Book Review: Back in Black by Julie Mulhern

 

Back in Black by Julie Mulhern is the 18th book in the Country Club Murders series. Even so, she manages to make the plot interesting. Ellison, the main character, hosts a luncheon for a friend visiting from New York. Unfortunately, murder is dessert. Ellison is immediately and inevitably drawn into the investigation. There is a second plot involving theft and murder with friends as suspects. Ellison, being the kind hearted individual that she is, volunteers to help plan the funerals. And it all gives her quite the headache as she tries to avoid becoming the next funeral.

Both plots are ultimately entwined. There are mysteries and thrills as well as twists and red herrings. I have to say that I did not see the end coming. After 18 books, I think it's great that Julie Mulhern can still surprise readers. 

Honestly. while you could read this without reading the others, it would be a lot better if you have read other books in the series. The characters grow as the series goes on. The pacing and mysteries are deftly handled. It's hard to put down one of these stories. The Kindle version of the first book, The Deep End, is a reasonably priced $2.99 at present. I gain nothing by sharing that information with you. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy series and humorous cozies, especially those set in the 1970s.