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The Country Club Murders #20.5
Rich Girl: A Country Club Murder Novella
Julie Mulhern presents a new book in the Country Club Murders series.
Audible Audio
Published April 14, 2026
420 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
44 books1,689 followersJulie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 16, 2026
A Country Club murder where the Country Club barely gets a mention. Of course, Ellison does find the body – in her backyard no less – but this novella is told from Libba’s point of view, rather than from Ellison’s.
The victim is French, not American, and recognised only by Libba. He is someone from Libba’s long ago past, of whom she has never spoken. And the secret threatens to wreck Libba’s upcoming marriage to Charlie.
Not a wide range of suspects, a few motives, but also alibis, though often shaky. Some expensive retail therapy.
Pansy (dog) gets accused of digging up and trampling the neighbour’s garden yet again, but surprisingly this time is completely innocent.
Another great story in the Country Club series. Highly recommended.
The victim is French, not American, and recognised only by Libba. He is someone from Libba’s long ago past, of whom she has never spoken. And the secret threatens to wreck Libba’s upcoming marriage to Charlie.
Not a wide range of suspects, a few motives, but also alibis, though often shaky. Some expensive retail therapy.
Pansy (dog) gets accused of digging up and trampling the neighbour’s garden yet again, but surprisingly this time is completely innocent.
Another great story in the Country Club series. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2026
i'm biased... I love everything Julie Mulhern writes (well almost all).... I love Libba and Ellison. It was so nice to get a background story on Libba.
Good story, short, but nice ending and now I can look forward to September for the next installment in the Country Club Murders.... Been missing Ellison and the gang.
Good story, short, but nice ending and now I can look forward to September for the next installment in the Country Club Murders.... Been missing Ellison and the gang.
April 12, 2026
It was difficult for me to get into this novella. I do plan to try a full length novel in this prolific series. I enjoyed the characters, though at times Lina, just felt like a shallow person. The ending was sweet. Pansy,the pooch was one of my favorite characters . Outstanding narration. The narrator is one of my personal favorites.
I was blessed with an Audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an Audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
March 10, 2026
The only problem…..too short! I a never get enough of this series!!!!
March 15, 2026
3.5 - fun, but I don't really feel like this really felt like the Libba we've seen in other books
March 12, 2026
A great novellla featuring Libba. Now to wait until September for the next full length novel in this great series.
March 22, 2026
I love Libba and I was really happy to get this entry from her POV.
March 22, 2026
3.5 stars - The premise felt a little convoluted and retcon-y to Libba's backstory but as with all things in the CCM universe, I just rolled with it. I've always loved Libba and glad we got a book in her POV. I do wish the story had been longer, it ends at the 89% mark the rest is a preview of JM trad pub book.
April 18, 2026
Love it!
March 11, 2026
More like 3.5/5, but rounding up because I always enjoy being back in this world. There just felt like a lot left unexplored and I would have been happy to have this be a full-length story.
BUT, I unfortunately have to say this: the presence of a third party breaks attorney-client privilege. Nothing Libba told Hunter with Ellison present is actually privileged. And, uh, Hunter should probably know that, otherwise he's maybe not such a good lawyer. Also, the neighbor's husband was a litigation attorney in chapter two, and a corporate attorney by chapter four. A beta reader probably should have caught that. (Actually, this whole book felt like trying to explain away the reference to Libba having been divorced in one of the early books in the series. Of course, that still doesn't make any sense if she never told anyone but her parents about the marriage. But I digress.)
BUT, I unfortunately have to say this: the presence of a third party breaks attorney-client privilege. Nothing Libba told Hunter with Ellison present is actually privileged. And, uh, Hunter should probably know that, otherwise he's maybe not such a good lawyer. Also, the neighbor's husband was a litigation attorney in chapter two, and a corporate attorney by chapter four. A beta reader probably should have caught that. (Actually, this whole book felt like trying to explain away the reference to Libba having been divorced in one of the early books in the series. Of course, that still doesn't make any sense if she never told anyone but her parents about the marriage. But I digress.)
April 18, 2026
I really like that the novellas give us stories from different POVs and it was really fun to get Libba's for a change. As everyone has mentioned, there were definitely some errors and plot holes here, but it's always fun to come back to these characters. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
April 9, 2026
Yes!!! We finally get Libba's backstory and from her perspective! This is a novella in the Country Club Murders series and I highly, highly, highly recommend that you listen to this series and that you listen to the series in order! This narrator is absolutely outstanding! She absolutely brings the characters, the time period, the story fully to life and will have you giggling just like the author intended! This series is set in the 70's on the Plaza and Country Club area of Kansas City, MO which absolutely hits a note with me as I grew up visiting many of the landmark locations that the author has written into the books which helps bring the entire story more fully to life for me. This author weaves serious issues other than just murder throughout the story in a lighthearted and fun manner that will have you giggling your way through solving the murders. While most of the series is told from the main character's point of view the novella's help you get to know other characters as it often tells from their perspective or at least focuses on other characters. If you are looking for a fantastic fun read or listen then this series is definitely for you!!! I can't wait for the next audiobook to come out!
April 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This short mystery was very fast paced, but there were moments where the narrative seemed to move too quickly to follow. There were so many possible suspects introduced in such a short time that I had a hard time keep them all straight on who was who. This was still a fun read and I want to read more of the books in this series as I want to see more of some of these characters.
This short mystery was very fast paced, but there were moments where the narrative seemed to move too quickly to follow. There were so many possible suspects introduced in such a short time that I had a hard time keep them all straight on who was who. This was still a fun read and I want to read more of the books in this series as I want to see more of some of these characters.
April 5, 2026
Love this series
I love this series. Who knew Libba had a hidden past. That no one, not even Ellison, knew about. These novellas give more depth to the characters that I already love.
I love this series. Who knew Libba had a hidden past. That no one, not even Ellison, knew about. These novellas give more depth to the characters that I already love.
April 16, 2026
LOVE Libba!
I love that Libba gets her own story! This was a fun novella, with all the things amazing from the Country Club Murders series, in a perfect afternoon reading package!
The narrator was listed as Callie Beaulieu, and I have always thought she is the perfect pick for this series. Perfect tone and clear for a story taking place in the 70’s.
I had the smallest set back recalling the role of each introduced character and who they were to our main female. That being said, I absolutely loved this book and recommend this entire series every chance I can.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. Wonderful book!
I love that Libba gets her own story! This was a fun novella, with all the things amazing from the Country Club Murders series, in a perfect afternoon reading package!
The narrator was listed as Callie Beaulieu, and I have always thought she is the perfect pick for this series. Perfect tone and clear for a story taking place in the 70’s.
I had the smallest set back recalling the role of each introduced character and who they were to our main female. That being said, I absolutely loved this book and recommend this entire series every chance I can.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. Wonderful book!
March 12, 2026
Very interesting to read Libby's pov.
April 15, 2026
There is something deeply unwell about me starting at book 20.5 of a series like I just wandered into the middle of a very polite, very wealthy crime scene and said, “Hi yes I live here now,” but somehow… it works. Rich Girl did not once make me feel like I needed to do homework, which is frankly the highest compliment I can give a long-running series. No confusion, no panic, just vibes, martinis, and a dead Frenchman on a patio. As one does.
Libba… oh Libba. This woman has been casually carrying around a SECRET MARRIAGE to a French count for twenty years like it’s a slightly embarrassing haircut from college. Ma’am. That is not a “tuck it away and hope it never comes up” situation, that is a “this will absolutely come back to ruin brunch” situation, and guess what… it does. Violently. With a knife. On Ellison’s patio. The audacity of this man to die there specifically feels personal.
The whole setup is deliciously messy in that cozy mystery way where everyone is rich, slightly dramatic, and pretending everything is fine while absolutely nothing is fine. Libba’s past crashing into her present, right as she’s about to marry Charlie, is peak “the universe hates your happiness” storytelling. And I loved that we got this from Libba’s POV because she is usually the composed, chic best friend energy. Turns out beneath that is a woman who made some truly chaotic life choices in France and then simply… never spoke of them again. Relatable, honestly.
And because this is a novella, the pacing is basically “we’re sprinting but in heels.” The mystery unfolds quickly, suspects are limited, alibis are shaky at best, and yet it still manages to feel satisfying. I did not clock the killer immediately, which is always my personal gold standard because I am deeply annoying about guessing twists. So the fact that I was sitting there like, “Wait… who are we mad at again?” in a good way? Points were earned.
Also, the tone. This is cozy but not boring, sharp but not exhausting. You get the humor, the social dynamics, the shopping, the drama, and a murder that is more intriguing than gruesome. It’s giving “Agatha Christie but with better hair and more cocktails,” and I mean that with my whole chest.
Now let’s talk about the audiobook, because Callie Beaulieu said, “I will not simply narrate, I will perform,” and then proceeded to glide between characters like she was born holding a martini glass. The French accents? Listen, I do not speak French, I barely pronounce croissant correctly, but it sounded right to me. It added this layer of posh chaos that made the whole thing feel extra indulgent. And the emotional beats? She nails them. You can hear Libba’s composure cracking just enough underneath the surface, and it makes the whole story land harder than you expect from a quick listen.
There’s also something weirdly comforting about how immersive the narration is. It’s the kind of audiobook you put on thinking, “I’ll just listen for a bit,” and suddenly you’re emotionally invested in a decades-old marriage secret and judging everyone’s life choices like you’re part of the country club board. Which, honestly, I would be terrible at but I would attend for the gossip.
My only real complaint is that it ends too soon. This is less a novella and more a literary appetizer that tricks you into committing to the full meal. Because now I care. Now I want to know everything about these people. Now I’m side-eyeing myself like, “Are we about to read twenty books?” The answer is unfortunately yes.
And that’s the real magic here. You come for a quick, fun mystery and leave fully prepared to emotionally adopt an entire series. This is a solid four stars for me, the kind where you’re smiling the whole time but also texting your friend like, “WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS SOONER.”
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Secret French Husband Into a Full-Blown Patio Crisis
And genuinely, shoutout to Tantor Media and NetGalley for the ALC because this was the audio equivalent of being handed a martini and front row seats to rich people making terrible life choices… which is exactly how I want to spend my time.
Libba… oh Libba. This woman has been casually carrying around a SECRET MARRIAGE to a French count for twenty years like it’s a slightly embarrassing haircut from college. Ma’am. That is not a “tuck it away and hope it never comes up” situation, that is a “this will absolutely come back to ruin brunch” situation, and guess what… it does. Violently. With a knife. On Ellison’s patio. The audacity of this man to die there specifically feels personal.
The whole setup is deliciously messy in that cozy mystery way where everyone is rich, slightly dramatic, and pretending everything is fine while absolutely nothing is fine. Libba’s past crashing into her present, right as she’s about to marry Charlie, is peak “the universe hates your happiness” storytelling. And I loved that we got this from Libba’s POV because she is usually the composed, chic best friend energy. Turns out beneath that is a woman who made some truly chaotic life choices in France and then simply… never spoke of them again. Relatable, honestly.
And because this is a novella, the pacing is basically “we’re sprinting but in heels.” The mystery unfolds quickly, suspects are limited, alibis are shaky at best, and yet it still manages to feel satisfying. I did not clock the killer immediately, which is always my personal gold standard because I am deeply annoying about guessing twists. So the fact that I was sitting there like, “Wait… who are we mad at again?” in a good way? Points were earned.
Also, the tone. This is cozy but not boring, sharp but not exhausting. You get the humor, the social dynamics, the shopping, the drama, and a murder that is more intriguing than gruesome. It’s giving “Agatha Christie but with better hair and more cocktails,” and I mean that with my whole chest.
Now let’s talk about the audiobook, because Callie Beaulieu said, “I will not simply narrate, I will perform,” and then proceeded to glide between characters like she was born holding a martini glass. The French accents? Listen, I do not speak French, I barely pronounce croissant correctly, but it sounded right to me. It added this layer of posh chaos that made the whole thing feel extra indulgent. And the emotional beats? She nails them. You can hear Libba’s composure cracking just enough underneath the surface, and it makes the whole story land harder than you expect from a quick listen.
There’s also something weirdly comforting about how immersive the narration is. It’s the kind of audiobook you put on thinking, “I’ll just listen for a bit,” and suddenly you’re emotionally invested in a decades-old marriage secret and judging everyone’s life choices like you’re part of the country club board. Which, honestly, I would be terrible at but I would attend for the gossip.
My only real complaint is that it ends too soon. This is less a novella and more a literary appetizer that tricks you into committing to the full meal. Because now I care. Now I want to know everything about these people. Now I’m side-eyeing myself like, “Are we about to read twenty books?” The answer is unfortunately yes.
And that’s the real magic here. You come for a quick, fun mystery and leave fully prepared to emotionally adopt an entire series. This is a solid four stars for me, the kind where you’re smiling the whole time but also texting your friend like, “WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS SOONER.”
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Secret French Husband Into a Full-Blown Patio Crisis
And genuinely, shoutout to Tantor Media and NetGalley for the ALC because this was the audio equivalent of being handed a martini and front row seats to rich people making terrible life choices… which is exactly how I want to spend my time.
April 7, 2026
This novella was a perfect blend of "intriguing" and "who did it." Rich Girl follows our FMC who is hiding a past marriage - which occurred when she was younger and studying in France. Fast forward 20 years later and she is engaged to the man of her dreams. Problem is, her love interest from the past shows up again.....but not to beg for her forgiveness, no, he's been murdered mere feet from her home. Without giving away any details of the story, I can safely say that I didn't identify the murder right away and that was a nice touch. The story line flowed smoothy and each of the characters developed nicely as the novella progressed.
I was gifted an ALC and I couldn't have been happier with the performance by the narrator, Callie Beaulieu. I am not fluent in French and I do not pretend in the slightest to know exactly how a French accent should sound, but I can say that this narrator executed it perfectly for my ears. Her switching between our FMC (English speaking) and the other characters who should have a French accent added that extra posh feeling and vibe that complimented this plot line excellently. I think the narrator also did a great job with verbally conveying all of the different feels one might have in intonation and tone of voice as our FMC interacts with the other characters in the story and works through the various information. Overall I rate Rich Girl a 5 star read. There is no spice written on the page, and no over the top gory details about the murder, making this a nice read for individuals of all ages. Thank you to Julie Mulhern, Tantor Media/Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ALC team!
#RichGirlACountryClubMurder #JulieMulhern #NetGalley #TantorMedia #TantorAudio #CallieBeaulieuNarrator
I was gifted an ALC and I couldn't have been happier with the performance by the narrator, Callie Beaulieu. I am not fluent in French and I do not pretend in the slightest to know exactly how a French accent should sound, but I can say that this narrator executed it perfectly for my ears. Her switching between our FMC (English speaking) and the other characters who should have a French accent added that extra posh feeling and vibe that complimented this plot line excellently. I think the narrator also did a great job with verbally conveying all of the different feels one might have in intonation and tone of voice as our FMC interacts with the other characters in the story and works through the various information. Overall I rate Rich Girl a 5 star read. There is no spice written on the page, and no over the top gory details about the murder, making this a nice read for individuals of all ages. Thank you to Julie Mulhern, Tantor Media/Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the ALC team!
#RichGirlACountryClubMurder #JulieMulhern #NetGalley #TantorMedia #TantorAudio #CallieBeaulieuNarrator
April 8, 2026
I enjoyed this book. While not as long as I would have liked and I don't normally give five stars to novellas for that reason, this book gets a five star review from me. This is because it might be short but the author made it feel like a longer story with everything she packed in. Normally in novellas there is only one or two suspects and the killer is obvious because the author is to busy explaining who everybody is, which means the mystery suffers or it's all about the mystery and you don't connect with the characters. That is so not the case with this book and the author gets the balance just right. There are several suspects and I had no clue who the killer was and even if you don't know the series the author still manages to give you enough background to make them likeable characters. So over all a good mystery, great characters and worth a listen, which isn't easy in just a few pages. Looking forward to the next book.
When Ellison finds a dead body on her patio it's not surprising, she is use to finding them but what is surprising is Libba is the one with the connect to the victim. Her biggest shame and secret is about to be revealed, a secret that not even her fiance knows about? Or does he? As the police look at the two of them as suspects, Libba has no choice but to look at her past and talk to the people she thought she would never have to see again, in order to find the truth. The victim destroyed her life and heart before is he about to do it from beyond the grave?
I liked the narrator. She helped sell the story by bring the characters to life in a most charming way.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When Ellison finds a dead body on her patio it's not surprising, she is use to finding them but what is surprising is Libba is the one with the connect to the victim. Her biggest shame and secret is about to be revealed, a secret that not even her fiance knows about? Or does he? As the police look at the two of them as suspects, Libba has no choice but to look at her past and talk to the people she thought she would never have to see again, in order to find the truth. The victim destroyed her life and heart before is he about to do it from beyond the grave?
I liked the narrator. She helped sell the story by bring the characters to life in a most charming way.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 18, 2026
Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern is everything I love about a cozy mystery with glamour, wit, and charm, and then some. This was a delightfully fun and completely immersive five-star read that swept me up from start to finish.
The premise at the heart of this novella is so compelling and unlike anything I have read in a while. A secret French marriage, a body on the patio, and a past that refuses to stay buried make for such a clever and thoroughly entertaining story. It makes you feel like you are right there alongside Libba, cocktail in hand, as her carefully constructed world begins to unravel in the most delicious way possible.
What I loved most was finally getting to spend time inside Libba's head. She has always been such a magnetic presence, and getting her full backstory here was an absolute treat. Julie Mulhern packs so much warmth, humor, and genuine tension into such a compact story that it never once feels rushed or lacking. The mystery kept me guessing right up until the very end, and the reveal genuinely caught me off guard.
A very special mention must go to narrator Callie Beaulieu, who was simply extraordinary. Her warm, expressive, and effortlessly engaging delivery brought every single character to life with such personality and precision. The way she navigated the French accents alongside the wit and sass of the Kansas City country club set was truly impressive, adding a layer of indulgent charm to the whole experience. She is the perfect voice for this series and elevated every single scene.
A sparkling, glamorous, and thoroughly satisfying listen that leaves you wanting so much more. Highly recommend!
Pub Day: April 14, 2026
Categories: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for this ALC.
The premise at the heart of this novella is so compelling and unlike anything I have read in a while. A secret French marriage, a body on the patio, and a past that refuses to stay buried make for such a clever and thoroughly entertaining story. It makes you feel like you are right there alongside Libba, cocktail in hand, as her carefully constructed world begins to unravel in the most delicious way possible.
What I loved most was finally getting to spend time inside Libba's head. She has always been such a magnetic presence, and getting her full backstory here was an absolute treat. Julie Mulhern packs so much warmth, humor, and genuine tension into such a compact story that it never once feels rushed or lacking. The mystery kept me guessing right up until the very end, and the reveal genuinely caught me off guard.
A very special mention must go to narrator Callie Beaulieu, who was simply extraordinary. Her warm, expressive, and effortlessly engaging delivery brought every single character to life with such personality and precision. The way she navigated the French accents alongside the wit and sass of the Kansas City country club set was truly impressive, adding a layer of indulgent charm to the whole experience. She is the perfect voice for this series and elevated every single scene.
A sparkling, glamorous, and thoroughly satisfying listen that leaves you wanting so much more. Highly recommend!
Pub Day: April 14, 2026
Categories: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for this ALC.
April 19, 2026
Rich Girl by Julie Mulhern, is a standalone novella in what appears to be an interconnected series where various characters are recurring. Libba is our main character, but it seems she is the best friend if Ellison who is usually the main character in the other books in this series. Despite that small caveat, this story was not hard to follow and any prior information needed was provided through context clues or helpful asides. I absolutely appreciated that, as some novels are presented as stand alone but require you to read other works in the series to comprehend certain storylines. That was not the case here.
As a lover of cozy mysteries, this novella really hit the spot. It was a quick, exciting listen clocking in at just over 3 hours. I loved Libba and how the secret of her first marriage unraveled, A then of course, the murder!
Libba’s ex-husband’s body is discovered on her best friend, Eliison’s back porch, and at the time of discovery, no one knows who he is. That is until Libba comes over and realizes she knows very well the man whose body was found. We then find out about her first marriage and all the emotions come flooding back as she confesses to a whirlwind romance in France in her 20s. From there unfolds a clever mystery as we track her ex’s movements over the past day that led him to her best friend’s back porch. Not a dull minute involved and I when the murderer was revealed, I was gobsmacked!
The narrator did a great job conveying emotions and switching back and forth between English and French. She kept me engaged all throughout the book.
Audiobook provided by NetGalley
As a lover of cozy mysteries, this novella really hit the spot. It was a quick, exciting listen clocking in at just over 3 hours. I loved Libba and how the secret of her first marriage unraveled, A then of course, the murder!
Libba’s ex-husband’s body is discovered on her best friend, Eliison’s back porch, and at the time of discovery, no one knows who he is. That is until Libba comes over and realizes she knows very well the man whose body was found. We then find out about her first marriage and all the emotions come flooding back as she confesses to a whirlwind romance in France in her 20s. From there unfolds a clever mystery as we track her ex’s movements over the past day that led him to her best friend’s back porch. Not a dull minute involved and I when the murderer was revealed, I was gobsmacked!
The narrator did a great job conveying emotions and switching back and forth between English and French. She kept me engaged all throughout the book.
Audiobook provided by NetGalley
April 10, 2026
Here’s a polished, combined NetGalley review in your voice:
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ALC of Rich Girl: A Country Club Murder Novella by Julie Mulhern in exchange for my honest review.
I’ll admit—I’m a little biased because I love (almost) everything Julie Mulhern writes, and this novella was no exception. Rich Girl is a smart, witty, and completely immersive story that pulled me in from the very first page. It blends charm and mystery effortlessly, delivering a story that feels both glamorous and grounded.
It was such a treat to get more of Libba’s backstory—I’ve really missed Ellison and the gang, and this felt like the perfect way to revisit that world while we wait for the next installment. Even in a shorter format, the story doesn’t feel lacking. The writing draws you in so vividly—you can practically picture the elegant parties, feel the tension beneath polite conversations, and sense that something deeper is always just under the surface.
The audiobook narration by Callie Beaulieu adds another layer to the experience. Her warm, expressive delivery makes the story even more engaging and brings the characters to life beautifully.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable, quick read with a satisfying ending. It’s perfect for fans of the series or anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a touch of glamour. I’m already looking forward to what’s next in the Country Club Murders series.
If you want, I can tighten this further or make it more casual/“NetGalley punchy” depending on your usual style.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ALC of Rich Girl: A Country Club Murder Novella by Julie Mulhern in exchange for my honest review.
I’ll admit—I’m a little biased because I love (almost) everything Julie Mulhern writes, and this novella was no exception. Rich Girl is a smart, witty, and completely immersive story that pulled me in from the very first page. It blends charm and mystery effortlessly, delivering a story that feels both glamorous and grounded.
It was such a treat to get more of Libba’s backstory—I’ve really missed Ellison and the gang, and this felt like the perfect way to revisit that world while we wait for the next installment. Even in a shorter format, the story doesn’t feel lacking. The writing draws you in so vividly—you can practically picture the elegant parties, feel the tension beneath polite conversations, and sense that something deeper is always just under the surface.
The audiobook narration by Callie Beaulieu adds another layer to the experience. Her warm, expressive delivery makes the story even more engaging and brings the characters to life beautifully.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable, quick read with a satisfying ending. It’s perfect for fans of the series or anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a touch of glamour. I’m already looking forward to what’s next in the Country Club Murders series.
If you want, I can tighten this further or make it more casual/“NetGalley punchy” depending on your usual style.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“You killed ___________,” the certainty in my voice surprised me. This was Ellison’s job, unmasking killers. I was around for comic relief!
And so it usually is in Julie Mulhern’s Country Club series books, with the narration provided by Ellison Russell Jones, the bohemian artist and a member of Kansas City’s WASP elite. But Mulhern made an excellent choice with the novella Rich Girl, narrated by Ellison’s free-spirited and nearly dipsomaniac bestie Libba, the titular rich girl.
Twenty years ago, while Libba was a junior in Paris studying at the Sorbonne, she met and married a French count, Ghislain de Fevre. Libba’s strait-laced father flew to Paris and paid de Ghislain, a suave conman, off for an annulment. Libba has never told anyone — not even Ellison, much less her fiancé Dr. Charlie Ardmore. But she’s going to have to come clean now, as Ghislain de Fevre has been found stabbed to death a few houses over from Libba’s home, making Libba the obvious suspect.
I adored this glimpse into Libba’s inner thoughts, which are even more snarky than what she says out loud. Hilarious and clever, this novella shows that Mulhern was right in having Libba carry the book. I was lucky enough to listen be able to listen to Callie Beaulieu’s narration on the audiobook. Highly, highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Tantor Media and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
I received an ALC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is my first Mulhern book and it is a good mystery though I'm confused where the country club part is - is the housing on a country club? That aside, there are sharp plot points that work well with the upper class social setting. It's easy to get into this case and is super well paced, unlike other reviews I don't think this is too short, it's the perfect length and is well written and even better paced. It really does work.
The narrator is superb literally perfect! Libba feels quite an odd character; she seems so naive despite supposedly having matured since the time she was first married. But I haven't read the rest of the series so maybe it's just me - I'm curious to try the other books with Ellison at the centre of it and think I will need to read more of this series as it is so good!
As I was listening I wasn't actively trying to solve this one but I love the who dun it - it makes so much sense and I love it! Also Martha? Brilliant character. I love her character, she sounds like an utter nightmare but I love it.
This is my first Mulhern book and it is a good mystery though I'm confused where the country club part is - is the housing on a country club? That aside, there are sharp plot points that work well with the upper class social setting. It's easy to get into this case and is super well paced, unlike other reviews I don't think this is too short, it's the perfect length and is well written and even better paced. It really does work.
The narrator is superb literally perfect! Libba feels quite an odd character; she seems so naive despite supposedly having matured since the time she was first married. But I haven't read the rest of the series so maybe it's just me - I'm curious to try the other books with Ellison at the centre of it and think I will need to read more of this series as it is so good!
As I was listening I wasn't actively trying to solve this one but I love the who dun it - it makes so much sense and I love it! Also Martha? Brilliant character. I love her character, she sounds like an utter nightmare but I love it.
April 9, 2026
Rich Girl is an absolute delight—smart, witty, and completely immersive from the very first page. Julie Mulhern once again proves her talent for blending mystery with charm, delivering a story that feels both glamorous and grounded.
What really stood out to me was how effortlessly the book pulls you into its world—you can practically see the elegant parties, feel the tension beneath polite conversations, and sense that something deeper is always lurking beneath the surface.
Callie Beaulieu delivers an absolutely captivating audiobook performance that elevates the entire listening experience. Her voice is warm, expressive, and effortlessly engaging, drawing you into the story from the very first chapter.
Overall, Rich Girl is a thoroughly enjoyable read—perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of glamour and personality. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself recommending as soon as you turn the last page.
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media for my ALC of this novella in exchange for my honest review.
I recommend you get your copy on the release date April 14 2026
What really stood out to me was how effortlessly the book pulls you into its world—you can practically see the elegant parties, feel the tension beneath polite conversations, and sense that something deeper is always lurking beneath the surface.
Callie Beaulieu delivers an absolutely captivating audiobook performance that elevates the entire listening experience. Her voice is warm, expressive, and effortlessly engaging, drawing you into the story from the very first chapter.
Overall, Rich Girl is a thoroughly enjoyable read—perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of glamour and personality. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself recommending as soon as you turn the last page.
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media for my ALC of this novella in exchange for my honest review.
I recommend you get your copy on the release date April 14 2026
April 19, 2026
Ellison has found a dead body on her patio.
She doesn't know him. Anarchy doesn't know him.
Libba does!
In this latest Country Club Murders novella, Libba is the one doing the investigating.
Here's what I liked:
🕵Libba knows Anarchy is on the case, but she can't resist doing some investigating of her own. It is clear that she has been paying attention to Ellison's methods.
😔Charlie, Libba's fiance' stress vacuums. I would love it if my husband had that problem.
🐕Libba and Charlie's dog, Pansy, is a menace to all the flower beds in the neighborhood. She is a lovable goofball.
🥘Iconic Kansas City eateries like The Magic Pan, Putch's, and Winsteads are featured in the plot. Though I have not visited all of them, they are a part of our local history.
🍸Libba loves her martinis. We get a break from Mr. Coffee in this new installment.
This was a fun shortie and I look forward to the next full-length addition to the series: Evil Ways.😎
She doesn't know him. Anarchy doesn't know him.
Libba does!
In this latest Country Club Murders novella, Libba is the one doing the investigating.
Here's what I liked:
🕵Libba knows Anarchy is on the case, but she can't resist doing some investigating of her own. It is clear that she has been paying attention to Ellison's methods.
😔Charlie, Libba's fiance' stress vacuums. I would love it if my husband had that problem.
🐕Libba and Charlie's dog, Pansy, is a menace to all the flower beds in the neighborhood. She is a lovable goofball.
🥘Iconic Kansas City eateries like The Magic Pan, Putch's, and Winsteads are featured in the plot. Though I have not visited all of them, they are a part of our local history.
🍸Libba loves her martinis. We get a break from Mr. Coffee in this new installment.
This was a fun shortie and I look forward to the next full-length addition to the series: Evil Ways.😎
April 7, 2026
🎧 ALC Review - from Tantor Audio via NetGalley
📚 Rich Girl: A Country Club Murder (20.5) — Julie Mulhern
🎧Narrated by Callie Beaulieu
✨Releases 4.14.26
Cocktail gossip and light murder? Yes please 🍸
I jumped into this series at book 20.5 and somehow didn’t feel lost at all—which says everything about how strong these characters are. This is pure comfort mystery: country club drama, sharp social dynamics, and a quick, engaging case that’s easy to sink into.
The 1970s setting gives it that polished, slightly nostalgic vibe where secrets can still simmer just beneath the surface.
And the narration? Instant comfort. I already loved this narrator from another cozy series, and she delivers that same easy, immersive feel here.
Perfect for when you want something light, entertaining, and character-driven.
I’ll definitely be picking up more of this series.
📚 Rich Girl: A Country Club Murder (20.5) — Julie Mulhern
🎧Narrated by Callie Beaulieu
✨Releases 4.14.26
Cocktail gossip and light murder? Yes please 🍸
I jumped into this series at book 20.5 and somehow didn’t feel lost at all—which says everything about how strong these characters are. This is pure comfort mystery: country club drama, sharp social dynamics, and a quick, engaging case that’s easy to sink into.
The 1970s setting gives it that polished, slightly nostalgic vibe where secrets can still simmer just beneath the surface.
And the narration? Instant comfort. I already loved this narrator from another cozy series, and she delivers that same easy, immersive feel here.
Perfect for when you want something light, entertaining, and character-driven.
I’ll definitely be picking up more of this series.
April 14, 2026
RICH GIRL is a novella by Julie Mulhern featuring Libba, the best friend of the series’ protagonist, Ellison. It was a fun escape finding out about Libba’s long-hidden secret backstory, and the author knows how to take the reader for a romp with the country club set in the 1970s. Even though it was a novella, there was a lot packed in, so it felt like a full-length mystery and held my attention throughout. This was the perfect short read to hold me over until the next novel releases in September.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to an advance audiobook. Narrator Callie Beauliu does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. She effectively captures French accents for both female and male characters, as well as consistently portraying the voices of the main characters throughout the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to an advance audiobook. Narrator Callie Beauliu does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. She effectively captures French accents for both female and male characters, as well as consistently portraying the voices of the main characters throughout the series.
March 19, 2026
As with all the others in this series, I could not put this down. It did take a while to get used to the fact that it was Libba, and not Ellison, that I was following along with, but once I got used to not having conversations with Mr. Coffee, I was happy to learn more about Libba and her past. The mystery itself was well-developed but predictable; I figured out who did it early on, but that’s sometimes to be expected with a novella. Aggie, always a favorite, was hilarious in this one, and the unhinged neighbor was a nice addition. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
April 8, 2026
Reading about Ellison, her family and friends is always a treat. But this time, it’s about Libba and a very old secret. She’s never told anyone, not even Ellison. But after finding a dead Frenchmen on Ellison’s patio, the secret has to be told. Did Libba kill him to keep Charlie from finding out? Or was it possibly Charlie? What other secrets might Libba have? Great quick read. Having lived through the 70’s this series brings back a lot of memories. I always look forward to what’s coming next. I’m betting you will too.
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