Step into the glamorous yet treacherous world of the Country Club Murders, where Kansas City’s elite sip cocktails, play bridge, and stumble over corpses! Julie Mulhern’s beloved cozy mystery series, set in the vibrant 1970s, follows artist and socialite Ellison Russell as she transforms from an unhappily married woman into a sharp-witted amateur sleuth. With humor, suspense, and a retro vibe, this series captures the charm of a bygone era while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
From the moment Ellison finds her husband’s mistress floating in the country club pool, her life spirals into a whirlwind of murder, scandal, and snarky commentary. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and cozy mysteries, the Country Club Murders blend nostalgic details—like Tab soda and Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses—with intricate plots that unravel the secrets of high society.
How Country Club Murders Began
Kansas City native Julie Mulhern, raised on a steady diet of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew, crafted the Country Club Murders to combine her love for mysteries with her hometown’s unique culture. Inspired by the 1970s—a simpler time before cell phones and CSI forensics—she wanted to create a humorous series set in an insular community, much like the cozy mysteries she adored. Her debut, The Deep End, published in 2014, introduced Ellison Russell and launched a series that has since grown to over 20 books, earning a devoted fanbase and USA Today bestseller status.
The Heart of Country Club Murders
The series kicks off with The Deep End, where Ellison discovers her husband’s mistress dead in the country club pool, sparking her journey as a reluctant sleuth. In Guaranteed to Bleed, she uncovers a dying boy’s final message—“Tell her I love her”—leading to a tangled web of secrets. Clouds in My Coffee sees Ellison dodging assassination attempts while juggling socialite duties, and Fire and Rain, the 16th book, brings a personal murder that hits close to home. Each standalone novel weaves a self-contained mystery while advancing the lives of Ellison, her daughter Grace, and Detective Anarchy Jones.
Themes of empowerment, resilience, and social commentary shine through, as Ellison navigates a patriarchal society and her overbearing mother’s expectations. Mulhern’s witty prose and vivid 1970s setting—think plaid pants, Watergate hearings, and landline phones—create an immersive escape. The country club’s elite world, with its golf games and gossip, serves as a microcosm where jealousy, betrayal, and murder lurk beneath polished surfaces.
Why Country Club Murders Resonates
The Country Club Murders have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, blending humor and heart with nostalgic appeal. Fans rave about the series’ relatable characters, especially Ellison’s growth from a passive socialite to a confident sleuth. The 1970s backdrop resonates with readers who lived through the era, while younger audiences enjoy the retro charm and fast-paced plots. Mulhern’s ability to address social issues—like gender roles—while keeping the tone light has earned praise from outlets like Kings River Life Magazine, which lauded Ellison’s “resilient and stalwart” nature.
The series has also put Kansas City on the literary map, inspiring fans to visit local landmarks like the Plaza or Winstead’s, as noted in The Pitch. With 17 books and counting, including 2023’s Killing Me Softly, the Country Club Murders continue to captivate, proving that cozy mysteries can be both fun and profound.
- First Book Published: The Deep End (2014)
- Total Books: Over 20, including novellas
- Setting: 1970s Kansas City, Missouri
- Awards: The Deep End won The Sheila Award
Dust off your Dr. Scholl’s sandals and grab The Deep End to dive into the Country Club Murders’ witty, mysterious world! Whether you’re a cozy mystery lover or a 1970s nostalgia buff, Ellison Russell’s adventures promise a delightful escape.