Book Review: Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern

 From the publisher:

One secret. Two decades. And a body on the patio. A whirlwind marriage to a French count who wanted her father's money more than he wanted her? It's a secret Libba has kept for 20 years.She's never told anyone. Not even Ellison. But secrets can be deadly -- and this one is revealed with a knife in his side on Ellison's back patio. Ghisain de Fevre is dead. Quite obviously murdered. And the police think Libba might have killed him. The truth is tangled in two decades of lies, heartbreak, and unsigned divorce papers. To clear her name, Libba will have to do something she's assiduously avoided -- face the worst mistake of her life. Fortunately, she has Ellison, a sharp lawyer, and a pitcher of martinis. Unfortunately, the killer isn't finished.

Rich Girl, a novella by Julie Mulhern, was published March 10, 2026 by J & M Press.

Julie Mulhern has been a longtime auto-buy author for me. I love reading about Ellison, her friends, and her family. This novella focuses on Libba and is #20.5 in The Country Club Murders series.

The only thing that was a little hard to swallow, was that Libba could hold onto a secret from Ellison for that long. She must have really been horrified by her mistake. Fortunately, her good friend Ellison doesn't hold that against her. Her neighbor, not a nice woman, tries to hold it against her and Ellison that so many bodies have been found in the neighborhood. 
Ultimately though, that is more of a subplot. Who killed Ghislain is the focus, and who might they kill next.

It's a good mystery. The plot moves along at a good pace. The ending surprised me a little, which is a good thing. Overall, it's a suspenseful mystery with interesting characters. This one probably could be read as a standalone since it is a novella, but might read better if you've had a chance to get to know some of the characters before this. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I got my kindle version from Amazon. And I've already purchased the next book in the series and am looking forward to reading it, Evil Ways. 

Teaser Tuesday: Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read. 2: Open to a random page. 3: Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title and author so that other people can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

 One would think she'd at least pretend grief. Instead, like a rat fleeing a sinking ship, she'd switched men. 

...

Also, she hadn't exactly traded up. 

57% through on my Kindle. Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern was released March 10, 2026 from J & M Press.

Friday Favorites: Female Protagonist Action/Adventure Novel Series

 

Action and Adventure books are more than a mystery. There is a mystery of some sort of course, but the focus is on the actions and adventures of the characters more than the mysteries alone. In no particular order, the following are some of my favorite action and adventure books.

The Revenge Services Inc. Series

Currently there are 3 books in this series by Alex A. King. Kick the Bucket is the first book in the series with a main character who is 44 years old.  The second and third books in the series have main characters in their 30s. All three main characters work for Revenge Services Inc. Someone has wronged you and you want to get back at them with creativity, you consult the Revenge Services. 

A substantial part of all three books takes place in Greece. Come for the mystery, stay for the action, adventure, culture, and humor. All three books are available for purchase or through Kindle Unlimited. I really like that the women are not 20 somethings and that the plots show a good deal of creativity.  

Poppy Fields Adventures

Follow the adventures of Poppy Fields starting with Fields' Guide to Abductions by Julie Mulhern. Poppy is an influencer and rich "IT girl." People follow her on social media and in the news. Then one day her life is changed forever when she is abducted by a Mexican Cartel while on vacation. She rises to the occasion with some missteps. I don't think it's a spoiler to say she survives with plenty of humor and snark since there are 8 books in the series at this point. In each book we get to know her and the other characters better as we follow her increasingly wild adventures. Again, the books are available by purchase or Kindle Unlimited.

Killers of a Certain Age series
 

And just in case pretty, young protagonists aren't your thing, there are Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn.  Four attractive, older women who previously had worked as hitwomen find themselves on the other end of the gun. The women are in their 60s. They find out someone has taken a hit out on them. They must work together if they are going to survive. Book two is a lot of fun too. 

And More:

There are plenty more books that fall into this category that make for fun reads: The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano, the Aunties series by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and the Confessions. of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman series by J.B. Lynn to name a few. 

What books in this category do you like to read? Share them in the comments so we can add them to our ever growing TBR list.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #616: Evil Ways by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: No good deed goes unpunished.

Ellison agreed to one afternoon of bridge, one favor for a woman whose husband is having a heart attack. She doesn't ask who else is playing. She should have.

When Lavinia Denton dies at the bridge table, Ellison is sure she’s been murdered.

Ellison doesn’t mean to investigate. Really, she doesn’t. But people keep telling her things.

And all that information she didn’t ask for? It just might get her killed.

Evil Ways by Julie Mulhern is the 21st book in the Country Club Murders series. It's published by J & M Press. It's expected out September 1, 2026.

Why am I waiting on this book? I've read the other books in the series and have enjoyed them. They are cozy mysteries where Ellison investigates aided now by her husband, Anarchy, who is on the police force. The mysteries are well written. There are always wonderful twists. And there is light banter and some humorous situations. If you like your cozies with a side of humor, this series could be for you. Join Ellison in the kitchen as she talks to the coffee pot and tries to figure out who is responsible for the death she is looking into. Book one in the series is The Deep End and is available on Amazon for Kindle for $2.99. I receive no compensation for sharing this information.

What book are you waiting for? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read. 2: Open to a random page. 3: Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title and author so that other people can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

 

"Steam exited Frances's ears, swirling around her perfectly coiffed head until it formed demon horns.

The angel on my right shoulder feared for the officer's well-being. The demon on my left rubbed its hands together in anticipatory glee."

p.7 Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern

Rich Girl was published March 10, 2026 by J & M Press.

Teaser Tuesday: Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read. 2: Open to a random page. 3: Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title and author so that other people can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

There was something so comforting about a pancake--perfectly round and tan as a buckskin pony. Wanting kids as an adult was a lot like wanting a pony as a child--you couldn't know how much work they'd be until you got them home.

Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida

This book was published August 6, 2024 by Forever. If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is currently a reading choice there.

And if you enjoy this book, you will most likely also enjoy the Poppy Fields' Adventures series by Julie Mulhern. Book one is Fields' Guide to Abduction.

Teaser Tuesday: Somewhere in the Night by Julie Mulhern

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read. 2: Open to a random page. 3: Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title and author so that other people can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

"You know better than anyone in this family that there's more than blood. The family we choose can be more precious than the family we're born with."

-page 65

Somewhere in the Night:  A Country Club Murder Thanksgiving Novella by Julie Mulhern was released November 4th, 2025 from J & M Press. It's currently available from Amazon on Kindle for $2.99 

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. 

Teaser Tuesday: Back in Black by Julie Mulhern

 

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the weekly Meme that wants you to add books to your TBR! You can also just share what you are currently reading. We make it very easy to play along, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Ambrosia at the Purple Booker.

1: Grab your current read 2: Open to a random page 3: Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Everyone loves Teaser Tuesday.

I found three courses for lunch to be two too many, but I'd happily agreed to meet her there. Mainly because I adored the chocolates they sold near the front entrance. I'd say their dark chocolate hearts were to die for but given my track record that seemed like tempting fate.

p. 87 

Back in Black by Julie Mulhern was released October 2024 by J & M Press. It's number 18 in The Country Club Murders series.

The series is excellent at combining mystery and humor set in the 1970s. The most recent book in the series, Bad Blood (#20) was released August 26, 2025. The Kindle version of the first book in the series, The Deep End, is currently available on Amazon for $1.49

What are you reading? Are you reading this series too? Share in the comments. Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #482: Killing Me Softly by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Ellison Russell Jones’ best friend Libba has a questionable track record when it comes to men. But finally—finally—she’s selected a good one.

Charlie Ardmore hales from a fine family, plays a mean game of golf, and is a cardiologist.

Even Mothers approves.

But when Charlie’s patients start dying, the whispers begin. Is Charlie a killer?

Could Harrington Walford, Ellison’s beloved father and one of Charlie’s patients, be the next to die?

Can Ellison stop a killer in time?

Killing Me Softly by Julie Mulhern will be available December 26th, 2023. It can be preordered at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? This is part of Julie Mulhern's Country Club Murder series. I've really enjoyed the others in the series. They are humorous cozies set in the 1970s. I'd recommend them to anyone who enjoys their mysteries with a side of humor.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #450: Fire and Rain by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher: Ellison Jones is used to sirens in the night (unfortunately, they’re usually coming to her house).

So, it’s a surprise when the sirens that wake her from the dead come from across the street.

Nosy neighbor Marian Dixon’s house is on fire.

Luckily, the Dixons are out of town.

Unluckily, there’s a body found in the ashes—a body not killed by the fire.

With Ellison’s husband, Detective Anarchy Jones, investigating, the neighbors are eager for a quick resolution. But a cunning killer has other plans.

Can Ellison and Anarchy uncover the truth, or will their lives (and the rest of the block) go up in flames?

Fire and Rain by Julie Mulhern is the 16th book in the Country Club Murder series. It's expected out April 25th, 2023 from J & M Press.

Why am I waiting on this book? I absolutely love this series. The characters are fun and interesting. And I enjoy reading their interactions. I would call this series of books humorous cozies. My favorite characters are Ellison, Anarchy, and Aggie. I can get a little irritated with Ellison's mother, but in the end she is just the way she is and Ellison still loves her. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #441: Big Shot by Julie Mulhern

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

Ellison and Anarchy Jones are looking forward to a relaxing weekend in the country. Time spent skeet shooting, fishing, and horse-back riding with friends. Hours spent swaying in a shady hammock without friends.

But when Ellison walks into a murder scene, her friends become suspects. And each of them has an excellent motive for murder.

Can Ellison sift through the lies and unmask a killer, or will a weekend away cost her everything she holds dear?

Big Shot by Julie Mulhern is expected out October 25th, 2022. It's the 15th book in The Country Club Murders series.

Why am I waiting on this book? I really like this series. It has the twists. And it has humor. I love a good humorous mystery. If you are new to the series I'd recommend starting with book one, The Deep End, where Ellison finds her first body and meets Detective Anarchy Jones.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Evil Woman by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I’d waved goodbye to my husband, whose eyes narrowed with anger, my daughter, whose eyes widened with shock, and a dog who was ready to search the neighborhood for the perpetrator. Or squirrels. He’d be happy to search for squirrels. (66% through on my Kindle)

Evil Woman by Julie Mulhern was released today.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Lyin' Eyes by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I parked in front of the house and sat in the car without moving. My thoughts were a jumble, and I rested my head against the seat back and squeezed my eyes shut. Part of me mourned the dead women—they’d lost their lives, they deserved justice. Another more selfish part screamed why me? What karmic scale had I tipped to become a body magnet? And how could I adjust the weights so someone else found the bodies? (p. 9)

Lyin'  Eyes by Julie Mulhern was published September 28th, 2021 by J & M Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Fields' Guide to Smuggling by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“This isn’t what I expected.” “This?” He waved his hand at the breathtaking view. “You know what I mean. Mysterious packages, car chases, and trafficking children. I wanted a vacation.” “And you’ll get one. Starting this moment, we’ll forget what happened in Athens.” (p.34)

Fields' Guide to Smuggling by Julie Mulhern is book 7 in the Poppy Fields Adventure series. It was published April 27th, 2021 by J & M Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Night Moves by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My favorite spot called, and I sat and enjoyed the golf-course view till Libba plopped into the chair across from me. She wore a gray dress, and a thundercloud followed her as if it were attached to her wrist with a piece of string.  (6% through on my Kindle)

Night Moves by Julie Mulhern was published February 23rd, 2021 by J & M Press. This is the twelfth book in the Country Club Murders series. 

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Killer Queen by Julie Mulhern

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser:

He jumped backward. "What is that? Do you have elephants?"

 "It's Grace." I used both hands to clutch the counter. I needed the stability - a shot of lust before my morning arabica left me shaky. (p.140)

Killer Queen by Julie Mulhern was released June 30th, 2020 by J & M Press. It's the 11th in The Country Club Murders series.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!