Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940157212551 |
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| Publisher: | Henery Press |
| Publication date: | 05/23/2017 |
| Series: | Country Club Murders Series , #5 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 234 |
| Sales rank: | 40,965 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
WATCHING THE DETECTIVES
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
21 reviews.
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This is the 5th book I have read in this series, and each one gets better and better.
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I have read the series and enjoyed each book
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I love this series. Once again Ellison stumbles finds another body, this one in her own house. A new detective on the force thinks Ellison is a prime suspect. When another victim dies in her house things go from bad to worse. Despite the serious issues they are still some laugh out loud moments. I really like the characters and the author does a wonderful job in capturing the 70s. The mystery was good and the solution made sense. Enjoy another wonderful book in this series.
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I loved this book and the series. Ellison had a knack of finding dead bodies, often on her own property. This book is no exception. When she gets a call from Aggie, her housekeeper about her car breaking down, she heads off to the local shopping center to get her. She leaves her decorator in the house to continue coming up with ideas while she is gone. Well, you guessed it, when she gets back home less than half an hour later, she is dead in the den with a bullet in her head. Of course Ellison calls Anarchy, the handsome detective that she has a budding relationship and he shows up with his new partner. There is a lot going on in this story, with another body along the way and some women who also end up in the hospital.
The mystery kept me guessing until the end, which I always like. This book was not just a mystery. This series takes place in the 70s and at that time, police and medical practitioners felt that physical abuse between spouses was a personal matter and they did not intervene. This was an era where women just took it when their husband or boyfriend hit them, it was almost a joke about women hiding their black eyes behind the huge sunglasses of the day. Unlike many, the woman who was abused in this book got out, and her husband's family stood behind her, not her husband who was their relative. It was due to Ellison's persistence that she finally spoke up. So kudos to Julie Mulhern, for dealing with this topic and maybe this will help someone now break the silence and get out. The setting is also very nostalgic to those of us who grew up during that time so it adds another enjoyable dimension. I suppose you could read this book without reading the rest of the series, but who would want to. This is one of the best cozy series I have read.
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I absolutely adore this series! Set in a familiar time when things were different, Julie Mulhern manages to make each book a stand-alone success. There are twists and turns and lots of suspense that propel the reader forward. This book in particular was near and dear to my heart and so very well done.
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What a great series! The only bad thing about finishing this book is I now have to wait until the next in the series comes out.
Ellison once again is finding bodies and her mother wants her to stop it! But Ellison doesn't always do what her mother wants, including who she dates. Ellison is trying to be a strong, independent woman and that was not the way women behaved in her mother's circle. The only "man" Ellison really depends on is Mr. Coffee.
This is another great installment in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
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What can I say? Another great book from Julie Mulhern. Ellison Russell is finding bodies again. I enjoy reading the Country Club Murders series. This is the fifth one and continues to keep you guessing right up to the end as to whodunit. There are parts that make you chuckle, especially because I lived through the 70s and can picture everything she writes about.....right down to the macrame owls. She also does a great job on touching upon issues from that time. Looking forward to the next one to see what's in store for Ellison, her family and her love life. Never a dull moment in that household.
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"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."
How could I resist a come on like that?!
And the story lives up to it.
Quirky and fun with a good mystery.
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Ellison has barely had time to recover from the horrifying clown events of the last book, when the decorator she hires to finally redo her late husband's study is killed right in her own home. You can pretty much feel and hear her mother's sigh of disgust when that news spreads. I chuckled out loud at the references to the game Clue, the decorator being the unfortunate Mrs. White. The country club set has all used Mrs. White, and that's how Ellison manages to eventually tie things together, with husbands and wives both releasing bits of information. There's a bit more serious side the story involving domestic violence and in keeping with the Seventies theme, Mulhern really illustrates how hidden a lot of that activity was, particularly among women of that social stature. As usual, the bits of repartee between Detective Anarchy Jones and Ellison are some of the best parts of the story and I hope we don't have to wait long for another one of these smart mysteries.
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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.
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Domestic violence isn’t considered polite conversation. And even today, (and unless we’ve had personal experience with it) we tend to think that it could never happen to anyone we know. In the fifth of the Country Club Murder series, domestic violence is the subject and what Mulhern does with it is a lesson for every woman on the planet. Once again, Ellison has stumbled into bodies (yes more than one this time) in her home, and once again, that incredibly sexy Detective Anarchy Jones comes to investigate. Ellison finally finds her backbone and stands up to not only her over domineering mother, but to the man her mother is determined she marry. Let’s just hope there’s a book six and that a romance develops between her and Det. Jones. I love Mulhern’s style of writing – she tackles serious subjects in a setting most of us will never experience (it is after all the well-to-do country club set in the 1970s), but she builds in a certain amount of humor that causes uncontrollable laughter for some time. Our author just keeps getting better, her characters are gaining deeper substance, and her hint of a romance is just enough of a teaser to spark imagination. Great job and another book I’ll be recommending to my list.
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By that, do I mean Ellison has found another body, or that Julie Mulhern has written another really great book?! Both, to be honest!!! Fast-paced, witty, fun. I'm enjoying watching Ellison discover who she wants to be, a little more with each book. Watching The Detectives takes Ellison into uncharted waters, pushes her boundaries, and gives her a lot to think about. Oh, and the sizzle with Detective Anarchy Jones just keeps getting hotter! I thoroughly enjoyed the latest foray into the 70s world of Country Clubs, fashion, and murder.
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This book is as good as the previous ones, if not better! Ms. Mulhern's writing flows! It is easy reading, and very believable. You have to keep in mind that this story is not happening now, but in the 1970s, and women were looked at, and treated, differently. And the way she portrays the interaction between Ellison and Anarchy is excellent - it gets my heart really going! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
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The Country Club Murders series is one of my all time favorites, and continues to impress with its well developed characters, the 1970's setting, and a wonderful protagonist, Ellison Russell. Watching the Detectives is funny and amusing, but between the macrame owls, Aunt Sis and Grace being arrested, and the horrid buffet arranged by Ellison's mother for a party, it also deals with murder and some very serious and "not spoken of in polite society" issues facing women of that time period. Additionally, Anarchy has a new partner, a wannabe Columbo, who is convinced that Ellison is the murderer ("don't leave town, Mrs. Russell"). Ellison and Anarchy's relationship continues to sizzle (as does her long-time relationship with her Mr. Coffee), and Ellison's continued ability to stand up to her mother, Frances, is very satisfying. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book, and hated to see it end. Watching the Detectives would be very easy to read in one sitting, but I like to draw it out as long as I can (which isn't very long!) because I love how Julie Mulhern writes. I highly recommend this book, as I do all the books in the Country Club series -- you won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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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.
If you want a book that has a 1970s Gilmore Girls feel to it and is full of humor, romance, and wit, then this is a book for you to try!
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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.
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Watching the Detectives is the fifth book in Julie Mulhern’s Country Club Murders series. Ms. Mulhern’s writing style is crisp and clear, the storyline is well developed, and the characters are entertaining, fun, and a little quirky. The setting for this series is the 1970s country club society in Kansas City, Missouri, and all the details are right on target from telephones that must be attached to a wall to work to the some of the carpets being shag to the description of clothes worn by the characters. The mystery is interesting and witty statements and humor are disbursed throughout the book. This book is steadily paced, with lots of twists and turns and enough suspects to keep the reader engaged. The sensitive subject of spousal abuse is addressed in this book. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Ellison Russell is a widow, an artist, the mother of a teenager daughter, loves Mr. Coffee, and seems to attract murder victims. Ellison isn’t sure she’s ready for a relationship but has two handsome and caring men, Detective Anarchy Jones, and a lawyer, Hunter Tafft, interested in pursuing one with her. She recently fired her decorator and agreed to meet with Khaki White, a decorator who just happens to be Hunter’s ex-wife, and have her bid on turning her late husband’s office into a study. Aggie DeLucci, her housekeeper, calls with car trouble and Ellison leaves Khaki in her home while she picks up Aggie and their groceries. When they arrive at Ellison’s home, they discover Khaki has been murdered. When Detective Jones and his new partner show up, Detective Peters immediately focuses on Ellison as his prime suspect. Ellison’s socially proper mother, who can be difficult and demanding, is helping Cora, her cousin Thornton’s wife, chair a benefit luncheon and due to plumbing problems at her home offers Ellison’s home for the benefactor’s dinner. When another body shows up at the dinner, Detective Peters is even more convinced of Ellison’s involvement. Ellison thinks Khaki was involved in some shady activities and can’t resist asking questions and investigating on her own, placing herself in harm’s way.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
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Watching the Detectives by Julie Mulhern, featuring Ellison Russell will grab your attention with the first line and leave you dying for more.
This story reads like a favorite board game, Clue.
When Mrs. White is found dead in the study with a gun & Mr. White is found dead in the dining room, by a candlestick no less, Ellie just can't catch a break.
All she wanted was the study redone and in return is the prime suspect in both murders.
When Detective Anarchy Jones and his new partner arrive at the first scene, his cranky partner has no problem believing Ellie is guilty.
How will Ellie get herself out of this mess, especially with her mother breathing down her neck about doing the "right thing."
Find out on May 23rd when Henery Press releases this fantastic book.
I volunteered to read an ARC of this book provided by Henery Press and NetGalley.
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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.
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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
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the Mrs. White dead in the study and Mr. White dead in the dining room part of it. The main character, Ellison, is definitely someone I would have to think twice about being her friend. It seems everywhere she goes the bodies start piling up.
There are several quirky characters that really made the story appealing. There is also an underlying theme that is very serious and plays a major role in this cozy mystery. This was my fourth book by this author and she has yet to disappoint me. This series is fun, enjoyable and entertaining.
Huge thanks to Henery Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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