Read Julie Mulhern Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 9, 2026

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Julie Mulhern is an author whose charm lies in her ability to blend mystery, humor, and intriguing characters into a seamless narrative. Known primarily for her Country Club Murders series, Mulhern has captivated readers with her engaging storytelling and relatable characters. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, this deep dive into her works offers a comprehensive understanding of her writing style, the structure of her series, and why her books are worth the read. From the suspenseful mysteries to the witty commentary on societal norms, the world Julie Mulhern creates is both delightful and absorbing.

List Of Julie Mulhern Books In Order

More On Julie Mulhern Books In Chronological Order

1. The Deep End (2015)

Okay, so picture this: you’re the daughter of a super wealthy family, stuck in a fancy country club full of glitz, glamour, and a lot of secrets. The main character, Ellison Russell, is just trying to live her life when she stumbles upon a murder, and let me tell you, things quickly spiral into a whirlwind of family drama and crime-solving. It’s like The Great Gatsby meets a cozy murder mystery with all the sharp wit and unexpected twists!

2. The Body in the Trunk (2015)

Ellison Russell is back, and she’s not having a good time. After finding a body in a trunk at her mother’s house, she’s once again dragged into a mess of murder and family scandal. If you thought things couldn’t get worse after the first book, oh, they definitely do! This one is filled with even more intrigue, suspicious characters, and plenty of Ellison’s sarcastic observations that keep things light, even when things are getting pretty heavy.

3. The Devil’s Teeth (2016)

You won’t believe what happens in this third installment! Ellison is, once again, trying to navigate her family’s upper-crust lifestyle, but when a murder takes place at a fancy gala, things take a sudden dark turn. The Devil’s Teeth dives deeper into Ellison’s personal life and her complicated relationships, but it’s still full of the snarky humor you love. Plus, there’s more mystery to uncover than ever before, and the plot will keep you guessing.

4. The Price of Malice (2017)

In book four, things get personal for Ellison when a murder hits a little too close to home. With the wealthy world she’s a part of under even more scrutiny, Ellison’s attempt at maintaining her composure is tested to the limit. This time, the stakes are higher, and the twists are juicier. It’s another blend of suspense, mystery, and some seriously clever social commentary, all wrapped up in Ellison’s perfectly relatable personality.

5. A Haunting on Hooker Hill (2018)

This one’s got a spooky twist! Ellison heads to a supposedly haunted hill, and guess what? Murder finds her once again. This book not only serves up the mystery you crave, but it also brings in some fun supernatural vibes with the haunting. With Ellison caught up in solving the case while also dealing with her own ghosts (figuratively and literally!), it’s the perfect blend of eerie chills and cozy, quirky humor.

6. The Bitter End (2019)

Get ready for some seriously high-stakes drama in this one! Ellison has to confront her past, and let me tell you, it’s not all glamorous parties and shopping sprees. In this book, she’s dealing with darker secrets, and there’s more to uncover than she bargained for. Murder, scandal, and long-held grudges make this an intense read, but don’t worry-Ellison’s signature wit and charm are still there to keep things from getting too heavy.

7. Murder at the Breakers (2020)

Okay, things get even fancier here. Ellison Russell heads to The Breakers, a legendary mansion, and surprise, surprise, there’s a murder! It’s a high-society mystery with all the glitz and glamour you expect from a place like that, but it’s also filled with all the weird, unexpected twists that Mulhern does so well. It’s a luxurious backdrop for the kind of suspense and humor that’ll have you hooked from the very first page.

8. The Girl in the Glass (2021)

This one’s different in the best way possible. It’s got a bit of a gothic vibe, with Ellison dealing with both a literal glass house and metaphorical ones around her. When a new murder pops up, you know the mystery is about to get tangled in a mess of social expectations and family drama. The suspense level is high, and Ellison’s clever commentary on the situations she finds herself in will keep you laughing even as the plot gets darker.

9. The Garden of Lies (2022)

Now we’re diving deep into secrets. This one focuses a lot on Ellison’s growing personal struggles and the mysteries that won’t leave her alone. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful garden (hence the title), the book brings a heavy dose of intrigue and shocking revelations. It’s a blend of family betrayal, old scandals, and the kind of wit that Ellison always brings, and I promise, by the end, you’ll be holding your breath.

10. The Shadow of the Flame (2023)

This one is all about Ellison getting caught in the crossfire of a truly explosive family secret. When the flames of old grudges ignite again, Ellison is right in the thick of it, trying to uncover the truth while balancing her personal life. The stakes are higher than ever, and the twists? Absolutely jaw-dropping. If you love suspense with a good amount of drama, this is the one to get into.

Background On Julie Mulhern Books

Julie Mulhern’s literary career is defined by her ability to craft stories that are both cozy and complex. Her most popular works fall under the Country Club Murders series, which blends murder mystery with a rich sense of character-driven narrative. The series is set in the 1970s, within the privileged yet often chaotic world of a high-society country club, and follows the protagonist, Ellison Russell, as she navigates murder, intrigue, and personal growth in a setting brimming with secrets.

The first book in the Country Club Murders series, The Deep End, was published in 2015, marking the beginning of a fan-favorite series. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Kansas City, the series offers a unique blend of nostalgic elements and modern-day appeal. Through her strong lead character and a series of charming secondary characters, Mulhern introduces readers to a world of glamour, hidden secrets, and, of course, murder.

Mulhern’s work spans beyond just this series. She has written other mysteries and historical novels as well, each demonstrating her ability to mix suspense with sharp, witty prose. The Country Club Murders series, however, has become her signature, providing a deep dive into the world of upper-crust society through the lens of an amateur sleuth. The charm of the series lies not only in the mysteries themselves but in the characters’ relationships, the cultural references, and the layers of social commentary interwoven into each plot.

Reading Order Explained

For anyone starting the Country Club Murders series, knowing the correct reading order is important to fully enjoy the development of both the characters and the overarching narrative. Although the books can be read as standalone stories, there’s a chronological flow that adds depth to the relationships and the individual arcs of the characters.

Here’s the official reading order for the Country Club Murders series:

1. The Deep End (2015)

   The first book introduces Ellison Russell, a woman who finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after a country club member turns up dead. The mystery sets the stage for the series and gives a glimpse into Ellison’s personality and the world she inhabits.

2. A Matter of Scandal (2015)

   In the second book, Ellison is thrust back into the heart of a scandal when a friend of hers is found dead under suspicious circumstances. This installment takes readers deeper into Ellison’s life, further establishing her as a savvy, if reluctant, investigator.

3. The Worst Noel (2016)

   The third book takes place during the holiday season and is a festive addition to the series. This story continues Ellison’s journey as she navigates a holiday party gone wrong, blending mystery and humor with the spirit of the season.

4. Cheeky Blonde (2016)

   In this installment, Ellison’s personal life becomes more complicated, and the stakes are raised as she faces new challenges. The mystery here centers on a new murder that threatens to turn Ellison’s world upside down.

5. The Big Chili (2017)

   In this book, Ellison faces the drama and intrigue that come with high-society events. Another murder sets the stage for this fast-paced entry, keeping readers on their toes with each twist and turn.

6. Killer Blonde (2018)

   As Ellison’s journey as an amateur detective progresses, she grows more confident in her abilities. In this book, the stakes are higher than ever as she confronts a killer with connections to her own personal life.

7. Gone With the Ghost (2019)

   This book delves into Ellison’s deepening relationships, while also offering the perfect dose of spooky intrigue, mixing ghostly themes with a grounded murder mystery.

8. Rookie of the Year (2020)

   This book follows Ellison as she takes on a new challenge within her social circle. The series continues to develop the characters while keeping the mysteries fresh and engaging.

…and many more follow in the series, with each installment offering its own flavor of suspense, humor, and mystery. The development of Ellison’s personal life and her gradual evolution as a sleuth keep the series exciting and engaging for new and returning readers.

What I Like About The Series?

What sets the Country Club Murders series apart from other cozy mysteries is Julie Mulhern’s distinctive style. The most remarkable aspect is the seamless blend of charm, humor, and suspense. Ellison Russell, the protagonist, is both relatable and endearing. She is an imperfect woman who’s not afraid to question the world around her. Her wit and sarcasm add layers to her character, making her someone readers can easily root for.

The setting of the country club is another highlight. Mulhern creates an atmosphere where privilege, power, and secrecy mix with the threat of murder. The backdrop of 1970s high society provides an interesting lens through which to explore issues of class, gender, and personal identity, all wrapped up in a well-crafted mystery.

The humor within the series is also noteworthy. While the plots are filled with tension and suspense, there’s an underlying lightness. Ellison’s humorous observations, often made in the face of danger, provide relief without undercutting the tension of the mysteries. The dialogue between characters is snappy and sharp, keeping the narrative both fast-paced and witty.

The mysteries themselves are tightly plotted. While some cozy mysteries can feel predictable, Mulhern keeps her readers on their toes. The twists and turns in each book lead to satisfying resolutions that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Finally, the relationships between characters evolve organically, adding emotional depth to the series. Ellison’s friendships, romantic entanglements, and family dynamics are intricately woven into the mysteries, making them feel grounded and authentic. These characters are as important as the crimes they are trying to solve.

Should You Read Julie Mulhern Books In Order?

While it’s possible to jump into any book in the Country Club Murders series and enjoy it as a standalone mystery, reading the books in order will offer a richer experience. The series follows the personal growth of Ellison Russell, as she develops as a person, a sleuth, and a friend. Early books in the series lay the groundwork for her relationships, and later entries build upon them, making her emotional journey just as important as the mysteries she solves.

By reading in order, you will not only follow Ellison’s character arc but also witness the progression of secondary characters, each of whom adds depth and texture to the world Mulhern creates. This ongoing development is one of the major appeals of the series.

Additionally, there are recurring themes and plot threads that build upon each book, offering more context and emotional payoff if you read them in order. It’s much like watching a television series; while individual episodes may stand alone, the overall narrative is much more engaging when followed from the start.