The Deep End (The Country Club Murders Book 1)

A pretty good cozy mystery among the country club set. Ellison is married to the philandering husband. Then she begins to find one body after another. Why doesn't she tell the handsome detective what she suspects? Makes sense at first, but after a third person dies and her home is burglarized, I was just a tiny bit irritated with her. She didn't see the clues that were dropping all around her.

Set in the Midwest in the early 1970's, this whodunit didn't really hold my interest as I hoped it would. It opened well and had an interesting premise, but struggled to remain intriguing. While the main character was interesting, the others were not as well developed and bordered on being cliched. The numerous Watergate references grew tiresome, as if the author was unaware of any other events of the seventies, and the ending was not very well conceived. All in all, it left me wondering if further investment in the other entries in this series will be warranted.

Murder mystery with soft porn elements. Chosen by my book club but I am very disappointed in it. It does hold your interest but could have been written without the description of sick sex. Will not read any of her other books.

Didn't find any of the characters interesting, nor could I relate to them. Maybe if you live the country club suburban life, it might be vaguely interesting. I found it boring, and am deleting this with relief from my Kindle.

I like the characters, the plot and the ending. Toward the last few pages I figures it was Powers. I can relate to the country club, etc because Right after I was married we joined the local country club in 1974.

Full disclosure: I know Julie -- and I was once married to a man who told me my ideal occupation was social work among the rich. That said, I loved this book. I was delighted by the vivid writing, wonderful humor and terrific plot turns. I can remember 40 years ago better than I remember yesterday. Julie has captured a time that no longer exists -- when friends and frenemies (a term that didn't exist back then) hung out at country clubs, and social and leisure activities involved the same small set of people, day in and day out. Here's a passage that will give you some insight into the heroine, Ellison Russell: "Henry once accused me of pausing in doorways so I could make a grand entrance. Just goes to show how poorly he understood me. I pause to observe what's on the other side, to take a last quiet breath, to gather my courage." I'm looking forward to Ellison's next adventure.

Could be a good story if it weren't for all the endless, needless references to the husband's S & M addiction. That aspect became boring & too juvenile & I lost interest in the story. Don't think I want to read more from this author.

There are many glowing reviews for The Deep End, but I struggled to keep reading and gave up about halfway through.

This book is part of a genre I call Unhappy Housewife Fiction. It generally features a sad/frustrated middle-aged woman victimized by her a***hole husband. The fun is in seeing the heroine find her wings and eventually fly. If the book is a mystery, it will usually include a cop who becomes the love interest. I've read great books in this category--notably Susan Issacs Compromising Positions. But The Deep End doesn't measure up.

My main complaint: The Deep End reads more like genre romance fiction than a crime novel. The plot centering on an S/M club is far-fetched, and way too much time is spent with our heroine Ellie's heart going pitty-pat around a hunky police detective and a suave lawyer. Page after page is devoted to a repetitive interior monologue in which Ellie charts her emotional temperature, very much the kind of thing one finds in romance fiction.

A good mystery should feature atmospheric local color, but here there is absolutely no sense of time and place. There must be something distinctive about the look of life in Kansas City, but you'd never know it from The Deep End. Then there are the characters. Heroine Ellie's circle of friends hang out at the local country club, announced as the setting for this mystery series. Unpleasant female stereotypes all, clearly present to move the plot along with their mean-spirited gossip. The least believable aspect of the whole is the fact that Ellie is supposedly a successful professional artist. Yet we're told nothing about her paintings and she seems to spend no time in her studio. The art subplot feels like an aside, something to provide a sympathetic gay character in the person of the gallery owner.

I appreciate that the initial book in a series has to set things up, but here the formula is creakily evident. Likeable heroine, check. Cute cop with romantic potential, check. Gay good friend, check. For all I know, the cop or the gallery owner may turn out to be the murderer, but I don't have the patience to find out.

This was a really great read. I was about halfway through the book when I realized that I wanted to read all of this author's back list. Imagine how surprised I was when I discovered that "The Deep End" is her first mystery. The author's style is polished, the plot well defined, and the characters were impeccable.

Add to that, I really liked the heroine of this story. She was absolutely a child of privilege, but one who is trying to break out of the mold. She is a really funny lady and her daughter and mother are hoots, too. The murders are plausible and so is the solution - these are things that can make or break a murder mystery for me. I loved that I enjoyed the story and got to laugh my way through the book.

While I was more of the daughter's age in the 1970s, I can still recall a time when women were expected to be a graceful accessory to a man's life than to be their own main story. This book recalls the point at which women started to break out of the mold. There is a backdrop of neighbors (at Ellison's home) and friends and frienemies (at the country club) who provide the gasps of horror (and lots of laughs for me) when Ellison begins to break away from the expected life of banker's wife.

I look forward to new adventures with Ellison and crew in the future. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or just a chance to have a good read and laugh at the same time.

I received a digital advance reader copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.

In the sample I read, the book began with an engaging plot, and I wasn't put off by the main character as were some of the other negative reviewers. A fun, light read, I assumed. However, after I purchased the book and read a few more chapters, there were way too many details about the husband's s&m and other kinky preferences. I tried skipping them, but then found they pervaded the book! I ended up returning the book for a refund. Not my kind of book. Others who don't care for such things in the books they read be warned!

Just an ordinary day: Ellison Walford Russell is at the country club for her morning swim. She likes to get there in time to see the sun rise. This was not going to be an ordinary day. Ellison finds a body, in full evening attire, floating in the pool. It turns out to be Madeline Harper – who just happens to be the mistress of Ellison’s husband Henry. Things went south in that marriage when Ellison started making more money than banker husband Henry. Her “hobby” of being an artist took off and the rest is a failed marriage. Looks like Ellison is one of the prime suspects in this case. She had better be careful solving this murder or she could end up permanently poolside.

Things to ponder: Where is Henry? What is Madeline’s secret? Will Ellison ever stand up to her domineering mother?

I love finding a new series with a new author. It is like having an extra birthday. This was a fun read. It captured the flavor of the 1970’s. I enjoyed the protagonist and loved how she grew over the course of the story. The cast of characters are very entertaining and I can’t wait to visit with them again. Make sure you block out the time to read this book – because once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down until you find out whodunit. This well-plotted mystery will be enjoyed by cozy mystery lovers. Looking forward to returning to the fabulous 1970’s for the next book in this delightful series. So if you like a mystery that takes place in the past, then you should be reading The Deep End.

FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

From all the great reviews, I thought for sure this would be a winner. It wasn't for me. I put it down twice and picked it up again to read but found the writing style just plain too annoying for me to finish. I couldn't stand that so much of the book was taken up with Ellison's thoughts - her funny and snarky thoughts. I did one page where I cut out her thoughts and came up with only a few snippets of dialogue. Yes, the author has a sense of humor but it was just too much for me.

I won this book from the author quite some time ago. While anxious to read it, I just couldn't quite fit it in to my hectic schedule... until I went on vacation this past week. Not only did I finish the book in record time, I immediately downloaded the next two books in the series and finished those as well. Ms. Mulhern has created an unforgettable character in Ellison Russell. I loved her voice and the sense of humor portrayed in a variety of situations she finds herself in. The mystery plot is well-crafted and held my attention; I found it difficult to put the book down until I read the very last page. The theme covers adult situations, yet the author deftly handles it while protecting Ellison's relationship with her teenage daughter. Unlike most mysteries where the protagonist is a young, single, twenty-something-year-old, Ellison is older and a mother which creates a different dynamic. The supporting characters are rich in personalities while the country club set provides a nice backdrop to the story-line. I look forward to catching up on the remaining books in this highly entertaining series.

The Deep End by Julie Mulhern is an amazing book, y'all. Let me tell you a little about it.

The Deep End is not-quite-cozy, or a twisted cozy. A few sections even allude to Fifty Shades of cozy, perhaps not for your tween-ager or your grandma. Per Author Julie Mulhern, The Deep End is a PG-rated uncozy mystery.

The setting is Kansas City in 1974. The accurate details from 1974 that Julie Mulhern includes — such as clothing, perfumes, politics, movies, music, and TV shows — make her world-building in The Deep End perfect.

The characters are all very interesting and well-written, and most are quite likable — even the villain (well, until the villain's villainy is revealed). My favorite characters are the protagonist Ellison Russell, her mother Frances Walford, and her teenage daughter Grace.

Grace is one of my favorite characters because I can relate to her so well. I too was a teenager in 1974, had crushes on Davy Jones and Paul McCartney, and wore Love's Baby Soft cologne.

Ellison is a favorite for many reasons. I like her spirit. I like her sense of humor and snark. Ellison gave me many chuckles and LOL moments, by way of her conversations and thoughts. I like how Ellison grows and changes for the better, and retains her high moral standards, despite her husband's actions.

Frances Walford is one of my favorite characters because of the loyalty and caring she (sometimes) shows towards Ellison. Ellison's mother usually shows this caring about Ellison only to other people, though, not to Ellison. To Ellison, she is domineering and interfering.

In some other cozy mysteries, it irks me when the sleuthing is done for lame reasons. In The Deep End, Author Julie Mulhern has included one of the best rationales for amateur sleuthing that I have read.

The pacing was just right. I finished The Deep End in one day, because I was dying ;) to discover the identity of the killer. Ellison and I were both quite surprised to learn whodunit, by the way. Afterwards, I looked back through the book, and the clues are there for the more discriminating reader.

There's much more I could tell you about why I like The Deep End by Julie Mulhern so much, but to do so would reveal spoilers, so I will just say READ THE BOOK! The Deep End is fabulous, and well-deserving of our highest rating of Five Stars.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of The Deep End and voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

Originally published on my blog Jane Reads.

I purchased this story through a different vendor and will not show up as a verified purchase. Ellison Russell goes for her early morning swim just to swim into the body of her husband's mistress. After discovering a list of names in Henry's safe, Ellison decides to get to the bottom of it to protect one name on the list. During her investigation, Ellison encounters a S&M warehouse, the deaths of some of her husbands harem, and their family members, a major blackmail scheme, and art forgeries.

Julie Mulhern wrote an excellent story that is a strong mystery/thriller. I would say it is more intense than Agatha Christie, but not as intense as Tess Gerritsen. She uses a great sense of humor to break up things when they start getting too intense. the story has well defined characters, a lot of intrigue and suspense, mixed with comedic timing to make this a book you really don't want to put down and will be sad that it ended so soon.

I loved this book and looking forward to reading more in the series. As I grew up in the 70's, I love the references to food, drinks, clothing, and general culture of the 70's. Ellison is a very likeable character. You are quickly are on her side. The relationship between she and her mother is interesting and very much a part of who Ellison is. I love how each chapter ends with a statement that makes you want to keep reading such as "I've never seen anymore look more worried", "He planned to follow me", "I didn't care about that anymore...A huge mistake". The writing is very good, easy to follow, fast paced and a well developed mystery. I highly recommend this series.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more in the Country Club Murders. These books take place in the 70s when the Country Club life was quite exclusive, catty, and appearances were everything. Ellison Russell is a spurned wife of Henry Russell who owns a local bank. She knows about his mistress, but is staying with him because of their daughter. Every morning she heads off to the Country Club to go swimming and at the beginning of this book, she swims into the lifeless body of her husbands mistress. Of course she is the prime suspect.

The characters in this book are wonderful. Starting with Ellison who is a painter and doesn't have much of a spine. As the book progresses, I love how she develops as a person. She starts to stand up for herself and her daughter. Her mother is one of those women that think the world revolves around them and that everything her daughters do reflect upon her. She does have her redeeming moments though. The police detective, her lawyer, the art gallery owner, friends, frenemies, housekeeper etc. are all well written and add so much to the story. I absolutely loved Mistress K, the owner of the kinky sex club. The sexual proclivities of Henry Russell, his mistress Madeline and other subs is mentioned in the book and add some comic relief. As the story progressed, more deaths occurred and they all revolved around Ellison. She needs to find out who the murderer is before she becomes the next victim.

I could not wait to find out who done it. I finally figured it out just before it was revealed in the story. A wonderful cozy mystery that those who love cozies and those who love the 70s will enjoy.

I loved "The Deep End"'s Ellison Russell from the very first page. Funny, astute, and rebellious -- well, as rebellious as a member of Kansas City's WASP elite could be (not much; cf. Mrs. Bridge). Ellison thought she had already seen her life implode. It's 1974, and Ellison's career as a successful artist means she's creative, independent, and makes more money than her smug banker husband Henry. Remember that it's 1974? In those less enlightened times, Henry's masculinity is threatened, and he's takes up with another woman from their country-club set, Madeline Harper. Eight months later, Mr. and Mrs. Russell may be living in the same luxury home, but their marriage is over, and they're waiting the few years until their 16-year-old daughter Grace goes to college to officially pull the plug.

But things could definitely get worse for Ellison Walford Russell -- and, of course, they do. During an early-morning swim, she discovers Madeline's body in the country club's pool. She'd be the No. 1 suspect if her husband hadn't disappeared the night before. Now Ellison Russell is about to find out more than she ever wanted to know about Henry Russell -- and just about every member of her country club. But unless she figures out who killed Madeline Harper and why, Ellison will never be able to restore some semblance of a life for her daughter Grace.

What a fabulous novel! I couldn't stop reading! In "The Deep End," author Julie Mulhern hasn't just created a delightful protagonist in Ellison Russell and a riveting mystery; she's also perfectly evoked the 1970s, right down to Halston gowns, caftans, TR6 sports cars, telephones actually attached to walls, plaid pants, Diane Von Furstenberg's ubiquitous jersey wrap-dresses, Bargello afghans, those heavenly Dr. Scholl's sandals, Tab, wife-swapping, The Way We Were, blue and purple eyeshadows, and the interminable Watergate hearings. (Also, Hermès bags. Only those are timeless.) Readers will love the atmosphere, the well-plotted mystery, and a charming woman who's just finding out that doing what you're supposed to won't get you as far as doing what you want. HIGHLY recommended.

Title: The Deep End - The Country Club Murders Book 1
Author: Julie Mulhern
Published: 2-17-15
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 276
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sluths, Humor
ISBN: 9781941962268
ASIN: B00PWE819Q
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

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The Deep End is set in 1974 Where Ellison Russell has pretty much given up on her marriage and her cheating husband. She has made her teenage daughter Grace and her art the center of her world. When her husband's latest mistress winds up dead and Ellison finds herself the prime suspect. Ellison turns amateur sleuth to prove her innocence and find the real killer. Her search brings to like her husband's sexual proclivities, his bullying ways and propensity towards blackmail. Ellison races to find the murderer before he has a chance to find her and add her to the rising body count.

Julie Mulhern has shown us talent for pulling a story together with The Deep End. For a first novel she has been given us a well thought out plot, a cast of characters that are believable and interesting. I rarely read any historical fiction, but since I lived in the 70's I was curious to see how she portrayed the time period. I am glad I chose to indulge my curiosity. I found The Deep End a cozy mystery peppered with humor and strong characters that kept me glued to the story. The fashion and music references were authentic (although I disagree with Ellison about Seasons in the Sun, I still love that song). I felt I had returned to being that young girl, going to play tennis with friends, root at school games, spend time at the movies, and talking on the phone for hours with my girlfriends. A wonderful story you don't want to miss.

THE DEEP END is the debut mystery novel by Julie Mulhern. (Julie is a fellow 2014 Golden Heart® finalist and I received a free copy of her book from her publisher Henery Press.)

It’s 1974 in Kansas City. Ellison Russell, an artist, heads to her country club for her customary early morning swim. She never expected to find the body of her husband’s dead mistress floating in the pool.

Life gets not just complicated but messy and confusing for Ellison and her daughter Grace. Henry, Ellison’s husband has disappeared and not one but two more mistresses show up. Add in a kinky dominatrix, blackmail, an overbearing mother, and an attractive (and kind) police detective and poor Ellison is toast.

THE DEEP END is a classic “fair play” mystery with clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed this one a lot (and not just because I kinda sorta know the author or because I got a free copy of the book).

The hard part of reviewing mysteries is not giving away any spoilers. So, I’ll say just a few more things:

The murderer is nicely foreshadowed.
Henry is vile and fully deserves the fate Mulhern gave him.
The secondary characters are fully-fleshed out and add to the story.
Ellison’s rationale for not telling the police everything she knows makes sense and didn’t make me roll my eyes or say, “Oh, please,” even once. This is a chronic pitfall of amateur sleuth stories, since often the whole thing could be wrapped up at the end of Chapter Five if the protagonist just trusted the police to do their job. Not so with THE DEEP END.
To prove that I’m not just gushing heedlessly, I did have one teeny tiny issue with THE DEEP END that I’ll mention.

Ellison felt just a tad too stoic to me. In some places I felt like she was too detached from what was going on around her. I would have liked a bit more emotion from her in a few places. Sometimes over the top is called for and I felt Mulhern kept her reined in too tightly.

But that didn’t detract from my enjoyment and my ability to heartily recommend THE DEEP END.

The cover declares that THE DEEP END is one of The Country Club Murders. I’m eager to read the next book in the series. Mulhern has laid the groundwork for an ongoing series, much like Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott, Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Schlutz, or Earlene Fowler’s Benni Harper. I think Ellison Russell will be a worthy addition to the roster of amateur sleuths alongside Deborah, Goldy, and Benni.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

It’s not every day a woman finds her husband’s mistress dead and floating in a country club pool but that’s exactly what happens to Ellison Russell in the first act of Julie Mulhern’s debut cozy mystery, The Dead End. Full of colorful characters, good dialogue, and taking place in the 70’s at the height of the Watergate scandal, The Dead End kept my attention from start to finish. The first book in “The Country Club Murders” series, is off to a good start.

Successful artist and a country club member with the correct pedigree, Ellison Russell arrives at the club for her customary early morning swim only to discover the body of Madeline Harper, dead and floating in the pool. While Ellison could care less about Madeline, or her death, the fact she’s her husband’s mistress puts Ellison front and center in a murder investigation, a position she’d rather avoid. Forced into conducting her own investigation, Ellison soon discovers there’s a lot more to her soon to be ex than his penchant for visiting “Club Kinky”. When two more mistresses show up, and Henry disappears, Ellison learns her husband was involved in blackmail. As dead bodies start piling up, it’s clear Ellison needs to solve the mystery before she or someone she loves becomes the next victim.

Ms. Mulhern does a good job developing Ellison’s character and I really enjoyed getting to know her as the story developed. While she’s a bit “frosty” and detached at first, it soon becomes apparent that Ellison has been surrounded by dominating or domineering people a good portion of her life. As the story progresses we do see Ellison begin to develop emotionally and also watch her begin to develop a backbone. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Ellison’s parents, her art broker Powers, her daughter Grace, and the handsome, polite detective assigned to the case.

Ms. Mulhern does a good job developing the mystery, which takes several twists and turns. I also enjoyed the “historical” aspects of the story since it takes place during the “Watergate” years and I remember being glued to the newspapers (Yes, Virginia…..this was before the internet) and the television during the investigation and political scandal that ensued. I thought Ms. Mulhern captured the “feel” of the 70’s and also emphasized the difference between the “country club” crowd and the regular people.

Will Ellison discover who killed Madeline? Will Henry, Ellison’s unfaithful husband get what he deserves? And is there a possible new romance in Ellison’s future? You’ll have to read The Deep End to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Set in the 1970’s this book treads close to the cozy/non-cozy mystery line due to some very interesting interests of some of the characters. Since it tells you in the synopsis I am not giving anything away by telling you sex of the kinky variety takes place and could be the reason a certain woman ends up dead floating in a country club swimming pool. It was the swinging 70’s!

Ellison Russell is unhappily married but sticking it out for her child and for appearances. How things appear to the world or other members of the country club are very important to Ellison’s mother and she is sure to tell her daughter that several times a say. As the story goes on Ellison becomes much stronger and really could care less what other people think shocking her mother and giving readers a good giggle or two.

I enjoyed the references to Watergate, and old television shows like Kojak and The Streets of San Francisco. A time before cell phones and when you wanted privacy on the phone the squiggly phone cord was stretched to reach into a closet or another room. A time when news was found in a newspaper not on a computer.

Julie Mulhern does a great job pulling us back in time and into Ellison’s world. She fills the story with very colorful characters and a plot that keeps us guessing the entire journey. She also makes us laugh and that is always a plus.

The Deep End is an excellent start for The County Club Murder series. Ellison really evolved in this story and I look forward to where the author takes her next.

THE DEEP END is a murder mystery story set in the seventies. The storyline deals with betrayal, jealousy, family issues, and independent women. Julie Mulhern’s main character is Ellison Russell, a successful artist with an unfaithful husband. Ellison’s income has surpassed her husbands. There are those including her mother that thinks a wife is supposed to stay home and raise the children. Mulhern provides Ellison’s backstory to include finding her husband Henry in the Country Club coat room closet with her friend Madeline. The storyline focuses on Ellison’s efforts to divorce her husband and move on with her life. Ellison has to deal with her mother’s attitude of always worrying what others will think.

Mulhern creates support characters helping increase the momentum of the storyline and the author gives readers details of each of the character as she introduces them. She continues to develop the each of the main support characters adding strength to the subplots that keep the story moving forward. Mulhern’s mystery murder begins building intrigue immediately when Ellison finds her husband’s mistress floating in the pool of her country club. Mulhern introduces her readers to Detective Jones, her male protagonist. She shares details of Jones’ history when he enters the storyline and Mulhern shares additional details as the plot progresses. Ellison finds out details of her husband activities when she searches her husband’s office. She discovers information she needs to keep to herself even though her Husband is blackmailing many of her friends. Mulhern builds intensity into the story as additional bodies are found.

The author keeps her readers in the dark and they come to find out some things are not as they seem. THE DEEP END’s storyline takes turns and twists changing the stories direction. Mulhern continues moving her readers toward the stories conclusion. The author’s readers follow Ellison as she uncovers the motive to murder in Mulhern’s THE DEEP END. A must read for readers who love a romantic mystery. Mulhern earns a five-star ranking.

The context is the high society country club set where appearance is everything and in the 1970s divorce is not considered acceptable and neither is a wife earning more money than her husband. Ellison's art and Grace are the plusses in her life - only her hobby is making more money than her husband. That and his interest in kinky sex spell doom for the marriage. Ellison is biding her time until Grace finishes high school to end her marriage. Her mother is domineering and Ellison's never stood up to her, until she becomes a suspect in the murder of her husband's latest mistress. She gains more strength in self-preservation as the body count rises.

Ellison stands up for herself and makes the decision for divorce. When her mother accepts that decision, it is time to match her up with the perfect man, attorney Hunter Platt. Hunter jumps right in, a bit bossy to say the least. In the meantime, Detective Jones is doing his best to get Ellison to tell her what she knows. The country club set have a lot of secrets but are also quick to speculate, stare, and may be a bit afraid of what Ellison knows.

This is the first in the Country Club Murders. I look forward to reading GUARANTEED TO BLEED and CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE to see more of Ellison - a 70s woman coming into her own. I'm hoping to see more of Detective Jones as well!

I was so thrilled with the characters in this first book in the series that I couldn’t wait to read the next one. The characters are very well developed and provide believability and interest to the plot. I love the throw-back to the early 70’s.
Ellison may be born into the country club set, but she isn’t there willingly! She is trying to break out of the obedient housewife mold and has already made a name for herself with her art (which annoys her mother to no end)! Her husband feels his masculinity threatened and seeks thrills outside of their bedroom. These thrills are a bit more than just an affair and the writer brings in the beginning of the sexual freedom that many of that decade were drawn to. The book stops short of in depth descriptions so don’t shy away!
This is a wonderful murder mystery with a very likeable main character and some fun secondary characters which make for a great book!

Wowie Wow Wow! This was a fantastic book and can only get excited for the series! Ellison is the greatest female sleuth out there! I instantly loved her and her world of 1970's Kansas City. When I first heard about this series the thing that made me not rush in was 1970's Kansas City but it only made the story more interesting.
Ellison wakes up one morning to take a swim at the country club and swims right into a dead body, 2 more bodies follow! I was going to write about a particular character but I will not for reasons that will be discovered at the end of the book.
The killer came as a complete and utter surprise to me. Once the clues were given though I hit myself on the head and said of course! I cannot say enough about this book!!!!!!!!!! Read it NOW!

This was a great book; this is a debut mystery book by Julie Mulhern. This book is very well written and had wonderful characters. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. Ellison is married to an ass, she knows he has been cheating on her but has stayed in her marriage because of her daughter. One morning while she is swimming at the country club she finds her husband’s mistress floating in the pool. Of course she is a suspect once the police find out that the dead woman is her husband’s mistress. Ellison starts snooping around and finds out that her husband has a lot to hide. She is determined to find out who the killer is so she can move on with her life. The problem is the bodies keep stacking up and she is afraid that she will be next. This book kept me wondering who did it, until the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

I love a good mystery, and a mystery touched with some humor, and just a hint of kinky sex is even better. In The Deep End, Julie Mulhern gives us both. I rather doubt there is anything that will startle you more than going for your early morning swim and running into a body. It’s what happens next that kept me awake at night. Protagonist Ellison Russell is a whole lot stronger than she’s willing to admit, even in the mid-1970s when women were just coming into their own. She’s still learning how to stand up for herself, but she’s unwilling to be a doormat, and when independence and submission collide, the fur will fly. I am eager for the next book in the Country Club Murders series.

It's often hard for me to write about books I love - hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes it such a great book to me. Unfortunately, it's often easier to write about a book I didn't like. Well, let me just say, this is my new favorite series! I just love the characters - especially Ellison. Mulhern does a great job with the story being set in the 70s - ahhhh, life before the internet and cell phones in every hand. I've only read two books in this series so far, and I can say that I miss Ellison in between and each time I'm left looking forward to the next book. When I miss a character like I miss a good friend, that tells me I've got a great book in my hands. So PLEASE, Julie Mulhern, keep cranking out this awesome series! :)

This is the first in a new series of "the country club" mysteries

The main character is Ellison, & every morning she gets up & goes swimming at the country club pool. This particular morning she finds a body in the pool. It's the body of Madeline, who had been having an affair with Ellison's husband, Henry. She knew about the affair but was putting up with him for sake of their daughter, Grace

As the mystery progresses in the "who dunnit " , Ellison is a suspect,along with a laundry list of people including her husband Henry, who has mysteriously disappeared

Someone breaks into her home looking for something in Henry's home office, ripping through everything in it, books off the book shelves, papers all over & hitting Ellison over the head with a fire poker

The detective in charge is Det A Jones. The "A" stands for Anarchy. Her mother hires a lawyer for her named Hunter Tafft & he helps advise her as to what to say & what not to. The detective wants her to open her husbands safe but she claims she doesn't know the combination. After everybody leaves, she opens it & finds cash & envelopes. She opens 2 envelopes of the many, & finds pictures of people she knows from country club in some very awkward sexual ways. She now knows her husband must've been blackmailing these people & that's where he got the money in the safe but doesn't know how it goes with Madeline's murder

She's at the country club eating dinner with her parents when her husband comes back & is waiting for her. She changed the locks on the house after the break in. She tells him he can come back in the morning to get his things & she's filing for divorce. He's not happy about hearing this & they become the entertainment that night for the other nosy people at the club who are eating. Next morning she gets in her car when she finds another dead body. Again she calls Det Jones & looks like she's even more of a suspect

As more is uncovered, there's yet another body found, only this time she's called by the mistress of club K, to come to the house. The body is still alive & taken to hospital but later dies. I'm purposely omitting who the people dying are, as to not give away any spoilers

In the end, she accidentally stumbled upon who the murderer is & she tries to get away while the murderer follows her. Her car goes down an embankment & it's just her & the killer now

Although Ellison has sworn off men, both detective Jones, & her lawyer both ask her to dinner. This is where the author leaves us hanging--after she returns from her planned trip maybe she'll call one of them?
This is a great way to leave the reader hanging for the next story in the series, which I know I'll be excited to read!!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest opinion

It 's a cozy mystery very original, wich alternates between humor and mystery, set in Kansas City during the Watergate
Ellison Walford Russell is a successful artist, has a teenage daughter, an unhappy marriage and a mother intrusive. She attended an exclusive club and one morning, while is swimming in the pool she finds a corpse: it is the body of her husband's mistress, Madeline Harper. She would like to hide the relationship of her husband but knows that will come out because the two lovers have never been discreet. Finds herself to be suspected of murder while Henry, her husband, has disappeared into thin air. Fortunately, the detective in charge of the investigation is very competent and sympathetic. Ellison, however, decides she must find the culprit: she wants to be sure to be cleared of suspicion. Will she find the murderess? Finally will get a sentimental serenity?
Ellison is a good woman and under the thumb of all those around her, her mother and her husband in particular. Henry does not accept that Ellison earn more than him. He also tastes a bit special like subdue his partner but handcuffs and whips are not for Ellison so Henry begins to attend a club. Ellison waiting 18 years daughter to leave him, she doesn't want to hurt her. Investigating discover things even more puzzling over her husband. This will help her to become increasingly strong and sure of herself and finally begin to rebel and get her deserved freedom. Very entertaining various clashes between Ellison and her mother.
Between a plot twist and a laugh, with characters very funny and unique, a well-developed and compelling plot, the pages run away very nicely.
It 's a very good debut for the author and I can't wait to reading new adventures of Ellison and her friends.

Ellison Wolford Russell takes a swim early every morning at the country club before sunrise, but this particular morning she is not alone because there is a dead body in the pool with her who happens to be Madeline Harper, someone she has known for a long time and one of her husband’s dominatrix mistresses. All Ellison can think about is how her overpowering mother will react to the news that she has found a body floating in the country club pool and whether Henry is involved.

Everyone knows all the dirt on every member of the exclusive country club and believes Ellison may be responsible for Madeline’s demise. As Ellison is questioned by the police, she believes that Henry had nothing to do with the murder and sets out on her own to find the killer while placing her life in danger.

Ellison begins her investigation and discovers letters in Henry’s home safe that contain comprising photographs of country club members including that of her father. Now the tables are turning in the direction of Henry as a blackmailing suspect who has disappeared since Madeline’s murder. How will Ellison overcome the overbearing mother and demeaning husband while searching for the killer in a mysterious murder?

The Deep End is an enjoyable murder mystery for anyone who loves crime drama mysteries with a little comical wit. I am looking forward to the next installment in The Country Club Murders series hoping it will be just as good as the first.

I received this book free from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

THE DEEP END is a murder mystery story set in the seventies. The storyline deals with betrayal, jealousy, family issues, and independent women. Julie Mulhern’s main character is Ellison Russell, a successful artist with an unfaithful husband. Ellison’s income has surpassed her husbands. There are those including her mother that thinks a wife is supposed to stay home and raise the children. Mulhern provides Ellison’s backstory to include finding her husband Henry in the Country Club coat room closet with her friend Madeline. The storyline focuses on Ellison’s efforts to divorce her husband and move on with her life. Ellison has to deal with her mother’s attitude of always worrying what others will think.

Mulhern creates support characters helping increase the momentum of the storyline and the author gives readers details of each of the character as she introduces them. She continues to develop the each of the main support characters adding strength to the subplots that keep the story moving forward. Mulhern’s mystery murder begins building intrigue immediately when Ellison finds her husband’s mistress floating in the pool of her country club. Mulhern introduces her readers to Detective Jones, her male protagonist. She shares details of Jones’ history when he enters the storyline and Mulhern shares additional details as the plot progresses. Ellison finds out details of her husband activities when she searches her husband’s office. She discovers information she needs to keep to herself even though her Husband is blackmailing many of her friends. Mulhern builds intensity into the story as additional bodies are found.

The author keeps her readers in the dark and they come to find out some things are not as they seem. THE DEEP END’s storyline takes turns and twists changing the stories direction. Mulhern continues moving her readers toward the stories conclusion. The author’s readers follow Ellison as she uncovers the motive to murder in Mulhern’s THE DEEP END. A must read for readers who love a romantic mystery. Mulhern earns a five-star ranking.

The context is the high society country club set where appearance is everything and in the 1970s divorce is not considered acceptable and neither is a wife earning more money than her husband. Ellison's art and Grace are the plusses in her life - only her hobby is making more money than her husband. That and his interest in kinky sex spell doom for the marriage. Ellison is biding her time until Grace finishes high school to end her marriage. Her mother is domineering and Ellison's never stood up to her, until she becomes a suspect in the murder of her husband's latest mistress. She gains more strength in self-preservation as the body count rises.

Ellison stands up for herself and makes the decision for divorce. When her mother accepts that decision, it is time to match her up with the perfect man, attorney Hunter Platt. Hunter jumps right in, a bit bossy to say the least. In the meantime, Detective Jones is doing his best to get Ellison to tell her what she knows. The country club set have a lot of secrets but are also quick to speculate, stare, and may be a bit afraid of what Ellison knows.

This is the first in the Country Club Murders. I look forward to reading GUARANTEED TO BLEED and CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE to see more of Ellison - a 70s woman coming into her own. I'm hoping to see more of Detective Jones as well!

I was so thrilled with the characters in this first book in the series that I couldn’t wait to read the next one. The characters are very well developed and provide believability and interest to the plot. I love the throw-back to the early 70’s.
Ellison may be born into the country club set, but she isn’t there willingly! She is trying to break out of the obedient housewife mold and has already made a name for herself with her art (which annoys her mother to no end)! Her husband feels his masculinity threatened and seeks thrills outside of their bedroom. These thrills are a bit more than just an affair and the writer brings in the beginning of the sexual freedom that many of that decade were drawn to. The book stops short of in depth descriptions so don’t shy away!
This is a wonderful murder mystery with a very likeable main character and some fun secondary characters which make for a great book!

The Deep End by Julie Mulhern is a great mystery, and a great start to a series! I'd previously read books 5 and 6 in the series (which both work very well as standalones) but wanted to start from the beginning, and I'm so glad I did. Ms. Mulhern expertly captures the 70s in this riveting mystery, and the narration by Callie Beaulieu (Audible version) is perfection! It kept me guessing until the very end! A+++

Wowie Wow Wow! This was a fantastic book and can only get excited for the series! Ellison is the greatest female sleuth out there! I instantly loved her and her world of 1970's Kansas City. When I first heard about this series the thing that made me not rush in was 1970's Kansas City but it only made the story more interesting.
Ellison wakes up one morning to take a swim at the country club and swims right into a dead body, 2 more bodies follow! I was going to write about a particular character but I will not for reasons that will be discovered at the end of the book.
The killer came as a complete and utter surprise to me. Once the clues were given though I hit myself on the head and said of course! I cannot say enough about this book!!!!!!!!!! Read it NOW!

This was a great book; this is a debut mystery book by Julie Mulhern. This book is very well written and had wonderful characters. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to put it down until I finished. Ellison is married to an ass, she knows he has been cheating on her but has stayed in her marriage because of her daughter. One morning while she is swimming at the country club she finds her husband’s mistress floating in the pool. Of course she is a suspect once the police find out that the dead woman is her husband’s mistress. Ellison starts snooping around and finds out that her husband has a lot to hide. She is determined to find out who the killer is so she can move on with her life. The problem is the bodies keep stacking up and she is afraid that she will be next. This book kept me wondering who did it, until the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

I love a good mystery, and a mystery touched with some humor, and just a hint of kinky sex is even better. In The Deep End, Julie Mulhern gives us both. I rather doubt there is anything that will startle you more than going for your early morning swim and running into a body. It’s what happens next that kept me awake at night. Protagonist Ellison Russell is a whole lot stronger than she’s willing to admit, even in the mid-1970s when women were just coming into their own. She’s still learning how to stand up for herself, but she’s unwilling to be a doormat, and when independence and submission collide, the fur will fly. I am eager for the next book in the Country Club Murders series.

It's often hard for me to write about books I love - hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes it such a great book to me. Unfortunately, it's often easier to write about a book I didn't like. Well, let me just say, this is my new favorite series! I just love the characters - especially Ellison. Mulhern does a great job with the story being set in the 70s - ahhhh, life before the internet and cell phones in every hand. I've only read two books in this series so far, and I can say that I miss Ellison in between and each time I'm left looking forward to the next book. When I miss a character like I miss a good friend, that tells me I've got a great book in my hands. So PLEASE, Julie Mulhern, keep cranking out this awesome series! :)

This is the first in a new series of "the country club" mysteries

The main character is Ellison, & every morning she gets up & goes swimming at the country club pool. This particular morning she finds a body in the pool. It's the body of Madeline, who had been having an affair with Ellison's husband, Henry. She knew about the affair but was putting up with him for sake of their daughter, Grace

As the mystery progresses in the "who dunnit " , Ellison is a suspect,along with a laundry list of people including her husband Henry, who has mysteriously disappeared

Someone breaks into her home looking for something in Henry's home office, ripping through everything in it, books off the book shelves, papers all over & hitting Ellison over the head with a fire poker

The detective in charge is Det A Jones. The "A" stands for Anarchy. Her mother hires a lawyer for her named Hunter Tafft & he helps advise her as to what to say & what not to. The detective wants her to open her husbands safe but she claims she doesn't know the combination. After everybody leaves, she opens it & finds cash & envelopes. She opens 2 envelopes of the many, & finds pictures of people she knows from country club in some very awkward sexual ways. She now knows her husband must've been blackmailing these people & that's where he got the money in the safe but doesn't know how it goes with Madeline's murder

She's at the country club eating dinner with her parents when her husband comes back & is waiting for her. She changed the locks on the house after the break in. She tells him he can come back in the morning to get his things & she's filing for divorce. He's not happy about hearing this & they become the entertainment that night for the other nosy people at the club who are eating. Next morning she gets in her car when she finds another dead body. Again she calls Det Jones & looks like she's even more of a suspect

As more is uncovered, there's yet another body found, only this time she's called by the mistress of club K, to come to the house. The body is still alive & taken to hospital but later dies. I'm purposely omitting who the people dying are, as to not give away any spoilers

In the end, she accidentally stumbled upon who the murderer is & she tries to get away while the murderer follows her. Her car goes down an embankment & it's just her & the killer now

Although Ellison has sworn off men, both detective Jones, & her lawyer both ask her to dinner. This is where the author leaves us hanging--after she returns from her planned trip maybe she'll call one of them?
This is a great way to leave the reader hanging for the next story in the series, which I know I'll be excited to read!!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest opinion

It 's a cozy mystery very original, wich alternates between humor and mystery, set in Kansas City during the Watergate
Ellison Walford Russell is a successful artist, has a teenage daughter, an unhappy marriage and a mother intrusive. She attended an exclusive club and one morning, while is swimming in the pool she finds a corpse: it is the body of her husband's mistress, Madeline Harper. She would like to hide the relationship of her husband but knows that will come out because the two lovers have never been discreet. Finds herself to be suspected of murder while Henry, her husband, has disappeared into thin air. Fortunately, the detective in charge of the investigation is very competent and sympathetic. Ellison, however, decides she must find the culprit: she wants to be sure to be cleared of suspicion. Will she find the murderess? Finally will get a sentimental serenity?
Ellison is a good woman and under the thumb of all those around her, her mother and her husband in particular. Henry does not accept that Ellison earn more than him. He also tastes a bit special like subdue his partner but handcuffs and whips are not for Ellison so Henry begins to attend a club. Ellison waiting 18 years daughter to leave him, she doesn't want to hurt her. Investigating discover things even more puzzling over her husband. This will help her to become increasingly strong and sure of herself and finally begin to rebel and get her deserved freedom. Very entertaining various clashes between Ellison and her mother.
Between a plot twist and a laugh, with characters very funny and unique, a well-developed and compelling plot, the pages run away very nicely.
It 's a very good debut for the author and I can't wait to reading new adventures of Ellison and her friends.

Ellison Wolford Russell takes a swim early every morning at the country club before sunrise, but this particular morning she is not alone because there is a dead body in the pool with her who happens to be Madeline Harper, someone she has known for a long time and one of her husband’s dominatrix mistresses. All Ellison can think about is how her overpowering mother will react to the news that she has found a body floating in the country club pool and whether Henry is involved.

Everyone knows all the dirt on every member of the exclusive country club and believes Ellison may be responsible for Madeline’s demise. As Ellison is questioned by the police, she believes that Henry had nothing to do with the murder and sets out on her own to find the killer while placing her life in danger.

Ellison begins her investigation and discovers letters in Henry’s home safe that contain comprising photographs of country club members including that of her father. Now the tables are turning in the direction of Henry as a blackmailing suspect who has disappeared since Madeline’s murder. How will Ellison overcome the overbearing mother and demeaning husband while searching for the killer in a mysterious murder?

The Deep End is an enjoyable murder mystery for anyone who loves crime drama mysteries with a little comical wit. I am looking forward to the next installment in The Country Club Murders series hoping it will be just as good as the first.

I received this book free from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

Ellison Russell is enjoying a lovely swim in the country club’s pool when things take a not so lovely turn. She swims right into the dead body of her husband’s mistress. Naturally she becomes the prime suspect in the murder. However, Ellison couldn’t care less about her husband’s mistress. She knows all about her husband’s cheating ways, kinky sex and blackmail schemes. In fact, she doesn’t even want to be married to the guy any longer. Killing his mistress would serve no good purpose for her, but the police aren’t buying it.

Her overbearing mother has a few things to say as well. She's more interested in Ellison keeping up appearances and meeting a nice guy to settle down with. Meanwhile, Ellison spends her time trying to please her mother while taking care of her teenage daughter and dealing with her husband’s nastiness.

When other dead bodies start showing up everywhere Ellison goes, she looks more and more guilty each day. She’s determined to find the killer on her own and prove her innocence.

The Deep End takes place in the year 1974 in Missouri. It's a unique take on the cozy genre. I found the setting to be intriguing and the characters to be well-developed. Some were quite unconventional. The mystery takes a few twists and turns along the way and keeps your interest until the end. I was very surprised at how it all wrapped up. It’s a captivating novel and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

FTC Disclosure: The author/NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ellison Russell puts up with a lot--a manipulative mother, a brazenly adulterous husband--to keep her life with her daughter on an even keel. It takes a murder to launch her onto the path of finding her own voice and coming into her own.

This book is flawless. From the attention-grabbing opening line to the provocative last sentence, the pace never let up. Not for a moment. With an economy of words, the author created a vivid setting and a taut emotional journey. I loved the complex relationship Ellison had with all the people in her world--each one was drawn with detail and depth. Yes, her mom's controlling, but she loves her daughter fiercely. And, most of all, I loved watching her grow stronger with every new--terrible--development. Tragedy didn't break her--it brought out the woman she was meant to be.

I can't recommend this book enough.

The Deep End, in the Country Club series, by Julie Mulhern was a fabulous first book in a new series. The story grabbed my interest in the first few pages and kept me intrigued and in the dark until the end. Having enjoyed my late twenties and early thirties in the 1970's and having had first hand knowledge of the "country club venue", I related to this book so well although I never knew anyone quite like the dictatorial husband characters in this book. (Smile) If the first book was this great of a cozy mystery, then I just barely wait to read what is in store for the reader with subsequent books. The story was fresh and new and gave readers an insight into the lives of the characters in a very intense way. It was also a humorous book, giving me plenty of laugh out loud moments, from remembering the 1970's mostly. When a friend of mine gave me this book, I had already heard how wonderful it was, and I was 100% in agreement. I am very much looking forward to reading book 2 as soon as it is released.

Cynthia B.

Cynthia

I loved this book! I'm actually giving it 4 1/2 stars on the sites that will accept it. This story takes place in the early '70's when there were still true Southern Belles and the Country Club was the place to be seen. The scenes between Ellison and her mother are hilarious. And then, of course, there is the murder of her husband's mistress. Actually, there are several stories going on here and I was thoroughly entertained and intrigued.

I did figure out who did it, as the author pretty much accentuates the clues, but that did not take away from the story at all. Just because I thought I knew didn't mean I did. Plus there is the matter of the envelope with her dad's name on it. I thought the author was going to leave me hanging, but she delivered.

As usual, Henery Press comes through with another winner. I would definitely read more books by this author.

Thank you Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free galley in exchange for an honest review!

I read this book when it was recommended by an author I like. The price was very reasonable, so I downloaded it and meant to read a few pages and come back later. I actually finished it in two days, and became surprisingly immersed in it. Plenty of action, interesting characters, a sympathetic heroine, and an excellent whodunnit. Love the 70s touches. I absolutely can't wait to get my mitts on the second book when it comes out and find out what happens--and isn't that what it's all about? I'm also giving it five stars because of the way I felt about it when I was done, like I had been somewhere else for a while and was reluctant to come back.

What a great start to the series. I started it a couple books in and just now went to the book one. It’s a great read. I learned s lot. While all the books can be read as stand alone sits enjoyable to read them all. I’m glad I got the chance to read this one. Three murders and blackmail and cheating and all kinds of drama. Who can you trust? Must read.

The first in a new delightful and original creative story that I enjoyed very much. Ellison Russell is swimming when runs into body. After she recovers from the shock and calls the police she discovers the body is her husband's mistress. Her husband, Henry is missing and told no one where he was going. Ellison soon finds that her husband was into sadist sex. .Her home is vandalized and she was knocked unconscious. Cleaning up the room she finds that Henry was blackmailing all their friends including her Father.
Ellison must find the answer to the events to save all those she loves from death. I recommend this book highly.

Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.

A page-turner from page one. This is the type of mystery you can get lost in for hours at a time. I enjoyed the complexity of Ellison's character. I also enjoyed the author's attention to detail, making mention of events from the past and the type of clothing worn. While the book is labeled as a cozy mystery, it's not the type of feel-good, light-hearted cozy mysteries that you may be use to. The Deep End by Julie Mulhern has a more serious feel. Regardless, it's a very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

I actually pre-ordered the fifth book in this series, and then decided I better go back and read the first one to see what I was getting into--and I found myself unable to put it down. It was a quick, fun read with well developed characters, an interesting plot, mystery and mayhem, and it made me want to read more about Ellison Russell.

It was a delightful book. So enjoyed reading this since it was set in the 70s when I was in high school and college. I wasn't quite sure as to whodunit until the very end. And the love interest was so fun. It left you wondering who Ellison should pick. On to the next Country Club Murder.

I was very much engrossed with this one. This book takes place in 1974, which is a little before my time but still kept my attention because so much of the "country club/high society" lifestyle is still the same today. Keeps you guessing until the very end about the murders. Looking forward to continuing with this series. I hope the author keeps it going for a long time.

I'm not usually a mystery fan, but this book called out to me. Who would have ever thought the seventies could be so intriguing? Can't wait to read the next one in the series. I may become a mystery fan yet!!! This is an author to watch.

A despicable husband, a two-faced Country Club set and a mother from hell entwine this story, and a shocking twist at the end makes this book a winning read.

I'm itching to read the next in the series!

The year is 1974 a time when women were just beginning to become their selves. Ellison Russell was a daughter of a well to do family in Kansas. She had always obeyed her Mother, who was interfering and was loved by her adorning Father. Ellison entered into a marriage with the local banker Henry Russell because her Mother wanted that.

Well fast forward to Ellison becoming a talented artist and making more money than Henry. It all started at Christmas at the Country Club when Henry and Madeline Harper were caught in the coat room and all of a sudden everyone knew about their affair.

Ellison’s daily routine began with an early morning swim at the country club pool, prior to sunrise the water started her day. Diving into the pool and starting the first lap had Ellison bump into the dead body of Henry’s mistress Madeline. A scream brought the police and Detective A. Jones.
Ellison soon becomes a suspect in Madeline’s death and forces her to confront her missing husband’s lifestyle at a sex club. However, it’s not just Madeline who has been keeping her husband busy but Prudence and Kitty, all members of the social set of the country club.

I love the style of writing Julie Mulhern brings forth in this her first novel. The development of the characters, Detective Jones, attorney Hunter Platt, daughter Grace and of course her Mother all brings forth great characters.

The body counts mount and Ellison’s secrets are a concern and leads her to deciding that she must try to find the killer before something happens to Ellison or Grace.

One of my favorite authors, Leighann Dobbs, made a recommendation of this book. Thank you, just like all the recommendations of the store and other authors, Ms. Mulhern will be on my list of reading from now on. Can’t wait for book 2 coming in October 2015.