Take a trip back in time, to when phone calls were made on public phones and only cost a dime (not per minute) and detectives wore plaid sports coats or rumpled trench coats. Visit with the country club crowd, those wives expected to put up a shining front displaying how successful their husbands are, where loyalty to families should be stronger than personal beliefs and only the men could bend and break rules without being outcast.

This cozy mystery revolves around widowed mother to a teenager, Ellison Russel, and the relationship Ellison has with her own intrepid mother. Mrs. Russell seems unable to go four days without discovering a murder victim, this time under her own roof! The only upside to murder is Ellison's continued interaction with the handsome Detective Anarchy Jones.

A well written cozy with a surprising victim count brings to light a serious problem. While this story takes place in an early 1970s setting, it is a problem that persists to this day and needs more awareness. This novel shares a creative action one woman took to do something to help other victims.

Besides the number of bodies Ellison trips over, her life is full of men desiring to spend time with her, a daughter on the verge of womanhood and dating, and a Mother who doesn't mind intimidation tactics to achieve her personal goals. How can she possibly find time to eat or sleep?

You can read this novel as a stand alone but you'll enjoy the characters and visit to past days so much you'll want to catch up on the previous books.

I love, love, love this series! I am always eager to head by to the country club with Ellison. And trust me this isn’t your parent’s country club, the murder and claws are always popping up!

Ellison, girl I feel for ya! How do you draw in victims, and you aren’t even the murderer? This time it was like the victim (Ms. White) had broken one to many marriages or partnerships. She seemed to thrive on making a woman uncomfortable. However, she didn’t deserve to die in poor Ellison’s house. I mean that study! It needed work but still, I was envisioning a cozy sleek room, keeping the paneling. You can see the possibilities of where a reader’s mind can go, I was thinking so many suspects. Julie Mulhern has the best tactic in keeping readers guessing, she gets the characters busy and nosing around!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Ellison Russell really needs to stop finding dead bodies. This story starts out like a game of Clue – Mrs. White in the study killed with a revolver – Mr. White in the dining room killed with a candlestick. All these bodies are driving her mother over the edge. Her Aunt Sis coming to visit doesn’t help matters. Detective Anarchy Jones knows Ellison didn’t kill anyone but his new partner isn’t so sure. With the ceiling literally crashing down around her she has no time to prove otherwise but the killer does have her in his sights.

Julie Mulhern takes us back to the 70’s, no cell phones, big hair, cocktail parties and no Starbucks on every corner. Ellison and her romance with Mr. Coffee always brings a smile to my face. The story starts out with Ellison simple wanting to redecorate her study. Hunter sets he up with an appointment with ex and in less than an hour her world is turned inside out. Ellison is a strong character, a widowed mom trying to raise a teenager on her own, a successful artist, trying to find her way in her family and in society. Her mother, Frances, demands perfection and Ellison always seems to fall short in her eyes. Her mother believes she needs a man in her life and while she already has two men interested she just isn’t ready for a serious relationship yet…but things are heating up and Frances may not be happy with her daughter’s choice.

This is a fast paced story and it is full of absolutely hilarious moments. It does take a very serious twist at the end and addresses an important issue not talked about much in the 1970’s. It is still a hot issue today but it handled much more openly.

Ms. Mulhern never disappoints. These characters are believable and the dialogue is crisp. She wraps them lively mystery that is beyond entertaining and she balances the drama with humor perfectly.

I can’t believe how fast I read this book and was not ready to leave Ellison, her family and friends when I reached the final page. I hope the author doesn’t keep us waiting too long for the next episode. Write fast Julie!!

For maximum enjoyment read this series from the start.

In this book we follow Ellison and Grace Russell and their family and friends.  Ellison has decided it's time to redo Henry's study and is thinking about hiring Khaki White who in about a half hour winds up dead in the study while Ellison ran out to pick up her house keeper. Who killed Khaki and why?

As things go by Ellison's mother has an emergency and has Ellison host a dinner party.  Which is so not what Ellison wants to be doing but does it anyway.  This is happening after Ellison has broken up with Hunter deeming she wants to find out what kind of woman she is without a man.  Or maybe Hunter isn't the right kind of man for Ellison.  Next thing we are dragged through a drug overdose, an arrest at a luncheon over protesting the speaker.  Never seems to be a dull day with the Russell's, as the bodies pile up Ellison is determined to find out what is going on!

I love this book being back in the 80's pre-cell phones like we know them now, seeing how people were different back then you wanted to see someone you called on the house phone or paid a visit.  Totally different then now.  Families spent time together and the greatest invention seems to be Mr. Coffee the star of the book that helps Ellison think and work out her theories granted he's the strong silent type but you got to love him.

I am such a huge fan and my husband who was a teen in the 80's can appreciate all the various things that are mentioned when I repeat them to him it's like a trip down memory lane move over Jessica Fletcher Ellison Russell is on the case!

This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the Country Club Murders series and is written by Julie Mulhern. Ellison Russell wanted a decorator, not a corpse. Too bad she finds Mrs. White in the study killed with a revolver. Things go from bad to worse when she finds Mr. White in the dining room killed with a candlestick. With the country club gossips talking a mile a minute, an unexpected cocktail party, a visit from Aunt Sis, and a romantic decision, Ellison hardly has time to think about murder. Unfortunately, the killer has plenty of time to think about her. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Welcome back, Ellison! I have missed you so much!

I adore the Country Club Murders series. To start, the series is unique in that it is set in 1970s Kansas City, (and maintaining a monopoly on cozy mysteries sent then and there). The books are filled with delightful and hilarious characters. Strong, elegant, determined Ellison Russell is one of the most sympathetic and admirable main character in mysteries. She is surrounded by strong personalities, and more and more often, by murderers and poor, murdered people.

Although book four let me down a smidgen with all the clowns and Mr. Coffee, Watching the Detectives brought no dissatisfaction. Ellison is again cool and capable, and the eye of the storm that consists of grumbling teen daughter Grace, iron-willed, tyrannical Mother, mischievous instigator Aunt Sis, fun-loving best friend Libba, gossipy bridge partner Jinx, and a gaggle of zealously well-behaved women from the country club.

A darker subject emerges, <spoiler> when it becomes apparent that behind the fanatical normalcy, several of her acquaintances (and one of her family members) are being mistreated by their husbands. In the 1970s, while divorce was an option, many of the women in Ellison's circle had no job skills or ability to support themselves. For many women, being married was seen as the only acceptable option for women, as Ellison's Mother consistently preaches. Being independent was scorned, and single women were often seen as failures or reviled. So, if you were in an unhappy relationship, and wanted to be free, you had to be brave enough to defy society, your husband, and often your family, besides finding a way to support yourself and sometimes children. A difficult task, even for women with non-violent husbands. To try to break free when your husband is violent and opposed would be practically impossible. Especially when society and law enforcement would side with said violent, uncooperative husband. </spoiler> which results in Ellison being endangered and under police scrutiny. While being under Anarchy's watch is usually more benevolent than troublesome, Anarchy has a new partner with a penchant for intimidating citizens, and a suspicion that Ellison is a murderess.

Even with such dark subject matter, the book was still filled with Mulhern's characteristic witty one liners, piercing characterization and ridiculous situations.

<i>"I smoothed my expression, less Marie Antoinette on her way to the guillotine, more Marie Antoinette on her way to eat cake.”</i>

<i> "A second man got out of the car. One I didn't know. One who looked as if he'd borrowed Columbo's trench coat, rolled it into a ball, used it as a pillow for a week or two, then decided to wear it. </i>

<i> "He looked like a cross between Dirty Harry and Oscar the Grouch"</i>

Also, 1970s references! Naugahyde noises, rumaki, Marlin Perkins. This series, especially Watching the Detectives, is a treat to read. Great mystery, fantastic characters, entertaining backstory and funny dialogue. Thoroughly enjoyable; I hope there are more to come.

“’There’s been an incident…Mrs. White in the study with a revolver.”

Mulhern is on a roll. This is the fifth book in the Country Club Murders series, but I plunged in without having seen the first four, and it was still a treat. Thank you, thank you to Net Galley and Henery Press for the DRC, which I snagged free and in advance in exchange for this honest review. It is now available to everyone.

The story is set among the Caucasian upper middle class of the 1970s, and Mulhern renders the period—when this reviewer was a mere, blushing wisp of a girl—so well that I checked twice to see whether it was an older title being re-released.

Ellison Russell is our protagonist, and people keep dying at her domicile. It’s become a nuisance, and there’s a cop that thinks it’s too great a coincidence. Ellison’s in a jam, and her thirteen-year-old daughter Grace isn’t helping. She sulks when they are told they must leave the house for a few days because it’s a crime scene, exclaiming that people have died at their house before and they didn’t have to leave. It’s just not fair!

Ellison is a widow, and a merry one at that; she has a flirtation going with a local cop whose name is Anarchy—a guy who believes in rules-- but her main man is Mr. Coffee. He’s always there for her.

I moan when Ellison’s mother is introduced—yet one more overbearing mother, I thought, and authors always blame everything on mothers, just like everyone else does—but then I am surprised by where she takes it. I won’t say more lest I ruin it for you. But I will say this: every overused or overworked plot element is here for a reason, either to take it apart, or to make fun of it. Mulhern considers every word in this dandy novel carefully, and the result is splendid.

As the story unfolds there are other witty tidbits tucked in here and there, such as a character named Margaret Hamilton who is such a witch. But the frippery and snarky humor aren’t the whole package; while the mystery is a romp, serving up the snobbery of the petit bourgeoisie with a sharp skewer, this excellent novel is also a nicely turned feminist manifesto. While the mystery is a fine 4-star beach read, the author’s purpose is a strong one that’s delivered well. It is for this aspect that the fifth star is given.

Highly recommended for strong women and those that love them.

Take a trip back to the 1970s with Ellison and the gang in Watching the Detectives. The latest book in the Country Club Murders Mystery Series by Julie Mulhern.

This series has become one of those where I look forward to the next installment coming out. I can’t wait to share with you my top reasons why you should pick up this book.

It’s a 1970s Gilmore Girls!

Were you a fan of the Gilmore Girls television series? If you liked Gilmore Girls, you’ll love Watching the Detectives. It has the same sarcastic humor and wit, with a loving, but dysfunctional multi-generational family of strong women. You’ll have all the feels following the adventures of life, love, and murder with the Russell women.

We see some depth added to Ellison and Anarchy’s Relationship

Ellison’s “friendship” with police detective Anarchy Jones deepens in this book. It goes from mutual attraction and trading ribs, to the two actually spending time together and getting to know more about each other. It is fun to have the curtain pulled back slightly as we learn more about the mysterious man that is Anarchy Jones.

Tackling of tough issues in a relatable way.

The world was a different place in the 1970s, when this book is set. Julie Mulhern does an excellent job of bringing difficult issues to light and making you think, while still staying true to the genre of the cozy mystery.

PS: Do you follow Julie on social media? She is always posting 1970s antics to her Author Facebook Page and it’s hilarious. Seriously. It is the kind of page that makes you like Facebook again.

Watching the Detectives is a must read for anyone who loves a little “meat” to their cozy mystery and a good does of humor and wit to boot.

I have read all of the books in The Country Club Murders series and have enjoyed each and every one. Julie Mulhern places her sleuth in humorous situations and has a knack for dialog which makes her characters come alive. In “Watching the Detectives”, the humor is still evident but a serious issue is addressed and it is done in a very serious way. To say more about the issue would be somewhat of a spoiler, so I won’t do so.

Ellison Randall seems to be a magnet for finding dead people. The entire town is beginning to talk about it. Really, she almost seems to trip over them. That the murders take on the aspect of a Clue game right in her own home is making her a bit leery of being at home with teenage daughter Grace.

Rivals for Ellison’s affections, Anarchy Jones and Hunter Taftt are back. Can they complete with the love of her live, Mr. Coffee? A new detective (who sounds and perhaps looks a tad like Columbo) has appeared. One can say he is less than charmed by Ellison. He actually has the nerve to think of her as a suspect.

This series is one of my favorite mystery series and I always look forward to a new book by Ms. Mulhern.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Watching the Detectives is the fifth book is the Country Club Murders mystery series. Four whole days have gone by since the last body was found. And this Monday morning holds the promise of crisp early fall days. In fact, it starts off so well, until. . .

But then Khaki White arrives to give Ellison Russell a quote on redecorating her dark study. And then her housekeeper, Aggie, calls panicked that her car has died and she has perishable groceries, will Ellison please come get her. With deep loyalty to Aggie, Ellison hurries to get her leaving Khaki to her measurements.

When they return less than half an hour later, Ellison and Aggie find Mrs. White shot in the study. Thus begins the flurry of police, investigators, and detectives. Detective Anarchy Jones, Ellison's detective, now has a rumpled, grumpy partner, Detective Peters. And Detective Peters suspects everyone.

With no obvious motive, it seems impossible to figure out who committed this crime. But when more victims turn up, and one is severely beaten but still living, the pieces begin coming together.

Set in a time before women had many rights, could not buy a car or open a charge account without their husband's permission, and were still considered property by many men, this takes a poignant look at how far women have come in a little over forty years. Written with humor, strong female characters, and an ever evolving storyline, Julie Mulhern has done it again. I do recommend this book!

I classify this fabulous series as light mystery because I enjoy the plot, the characters, and the world Julie Mulhern creates so much, not to mention that Ellison trips over dead bodies as well as any cozy mystery character I have ever encounter; but in spite of the wit and humor that runs throughout each book, Watching the Detectives really isn't a light book. Along with the fun of the 1970's setting, the author explores not only the culture of the time, but the attitudes of the time about some serious issues. As Ellison's eyes are opened to parts of her world she would never have believed existed before she began her first investigation, we share her the view of things that even now days we have trouble believing could exist in our world. The balance Ms Mulhern walks to keep the fun in this touching book is truly impressive. There is on anachronism in the book that the author explains; I would not have even known that it was out of time had the fact not been pointed out in an afterword.

On a lighter note, in spite of her mother's insistence that wealthy lawyer and long time family friend Hunter Taft is the man for her, Ellison is drawn more and more to the totally unacceptable Detective Anarchy Jones and he to her!

Gracie really gets to show her chops as we see that she definitely takes after her strong and independent mother.
I have loved this series from the first and look forward to many adventures with Ellison

I requested and received an advanced readers' copy of this book via Netgalley. The review is my honest opinion of the book; I always review books that I love.

My favorite in the series. Most of the time it is easy to forget that the story takes place during the seventies. There are subtle and not so subtle reminders...Mr. Coffee, All in the Family, macramé owls, pay phones, etc. These add to the humor and entertainment factor. The romance issue is quite enjoyable. So glad I was able to chuckle my way through most of the book, as the last portion had me tearing up constantly. I eagerly await #6. Easily read as a stand alone, but you will want to go back to read the others if you do start with this one, as you will be entertained.

Pretty much every new Country Club Murder mystery I read I proclaim my new favorite and Watching the Detectives is no different! Right from the beginning I was completely sucked in. And it was hard not to be because within in the first 20 pages or so poor Ellison is already tripping over a body. Her mother is not amused. And neither is handsome detective Anarchy Jones or his new partner the decidedly less handsome and nice Detective Peters. The mystery is excellent and thoroughly entertaining. What captivated me more in this book is the issues of social justice that arise. Since it's a crucial part of the mystery I don't want to give too much away but I found it really interesting how Mulhern handled it without undermining the serious nature but reminding the reader of the thoughts of the day.

As usual, one of my biggest treats after finishing this thoroughly enjoyable mystery was visiting Mulhern's Pinterest board for the book to see her inspiration. If you enjoy mysteries of any kind this is a series not to miss. While you could jump in here I think you'd enjoy it even more if you started at the beginning and you won't regret it!

I approached this book with some trepidation. There were five books planned for this series – and this was number five. Would Ellison finally decide between the “devastatingly handsome, terminally charming, thrice divorced” Hunter Tafft, and the gorgeous policeman, Anarchy Jones, with eyes the colour of perfectly brewed coffee”. And could I forgive her if she chose Hunter Tafft? Of course, these books are so much more than just a romance. There is the wonderful social milieu of the Country Club with its iron clad rules on deportment, ruled over by force of nature, Frances Walford (“Attila the Hun had a strong personality. Mother was a mile-wide tornado with hundred-fifty-mile-per-hour winds”), and also the uncanny attraction that Ellison has for dead bodies.
The first dead body of this book appears a mere four days after the events of the last book. Four days! I feel I have to agree with Frances – “Ellison, this simply must stop”. However, she had little choice this time, as the corpse (in)conveniently died in Ellison’s house: “Mrs. White in the study with a revolver.” I suspect that the whole book was written so that line could be used. Later we got “Mr. White in the dining room with a candlestick. My life was turning into a sinister board game”.
Not only Frances, but the neighbours are also getting concerned, though Ellison has little sympathy for their feelings: “I didn’t complain when she donned her witch outfit and rode her broomstick. She shouldn’t complain when a body showed up at my house”. Her daughter, Grace, however remains remarkably unbothered by all this fuss – another day another body. She is either an unusually well-adjusted, mature teen – or a psychological meltdown biding its time. Likewise, lovesick Hunter Tafft and Anarchy Jones do not bat an eyelid. Anarchy now has a new partner, Detective Peters. He is not in love with Ellison, so has no hesitation in adding her to the rather limited list of suspects.
As with the first book, the seedy underbelly of the Country Club is exposed. The perfect, happy marriages on show are hiding some nasty secrets. It is no wonder that Ellison does not see a new husband as an attractive proposition. Her independence – particularly her financial independence – has been hard won, and is not to be carelessly laid aside: “A woman in an unhappy marriage didn’t think it was privilege to be dependent on her husband. That woman was trapped by economics. What kind of job could she get when her resume included raising children and having dinner on the table by six? That woman needed equal rights.” It is the rights of these unhappy women that come to be the focus of this tale.
As always, the sparkling wit of the author shines through. A few of my favourite lines were: “I smoothed my expression, less Marie Antoinette on her way to the guillotine, more Marie Antoinette on her way to eat cake”; “To the casual observer, he looked as if he might lose an intelligence battle with an orangutan”; the shocking “Mother was losing an argument, an occurrence as rare as Haley’s Comet. Unlike Haley’s Comet, Mother had the ability to change course”; and best of all “Many naugas had given their hydes for that chair”.
I really do hope there will be more Country Club murders. They have all been so well written and enjoyable, and surely there must be more of Ellison’s acquaintances dying to get into a new book.
Who does she choose – Hunter, Anarchy or neither. You will just have to read to find out.

FANTASTIC!!

What is there NOT to love about this book?? I was hooked immediately and wanted to read it from cover to cover without pause, but unfortunately I had to take care of "real life issues." I kept sneaking back to read what was happening next in this compelling book about the life of Ellison Russell! Watching the Detectives is the 5th Book in The Country Club Murders and it is brilliantly written. Mulhern has captured the time and essence of the 70's and managed to tackle one of society's darkest secrets then as well as now. Her characters are vivid, the family dynamics are intense, her understanding of time and place are on point, and her riveting descriptions of crime scenes is remarkable! Poor Ellison cannot catch a break. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This opinion is strictly my own and without influence.

Julie Mulhern skillfully brings the 1970s to life, capturing its vibrant color, changing attitudes and modern fashions.  Ellison Russell is at once both a product of her Country Club background and a modern woman celebrating her newfound independence.  She challenges the norms embodied by her mother (who thinks cocktail parties, charity work, husbands and children stave off the chaos of 70s society) by living her own life. (Of course being well off and connected does make that life easier).  Ellison has a lot going for her - her career as an artist, her daughter, and her independence.  Well, except for her tendency to find bodies.

It’s been less than a week since Ellison last encountered a corpse.  The last thing she expects is to find the body of her decorator on the floor of her study.  Mrs. White in the study with the revolver - it sounds like a game of Clue but in life is far less fun.  Especially since the dishy Detective Anarchy Jones has a partner who sees Ellison as the prime suspect. The more Ellison learns about Khaki White, the more baffled she is and the more complicated life becomes.

Julie Mulhern has a definite way with words, infusing everyday situations with a welcome dash of humor.  I absolutely loved the charming way Ellison viewed her coffeemaker (ah we take for granted modern convenience) and the humorous scene where a tennis dress flirts outrageously with her pocketbook.  Ellison has a wit that allows her to make the most of the situation.  On a more serious note, Mulhern takes on an issue that was only beginning to emerge into public view in the 70s - domestic violence.  At that time, violence in the home was not viewed as a crime, but simply a matter between husband and wife.  Ellison faces the issue like a woman of her time, unaware of the prevalence, especially in the homes of the wealthy.  Watching the Detectives is a great book. I enjoyed the vibrant color of the 70s as well as the humor in this cozy mystery.

5 / 5

I received a copy of Watching the Detectives from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Watching the Detectives by Julie Mulhern is the 5th book in the Country Club Murders and it is a wonderful addition to the series. The story takes place in the 1970’s and follows Ellison Russell as she tries to figure out who killed her interior decorator in her study.

This cozy mystery is both funny and a wonderful read. It takes into account social issues of the time and weaves them seamlessly into the narrative while also providing an entertaining read. Ellison is a windowed artist caring for her teenage daughter and dealing with an overbearing mother. The mystery is full of enough twists and turns and quirky characters to keep you reading late into the night. Overall I would highly recommend this book to any fans of cozy mysteries.

I received this book from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy Mulhern's Country Club Murder Series and I was thrilled to see that there was a fifth book. As far as murder series go, this is one of my favorites. Ellison Russell can't seem to go more than four days without discovering a dead body, only this time it's in her own house and the bodies keep piling up. Throw in a little unrequited love with the sexy detective Anarchy Jones and you've got a great little, well-paced mystery set in the 70's.

Setting: Kansas City, Missouri, 1974, home of socialite Ellison Russell

Characters

Ellison Russell, socialite, widowed mother to teenager Grace
Anarchy Jones, handsome, rough-around-the-edges, smart police detective who has been involved with Ellison since her first found body
Khaki White, sought-after decorate, ex-wife of attorney Hunter Tafft, a suitor of Ellison's
Aggie, Ellison's housekeeper
Plot: Shortly after welcoming Khaki into her home for a consultation about redesigning Ellison's study, Ellison leaves to pick up her housekeeper, Aggie, whose beloved Bug, Bess, has finally run its last errand. When the pair return, they find Khaki dead. Given Ellison's track record, it's no surprise that Anarchy's new partner is immediately suspicious of her. Ellison tries to stay out of the investigation, but circumstances seem to keep pulling her back in. After a mishap at her mother's home, Ellison is forced to host a party at her place. By the end of the night, another body lies dead on Ellison's floor. Everyone's at a loss for suspects, but it seems as though Ellison stumbles on the truth before even fully putting the pieces together herself, and now the killer has her firmly in his sights.

Pacing: Steady

Predictability: Low

Wild Card: Watching the Detectives is a fast-paced, fun, addictive read featuring some of my favorite characters in mystery fiction. Ellison is someone who I like a lot and admire - an artist, a mother, an independent woman in a time when that was not something women aspired to be. But she is also human; a woman who struggles with the expectations society and her family place on her and are at odds with the woman she wants to be. This series is a favorite of mine because of the great characters and the wonderful writing - stories told with humor, heart, and intelligence.

Hit, Miss, or Draw: Hit

I love this series, I love these characters and I loved this writer and this book! Ellison Russell seems to always be at the wrong place at the wrong time and her mother is continually tell her to stop finding dead bodies because it is not the thing that decent people do. But how can she avoid it when the body is her own house?

Ellison has decided to redecorate her late husband's sanctuary and has the decorator there but she is called away for a short period of time and when she returns, well Mother was not pleased. The decorator was dead. Mother also forced Ellison to hold a dinner party at her home days later, and well, Mother definitely wasn't pleased this time either.

The book was well-written, entertaining and the mystery keeps you scrambling for clues.

The best part for me was the references to the game of Clue - Mrs. White in the Library with the revolver, Mr. White in the Dining Room with the Candlestick. I laughed so hard!