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A Murder in Eight Cocktails
'As fun as murder gets!' Stacey Halls
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect. . . murder.
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
_____________
PRAISE FOR KELLY MULLEN . . .
'I adored this deliciously twisty and wickedly sharp murder mystery' Lucy Clarke
'Agatha Christie brought bang up to date' Clare Mackintosh
'A thriller with a twist!' Cosmopolitan
'Slick and witty' Daily Mail
'Entertaining from start to finish' Jennie Godfrey
'A stunning read. So gripping and atmospheric, I barely made it out alive' Steve Jones
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect. . . murder.
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
_____________
PRAISE FOR KELLY MULLEN . . .
'I adored this deliciously twisty and wickedly sharp murder mystery' Lucy Clarke
'Agatha Christie brought bang up to date' Clare Mackintosh
'A thriller with a twist!' Cosmopolitan
'Slick and witty' Daily Mail
'Entertaining from start to finish' Jennie Godfrey
'A stunning read. So gripping and atmospheric, I barely made it out alive' Steve Jones
Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Kelly Mullen
2 books191 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page! I’m an author of contemporary murder mysteries inspired by the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
Say hello at:
Instagram @kellymullenauthor
LinkedIn @kellymullenauthor
Say hello at:
Instagram @kellymullenauthor
LinkedIn @kellymullenauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having read, and enjoyed, Mullen's previous book, This is Not a Game, I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, it didn't grab me in quite the same way, but I think that was down to our female protagonist, Willa, rather than the actual story itself. 🍸
Willa is something of a cocktail influencer, hosting a YouTube channel called Sips and Whispers. A Murder in Eight Cocktails is told from Willa's POV. 🍸
The premise goes something like this: Willa is invited to the opening of a chic new cocktail bar in Carmel, the idea being she will film content for Sips and Whispers to promote said cocktail bar. Unfortunately, before the event has come to an end, the owner falls from the balcony of the top floor, crashing onto the rocks below. The police rule it a suicide, but Willa is convinced he was murdered. You can see where I'm going with this, can't you? Amateur sleuths anyone? 🍸
Now the story itself is enjoyable, plenty of twists and turns and a few wtf moments. Willa however, just annoyed me, and at one point I was hoping someone would murder her. I felt sorry for Marty, her husband of 25 years, who was clearly out of his depth with Willa's escapades. 😣
Thankfully the other characters, even the dubious ones, were likeable. Noodles the dog, and Orson the chameleon, were my personal favourites. 🐕🦎
What saved this from being a three star book was the inclusion of cocktail recipes, and a recipe for Pecan Pie that I just have to try out. 🍸
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the ARC.
Willa is something of a cocktail influencer, hosting a YouTube channel called Sips and Whispers. A Murder in Eight Cocktails is told from Willa's POV. 🍸
The premise goes something like this: Willa is invited to the opening of a chic new cocktail bar in Carmel, the idea being she will film content for Sips and Whispers to promote said cocktail bar. Unfortunately, before the event has come to an end, the owner falls from the balcony of the top floor, crashing onto the rocks below. The police rule it a suicide, but Willa is convinced he was murdered. You can see where I'm going with this, can't you? Amateur sleuths anyone? 🍸
Now the story itself is enjoyable, plenty of twists and turns and a few wtf moments. Willa however, just annoyed me, and at one point I was hoping someone would murder her. I felt sorry for Marty, her husband of 25 years, who was clearly out of his depth with Willa's escapades. 😣
Thankfully the other characters, even the dubious ones, were likeable. Noodles the dog, and Orson the chameleon, were my personal favourites. 🐕🦎
What saved this from being a three star book was the inclusion of cocktail recipes, and a recipe for Pecan Pie that I just have to try out. 🍸
Thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the ARC.
April 15, 2026
Before the actual review I just want to thank Kelly and her publisher for sending me an ARC copy of her brand new book that will be published in March this year! After reading “This Is Not a Game” in 2025 I absolutely fell in love with the way Kelly writes, the book was one of my favourites of last year! SO I’m super excited to start the year off with a bang!
Max Magunssen reminded me a little bit like Willy Wonka… Just with alcohol and not chocolate… as well as less murder 😅.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the dynamic between the 3 main characters, 1 being the wife, Willa (who’s POV we follow) her husband, Marty and then her ex husband, Paul. But I loved it! I absolutely love Kelly’s character writing. So many fun, quirky, annoying and evil characters. My opinions on them were changing all the time 😂.
I really enjoyed the main story it was a really fun setting with some delicious sounding cocktails that I’d absolutely need to try! (Kelly has actually put the recipes in this book). I loved how visual some of the scenes were, I felt like I was actually at the event with them, sipping away, enjoying a cocktail. The story is far much more than just this cocktail party. So much love, betrayal, drama, jealousy and just a little bit of murder. With a dash of some very funny moments. There are some twists that I did not see coming at all! I was so sure I figured out who the killer was… But nope! I’m really looking forward to hopefully more stories with these characters. I loved how everything came together nicely and ended really well.
Kelly is one of my favourite authors so this was an absolute privilege to read this one early. I’ll be locked in and seated for whatever books she writes!
When Willa a cocktail influencer on social media gets invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes that it can rekindle her and her husband flame. But arranging at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it's being hosted by her ex-husband Paul... The night is thrown deeper into chaos when Max is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests that there's no foul play. But Willa is not too sure, can she, Marty and Paul work together before the killer strikes again?
Book Title: A Murder in Eight Cocktails
Author: @kellymullenauthor
Pages: 372
Rating: 🍸🍸🍸🍸.25
Started: 1st January
Finished: 4th January
Max Magunssen reminded me a little bit like Willy Wonka… Just with alcohol and not chocolate… as well as less murder 😅.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the dynamic between the 3 main characters, 1 being the wife, Willa (who’s POV we follow) her husband, Marty and then her ex husband, Paul. But I loved it! I absolutely love Kelly’s character writing. So many fun, quirky, annoying and evil characters. My opinions on them were changing all the time 😂.
I really enjoyed the main story it was a really fun setting with some delicious sounding cocktails that I’d absolutely need to try! (Kelly has actually put the recipes in this book). I loved how visual some of the scenes were, I felt like I was actually at the event with them, sipping away, enjoying a cocktail. The story is far much more than just this cocktail party. So much love, betrayal, drama, jealousy and just a little bit of murder. With a dash of some very funny moments. There are some twists that I did not see coming at all! I was so sure I figured out who the killer was… But nope! I’m really looking forward to hopefully more stories with these characters. I loved how everything came together nicely and ended really well.
Kelly is one of my favourite authors so this was an absolute privilege to read this one early. I’ll be locked in and seated for whatever books she writes!
When Willa a cocktail influencer on social media gets invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes that it can rekindle her and her husband flame. But arranging at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it's being hosted by her ex-husband Paul... The night is thrown deeper into chaos when Max is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests that there's no foul play. But Willa is not too sure, can she, Marty and Paul work together before the killer strikes again?
Book Title: A Murder in Eight Cocktails
Author: @kellymullenauthor
Pages: 372
Rating: 🍸🍸🍸🍸.25
Started: 1st January
Finished: 4th January
June 8, 2026
Kelly Mullen smashes it again! This book is giving:
🏝️ The most gorgeous idyllic setting in Carmel-by-the-sea
💞 Warm humour
🫰 Sharp, clever dialogue and plot
🥰 An underlying relationship story that stole my heart and felt very relatable
It’s a twisty Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit brought into the 21st century.
Kelly’s characters are SO well-written and real. I loved Willa and her relationship with Marty. It was as central to me as the murder mystery - at 55, she has retired at the same time as Marty, thinking this is the start of a new adventure. Where he’s ready to relax and do his bird watching, she feels her career never really hit its peak, and needs more spontaneity and excitement.
The unexpected arrival of her ex-husband Paul, and her insistence on solving what really happened to Max, forces the couple to address how they really feel about the second half of their lives, and each other.
I found it so moving!
And I adored the uniqueness of the themed cocktail recipes, and the ASMR angle to Willa’s videos, how everything is centred around small sounds and the feelings they evoke. It was really original and fun!
Of course the most important thing is I couldn’t figure out whodunnit and it was a good surprise at the end! And a really touching ending too!
🏝️ The most gorgeous idyllic setting in Carmel-by-the-sea
💞 Warm humour
🫰 Sharp, clever dialogue and plot
🥰 An underlying relationship story that stole my heart and felt very relatable
It’s a twisty Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit brought into the 21st century.
Kelly’s characters are SO well-written and real. I loved Willa and her relationship with Marty. It was as central to me as the murder mystery - at 55, she has retired at the same time as Marty, thinking this is the start of a new adventure. Where he’s ready to relax and do his bird watching, she feels her career never really hit its peak, and needs more spontaneity and excitement.
The unexpected arrival of her ex-husband Paul, and her insistence on solving what really happened to Max, forces the couple to address how they really feel about the second half of their lives, and each other.
I found it so moving!
And I adored the uniqueness of the themed cocktail recipes, and the ASMR angle to Willa’s videos, how everything is centred around small sounds and the feelings they evoke. It was really original and fun!
Of course the most important thing is I couldn’t figure out whodunnit and it was a good surprise at the end! And a really touching ending too!
May 30, 2026
1.5⭐️ There’s 6 hours I’ll never get back.
May 1, 2026
I received a copy of this book for a honest review from NetGalley. The following opinion is formed of my own opinions, and hasn't been influenced by the author, the publisher or by NetGalley.
This book proved to be one that I wanted to like more than I did. I enjoy novels where the main character takes on the role of being an investigator of a band of people (some old friends, some newly acquired, ones that the MC has issues with) gathering together to figure out the problem, near death-experiences (though not too scary) and a new found strength the MC finds with the ending. I thought, picking up this book, that I'd find a story that I may already know, but I would still enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, I didn't get that with this book. While I liked how many of the drinks mentioned, especially the ones that were created by characters in the story, had a 'How To' included, it wasn't enough to hold my attention. Despite the intricacies weaved by the author in the crime, I found myself skipping. It meant that by the end, I didn't really care why the crimes had happened, or, how. I couldn't help but feel that it was too convoluted.
I'm not sure if I would read any further books by this author. I loved their first one (This Is Not A Game), but it's a real pity that their second turned me from a reader who would buy anything the author published, to waiting for reviews to come out.
This book proved to be one that I wanted to like more than I did. I enjoy novels where the main character takes on the role of being an investigator of a band of people (some old friends, some newly acquired, ones that the MC has issues with) gathering together to figure out the problem, near death-experiences (though not too scary) and a new found strength the MC finds with the ending. I thought, picking up this book, that I'd find a story that I may already know, but I would still enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, I didn't get that with this book. While I liked how many of the drinks mentioned, especially the ones that were created by characters in the story, had a 'How To' included, it wasn't enough to hold my attention. Despite the intricacies weaved by the author in the crime, I found myself skipping. It meant that by the end, I didn't really care why the crimes had happened, or, how. I couldn't help but feel that it was too convoluted.
I'm not sure if I would read any further books by this author. I loved their first one (This Is Not A Game), but it's a real pity that their second turned me from a reader who would buy anything the author published, to waiting for reviews to come out.
March 26, 2026
4.25⭐️
Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed A Murder in Eight Cocktails! I honestly figured I would, since I loved Kelly Mullen’s previous book (This is Not a Game) as well.
I think Kelly has a fantastic way with writing quirky characters. Willa is an interesting and plucky 50-something woman, and I loved seeing her interactions with some of the other characters, namely her husband Marty and ex-husband Paul. Those three created a really fun dynamic, especially with Marty’s general disgruntled vibes, which by the way, I very much relate to. 😂 Kelly sprinkles some incredible humor throughout the book that really had me laughing, and I think that seems to be a hallmark of her writing.
Willa’s book club turns into a squad of amateur sleuths, much to Marty’s initial dismay. Their meetings in Willa’s ASMR studio, their evidence gathering and witness interrogation…all of it was seriously so fun. I would say this book really is the definition of a cozy mystery. The setting and character interactions really sold it as cozy for me, and I had the warm fuzzies every time I picked it up.
I also want to take a moment to mention how much I enjoyed the cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the book (and the one dessert recipe at the end). I think it’s just such a fun way to bring some immersion to the reader. Plus, now I have a novel and cocktail recipe book all in one!
Overall, I definitely recommend A Murder in Eight Cocktails as well as Kelly Mullen’s first book, This is Not a Game to those cozy mystery lovers out there. The style of writing in both of these books is super entertaining, so I think you’ll have a great time with either (or both) of them like I did.
Thank you so, so much to Kelly Mullen for arranging for an early review copy to be sent to me, and thank you to Century Books UK for sending it! All opinions are my own.
Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed A Murder in Eight Cocktails! I honestly figured I would, since I loved Kelly Mullen’s previous book (This is Not a Game) as well.
I think Kelly has a fantastic way with writing quirky characters. Willa is an interesting and plucky 50-something woman, and I loved seeing her interactions with some of the other characters, namely her husband Marty and ex-husband Paul. Those three created a really fun dynamic, especially with Marty’s general disgruntled vibes, which by the way, I very much relate to. 😂 Kelly sprinkles some incredible humor throughout the book that really had me laughing, and I think that seems to be a hallmark of her writing.
Willa’s book club turns into a squad of amateur sleuths, much to Marty’s initial dismay. Their meetings in Willa’s ASMR studio, their evidence gathering and witness interrogation…all of it was seriously so fun. I would say this book really is the definition of a cozy mystery. The setting and character interactions really sold it as cozy for me, and I had the warm fuzzies every time I picked it up.
I also want to take a moment to mention how much I enjoyed the cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the book (and the one dessert recipe at the end). I think it’s just such a fun way to bring some immersion to the reader. Plus, now I have a novel and cocktail recipe book all in one!
Overall, I definitely recommend A Murder in Eight Cocktails as well as Kelly Mullen’s first book, This is Not a Game to those cozy mystery lovers out there. The style of writing in both of these books is super entertaining, so I think you’ll have a great time with either (or both) of them like I did.
Thank you so, so much to Kelly Mullen for arranging for an early review copy to be sent to me, and thank you to Century Books UK for sending it! All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2026
★★★★
“Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect…murder.”
Willa Keane has officially retired from her interior design business, but this supposed second act isn’t quite living up to expectations. While her husband Marty has happily immersed himself in birdwatching, Willa finds herself craving more. Lately, that “more” has taken the form of ASMR videos, and she has reinvented herself as a niche influencer, specializing in cocktail-themed content.
So when she is invited to a trendy new cocktail bar, it feels like the perfect opportunity for both fun and fresh material. That is, until she arrives and discovers one of the hosts is her ex-husband, Paul. Unfortunately, that is not even the worst part of the evening. That comes when the bar’s enigmatic owner, Max, is found dead.
“Uncorralled rooftops, steep cliffside, and alcohol do not mix.”
Convinced there is more to the story and frustrated that the police do not seem to agree, Willa feels a new sense of purpose. With curiosity and determination, she ropes both Marty and Paul into helping her investigate. Soon, the trio find themselves in increasingly dangerous waters, proving that some cocktails come with a deadly twist and that…
“Some secrets are better left unstirred.”
After finishing a particularly dark read, I was in desperate need of a cozy mystery palate cleanser, and this cocktail-themed whodunit delivered exactly that. Even though Willa is a few decades older than me, I found her surprisingly relatable. Her reflections on her marriage to Marty, a genuinely good partner and father, alongside her lingering “what ifs” about Paul felt honest without tipping into regret. It reads more like quiet restlessness sparked by unexpected timing.
The mystery strikes a great balance between tragedy and humor, keeping things light enough to feel cozy without undermining the stakes. One of my favorite elements was the clever “cocktail grid,” a timeline structured around the drinks served throughout the night rather than traditional timestamps. It added a fun and original layer to the investigation.
The setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea is absolutely charming, with its storybook streets and picturesque surroundings. Kelly Mullen brings it to life beautifully, blending real and fictional locations seamlessly. Highlights include a delightfully quirky cat speakeasy, which naturally seems like the perfect place for shady dealings.
With a cast of murky, suspicious characters, I quickly gave up trying to solve the mystery myself and happily let Willa take the lead. The resolution was clever and satisfying, and I would gladly follow Willa and Marty on more murder-filled adventures. They are a wonderfully quirky duo!
Make sure you pick this one up in print, as Kelly Mullen included a variety of cocktail and pie recipes to match the culinary chapters and I am very excited to start recreating them. Thank you Kelly Mullen for a gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
“Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect…murder.”
Willa Keane has officially retired from her interior design business, but this supposed second act isn’t quite living up to expectations. While her husband Marty has happily immersed himself in birdwatching, Willa finds herself craving more. Lately, that “more” has taken the form of ASMR videos, and she has reinvented herself as a niche influencer, specializing in cocktail-themed content.
So when she is invited to a trendy new cocktail bar, it feels like the perfect opportunity for both fun and fresh material. That is, until she arrives and discovers one of the hosts is her ex-husband, Paul. Unfortunately, that is not even the worst part of the evening. That comes when the bar’s enigmatic owner, Max, is found dead.
“Uncorralled rooftops, steep cliffside, and alcohol do not mix.”
Convinced there is more to the story and frustrated that the police do not seem to agree, Willa feels a new sense of purpose. With curiosity and determination, she ropes both Marty and Paul into helping her investigate. Soon, the trio find themselves in increasingly dangerous waters, proving that some cocktails come with a deadly twist and that…
“Some secrets are better left unstirred.”
After finishing a particularly dark read, I was in desperate need of a cozy mystery palate cleanser, and this cocktail-themed whodunit delivered exactly that. Even though Willa is a few decades older than me, I found her surprisingly relatable. Her reflections on her marriage to Marty, a genuinely good partner and father, alongside her lingering “what ifs” about Paul felt honest without tipping into regret. It reads more like quiet restlessness sparked by unexpected timing.
The mystery strikes a great balance between tragedy and humor, keeping things light enough to feel cozy without undermining the stakes. One of my favorite elements was the clever “cocktail grid,” a timeline structured around the drinks served throughout the night rather than traditional timestamps. It added a fun and original layer to the investigation.
The setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea is absolutely charming, with its storybook streets and picturesque surroundings. Kelly Mullen brings it to life beautifully, blending real and fictional locations seamlessly. Highlights include a delightfully quirky cat speakeasy, which naturally seems like the perfect place for shady dealings.
With a cast of murky, suspicious characters, I quickly gave up trying to solve the mystery myself and happily let Willa take the lead. The resolution was clever and satisfying, and I would gladly follow Willa and Marty on more murder-filled adventures. They are a wonderfully quirky duo!
Make sure you pick this one up in print, as Kelly Mullen included a variety of cocktail and pie recipes to match the culinary chapters and I am very excited to start recreating them. Thank you Kelly Mullen for a gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
We're all acquainted with the amateur detective with a superpower, be it their hobby makes them more aware of poisons, or an extremely acute sense of smell*. Well, our heroine in A Murder In Eight Cocktails is an ASMR cocktail influencer, words that would have meant nothing twenty years ago, and I'm not sure they do now. In particular, though, their ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), supposedly making them more sensitive, more able to pick up on subliminal or hard to pick up cues (one assumes by the pricking of the hair on the back of their neck). And apparently most of the TikTok and Youtube likes come from the sound of peeling lemons, the light clink of ice-cubes or - heavens to betsy - the fizz of tonic water. This is all just colour, of course, and once the murder investigation takes place, ASMR is barely referred to, but it just goes to show how cosy crime is distinguishing itself in a crowded market. Perhaps it would have been easier to say that it takes place in California?
Mullen's crime novel has the sense of a series set-up, not least because there is possibly slightly more of our lead/s personal life in it than there is mystery. In her fifties, she and her second husband have retired with a son at college. And their marriage is feeling a bit stale, hence his birdwatching, and her AMSR-influencing, cocktail-making and crime-solving. It is also complicated by her ex-husband - from a long time ago - becoming her partner in crime-solving. Nothing drastic happens here, but it fills out a packed but entertaining mystery. The other gimmick here is the eight cocktails, which have recipes and instructions and vague relevance to the plot. And I assume if the series continues - which I would be more than happy with - we'd get more cocktails.
*See Russian police procedural The Sniffer.
Mullen's crime novel has the sense of a series set-up, not least because there is possibly slightly more of our lead/s personal life in it than there is mystery. In her fifties, she and her second husband have retired with a son at college. And their marriage is feeling a bit stale, hence his birdwatching, and her AMSR-influencing, cocktail-making and crime-solving. It is also complicated by her ex-husband - from a long time ago - becoming her partner in crime-solving. Nothing drastic happens here, but it fills out a packed but entertaining mystery. The other gimmick here is the eight cocktails, which have recipes and instructions and vague relevance to the plot. And I assume if the series continues - which I would be more than happy with - we'd get more cocktails.
*See Russian police procedural The Sniffer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Century for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I had heard nothing but praise for this so I was really excited to get stuck in.
I loved Willa. It's wonderful to see an older (okay I know she's only in the 50s but female main characters are rarely of an age) woman in this glamorous world Kelly has created. She's stuck in a rut and a bit worried about what the second half of her life looks like. She felt so real and wonderful and I loved her. Same as with her husband Marty, he's also stuck in a rut but he doesn't realise it and is quite happy to just plod along, he wants a normal, relatively dull retirement They are wonderful individually and together. There's a large cast of other characters and they are all very good.
It is irresistible from the start. The way she's described the drinks, the setting, the characters, it's just so rich and sumptuous.
I do have a copy of Kelly's previous book, This Is Not a Game, but haven't got round to reading it yet, so I had no preconceived ideas about her writing going into this.
What I love about these kind of books is how trusting everyone else. How a member of the public, not police, can just waltz into someone's front room and practically get confessions from them. It's so unrealistic but I love that about it.
I read a lot of crime, cosy crime, and thriller novels, and they can get a bit samey. This has all the familiar themes and feelings about it, so I got what I wanted, but she's managed to infuse it with enough spark to keep it fresh.
One again, I did not get the whodunnit. I am so terrible at working out the ending of thrillers and crime novels - which considering the amount I read, you'd think I would have picked up some tips by now, but no.
Is it realistic? No, not really. But I don't care. I think crime novels, thrillers, and cosy crime novels, to a certain extent, all have a level of fantasy about them and I find that very enjoyable.
This is quick to read, thrilling, exciting, funny, and just a really, really enjoyable read and I'm definitely going to have to put her previous book up my TBR list.
In my opinion, more books should come with cocktail recipes.
I had heard nothing but praise for this so I was really excited to get stuck in.
I loved Willa. It's wonderful to see an older (okay I know she's only in the 50s but female main characters are rarely of an age) woman in this glamorous world Kelly has created. She's stuck in a rut and a bit worried about what the second half of her life looks like. She felt so real and wonderful and I loved her. Same as with her husband Marty, he's also stuck in a rut but he doesn't realise it and is quite happy to just plod along, he wants a normal, relatively dull retirement They are wonderful individually and together. There's a large cast of other characters and they are all very good.
It is irresistible from the start. The way she's described the drinks, the setting, the characters, it's just so rich and sumptuous.
I do have a copy of Kelly's previous book, This Is Not a Game, but haven't got round to reading it yet, so I had no preconceived ideas about her writing going into this.
What I love about these kind of books is how trusting everyone else. How a member of the public, not police, can just waltz into someone's front room and practically get confessions from them. It's so unrealistic but I love that about it.
I read a lot of crime, cosy crime, and thriller novels, and they can get a bit samey. This has all the familiar themes and feelings about it, so I got what I wanted, but she's managed to infuse it with enough spark to keep it fresh.
One again, I did not get the whodunnit. I am so terrible at working out the ending of thrillers and crime novels - which considering the amount I read, you'd think I would have picked up some tips by now, but no.
Is it realistic? No, not really. But I don't care. I think crime novels, thrillers, and cosy crime novels, to a certain extent, all have a level of fantasy about them and I find that very enjoyable.
This is quick to read, thrilling, exciting, funny, and just a really, really enjoyable read and I'm definitely going to have to put her previous book up my TBR list.
In my opinion, more books should come with cocktail recipes.
April 10, 2026
I read and enjoyed Kelly Mullen's debut This is Not a Game so was delighted to get my mitts on this, her new book. It's set in Carmel-by-the-sea, California. A wealthy, sunny, enclave where crime is low (the last murder was 20 years ago), and known to most people for having had Clint Eastwood as its mayor.
Willa is an early retiree who runs an ASMR YouTube channel that revolves around cocktails. Her husband Marty is also retired, but birding is more his speed. Willa, as a local influencer, is invited to attend the launch of a new cocktail bar. Since this is a crime novel, it won't shock you to learn that someone gets bumped off before the night is through.
Willa doubts the official verdict of suicide, and with the help of her ex-husband Paul, starts her own investigation, much to Marty's chagrin.
This is an extremely fun read, peppered throughout with cocktail recipes (and one for pecan pie) that seem delicious and worth trying. The characters are well drawn and the thread of Willa's restlessness and worries about her marriage is very nicely woven in. There are chilly Swedes, ex-cons, a bitter bitters (not a typo) manufacturer, a blind dog called Noodle and a (literal!) chameleon called Orson.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters and gentle wit, like the occasional cocktail, and sometimes wonder about the life that could have been, this is one for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Willa is an early retiree who runs an ASMR YouTube channel that revolves around cocktails. Her husband Marty is also retired, but birding is more his speed. Willa, as a local influencer, is invited to attend the launch of a new cocktail bar. Since this is a crime novel, it won't shock you to learn that someone gets bumped off before the night is through.
Willa doubts the official verdict of suicide, and with the help of her ex-husband Paul, starts her own investigation, much to Marty's chagrin.
This is an extremely fun read, peppered throughout with cocktail recipes (and one for pecan pie) that seem delicious and worth trying. The characters are well drawn and the thread of Willa's restlessness and worries about her marriage is very nicely woven in. There are chilly Swedes, ex-cons, a bitter bitters (not a typo) manufacturer, a blind dog called Noodle and a (literal!) chameleon called Orson.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters and gentle wit, like the occasional cocktail, and sometimes wonder about the life that could have been, this is one for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 12, 2026
Rating 4.5⭐️
This book immediately got my attention from the cover alone. I had such a fab time with this one and I really enjoyed the cocktail list throughout the book which was something unique. I also really enjoyed the pets in this book as well so a little shout out to them 🤣
This book immediately got my attention from the cover alone. I had such a fab time with this one and I really enjoyed the cocktail list throughout the book which was something unique. I also really enjoyed the pets in this book as well so a little shout out to them 🤣
April 26, 2026
A fun mystery story with well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. I would enjoy reading more mysteries with this couple solving them.
June 8, 2026
I really liked this author’s first book but this one fell flat for me
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was fun! I enjoyed it overall, but I'm not sure if the ASMR angle worked for me. A decent cosy mastery and enough characters to keep you interested though 🔪
This was fun! I enjoyed it overall, but I'm not sure if the ASMR angle worked for me. A decent cosy mastery and enough characters to keep you interested though 🔪
April 20, 2026
2.75 - i wanted to love this as much as i loved her first book but it was TOUGH to get into. the concept was cute but the ending felt kinda messy and thrown together.
May 17, 2026
Willa is in a rut, she is retired but has found herself becoming an influencer, using cocktails as her focus, and wants a bit more excitement in life. Her husband has other ideas, excitement is clearly over and he is happy watching the birds.
When Willa is invited to a new cocktail bar opening, she hopes her and her husband can start again. That is until Willa's ex husband seems to be there and when the bar owner ends up dead, it all seems rather strange.
That is because Willa has some sort of sixth sense, and it is this weak basis, that she feels she has to solve this death. All rather strange and very much stretching the believable in this cosy crime. When her ex-husband, her current husband and a female family friend join the investigating, the events that happen are rather disjointed and did not flow for me.
It was ok, I finished it because I was hoping for something to happen that would make it all a bit more believable, but for me it didn't.
When Willa is invited to a new cocktail bar opening, she hopes her and her husband can start again. That is until Willa's ex husband seems to be there and when the bar owner ends up dead, it all seems rather strange.
That is because Willa has some sort of sixth sense, and it is this weak basis, that she feels she has to solve this death. All rather strange and very much stretching the believable in this cosy crime. When her ex-husband, her current husband and a female family friend join the investigating, the events that happen are rather disjointed and did not flow for me.
It was ok, I finished it because I was hoping for something to happen that would make it all a bit more believable, but for me it didn't.
February 8, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Kelly Mullen's debut mystery, This Is Not A Game, so when the opportunity came up to read A Murder In Eight Cocktails I didn't hesitate. Kelly Mullen has a knack for creating bright and engaging amateur sleuths, and this is absolutely the case when it comes to the hero of this latest caper, Willa Keane. Former interior designer turned social media Influencer, she spends her days creating videos of fancy cocktails and relaxing sounds for her channel, Sips and Whispers and her ASMR addicted followers. So when Willa is invited to the soft launch opening of a new Aquavit themed bar, Mysa, she is not going to turn it down. Armed with her phone camera, and accompanied by her steady-eddie, bird loving husband, Marty, she is ready to do her thing and promote the heck out of the joint.
That is until the bar's owner, Max Magnussen, is found dead, and the once fun evening of cocktail consumption turns rather more subdued. At least, for most of the guests. For Willa, it triggers quite a few unexpected, and somewhat puzzling questions. Will doesn't believe that Max meant to take his own life and takes it upon herself to get to the truth of a case that the police almost immediately close. And this is where the fun begins for all of us readers because you just know that Willa is exactly the kind of character who will keep digging until she gets and answer, and that this digging is likely to unearth more than the odd skeleton, as well as ruffle more than the odd feather of the other guests from that fateful night. And I, for one, loved every minute of it,
Willa is a brilliant character. Troubled by the feeling that early retirement is not for her, getting her teeth into this puzzle really does give her some real fizz personality wise, and it's not just the champagne and prosecco that tops off some of the many cocktails that flow through the story. She is determined, kind of feisty and so thoroughly relatable to any woman of a certain age who may be worried that she is settling for less than she wants or needs. And for any mother suffering the empty nest syndrome too, where it is just Ma and Pa wondering whether or not they still have anything in common when it is just the two of them. Well, Willa is wondering, Marty less so.
Add in the reappearance of Willa's ex husband, Paul, business partner to the late Max Magnusson, and this is one heck of a trio that I just loved spending time with. The humour that flows between them, whether intentionally on their part (clear intentional on the part of the author) really made me smile. And I loved Marty too. His ability to surprise Willa when needed, hidden behind a relatively pedestrian view on life and an obsession with twitching, is just pitch perfect. He makes a brilliant partner to Willa, and whilst the emphasis is on the chemistry between Paul and Willa, Kelly Mullen really captures the charm and understated devotion between Willa and Marty beautifully.
The book is filled with larger than life, and sometimes questionable characters, who really capture the imagination and had me glued to the story. And I just loved Orson. Every mystery needs one. It is a proper old fashioned mystery. The drink version makes the odd appearance too. It's perhaps a step up from cosy crime, its charm rooted very much in the superb vein of humour that flows as freely as the cocktails. Speaking of which there are a variety of recipes placed throughout the book at varying intervals too, so you really can treat this as a participatory experience if you wish. The setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect. All the Californian glamour with the small town, everyone knowing everyone's business vibe, that makes the possibility of murder all the more absurd, and my lowe for Willa that bit stronger.
With umpteen surprises and some blink and you might miss them clues, it is the perfect read for armchair detectives to read along with and try to second guess the truth that will ultimately be revealed. An absolute delight that would probably make a perfect holiday read too.
That is until the bar's owner, Max Magnussen, is found dead, and the once fun evening of cocktail consumption turns rather more subdued. At least, for most of the guests. For Willa, it triggers quite a few unexpected, and somewhat puzzling questions. Will doesn't believe that Max meant to take his own life and takes it upon herself to get to the truth of a case that the police almost immediately close. And this is where the fun begins for all of us readers because you just know that Willa is exactly the kind of character who will keep digging until she gets and answer, and that this digging is likely to unearth more than the odd skeleton, as well as ruffle more than the odd feather of the other guests from that fateful night. And I, for one, loved every minute of it,
Willa is a brilliant character. Troubled by the feeling that early retirement is not for her, getting her teeth into this puzzle really does give her some real fizz personality wise, and it's not just the champagne and prosecco that tops off some of the many cocktails that flow through the story. She is determined, kind of feisty and so thoroughly relatable to any woman of a certain age who may be worried that she is settling for less than she wants or needs. And for any mother suffering the empty nest syndrome too, where it is just Ma and Pa wondering whether or not they still have anything in common when it is just the two of them. Well, Willa is wondering, Marty less so.
Add in the reappearance of Willa's ex husband, Paul, business partner to the late Max Magnusson, and this is one heck of a trio that I just loved spending time with. The humour that flows between them, whether intentionally on their part (clear intentional on the part of the author) really made me smile. And I loved Marty too. His ability to surprise Willa when needed, hidden behind a relatively pedestrian view on life and an obsession with twitching, is just pitch perfect. He makes a brilliant partner to Willa, and whilst the emphasis is on the chemistry between Paul and Willa, Kelly Mullen really captures the charm and understated devotion between Willa and Marty beautifully.
The book is filled with larger than life, and sometimes questionable characters, who really capture the imagination and had me glued to the story. And I just loved Orson. Every mystery needs one. It is a proper old fashioned mystery. The drink version makes the odd appearance too. It's perhaps a step up from cosy crime, its charm rooted very much in the superb vein of humour that flows as freely as the cocktails. Speaking of which there are a variety of recipes placed throughout the book at varying intervals too, so you really can treat this as a participatory experience if you wish. The setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect. All the Californian glamour with the small town, everyone knowing everyone's business vibe, that makes the possibility of murder all the more absurd, and my lowe for Willa that bit stronger.
With umpteen surprises and some blink and you might miss them clues, it is the perfect read for armchair detectives to read along with and try to second guess the truth that will ultimately be revealed. An absolute delight that would probably make a perfect holiday read too.
April 29, 2026
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect…murder
Retired interior designer Willa Keane lives in the seaside paradise Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her marriage to her quiet husband, Marty, is in a rut and she’s craving excitement. So, she has embarked on a new career as an influencer and started a cocktail ASMR channel. Tonight she will have her first paid gig at the party to launch the chicest new cocktail bar in town. But her excitement is dampened when she discovers the party is being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul. The night then takes a much darker turn when the bar’s enigmatic owner, Max Magnusson, is found dead on the rocks below. His final text message suggests it is a suicide, but Willa’s gut is telling her there is more to his deal. So, she adds amateur sleuth to her repertoire, trying to solve the mystery with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Glamorous, clever, witty and entertaining, this sun-drenched whodunnit that feels as fresh as a mojito by the pool. I loved Kelly Mullen’s debut, This Is Not A Game, so I was excited to read this one. And there’s no sign of the dreaded ‘sophomore syndrome’ with this book. Kelly has crafted another dazzling mystery that will have you enthralled from start to finish. Skillfully written, shrewdly plotted, intricately woven and sizzling with suspense, Kelly delivers the trademark red herrings, twists and turns we expect in a whodunnit with flair. I love a mystery that’s hard to solve and with its array of suspects, this one certainly is, keeping me on a knife-edge until the very last page. But now we must talk about my favourite thing: the cocktails. I loved the addition of the cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the chapters and pie recipes at the end. What a stroke of genius! I haven’t tried any of them yet but plan to very soon. It makes this book quite the bargain as you get a thrilling whodunnit and recipe book in one!
The characters are richly drawn, quirky and compelling, leaping from the pages to feel like they were in the room with me. I loved Willa. She is a feisty quinquagenarian that I loved reading. I’d never heard of a cocktail ASMR influencer before but now I love the idea. Her husband, Marty, seems like a bit of a wet blanket at first but I really warmed to him as the story went on. And who could resist Paul’s charms? Not Willa, that’s for sure. The character I enjoyed most apart from the three central characters was Rosetta, a bitter bitters manufacturer who was an absolute hoot. And Orson the chameleon and Noodle the blind dog were adorable.
A delightful mystery that is perfect for reading in the sun, add this - and the cocktails - to your TBR now.
Retired interior designer Willa Keane lives in the seaside paradise Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her marriage to her quiet husband, Marty, is in a rut and she’s craving excitement. So, she has embarked on a new career as an influencer and started a cocktail ASMR channel. Tonight she will have her first paid gig at the party to launch the chicest new cocktail bar in town. But her excitement is dampened when she discovers the party is being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul. The night then takes a much darker turn when the bar’s enigmatic owner, Max Magnusson, is found dead on the rocks below. His final text message suggests it is a suicide, but Willa’s gut is telling her there is more to his deal. So, she adds amateur sleuth to her repertoire, trying to solve the mystery with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Glamorous, clever, witty and entertaining, this sun-drenched whodunnit that feels as fresh as a mojito by the pool. I loved Kelly Mullen’s debut, This Is Not A Game, so I was excited to read this one. And there’s no sign of the dreaded ‘sophomore syndrome’ with this book. Kelly has crafted another dazzling mystery that will have you enthralled from start to finish. Skillfully written, shrewdly plotted, intricately woven and sizzling with suspense, Kelly delivers the trademark red herrings, twists and turns we expect in a whodunnit with flair. I love a mystery that’s hard to solve and with its array of suspects, this one certainly is, keeping me on a knife-edge until the very last page. But now we must talk about my favourite thing: the cocktails. I loved the addition of the cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the chapters and pie recipes at the end. What a stroke of genius! I haven’t tried any of them yet but plan to very soon. It makes this book quite the bargain as you get a thrilling whodunnit and recipe book in one!
The characters are richly drawn, quirky and compelling, leaping from the pages to feel like they were in the room with me. I loved Willa. She is a feisty quinquagenarian that I loved reading. I’d never heard of a cocktail ASMR influencer before but now I love the idea. Her husband, Marty, seems like a bit of a wet blanket at first but I really warmed to him as the story went on. And who could resist Paul’s charms? Not Willa, that’s for sure. The character I enjoyed most apart from the three central characters was Rosetta, a bitter bitters manufacturer who was an absolute hoot. And Orson the chameleon and Noodle the blind dog were adorable.
A delightful mystery that is perfect for reading in the sun, add this - and the cocktails - to your TBR now.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars.
Willa Keane is a retired interior designer who is enjoying a new lease of life as an ASMRtist, making sensory videos, usually involving cocktails on her 'Sips and Whispers ' youtube channel. Willa and her husband Marty are invited to the launch party of the Mysa bar, specialising in cocktails centred around Aquavit, a popular Scandinavian spirit.
Obviously, someone at the party dies and one of the guests are the murderer.
Cocktails are certainly a theme of this book, as expected given the title. Throughout, we're treated to cocktail recipes which, as Kelly Mullen states at the beginning, are meant to provide a taste-along 'soundtrack' to the story. The drinks served at the party are also used as a timeline by our 'sleuths' which I felt worked quite well. A novel way of having the guests remember where they were or what they were doing, neatly avoiding the 'I happened to glance at the clock' cliche of fixing events.
The whole story is told from Willa's point of view, so if she wasn't there to see or hear it, we don't know about it. I do think this left a lot of the other characters one dimensional, a couple of lines of backstory, what they were doing on the night, relationship to the victim and no more. Which was a shame as the plot is good and well thought out. It's the characters that bring a story to life and I felt too much was on Willa's shoulders with little relief from Marty or her ex husband Paul.
The police are stereotypical police in this kind of story, not wanting to get involved and immediately ruling the death as suicide. It gets them out of the way of Willa early on, but I did like the initial attempts of our investigators to include them. At least they didn't just try and go full into detective mode at the start.
Overall, it was a very interesting story with a neat solution. Keep an eye out for the clues as the summation at the end does show how we could have solved it.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone Publishers for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is due to be released on 26th March 2026
Willa Keane is a retired interior designer who is enjoying a new lease of life as an ASMRtist, making sensory videos, usually involving cocktails on her 'Sips and Whispers ' youtube channel. Willa and her husband Marty are invited to the launch party of the Mysa bar, specialising in cocktails centred around Aquavit, a popular Scandinavian spirit.
Obviously, someone at the party dies and one of the guests are the murderer.
Cocktails are certainly a theme of this book, as expected given the title. Throughout, we're treated to cocktail recipes which, as Kelly Mullen states at the beginning, are meant to provide a taste-along 'soundtrack' to the story. The drinks served at the party are also used as a timeline by our 'sleuths' which I felt worked quite well. A novel way of having the guests remember where they were or what they were doing, neatly avoiding the 'I happened to glance at the clock' cliche of fixing events.
The whole story is told from Willa's point of view, so if she wasn't there to see or hear it, we don't know about it. I do think this left a lot of the other characters one dimensional, a couple of lines of backstory, what they were doing on the night, relationship to the victim and no more. Which was a shame as the plot is good and well thought out. It's the characters that bring a story to life and I felt too much was on Willa's shoulders with little relief from Marty or her ex husband Paul.
The police are stereotypical police in this kind of story, not wanting to get involved and immediately ruling the death as suicide. It gets them out of the way of Willa early on, but I did like the initial attempts of our investigators to include them. At least they didn't just try and go full into detective mode at the start.
Overall, it was a very interesting story with a neat solution. Keep an eye out for the clues as the summation at the end does show how we could have solved it.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone Publishers for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is due to be released on 26th March 2026
June 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
📖 Book Review – A Murder in Eight Cocktails by Kelly Mullen
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect... murder.
Willa Keane and her husband, Marty, live in the beautiful seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Willa has successfully reinvented herself as a social media influencer, and when she's invited to the opening of the town's chicest new cocktail bar, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to grow her following and maybe even reignite the spark in her marriage.
But what begins as a glamorous evening quickly turns into a murder investigation—and the unexpected return of an old flame. Can Willa, Marty and her ex-husband Paul catch the killer before it's too late?
This is another fantastic novel from Kelly Mullen. She really is a modern-day Agatha Christie, creating memorable characters and cleverly crafted mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end.
I absolutely loved Marty. His witty one-liners had me laughing throughout the book, and the chemistry between him and Willa was a joy to read. It was also refreshing to read a mystery centred around a married couple who genuinely care about each other rather than trying to kill one another!
The mystery unfolds at the perfect pace, giving readers plenty of clues to piece together while still keeping the killer's identity well hidden. If you can imagine Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings working together to solve a murder, that's exactly the cosy mystery vibe this book delivers.
As the story reached its conclusion, I had several suspects in mind and was desperately hoping the ending wouldn't go in the direction I feared. Thankfully, Kelly Mullen completely surprised me with a reveal I genuinely didn't see coming.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an entertaining, witty and brilliantly plotted mystery that I loved from beginning to end. If you're a fan of cosy crime, unforgettable characters and twists that keep you guessing, I can't recommend this book enough.
⭐️ A well-deserved 5 stars!
📖 Book Review – A Murder in Eight Cocktails by Kelly Mullen
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect... murder.
Willa Keane and her husband, Marty, live in the beautiful seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Willa has successfully reinvented herself as a social media influencer, and when she's invited to the opening of the town's chicest new cocktail bar, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to grow her following and maybe even reignite the spark in her marriage.
But what begins as a glamorous evening quickly turns into a murder investigation—and the unexpected return of an old flame. Can Willa, Marty and her ex-husband Paul catch the killer before it's too late?
This is another fantastic novel from Kelly Mullen. She really is a modern-day Agatha Christie, creating memorable characters and cleverly crafted mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end.
I absolutely loved Marty. His witty one-liners had me laughing throughout the book, and the chemistry between him and Willa was a joy to read. It was also refreshing to read a mystery centred around a married couple who genuinely care about each other rather than trying to kill one another!
The mystery unfolds at the perfect pace, giving readers plenty of clues to piece together while still keeping the killer's identity well hidden. If you can imagine Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings working together to solve a murder, that's exactly the cosy mystery vibe this book delivers.
As the story reached its conclusion, I had several suspects in mind and was desperately hoping the ending wouldn't go in the direction I feared. Thankfully, Kelly Mullen completely surprised me with a reveal I genuinely didn't see coming.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an entertaining, witty and brilliantly plotted mystery that I loved from beginning to end. If you're a fan of cosy crime, unforgettable characters and twists that keep you guessing, I can't recommend this book enough.
⭐️ A well-deserved 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed "This is Not a Game" when I read it last year so I was quite excited to get my hands on this, the author's follow up book. We start with Willa and her husband attending a soiree at a new cocktail bar. She is there cos she has recently retired from her interior design job and is turning her hand to being an influencer. Tell the truth. she is drifting a wee bit, not helped by her husband Marty's being satisfied with just plodding along and his birding obsession. Anyway, back to the cocktail evening and, well, it's a bit special and Willa is shocked to say the least when she finds out that it was her ex-husband Paul who invited her. He is now working with the cocktail maestro, Max. Who, long story short, turns up dead, having fallen from the top of the building, just after texting his suicidal intentions. Open and shut case. Well... if it was, that'd make for a very short and boring book.
And so begins Willa's investigations... which I avidly followed as she twisted and turned her way through the noise to hopefully get to the truth. And yes, there were plenty of all the usual reader obfuscation and bamboozlement! And also a healthy sprinkling of humour and a wicked chameleon! Which did help me as, tbh, I was never overly enamoured with Willa. There are also cocktail recipes peppered throughout, which not being an afficionado of, I just glossed over. But they did add to the main story, with the author using them to niftily re-create the timeline...
And then, by the time I got to the end and it was all revealed, well, wasn't I kicking myself for all the clues the author left me that I completely ignored! Shame on me...! But then, that just gives me an excuse to grab me an audiobook when it is released and see exactly what I missed along the way...
All in all, a worthy follow up to what was already a solid debut. I'd definitely recommend both books for fans of the genre. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
And so begins Willa's investigations... which I avidly followed as she twisted and turned her way through the noise to hopefully get to the truth. And yes, there were plenty of all the usual reader obfuscation and bamboozlement! And also a healthy sprinkling of humour and a wicked chameleon! Which did help me as, tbh, I was never overly enamoured with Willa. There are also cocktail recipes peppered throughout, which not being an afficionado of, I just glossed over. But they did add to the main story, with the author using them to niftily re-create the timeline...
And then, by the time I got to the end and it was all revealed, well, wasn't I kicking myself for all the clues the author left me that I completely ignored! Shame on me...! But then, that just gives me an excuse to grab me an audiobook when it is released and see exactly what I missed along the way...
All in all, a worthy follow up to what was already a solid debut. I'd definitely recommend both books for fans of the genre. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kelly Mullen's debut, This Is Not A Game, became an all-time favourite in 2024, when I was lucky enough to pick up a copy at the Century Books proof party at Capital Crime. The ARC itself is one of the most beautiful in my collection, complete with slipcase, but what I love most about it is the characters and the new world it introduced to me, of games design.
This time round we meet a new set of amateur sleuths, empty nester Willa Keane, her husband Marty and ex-husband Paul. Yes, you read that right - an investigation team including the narrator’s ex. That was definitely a new set up to me!
Paul has recently moved back to town as the business partner in a fabulous new nightclub whose USP is cocktails made with aquavit. All is going fabulously until his partner is murdered on the opening night, and, when the police decide it’s not murder but suicide, he turns to recently retired interior designer Willa for help to track down the killer.
Kelly uses this as a way to explore what it’s like to have a strong reminder of your younger self walk back into your life just as mid-life is making you question who you are. There’s an undertone throughout this novel of wondering whether Willa made the right choices swapping bohemian Paul for reliable set-in-his ways Marty.
Cards on table, I was Team Marty all the way. He just didn’t sound boring to me in the slightest. But then, I’m a happily middle-aged librarian whose life partner is a slightly older librarian, so unsurprisingly I know and like a lot of people who are rabid birdwatchers and as a rabid bookworm I’m happy in my life choices …
If you like crime novels with real puzzles at their core, realistic self-deprecating main characters, and cocktails, A Murder in Eight Cocktails should go to the top of your TBR when it comes out in March.
It is, quite simply, marvellous.
This time round we meet a new set of amateur sleuths, empty nester Willa Keane, her husband Marty and ex-husband Paul. Yes, you read that right - an investigation team including the narrator’s ex. That was definitely a new set up to me!
Paul has recently moved back to town as the business partner in a fabulous new nightclub whose USP is cocktails made with aquavit. All is going fabulously until his partner is murdered on the opening night, and, when the police decide it’s not murder but suicide, he turns to recently retired interior designer Willa for help to track down the killer.
Kelly uses this as a way to explore what it’s like to have a strong reminder of your younger self walk back into your life just as mid-life is making you question who you are. There’s an undertone throughout this novel of wondering whether Willa made the right choices swapping bohemian Paul for reliable set-in-his ways Marty.
Cards on table, I was Team Marty all the way. He just didn’t sound boring to me in the slightest. But then, I’m a happily middle-aged librarian whose life partner is a slightly older librarian, so unsurprisingly I know and like a lot of people who are rabid birdwatchers and as a rabid bookworm I’m happy in my life choices …
If you like crime novels with real puzzles at their core, realistic self-deprecating main characters, and cocktails, A Murder in Eight Cocktails should go to the top of your TBR when it comes out in March.
It is, quite simply, marvellous.
March 27, 2026
Willa and Marty are retired, she was an interior designer and he was something horticultural, their only son has flown the nest and Willa is feeling a little lost. Marty has enthusiastically embraced bird watching as a hobby and Willa has started a podcast.
The couple are invited to the opening of an exclusive cocktail bar where guests are served a series of special cocktails at precisely timed intervals. But no-one expects their host to plunge to his death from the rooftop during the evening, or for him to send what appears to be a suicide text to several of the other guests.
Willa is convinced their host was murdered, and when the police decline to get involved she and her ex-husband Paul, who was the host's business partner, decide to take matters into their own hands.
I struggled to get into this book, despite liking Kelly Mullen's previous book This Is Not A Game, and was about to DNF it when it suddenly got more interesting as Willa and Paul and (reluctantly) Paul start matching the timeline to when they received each cocktail, I could see that this would be like one of those Logic Problems where you have to match (say) the first name, second name, house colour and car type based on a series of clues. Unfortunately, after that spark it fizzled out again. I think for my taste there were too many suspects, too many motives, and therefore when the murderer was revealed it didn't really feel that they were the only suspect that could possibly fit all the clues.
Probably more importantly, I didn't really like Willa, Marty, or Paul and I found it difficult to keep the suspects separate in my mind. Pleasant enough but not one I would read again.
Contains the history and recipes for several cocktails.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
The couple are invited to the opening of an exclusive cocktail bar where guests are served a series of special cocktails at precisely timed intervals. But no-one expects their host to plunge to his death from the rooftop during the evening, or for him to send what appears to be a suicide text to several of the other guests.
Willa is convinced their host was murdered, and when the police decline to get involved she and her ex-husband Paul, who was the host's business partner, decide to take matters into their own hands.
I struggled to get into this book, despite liking Kelly Mullen's previous book This Is Not A Game, and was about to DNF it when it suddenly got more interesting as Willa and Paul and (reluctantly) Paul start matching the timeline to when they received each cocktail, I could see that this would be like one of those Logic Problems where you have to match (say) the first name, second name, house colour and car type based on a series of clues. Unfortunately, after that spark it fizzled out again. I think for my taste there were too many suspects, too many motives, and therefore when the murderer was revealed it didn't really feel that they were the only suspect that could possibly fit all the clues.
Probably more importantly, I didn't really like Willa, Marty, or Paul and I found it difficult to keep the suspects separate in my mind. Pleasant enough but not one I would read again.
Contains the history and recipes for several cocktails.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
May 12, 2026
I struggled a little to connect to Willa, and there were times when this felt as if the focus was the relationship between the three and if Willa was going to have an affair, than the murder itself. I'm all for there being subplots and ways in which the investigators are real people, it adds so much flavour, but there were moments when that felt like it was overwhelming the book and this was on the cusp of swapping genres entirely.
I also found it hard to care about any of the characters in any great detail. I wasn't super motivated to find the killer and the police downright irritated me - someone tries to hand in an expensive watch from a dead person and okay, you don't think the death was suspicious, but you mean to tell me you wouldn't at least tell her to return the watch, if not take it in order to return it to the family yourself? She was holding something worth a lot of money that she freely admitted wasn't hers.
The writing was good, I liked the set up, I just wish the story itself held my interest more. I'd give this author another go, there was nothing wrong with the book itself, I just think it wasn't for me. The style was easy to read and while it seems like a big book in terms of page count, it really flows smoothly. The chapters are short and snappy, and will hold your attention enough in the moment.
I did really like the way in which the cocktails were woven within the story, both as plot points and the actual recipes included. It added an extra dimension to things, allowing you to imagine (and if you were so inclined) recreate them and thus immerse yourself further into the story.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I also found it hard to care about any of the characters in any great detail. I wasn't super motivated to find the killer and the police downright irritated me - someone tries to hand in an expensive watch from a dead person and okay, you don't think the death was suspicious, but you mean to tell me you wouldn't at least tell her to return the watch, if not take it in order to return it to the family yourself? She was holding something worth a lot of money that she freely admitted wasn't hers.
The writing was good, I liked the set up, I just wish the story itself held my interest more. I'd give this author another go, there was nothing wrong with the book itself, I just think it wasn't for me. The style was easy to read and while it seems like a big book in terms of page count, it really flows smoothly. The chapters are short and snappy, and will hold your attention enough in the moment.
I did really like the way in which the cocktails were woven within the story, both as plot points and the actual recipes included. It added an extra dimension to things, allowing you to imagine (and if you were so inclined) recreate them and thus immerse yourself further into the story.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
March 8, 2026
I was really excited to receive an ARC of this one, especially after how much I loved Kelly Mullen’s debut novel, This Is Not a Game. Unfortunately, while I liked it enough to finish, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The premise is fun: a glamorous cocktail bar opening in Carmel-by-the-Sea, an unexpected reunion with an ex-husband, and a suspicious death that may not be the suicide it first appears to be. It has all the ingredients for a light, entertaining mystery. However, the characters never quite had the same spark or energy that made This Is Not a Game so enjoyable for me.
Willa, Marty, and Paul make for an interesting trio on paper, but the dialogue and banter between them felt a little flat. I kept waiting for the dynamic to really come alive, especially given the potential for tension and humour with a husband and ex-husband both involved in solving a murder, but it never fully delivered the wit or charm I was hoping for.
One small but persistent annoyance was the constant references to ASMR. It popped up so frequently that it started to feel repetitive and distracting rather than quirky or interesting.
What did work well for me was the setting. The story takes place around Carmel and the Monterey Bay area, and having visited there myself, I could vividly picture the scenery. The coastal atmosphere and small-town feel added a lot to the reading experience and helped pull the story along when other elements felt a bit lacking.
Overall, A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an easy, readable mystery with a great setting, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the author’s previous book for me.
The premise is fun: a glamorous cocktail bar opening in Carmel-by-the-Sea, an unexpected reunion with an ex-husband, and a suspicious death that may not be the suicide it first appears to be. It has all the ingredients for a light, entertaining mystery. However, the characters never quite had the same spark or energy that made This Is Not a Game so enjoyable for me.
Willa, Marty, and Paul make for an interesting trio on paper, but the dialogue and banter between them felt a little flat. I kept waiting for the dynamic to really come alive, especially given the potential for tension and humour with a husband and ex-husband both involved in solving a murder, but it never fully delivered the wit or charm I was hoping for.
One small but persistent annoyance was the constant references to ASMR. It popped up so frequently that it started to feel repetitive and distracting rather than quirky or interesting.
What did work well for me was the setting. The story takes place around Carmel and the Monterey Bay area, and having visited there myself, I could vividly picture the scenery. The coastal atmosphere and small-town feel added a lot to the reading experience and helped pull the story along when other elements felt a bit lacking.
Overall, A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an easy, readable mystery with a great setting, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the author’s previous book for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is a fun, twisty, meticulously written murder mystery with heart, and I will now read anything Kelly Mullen writes in a heartbeat! As well as such a beautifully layered, complex mystery to unravel, I loved the quirky, memorable characters in this, and just how there is such a big focus on relationships and personal development. It was truly wonderful!
Retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, Willa, is invited to the opening of a chic new cocktail bar. With her marriage in a rut, she hopes this night will rekindle something with her husband. Instead, she bumps into her ex-husband, and the owner of the bar ends up dead on the rocks below. Not quite the evening she had envisaged. The death is ruled a suicide, but things don’t add up. So, alongside her husband and ex-husband, she works to solve the mystery, looking for clues along the way and interrogating some very interesting people…
The depth of this mystery was fantastic and I was so drawn into this whole investigation, and of course, the brilliant cocktail theme. It felt fresh and original, and I very easily felt like my own character within this book. I loved sussing out different characters, working out potential motives and ruling them innocent or guilty, with the end reveal so very satisfying! I would love a sequel as I’m just not ready to let Willa go just yet. She has so much potential to solve another mystery!
Tightly plotted, wonderfully witty and a true delight. Definitely recommend for lovers of a whodunnit!
Retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, Willa, is invited to the opening of a chic new cocktail bar. With her marriage in a rut, she hopes this night will rekindle something with her husband. Instead, she bumps into her ex-husband, and the owner of the bar ends up dead on the rocks below. Not quite the evening she had envisaged. The death is ruled a suicide, but things don’t add up. So, alongside her husband and ex-husband, she works to solve the mystery, looking for clues along the way and interrogating some very interesting people…
The depth of this mystery was fantastic and I was so drawn into this whole investigation, and of course, the brilliant cocktail theme. It felt fresh and original, and I very easily felt like my own character within this book. I loved sussing out different characters, working out potential motives and ruling them innocent or guilty, with the end reveal so very satisfying! I would love a sequel as I’m just not ready to let Willa go just yet. She has so much potential to solve another mystery!
Tightly plotted, wonderfully witty and a true delight. Definitely recommend for lovers of a whodunnit!
June 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this cosy crime novel set in the world of cocktails, to the extent that I couldn't resist ordering a cocktail from the hotel bar while I was reading it.
Although mine was a regular pina colada and the eight featured in the opening of the new cocktail bar that Willa has been invited to are all with an Aquavit base to them.
Willa and husband Marty, were not though expecting to see Willa's ex husband Paul there. Nor were they anticipating coming across a dead body before the evening ends.
However although the police are insisting its suicide, Willa is convinced something more sinister is in play, and with the help of Paul, and reluctant help of Marty starts trying to detect things herself.
We learn a lot about cocktails in this, and about Aquavit and also time. In addition to ASMR for Willa makes ASMR Cocktail making videos for her online audience.
Willa and Marty to my eyes looked as though there were growing apart as they ease into early retirement, but this new interest of Willa's could change everything for them.
I loved their attempts at detecting, and although subtle at times, seemed fairly effective and seeing Willa's various theories was also fun. Marty's jealousy about them spending time with Paul was also fun to see.
A highly enjoyable book and the first I have read from this author, If this urns into a series I will certainly be keen to read more.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although mine was a regular pina colada and the eight featured in the opening of the new cocktail bar that Willa has been invited to are all with an Aquavit base to them.
Willa and husband Marty, were not though expecting to see Willa's ex husband Paul there. Nor were they anticipating coming across a dead body before the evening ends.
However although the police are insisting its suicide, Willa is convinced something more sinister is in play, and with the help of Paul, and reluctant help of Marty starts trying to detect things herself.
We learn a lot about cocktails in this, and about Aquavit and also time. In addition to ASMR for Willa makes ASMR Cocktail making videos for her online audience.
Willa and Marty to my eyes looked as though there were growing apart as they ease into early retirement, but this new interest of Willa's could change everything for them.
I loved their attempts at detecting, and although subtle at times, seemed fairly effective and seeing Willa's various theories was also fun. Marty's jealousy about them spending time with Paul was also fun to see.
A highly enjoyable book and the first I have read from this author, If this urns into a series I will certainly be keen to read more.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is exactly the kind of mystery you want to curl up with on a lazy weekend—bubbly, clever, and full of personality. Set in the sun‑kissed charm of Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, the story follows Willa Keane, a fifty‑five‑year‑old influencer whose marriage is feeling a little… flat. What starts as a glamorous night out quickly spirals into chaos when the cocktail bar’s owner turns up dead and Willa finds herself caught between her bird‑obsessed husband and her charismatic ex.
The dynamic between Willa, Marty, and Paul is one of the book’s biggest delights. It’s messy in the most entertaining way, full of awkward moments, old sparks, and unexpected teamwork. Willa herself is a fantastic lead—sharp, funny, and determined, even when she’s in over her head.
The mystery is paced with a light touch, balancing humour with genuine intrigue. The seaside setting adds a breezy charm, and the cast of side characters feels lively and memorable, each one adding a splash of flavour to the investigation. The “suicide note” that doesn’t quite add up gives the plot just the right amount of tension, and watching Willa piece things together is thoroughly enjoyable.
If you love mysteries with wit, warmth, and a dash of romantic chaos, A Murder in Eight Cocktails is a delightful pick. It’s playful, engaging, and as Stacey Halls puts it—about as fun as murder gets.
With thanks to Kelly Mullen, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The dynamic between Willa, Marty, and Paul is one of the book’s biggest delights. It’s messy in the most entertaining way, full of awkward moments, old sparks, and unexpected teamwork. Willa herself is a fantastic lead—sharp, funny, and determined, even when she’s in over her head.
The mystery is paced with a light touch, balancing humour with genuine intrigue. The seaside setting adds a breezy charm, and the cast of side characters feels lively and memorable, each one adding a splash of flavour to the investigation. The “suicide note” that doesn’t quite add up gives the plot just the right amount of tension, and watching Willa piece things together is thoroughly enjoyable.
If you love mysteries with wit, warmth, and a dash of romantic chaos, A Murder in Eight Cocktails is a delightful pick. It’s playful, engaging, and as Stacey Halls puts it—about as fun as murder gets.
With thanks to Kelly Mullen, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
March 4, 2026
After meeting @kellymullenauthor at @westkirbybooks last year for her debut This Is Not A Game I was so excited to be accepted for the @netgalley ARC of her new novel A Murder In Eight Cocktails.
It follows Willa, stuck in a rut after retiring, her husband Marty, and her ex husband Paul who alongside a blind rescue dog and a homeless cameleon team up to solve a murder in a cocktail bar.
The story is fast paced, witty, and keeps you guessing right until the end. The chapters are interlaced with cocktail recipes i can't wait to try out !
🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect. . . murder.
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
It follows Willa, stuck in a rut after retiring, her husband Marty, and her ex husband Paul who alongside a blind rescue dog and a homeless cameleon team up to solve a murder in a cocktail bar.
The story is fast paced, witty, and keeps you guessing right until the end. The chapters are interlaced with cocktail recipes i can't wait to try out !
🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸
Mix one old flame with a splash of suspicion for the perfect. . . murder.
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
April 12, 2026
Wooooeee! A big, giant hug wrapped up in a twisty murder mystery tale, A Murder in Eight Cocktails was the perfect palate cleanser for this thriller lover. With quirky characters, sweet relationships, and a motley crew of amateur sleuths, it was everything I love in a cozy-ish whodunnit. Why cozy-ish, you might ask? Well, even though the triggers were few and far between in this clever game of Clue, there was still a somewhat dark vibe running throughout the well-plotted story. Don’t get me wrong, with a middle-aged retiree as the narrator and a charming Californian setting, this balm to my soul was perfect for lovers of both Richard Osman and Agatha Christie. After all, thanks to the witty dialogue, subtle clues, and evocative descriptions, it was a brilliant novel that was full of heart and suspicion in equal measure. All told, it completely lived up to her first stunning mystery novel, This Is Not a Game.
I do have to say, though, that my favorite piece to this puzzle-like mystery was Willa’s character arc. Taking us along for the ride as her ho-hum life became a fun, wild jaunt of gathering evidence and questioning suspects, we got a front-row seat to her relationships with both Marty and Paul. I’m not going to reveal anything else about this potential love triangle, but just know that the locked-room setting of the first murder was nothing in comparison to the rich characterizations and giggle-worthy scenes. I also can’t forget to mention the truly delicious cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the book. Alongside of the cutesy pet names and delicious dry humor, it gave Mullen’s second foray into writing that special something I just can’t explain. Now I’m just crossing my fingers that there’s going to be a sequel coming my way soon. After all, I need more face time with these sleuths. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
Thank you Kelly Mullen and Century Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2026 (UK)
Content warning: murder, stalking, burglary, violence, kidnapping, mention of: suicide, drugging, infidelity, pregnancy
I do have to say, though, that my favorite piece to this puzzle-like mystery was Willa’s character arc. Taking us along for the ride as her ho-hum life became a fun, wild jaunt of gathering evidence and questioning suspects, we got a front-row seat to her relationships with both Marty and Paul. I’m not going to reveal anything else about this potential love triangle, but just know that the locked-room setting of the first murder was nothing in comparison to the rich characterizations and giggle-worthy scenes. I also can’t forget to mention the truly delicious cocktail recipes sprinkled throughout the book. Alongside of the cutesy pet names and delicious dry humor, it gave Mullen’s second foray into writing that special something I just can’t explain. Now I’m just crossing my fingers that there’s going to be a sequel coming my way soon. After all, I need more face time with these sleuths. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In the seaside haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Willa Keane’s marriage is in a rut. As a retired interior-designer-turned-influencer, she’s sure life begins at fifty-five, whereas her husband, Marty, is more interested in watching his beloved birds.
So when Willa is invited to the opening of the chicest new cocktail bar in town, she hopes the evening will rekindle their flame. But arriving at the party, Willa is shaken to discover it’s being hosted by her charming ex-husband, Paul.
The night is thrown into even deeper chaos when the bar’s enigmatic owner is found dead on the rocks below. A suicide message suggests there’s no foul play, but Willa’s heightened senses aren’t so sure. Now she must solve the mystery together with her husband…and her ex-husband.
Can they find the killer before another victim is served their last cocktail?
Thank you Kelly Mullen and Century Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 26, 2026 (UK)
Content warning: murder, stalking, burglary, violence, kidnapping, mention of: suicide, drugging, infidelity, pregnancy
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