"Killer Queen" By Julie Mulhern: Review/Giveaway

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win either an ebook or print copy of this book at the end of the review and a link to purchase it.

It’s April 1975 in Kansas City, Missouri, and all Ellison Russell is looking forward to is her upcoming trip to Venice with Detective Anarchy Jones. It will be their first vacation together as a couple, not to mention the widow’s first sleepover with a man who wasn’t her now-deceased philandering husband. At this point in the bumpy road to their relationship, they shouldn’t be surprised that their plans are interrupted. For once, though, it’s not by her status-conscious mother or Ellison’s spirited teenaged daughter. Instead, a woman claiming to be Anarchy’s wife is at her doorstep, which would be shocking in and of itself even if Ellison didn’t then immediately find the woman dead. Not only does this further cement Ellison’s reputation as a body finder, Ellison’s mother wields this as additional evidence that Anarchy is a bad influence. While Ellison never waivers in her support of the detective’s morality or honesty, her abysmal choice for her previous spouse makes her question her judgment and belief in the possibility of happiness.


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That becomes an issue when Anarchy’s mother unexpectedly arrives in town for a visit, and Celeste is not shy about sharing her opinion on her son’s relationship. The pro-feminist Stevie Nicks look-alike definitely does not approve of Ellison’s high-society lifestyle, and Celeste doesn’t hesitate to declare this to Ellison’s face. So it’s a welcome distraction for Ellison to focus her attention on the death of the woman who lied to get Ellison’s attention, especially when she learns that the victim was uncharacteristically without the allergy kit that would have prevented the fatal bee venom poisoning. Rumors of affairs, rivalries, and property disputes all must be sorted out in the pretentious, superficial, and extremely hierarchal country clubs. To Mother’s endless disappointment and exasperation, Ellison’s frequent flyer patient status as the hospital may actually help her to put together the puzzle pieces to the heartbreaking crime.

This eleventh novel featuring Ellison Russell incorporates everything that has made this one of my favorite mystery series. The continuous battle between socialites for status and money is shown to be as deadly as it is ridiculous, especially since it takes only one small crack to destroy their pretense of perfection. Ellison’s growth and strength as a character completely carries the entire series, and the former betrayed wife has blossomed into an independent woman and successful artist. That doesn’t mean that she still won’t duck calls from Mother or resent the spying neighbor who is her Mother’s informant. As one character astutely observes, without her dulling husband Ellison is able to shine. Her humor and new spirited independence is being passed on to her clever teen of a daughter Grace, a staunch supporter of her mother’s newly forged path. Readers will eagerly anticipate Ellison’s next step in the future she has built for herself, which should be filled with even more adventure, romance, and laughter. And her beloved Mr. Coffee.

To enter to win either a print or ebook copy of Killer Queen, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "queen,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 5, 2020. U.S. residents only and you must be at least 18 to enter. 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. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK

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 last week.

You can use this link 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. I’d love to read this! Legallyblonde1961@ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Would love to get a print copy! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Would really like to read. I prefer a print copy.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd love to win a print copy! katie.r.fitzgerald@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd love to win a print copy! katie.r.fitzgerald@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a series I have been meaning to start.
    I bought the first in audio.
    Love these covers
    karen94066 at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this series! I haven't read Killer Queen yet. Thank you for this chance!
    peggyhyndman (at) att (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love this series. Can’t wait to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a series that I keep meaning to read (always love the covers), but so many books and so little time!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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