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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
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425 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Mullen
2 books178 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page! I’m an author of contemporary murder mysteries inspired by the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. My second book, A Murder in Eight Cocktails, publishes March 2026.
Say hello at:
Instagram @kellymullenauthor
LinkedIn @kellymullenauthor
Say hello at:
Instagram @kellymullenauthor
LinkedIn @kellymullenauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 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.
January 12, 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: 🍸🍸🍸🍸.5
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: 🍸🍸🍸🍸.5
Started: 1st January
Finished: 4th January
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.
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.
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 🤣
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.
March 31, 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
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
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.
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!
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?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Murder in Eight Cocktails by Kelly Mullen is a fun, stylish cozy mystery set in glamorous Carmel-by-the-Sea. The coastal setting is rendered vividly, from salty ocean air to chic interiors, creating a cinematic backdrop that enhances the suspense.
Willa Keane, a retired interior designer turned influencer, hopes a chic cocktail bar opening will shake up her stagnant marriage, only to discover the event is hosted by her charming ex-husband. When the bar’s owner turns up dead on the rocks below, Willa’s instincts tell her it wasn’t suicide and she finds herself investigating alongside both her husband and her ex.
What truly sets A Murder in Eight Cocktails apart is its celebration of reinvention. Willa’s journey isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about reexamining love, loyalty and the version of herself she wants to be in this next chapter of life. The novel treats midlife not as a punchline, but as a beginning: messy, stylish and full of possibility.
The short chapters, plenty of dialogue and just enough twists to keep you guessing without becoming convoluted make this a fun and satisfying read that pairs perfectly with an actual cocktail in hand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
Willa Keane, a retired interior designer turned influencer, hopes a chic cocktail bar opening will shake up her stagnant marriage, only to discover the event is hosted by her charming ex-husband. When the bar’s owner turns up dead on the rocks below, Willa’s instincts tell her it wasn’t suicide and she finds herself investigating alongside both her husband and her ex.
What truly sets A Murder in Eight Cocktails apart is its celebration of reinvention. Willa’s journey isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about reexamining love, loyalty and the version of herself she wants to be in this next chapter of life. The novel treats midlife not as a punchline, but as a beginning: messy, stylish and full of possibility.
The short chapters, plenty of dialogue and just enough twists to keep you guessing without becoming convoluted make this a fun and satisfying read that pairs perfectly with an actual cocktail in hand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
March 23, 2026
Willa is a recent (early) retiree who has turned herself into an ASMR cocktail influencer. When she's invited to the launch of a new bar, she's excited to make content for her account - even if her husband is less than enthusiastic. But when she arrives at the even she discovers it's being hosted by her ex-husband and things go from bad to worse when the owner of the bar is found dead on the rocks below the ocean-side bar. The police think it's suicide, but Willa isn't convinced, and soon she's teaming up with her ex-husband and her current husband to try and figure out what really happened.
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I found the way that Willa bounces between unhappiness with her husband's "dullness" and enthusiasm for working with her ex-husband quite trying. I think the push-pull was meant to create tension in the story (beyond the murder mystery) but I thought it reduced the reader's sympathy/empathy for Willa because she never really gives concrete examples of the problems in her marriage or tries to address them with her husband (she just seems to get exasperated) and is written in a way that suggests that she might jump ship to her ex. The mystery was interesting though - although I'm not sure about an emotional support chameleon...
****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I found the way that Willa bounces between unhappiness with her husband's "dullness" and enthusiasm for working with her ex-husband quite trying. I think the push-pull was meant to create tension in the story (beyond the murder mystery) but I thought it reduced the reader's sympathy/empathy for Willa because she never really gives concrete examples of the problems in her marriage or tries to address them with her husband (she just seems to get exasperated) and is written in a way that suggests that she might jump ship to her ex. The mystery was interesting though - although I'm not sure about an emotional support chameleon...
****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
March 28, 2026
This was my first book by this author and I really love the way Kelly writes, the characters were quirky and fun and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times.
Willa is a 55 year old influencer with an ASMR channel called Sips and Whispers. She is excited when she's invited to the opening of a new and exclusive cocktail bar, and drags along her hubby Marty, thinking it will be perfect to get some shots and inspiration for her channel.
Before the end of the night the owner Max is found dead, and it's ruled a suicide. Willa however isn't convinced and with the help of her ex husband Paul and eventually her husband Marty they set out to find the truth.
I found this a delightful read with actual cocktail recipes and fun facts interspersed thoughout the chapters. I loved this fresh take on a murder mystery and think it would make an amazing movie, I really looked forward to picking it up.
There's also the cutest pets added to the mix, and I just fell in love with Orson.
There were some twists I didn't see coming and a shocking ending. I didn't guess the killer, but nothing new there!
I'll definitely be picking up Kelly Mullen's previous book This Is Not A Game and I'm hoping this amateur sleuthing trio have more crimes to solve in the future!
Willa is a 55 year old influencer with an ASMR channel called Sips and Whispers. She is excited when she's invited to the opening of a new and exclusive cocktail bar, and drags along her hubby Marty, thinking it will be perfect to get some shots and inspiration for her channel.
Before the end of the night the owner Max is found dead, and it's ruled a suicide. Willa however isn't convinced and with the help of her ex husband Paul and eventually her husband Marty they set out to find the truth.
I found this a delightful read with actual cocktail recipes and fun facts interspersed thoughout the chapters. I loved this fresh take on a murder mystery and think it would make an amazing movie, I really looked forward to picking it up.
There's also the cutest pets added to the mix, and I just fell in love with Orson.
There were some twists I didn't see coming and a shocking ending. I didn't guess the killer, but nothing new there!
I'll definitely be picking up Kelly Mullen's previous book This Is Not A Game and I'm hoping this amateur sleuthing trio have more crimes to solve in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book is that Willa Keane, a former interior designer, has retired and fancies herself as an 'influencer' for booze, particularly for people with one of those designer affectations. However, her life is in a rut - well off, lovely husband, but she craves excitement.
They go along to the opening of a cocktail bar, at which the owner dramatically dies, and Willa decides she is just the person to find his killer, particularly as the police think its suicide. Its astounding how inept the police are at looking at the clues and facts, and ridiculous how Willa, her husband and ex-husband, go about staking out suspects and following leads. The whole thing is totally unbelievable, but it makes for an entertaining read.
The plot itself is pretty risible and the ending just removes any remaining viability. The characters are very one dimensional and the interspersion of cocktail recipes just interrupts the flow of the story, although one can easily by-pass them.
Overall it wasn't really for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Cornerstone for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They go along to the opening of a cocktail bar, at which the owner dramatically dies, and Willa decides she is just the person to find his killer, particularly as the police think its suicide. Its astounding how inept the police are at looking at the clues and facts, and ridiculous how Willa, her husband and ex-husband, go about staking out suspects and following leads. The whole thing is totally unbelievable, but it makes for an entertaining read.
The plot itself is pretty risible and the ending just removes any remaining viability. The characters are very one dimensional and the interspersion of cocktail recipes just interrupts the flow of the story, although one can easily by-pass them.
Overall it wasn't really for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Cornerstone for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
Initially the title caught my attention and it turned out to be such an enjoyable read.
It’s not overly dark or intense, which I actually appreciated, it felt more like a clever, entertaining mystery than something heavy.
What I enjoyed most was the main character, Willa. She’s not your typical sleuth, and she feels very real, just someone trying to figure things out while being pulled into something much bigger than she expected. I also liked the dynamic between her, her husband, and her ex-husband. It added a bit of tension but also some humour, which kept things interesting.
The mystery itself was fun to follow. There are enough suspects and twists to keep you guessing, and I found myself trying to work it out alongside Willa. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s still engaging, which made it an easy book to get into.
Overall, I’d say this is a really enjoyable, easy-to-read mystery with a fun concept and likeable characters. It’s the kind of book you read when you want something entertaining and a bit different, without it being too heavy or intense.
It’s not overly dark or intense, which I actually appreciated, it felt more like a clever, entertaining mystery than something heavy.
What I enjoyed most was the main character, Willa. She’s not your typical sleuth, and she feels very real, just someone trying to figure things out while being pulled into something much bigger than she expected. I also liked the dynamic between her, her husband, and her ex-husband. It added a bit of tension but also some humour, which kept things interesting.
The mystery itself was fun to follow. There are enough suspects and twists to keep you guessing, and I found myself trying to work it out alongside Willa. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s still engaging, which made it an easy book to get into.
Overall, I’d say this is a really enjoyable, easy-to-read mystery with a fun concept and likeable characters. It’s the kind of book you read when you want something entertaining and a bit different, without it being too heavy or intense.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75/5
Willa is a 55-year-old influencer in the ASMR niche. Her content involves relaxing her followers using the sounds of cocktail making. She is invited to the opening of a new bar, where the owner k*lls himself. It’s ruled a suicide, but Willa is convinced that he was murdered and sets out to investigate for herself.
Throughout the book, there are cocktail recipes included. The idea is that you make the cocktails when you come across them in the book and drink them while reading. I didn’t do this, but I thought it was a fun idea. It would be a great book to read on a weekend away with friends while making the cocktails.
Willa was a likeable character, and the story as a whole was very easy to read. Alongside Willa, the other main characters were her husband, Marty, and her ex-husband, Paul. I thought the dynamics were unusual, but it worked, and I liked how their relationships developed.
It didn’t blow my socks off, but I did think this was a fun and enjoyable read!
Willa is a 55-year-old influencer in the ASMR niche. Her content involves relaxing her followers using the sounds of cocktail making. She is invited to the opening of a new bar, where the owner k*lls himself. It’s ruled a suicide, but Willa is convinced that he was murdered and sets out to investigate for herself.
Throughout the book, there are cocktail recipes included. The idea is that you make the cocktails when you come across them in the book and drink them while reading. I didn’t do this, but I thought it was a fun idea. It would be a great book to read on a weekend away with friends while making the cocktails.
Willa was a likeable character, and the story as a whole was very easy to read. Alongside Willa, the other main characters were her husband, Marty, and her ex-husband, Paul. I thought the dynamics were unusual, but it worked, and I liked how their relationships developed.
It didn’t blow my socks off, but I did think this was a fun and enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed this author’s debut novel and was very pleased when the publisher sent a copy of her new book, which I think is even better. For a murder mystery, this is as fun as it gets! Early retirees Marty and Willa get invited to the launch of an exclusive aquavit bar, where the host winds up dead. Willa’s ex husband is one of the people running the bar, and he and Willa start investigating what they believe to be murder, with the very reluctant help of Marty, who just wants to quietly pursue his birdwatching hobby. The book has them chasing all over town, trying to pull the threads together without the help of a police department which believes the death to be an accident.
The fun comes from the characters, and from the cocktail based chapters, with suggestions for delicious cocktails to enhance the reading experience.
Lots of fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy of this book.
The fun comes from the characters, and from the cocktail based chapters, with suggestions for delicious cocktails to enhance the reading experience.
Lots of fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder is best served shaken, not stirred.
Retired interior designer Willa Keane has just established herself as a cocktail ASMR influencer, so she's excited to be invited to the exclusive launch of the new cocktail bar Mysa in Carmel-by-the-Sea. When the owner is found dead at the party, Willa senses that the situation isn't as cut and dry as it seems.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an entertaining mystery that takes us behind the scenes of craft cocktails and ASMR, both things that I loved learning about. Along with Willa entering into a new stage in her life, this book takes the reader on a journey of both mystery solving and self-discovery.
I can't wait to try out some of the simple syrups from this book for me, and some of the cocktail recipes for friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
Retired interior designer Willa Keane has just established herself as a cocktail ASMR influencer, so she's excited to be invited to the exclusive launch of the new cocktail bar Mysa in Carmel-by-the-Sea. When the owner is found dead at the party, Willa senses that the situation isn't as cut and dry as it seems.
A Murder in Eight Cocktails is an entertaining mystery that takes us behind the scenes of craft cocktails and ASMR, both things that I loved learning about. Along with Willa entering into a new stage in her life, this book takes the reader on a journey of both mystery solving and self-discovery.
I can't wait to try out some of the simple syrups from this book for me, and some of the cocktail recipes for friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A quirky murder mystery based in and around Carmel, California centres on the life of a slightly bored, retired mother who spends her time recording ASMR reels of cocktail making.
The mystery is the suicide or possible murder of an aquavit aficionado, and our heroine becomes obsessed with solving the crime, assisted by her birdwatching, routine-focussed husband and her charismatic, spontaneous ex-husband. Yep quite a unique storyline.
Cocktail recipes are peppered throughout the book for those lovers of mixology.
I thought it was ok and a quick read, but got frustrated with continuous “winking” and the ASMR-fest.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
The mystery is the suicide or possible murder of an aquavit aficionado, and our heroine becomes obsessed with solving the crime, assisted by her birdwatching, routine-focussed husband and her charismatic, spontaneous ex-husband. Yep quite a unique storyline.
Cocktail recipes are peppered throughout the book for those lovers of mixology.
I thought it was ok and a quick read, but got frustrated with continuous “winking” and the ASMR-fest.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
March 26, 2026
A witty and fun cosy mystery .
Willa lives in Carmel -by -the -sea she is a lady of a certain age who feels her marriage has hit a rough patch .
She feels poles apart from her husband Marty .
Willa is an influencer and when she’s invited to the opening of a new cocktail bar she feels this could be good for both her career and marriage.
Things don’t go as Willa hoped and her ex husband is the opening party as well as the owner being found dead .
This is a lighthearted and refreshing read !
Willa, Marty and the ex husband Paul make great amateur sleuths and I hope we see more of their investigations .
The calibre of writing made the pages fly by and I didn’t guess the culprit !
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone.
Willa lives in Carmel -by -the -sea she is a lady of a certain age who feels her marriage has hit a rough patch .
She feels poles apart from her husband Marty .
Willa is an influencer and when she’s invited to the opening of a new cocktail bar she feels this could be good for both her career and marriage.
Things don’t go as Willa hoped and her ex husband is the opening party as well as the owner being found dead .
This is a lighthearted and refreshing read !
Willa, Marty and the ex husband Paul make great amateur sleuths and I hope we see more of their investigations .
The calibre of writing made the pages fly by and I didn’t guess the culprit !
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, this book was great! We follow Willa, an older influencer, and her unlikely group, on a self-led murder investigation. I feel like you should suspend some disbelief when you read cosy crime like this and you definitely have to at times. Saying that though, I loved the character development, storyline and twists that felt like they were easy to spot if I reread the book knowing the outcome, which is a sign of a very good murder mystery, the killer should not be completely unguessable. I loved the main character and how she develops as the story does. Would definitely recommend
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 28, 2026
The story is set in Carmel-by-the-Sea in California with Willa and husband Marty Keane on their way to an exclusive open night at Mysa owned by mysterious billionaire, Max Magnussen. However, it turns out that her ex-husband Paul is also at the event. Soon after, Max is discovered killed and this leads to Willa, Marty and her ex, Paul to look for clues and to attempt to solve the mystery behind Max's death. It was amusing, entertaining, full of glorious twists and turns, and mysterious. Willa, M
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*review from advance copy*
Kelly Mullen has absolutely proven she’s here to stay with A Murder in Eight Cocktails - this book has heart, humour, and mystery all stylishly shaken with the perfect dash of quirky characters. Not to mention one of the most clever timelines I’ve ever seen - sleuthing that is set to the beat of artisan cocktails complete with actual recipes? Yes please! If you want a mystery that is both fabulous and fun, with the perfect amount of California flair, this is absolutely for you.
Kelly Mullen has absolutely proven she’s here to stay with A Murder in Eight Cocktails - this book has heart, humour, and mystery all stylishly shaken with the perfect dash of quirky characters. Not to mention one of the most clever timelines I’ve ever seen - sleuthing that is set to the beat of artisan cocktails complete with actual recipes? Yes please! If you want a mystery that is both fabulous and fun, with the perfect amount of California flair, this is absolutely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s nothing more fun in a book then amateur sleuths getting involved with things they absolutely shouldn’t. This book brought all the things you’d expect, twists, mystery, great characters and an interesting storyline. A nice, easy read!
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