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Cajun Country Mystery #2
Body on the Bayou
The Crozats feared that past murders at Crozat Plantation B&B might spell the death of their beloved estate, but they’ve managed to survive the scandal. Now there’s a très bigger story in Pelican, Louisiana: the upcoming nuptials between Maggie Crozat’s nemesis, Police Chief Rufus Durand, and her co-worker, Vanessa Fleer.
Maggie, inexplicably tasked with being Vanessa's Maid of Honor, quickly discovers why everyone else refused the assignment when the Bridezilla hands her a long list of duties — the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke, a mysterious woman with dangerous secrets. But just days before the wedding, Ginger’s lifeless body is found on the bayou behind Crozat Plantation and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.
There’s a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa’s own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities in Body on the Bayou, the second in Ellen Byron's charming and witty series.
Maggie, inexplicably tasked with being Vanessa's Maid of Honor, quickly discovers why everyone else refused the assignment when the Bridezilla hands her a long list of duties — the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke, a mysterious woman with dangerous secrets. But just days before the wedding, Ginger’s lifeless body is found on the bayou behind Crozat Plantation and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.
There’s a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa’s own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities in Body on the Bayou, the second in Ellen Byron's charming and witty series.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2016
172 people are currently reading
1951 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byron
20 books1,640 followersEllen 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
May 12, 2020
Like most cozies worth their salt, this one wears its phoniness on its sleeve. But that doesn't mean that the writer can get away with murder.
There was a lot of waffling. The main character follows the trail that a semi competent cop would be onto in a jiffy. Pages and pages of nothingness dressed as story. I can't be garrulous in the face of well meaning mediocrity.
The manner of the showdown was different. The big twist in the end, with the wedding, was uncalled for and was incredulous. If I'm in a bind in the future and don't know what to read I might pick up the next book in the series.
There was a lot of waffling. The main character follows the trail that a semi competent cop would be onto in a jiffy. Pages and pages of nothingness dressed as story. I can't be garrulous in the face of well meaning mediocrity.
The manner of the showdown was different. The big twist in the end, with the wedding, was uncalled for and was incredulous. If I'm in a bind in the future and don't know what to read I might pick up the next book in the series.
March 4, 2020
After devouring the first book in the Cajun Country Mystery cozy series by Ellen Byron, I had to jump on the second, Body on the Bayou. It's quickly becoming one of my new favorites series, and I definitely recommend it for other cozy mystery fans. Set in Louisiana on a plantation home converted into a B&B, the charming setting and characters truly invoke a wonderful southern atmosphere while sharing and spreading great history and relationships among the town of Pelican.
In this caper, Maggie is forced into serving as the maid of honor for a rival-turned-friend (Vanessa) from the last book. She and the groom's family have been at odds for 150 years due to a curse one of them brewed up. When Vanessa's extended family comes into town, she sticks them on Maggie as part of the responsibilities for the maid of honor. Unfortunately, a few of them turn up dead! Maggie tries to solve the case, grows more attracted to the new detective Bo, and determines who she really wants to be. Will she be able to help bring a long-lost family member back to the fold? Or will she get caught up in the downside of a wedding not meant to happen easily?
Byron is a talented writer with tons of humor ingested into dialog and narrative. It sometimes crosses the line into witty or stomach-cramping clearly showing great range in how to keep your readers invested and entertained. The pages are easy to follow, I digested this one in under 3 hours. It's got 4.5 stars from me... the only reason I didn't give it a full five was parts of the story were a little forced -- nonetheless, it made for fantastic reading and shouldn't worry anyone. This is a very solid series. I can't wait to devour the next one in a week as I try to catch up on this awesome cast of characters so I can read the ARC for the latest one next month.
In this caper, Maggie is forced into serving as the maid of honor for a rival-turned-friend (Vanessa) from the last book. She and the groom's family have been at odds for 150 years due to a curse one of them brewed up. When Vanessa's extended family comes into town, she sticks them on Maggie as part of the responsibilities for the maid of honor. Unfortunately, a few of them turn up dead! Maggie tries to solve the case, grows more attracted to the new detective Bo, and determines who she really wants to be. Will she be able to help bring a long-lost family member back to the fold? Or will she get caught up in the downside of a wedding not meant to happen easily?
Byron is a talented writer with tons of humor ingested into dialog and narrative. It sometimes crosses the line into witty or stomach-cramping clearly showing great range in how to keep your readers invested and entertained. The pages are easy to follow, I digested this one in under 3 hours. It's got 4.5 stars from me... the only reason I didn't give it a full five was parts of the story were a little forced -- nonetheless, it made for fantastic reading and shouldn't worry anyone. This is a very solid series. I can't wait to devour the next one in a week as I try to catch up on this awesome cast of characters so I can read the ARC for the latest one next month.
February 4, 2022
In this second book in the 'Cajun Country Mystery' series, amateur sleuth Maggie Crozat investigates the murder of a nefarious scammer. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
After a bad breakup, artist Maggie Crozat moves from New York City to her home town of Pelican, Louisiana. There Maggie shares a shotgun house with her Grand-mere;
helps her parents run the Crozat Plantation Bed and Breakfast;
and is a paid docent at a tourist attraction that was once the Doucet Plantation.
One of Maggie's co-workers at the Doucet Plantation, Vanessa Fleer, is very pregnant.....
......and about to marry Pelican's Chief of Police, Rufus Durand.
Maggie has agreed to be Vanessa's Maid-of-Honor, never anticipating all the duties this would entail. The bridezilla gives Maggie pages of written instructions as well as spreadsheets, and Maggie is expected to do everything from checking on the venue, negotiating prices, and ordering flowers to throwing a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, and a baby shower.
Maggie carries out her duties, both to pacify Vanessa - who constantly threatens to go into premature labor - and to placate Maggie's fiancé Rufus Durand, who's had a lifelong grudge against the Crozats. Rufus believes an ancestral Crozat cursed his family, and he's always giving Maggie and her kin a hard time. This makes things awkward for Maggie, who's secretly dating Rufus's cousin, Detective Bo Durand.
The Crozats are SO accommodating they even offer a free B&B stay to Vanessa's cousin from Houston, Ginger Fleer-Starke.
Ginger is expanding her house-flipping business to Louisiana, and brings two employees with her, a disgruntled female intern and a disdainful would-be partner.
Ginger SEEMS cordial but she's a schemer and scammer. Ginger claims her car was damaged by a rock in the Crozat B&B's pristine parking lot, and gets the Crozats to pay for repairs....and the Crozats are warned that Ginger cheats or sues almost everyone she meets.
After Ginger swans into Vanessa's bridal shower looking more elegant than the bride, things take a dire turn. Ginger is found dead in the bayou near the Crozat B&B, and Maggie's family and friends become persons of interest. Fearing an innocent person will be accused of the murder, Maggie helps the police investigate.
Meanwhile, life in Pelican goes on. Maggie takes in a homeless dog and homeless cat who've just had babies;
Maggie gives art lessons to Bo's autistic son Xander;
Xander's mother (Bo's ex-wife) moves to town; Grand-mere Crozat starts to keeps company with a retired lawyer; people eat Cajun food and drink Sazerac cocktails; and more.
The bayou ambiance is pleasant and the colorful characters add fun to this cozy mystery.
Recipes in the book include:
Turkey Dinner in a Braid
Bananas Foster Coffee Cake
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 15, 2017
Very proud of it, LOL!
August 16, 2016
3.5 stars
Maggie has returned to help run her family's plantation's B&B in Cajun County in Louisiana. She also leads tours of the family's old plantation run by the state now and in her spare time, finds dead bodies. In this second book of the series Maggie agrees to become the maid of honor of her disagreeable co-worker, Vanessa, who is marrying her family's arch enemy, Police Chief Rufus Durand. Vanessa is also hugely pregnant and quite demanding.
Maggie is also pursing a secret relationship with Bo Durand, a cop in town and cousin to the Police Chief. She is giving art lessons to his autistic son in scenes that are truly touching. And with all that on her plate, Vanessa's cousin comes for the wedding, stays at the B&B and is murdered. Oh no, this could be an awful review on the Internet. So as she juggles work and maid of honor duty she tries to find the killer.
I really like the sense of place in this new series. I have spent some time in that area and it is really accurate. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't as funny as the first one. Still it's a fun way to spend the day.
Maggie has returned to help run her family's plantation's B&B in Cajun County in Louisiana. She also leads tours of the family's old plantation run by the state now and in her spare time, finds dead bodies. In this second book of the series Maggie agrees to become the maid of honor of her disagreeable co-worker, Vanessa, who is marrying her family's arch enemy, Police Chief Rufus Durand. Vanessa is also hugely pregnant and quite demanding.
Maggie is also pursing a secret relationship with Bo Durand, a cop in town and cousin to the Police Chief. She is giving art lessons to his autistic son in scenes that are truly touching. And with all that on her plate, Vanessa's cousin comes for the wedding, stays at the B&B and is murdered. Oh no, this could be an awful review on the Internet. So as she juggles work and maid of honor duty she tries to find the killer.
I really like the sense of place in this new series. I have spent some time in that area and it is really accurate. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't as funny as the first one. Still it's a fun way to spend the day.
November 28, 2017
This has quickly become one of my favorite cozy series. Body on the Bayou is a perfect blend of mystery, and humor, with a few serious issues thrown in. I often found myself laughing out loud at the antics of Maggie and her family/ friends. There are twists and turns around every corner, which kept me reading page after page. Ms. Byron has cleverly written a series with well developed plots, a unique culturally rich setting and unforgettable realistic characters. I find myself wishing I could visit Pelican, Louisiana and check in to Crozat Plantation so I could experience the ageless charm and mysteries of the Bayou first hand. Until then, this series is a wonderful substitute. And don’t forget the yummy recipes that are included. “Turkey Dinner in a Braid” was perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers. A Cajun Christmas, book three, is now available and looks to be another 5 star installment.
February 16, 2021
A wedding has Maggie running ragged when a dead body may derail the festivities especially when it looks like the bride or groom might be guilty. A creative setting in Cajun country with intriguing characters and incredible food entwined in a fun and interesting plot makes for a great read or listen if you love audiobooks. The narrator really helps bring the characters to life with her great narration and distinct voices for each character.
October 23, 2019
I recently listened to this book, and now I'm officially caught up with the Cajun Country series. I'm not sure how I missed this one originally, but I'm glad I went back and listened to it. The narrator was amazing! Her voices are just perfect. She has the normal voice of a younger person, but she does a great voice for Gran and even the guys too!
There were some good twists in this book, and even though I've already read the books ahead of it, I was still not aware of how this one ended as far as the wedding story line went. I found myself giggling over the funny scenes with Vanessa's mom. She was bat cr**p crazy and so hilarious at times. Of course, she wouldn't want to be laughed at which made it even funnier. I loved hearing about the growing little romance between Gaynelle and Chret, Lee's great nephew. Gran was rather smitten with a man in this book who took on a momma dog and cat and their litters which he brought to Crozat. The two of them were spending a lot of time with the little creatures. Little Xander was really sweet in how he loved seeing these little puppies and kittens.
I had definitely not suspected the person who ended up being the killer, what a great twist that was. I hope to revisit this book some day and actually read it. Any book in this series is worth a reread!
There were some good twists in this book, and even though I've already read the books ahead of it, I was still not aware of how this one ended as far as the wedding story line went. I found myself giggling over the funny scenes with Vanessa's mom. She was bat cr**p crazy and so hilarious at times. Of course, she wouldn't want to be laughed at which made it even funnier. I loved hearing about the growing little romance between Gaynelle and Chret, Lee's great nephew. Gran was rather smitten with a man in this book who took on a momma dog and cat and their litters which he brought to Crozat. The two of them were spending a lot of time with the little creatures. Little Xander was really sweet in how he loved seeing these little puppies and kittens.
I had definitely not suspected the person who ended up being the killer, what a great twist that was. I hope to revisit this book some day and actually read it. Any book in this series is worth a reread!
November 8, 2016
Although I really enjoyed the first book in the series, this one, however, not so much.
What I did like:
I like the setting of these stories and it makes a great back drop for a cozy mystery.
I liked the mystery and the clues although it's pretty easy to figure out who the victim(s) will be, who will be framed and who the guilty party really is.
I liked most of the characters in general but not necessarily how they were fleshed out in this book. I really did like Bo's son and how he is being developed with special needs as well as special gifts. But in some ways it felt like his development happened too quickly.
What I didn't like:
This one went way too far in the OTT (over the top) and ridiculously silly actions of the bridezilla and her mom. It just got to the point where their actions and everyone cowing to their requests was just frustrating. And a lot of pages revolved around all this OTT and doormat behavior that it really ruined the read for me.
Our heroine just seemed like a doormat who stumbled onto dead bodies, clues and did whatever was requested of her because she didn't have a backbone. And her finding the dead bodies is already getting old. I wanted her to be a strong woman, but she never came across as strong just some one who caved at every turn because it was good manners.
I don't mind drawing out a romance in cozy mysteries, however, I don't like the other woman troupe and couples who don't communicate - so the relationship got 2 thumbs down.
What I did like:
I like the setting of these stories and it makes a great back drop for a cozy mystery.
I liked the mystery and the clues although it's pretty easy to figure out who the victim(s) will be, who will be framed and who the guilty party really is.
I liked most of the characters in general but not necessarily how they were fleshed out in this book. I really did like Bo's son and how he is being developed with special needs as well as special gifts. But in some ways it felt like his development happened too quickly.
What I didn't like:
This one went way too far in the OTT (over the top) and ridiculously silly actions of the bridezilla and her mom. It just got to the point where their actions and everyone cowing to their requests was just frustrating. And a lot of pages revolved around all this OTT and doormat behavior that it really ruined the read for me.
Our heroine just seemed like a doormat who stumbled onto dead bodies, clues and did whatever was requested of her because she didn't have a backbone. And her finding the dead bodies is already getting old. I wanted her to be a strong woman, but she never came across as strong just some one who caved at every turn because it was good manners.
I don't mind drawing out a romance in cozy mysteries, however, I don't like the other woman troupe and couples who don't communicate - so the relationship got 2 thumbs down.
October 22, 2018
Book two in the Cajun Country Mystery series and I found this one to be so much better than the last one. Maybe is was because it was book one which requires the set up of the series but i just had a really hard time getting into the story. This one was much better as it starts with a bang, has lots of drama as a pregnant bride is involved, and finally ends with a big sh-bang that definitely different to say the least. Maggie is pregnant Vanessa's maid of honor which is really funny because she is marrying Rufus of all people. As the guests start arriving for the week long festivities one of V.'s horrible cousins shows up and has to stay at the Crozat B&B. This was not so bad until she was found murdered next to the bayou near a lost dog and cat that had just given birth. Vanessa demands that Maggie investigates once she becomes the prime suspect which only gets worse after another body turns up shot by her new gun. The drama had me giggling, the development is smooth, and the little details are included at the same time (such as Xander finally speaks). While the main focus is the murder mystery itself we still get to keep up with Maggie's budding romance as well as other things. Great for fans of cozy mysteries that are set in the South which adds that Southern charm to the mix.This one gets 4/5 stars.
September 13, 2016
Maggie Crozat has been pressed into service as maid of honor is her co-worker Vanessa’s wedding. As if dealing with the very pregnant bridezilla isn’t enough, she is also playing host to Vanessa’s cousin Ginger. At first, Ginger seems nice, but soon she is driving everyone crazy. Which means that when Maggie finds Ginger’s dead body, the list of potential suspects is very long. With finding a killer added to her maid of honor duties, can Maggie successfully juggle everything?
I completely enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. They are tons of fun, and the character growth we see in some of them is truly amazing. The plot is strong with lots of motives and secrets to keep us guessing until the logical conclusion. This is a strong second entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I completely enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. They are tons of fun, and the character growth we see in some of them is truly amazing. The plot is strong with lots of motives and secrets to keep us guessing until the logical conclusion. This is a strong second entry.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 7, 2025
This was a reread for me. Outstanding narration. Looking forward to the next.
November 14, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We return to Pelican, Louisiana and the Crozat Plantation B&B. Our protagonist Maggie Crozat has become maid of honor for Vanessa, one of her coworkers, because everyone else ran away from the job. With Vanessa due to deliver a baby soon, she has heaped most of the wedding plans on Maggie’s shoulders. Vanessa and her mom both expect Maggie to just do everything they ask and do it immediately. She also has Vanessa’s cousin Ginger and her entourage staying at the family B&B. When the cousin is found dead just a couple of days before the wedding and the police suspect list keeps growing it looks like Maggie will be adding “find the killer” to her long list of duties.
First let me say, Maggie has the patience of a saint. Dealing with Vanessa, her mom and the groom, Police Chief Rufus Durand, would have most people throwing in the towel before they completed the first task.
Ellen Byron has created some very multidimensional characters and their growth from the first book is very clear. The undercover romance of Maggie and Bo continues and hits some bumps as his ex-wife comes to town. His autistic son is excelling in his art lessons with Maggie though and she enjoys their time together. Her family pulls together in the story not only to help Maggie but they also take in some new kittens and puppies that were found by the bayou. These little guys stole everyone’s heart.
She took all the characters and wrapped them into a complex mystery. The ending caught me completely by surprise due to some very intricate twists and turns. As I eliminated suspects in my mind a twist had me seeing things differently.
The covers of both the books in this series are beautiful and made me want to escape right into these stories. I have never been to Louisiana but the covers and author descriptions make me feel like I have been there. She also describes the glorious Cajun cuisine in the most mouthwatering way. Yes, there are recipes at the end of the story.
Love this series and hope to return to Pelican soon!
We return to Pelican, Louisiana and the Crozat Plantation B&B. Our protagonist Maggie Crozat has become maid of honor for Vanessa, one of her coworkers, because everyone else ran away from the job. With Vanessa due to deliver a baby soon, she has heaped most of the wedding plans on Maggie’s shoulders. Vanessa and her mom both expect Maggie to just do everything they ask and do it immediately. She also has Vanessa’s cousin Ginger and her entourage staying at the family B&B. When the cousin is found dead just a couple of days before the wedding and the police suspect list keeps growing it looks like Maggie will be adding “find the killer” to her long list of duties.
First let me say, Maggie has the patience of a saint. Dealing with Vanessa, her mom and the groom, Police Chief Rufus Durand, would have most people throwing in the towel before they completed the first task.
Ellen Byron has created some very multidimensional characters and their growth from the first book is very clear. The undercover romance of Maggie and Bo continues and hits some bumps as his ex-wife comes to town. His autistic son is excelling in his art lessons with Maggie though and she enjoys their time together. Her family pulls together in the story not only to help Maggie but they also take in some new kittens and puppies that were found by the bayou. These little guys stole everyone’s heart.
She took all the characters and wrapped them into a complex mystery. The ending caught me completely by surprise due to some very intricate twists and turns. As I eliminated suspects in my mind a twist had me seeing things differently.
The covers of both the books in this series are beautiful and made me want to escape right into these stories. I have never been to Louisiana but the covers and author descriptions make me feel like I have been there. She also describes the glorious Cajun cuisine in the most mouthwatering way. Yes, there are recipes at the end of the story.
Love this series and hope to return to Pelican soon!
February 20, 2017
Very few cozies move me to tears. Body on the Bayou by Ellen Byron is exceptional. It is a cozy that has that right balance of what you love in a cozy mystery, a crazy set of circumstances and an incredible dose of reality. I loved this book. Maggie (Short for Magnolia) is a character I could immediately relate too, she was easy to get behind and felt like she would make a really great friend. The relationships in this book are wonderful, and what I would expect from a southern based cozy, tons of loyalty and a touch of crazy, a seamless blend and the perfect balance. I truly appreciated the story line of the relationship with Maggie and her boyfriend's son. With out giving too much away the character has Autism and as a mom with kids with Autism, this story line felt incredibly authentic. As it touches me personally, when I come across characters in cozies who are supposed to be on the autism spectrum I am often unhappy with how the author writes that character, not in Ellen's book though. I feel as if she had a true understanding of what it is like to love and support a person on the autism spectrum. She was able to normalize the true relationship with out making it feel negative or unfeeling. I felt her story line was a great service to our community and I will be forever grateful. I loved the mystery, the way she wrote the victims was perfect. I had no idea who the real murderer was until the big reveal. Surprising and comedic twists through out. This was the perfect Sunday read. This is a book I would and will buy my friends to read.
July 8, 2018
When Maggie is asked by Vanessa to be her Maid of Honor, she wants to say no, but doesn't. Vanessa is bridezilla plus. Her relatives are no treat either. When Vanessa's cousin, Ginger's body is found on the plantation, Maggie is once again investigating to save the Plantation.
Body on the Bayou is a perfect blend of mystery, and humor. I often found myself laughing out loud. I really enjoy Maggie's family. Her mother, father and grandmother are the epitome of southern hospitality. The characters are realistic, from friends to frenemies. The plot was well developed, with many twists. I absolutely love the setting and some day, hope to visit Louisiana. Maybe I will get the opportunity to stay at a plantation home in the bayou some day so I can experience the area. If you love a cozy with humor and atmosphere, make sure you pick up this series.
Body on the Bayou is a perfect blend of mystery, and humor. I often found myself laughing out loud. I really enjoy Maggie's family. Her mother, father and grandmother are the epitome of southern hospitality. The characters are realistic, from friends to frenemies. The plot was well developed, with many twists. I absolutely love the setting and some day, hope to visit Louisiana. Maybe I will get the opportunity to stay at a plantation home in the bayou some day so I can experience the area. If you love a cozy with humor and atmosphere, make sure you pick up this series.
August 21, 2022
Ellen Byron is an author I didn't discover until this year, but I'm glad to have found her books, and enjoyed another trip to Louisiana and the bayou. The descriptions of the surroundings paint vivid pictures in my mind, and I like (most of) the characters and the way they work together.
There were quite a few suspects to consider in this book, each with a believable motive. The character who was eventually revealed to be the killer was near the top of my list almost from the start, but I couldn't figure out the motive. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
There were quite a few suspects to consider in this book, each with a believable motive. The character who was eventually revealed to be the killer was near the top of my list almost from the start, but I couldn't figure out the motive. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 6, 2016
I had such a fun time reading Body on the Bayou. Somehow, Maggie Crozat has found herself the maid of honor to a true crazy Cajun bridezilla, Vanessa. As her to do list from Vanessa grows, Maggie tries to juggle the unrealistic demands while working at two plantations, finding time to focus on her art career, and sneaking in time for her budding yet clandestine romance with police detective, Bo. As members of Vanessa's family stream into town for the wedding and associated parties, Maggie and her family are strong-armed into hosting Ginger - one of Vanessa's cousin - and her two business associated at their bed and breakfast. Vanessa warns Maggie to be cautious of Ginger but, at first, Maggie can't see why. Soon enough, however, Ginger's true colors shine through.
With the wedding getting nearer and nearer, Maggie is horrified to stumble over the body of Ginger in the bayou. On top of yet another murder at the Crozat B & B, the family finds themselves hosting two new moms - a lost dog and cat - as well as their litters, not to mention the reappearance of Bo's ex-wife Whitney, who confides in Maggie that her feeling for her ex aren't entirely in the past. Vanessa ads another task to Maggie's list: figure out who killed Ginger. The trouble is that all evidence seems to be pointing towards Vanessa.
A fast pace and feisty characters drive this story and keep readers turning the pages. The characters are dynamic and engaging, fresh among the canvas of characters in the cozy mystery genre. Body in the Bayou features a cleverly intricate plot and a villain I never suspected or saw coming. For as much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I liked this one even more, and I'm quite eager for the next installment!
With the wedding getting nearer and nearer, Maggie is horrified to stumble over the body of Ginger in the bayou. On top of yet another murder at the Crozat B & B, the family finds themselves hosting two new moms - a lost dog and cat - as well as their litters, not to mention the reappearance of Bo's ex-wife Whitney, who confides in Maggie that her feeling for her ex aren't entirely in the past. Vanessa ads another task to Maggie's list: figure out who killed Ginger. The trouble is that all evidence seems to be pointing towards Vanessa.
A fast pace and feisty characters drive this story and keep readers turning the pages. The characters are dynamic and engaging, fresh among the canvas of characters in the cozy mystery genre. Body in the Bayou features a cleverly intricate plot and a villain I never suspected or saw coming. For as much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I liked this one even more, and I'm quite eager for the next installment!
February 6, 2017
Really 4.5 stars, but I rounded up.
Excellent, simply excellent. I took off a half of a star simply because the killer was easy to figure out, but besides that this book was outstanding, and deserving of it's Agatha nomination. I'll read the next one!
Excellent, simply excellent. I took off a half of a star simply because the killer was easy to figure out, but besides that this book was outstanding, and deserving of it's Agatha nomination. I'll read the next one!
October 11, 2018
This cozy series continues to entertain and amuse me. The mystery was a twist, just like the one in the last book, and the situations were hilarious. And I especially enjoyed the strong heroine. You know how in some murder mysteries, the heroine can't stay focused on the danger and mystery because of her raging hormones? Not so this heroine. She has a strong moral compass, treats her family well, and doesn't get sidetracked from what's important even when she's having relationship issues. Shocked? I know. Me too. How utterly refreshing. So why only 3 stars? Other than me being a totally picky person, . Keep 'em coming, Ms. Byron. I'm looking forward to where Maggie and the gang head next.
September 21, 2017
A solid read for me. Easy and enjoyable, with main characters that already feel like family, and others that you'd so love to hate. There are only what I believe to be a couple of incongruities and a misused word that were minor enough not to pull me out of the story for very long. Was happy to see that a Christmas story is coming soon.
August 4, 2025
Altra serie di cui mi ero dimenticata, ma visto che ho tutti i libri (comprati grazie a sconti vari) e la serie è finita, devo decidermi a mettermi in pari.
Devo dire che non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole, tanto per cambiare. Carina la storia marginale con gatta e cagna. Le uniche persone che ho odiato sono la sposa e sua madre: alla faccia dello stress prematrimoniale, sono insopportabili!
Devo dire che non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole, tanto per cambiare. Carina la storia marginale con gatta e cagna. Le uniche persone che ho odiato sono la sposa e sua madre: alla faccia dello stress prematrimoniale, sono insopportabili!
August 18, 2017
Loved this one just as much as the first, Plantation Shudders! Really enjoyed the return visit to Pelican, LA and catching up with Maggie and her endearing (and sometimes eccentric) fellow characters. I'm already booked for a trip back at Christmas for the next book in this series!
June 5, 2024
All the comedy and emotions packed into one!
🥹🥹🥹 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🥹🥹🥹 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 4, 2017
Great cozy mystery! The setting is awesome - a lovely B&B on a historic, family-owned plantation in a small Louisiana town. The main characters are quite likeable and realistic. The plot is great, and kept me guessing who the culprit was until the very end.
September 20, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first few chapters of Body on the Bayou are an introduction of the cast of characters that were in Plantation Shudders, but things pick up quickly. I just love the southern charm that comes through and how friends and family pull together when someone is in need or, in this case, stuck with an unpleasant task and a murder. Great plot and characters. The family is a real joy and the slow burn romance between Maggie and Bo is palpable, in a cozy way, of course. Love this cozy series and the relationships between the different characters that are explored and grow with each book.
Maggie finds herself drafted as the maid of honor for co-worker Vanessa, a very pregnant bridezilla. Vanessa is not above co-opting Maggie's every spare moment with bridal tasks and some that aren't bridal related. Maggie also finds herself playing hostess to Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger. Is there such a thing as a cousin-dearest? If so, Ginger is it. She is also a scam artist with a string of lawsuits and angry people to prove it. So, it is no surprise that Ginger is our murder victim and, of course, she was murdered at the Corzat Plantation B&B. Vanessa adds solving Ginger's murder to Maggie's list of bridal duties.
That isn't all that Maggie has on her mind this time around. Whitney, Bo's ex, has decided to relocate to Pelican while her husband is in Saudi Arabia. Maggie's spidy senses are screaming that the woman is up to no good as far as Bo is concerned. Since the relationship between Maggie and Bo is on the down low, staking a claim on her man is something Maggie wants to do, but to protect Bo's job, she can't. Since Maggie lost her New Your boyfriend of six years to another woman, she is also very leery of jumping in when there is another woman in the picture. Besides, finding Ginger's killer is the most important thing right now.
The first few chapters of Body on the Bayou are an introduction of the cast of characters that were in Plantation Shudders, but things pick up quickly. I just love the southern charm that comes through and how friends and family pull together when someone is in need or, in this case, stuck with an unpleasant task and a murder. Great plot and characters. The family is a real joy and the slow burn romance between Maggie and Bo is palpable, in a cozy way, of course. Love this cozy series and the relationships between the different characters that are explored and grow with each book.
Maggie finds herself drafted as the maid of honor for co-worker Vanessa, a very pregnant bridezilla. Vanessa is not above co-opting Maggie's every spare moment with bridal tasks and some that aren't bridal related. Maggie also finds herself playing hostess to Vanessa’s cousin, Ginger. Is there such a thing as a cousin-dearest? If so, Ginger is it. She is also a scam artist with a string of lawsuits and angry people to prove it. So, it is no surprise that Ginger is our murder victim and, of course, she was murdered at the Corzat Plantation B&B. Vanessa adds solving Ginger's murder to Maggie's list of bridal duties.
That isn't all that Maggie has on her mind this time around. Whitney, Bo's ex, has decided to relocate to Pelican while her husband is in Saudi Arabia. Maggie's spidy senses are screaming that the woman is up to no good as far as Bo is concerned. Since the relationship between Maggie and Bo is on the down low, staking a claim on her man is something Maggie wants to do, but to protect Bo's job, she can't. Since Maggie lost her New Your boyfriend of six years to another woman, she is also very leery of jumping in when there is another woman in the picture. Besides, finding Ginger's killer is the most important thing right now.
October 17, 2016
I really enjoyed Body on the Bayou; the primary characters and their friends where well developed, intelligent and fun to spend time with. While caricature stereotypes just aren't my thing, I was impressed that most of the ones in the book had at least one redeeming moment. Their role was to provide humor and to offer a foil for the protagonist and for that they worked well; I admit it, I laughed at their antics even as they got on my nerves. I really wanted Maggie to tell Vanessa off or at least refuse to give in to her unreasonable demands. Having lived in Louisiana, I was impressed with how wonderfully the author recreated the setting and atmosphere of that unique land, at times I felt as if I were there. Now I need to go back and read the first book in the series, Plantation Shudders.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGAlley an voluntarily wrote this review. The opinion stated in this review expresses how I felt about the book Body on the Bayou.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGAlley an voluntarily wrote this review. The opinion stated in this review expresses how I felt about the book Body on the Bayou.
October 8, 2016
This was a pretty enjoyable read. I liked the first book, Plantation Shudders, and was hoping to spend more of the mystery centered around the Crozat family, not dealing with a bridezilla. The mystery itself was engaging but it I did find it distracting to wade through Vanessa and her mother's unrealistic and constant growing list of demands. I also thought the book had a bit too much emphasis on the romantic tension between Maggie, Bo and his ex-wife Whitney for my taste in a cozy. That's just for me. But Ellen Byron's superb writing skills kept me reading and made an otherwise 3 star book into a 4.
October 3, 2018
What a great book!! I loved it so much!!! The ending gave me goosebumps it was so sweet and perfect and I was surprised by the identity of the killer. I couldn't have loved this book more. Highly recommend
September 29, 2018
A fun cozy mystery with great characters. Love this series.
February 6, 2020
Fun, enjoyable second entry in the Cajun Country series! I love the setting, and I think the author does wonderfully with the characters & story.
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