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The Country Club Murders #17
Killing Me Softly
Ellison Russell Jones's best friend Libba has a questionable track record when it comes to men. But finally—finally—she's selected a good one.
Charlie Ardmore hales from a fine family, plays a mean game of golf, and is a cardiologist.
Even Mother approves.
But when Charlie's patients start dying, the whispers begin. Is Charlie a killer?
Could Harrington Walford, Ellison's beloved father and one of Charlie's patients, be the next to die?
Can Ellison stop a killer in time?
Charlie Ardmore hales from a fine family, plays a mean game of golf, and is a cardiologist.
Even Mother approves.
But when Charlie's patients start dying, the whispers begin. Is Charlie a killer?
Could Harrington Walford, Ellison's beloved father and one of Charlie's patients, be the next to die?
Can Ellison stop a killer in time?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2023
125 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
41 books1,661 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 150 reviews
December 28, 2023
I am SO happy that I found this series this year, it was one of the joys of my reading journey. Excellent character development for Libba and the new family dynamics with Ellison, Anarchy, Grace, and Beau made my heart happy. Cannot wait to see what is next for this family of murder adjacents.
January 7, 2024
This is one of my favourite cosy murder series – and this book is just as good as the previous sixteen have been. For once, Ellison is not directly stumbling over fresh corpses, though a hysterical neighbour does drag her into her house to help with her husband who as had a heart attack – and of course, is subsequently discovered to be dead.
There appear to be a number of fatal heart attacks in the area – all middle-aged males. Not normally a cause for concern – but all had the same doctor (Libba’s squeeze, Charlie), and all had been thought to have their heart conditions under control.
We know it can’t be Charlie killing his patients – because he loves Libba and dogs (specifically Ellison’s Max, and the furry disaster-area that is Pansy) and is Ellison’s favourite neighbour, going out with her best friend. So, who is trying to destroy his reputation, and why?
On the less criminal side – Ellison and Anarchy have taken in local waif, Beau, and are considering making the addition to their household permanent. As you might expect, Frances Walford is not happy.
There are a number of suspects – and of course the obligatory twist.
Highly recommended
There appear to be a number of fatal heart attacks in the area – all middle-aged males. Not normally a cause for concern – but all had the same doctor (Libba’s squeeze, Charlie), and all had been thought to have their heart conditions under control.
We know it can’t be Charlie killing his patients – because he loves Libba and dogs (specifically Ellison’s Max, and the furry disaster-area that is Pansy) and is Ellison’s favourite neighbour, going out with her best friend. So, who is trying to destroy his reputation, and why?
On the less criminal side – Ellison and Anarchy have taken in local waif, Beau, and are considering making the addition to their household permanent. As you might expect, Frances Walford is not happy.
There are a number of suspects – and of course the obligatory twist.
Highly recommended
January 11, 2024
It’s always fun to spend time with Ellison et al.
June 19, 2024
Well, now what am I supposed to do?
Generally a lot to like about this one. So much good family stuff here. Still feeling the fact that these have gotten shorter, but I can't wait for the next one.
Generally a lot to like about this one. So much good family stuff here. Still feeling the fact that these have gotten shorter, but I can't wait for the next one.
January 4, 2024
There was some truly great character work in this - I'm not sure this book will be overly memorable, but this whole series continues to have a truly high average.
December 26, 2023
In the beginning of the series, I was here for the 1970s fashion, decor, food, lifestyle. But here we are, 17 books in and now I am invested in the people. Not just Ellison and Anarchy, but Grace, and Francis, and even Libba. And when one (or more) of them is in danger, the pages can't move fast enough to give you relief that they'll be fine.
As far as the dead bodies go, this installment offered us a pretty clean batch of them.
And as always, I am ready for the next book!
As far as the dead bodies go, this installment offered us a pretty clean batch of them.
And as always, I am ready for the next book!
April 10, 2024
I devoured the latest installment of the Country Club Murders, and now I’m sad it’s over. This is by far my favorite cozy series. I adore Ellison and her family, even her cantankerous, hoity toity mother who always seems to step up when it’s needed most. Beau and Finn (forgive spelling errors, as I listen to audio versions) are the sweetest additions to the series yet, and I love the changing family dynamics. I figured out the whodunit early and anticipated some of the twists, but that did not detract from my enjoyment. I find the most pleasure in the character growth—main characters and the supporting cast—because that’s what prevents a series from becoming stagnant for me. Mysteries in real life tend to be less complicated than ones in stories. The likeliest suspect in real life is usually the culprit, but none of us turn to cozy mysteries for realism. That being said, Julie Mulhern strikes the best balance between realism and escapism. She strikes on the social pressures and injustices inflicted upon women, and though much has improved since the late 1970s, there’s still a long way to climb to reach the top of the hill. The same can be said about the prejudices and class wars depicted through her fictional characters’ experiences. I hope this series continues for a long time to come.
December 26, 2023
Another exceptional book in this series. Each book gets better and better. Julie Mulhern is a truly talented author that takes you to a different time and place and entertains you with a vivid tale filled with lovable characters.
January 5, 2024
My favorite cozy mystery series
Yet another amazing addition to this fantastic series. I recommend to EVERYONE!
I can't really for the next one. This is the only series I pre-order!
Yet another amazing addition to this fantastic series. I recommend to EVERYONE!
I can't really for the next one. This is the only series I pre-order!
December 27, 2023
I don't know how this series has just continued to get stronger, but it has.
A lot of times in long running series I find the characters become caricatures of themselves, not the case here. Yes, there are some individuals (Libba, etc.) with outlandish personalities but they find added depths as things move along instead of becoming more outlandish. It's that depth that really enamored me in this installment. There were lots of moments and details that just made me smile and feel a little emotional about this group of characters—Ellison & Anarchy in particular, but also Grace and Beau, Libba, even Hunter Tafft!
The case itself was interesting if a little too easy to figure out. And I really could have done without the subplot, but still an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. 4.5 stars.
(Also, the beginning with Mother rating funerals? Divine.)
A lot of times in long running series I find the characters become caricatures of themselves, not the case here. Yes, there are some individuals (Libba, etc.) with outlandish personalities but they find added depths as things move along instead of becoming more outlandish. It's that depth that really enamored me in this installment. There were lots of moments and details that just made me smile and feel a little emotional about this group of characters—Ellison & Anarchy in particular, but also Grace and Beau, Libba, even Hunter Tafft!
The case itself was interesting if a little too easy to figure out. And I really could have done without the subplot, but still an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. 4.5 stars.
(Also, the beginning with Mother rating funerals? Divine.)
January 4, 2024
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Ellison Russell Jones’ bestie Libba has incredibly terrible taste in men. In most of the books in this series, Libba falls for men who are unsuitable, unavailable and sometimes criminal. But finally, finally Libba has settled on a decent man, Charlie Ardmore, a kind-hearted doctor returned to Kansas City after a divorce. Or has she?
When Ardmore’s patients begin to drop like flies, Ellison, a wealthy socialite turned artist, agrees to find out what’s really happening. Clever and funny, author Julie Mulhern makes sure that the 17th novel in this clever and funny series meets her usual five-star standard. Highly recommended.
When Ardmore’s patients begin to drop like flies, Ellison, a wealthy socialite turned artist, agrees to find out what’s really happening. Clever and funny, author Julie Mulhern makes sure that the 17th novel in this clever and funny series meets her usual five-star standard. Highly recommended.
January 18, 2024
I love the characters in this series, and each book feels like a great visit with friends. Julie Mulhern has a terrific story with "Killing Me Softly" and I was completely activated from the first page. There is so much I could say, but I fear if I start, this would be full of spoilers.
Read the entire series, read this book! Each book comes to life and Ellison and Anarchy still manage to uncover every mystery!
Read the entire series, read this book! Each book comes to life and Ellison and Anarchy still manage to uncover every mystery!
June 2, 2024
This series is an absolute must listen for me as the narration really brings the characters, actions, time period and humor fully to life! Seriously, if you haven't ever listened to an audiobook, start with book one and read your way through as this series will have you laughing out loud and giggling all the way through. This book is no exception! Someone is killing Ellison's friend Charlie's patients leaving Ellison and Anarchy on the hunt for a killer as fast as they can before more men die and Charlie's career is in shambles. So many different storylines are being woven through to make one outstandingly delightful read or listen if you love a great audiobook!
December 27, 2023
Loved it!
Such a great series! Murders, close calls and multiple motives abound in this latest addition to the series! As usual Ellison and family and friends are right in the midst of things. Excellent read!
Such a great series! Murders, close calls and multiple motives abound in this latest addition to the series! As usual Ellison and family and friends are right in the midst of things. Excellent read!
December 27, 2023
The cast of characters and their interactions are continuing to grow. The depth in these stories will draw you in and keep you reading. This one took a little different tact on who was in trouble adding to the suspense.
As with the others in this series, the mystery was solid and well thought out. While I guess who (and why) very early on, the twists and turns were enough to have me at least consider that I might be wrong.
As with the others in this series, the mystery was solid and well thought out. While I guess who (and why) very early on, the twists and turns were enough to have me at least consider that I might be wrong.
March 13, 2024
Great read! As always! Love these books!
April 23, 2024
Love this cozy mystery series set in the 1970s in country club community near Kansas City. The characters are a bit wacky and humorous. The plot is not difficult to follow and the endings are easy to figure out. The story moves along at a good pace. Clean read.
August 6, 2024
Love this series.
If I had to do the 70s over again, I'd want to do it in this neighborhood. Each mystery gets better and better. Can't wait for the next installment!
If I had to do the 70s over again, I'd want to do it in this neighborhood. Each mystery gets better and better. Can't wait for the next installment!
October 17, 2024
4.5 stars. Another terrific cozy mystery in this wonderful series.
March 11, 2025
100 stars and a happy heart!
April 22, 2025
my escape during this stressful time.
September 18, 2025
Back to this series. A good Cosy mystery and it was good to see the characters growing. The addition of Beau is great and heartwarming.
December 28, 2023
Loved it
One problem, I read it to fast and now I need to wait for the next one. This one was great, as usual. I love the new little boy. All in all, one of the best.
One problem, I read it to fast and now I need to wait for the next one. This one was great, as usual. I love the new little boy. All in all, one of the best.
April 14, 2024
17 books later and I still adore this series! The characters' growth and evolution of their relationships have been the true highlight.
I really like how the last couple of books have felt like we're entering a new phase of the series with Ellison & Anarchy's relationship, But it's still very much staying true to its cozy, quirky, kinda over the top, mystery series.
I'm sad I've caught up but can't wait to keep reading!
I really like how the last couple of books have felt like we're entering a new phase of the series with Ellison & Anarchy's relationship, But it's still very much staying true to its cozy, quirky, kinda over the top, mystery series.
I'm sad I've caught up but can't wait to keep reading!
April 4, 2024
3.5. This is a perfectly enjoyable cozy mystery, but it wasn’t as fun as some of the earlier books.
October 14, 2024
As always, so much fun. Please write another one soon!
February 5, 2024
I loved this book!!! Well, I actually love the entire series. I’m currently on the edge of my seat for the next book, Back in Black. I find that Julie Mulhern is able to do something that feels cozy mysteries are able to do — give the characters their own, distinctive voices. I can easily tell who is Ellison, Anarchy, Mom, etc. Honestly the best cozy mystery series around I’d say.
December 31, 2023
just keeps getting better!
Love this series, the family interactions and things they come across and are handled. My favorite series that I hope continues for a long time to come ☺️
Love this series, the family interactions and things they come across and are handled. My favorite series that I hope continues for a long time to come ☺️
January 21, 2024
YESSSS!!!! Another ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ ⭐️
I so much look forward to a new Mulhern book’s release! I have only read two of her series’ - Country Club Murders and Poppy Fields Adventures. Every single book = amazingly well written. Has she written anything else? I must check immediately….. ok, I found a two book series. Series is called Haunting Desire and the two books are “Bayou Moon” and “Bayou Nights”. What? That’s it? Sigh 😔 Funny thing is that in August 2022 I read Bayou Nights. I’d forgotten, but luckily I left a review and that made me remember what it was about. My review is on GoodReads if you’d like to check it out.
Here’s the link for the list of all of Mulhern’s books https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/ju...
So anyway, to my review of “Killing My Softly”, I’ll lead with a possible spoiler (skip the next sentence if you don’t want a clue of what’s included within the pages)…
Oh dear. Right theory, wrong doctor.
Ellison is funny and a bit snarky. She’s got a dry sense of humor and a love of her coffee maker. She is also loving and tolerant of others who are otherwise pains in the keister (primarily of Frances). I don’t understand how she holds her tongue so often, but I suppose the 1970’s were a different time. Parents still believed in the “Children should be seen and not heard” mentality.
Anarchy? No, that is not the type I’m talking about. Anarchy is Ellison’s husband. He’s a detective and very hot. Yowza! He’s extremely supportive of Ellison even when she develops crazy ideas like how she first believes Olivia is responsible for at least 2 murders.
Grace. Ellison’s 16 year old daughter. Swim champion and professional eye roller extraordinaire. She’s sassy, but she truly helps Beau first come out of his shell which turns out to be priceless.
Beau. Beau is 12 and I believe it was the previous book that his mother was murdered in. Beau now lives with Ellis, Anarchy, and Grace and the hope of the three is that Beau will live with them forever, but not if Frances has anything to do with it. Frances believes Beau should move in with his blood related family and not take up an extra bedroom in Ellis’s house.
Frances. Ellison’s mother. Terrifying. Local Hospital Board Director. All she has to do is look at you in a certain way and you’ll be shaking in your boots. She definitely has a lot of pull and until recently she scared the poo out of Ellison. Ellis is now stronger - the presence of Anarchy helped her with that - than she used to be.
Libba. Ellison’s best friend and the two couldn’t be more opposite. Libba is loud, wears revealing clothing, speaks her mind and doesn’t mince words, is promiscuous, doesn’t take crap from anyone, and always has her bf’s back. Wild and free. However, this read shows that she can also settle down and accept love from another person. That doesn’t make her less fun though!
Now that we’ve met the main characters (there are several more that play pretty major rolls, but I’m sticking with the top 6… make that 7.
Max. I can’t forget to mention Max. He’s Ellis’s Weimaraner. He does something really amazing, so he deserves an honorable mention. ♥️ 🐕
And Mr. Coffee! Ellis’ lifeline and confidante. In this book I discovered a few things about “him” while Ellis answers Beau’s question, “Who were you talking to?” In the previous books in this series we learn that Ellis relies on coffee. She loves it and she loves her coffee maker. She talks to it! It helps her work through problems. It always knows what to say. Lol.
Three men that are patients of the doctor Charlie Ardmore - Libba’s boyfriend - have been admitted to the hospital with heart troubles. Well, two died, actually, so people in town have begun to talk… no, whisper (worse than talking when gossip is involved). People in town have begun to whisper about the common denominator in the patients problems. It isn’t said outright, but the question on everyone’s lips is, “Is Charlie killing off his patients?” The suspicion is justified, but everyone knows the deaths are due to the patients simply having preexisting heart problems. Right?
Well, you’ll need to read to find out.
There was a particular part in this book that made me cry and have snot dripping. No, not because it was sad. It’s because it was so sweet and touched my heart.
This book was just great all around and I enjoyed every moment of it. I wish there was another following it, but I guess I’ll have to wait until Mulhern writes another.
In the meantime, I’ll impatiently wait.
My next book I’ll begin reading tonight is: Masters of Hex (A Supernatural Speakeasy Cozy Mystery Book 13) by Lily Harper Hart. I’ll see what Ofelia the witch is up to now. I need some magic! 🪄 🧙♀️ 😆
I so much look forward to a new Mulhern book’s release! I have only read two of her series’ - Country Club Murders and Poppy Fields Adventures. Every single book = amazingly well written. Has she written anything else? I must check immediately….. ok, I found a two book series. Series is called Haunting Desire and the two books are “Bayou Moon” and “Bayou Nights”. What? That’s it? Sigh 😔 Funny thing is that in August 2022 I read Bayou Nights. I’d forgotten, but luckily I left a review and that made me remember what it was about. My review is on GoodReads if you’d like to check it out.
Here’s the link for the list of all of Mulhern’s books https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/ju...
So anyway, to my review of “Killing My Softly”, I’ll lead with a possible spoiler (skip the next sentence if you don’t want a clue of what’s included within the pages)…
Oh dear. Right theory, wrong doctor.
Ellison is funny and a bit snarky. She’s got a dry sense of humor and a love of her coffee maker. She is also loving and tolerant of others who are otherwise pains in the keister (primarily of Frances). I don’t understand how she holds her tongue so often, but I suppose the 1970’s were a different time. Parents still believed in the “Children should be seen and not heard” mentality.
Anarchy? No, that is not the type I’m talking about. Anarchy is Ellison’s husband. He’s a detective and very hot. Yowza! He’s extremely supportive of Ellison even when she develops crazy ideas like how she first believes Olivia is responsible for at least 2 murders.
Grace. Ellison’s 16 year old daughter. Swim champion and professional eye roller extraordinaire. She’s sassy, but she truly helps Beau first come out of his shell which turns out to be priceless.
Beau. Beau is 12 and I believe it was the previous book that his mother was murdered in. Beau now lives with Ellis, Anarchy, and Grace and the hope of the three is that Beau will live with them forever, but not if Frances has anything to do with it. Frances believes Beau should move in with his blood related family and not take up an extra bedroom in Ellis’s house.
Frances. Ellison’s mother. Terrifying. Local Hospital Board Director. All she has to do is look at you in a certain way and you’ll be shaking in your boots. She definitely has a lot of pull and until recently she scared the poo out of Ellison. Ellis is now stronger - the presence of Anarchy helped her with that - than she used to be.
Libba. Ellison’s best friend and the two couldn’t be more opposite. Libba is loud, wears revealing clothing, speaks her mind and doesn’t mince words, is promiscuous, doesn’t take crap from anyone, and always has her bf’s back. Wild and free. However, this read shows that she can also settle down and accept love from another person. That doesn’t make her less fun though!
Now that we’ve met the main characters (there are several more that play pretty major rolls, but I’m sticking with the top 6… make that 7.
Max. I can’t forget to mention Max. He’s Ellis’s Weimaraner. He does something really amazing, so he deserves an honorable mention. ♥️ 🐕
And Mr. Coffee! Ellis’ lifeline and confidante. In this book I discovered a few things about “him” while Ellis answers Beau’s question, “Who were you talking to?” In the previous books in this series we learn that Ellis relies on coffee. She loves it and she loves her coffee maker. She talks to it! It helps her work through problems. It always knows what to say. Lol.
Three men that are patients of the doctor Charlie Ardmore - Libba’s boyfriend - have been admitted to the hospital with heart troubles. Well, two died, actually, so people in town have begun to talk… no, whisper (worse than talking when gossip is involved). People in town have begun to whisper about the common denominator in the patients problems. It isn’t said outright, but the question on everyone’s lips is, “Is Charlie killing off his patients?” The suspicion is justified, but everyone knows the deaths are due to the patients simply having preexisting heart problems. Right?
Well, you’ll need to read to find out.
There was a particular part in this book that made me cry and have snot dripping. No, not because it was sad. It’s because it was so sweet and touched my heart.
This book was just great all around and I enjoyed every moment of it. I wish there was another following it, but I guess I’ll have to wait until Mulhern writes another.
In the meantime, I’ll impatiently wait.
My next book I’ll begin reading tonight is: Masters of Hex (A Supernatural Speakeasy Cozy Mystery Book 13) by Lily Harper Hart. I’ll see what Ofelia the witch is up to now. I need some magic! 🪄 🧙♀️ 😆
December 27, 2023
“Killing Me Softly” is another page turner
Julie Mulhern has created another winner with “Killing Me Softly”. Of course there are more bodies but who is behind these deaths? As usual there are several potential culprits but people are starting to whisper that Libba’s doctor boyfriend is responsible. Ellison and Anarchy don’t believe those whispers and set out to solve this mystery. But can they solve this before there are more deaths, especially if one could be Ellison’s beloved father, Harrington.
While trying to find out the “who done it”, they are also trying to care for a broken hearted little boy.
As usual my biggest problem with finishing one of Julie’s books is knowing I have to wait too long for the next one. Thanks, Julie, I really enjoyed “Killing Me Softly”.
You can read this as a stand alone but you will miss so many good reads if you skip the previous books. In addition to Julie’s humor, you will also miss out on the development of Julie’s terrific characters. ♥️📚
Julie Mulhern has created another winner with “Killing Me Softly”. Of course there are more bodies but who is behind these deaths? As usual there are several potential culprits but people are starting to whisper that Libba’s doctor boyfriend is responsible. Ellison and Anarchy don’t believe those whispers and set out to solve this mystery. But can they solve this before there are more deaths, especially if one could be Ellison’s beloved father, Harrington.
While trying to find out the “who done it”, they are also trying to care for a broken hearted little boy.
As usual my biggest problem with finishing one of Julie’s books is knowing I have to wait too long for the next one. Thanks, Julie, I really enjoyed “Killing Me Softly”.
You can read this as a stand alone but you will miss so many good reads if you skip the previous books. In addition to Julie’s humor, you will also miss out on the development of Julie’s terrific characters. ♥️📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews