A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras

Vintage Cookbook Mystery #5

by Ellen Byron, Amy Melissa Bentley (Narrator)

It's cozy. It's culinary. It's Mardi Gras madness! It's the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today -bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.

Step 1: join a killer krewe

It's carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee are dressing up for Mardi Gras. They've joined the notorious krewe of Chew to support Ricki's chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned this year's king. It's all fun, throws, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe's captain is found strangled with his own medallion.

Step 2: survive the festivities

The prime suspect is Ricki's friend, the deceased's wife who discovered he was cheating on her. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn't so sure. The krewe's leader had many enemies, including his mistress, his krewe cofounder who he ousted, and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing's clear, Ricki's at the center of yet another murder investigation. And if she's not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published August 4, 2026

About the author

Ellen is the bestselling, Agatha and Lefty Award-winning author of the Cajun Country Mysteries, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, the Catering Hall Mystery series (which she writes under the name Maria DiRico), and the Golden Motel Mysteries.

Ellen is also award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.

She is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras was my first book by Ellen Byron, and it definitely won’t be my last.

I loved the behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras and the krewes. Learning about the planning, traditions, and expense involved in the celebrations gave me a whole new appreciation for New Orleans and made the setting feel incredibly authentic. Byron’s vivid writing brought the city to life, and Ricki’s love for her adopted hometown added warmth and heart to the story.

The mystery kept me guessing, and I enjoyed Ricki and Virgil’s relationship throughout the book. The audiobook narrator was excellent, with clear delivery, expressive inflection, and great pacing that made this a pleasure to listen to.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with memorable characters, an engaging mystery, and an immersive setting, I highly recommend this one. I was blessed with an ALC and ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved what felt like an insider's look at the whole Mardi Gras New Orleans experience. I hate to say I figured out the baddie, but the whole parade and Mardi Gras scene was worth the read. I was glad to see Virgil and Ricki acting more boyfriend-girlfriend than in past books and the Bon-Vee gang were wonderful as supporting characters.

Ricki is joining a krewe to support her boyfriend who will be crowned King of the Krewe of Chew. She had no idea what it all entailed or the cost to patriciate in the Mardi Gras season. But it is definitely a New Orleans experience she wants to enjoy. Except when the krewe's captain, Jax, is found dead.

Suspects abound, including Jax's wife, Jessica. She has asked Ricki to investigate as she is the prime suspect in the murder. Ricki likes Jessica and does everything she can to uncover other suspects for the police. This puts Ricki in danger and Virgil and the Bon-Vee gang on alert. But the show or parade must go on.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

We are back in New Orleans for carnival season, and Ricki’s chef boyfriend, Virgil, is this year’s king of the notorious Krewe of Chew. All of Ricki’s friends and family from Bon Vee are donning purple, green, and gold to support him and get in on the Mardi Gras madness. Fun was being had by almost all until the captain of the Krewe was found strangled in the parking lot with his own medallion. His wife is the police’s top suspect; she had motive and opportunity. Ricki believes her new friend when she pleads her innocence. She identifies several others that could have taken their leader down, but can she prove one of them committed the murder? Or will the killer turn the tables and come after her first?

The core cast of characters Ms. Bryon has created for this series continues to evolve in meaningful and realistic ways. Ricki is trying to form a strong bond with her newly found biological mother. Her relationship with Virgil is fun and heartwarming, but Virgil’s ex-girlfriend is in town and ruffles more than a few feathers. Mordant and Zelda’s relationship has entered an interesting phase. Due to what they are giving up for Lent, their friends are getting hit with a lot of TMI moments. Eugenia’s granddaughter, Olivia, is Queen of the Gaia, so the crew at BonVee is getting a double dose of royalty this year. All the characters are very well-crafted. I appreciate the closeness that has been built between everyone at Bon Vee. If you are new to the series, Ms. Byron begins the book with a list of characters and how they fit into the series.

Ms. Byron has given her readers a mystery filled with twists, turns, and surprises. Throughout all the happenings of Mardi Gras, Ricki and her friends keep their eyes and ears open as they try to pin down a killer. I enjoyed being right in the middle of all the action, but the author succeeded in directing my attention to the wrong person. I was surprised by the final twist.

Never having traveled to New Orleans, I loved being treated to all the things happening behind the scenes and in plain sight for Mardi Gras: the traditions, the krewes, the meetings, the craft nights, gathering the throws (it’s more than just beads), the float building, the parades, the parties, the costumes, the pageantry, the magic, and more. It is easy to see why so many travelers arrive from all over the world to enjoy it. I hope to experience it in person someday.

A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras is an entertaining addition to this series. The vintage cookbook theme, the fabulous cast, the incredible setting, and a well-plotted mystery continue to bring me back for more of this series. Celebrating Mardi Gras was just the icing on a King cake. It’s always a pleasure to “let the good times roll!” with the people at Bon Vee. I highly recommend every book in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Ricki James-Diaz has returned to New Orleans after living in Los Angeles for several years and now runs a vintage cookbook and kitchenware shop inside a historic home and museum. This will be Ricki's first Mardi Gras as an adult and the festivities are more fun (and more expensive) than she expected. Her boyfriend, Virgil, has the honor of being the King for one of the Krewes. When the captain of the Krewe is killed, his wife is the prime suspect. Ricki has a reputation for helping to solve crimes, so her new friend Jessica asks her to prove her innocence. Ricki is willing, but someone seems determined to stop Ricki's investigation - one way or another.

This is such a fun series with a wonderful New Orleans setting and little facts about vintage cookbooks with recipes at the end of the book. The victim in this book had plenty of enemies, so Ricki has her work cut out for her to find the killer. I enjoyed the mystery, but also loved all the details about Mardi Gras balls, parties, and floats that I never knew before and the way they tie in with the plot. Ricki's relationship with Virgil is progressing, but I hope she continues to gain confidence so she isn't so insecure about how he feels about her. I enjoyed the book and the unexpected ending and look forward to more in this series.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Severn House, Joffee, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series from the first book, and I especially enjoy watching Ricki grow as a person, and uncovering her biological past. We learn even more about that in this book.

Someone always dies in a cozy, and it is usually someone who had it coming! However, murder is wrong, and Ricki steps in to help the widow uncover the truth. She does find herself in harms way a few times because of her snooping, but what cozy wouldn't be without a few near misses? The murderer is well hidden, and I did not suspect how the truth would unfold. While I had a few suspicions, I don't think I considered this character. There is another twist at the end as well. 

This band of characters makes each story interesting, and keeps me entertained until the last page. 

We give this book (and really the series) 5 paws up. Give it a try, and venture down to N'awlins during Mardi Gras. 

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz from Bon Vee is getting ready for Mardi Gras. She's joined the krewe of Chew to support her boyfriend, Virgil, who's to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled to death. The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t sure. Now she's at the center of another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last.
This was a great cozy mystery filled with fun characters, and a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I realized upon starting this novel that it wasn't the first novel in the series, but it was an easy read, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved reading about Mardi Gras season and all of the different parades and parties that go on in the Big Easy during this time. I've always wanted to go there, and this book gave me a taste of what it would be like. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books For this advanced reader's copy.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this was a really good and fun read!

I have never been to NOLA during festival/Mardi Gras season, and it was really interesting learning all about that and what it entails, both with the prep, floats and just how long parade season lasts [hint, it is EXHAUSTING if its even remotely like what they talk about in the book]; add in Ricki's adjusting to her birth mom being around all the time now, all the extra planning for Mardi Gras and then add in the murder and the story really takes off.

It was fun being back with Ricki and the gang, the story was excellent, the mystery was good [didn't guess it, though I should have, and I really loved the twist] and it left me wanting to visit NOLA for Mardi Gras for sure. I should start training now... ;-)

Amy Melissa Bentley once again knocks it out of the park with her narration of this book. I highly recommend listening to her narrate this series!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellen Byron, Joffe Books/Severn House, and Tantor Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras' is a cozy mystery by Ellen Byron.

Set in a unique for its genre, less cozy 'tea time, cute pets and murder' setting and more Southern festivities, the book surprised me with its vibes and colourful set of characters. Especially the girls were so sweet, with their friendship probably the best part of the book.

The mystery, moreover, was interesting, and the twist upon the twist in the end was a nice touch.

I do wish, though, I'd spent more time with the main character and her life, though it is to be expected to have less character growth in the latest books of a series.

Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated and produced, with the narrator giving a unique flavour to each character.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras was a fun cosy mystery. The story was good and the concept was strong. The cover is so bright and colourful. I loved it. It was great and suitable for the genre. The writing is really good and the story flowed really well. I thoroughly enjoyed the New Orleans setting. It's one of my favourite places for a book to be in. I loved the characters. They were very well thought out and developed. I loved Ricki. I thought she was excellent and I enjoyed her journey throughout the book. I recommend it!

[Molly]

I read the first in this series. I'd love to continue. This cover stands out!

[Karolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is my review for A Murderer’s Guide To Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron

I quite enjoyed reading this gripping and addictive cozy mystery that was set in the carnival season running up to Mardi Gras when all the krewes get new members, have several meetings and parties getting ready for the floats and outfits for the parades. Ricki is at her first Mardi Gras and her boyfriend, Virgil, is King of krewe of Chew. A person she dislikes is the krewe's captain and he is found, face-down in a pothole of water but the postmortem comes back that he was strangled. The prime suspect is Ricki's friend, Jessica, the deceased's wife who had discovered Jax was cheating on her but Jessica asks Ricki to use her sleuthing skills to investigate who murdered her husband. It turns out Jax had several enemies and it's down to Ricki to sort out who the culprit is. Unfortunately, Ricki is in the firing line of the murderer as well. So can she solve it in time?

This story really kept me guessing all the way through as there were plenty of suspects and Ricki had a full-time job working in a preloved kitchenware shop including old cookbooks. It made for an enjoyable mix and then the Mardi Gras stuff was really intriguing. The author did some extensive research before writing this story and the information contained within the novel makes it very interesting reading as it's very indepth and descriptive. The scenes are set well. The characters are intriguing, well described and work well together. There's a lot going on in this story with a lot of characters but it's a good storyline. It's the first book in the series I have read so I don't know all the past history but I managed to understand the connections. I would like to read the earlier books.

Synopsis :

It's cozy. It's culinary. It's Mardi Gras madness! It's the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today-bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.

Step 1: join a killer krewe

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee are dressing up for Mardi Gras. They’ve joined the notorious krewe of Chew to support Ricki’s chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, throws, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled with his own medallion.

Step 2: survive the festivities

The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend, the deceased’s wife who discovered he was cheating on her. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t so sure. The krewe’s leader had many enemies including his mistress, his krewe co-founder who he ousted, and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing’s clear, Ricki’s at the center of yet another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last . . .

Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, these delightful mysteries bring New Orleans to life with fun characters and delicious recipes. This series is a must-read for culinary cozy lovers!

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been to Mardi Gras, this book obviously grabbed my attention. I know I was exhausted by the time I came home but never once thought how exhausting Mardi Gras season must be for participants. Nor did I realize how complicated and potentially dangerous many of the elaborate floats could be. So, I came away from this one not only entertained but having learned something. A win-win for me.

Main character Ricki is likable if a bit insecure. As we learn her back story, we learn the probable reasons behind this. I don't want to go into the plot much but will say she is still juggling found family and her own family dynamics. She's also juggling a relationship which has some hurdles to jump in this story. Mostly getting past her own insecurities as Virgil, the romantic other half, seems solid. As we discover, his own past hasn't been smooth or easy, either, so they emerge as real people with real lives, not picture perfect characters that are hard to identify with. There is a fairly large cast but the author provides us with a list of the diverse characters and brief description up front. As one who has frequently struggled to sort out large casts and their relationships, thank you, Ellen Byron.

As noted, I discovered how complicated preparing for the Mardi Gras season can be, not to mention how lengthy and expensive. There's also a hierarchy of organizers. In this case, our victim is one of them. Who killed krewe captain Jax Fortier? As it turns out, there are several suspects, highest on the list his wife who Ricki immediately likes and sets out to help prove her innocence. There's also an old death, or was it a murder, to solve, as we watch the various characters interact and go into full Mardi Gras mode. There is a whole Mardi Gras culture, so to speak, and it was interesting to try to put my own experiences into perspective as I read. Anyway, Ricki is asking questions and, no surprise, becomes a target herself. Lots of twists and turns, all while we become more and more immersed in all things Mardi Gras ourselves. And, oh, there are recipes as well as humor. I mean, what would you give up for Lent?

Bottom line, this was a fun, relatively quick read full of not just information about Mardi Gras itself, but complicated family connections, found friends, romance, a desire for status, and testing who one can and cannot trust. Thanks #JoffeBooks for allowing me this early peek. It definitely brought back some fun memories although I now look back and marvel at how much I missed that was going on behind the scenes. Wonder what I ever did with my beads?

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some books that entertain you, and then there are books that take you by the hand and lead you straight into a happy memory. A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron did exactly that for me. It was a delightful reminder of two things I love: the comfort of a good old-fashioned cookbook and the wonderful memories I made in New Orleans.

The first connection was the Edmonds Cookbook. For so many New Zealanders, the Edmonds book is more than just a cookbook , it is practically part of the furniture! It has been a staple in Kiwi homes for generations, with its well-loved recipes and familiar yellow cover. Reading about the food, cooking and characters in this cosy mystery gave me that same warm, homely feeling. There is something wonderfully comforting about a story where food, friendship and community are woven into the mystery.

The second memory was much more personal. In 2017, I was incredibly lucky to visit New Orleans with author Michelle Mankin and her PA and friend, Lisa Anthony. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and Byron's descriptions of New Orleans, Mardi Gras and the wonderfully over-the-top atmosphere brought some of that magic rushing back. I could almost hear the music, feel the buzz of the crowds and picture those colourful streets again.

In this instalment, Rickiand her friends are celebrating Carnival season with the Krewe of Chew, supporting Ricki's chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is about to be crowned king. Of course, in a cosy mystery, celebrations rarely go according to plan! When the krewe's captain Jax is found strangled with his own medallion, the fun quickly turns into murder investigation territory.

There are plenty of suspects, from the murdered man's wife and mistress to former friends and business associates, all with reasons to want him dead. Ricki finds herself right in the middle of the investigation, determined to uncover the truth before another celebration turns deadly.

I really enjoyed the combination of food, friendship, humour, New Orleans atmosphere and murder. It has that lovely cosy-mystery balance where the crime keeps you turning the pages, but the characters and setting make you want to stay awhile.

It made me smile, made me hungry, and took me back to a very special trip. What more could a reader ask for?

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is Byron's fifth entry in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series which is a Culinary Literary Cozy Mystery set in Louisiana. Featuring a vintage cookbook gift shop proprietor at a Culinary House Museum housed in a historic New Orleans mansion who finds herself turning sleuth after her Mardi Gras krewe's captain is found strangled with his own medallion and her friend, the deceased's wife who had recently discovered he was cheating on her, is named the prime suspect. To the police it might seem to be a straightforward case but she isn’t so sure. The krewe’s leader had many enemies including his mistress, his krewe co-founder who he ousted and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing’s clear, she's at the center of the murder investigation and if she’s not careful and doesn't uncover the killer fast, her first Mardi Gras could be her last.

With plenty of twists and turns, Byron has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Witty and tons of fun, Byron's writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.

• For animal lovers: the MC and her beau co-parent two rescue dogs and a feisty kitten and there's two peacocks at the museum.
• Features descriptions of vintage cookbooks, gadgets and decor and includes some very yummy sounding recipes.
• There's plenty of Mardi Gras activities and carnival fun!
• Also has a series long plot about the MC's search for her birth family.

While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Bayou Book Thief.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books | Severn House in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
New Orleans is one of my favourite places to visit in a cozy mystery book because the stories are always a delight with there colourful festivals and unusual story lines and this one is no exception. In fact I think it might even be one of my favourite visits.

I loved the characters. This is my first time listening to a book from this series but it was so well written that I didn't have the usual hard time of keeping everybody straight when you jump into a series that is already well established. It just made me want to check out the other books in the series. Ricki is a great main character, a little insecure but with her history who wouldn't be and she has some great friends and a boy friend to help her and add to the amusement.
I liked the behind the scenes look at the work that goes into each parade, which really made the story interesting, especially as the murder focus is all around the krewe members. The story was a nice balance of mystery, home life drama and work and had me hooked until the very end.
As for the mystery, it was really good. I had no idea who was responsible and there was a lot more going on than I first thought. It also contained a number of suspects and a few twist.
Defiantly a place and series I want to visit again.
It's Mardi Gras season and for first time participant Ricki a real eye opener. With her boyfriend king of the Chew Krewe, she and the rest of there friends join to krewe to support him. However when she discovers the leaders dead body, Ricki begins to wonder if being to part of the krewe is worth the cost? Especially as her new friend and the victims wife is the prime suspect. With her usual contact in the police force out for medical reason and the new detective unwilling to listen Ricki sets out to clear her friends name and keep her boyfriend safe.
I liked the narrator. This is the first book I have heard her read but it won't be my last as I really enjoyed her delivery and character voices and I plan to checkout the rest of the book in the series.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricki is on a krewe! Mardi Gras is coming up and the entire city of New Orleans is in party mode, celebrating while they still can because lent is almost here. Ricki has joined the Krewe of Chew, where Virgil is the Krewe King. She's super excited but things fall apart quickly. The krewe leader dies under suspicious circumstances (as did Eugenia's husband just two years earlier), the krewe queen drops out and is replaced by Virgil's scheming ex, and Ricki finds out that belonging to a krewe may be the most expensive thing she's ever been a part of. The expense she can't do much about but the rest she can tackle.

There was a lot going on in this book and I'm not 100% sure everything was tied up at the end. I was being pulled in many directions during the time I was reading this and not getting to sit down and plow through it meant that I probably lost track of a few strings. Certainly this meant the book was never boring. Any time I picked it up, even if it was just stealing a few minutes in the bathtub or sneaking a page or two on my phone while waiting at a red light, there was something new and exciting going on (and not just the people behind me honking when the light turned green!) We get to know Beth better, Virgil has finally stayed in town for more than a few days, and the Bon Vee crew is spending a lot of quality time together (some better quality than others!)

I've enjoyed this series and I've been very pleased to find out that even as the series has changed publishers the books haven't changed. This tells me that the quality of the books was not due to a solid editor at the publishing house, but a solid cozy writer still doing her thing. This author is one I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of cozies, though I haven't read any of the books she writes under a different name I'm sure they're good too.

Thank you to Ellen Byron, Severn House, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Afsha (caffeineandcrime) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras - Ellen Byron
Pub Date - 8/4/26 | Macmillan Audio
Rating - ☕️☕️☕️/5
Thoughts - Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and MacMillan audio for this gifted audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Ricki James-Diaz is ready to enjoy her first Mardi Gras with friends and her chef boyfriend, Virgil, until a prominent krewe captain is found murdered during the festivities. When the victim's wife becomes the prime suspect, Ricki isn't convinced the case is so simple, especially after uncovering a long list of people with motives to kill him. As she digs deeper into the colorful but secretive world of New Orleans carnival culture, Ricki finds herself at the center of another dangerous investigation. This cozy mystery blends murder, humor, and Mardi Gras traditions into an entertaining whodunit.

I liked this book! It's another one that can be listened to as a break between really dark and twisty thrillers or even when you want the mystery vibes, but something light and cozy. The setting being in New Orleans was refreshing, and being a Texan my whole life, I loved learning about traditions, activities, and Mardi Gras as a whole.

The narrator did a fabulous job with this book, keeping me engaged and depicting the characters perfectly. Overall the story was fun and fine, but nothing quite memorable. Middle of the road mystery that was entertaining.

Read if you like:
🎭 Cozy mysteries with colorful community events and vibrant New Orleans charm
🎉 Mardi Gras settings packed with secrets, scandal, and larger-than-life characters
🔍 Amateur sleuths who can't help but get tangled up in murder investigations
🔪 Whodunits featuring a long list of suspects, motives, and juicy drama

Vibes: 🎭🎺🎉⚜️🔪
Mardi Gras mystery • New Orleans setting • Amateur sleuth • Cozy crime • Multiple suspects

#bookreview #cozymystery #macaudio25

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron
The Fifth Vintage Cookbook Mystery

It's Mardi Gras season in New Orleans and that means it's time to party! Ricki James-Diaz is especially excited as this will be her first season celebrating as an adult. Not only that, her boyfriend, Virgil, is this year's king of the krewe of Chew and so she and her Bon Vee friends will be right in the midst of the action. What Ricki didn't realize was the time commitment involved, not only with krewe of Chew, but the myriad of other krewes, parades, and activities. Not to mention the cost! All this socializing gains Ricki some new friends, notably Jessica Fortier, whose husband, Jax, is captain of the krewe of Chew. After a krewe event that featured Jessica in a physical fight with Jax's mistress Jax is found dead. The spouse is always a suspect, especially after such a public altercation, so Jessica asks Ricki to look into things, after all, this isn't Ricki's first murder. But with a new detective on the case Ricki finds herself persona non grata. Will she solve another murder and survive Mardi Gras season?

A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS made me long to visit New Orleans and even contemplate a trip to enjoy the Mardi Gras revelry in person. The descriptions were so lush, with exquisite detail I felt transported. Since I don't like crowds I'm happy to enjoy the festivities vicariously. In addition to the environment, I enjoy hanging out with Ricki and her friends. Funny, quirky, each with a good heart, they're a joy to spend time with, even if that time is in a book. Of course, there's drama too with Virgil's ex back on the scene, mean girls, and murder!

An exquisitely plotted mystery with the backdrop of Mardi Gras makes A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS an absolute delight. Grab some king cake and settle in for the fun of the fifth Vintage Cookbook Mystery.

[Jennifer Kilpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC (advance reader copy) of this book from NetGalley and Tantor Media. I'm grateful to them for sending it to me, and my honest review is below.

Format: Audiobook

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras follows Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee as they get ready for Mardi Gras season with their friends in the krewe of Chew. Instead of catching throws on the parade route, they end up investigating a murder when the captain of their krewe is murdered.

I thoroughly enjoyed the narration of this book. Amy Melissa Bentley did an excellent job with her cadence, tone of voice, and variation in voices for each character. Notably, she even nailed the pronunciation of street names in New Orleans, which isn't always easy! Her southern accents were also spot-on. I've DNFed audiobooks in the past where the narrator's voice didn't match the book, but Bentley was a perfect match for this tale.

This is the fifth book in Ellen Byron's Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. I hadn't read the first four books when I started this one, but the author did a great job of filling in enough backstory that I understood what was going on. One of the things I love about reading cozy mysteries is feeling like I've met a new group of friends in a memorable setting, in hopes that I can visit them again and we can pick up where we left off. That's exactly what happened with this book. I would love to hang out and have a glass of wine with Ricki and the krewe of Chew! And Byron treats the City of New Orleans as its own character, which, of course, it is.

Overall, this was a really fun read. I recommend it for fans of cozy mystery, especially those who love New Orleans.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS is the fifth book in the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries by Ellen Byron. A fan of this series from the very start, this newest release takes the “King” cake for being my favorite! Filled with all things Mardi Gras, from the food, the festivities, the parades, the balls and parties, and the costumes, the author brings it all to life with her expertly crafted descriptions, making it the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery. But most of all, the characters are what make this cozy mystery so inviting and what keeps me coming back for each new release. Protagonist Ricki James-Diaz is one of those women you’d love to spend time with, especially if she were your personal guide to all things New Orleans! She’s caring, not only to her close circle of friends and family, but to those who it might be harder to even be around. Ricki also has an inquisitive mind, so when it comes time to find out who killed the krewe captain and clear her friend’s name, she jumps right in. There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and the fast-paced plot kept me turning pages. It proved impossible not to get caught up in the revelry and excitement of the Mardi Gras season on the pages, and instead of playing armchair detective, was happy to go along for the ride and enjoy every single word!

I had the good fortune to listen to the audiobook version, narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley. She does a marvelous job of bringing the characters to life! It made the story all the more entertaining and did an excellent job differentiating the voices. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Never truer than when reading an Ellen Byron book, especially this series! What a fun romp through the Mardi Gras season in the "Big Easy". I learned so much about Mardi Gras, parade season (who knew it was a whole season???), Deep Gras, krewes, WOW! So much information in such a fun way to learn.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and it just keeps getting better. All these book review sites are going to have to add more stars to the rating system to accommodate new books in the series. I love how main character, Ricki keeps growing, in both her knowledge of her home town and her newly acquired family, yet maintains such a loving and caring relationship with her adoptive parents. She is just comin into her own, bit by bit and it is a treat to watch it happen.
When her boyfriend, Chef Virgil is chosen to be king of the Chew Krewe, one of the many parade krewes in New Orleans, of course Ricki and her friends from Bon Vee join the krewe. That's when Ricki learns the costs of being part of a krewe, the financial costs as well as time, energy, creativity and emotional upheaval! That comes to a head when not only is the captain of the Chew Krewe found dead by Ricki and Virgil, but the detective she has a grudging relationship with is out on medical leave and the new detective is a stickler for protocol and not very happy at the thought of her meddling in his case.
I sometimes figure out "who dun it", but in this case, I admit to being fooled. The clues were all there, but I misread them and the plot twists kept me guessing. All in all this is a totally satisfying read and I hope you pick it up and enjoy it as much as I did.

[Margie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Ellen Byron's Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, and I think I like book #5, A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras, the most (so far). I guess that's because, as someone who has never been to New Orleans, I was excited to be immersed in the annual festival and to learn a lot about it in this book.

Who knew that there is a "Lundi Gras," the Monday just before Fat Tuesday?. That there are so many krewes (social organizations) that participate, some of them with their own royalty and parade? That participation in some of the events can be quite costly, including the rental or purchase of formal clothing? That passengers on the upper level of a parade float need to watch out for low-hanging tree branches? I'd never heard the word "throw" as a noun that describes what is tossed to parade bystanders from floats--beads, of course, and specialty items, some of which are highly coveted--but I am in now in the know.

Author Ellen Byron says she researched the book by participating in several krewes, so I trust that most or all I read is true. Except for the murders, of course, and the mystery is well constructed and presented. I also enjoy Ricki Diaz-James, the proprietor of Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, and her circle of friends, each one a distinct and (mostly) relatable character. The book is thoroughly entertaining, informative, and just plain fun. I look forward to more entries in this series.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras is the 5th fabulous book in Ellen Byron's Vintage Cookbook Mystery series and I loved it! I felt like I was in New Orleans for Mardi Gras! Ricki James-Diaz works at Miss Vee's Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop at the historic Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. Ricki works with her two best friends Cookie and Zellah. She is dating Chef and TV star Virgil Morel. It is cute that they share custody of two dogs and a cat. Virgil is chosen to be King on one of the Mardi Gras floats and Ricki's cousin Olivia is Queen on another one. There are meetings to discuss the activites, schedules and float information and plenty of parties. The Krewe Captain on Virgil's float is Jax Fortier. He isn't very popular among the Krewe members. Ricki meets and becomes friends with Jax's wife Jessica. They spot Jax and his mistress Lucy together. After one of the events, Ricki and Virgil find Jax dead. Jessica is one of the suspects so she asks Ricki to help her clear her name. Virgil's Queen ends up being his rich ex-girlfriend Violet. This causes some problems for Ricki. Cookie and Zellah are great friends and helpful with sleuthing. Ricki is adopted and adores her parents but she now is trying to form a relationship with her biological mother Beth which really adds to the story. The characters are wonderful and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. This is such an enjoyable book and series and one of my favorites! Thank you to Ellen Byron for the advance copy and I voluntarily leave this review. #AMurderersGuideToMardiGras #VintageCookbookMystery #SevernHouse

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricki James-Diaz is looking forward to a fun Mardi Gras season, with great sales in her vintage cookbook shop and being part of a Mardi Gras krewe for the first time. Then the krewe's captain ends up dead and his wife (a friend of Ricki) is a suspect. Ricki ends up sleuthing, as she juggles work, friends, and her boyfriend Virgil (who is being crowned king). Then things get really dangerous . . .

I wanted to read A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras because I absolutely love this series. It's one of my favorites: vintage cookbooks, New Orleans, and an appealing cast of characters.

This was a fun read! I have enjoyed this entire series but I think this book is my favorite. I really liked the Mardi Gras setting. I've been to Mardi Gras and loved the "behind the scenes" glimpses we get in this book.

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras is an exciting mystery story. We have the current mystery along with growing danger for Ricki as she investigates the murder.

As always, I enjoyed Ricki's family, her friends, her boyfriend Virgil, and her pets (two dogs and a cat with the cute name Red Beans).

I love the vintage cookbook references and tidbits in this book (and the others in the series). I collect (and sell!) vintage cookbooks and often find myself looking up a cookbook that I read about in this series.

I enthusiastically recommend A Murder's Guide to Mardi Gras to other cozy mystery fans. You will love the New Orleans Mardi Gras setting and the well done mystery storyline with just the right amount of twists and turns!

[Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ricki runs a charming shop selling pre-loved cookbooks and other interesting finds, and has settled into New Orleans with her boyfriend, friends, two dogs and a kitten. As a newcomer, this is her first Mardi Gras, and she joins the Krewe of Chew with her friends to support her boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned king. But the celebrations take a dark turn when the krewe’s captain is found strangled with his own medallion.
The police suspect his wife, Jessica, after their public argument and her discovery of his infidelity. But Ricki isn’t convinced. With the victim having several enemies—including his mistress, an ousted co-founder and a former college friend—there are plenty of suspects and motives. Ricki soon finds herself investigating the murder, determined to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed this book. It was such a fun and entertaining read, with interesting characters and a clever mystery. I especially enjoyed the detailed information about Mardi Gras, the different krewes and the traditions surrounding the celebrations. The author has captured the atmosphere of New Orleans so beautifully that it felt like I was right there in the middle of the festivities.
This was my first book in the series; it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the little touches involving food and recipes.
With a great cast of characters, plenty of twists, and a gripping mystery, this was a really enjoyable and entertaining read. The recipes at the end, which are from the author’s personal vintage cookbook collection, are a bonus!

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having returned to live in New Orleans after residing for many years in Los Angeles, Ricki James-Diaz is looking forward to enjoying Mardi Gras for the first time as an adult, especially as her boyfriend Virgil is the King of the krewe of Chew. Unfortunately, his Queen also used to be his girlfriend and Ricki is feeling more than a little uneasy about it. Things take a definite turn for the worse when Ricki and Virgil find a dead body meaning everything becomes far more serious especially after she is asked by a friend to try and find out who was responsible. The unknown killer sees Ricki as a threat and she finds herself in increasing danger the more discoveries she makes. Still trying to run her Vintage Cookbook store while fulfilling her responsibilities as a krewe member means she's run off her feet, but she can't let someone ruin her's and everyone else's carnival season.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Joffe Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this, I knew nothing about Mardi Gras beforehand but it sounds amazing and it doesn't surprise me that the author joined three krewes to complete her research. Ricki is gradually learning about herself and her past which adds additional layers to this novel and the humour worked brilliantly. The recipes included at the end sound great. All in all this book was everything I wanted it to be and more. Highly recommended.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series for multiple reasons. The whole Miss Vee's Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop could be my goal for another life. I have always collected cookbooks, young and old, and I actually use some older kitchen gadgets I have collected as they are still better than some of their new counterparts. I love the local color and the wonderful cast of Ricki's friends, emerging family, and colleagues. Finally, Ricki is one of my favorite MCs, she is smart, but more importantly, she really wants to help people and always leads with her heart. In this episode, Ricki is thrown into Mardi Gras full tilt with her boyfriend Virgil being the King of Krewe of Chew and her cousin Olivia being the Queen of Gaia. Her first Mardi Gras is going to be full out action, parties, events, and celebrations! To add to the action, stress, and chaos, the co-captain of Krewe Chew is found dead by Virgil and Ricki as they are leaving an event and Virgil's ex-girlfriend Jessica shows up and Ricki just can't trust her motives! This is such an action packed story and I really appreciate the homework the author did on Mardi Gras as it really gives you an amazing picture of events and makes you feel like you are part of the action! You will not want to miss a minute of this wonderful mystery. Many thanks to #Netgally, #SevernHouse, and the author for an opportunity to enjoy! #AMurderersGuidetoMardiGras #AVintageCookbookMystery #EllenByron
#bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of the audiobook for my honest review!

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras was my first book by Ellen Byron, and even though it's the fifth book in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series, I was able to follow along without having read the previous books. I do wonder if any of the characters were featured in the previous books or if there are any cameos.

This book is the definition of a cozy mystery. Set during Carnival season in New Orleans, the story follows Ricki James-Diaz as she celebrates Mardi Gras with her friends from Bon Vee. The festivities take a dark turn when the captain of the Krewe of Chew is found murdered on the float where Ricki's boyfriend, Virgil, is about to be crowned king.

The characters were fun, and I especially enjoyed the New Orleans setting. Listening to the audiobook made the references to local landmarks, Mardi Gras traditions, and incredible food even more immersive. It was fun learning more about the culture and celebrations while following the mystery!

The audiobook itself was an enjoyable listening experience. The narrator read at a comfortable pace that made it easy to stay engaged, and I really appreciated the New Orleans accent, which added authenticity and helped bring the setting to life.

If you're looking for a light, charming cozy mystery filled with Mardi Gras traditions, colorful characters, and plenty of New Orleans flavor, this is worth picking up.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras" is book #5 in the "Vintage Cookbook Mysteries" series by Ellen Byron.

Carnival season sees Ricki and her Bon Vee friends joining the krewe of Chew to support her boyfriend Virgil who is being crowned king for this years festivities. The season is full of krewe activities, parties and usually a lot of fun but finding the krewe's captain dead wasn't on the schedule. Strained relationships, rivalries within the krewe and an investment deal gone wrong all lead to a number of suspects.

There was a lot for Ricki to deal with in this story. Besides running her vintage cookbook shop, she was part of the krewe, trying to solve the murder, dealing with some mean girls and handling some anxiety with the reappearance of Virgil's last ex girlfriend. She's also still getting to know her birth mom.

The story was well done, with entertaining krewe activities, surprising twists and some unwelcome interactions. There were a couple of suspects who stood out to me but I really wasn't sure of how it would all play out. I had no idea there was so much involved in preparing for krewe parades or how expensive it could get!

I love the diversity of the core characters and how they continue to evolve in this series. The banter feels realistic and is well sprinkled with wit! A number of tasty sounding recipes are also included at the end of the book.

Overall, a very entertaining cozy mystery!

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mardi Gras season has hit the city. It’s the first since Ricki moved, and she’s gotten caught up in the fever. It helps that her boyfriend, celebrated chef Virgil Morel, is being named the king of the Krewe of Chew, so many of their friends from Bon Vee are joining them. However, the captain of the krewe is an egotistical bully. And those are his good qualities. After leaving one of the events, Ricki and Virgil stumble upon his dead body. The victim’s wife is the police’s prime suspect, but Ricki has become friends with the woman, and she doesn’t believe it. The problem is, the number of suspects in the krewe are numerous. Can Ricki figure out what really happened?

While a lot happens here, I didn’t feel the pacing of the mystery was a strong as it could be. But this is a fun mystery, and I loved the climax when I got there. I knew very little about Mardi Gras, but that’s fine since Ricki was learning right along with me. I enjoyed meeting the new characters and got a kick out of some of the antics of the regulars. Developments in the ongoing storyline helped me really get to know some of the regulars better. This is another entertaining cozy from Ellen Byron that will entertain you whether you already love Mardi Gras or are new to the season.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.