Someone once told me that having two dogs was easier than having one. Not when one of those dogs is intent on world domination. Max, a Weimaraner, plans to take over the planet, but his short-term schemes include taking control of the pantry and revamping the biscuit distribution system

As for Finn? Well, he’s sweet. And goofy. And, frankly, not very bright. He’s all too happy to follow Max’s lead in all things.

They were watching me struggle with a blank page. Why I’d agreed to write the obituary for a woman I didn’t even like was a mystery for the ages.

Woof. Max stood and gazed at the backyard.

All too happy for the interruption, I asked, “Do you need to go out?”

He wagged his stubby tail.

In the kitchen, I opened the backdoor, and the dogs raced into the yard like they’d been shot out of a cannon.

I hoped the squirrels and rabbits were safe.

Coffee?

I gave Mr. Coffee my brightest smile and poured myself a fresh cup.

How’s the obit coming?

“It’s not. I have no idea what to write.”

Max pawed on the backdoor, and I let the dogs back in the house.

They collected their biscuits, then trotted into the family room.

I topped off my coffee mug.

Is there anyone who can help you?

“Her ex-husband, but he’d probably describe her as a gold-digging harpy.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the dogs prance through the kitchen.

Prancing meant they were happy with themselves. Prancing meant trouble.

I followed them into the hallway and tripped over a lipstick. Flamingo pink. Not mine. “Max!”

He didn’t answer.

Next, I spotted my housekeeper’s car keys. “Max!”

Still no answer.

I found the dogs in the living room. Max had his nose buried in Aggie’s leather-tooled shoulder bag. The one painted with yellow smiley faces.

“Max!”

He ignored me.

I grabbed his collar and dragged him away from the bag.

Finn closed his jaws around the purse’s strap and ran, dragging the purse behind him.

Aggie’s wallet, her coin purse, a tampon, and a hair brush flew out of the bag.

I chased him, finally cornering him in the family room.

Finn stuck his snout into the bag and pulled out a chocolate bar.

“Finn, no!” Chocolate was bad for dogs.

The Airedale swallowed the bar whole, wrapper and all.

“Bad dog!”

He grinned at me and licked his lips.

Behind me, Max snickered.

“So funny,” I fumed. “Not! Now we have to go to the ve—” I stopped before I uttered the dreaded word. Miraculously, the dogs hadn’t damaged Aggie’s handbag. Thank heavens, because if I’d had to replace it, I wouldn’t begin to know where to find one similar. I’d never seen anything like it on the Plaza.

“Come on,” I told the dogs. “We’re going for a ride.” At least a trip to the vet meant I had a good reason to avoid writing the obit.

Back In Black, A Country Club Murder Mystery Book 18
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: October 2024
Format: Digital
Purchase Link

When Ellison’s friend Kay Morrison visits Kansas City from New York, there are certain women who turn green with envy. After all, Kay works in the fashion industry, she actually attended the Battle of Versailles, and her clothes are to die for.

But Ellison is happy to host a luncheon for her oh-so-chic friend. Too bad murder crashes the party.

Ellison is immediately drawn into two investigations. One, the murder. The second, a cruel theft.

With friends as suspects and two funerals to plan, Ellison’s mood is black. And, if she’s not careful, the next funeral she attends may be her own.

About the author
Julie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures. She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean–and she’s got an active imagination. Truth is–she’s an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.