What do you think?
Rate this book
The Country Club Murders #16
Fire and Rain
Ellison Jones is used to sirens in the night (unfortunately, they're usually coming to her house).
So, it's a surprise when the sirens that wake her from the dead come from across the street.
Nosy neighbor Marian Dixon's house is on fire.
Luckily, the Dixons are out of town.
Unluckily, there's a body found in the ashes—a body not killed by the fire.
With Ellison's husband, Detective Anarchy Jones, investigating, the neighbors are eager for a quick resolution. But a cunning killer has other plans.
Can Ellison and Anarchy uncover the truth, or will their lives (and the rest of the block) go up in flames?
So, it's a surprise when the sirens that wake her from the dead come from across the street.
Nosy neighbor Marian Dixon's house is on fire.
Luckily, the Dixons are out of town.
Unluckily, there's a body found in the ashes—a body not killed by the fire.
With Ellison's husband, Detective Anarchy Jones, investigating, the neighbors are eager for a quick resolution. But a cunning killer has other plans.
Can Ellison and Anarchy uncover the truth, or will their lives (and the rest of the block) go up in flames?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
136 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mulhern
41 books1,655 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 16, 2023
When a body is found in a neighbor's burned down home, Ellison and Anarchy both get to work. Love the character development and the especially heartwarming ending. Still not a fan of the conversations with Mr. Coffee, but I talk to our dog so who am I to judge. 😉
July 24, 2023
AND NOW MY WATCH IS ENDED.
But really, this was very much more of what I want from this series as opposed to the last one. It's interesting to me that after reinforcing that
Looking forward to continuing with these in the future at a much more reasonable pace, you know, as they come out.
But really, this was very much more of what I want from this series as opposed to the last one. It's interesting to me that after reinforcing that
Looking forward to continuing with these in the future at a much more reasonable pace, you know, as they come out.
May 9, 2023
Another great book in one of my favourite series. This one is unusual, in that Ellison does not find a body. Yes, of course there IS a body – murder or manslaughter or a fatal accident? – but it is someone else’s turn to bump into the corpse. As well as the corpse, there is arson, and the obligatory adultery. Anarchy needs Ellison and her circle to help uncover the wrong doer(s). How anything remains a secret in Kansas City with Jinx around is a mystery.
Ellison’s mother – the redoubtable Frances – makes only two appearances, but she is there when Ellison needs her most – dealing with a ghastly neighbour:
Frances even has a nice word to say about Anarchy!
Ellison and Anarchy’s household increases in number – and Max has a new friend, who is nowhere near as destructive as Pansy. Are his hell-raising days over? We can but hope.
As always, very highly recommended. Bring on the next book!
Ellison’s mother – the redoubtable Frances – makes only two appearances, but she is there when Ellison needs her most – dealing with a ghastly neighbour:
“Ice encased Mother’s beautifully manicured nails then reached for her eyes. “Ellison is not responsible for the fire. Her husband saved your fool cat. If you dare repeat that allegation again, I will file a libel suit on her behalf, and a burned house will be the least of your problems.”
Frances even has a nice word to say about Anarchy!
Ellison and Anarchy’s household increases in number – and Max has a new friend, who is nowhere near as destructive as Pansy. Are his hell-raising days over? We can but hope.
As always, very highly recommended. Bring on the next book!
May 3, 2023
Love it, loved it, loved it! Once again, Julie Mulhern has hit it out of the park with her newest Country Club Murders, Fire and Rain. This 16th book in the series is as strong as the first. I adore seeing how Anarchy enhances the family and refuses to allow his work as a homicide detective to detract from the closeness that is growing with every day of their marriage. His respect for Ellison and for her intelligence is one of the strengths of this book and of the series. His heart blends perfectly with Ellison and Grace's deep kindness. Mr. Coffee, of course, continues to have an important role in showing us a bit about Ellison and in giving us a view of what she is thinking without having to live inside her brain throughout the book. Max ups the humor especially with his rainy-day antics.
July 12, 2023
Another great addition to this series! What sets this series apart is the wonderful characters and the witty dialogue. The mystery was well-paced and the central focus of the book but the “polite” interaction with the country club set adds depth and humor to the series. I love everything about this series and can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 2, 2023
I loved it! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Ellison and her family and friends.
September 12, 2023
Loved it! Can’t wait for the next book.
August 27, 2023
Another fun adventure with Ellison and Anarchy. The downside to this one is that I didn’t like how abruptly the story ended. The mystery was typical for the family, Grace is growing up and a typical though empathetic teen, Ellison’s mom is still snooty and a bully though I did slightly thaw toward her because she defended Ellison. Anarchy is ❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 3, 2023
Best yet
I have enjoyed every bo
ok but this may be the best. Living in the area makes it so interesting to read about familiar landmarks, restaurants, and sometimes people. I read this in one sitting and now will read again! I wasn't expecting a new book so soon and now can't wait for the next!
I have enjoyed every bo
ok but this may be the best. Living in the area makes it so interesting to read about familiar landmarks, restaurants, and sometimes people. I read this in one sitting and now will read again! I wasn't expecting a new book so soon and now can't wait for the next!
May 3, 2023
Great as always
Another amazing story from Julie Mulhern. The Country Club series is so much fun. The characters are so real. Start the series from the beginning, and enjoy every one of them. I highly recommend them. You won't be sorry. Julie please write faster. You have Fans!
Another amazing story from Julie Mulhern. The Country Club series is so much fun. The characters are so real. Start the series from the beginning, and enjoy every one of them. I highly recommend them. You won't be sorry. Julie please write faster. You have Fans!
June 19, 2024
These feel shorter (because they are), and that means that some of the plot points feel a little rushed. Still, this one I definitely thought was more of what I love about this series.
May 4, 2023
Loved it! Thank you, Julie Mulhern! Can't wait for more!
August 6, 2023
The ending of this came across as a little abrupt to me. The storylines were wrapped up, but I guess I think the case kind of got shorted in deference to the personal plot. I'm not even mad at that I just kind of wanted more of the case to be fleshed out a little more.
That said, this was a really great entry to the series. I continue to adore Anarchy & Ellison and the way the just innately get each other. Anarchy reassuring her when another woman was flirting with him and in a non-patronizing way? Love it. Ellison recognizing he's so good that one of his only flaws is preferring Aggie's oatmeal cookies? Perfect.
Wish we had a bit more Grace in this one but I'm sure she'll be more present now .
So annoyed I have to wait for the next one again.
That said, this was a really great entry to the series. I continue to adore Anarchy & Ellison and the way the just innately get each other. Anarchy reassuring her when another woman was flirting with him and in a non-patronizing way? Love it. Ellison recognizing he's so good that one of his only flaws is preferring Aggie's oatmeal cookies? Perfect.
Wish we had a bit more Grace in this one but I'm sure she'll be more present now .
So annoyed I have to wait for the next one again.
June 7, 2023
I love this series. The setting is interesting, the characters are fun to follow, and the hard and emotional themes are thoughtfully written into a fun cozy mystery. I have to call this one a dud. While I really enjoyed the storyline, this book felt like it wasn’t ready to publish. It was very short, less than 200 pages, and the story felt rushed. Some scenes were so short and quick, you’d miss them if you weren’t paying close attention.
It was also riddled with errors and typos. There were so many names mixed up, simple words that were spelled incorrectly, and just all around blaring mistakes that were never caught which leads me to guess there was a real rush to print without a professional editing process. I do hope things improve for the Fall release.
It was also riddled with errors and typos. There were so many names mixed up, simple words that were spelled incorrectly, and just all around blaring mistakes that were never caught which leads me to guess there was a real rush to print without a professional editing process. I do hope things improve for the Fall release.
May 10, 2023
It's Hard Waiting For The Next Book In This Series
I love Julie Mulhern's stories! I love the coffee pot's snarky dialog. I love the romance, the family dynamics, and the mystery. I love the fact I can't usually figure out the killer nor the motive till the end. This was a beautiful but sad ending. I'm looking forward to the next book, of course.
I love Julie Mulhern's stories! I love the coffee pot's snarky dialog. I love the romance, the family dynamics, and the mystery. I love the fact I can't usually figure out the killer nor the motive till the end. This was a beautiful but sad ending. I'm looking forward to the next book, of course.
May 30, 2023
I love Julie Mulhern's world that Ellison and Anarchy live in. I had to slow myself down reading this book. This did not disappoint. The characters evolutions are so believable and Ellison and Anarchy make a great team. There is a definite art to good storytelling, and Julie Mulhern has it! I'm already waiting for the next adventure!
May 3, 2023
Back on Track With Another Winner
Julie Mulhern has gifted us with another winning Country Club Murders Mystery. In addition to a great plot, we have more wonderful characters, some old … some new.
We find ourselves back in Ellison and Anarchy’s neighborhood in Kansas City, in fact, we are on her block. (Thanks, Julie, for the map of who lives where. This was very helpful.)
I tried to draw the reading out because I know I’ll have to wait a while for the next book, but I couldn’t do it. Once I started “Fire and Rain” I was hooked and just had to keep reading.
Another winner !!! ❤️📚
Julie Mulhern has gifted us with another winning Country Club Murders Mystery. In addition to a great plot, we have more wonderful characters, some old … some new.
We find ourselves back in Ellison and Anarchy’s neighborhood in Kansas City, in fact, we are on her block. (Thanks, Julie, for the map of who lives where. This was very helpful.)
I tried to draw the reading out because I know I’ll have to wait a while for the next book, but I couldn’t do it. Once I started “Fire and Rain” I was hooked and just had to keep reading.
Another winner !!! ❤️📚
May 3, 2023
This series is amazing & just keeps getting better! For once, the first responders aren't coming to Ellison's house when they are called to her street. Poor Marion Dixon's house is on fire. When the body is found (no surprise there), it turns out to not be one of the Dixons. As Anarchy & Ellison investigate, goings on at the kid's various swim meets help to provide a host of suspects.
Such a fun & enjoyable series!!
Such a fun & enjoyable series!!
May 3, 2023
Better and better each time!
Stayed up all night with Ellison and company. I laughed and I cried. Love the introduction of Beau and Finn. Kept me thinking all the way to the end. Can't wait for the next one!
Stayed up all night with Ellison and company. I laughed and I cried. Love the introduction of Beau and Finn. Kept me thinking all the way to the end. Can't wait for the next one!
April 7, 2024
I like this one a lot more than the previous one!
My biggest complaint is that the story felt short, which, after looking at the page count, makes sense since it's about 100 pages shorter than earlier books.
My biggest complaint is that the story felt short, which, after looking at the page count, makes sense since it's about 100 pages shorter than earlier books.
June 23, 2024
When I get to the end of this cozy mystery series I want to start at the beginning snd read them all again.
November 24, 2023
All caught up on this series now, and I’m bereft. I think a new book comes out next month. There was so much sweetness in this one. I adore the newest family members in the Jones household. I don’t usually like Ellison’s mother, but the woman has her moments of brilliance. Looking forward to more!
May 5, 2023
I highly recommend this series, my favorite cozy mysteries!
Now, the interminable wait until the next one is written. Love the new developments!
Now, the interminable wait until the next one is written. Love the new developments!
May 27, 2023
Another great addition to this series!
May 9, 2023
Brilliant as usual.
This series continues to delight. The usual cast of characters and add new ones to the mix makes for a wonderful read.
This series continues to delight. The usual cast of characters and add new ones to the mix makes for a wonderful read.
August 12, 2023
Whoever her editor is they need to be fired. All the misspelled words and missing quotation marks were distracting. The mystery was interesting enough. Ellison’s high school boyfriend is found dead in the house across the street that burns down in the middle of the night. But I felt like there wasn’t enough sleuthing to figure out how he got there, how he was killed, who & how the fire was started. There was way to much talk about swimming. No one cares! And now there’s a neighbor kid involved. If they adopt him (or any other kid) that might be the deal breaker for me to quit the series. I feel like it’s not as good as it once was.
May 19, 2023
Love the story as I do all of the country club murders. ( and poppy field). The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is that the book needs a bit of editing. There were a lot of name mix ups, Marian and the other neighbour once and Jane and Jill several times throughout the story. An expression used incorrectly ( the woman who loved in a shoe as opposed to lived in a shoe) And these thing things start to annoy at some point. When I, a non native speaker, pick up on these, and editor certainly should.
May 8, 2023
I love, love, LOVE this book. It is one of my 23 most anticipated books of 2023. I honestly don’t see anyway any of my other anticipated reads can beat this.
How can Julie Mulhern write such an amazing story that it is better than the first 15 books in the series?
This story brings a few new characters into Ellison’s world. My favorites are a boy, named Beau and his dog, named Finn. I am happy to report that Finn is also good buddies with our beloved Weimaraner, Max. Additionally, most of our favorite cast of characters stop in to say hello. Honestly, this series is like a great big friends and family reunion.
Young Beau is on a local swim team and he is several grade below Grace’s age group. When Ellison sees Beau’s dad speak harshly to him after losing his race, Ellison steps in to interrupt the incident. Ellison has always found Beau to be an endearing child and she will watch over him at swim meets from this day forward.
After an uneventful night, Max does his best impersonation of a watch dog. He successfully wakes up Ellison and Anarchy who discover Marion Dixon’s house is on fire. Knowing Ellison’s luck, can a dead body be far behind?
I am so happy that my library carries this series and I was 4th in line to borrow it. You see, I prefer the audiobook version of this series. However, the audiobook isn’t scheduled to be released until June 27, 2023. Have you listened to this series? I highly recommend the audiobooks in this series. I have already pre-ordered my copy. How about you?
How can Julie Mulhern write such an amazing story that it is better than the first 15 books in the series?
This story brings a few new characters into Ellison’s world. My favorites are a boy, named Beau and his dog, named Finn. I am happy to report that Finn is also good buddies with our beloved Weimaraner, Max. Additionally, most of our favorite cast of characters stop in to say hello. Honestly, this series is like a great big friends and family reunion.
Young Beau is on a local swim team and he is several grade below Grace’s age group. When Ellison sees Beau’s dad speak harshly to him after losing his race, Ellison steps in to interrupt the incident. Ellison has always found Beau to be an endearing child and she will watch over him at swim meets from this day forward.
After an uneventful night, Max does his best impersonation of a watch dog. He successfully wakes up Ellison and Anarchy who discover Marion Dixon’s house is on fire. Knowing Ellison’s luck, can a dead body be far behind?
I am so happy that my library carries this series and I was 4th in line to borrow it. You see, I prefer the audiobook version of this series. However, the audiobook isn’t scheduled to be released until June 27, 2023. Have you listened to this series? I highly recommend the audiobooks in this series. I have already pre-ordered my copy. How about you?
May 11, 2023
The setting is the 1970’s and I can picture all of the clothing and decor. Mulhern describes it all very well. I even came across a few words I’d never heard before - one of which was “fishwife”. (Fishwife: A coarse-mannered woman who is prone to shouting). I grew up during the mid-seventies, but I do not remember such a word.
So anyway, Ellison is the main character and is always up for investigating a murder, even though she has nothing to do with law enforcement except that she is schtepping a detective. Although, to be fair the Detective is her husband. (-:
Ellis’s dog Max awakens her and she looks out to see the neighbor’s house is ablaze. She and her husband Anarchy jump out of bed from their late night slumber to see what is happening. Anarchy speeds out the door and right into the fire. After much worrying, her husband finally runs out of the burning house with a feline in hand. He saved the cat! He then quietly tells Ellis he saw a body.
So Ellis is determined to figure out what happened with the arson and not only who the body belonged to, but also why the deceased was in the house.
Then there’s the sweetest neighbor boy named Beau that Ellis and Anarchy naturally take to due to his father’s emotional abuse and his mother’s abandonment. Ellis takes Beau under her wing and in the end is a very important person in his life.
I had given this four stars (in my head) until the last pages of the book when something amazing happened. So amazing that I added star five.
Now for another Mulhern book I didn’t even realize was released in January - Fields’ Guide to Secrets (The Poppy Fields Adventures Book 8). I’ve read the previous seven and enjoyed them all.
So anyway, Ellison is the main character and is always up for investigating a murder, even though she has nothing to do with law enforcement except that she is schtepping a detective. Although, to be fair the Detective is her husband. (-:
Ellis’s dog Max awakens her and she looks out to see the neighbor’s house is ablaze. She and her husband Anarchy jump out of bed from their late night slumber to see what is happening. Anarchy speeds out the door and right into the fire. After much worrying, her husband finally runs out of the burning house with a feline in hand. He saved the cat! He then quietly tells Ellis he saw a body.
So Ellis is determined to figure out what happened with the arson and not only who the body belonged to, but also why the deceased was in the house.
Then there’s the sweetest neighbor boy named Beau that Ellis and Anarchy naturally take to due to his father’s emotional abuse and his mother’s abandonment. Ellis takes Beau under her wing and in the end is a very important person in his life.
I had given this four stars (in my head) until the last pages of the book when something amazing happened. So amazing that I added star five.
Now for another Mulhern book I didn’t even realize was released in January - Fields’ Guide to Secrets (The Poppy Fields Adventures Book 8). I’ve read the previous seven and enjoyed them all.
May 31, 2023
Julie Mulhern does not disappoint. I enjoyed this 16th novel in the series that features Ellison and new husband Anarchy Jones as much as the others — which is to say a lot! Other writers have grown stale by now, but the novels are always humorous, insightful and spot on when it comes to the 1970s. I was a teen in that decade, and the young Mulhern must have a time machine, as she gets every detail perfect.
In this novel, Ellison’s carping neighbor Marian Dixon (a busybody staple of the series) leaves on vacation; meanwhile, there’s a murder. (What did you expect?) Telling more would be to spoil a real pager-turner. But I can say that the twist ending is one of the best of the series. So, so highly recommended.
In this novel, Ellison’s carping neighbor Marian Dixon (a busybody staple of the series) leaves on vacation; meanwhile, there’s a murder. (What did you expect?) Telling more would be to spoil a real pager-turner. But I can say that the twist ending is one of the best of the series. So, so highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews