruce Sanderson, recently fired from his engineering job, is on a walking trip in the Highlands when he meets fellow hiker lain MacNair, a 50-ish whisky baron who's on the outs with the whisky establishment. . .and who feels that his life is in jeopardy. But after the two men go their separate ways, Sanderson is skeptical--until MacNair's dead body is quite soon thereafter found, washed up on the Scottish coast. And so, urged on by MacNair's lawyer-daughter Katriona, Sanderson turns sleuth, starting out with the likelihood that MacNair was killed because of his controversial, semi-secret research/crusade: a plan to shorten the maturation time needed for top-quality whisky, thereby revolutionizing the industry. While Sanderson sets out on a scenic search for MacNair's hidden formula, however, other possible motives pop up: the greed of MacNair's ex-wife; the shiftiness of MacNair's imperious Glasgow banker (who cheats at golf). And there are several attempts on Sanderson's own life--including a cliffside shoot-out with a hit man--before the mastermind behind all the mayhem is briskly unmasked. So-so plotting, with a humdrum windup--but Sanderson's an engaging hero, the intriguing whisky data is imparted with breezy assurance, and the varied Scottish locales offer fine vistas and charming folk all along the way.

Pub Date: April 6, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: FICTION