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The Country Club Murders #14
Evil Woman
When Ellison Russell Jones returns from her honeymoon, she’s ready for a restful summer.
But while she was away, an older woman was murdered in her bed. And the police have questions only Ellison and her friends can answer.
She gets to be a sleuth. A real one! But with a new husband, her mother in the hospital (targeted by the murderer?), her sister as a house guest, one too many animals, and a full social calendar, Ellison can’t catch a break, much less a killer.
She’d better focus, or she may be the next victim.
But while she was away, an older woman was murdered in her bed. And the police have questions only Ellison and her friends can answer.
She gets to be a sleuth. A real one! But with a new husband, her mother in the hospital (targeted by the murderer?), her sister as a house guest, one too many animals, and a full social calendar, Ellison can’t catch a break, much less a killer.
She’d better focus, or she may be the next victim.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2022
241 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
41 books1,661 followersJulie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 9, 2022
Ellison and Anarchy are back from their honeymoon and life in Kansas City gets complicated quickly! Prudence Davies is a suspect in her own mother's murder. As more events occur threatening Ellison's family, Prudence starts to look like quite an "Evil Woman." Is she as bad as everyone says? She has never been one of Ellison's favorite people, yet things are not adding up. . . While Anarchy gets adjusted to hanging out with the country club crowd, he is on the lookout for a killer and trying to keep Ellison safe. Still not a fan of Ellison's conversations with Mr. Coffee, but I guess it's better than just talking to herself. Almost caught up on this series. One more book to go!
April 26, 2022
The only bad thing about reading a Country Club Murders mystery is that as much as I want to make it last, I get caught up in the story and the people, and the next thing I know, it is gone, like a decadent chocolates mousse cake and as soon as I finish, I wish I could read more. Actually, with Evil Woman, #14 in the series, Julie Mulhern does give us just a taste more. It didn't satisfy my craving, but it helped.
The first Country Club Murders book caught my attention because it sounded a bit unusual and really good. It was and so was Evil Woman in fact they were both amazing as has almost every book in the series. A few are only awesome, but they all have the sneaky humor, characters that I am addicted to, and a mystery with twists.
Ellison is quite proud when she and Anarchy (yes, hippie parents) return from their Italian honeymoon. Proud that she was not the person to find the body of the most recent murder victim and not toooo tempted to look into the case. Of course, Anarchy doesn't have much choice since he is back at work as a homicide detective and his partner has drawn the case. Soon, the case becomes personal for both of them as the murder goes after her family.
The first Country Club Murders book caught my attention because it sounded a bit unusual and really good. It was and so was Evil Woman in fact they were both amazing as has almost every book in the series. A few are only awesome, but they all have the sneaky humor, characters that I am addicted to, and a mystery with twists.
Ellison is quite proud when she and Anarchy (yes, hippie parents) return from their Italian honeymoon. Proud that she was not the person to find the body of the most recent murder victim and not toooo tempted to look into the case. Of course, Anarchy doesn't have much choice since he is back at work as a homicide detective and his partner has drawn the case. Soon, the case becomes personal for both of them as the murder goes after her family.
April 27, 2022
No matter what I’m reading, I’ll drop it to read Julie Mulhern’s latest. Evil Woman didn’t disappoint! Without giving any spoilers, this book deviates just a little from the other Country Club Murders books, and I say—“Good!”
Ellison and Anarchy have just returned from their honeymoon in Italy to find all sorts of drama in Kansas City. There are dog and cat hijinks, country club shenanigans and of course, the horse-faced Prudence Davies has to throw a monkey wrench into the works, too! But obviously, Ellison and Anarchy will prevail—eventually! Another fast-paced, good time to be had by all!
Ellison and Anarchy have just returned from their honeymoon in Italy to find all sorts of drama in Kansas City. There are dog and cat hijinks, country club shenanigans and of course, the horse-faced Prudence Davies has to throw a monkey wrench into the works, too! But obviously, Ellison and Anarchy will prevail—eventually! Another fast-paced, good time to be had by all!
May 5, 2022
This is another great episode in probably my favourite non-fantasy series. Ellison is back from her honeymoon, and the book starts with her in the presence of her favourite man in the morning – no, not her brand new husband, but old reliable Mr Coffee.
The book is very unusual, in that Ellison does not bump into any dead bodies, nor is injured. Yes, there are still bodies, and members of her family do end up in hospital – but a new married surname seems to bring with it a new modus operandi.
More changes: Libba has now had the same boyfriend for several books, and it is starting to look serious. Frances Walford has stopped running down Anarchy Jones. The ‘witch’ next door makes Ellison’s day with a deal which benefits both. And Peters acts almost nicely.
The first body is that of Prudence Davies’ mother – dead before Ellison even landed back in Kansas City. Prudence is a despicable woman, but by all reports, her mother was even worse, and very unlikely to be mourned. Prudence is a suspect.
There are more murders, red herrings, and carnage unleashed by the animals resident in Ellison’s house.
If you like cosy mysteries with a large slice of humour, this is perfect. Highly recommended.
The book is very unusual, in that Ellison does not bump into any dead bodies, nor is injured. Yes, there are still bodies, and members of her family do end up in hospital – but a new married surname seems to bring with it a new modus operandi.
More changes: Libba has now had the same boyfriend for several books, and it is starting to look serious. Frances Walford has stopped running down Anarchy Jones. The ‘witch’ next door makes Ellison’s day with a deal which benefits both. And Peters acts almost nicely.
The first body is that of Prudence Davies’ mother – dead before Ellison even landed back in Kansas City. Prudence is a despicable woman, but by all reports, her mother was even worse, and very unlikely to be mourned. Prudence is a suspect.
There are more murders, red herrings, and carnage unleashed by the animals resident in Ellison’s house.
If you like cosy mysteries with a large slice of humour, this is perfect. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2022
One question… why isn’t this a TV show… i would watch this one…. Just fun!!
February 8, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Ellison and Anarchy return from their Italian honeymoon and soon have their hands full. There was a murder while they were gone and even though Ellison didn’t find the body the police need her input to help solve the case. She is excited to actually be asked but she is also dealing with her new husband and his cat moving into her home and all the social invitations they are receiving. Then her mother is involved in a car accident that doesn’t seem too accidental landing her in the hospital. Francis is her typical self. Ellison hopes the nurses survive her wrath. Francis’s hospital stay brings Ellison’s sister Majorie to town and her guest room. If that isn’t enough Anarchy’s mother has sent him some things for their house – a fully loaded semi truck!
What little digging Ellison has done has the killer on her trail. Can she survive it all? or will the Evil Woman murder her too?
Evil Woman
Song by Electric Light Orchestra
You made a fool of me
But them broken dreams have got to end
Hey woman, you got the blues
Yes you ain’t got no one else to use
There’s an open road that leads nowhere
So just make some miles between here and there
There’s a hole in my head where the rain comes in
You took my body and played to win
Ha ha woman, it’s a crying shame
But you ain’t got nobody else to blame
Evil woman, evil woman
Evil woman, evil woman
I love that Julie Mulhern pulls songs from the current time of her books for her book titles. It’s my teenage era and memories happen before I even start to read. Ms. Mulhern takes us back to the 70s with such ease. -no cell phones, no computers, no tablets, how did we ever survive? 😀
Ellison and Anarchy are the perfect couple. Ellison is always in the middle of some kind of drama, and Anarchy is the calm voice of reason who cares for her so deeply that he will go to all her social events, and family dinners, and even runs interference with her mother when Ellison needs a break to do other things. He is able to see the humor of it all but vows to do all he can to keep Ellison safe. While not as overbearing as her mother, Anarchy treats Ellison in the same way her father, Harrington treats Frances. But Ellison is changing too. She is becoming more independent and pushes harder against her mother’s crazy requests, well sometimes. Aggie keeps Ellison’s house running like a pro but she was tested this time. Ellison’s friend Libba really comes through in a pinch too.
I find Ellison’s conversations with her Mr. Coffee absolutely priceless. He is an intelligent coffee maker. We should all have one!
Dead body magnet Ellison didn’t find the dead body but the case soon becomes personal. Ellison keeps her ears and eyes open for any clue while at the hospital, country club, or just around the neighborhood. Anarchy’s partner is lead on the case which is different but Anarchy is following along step by step. Intermixed with the murder mystery is a ton of humor as all three try to find out what Evil Woman killed once and tried again and again. Ellison receives some very interesting news that sets up a crazy reveal and takedown. I was worried about the characters but laughing on the inside.
Evil Woman was another fun, fast, well-written, well-plotted story from Julie Mulhern. The whole series is excellent and I need to get caught up. These books are fantastic to read at any time but I have learned that spending a little time with Ellison, her friends, and family is a true stress reliever and I have had a pretty stressful couple of weeks.
*This book was purchased by me and is part of my private collection.
Ellison and Anarchy return from their Italian honeymoon and soon have their hands full. There was a murder while they were gone and even though Ellison didn’t find the body the police need her input to help solve the case. She is excited to actually be asked but she is also dealing with her new husband and his cat moving into her home and all the social invitations they are receiving. Then her mother is involved in a car accident that doesn’t seem too accidental landing her in the hospital. Francis is her typical self. Ellison hopes the nurses survive her wrath. Francis’s hospital stay brings Ellison’s sister Majorie to town and her guest room. If that isn’t enough Anarchy’s mother has sent him some things for their house – a fully loaded semi truck!
What little digging Ellison has done has the killer on her trail. Can she survive it all? or will the Evil Woman murder her too?
Evil Woman
Song by Electric Light Orchestra
You made a fool of me
But them broken dreams have got to end
Hey woman, you got the blues
Yes you ain’t got no one else to use
There’s an open road that leads nowhere
So just make some miles between here and there
There’s a hole in my head where the rain comes in
You took my body and played to win
Ha ha woman, it’s a crying shame
But you ain’t got nobody else to blame
Evil woman, evil woman
Evil woman, evil woman
I love that Julie Mulhern pulls songs from the current time of her books for her book titles. It’s my teenage era and memories happen before I even start to read. Ms. Mulhern takes us back to the 70s with such ease. -no cell phones, no computers, no tablets, how did we ever survive? 😀
Ellison and Anarchy are the perfect couple. Ellison is always in the middle of some kind of drama, and Anarchy is the calm voice of reason who cares for her so deeply that he will go to all her social events, and family dinners, and even runs interference with her mother when Ellison needs a break to do other things. He is able to see the humor of it all but vows to do all he can to keep Ellison safe. While not as overbearing as her mother, Anarchy treats Ellison in the same way her father, Harrington treats Frances. But Ellison is changing too. She is becoming more independent and pushes harder against her mother’s crazy requests, well sometimes. Aggie keeps Ellison’s house running like a pro but she was tested this time. Ellison’s friend Libba really comes through in a pinch too.
I find Ellison’s conversations with her Mr. Coffee absolutely priceless. He is an intelligent coffee maker. We should all have one!
Dead body magnet Ellison didn’t find the dead body but the case soon becomes personal. Ellison keeps her ears and eyes open for any clue while at the hospital, country club, or just around the neighborhood. Anarchy’s partner is lead on the case which is different but Anarchy is following along step by step. Intermixed with the murder mystery is a ton of humor as all three try to find out what Evil Woman killed once and tried again and again. Ellison receives some very interesting news that sets up a crazy reveal and takedown. I was worried about the characters but laughing on the inside.
Evil Woman was another fun, fast, well-written, well-plotted story from Julie Mulhern. The whole series is excellent and I need to get caught up. These books are fantastic to read at any time but I have learned that spending a little time with Ellison, her friends, and family is a true stress reliever and I have had a pretty stressful couple of weeks.
*This book was purchased by me and is part of my private collection.
July 18, 2022
Fresh off their honeymoon in Tuscany, Ellison (formerly Russell, now Jones) and Anarchy return. Needless to say, it’s not before they’re met with murder and mayhem. Any more info would spoil this 14th novel from Julie Mulhern, which contains a surprising denouement. Highly, highly recommended.
April 30, 2022
I did it again. I stayed up all night to finish this book (and this time, that was a huge accomplishment since I had surgery this morning and was still feeling a little groggy) but I couldn't put it down; I had to know what happens next. The only problem is now I have to wait a long time until I get the next one! I loved this because the changes in Ellison are apparent and are finally being noticed by those around here. She has become so independent and fierce, willing to stand up for herself. And when she can't, she has Anarchy to help out (that was a nice touch). I laughed so much especially at the pool party scene; can't say I wouldn't do the same if I had something to show off. I really can't wait for the next one.
May 21, 2022
I absolutely love this series and it is a must listen series for me as the narrator does such an outstanding job of bringing the characters, emotions and plot fully to life! Ellison is freshly back from her honeymoon when she finds out someone has been died suspiciously and while thinking she might get to sit this one out, she finds she is drug into the investigation anyway. What ensues is hilarious unraveling of a crazy person that puts Ellison and her family in the crosshairs for what may be the last time for all of them. If you haven't read or listened to this series, then you are seriously missing out. This author brings the 70's in the KC country club set fully to life with much humor and entertainment. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to come out.
June 15, 2024
This may have been my favorite one so far! I really liked the settling into marriage of it all, and all the ways Anarchy showed up for and supported Ellison.
Oh, and the swim team stuff in this one was so fun and real for me. It brought back so many memories.
Oh, and the swim team stuff in this one was so fun and real for me. It brought back so many memories.
October 28, 2024
Another fun one! And Ellison didn't even find a single body. Amazing.
April 27, 2022
Over too fast …
Well this book didn’t even last 24 hours ! What a treat. Ellison didn’t find a single body this time - but that didn’t keep her out of the hot seat or mayhem! But Anarchy and his funky plaid jacket is by her side all the way.
Well this book didn’t even last 24 hours ! What a treat. Ellison didn’t find a single body this time - but that didn’t keep her out of the hot seat or mayhem! But Anarchy and his funky plaid jacket is by her side all the way.
January 8, 2023
Wow! Lots of twists, surprising but good ending. I enjoyed the relationship growths of a lot of characters. And Anarchy never disappoints. Julie Mulhern does a fabulous job brining these characters and their stories to life. When I read this book, I felt like I was catching up with some old friends. I absolutely love this series!
July 22, 2023
I do enjoy when Ellison gets to experience the terror that comes to her friends and family and one of them ends up hospitalized instead and this gave me a two-fer. Again, this suffers a bit from a binge since they went from talking about postponing a honeymoon because gunshot wound to on the honeymoon. But whatever, I don't care.
July 21, 2024
Another fun entry in the series, with a healthy dose of Mother! This had a lot of the repartee that I enjoy in these books. I had been a little concerned that Ellison getting married would change the feel of the books, but Julie did a great job incorporating Ellison's new status as a newlywed into the storyline.
August 13, 2025
Another wonderful installment Can’t get enougjh of this series
April 30, 2022
Great Characters
This is one of my favorite cozy series. Julie makes you feel like part of the cast. I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
This is one of my favorite cozy series. Julie makes you feel like part of the cast. I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
June 15, 2022
My FAVE Cozy Mysteries and…
I read a lot of them!!! I’d give all of them 10 out of 5 stars if I could. :D
I read a lot of them!!! I’d give all of them 10 out of 5 stars if I could. :D
April 27, 2022
One of the things I've really enjoyed about these stories is how Ellison manages to be a strong independent woman without abandoning her family ties and responsibilities. Her love for her parents, her sister, her daughter and husband are where she operates from. Her standing up for herself keeps her able to minister to all those she loves. This book has even more of that.
The mystery was pretty straight forward, I has the whodunit way early on (though not all the details of the why). That did not detract from the overall enjoyment.
The mystery was pretty straight forward, I has the whodunit way early on (though not all the details of the why). That did not detract from the overall enjoyment.
April 28, 2022
A perfect mix of humor, mystery, and excitement
I lost count of the times I laughed out loud reading this one. As always, I love Ellison's narration and clever internal comments. It makes the book such a pleasure to read. I also love how Mulhern weaves the mystery together. It all makes perfect sense at the end, but there are more than enough red herrings to keep you guessing and distracted. Engaging the whole way through.
I lost count of the times I laughed out loud reading this one. As always, I love Ellison's narration and clever internal comments. It makes the book such a pleasure to read. I also love how Mulhern weaves the mystery together. It all makes perfect sense at the end, but there are more than enough red herrings to keep you guessing and distracted. Engaging the whole way through.
April 28, 2022
Another Winner
Thanks to Julie Mulhern for another great read in my favorite cozy mystery series. You create such great characters and “Evil Woman” is filled with a bunch of old and new ones. They are woven together to draw us into another intriguing story.
I’ve been reading some Agatha Christies while waiting for this latest addition of The Country Club Murders to arrive and in that same tradition this book is filled with red herrings. They all seem plausible but which one is the answer?
Again, I recommend that you start with the first book, “The Deep End”, so you don’t miss out on the backstory and character development, but you could read this as a stand-alone. ❤️📚
Thanks to Julie Mulhern for another great read in my favorite cozy mystery series. You create such great characters and “Evil Woman” is filled with a bunch of old and new ones. They are woven together to draw us into another intriguing story.
I’ve been reading some Agatha Christies while waiting for this latest addition of The Country Club Murders to arrive and in that same tradition this book is filled with red herrings. They all seem plausible but which one is the answer?
Again, I recommend that you start with the first book, “The Deep End”, so you don’t miss out on the backstory and character development, but you could read this as a stand-alone. ❤️📚
April 30, 2022
Another Great Country Club Murder… Delicious and Entertaining
I have read every book in this series. They are exceptionally entertaining. The protagonist, Ellis, is very likable and well drawn. I absolutely adore all the supporting character and love that, just like real life, they appear as a thread In every single book. Set in the seventies, the author puts small but detailed touches that really rings true for the time period. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I have read every book in this series. They are exceptionally entertaining. The protagonist, Ellis, is very likable and well drawn. I absolutely adore all the supporting character and love that, just like real life, they appear as a thread In every single book. Set in the seventies, the author puts small but detailed touches that really rings true for the time period. I can’t wait for the next installment!
April 27, 2022
you can't help but laugh out loud, even with a murderer on the loose. Ellison is finally growing a back bone and standing up for herself. While Anarchy tries to solve the murders and the threats to his new family.
April 27, 2022
Absolutely adore everything about this series! The only time I pause from reading is when I'm literally laughing so hard I have tears running down my face. Thank you Julie Mulhern for another fantastic entry into the Country Club Murders series! Can hardly wait for the next one!
April 28, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Absolutely love the dialog in this series. Already looking forward to the next one.
The characters, color, nostalgic time period - feels like I am reliving my childhood in the 70's. Great read.
Absolutely love the dialog in this series. Already looking forward to the next one.
The characters, color, nostalgic time period - feels like I am reliving my childhood in the 70's. Great read.
May 21, 2022
I really enjoyed all 14 books of this series. The characters are believable and humorous, and the action is interesting. I could do without the inappropriate immorality, but the stories are entertaining.
April 30, 2022
This series is so entertaining…and it just keeps getting better and better.
August 9, 2022
I loved this one! Now bring on 15!
August 14, 2022
Not the best of the series, but still loving the characters.
February 11, 2023
Love these books!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews