BooksChatter: ℚ Guaranteed to Bleed: Country Club Murders [2]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Julie Mulhern to talk about Guaranteed to Bleed (13 October 2015, Henery Press, 268 pages), a Mystery, book two of the Country Club Murders.

“Set in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1974, this cozy mystery effectively recreates the era through the details of down-to-earth Ellison’s everyday life.” – Booklist

“Written sincerely, with unforgettable one-liners including: “Kizzi lived behind a curtain sewn from dry martinis.” There are many more to list, but I do not want to spoil the pleasure of unexpectedly encountering such gems tucked throughout the book. Thoroughly enjoyable.” – Librarian, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System

Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Julie Mulhern; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Guaranteed to Bleed?

"Guaranteed to Bleed is the second book in the Country Club Murders. As the series name suggests, the stories are centered around the country club set. They take place in the early 70s. I knew I wanted to write a mystery and a tight-knit, privileged community seemed the perfect place. I chose the 70s because I remember them fondly (I was a kid)."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Some of my experiences show up in Guaranteed to Bleed (I’ve never found a body but I have searched for things under the football stands) and the heroine’s dog, Max, closely resembles my own pooch, Sam."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Guaranteed to Bleed - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I am very fortunate in that my publisher, Henery Press, allows me input. They did the design and then we tweaked together. Isn’t it great?"

Why should we read Guaranteed to Bleed and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Unique? Country clubs, 1970s, and a heroine who’s coming into her own as a woman. Guaranteed to Bleed will make you laugh (I hope) and make you think (not so much that it hurts) and it might even make you want to go back and see how it all started in The Deep End."

Can you tell us something quirky about Guaranteed to Bleed, its story and characters?

"One of my favorite scenes in Guaranteed to Bleed takes place at The Jewel Box, an actual bar that used to exist in Kansas City. It was an important stop on the drag queen circuit. My heroine, Ellison, is taken there on a double date and hilarity ensues."

Who would you recommend Guaranteed to Bleed to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Guaranteed to Bleed is G-rated fun….well, maybe PG. There are drag queens, a sexy police detective, a sexy lawyer, and some mature themes."

If you could / wished to turn Guaranteed to Bleed and the the Country Club Murders series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Because the series is set in the 70s, I pictured 70s actors and actresses. Think Faye Dunaway for Ellison, Steve McQueen for Anarchy Jones, and Cary Grant for Hunter Tafft."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love writing mysteries. Love it! I also love to read them. That said, I also read biographies, history, romance and thrillers."

What is your writing process?

"I write every day—early. So early. Where’s the coffee early. Usually at least 1,000 words which I edit later in the day. As far as plotter or pantser, I’m a little bit of both. I write to identified plot points."

What is in store next?

"Book three in the Country Club series releases in May. The title is Clouds in My Coffee. I have a signed a contract for an additional six books so Ellison and the gang will be around for a while!"

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?