Clouds in My Coffee
The Country Club Murders #3
by Julie Mulhern
Henery Press, May 2016
256 pages
source: publisher, via NetGalley
Summary (from goodreads):
When Ellison Russell is nearly killed at a benefactors’ party, she brushes the incident aside as an unhappy accident. But when her house is fire-bombed, she’s shot at, and the person sitting next to her at a gala is poisoned, she must face facts. Someone wants her dead. But why? And can Ellison find the killer before he strikes again?
Add in an estranged sister, a visiting aunt with a shocking secret, and a handsome detective staying in her guesthouse, and Ellison might need more than cream in her coffee…
My thoughts:
It's here! Clouds in My Coffee, the third book in The Country Club Murders series, is finally out and it's every bit as good as the first two. Set among St. Louis's country club set in the 1970s, my favorite characters have returned for another round of charity galas, dinners at the club, and, of course, a few gentle murders. We are introduced to Ellison's estranged sister, Marjorie, her eccentric Aunt Sis, and long-hidden family secrets are unearthed. Romantic tension between Ellison and her would-be suitors detective Anarchy Jones and thrice-divorced lawyer Hunter Tafft heats to a slow simmer.
As a relative newcomer to cozy mysteries, Mulhern's books have become my gold standard for the genre. They are perfect escapist reading - fun, breezy, and entertaining, yet never too silly or fluffy. And the characters grow more three-dimensional with each installment. I can't wait for Book 4!
My thoughts on:
The Deep End, Book 1
Guaranteed to Bleed, Book 2
My rating:
I loved this one as well! I'm so glad that you're enjoying the series so much. I really think this one might be my favorite yet.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - They seem to be getting better and better!
DeleteHi JoAnn, looks like a great book! Please do add your review to the Books You Loved: May collection over at Carole's Chatter. Cheers
ReplyDeleteCarole - I just popped over and posted a link :)
DeleteSounds like a good one! I don't read a lot of cozies mysteries anymore but will have to keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteIliana - I have been using cozy mysteries as 'palate cleansers' lately. Seems to be working out well.
DeleteI'm glad you liked it, I plan to read it this week or next. Glad to hear it is as good as the first two. I'm new to cozies too and I agree with what you said- I kinda feel like these are my favorites of that genre right now. Breezy but not silly- exactly right.
ReplyDeleteGreg - I'm so glad I learned about this series from you and Katherine. I don't read many, but just love these!
DeleteThese sound really enticing!
ReplyDeletePatty - The 70s references are so much fun, too!
DeleteYay! We've officially converted you to series mysteries. :) (Plus. I'm in favor of any book containing an eccentric aunt.)
ReplyDeleteAudrey- Yes, you have! Since I have to wait until October for the next installment in this series, I have several of your recommendations on my wish list to explore between now and then.
DeleteVicki - They are wonderful! I'm sure you would enjoy this series.
ReplyDeleteI've had this author's books on my tbr list for so long and still haven't read them. I've heard nothing but amazing things about her books, too. Maybe my summer reading will give in to reading them.
ReplyDeleteKathy - These would make great summer reads!
DeleteI think you might like Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse mysteries. They are cozies with a great sense of place and wonderful recurring characters. http://www.coffeehousemystery.com/
ReplyDeleteNan - They sounds great... and I'm pretty sure Les has also recommended them. Can't go wrong if both of you are in agreement! I'm going to the library later this morning, hope they have the first one.
DeleteJoAnn, Sounds perfect for a summer read. Love reading your reviews.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting and commenting on my blog, and for following me on instagram. Your post did go through. Thanks again! Bonnie
Thanks, Bonnie. I appreciate that. Clouds in My Coffee would be perfect reading for an afternoon at the pool or beach.
DeleteI am glad this one is as good as the first two. I enjoyed Ellison as a character, and it's fun to revisit the 70s. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - I think I enjoy the trip back to the 70s just as much as the characters and story!
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