Reading with Readers: The Deep End by Julie Mulhern

Contributed by: Trish Gau, The Hive Overland Park

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you choose to purchase through the links provided.

The Deep End is the first book in The Country Club Murders series written by best-selling author, Julie Mulhern. Set in 1970s Kansas City with a clever mix of murder, humor, and a bit of nostalgia, Mulhern weaves a suspenseful tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.

The story centers on Ellison Russell, who stumbles upon a corpse in her country club pool during an early morning swim. To make matters worse, the corpse is her husband's mistress. As Ellison finds herself and her husband as the main suspects, she becomes an amateur sleuth determined to uncover the truth.

Ellison Russell is a charming character; her dry wit and the internal monologues she shares with the reader add humor to the narrative. She's a refreshing departure from the typical amateur detective, and her personal relationships with her mother, daughter, lawyer and the detective on the case make this book engaging and relatable.

One of the standout features of The Deep End is the immersive portrayal of the 1970s setting. Readers are transported back in time, and the atmosphere is as much a character as the individuals populating the story. Mulhern intertwines personal relationships with the mystery, creating a complex web of interactions that keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome.

The Deep End is a delightful mystery that transports readers to a bygone era of glamour, intrigue, and dark secrets. Julie Mulhern's witty writing style, compelling characters, and attention to detail make for an enjoyable and engaging read. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries and love a little humor mixed in, "The Deep End" is a poolside thriller you won't want to miss. Dive in and enjoy the intrigue of 1970s Kansas City.

Recently The Deep End author, Julie Mulhern, graciously joined a group of women from The Hive Overland Park to discuss the book and answer a few questions. When asked why she chose the 1970s as the setting of her Country Club Murders series, Mulhern explained that besides having her own sense of nostalgia regarding that decade, she likes to focus on the whys of murder instead of the CSI type details that a more modern decade would include.

The '70s were also a decade of empowerment for women to use their own voices and stand their ground on their bodies, their careers and their own choices in life. These topics have given Mulhern plenty of material for her series whose number is quickly approaching 20.

Our readers were big fans of the mystery genre, loved the protagonist of The Deep End and are looking forward to continuing to read the rest of the series and see what happens to Ellison Russell next!

What is your favorite mystery series? Let us know in the comments below!