Julie Mulhern knows how to write. While I might disagree with her using certain words in a story set in 1974, Ms. Mulhern knows how to tell a story. The pacing of the plot is nicely done, the humor is intelligently written (smart and funny aren't always easy to pull off) and the continuing back story of the series has kept me wanting to read more.

I think this was my favorite one of this series so far. I couldn't stop reading it until I was done. Thanks goodness it was a Friday night when I started it and I didn't have to work the next day. I was totally surprised by who the killer was. I totally thought it was someone else. I hope there a many more in this series.

"Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”

There's a great deal to enjoy in Mulhern's '70's country club world set mysteries. This one feels just a touch crowded with incident and characters along with a premise that doesn't quite ring true - someone seems to be trying to kill our protagonist and she just doesn't believe it?

This third book was much better than the first and second. I love how funny it is, and how to author incorporates funny banter within the pages. It's very descriptive (which I like) and it's an easy read. It's definitely different from alot of the murder mysteries I've read, but I'm still liking it. Also literally screaming about Ellison and Anarchy. Can't wait to see what happens there. An easy read. 4.3/5 for me

Back to the 70's with Ellison helping her mom with a gala, housing her aunt and sister rather unexpectedly, as well as being killed. For some reason there are many serious accidents that seem to be targeting Ellison. Ellison was a bit frustrating throughout the book as she refused to share anything about her family with the police even though it would help the case and she's obviously friendly with the detective. The mystery seemed to be a bit of side story with the relationships taking center stage this time around. I'm hoping that based on how the book ended that there will be less family drama in future installments.

Thoughts: This is a slightly different cozy in that the main character, Ellison, is rich. Very rich. She’s also firmly under her societal mother’s thumb, making sure that everything at her mother’s galas goes smoothly. But this time, things go very wrong. Not only does her aunt, Sis, show up unexpectedly and is shunted off to stay with Ellison, but so does Ellison’s sister. Then someone tries to kill Ellison. Multiple times. Which leads to cute cop Anarchy to move into Ellison’s carriage house to watch over her. Add to that, a dark family secret that could cause even more problems.

The characters are very-well written. I loved Ellison and how she handles everything. And the settings are nicely done. Plus the ending is satisfying – and a bit of a surprise. Never a bad thing with a mystery.

Recommendation: Though this is the third in a series, you don’t need to have read the first two to know what’s going on. And this is a stand-alone so it does actually come to a satisfactory conclusion. Recommended.

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”