Picture a Kansas City housewife who swapped gourmet cooking dreams for a typewriter and a knack for murder mysteries—meet Julie Mulhern! A USA Today bestselling author, Mulhern crafts cozy mysteries and romantic suspense with a side of 1970s nostalgia. Her Country Club Murders series, set in her hometown, blends suspense, humor, and historical charm, making her a beloved voice in genre fiction.
With a childhood steeped in Agatha Christie’s whodunits, Mulhern’s stories are like a perfectly brewed cup of Mr. Coffee—bold, comforting, and impossible to put down. Let’s dive into her journey from Midwest dreamer to literary star!
The Making of Julie Mulhern
Born in Kansas City, Julie Mulhern grew up devouring Agatha Christie novels, her imagination sparked by tales of clever detectives and twisty plots. A French degree from Washington and Lee University and a year in Paris added a dash of romance to her worldview, but the Midwest called her home. Back in Kansas City, she married, raised a family, and jokingly claims expertise in ordering takeout and dodging dust bunnies. Her writing career kicked off in 2012 after years of dreaming, with a seventh-grade teacher’s encouragement echoing in her mind. By 2014, her persistence landed a three-book deal, launching her into the cozy mystery scene.
Julie Mulhern’s Unforgettable Stories
Mulhern’s Country Club Murders series, starting with The Deep End (2015), follows Ellison Russell, a 1970s socialite with a knack for stumbling over bodies. Set in Kansas City’s elite country clubs, the series—now 22 novels strong—captures the era’s Tab-drinking, corded-phone vibe with witty dialogue and clever mysteries. For example, in Clouds in My Coffee (2016), Ellison navigates poison, gunshots, and family drama, all while keeping her social calendar intact.
Beyond cozy mysteries, Mulhern’s Poppy Fields Adventures series, like Fields’ Guide to Abduction (2018), follows a Hollywood IT girl dodging cartels and paparazzi with humor and grit. Her historical romance, A Haunting Desire (2014), a Golden Heart finalist, showcases her versatility with sultry New Orleans settings. Mulhern’s style—humorous, heartfelt, and richly detailed—makes every page a delight, earning praise from peers like Susan M. Boyer for its sparkling wit.
With 32 books across genres, Mulhern’s knack for blending action, mystery, and 1970s nostalgia keeps readers hooked. Her latest, Somewhere in the Night (2024), continues Ellison’s adventures, while Tight Rope (March 2025) promises more thrills.
Why Julie Mulhern Matters
Julie Mulhern has carved a niche in cozy mysteries, bringing the 1970s to life with authenticity and charm. Her heroines, like Ellison Russell, resonate with readers for their resilience and wit, reflecting women navigating societal expectations with grit. Mulhern’s ability to weave humor into suspense has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim, with outlets like Kings River Life Magazine praising her stalwart characters. By celebrating Kansas City’s quirks and history, she’s put her hometown on the literary map.
Her impact extends beyond books—Mulhern inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence (and a touch of imagination) can turn dreams into bestsellers. With each novel, she invites readers into a world where mysteries unravel with a smile.
- Born: June 19, 2000, Kansas City, USA
- Key Works: The Deep End, Clouds in My Coffee, Fields’ Guide to Abduction
- Awards: USA Today bestselling author, Golden Heart finalist (2014)
Ready to sip some 1970s nostalgia with a side of suspense? Grab The Deep End and dive into Julie Mulhern’s cozy mystery world!