"Telephone Line" By Julie Mulhern: Review/Giveaway

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review and links to purchase it.

Ellison Russell found the child’s pose so relaxing in her yoga class that it lulled her to sleep. Perhaps that was the instructor’s goal, as while her students were napping, she locked them into the room of Winnie Flournoy’s three-story mansion. If yoga teacher Marigold Applebottom’s intention was robbery something went definitely array, as after Ellison and her friends managed to signal for help from a neighbor, Marigold’s body was found inside hanging from a bannister.



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Image Source Henery Press
Once again failing to follow her mother’s dictates to Not Find Bodies or be embarrassing, Ellison once again finds herself amidst murders in 1974’s prestigious Kansas City community. Mother has much more important priorities for Ellison than finding a killer, as being the Chairman of their museum’s Chinese exhibit gala she is in charge of raising donations, and it is her duty to impress. The news that the San Francisco gala for the same exhibit netted over a million dollars has Mother determined that they not be overshadowed by the bigger cities, forcing Ellison to kick it into gear and nearly triple the money’s raised. In just over two weeks. Ellison would rather face down a murderer than have to once again hit up donors for more money, especially when one of those is her own brother–in-law the Condom King. With police – the investigation unfortunately not being led by her boyfriend Detective Anarchy Jones – discovering that Marigold was someone with many secrets of her own, Ellison is the topic of conversation as she questions those who may know far more about the deceased than they are willing to admit.

What continues to be outstanding in this series is how the author exposes the tragedy and darkness hidden within an exclusive, country club community. That it is done through the use of humor and wry observations making this achievement even more impressive, especially as the novel remains undeniably entertaining even while making serious statements about society. The greatest tragedy is that the sexist, elitist, and society injustices that were prevalent over forty years ago continue today. The joy in this series has been seeing Ellison progress from a humiliated housewife into a strong, single mother willing to defy stereotypes and stand up for those she believes need help. Her rather unhealthy relationship with her Mr. Coffee is a genuine delight, as is her wry humor and tolerance for Mother. Ellison’s own maternal instincts and protectiveness over her daughter is never in question, even while the teenager rolls her eyes at her mother’s dating life and mocks her ineptness in the kitchen. Social commentary is seamlessly blended with the natural humor that is grounded in the relationships between these likable – and some not so likable – characters. This is a thoughtful, compelling, and extremely entertaining novel depicting a woman finding strength and becoming the person she always wanted to be.

Check out other Henery Press mysteries on their website.

To enter to win a copy of Telephone Line, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "telephone,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 10, 2019. U.S. residents only. If entering via comment please include your email address. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win, we will not use your address for any other reason. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast featuring mystery short stories and first chapters read by actors. A new episode went up this week.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:




Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.



Comments

  1. At least it wasn't hot yoga, I guess. Count me in!

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  2. I always enjoy reading Julie's stories. They are great!

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  3. I’d so love to read this!

    Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  4. Sounds like quite a story. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

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  5. I love this series and would like to win this newest book. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. Would really like to read. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I'd be so happy to read this book. Thank you for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  8. Would love to read Julie's book! Thanks for the chance!

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  9. Thanks for the chance to win! Saamm7(at)msn(dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Taylor R. WilliamsAugust 6, 2019 at 7:28 PM

    Sounds like a great series - sure would love to win - thanks for the chance. trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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