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The Country Club Murders #19
Tight Rope:
A dead body in the trunk of a car. It's the Kansas City mob's signature.
So why is a member of Ellison's circle found shot to death in a sedan at the country club?
Did Baxter Phelps have ties to the mafia? Did they make him an offer he couldn't refuse? Is Baxter's widow Helen in danger?
As Ellison is drawn into a dangerous investigation, she can't help but think maybe this time Mother is right. She should mind her own business.
So why is a member of Ellison's circle found shot to death in a sedan at the country club?
Did Baxter Phelps have ties to the mafia? Did they make him an offer he couldn't refuse? Is Baxter's widow Helen in danger?
As Ellison is drawn into a dangerous investigation, she can't help but think maybe this time Mother is right. She should mind her own business.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
496 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
41 books1,655 followersJulie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 10, 2025
Another great episode in the ‘Country Club Murders’ series. This time Ellison did not actually discover the dead body – that joy was left to an employee at the Country Club. But it was in the club carpark, so it could have been left for Ellison. It has the hallmarks of a Mafia hit – but the Mafia says it wasn’t them (well, they would say that), and the dead man was not known to have Mafia links. He was indeed known to be very boring – but looks can be very deceiving. So, what was the motive? And who killed him?
As always, Ellison has to make enquiries, helping Anarchy with information that the police would find hard to get.
Frances Walford is on holiday, so has to harangue Ellison by phone – relieved that Ellison did not find this particular body, but frantic that she might be putting herself in Mafia sight lines.
In Frances’ absence, there is a new very formidable older lady in town – Honoria Miller of Boston. I would love to see these two ladies meet. They will either become best of friends or there will be a new ice age.
Load of secrets and infidelities, doggy carnage, business deals and a very memorable engagement party.
I love this series, and can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommended, as always.
As always, Ellison has to make enquiries, helping Anarchy with information that the police would find hard to get.
Frances Walford is on holiday, so has to harangue Ellison by phone – relieved that Ellison did not find this particular body, but frantic that she might be putting herself in Mafia sight lines.
In Frances’ absence, there is a new very formidable older lady in town – Honoria Miller of Boston. I would love to see these two ladies meet. They will either become best of friends or there will be a new ice age.
Load of secrets and infidelities, doggy carnage, business deals and a very memorable engagement party.
I love this series, and can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommended, as always.
March 28, 2025
This isn't really very spoilerific, but I'm going to hide the review, just in case.
I love the Country Club Murder series. It takes me back to the late 70s, with music and fashion and I love the simple midwest values and mindset of Ellison, our main character. She's found love and happiness with Police Detective husband, Anarchy Jones and maintains her enduring love story with Mr. Coffee every morning.
Tight Rope seemed to be a bit off, as far as Julie Mulhern's usual storytelling. Yes, we had a murder mystery and yes Ellison found a body and there was some comedic moments and inner dialogues that always makes me smile whenever I read one of Ms. Mulhern's books and their main characters thoughts.
The mystery gets solved, bundt cakes are baked and alls well that ends well, as it should with a cozy mystery.
So what was my problem, even as I gave it 5 stars?
-The kids are shipped off to Aunt Sis almost immediately.
-Very low number of 'moments' between Anarchy & Ellison
-Aggie, the house keeper bakes a few bundt cakes, walks the dogs and is basically AWOL
-Ellison's parents are out of town and when it comes out that Ellison has found yet another body, it's her Father that calls on the phone to scold her.
-Absolute dropped Donna storyline. Did she kill her predecessor or is she just a gold digger?
-It was easy to figure out who the killer was and fairly easy to figure out out why. No twists.
-There was a LOT of bridge.
I think the last part is what got me, even as I read the scenes it felt like filler. Per usual Ellison is playing bridge at the Country Club with her usual group: Daisy, Libba & Jinx. Some less than discreet probing by Jinx about the murders, some silly asides by Daisy about her kids and a whole lotta bridge talk. Maybe you have to love bridge to enjoy the scene, but as I said, it felt like filler.
I still gave it 5 stars, because I always feel like I'm hanging out with a friend, when Ellison is around. I have a crush on Mr. Coffee too.
I love the Country Club Murder series. It takes me back to the late 70s, with music and fashion and I love the simple midwest values and mindset of Ellison, our main character. She's found love and happiness with Police Detective husband, Anarchy Jones and maintains her enduring love story with Mr. Coffee every morning.
Tight Rope seemed to be a bit off, as far as Julie Mulhern's usual storytelling. Yes, we had a murder mystery and yes Ellison found a body and there was some comedic moments and inner dialogues that always makes me smile whenever I read one of Ms. Mulhern's books and their main characters thoughts.
The mystery gets solved, bundt cakes are baked and alls well that ends well, as it should with a cozy mystery.
So what was my problem, even as I gave it 5 stars?
-The kids are shipped off to Aunt Sis almost immediately.
-Very low number of 'moments' between Anarchy & Ellison
-Aggie, the house keeper bakes a few bundt cakes, walks the dogs and is basically AWOL
-Ellison's parents are out of town and when it comes out that Ellison has found yet another body, it's her Father that calls on the phone to scold her.
-Absolute dropped Donna storyline. Did she kill her predecessor or is she just a gold digger?
-It was easy to figure out who the killer was and fairly easy to figure out out why. No twists.
-There was a LOT of bridge.
I think the last part is what got me, even as I read the scenes it felt like filler. Per usual Ellison is playing bridge at the Country Club with her usual group: Daisy, Libba & Jinx. Some less than discreet probing by Jinx about the murders, some silly asides by Daisy about her kids and a whole lotta bridge talk. Maybe you have to love bridge to enjoy the scene, but as I said, it felt like filler.
I still gave it 5 stars, because I always feel like I'm hanging out with a friend, when Ellison is around. I have a crush on Mr. Coffee too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
The end of this felt a bit abrupt, but otherwise enjoyable as usual. Loved that . Bring on book 20!
March 31, 2025
Consequences for meddling in murder!! I dug it.
May 11, 2025
Love this series. Terrific cozy mysteries set in 1970s country club suburbs of Kansas City. The stories are comfort reads and over much too quickly.
April 15, 2025
This series is always such a good time, despite the dead bodies. Enjoyed the mob angle in this one, and also shoutout to Julie Mulhern for referencing the FFVs. It absolutely tracks that Ellison would make that reference.
March 31, 2025
Another wonderful addition to the series! Yes, the mystery was intriguing with hints of the mob moving into Kansas City which left me guessing until the very end. Where this series shines, however, is the depiction of life in the 70s and the fantastic characters that Julie Mulhern creates, both recurring and new, and their distinct and unique personalities (the engagement party was almost as good as the one where Frances gets drunk). Highly recommend this series but start at the beginning to get the most out of the relationships between the characters. Looking forward to the next.
August 27, 2025
I just got the latest in this series for my Kindle and realized I hadn’t read this one. Great addition to the series!
April 12, 2025
I laughed out loud and had an excellent time reading this.
July 5, 2025
I love each and every one of these. I wish there were 100.
March 29, 2025
Excerpt: “My father’s mother was from Texas. Her father was an oilman. She inherited his wells, then left them to Marjorie and me.” - Ellison to her husband Anarchy when he questioned whether or not she could afford the warehouse she bought in order to get the name of the potential killer from the tenant. Marjorie is Ellison’s sister.
Ellison - better known as Ellis - is an artist and a sleuth. As I quoted above, she’s an heiress to an oil fortune but she doesn’t usually touch her inheritance, rather she lives off money earned from her paintings that are true masterpieces people pay small fortunes for.
Ellis - although rich - lives fairly modestly and is kind to others and has impeccable manners. This series takes place during a time when it was imperative to act politely, stand from your chair when a lady entered the room, and always welcome people inside when they showed up at your door. And you’d better offer them a seat, a refreshment, and an appetizer tray or slice of cake.
In case you are wondering - 1975. Great year! That was a time when men opened doors for ladies and removed their hat when sitting at the dinner table, which was where families sat to eat a proper meal together. Those manners sure are difficult to find in people today. 🫤
But I digress…
Something else about Ellis besides her being the main star of this series, she is in a close relationship and shares secrets with something other than her husband. That is not to say she is a cheater. This other relationship she shares is with none other than Mr. Coffee. If you’ve read any of these 19 books, you’d understand what I’m saying. Ellis is often having full conversations with her coffee maker and “he” even replies! Funny that Mulhern makes him seem to be a full on human.
There is also the slightest sarcasm by Ellis. Some people she talks to get it, but others think she’s serious and it makes me laugh. I’m laughing at them, not with them. She never does it in a rude way though. It’s great.
I also said Ellis is a sleuth and that probably stems from her need of getting to the truth and also from constantly finding bodies. When she does stumble upon or directly over a body, no one is surprised anymore. Upon her discoveries, she begins asking questions of various people, follows leads given by those people, and ultimately finds the culprit. Her husband is a detective, so she is constantly providing information to him so he can do most of the potentially dangerous legwork. That isn’t to say she hasn’t gotten herself into some deadly situations! In this book she wound up with a weapon to her head by the killer.
Above all, Ellis always shows that she’s got class. She’s quite a lady, but she’s also got gumption.
Good stuff!
I put off reading book 18 - the previous book “Back in Black” in order to wait for this book to come out so I could read them both back to back. I wish there was another, but I guess I’ll just have to wait for Mulhern to write and release book 20 when she’s ready. I’ll be keeping an eye out for sure.
If you like Mulhern’s writing style and characters, check out her Poppy Fields Adventures series - I loved that one, as well! Book 1 of 8 in that series is “Fields’ Guide to Abduction.”
Next on my “To Read” list is a 4-book series by Summer Prescott from her Fish Camp Cozy Mysteries. Book 1 is “Lured by Murder.” Prescott is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been waiting since December for all 4 books to be released so I can read them all back to back. Book 4 was published just today, so now I can begin. Yay!
Ellison - better known as Ellis - is an artist and a sleuth. As I quoted above, she’s an heiress to an oil fortune but she doesn’t usually touch her inheritance, rather she lives off money earned from her paintings that are true masterpieces people pay small fortunes for.
Ellis - although rich - lives fairly modestly and is kind to others and has impeccable manners. This series takes place during a time when it was imperative to act politely, stand from your chair when a lady entered the room, and always welcome people inside when they showed up at your door. And you’d better offer them a seat, a refreshment, and an appetizer tray or slice of cake.
In case you are wondering - 1975. Great year! That was a time when men opened doors for ladies and removed their hat when sitting at the dinner table, which was where families sat to eat a proper meal together. Those manners sure are difficult to find in people today. 🫤
But I digress…
Something else about Ellis besides her being the main star of this series, she is in a close relationship and shares secrets with something other than her husband. That is not to say she is a cheater. This other relationship she shares is with none other than Mr. Coffee. If you’ve read any of these 19 books, you’d understand what I’m saying. Ellis is often having full conversations with her coffee maker and “he” even replies! Funny that Mulhern makes him seem to be a full on human.
There is also the slightest sarcasm by Ellis. Some people she talks to get it, but others think she’s serious and it makes me laugh. I’m laughing at them, not with them. She never does it in a rude way though. It’s great.
I also said Ellis is a sleuth and that probably stems from her need of getting to the truth and also from constantly finding bodies. When she does stumble upon or directly over a body, no one is surprised anymore. Upon her discoveries, she begins asking questions of various people, follows leads given by those people, and ultimately finds the culprit. Her husband is a detective, so she is constantly providing information to him so he can do most of the potentially dangerous legwork. That isn’t to say she hasn’t gotten herself into some deadly situations! In this book she wound up with a weapon to her head by the killer.
Above all, Ellis always shows that she’s got class. She’s quite a lady, but she’s also got gumption.
Good stuff!
I put off reading book 18 - the previous book “Back in Black” in order to wait for this book to come out so I could read them both back to back. I wish there was another, but I guess I’ll just have to wait for Mulhern to write and release book 20 when she’s ready. I’ll be keeping an eye out for sure.
If you like Mulhern’s writing style and characters, check out her Poppy Fields Adventures series - I loved that one, as well! Book 1 of 8 in that series is “Fields’ Guide to Abduction.”
Next on my “To Read” list is a 4-book series by Summer Prescott from her Fish Camp Cozy Mysteries. Book 1 is “Lured by Murder.” Prescott is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been waiting since December for all 4 books to be released so I can read them all back to back. Book 4 was published just today, so now I can begin. Yay!
November 23, 2025
This is the most fun cozy mystery series I have ever read. I might be a bit biased as the book is set in the 70's on the Plaza in KC, Missouri which I have fond memories of from being a kid in the 70's and visiting the Plaza several times each year. The landmark businesses mentioned in the stories are typically ones that I can remember and it is fun to go down memory lane with the stories. Add in the author has a freaking outstanding sense of humor that is woven into the each story and character quite delightfully. Make no mistake, serious murders and mysteries are woven in, but in a delightfully entertaining way. This series is one of my all time favorite to listen to as the narrator really brings Ellison and crew to life in a unique manner that enhances each of their personalities making them all the more realistic. I absolutely can't wait for the next book to be available on audio so I can giggle my way across Kansas City, the Plaza and the Country Club!
October 14, 2025
A dead body is found in the trunk of a car at the Country Club, in a car parked normally next to where Ellison parks - but she didn't find the body - this time! But she and her husband Anarchy are wondering if she was intended to. The body had every bit of evidence that this was a mob hit. But Baxter Phelps, mild and meek, quiet and unassuming?!? Was this a mistake? Or was he into something else? And is his wife Helen in danger? The clock is ticking for Ellison to close the books on this one.
April 2, 2025
Another great book in this series!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
Another delightful story in the lives of Ellison and Anarchy and the rest of the Country Club characters we've come to know and love. Julie Mulhern is so talented and crafts these stories so they are so vivid that you can see the Kansas City Country Club world as if you are there and she creates characters you feel you know and you fall in love with. I highly recommend this series to any one looking for an exceptional read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
Another delightful story in the lives of Ellison and Anarchy and the rest of the Country Club characters we've come to know and love. Julie Mulhern is so talented and crafts these stories so they are so vivid that you can see the Kansas City Country Club world as if you are there and she creates characters you feel you know and you fall in love with. I highly recommend this series to any one looking for an exceptional read!
May 3, 2025
Having enjoyed most of the other Country Club Murders, I can only say I found this one thin in character. There were no kids, shallow Aggie, no Mother, superficial friends and even Anarchy was lacking any personality. So Ellison now solves murders by spending an exorbitant amount of money on a building she doesn't want? A mysterious mobster to save the day? Ridiculous.
I am not sure I will read the next installment.
I am not sure I will read the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
19 books in and this series has me in choke hold still. I think I have finally caught up to Ellison’s age I may actually be older at this point.
The picture this author paints KC rich in the 70s with a sexy second husband and all the bougie bs thy goes with her station in life is great. And the mystery was great again. Not who I guessed! I can’t wait to read the next one.
The picture this author paints KC rich in the 70s with a sexy second husband and all the bougie bs thy goes with her station in life is great. And the mystery was great again. Not who I guessed! I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 10, 2025
Honestly, I wanted more mob???
August 20, 2025
Fun Entertaining and always keeps you guessing
Now that I’ve caught up I have to wait a week for book 20!!!
Now that I’ve caught up I have to wait a week for book 20!!!
July 29, 2025
These books are indeed fun to read! Again so familiar characters or like a comfort food
April 5, 2025
I like this series. It's one of my favorites. This was going to be a 5-star book until I got to the end. Where it abruptly fell flat and left some unanswered questions.
July 11, 2025
These books are never long enough for me. I’m obsessed with Ellison and her crew. I pray Julie Mulhern never stops writing books for this series. Also, the audiobook narrator is my absolute favorite!
June 1, 2025
By now, it’s no secret—Ellison is my favorite cozy mystery book character, and I love anything Julie Mulhern writes! But let me tell you…Tight Rope might just be my new favorite Country Club Murder book yet!
Just when I thought we’d run out creative places to find a dead body—poof! Another body appears in a placed I’d never have thought of. If you haven’t already read the country club murder series I highly encourage you to check them out! Each book is packed full of wit, mystery, and the most wonderful characters you ever meet!
Just when I thought we’d run out creative places to find a dead body—poof! Another body appears in a placed I’d never have thought of. If you haven’t already read the country club murder series I highly encourage you to check them out! Each book is packed full of wit, mystery, and the most wonderful characters you ever meet!
March 27, 2025
I love the Country Club Murder series by Julie Mulhern, and this was another good one. My only issues are ones I haven't had with her books before, and those were an ending that seemed very abrupt and no resolution to an interesting character (unless this character comes back in another book of course.) Besides that though the humor and story were spot on for me.
April 15, 2025
This 19th book in The Country Club Murders gets started early in the morning with a 2:15 am phone call. The result is Anarchy rushing off to a murder scene and Ellison suffering from insomnia.
Fortunately, this time Ellison wasn't the one to discover the body BUT it was found in the country club parking lot.
A dead body in the trunk of a car will make folks jump to conclusions. Could it have been a mob hit? The mob isn't going to take things for granted. They are going to put a tail on Ellison before you can say Mr. Coffee. (Does she have to talk to her Mr. Coffee SO MUCH?! One star off for that.)
While Anarchy investigates through official channels, Ellison keeps her ears open for the neighborhood gossip. And who could blame her for following up on some of those tidbits?
This series continues to take us back in time to the 1970's in Kansas City. I loved the mention of a cute third basemen getting noticed on the 1975 Royals roster. Hello, George Brett! Looking forward to the next one.
Fortunately, this time Ellison wasn't the one to discover the body BUT it was found in the country club parking lot.
A dead body in the trunk of a car will make folks jump to conclusions. Could it have been a mob hit? The mob isn't going to take things for granted. They are going to put a tail on Ellison before you can say Mr. Coffee. (Does she have to talk to her Mr. Coffee SO MUCH?! One star off for that.)
While Anarchy investigates through official channels, Ellison keeps her ears open for the neighborhood gossip. And who could blame her for following up on some of those tidbits?
This series continues to take us back in time to the 1970's in Kansas City. I loved the mention of a cute third basemen getting noticed on the 1975 Royals roster. Hello, George Brett! Looking forward to the next one.
May 25, 2025
I listened to this on Hoopla from my locale library. I enjoy Ellison, Anarchy, and the friends and family that add to the story. This is the 19th book in the Country Club Mystery series set in Kansas City.
This can be read as a standalone. Ellison does not find the body but makes inquiries in order to provide Anarchy information for his investigation. It appears to be a mob hit but the mob via scary dude Frank say they didn’t do it. Frank politely tells Ellison to have them look elsewhere. Since the mob has followed her daughter, the kids are shipped out of town until the murder is solved.
I enjoyed every twist and turn. It was nice to see Ellison had to revisit Club K. I enjoyed how Ellison forced Kathleen to spill the tea.
Cannot wait for my next visit with the Jones family and Mr. Coffee.
This can be read as a standalone. Ellison does not find the body but makes inquiries in order to provide Anarchy information for his investigation. It appears to be a mob hit but the mob via scary dude Frank say they didn’t do it. Frank politely tells Ellison to have them look elsewhere. Since the mob has followed her daughter, the kids are shipped out of town until the murder is solved.
I enjoyed every twist and turn. It was nice to see Ellison had to revisit Club K. I enjoyed how Ellison forced Kathleen to spill the tea.
Cannot wait for my next visit with the Jones family and Mr. Coffee.
June 23, 2025
Reading about all of Ellison’s family and friends is always a treat. In this story, a member of the country club is found dead in his trunk in the parking lot. Could it have been a mafia hit? Baxter didn’t do anything at work that would involve them, or did he? Anarchy is called in to investigate. And as usual Ellison uses her connections to see what she can find out. But she seems to be followed by a scary stranger. If it is the Mafia, her family might be in danger. There’s a few plot twists and not always who you think it is. Also a few chuckles along with some ‘Oh My Goodness’ moments along the way. Having lived through the 70’s this series brings back a lot of memories. I always look forward to what’s coming next. I’m betting you will too.
April 24, 2025
This Story Is Great Like The Others
When a new Country Club murder story comes out, I can hardly wait to binge read it! I love them all! I love Ellison and her Mr Coffee. I love her detective husband Anarchy and how much he loves her and respects the kids. I love her friends, especially Libba, who has her own issues. I love how Ellison is in the middle of every impossible situation and still lives and loves. I also love how you can't figure out who the murderer actually is. Throw in a mobster hit man for humor, and one has yet another great story by this author in this series.
When a new Country Club murder story comes out, I can hardly wait to binge read it! I love them all! I love Ellison and her Mr Coffee. I love her detective husband Anarchy and how much he loves her and respects the kids. I love her friends, especially Libba, who has her own issues. I love how Ellison is in the middle of every impossible situation and still lives and loves. I also love how you can't figure out who the murderer actually is. Throw in a mobster hit man for humor, and one has yet another great story by this author in this series.
March 27, 2025
I loved Tight Rope, the 19th book in Julie Mulhern's The Country Club Murder Books. This one upholds Ms. Mulhern's reputation for giving us a wonderful tale that is hilarious but also shares real life concerns of the 1970's that touch us today. As always, the historic touches as well as the wonderful characters, even Mr. Coffee, bring the book to life. When Anarchy is assigned to investigate the murder of one of the country club set, Ellison immediately begins asking questions of her circle and beyond, but this time the mob may be involved! From a return visit to a sex club to an engagement party wrestling match to a surprise rescue, Ms. Mulhern keeps us involved and entertained.
May 4, 2025
Julie Mulhern's books are my reward for hard work. However, in this case, it was my vacation book.
I love her characters--both the good and the bad ones.
I enjoy her 70s references. Her research is spot on.
In this latest book in The Country Club Murders series, Ellison and Anarchy are growing as a married couple and as parents. (Just once, though, I'd like to see Ellison with spinach in her teeth or Anarchy belching like the rest of us from time to time).
Ms. Mulhern has become one of my favorite writers. I eagerly await the next book in this series.
I love her characters--both the good and the bad ones.
I enjoy her 70s references. Her research is spot on.
In this latest book in The Country Club Murders series, Ellison and Anarchy are growing as a married couple and as parents. (Just once, though, I'd like to see Ellison with spinach in her teeth or Anarchy belching like the rest of us from time to time).
Ms. Mulhern has become one of my favorite writers. I eagerly await the next book in this series.
May 6, 2025
I like this world so much, and the plots are still interesting, and these books are still such a good time. That disaster of a party is hilarious to read, Donna’s a great character, and the mob is a creative wrinkle.
But the typos - the typos are out of control. “Especially now that their threatening my family” - “by the time the receptionist… lead me to his office” - “she’s loves him” - and what on earth is a “faunching fit”, and does it need to be mentioned twice? Could these be a self-published thing? Note to authors: you still need an editor! Really!
But the typos - the typos are out of control. “Especially now that their threatening my family” - “by the time the receptionist… lead me to his office” - “she’s loves him” - and what on earth is a “faunching fit”, and does it need to be mentioned twice? Could these be a self-published thing? Note to authors: you still need an editor! Really!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews