Send in the Clowns is the fourth Country Club Murders book by Julie Mulhern, and she keeps coming up with great stories that entertain. Ellison Russell is a recently widowed mother, who found out her husband was not only cheating on her, but was rather kinky at that. She is a member of the County Club set and does not need to worry about money at all. She seems to find more dead bodies than anyone should, so much so, that she has memorized Detective Anarchy Jones home phone number.

In this story, Ellison rushes off to the local Haunted House when she finds out that her daughter's friends came home without her. Paying her admission, she heads off into "The Gates of Hell" to find Grace, but instead finds clowns, two to be exact. The problem is, not only is Ellison afraid of clowns, but one of the clowns has just killed the other one. Is this part of the show. When Ellison realizes she has blood on her coat and hands as well as the dying clown speaking to her by name, she realizes this is really happening and the other clown is now looking at her. It turns out that the murder victim is the black sheep of a family that Ellison knows, and his sister is one of Grace's best friends. He has returned to town as his 25th birthday draws near and he is about to receive a healthy trust fund. Once again, Ellison is put in a position that she needs to find the murderer. Not only does she feel responsible as she found the body, but she knew him and she is worried about the other clown coming after her or Grace.

This story has everything you expect from this series. There is a murder where Ellison finds the body, there is an exploration of family dynamics, humour (Mr. Coffee is her best male relationship), tongue in cheek descriptions of the Country Club set and of course, romance. Ellison is still being pursued by two very eligible bachelors. Anarchy Jones the detective and Hunter Taft the well connected lawyer. Ellison is still not ready for a relationship with either man due to her trust issues as well as liking her new independence, but it does not stop her kisses and the tingling she gets from both of them. This is a fun part of the story that I look forward to in each book. Ellison is a great character. She is tough, strong, independent, loyal, loving and supportive to her family and the kind of person I would love to have as a friend. I love the setting in the 70s. I lived it and this hits so true, it also adds a different touch to this cozy series. A great series that I would recommend to cozy mystery readers as well as anyone who loved the the 70s. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

I don't pay for many ebooks, but I bought this one because I just had to have my Ellison Russell fix. This is a fabulous series - probably in my top 3 favourites. ( )

This is the fourth book in the Country Club Murders series, which is an entertaining, humorous, lovely, lovely series. This one features clowns, as in the title, and of the four books in the series, this is my least favorite.

Ellison is still the same: great, capable and poised. Her relationship with Mr. Coffee is mentioned constantly. Like several times a chapter often. Supporting characters remain very consistent to what you would expect of them, and no less wonderful for that. I think the main issue I had was the clown aspect. It just seemed a bit improbable, unlikely, and crazy. The story felt rushed, as if there was no time to exhale. The interaction with her Father is becoming more rounded, but I am not sure of the direction in which he is being taken.

Definitely looking forward to the next one in the series, as I have grown quite attached to Ellison, and I like the writing of the author.

**eARC Netgalley** ( )

Poor Ellison, being set upon by clowns in a haunted house is no fun, no matter what time of year. You can just feel Ellison's mother's eyes rolling as she finds yet another body connected to their country club family. And more than the previous stories, Ellison is really trying to come into her own after the loss of her husband in an earlier book, both without Daddy's help or the other over protective, well-meaning men in her life. Ellison's troubles are very relatable (well, bodies aside) from the 1970's setting and her family life is strong, yet challenging. Teenager Grace is true to form, making life somewhat difficult for a single mom who wants to be dependent only on Mr. Coffee. I hope the hint of a upcoming art show mean there will be more stories in this likeable series. Another wonderful addition to the Country Club Murders series. ( )

Perfect timing for the Halloween season - Ellison goes looking for her wayward daughter and instead a murder finds her. Because the victim whispers her name before dying, Ellison feels a need to find the murderer.

Why was Brooks Harney killed? Was it related to his surprise wife Stormy or a drug deal gone bad, or was he in he wrong place at the wrong time? Ellison has to figure out he reason to solve the murder and keep both her "gentlemen friends" from errors that could prove deadly,

I absolutely adore this series, not only does it take back in time but the characters are funny and full of life. Can't for the next one! ( )