May Book Club: Fields’ Guide to Abduction by Julie Mulhern

Fields’ Guide to Abduction by Julie Mulhern

Julie Mulhern’s Fields’ Guide to Abduction is a genre-bending adventure where cozy mystery humor meets action-packed escapades. Center stage in this whirlwind is Poppy Fields, a social media influencer whose seemingly shallow life is filled with perfectly curated Instagram posts.

Initially, Poppy might strike you as the quintessential spoiled socialite, living a life many dream of but few attain. However, Mulhern peels back the layers to reveal a protagonist with surprising depth and resilience. When Poppy’s ex-boyfriend turns up dead, the narrative shifts gears, thrusting her into a survival story against the menacing backdrop of a Mexican drug cartel. It’s here that Poppy’s transformation from a glamorous brat to a cunning survivor shines, showcasing Mulhern’s skill in character development.

One of the book’s most enjoyable aspects is its glimpse into the influencer lifestyle—complete with the exchange of photo ops for luxury resort stays. This peek behind the curtain adds a layer of authenticity and humor, making the story resonate with anyone who’s scrolled through social media and wondered about the reality behind those glossy images.

Classifying Fields’ Guide to Abduction is a challenge—it’s a cozy mystery if cozy mysteries involved high-stakes cartel chases, DEA shootouts, and a high body count. It’s humorous, but the laughs are laced with tension. It’s an action-adventure where the protagonist wears designer heels instead of hiking boots. Mulhern has crafted a novel that defies expectations, adding twists and turns to every chapter.

In essence, this book is a must-read for those who love their mysteries with a side of humor and heart-pounding action. Poppy Fields may start as the socialite you love to hate, but she’ll evolve into the heroine you root for, proving that strength and wit can come in the most unexpected packages.