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Cajun Country Mystery #3
A Cajun Christmas Killing
Maggie Crozat is back home in bayou country during the most magical time of the year. In Pelican, Louisiana, Christmastime is a season of giant bonfires on the levee, zydeco carols, and pots of gumbo. Except, this year, the Grinch has come to stay at the family-run Crozat Plantation B&B. When he floods travel websites with vicious reviews, Maggie thinks she’s identified him as rival businessman Donald Baxter. That is, until he’s found stabbed to death at Maggie’s workplace. And Maggie and her loved ones become top suspects.
The Crozats quickly establish alibis, but Maggie’s boyfriend, Detective Bo Durand, remains under suspicion. With Bo sidelined during the investigation, Maggie finds herself forced to work with an unlikely ally: longtime family enemy Rufus Durand. Her sleuthing uncovers more suspects than drummers drumming, and lands her in the crosshairs of the murderer.
The sleigh bells are jingling, and the clock is ticking for Maggie and Rufus, who must catch the killer or it will be the opposite of a Joyeux Noël in A Cajun Christmas Killing, the recipe-stuffed third installment of USA Today bestselling author Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country mysteries.
The Crozats quickly establish alibis, but Maggie’s boyfriend, Detective Bo Durand, remains under suspicion. With Bo sidelined during the investigation, Maggie finds herself forced to work with an unlikely ally: longtime family enemy Rufus Durand. Her sleuthing uncovers more suspects than drummers drumming, and lands her in the crosshairs of the murderer.
The sleigh bells are jingling, and the clock is ticking for Maggie and Rufus, who must catch the killer or it will be the opposite of a Joyeux Noël in A Cajun Christmas Killing, the recipe-stuffed third installment of USA Today bestselling author Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country mysteries.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
242 people are currently reading
1992 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byron
17 books1,653 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
January 23, 2019
I'm thrilled to be caught up on the Cajun Country Mystery series by Ellen Byron. I won the 4th book in a contest and will be reading it next month, but beforehand I had to read the first three. I just finished A Cajun Christmas Killing and absolutely loved it. Byron is top-notch when it comes to this genre, and I've read hundreds of books to know what I'm talking about!
Maggie's family's b&b is in trouble again. Luckily no one's died on her property, but one of her guests dies on the family plantation that they sold a few years earlier. Will they ever get a break? A ruthless NYC businessman with a penchant for annoying people turns up stabbed to death. Was it his disinterested wife? A loving step-brother? An ex? A nephew? A business partner? Or someone with a different connection who wanted him gone for treachery in the past? It's convoluted but that's always the best kind of mystery. Throw in Christmas bonfires, Maggie's romance with Bo, her ex-bf returning much to her chagrin, and a proposal from someone new, and she's gonna be grilled herself.
Byron creates superb characters. They leap off the page and demand to be heard. Sometimes you love them, other times you want to strangle them. But you will always feel something for them. The pages turn themselves, it's so easy and natural. Rarely if ever do I find a dull scene or anything transitory. Everything has a purpose whether it's about the main mystery or the progression of the core character set. I am so excited to start the next one in the series for my review group. If you've never sampled this series, it's a must read!
Maggie's family's b&b is in trouble again. Luckily no one's died on her property, but one of her guests dies on the family plantation that they sold a few years earlier. Will they ever get a break? A ruthless NYC businessman with a penchant for annoying people turns up stabbed to death. Was it his disinterested wife? A loving step-brother? An ex? A nephew? A business partner? Or someone with a different connection who wanted him gone for treachery in the past? It's convoluted but that's always the best kind of mystery. Throw in Christmas bonfires, Maggie's romance with Bo, her ex-bf returning much to her chagrin, and a proposal from someone new, and she's gonna be grilled herself.
Byron creates superb characters. They leap off the page and demand to be heard. Sometimes you love them, other times you want to strangle them. But you will always feel something for them. The pages turn themselves, it's so easy and natural. Rarely if ever do I find a dull scene or anything transitory. Everything has a purpose whether it's about the main mystery or the progression of the core character set. I am so excited to start the next one in the series for my review group. If you've never sampled this series, it's a must read!
December 14, 2020
I don't know why I keep getting back to this author's work. I think the main reason is that she can write up a goodhearted main character with authenticity. But that is not enough.
Or should I say, enough is enough. I'm going to move on and not look back this time. There were so many people to keep track of. When it came time to unveiling the murderer, I found myself confronting a stranger.
Books like this don't deserve a price tag online. But the writer obviously has found her crowd. Try as I might, I cannot conjure what her readers see in her books. I've been duped for the last time. It's time to say goodbye.
Or should I say, enough is enough. I'm going to move on and not look back this time. There were so many people to keep track of. When it came time to unveiling the murderer, I found myself confronting a stranger.
Books like this don't deserve a price tag online. But the writer obviously has found her crowd. Try as I might, I cannot conjure what her readers see in her books. I've been duped for the last time. It's time to say goodbye.
September 9, 2017
4 1/2 stars
This is the third book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, and even though I haven't read the first two books, I was able to dive right in and keep up just fine.
I love the fact that this series is based in Louisiana. There aren't many books (regardless of genre) that have an authentic Cajun "flavor" to them, so this is a real treat.
Maggie Crozat is determined to find the man responsible for trying to put her family's B&B out of business by writing nasty reviews online. The man she believes is guilty is found stabbed to death at her job, thus making her and her detective boyfriend prime suspects.
Aside from the fact that this story has a surprise ending that you might not see coming, it's also filled with humor and characters that are full of life and multi-dimensional.
I'm pretty sure the author has won an award for this series, and if so it's not surprising in the least. She's a gifted writer and excels at the cozy mystery genre.
This is the third book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, and even though I haven't read the first two books, I was able to dive right in and keep up just fine.
I love the fact that this series is based in Louisiana. There aren't many books (regardless of genre) that have an authentic Cajun "flavor" to them, so this is a real treat.
Maggie Crozat is determined to find the man responsible for trying to put her family's B&B out of business by writing nasty reviews online. The man she believes is guilty is found stabbed to death at her job, thus making her and her detective boyfriend prime suspects.
Aside from the fact that this story has a surprise ending that you might not see coming, it's also filled with humor and characters that are full of life and multi-dimensional.
I'm pretty sure the author has won an award for this series, and if so it's not surprising in the least. She's a gifted writer and excels at the cozy mystery genre.
October 9, 2017
Cute cover on this one. A good representation of the story. Good use of graphics. Nice composition as well. The title work is OK, and there is a bit too much text on it that makes it look a bit too busy.
I enjoyed this one more than I did book one. It had a nice festive feel to it. As with book one I again enjoyed the Louisiana setting and the Christmas traditions. It was well written and well paced. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing until the end. There was a good selection of secondary characters. Maggie was WAY more likable in this one, and we get a little forward movement on her and Bo's relationship. Lastly, this one also includes a few recipes which I find are always a nice touch in these cozy mysteries. All in all, a very enjoyable read that gets two thumbs up from your truly.
February 6, 2022
In this third book in the 'Cajun Country Mystery' series, amateur sleuth Maggie Crozat investigates the murder of a scheming businessman. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
After a bad breakup with her boyfriend Chris, 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 (tour guide) at a tourist attraction that was once the Doucet Plantation.
As the story opens it's almost Christmas and Pelican residents are heralding the season. Wrought iron balconies are decorated with sparkling garlands and Christmas ornaments;
business owners have painted their windows with snowy scenes;
and bonfires are being built along the Great River Road, to guide Papa Noel (Santa Claus) on Christmas Eve. Bonfire builders compete to build the most elaborate structures, which range from a huge pyramid to a pirate ship to a wooden replica of a plantation.
At the Crozat Plantation B&B, the guests include a Japanese tour group; an Ohio family called the O'Days; and a nit-picking California businessman named Donald Baxter, who complains about everything.
Baxter is bad news all around. When scathing reviews of the B&B appear on Trippee.com, Baxter is the likely suspect; and Baxter's pushy arrogance gets him into a scuffle with Maggie's boyfriend, Detective Bo Durand.
Maggie has other troubles as well. Her father has a health scare, brought on by the fact that developers may get control of the Crozat Plantation B&B;
Maggie is concerned about her mother, who survived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
and Maggie has a demanding new boss at the Doucet Plantation. The new boss, Tannis Greer, fancies herself a playwright, and has written scripts for the Doucet Plantation docents. Thus Maggie now has to play a grieving Civil War widow as she hosts the guided tours....tears and all.
To top it off, Maggie and her Grand-mere are perusing the internet one afternoon and discover that their querulous guest Don Baxter is really Steve Harmon, one of the developers trying to take over the Crozat B&B.
The next day, Maggie - playing the distraught widow - is leading a tour group through the Doucet Plantation when she finds the body of Steve Harmon in a wingchair.
Persons of interest for Harmon's murder include Maggie and her family; women who've been harassed by Harmon; Harmon's wife; Harmon's business acquaintances; and even Detective Bo Durand, because of their run-in. Bo is taken off the case and Maggie - determined to clear her family and friends - helps Sheriff Rufus Durand investigate.
Rufus was once an enemy of the Crozats, but he softened when he became a daddy, and he and Maggie are almost cordial now. Before long another murder occurs, and Maggie and Rufus have TWO cases to solve.
In addition to poking around the murders Maggie goes to exercise classes at DanceBod; hobnobs with her friends; eats delicious Cajun food and sweets; gets news about her cousin Lia, who owns a pastry shop and a candy store; and is surprised by her old boyfriend Chris, who's visiting Pelican as an art advisor. Maggie even gets a businesslike marriage proposal from Steve Harmon's brother-in-law - who wants to merge their 'southern royalty' bloodlines.
I like the Cajun Country Mysteries but this book wasn't one of my favorites. There are too many characters, too many side-plots, too many romances, and an over-complicated solution to the crimes. The story is just too jam-packed.
Still, I enjoyed visiting with favorite characters in Pelican, and would recommend the book to fans of the series.
Recipes in the book include:
Shrimp Remoulade
Muffaletta Frittata
Holiday Brandy Pain Perdu
Coconut Pecan Bars
Spicy Cajun Sugar Cookies
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
October 11, 2017
With a couple of weeks to go before Christmas, Maggie should be focusing on getting into the Christmas spirit. However, she’s just learned that a businessman is trying to take over her family’s bed and breakfast built on their family’s plantation. When he turns up dead, naturally, they are all suspects, and Maggie begins to try to figure out what really happened. With a list of suspects that only grows, can Maggie find the killer?
We are getting quite a nice community in this series, and I was glad to revisit Maggie and her friends and family. The characters only grow stronger here and some relationships take surprising turns. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, and sub-plots compliment the mystery and enhance the characters. Throw in some Louisiana recipes and Christmas traditions and you’ve got a holiday winner.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
We are getting quite a nice community in this series, and I was glad to revisit Maggie and her friends and family. The characters only grow stronger here and some relationships take surprising turns. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, and sub-plots compliment the mystery and enhance the characters. Throw in some Louisiana recipes and Christmas traditions and you’ve got a holiday winner.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 19, 2018
I wrote a great book! ;-)
October 1, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Christmas in Pelican sounds just fantastic! Huge bonfires on the bayou, yummy food, special carols and people coming together to celebrate. The whole town is excited and getting ready. Then Donald Baxter is found dead at Doucet and the whole Crozat family are lined up on the suspect list. Even Detective Bo Durand makes the list and is pulled off the investigation. Rufus Durand and Maggie make an unlikely team but there is too much at stake to deal with a family feud. They need to catch the killer before anyone else ends up dead and puts an end to everyone’s happy holiday.
Ellen Byron writes the kind of story that I love to escape right into. Never having been anywhere near the Louisiana bayou I depend on her words to take me there and she does it so wonderfully. I loved learning the traditions so unlike those here in Wisconsin. While we do eat a lot during the season, it is more the usual turkey and cranberry meals, not a pot of gumbo. No bonfires here either but usually way too much snow. These differences help to draw me in but it is the characters and the suspense that make me stay.
The characters are wrapped up in so much, the new manger at Doucet is really shaking things up, Tug has a health scare, someone is writing trashy reviews about the B&B, Maggie ex comes to town, and Maggie and Bo’s relationship is growing and becoming more known. All that before the murder of Donald Baxter. All these plot lines come together in this marvelous mystery.
All the characters have continue to evolve and the way they handle all the situations that arise is very believable. I really love they family feel of this story. Everyone is welcome whether truly related or just a friend. A true Christmas feeling.
I have loved each book in the series but this one is my favorite. The intrigue built as the pages kept turning but there are several bits of humor too. A perfect mystery to curl up and read this holiday season.
Christmas in Pelican sounds just fantastic! Huge bonfires on the bayou, yummy food, special carols and people coming together to celebrate. The whole town is excited and getting ready. Then Donald Baxter is found dead at Doucet and the whole Crozat family are lined up on the suspect list. Even Detective Bo Durand makes the list and is pulled off the investigation. Rufus Durand and Maggie make an unlikely team but there is too much at stake to deal with a family feud. They need to catch the killer before anyone else ends up dead and puts an end to everyone’s happy holiday.
Ellen Byron writes the kind of story that I love to escape right into. Never having been anywhere near the Louisiana bayou I depend on her words to take me there and she does it so wonderfully. I loved learning the traditions so unlike those here in Wisconsin. While we do eat a lot during the season, it is more the usual turkey and cranberry meals, not a pot of gumbo. No bonfires here either but usually way too much snow. These differences help to draw me in but it is the characters and the suspense that make me stay.
The characters are wrapped up in so much, the new manger at Doucet is really shaking things up, Tug has a health scare, someone is writing trashy reviews about the B&B, Maggie ex comes to town, and Maggie and Bo’s relationship is growing and becoming more known. All that before the murder of Donald Baxter. All these plot lines come together in this marvelous mystery.
All the characters have continue to evolve and the way they handle all the situations that arise is very believable. I really love they family feel of this story. Everyone is welcome whether truly related or just a friend. A true Christmas feeling.
I have loved each book in the series but this one is my favorite. The intrigue built as the pages kept turning but there are several bits of humor too. A perfect mystery to curl up and read this holiday season.
September 17, 2017
Quite simply, a fun and entertaining mystery!
I’ve had the first two books of the Cajun Country Mysteries in my TBR since they both came out. I read so many books, that sometimes I overlook titles in my stacks. However, after reading book three in the series, A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING, I will be moving up the others to read much sooner.
So fabulous were the descriptions from author Ellen Byron, I instantly became lost in Pelican, Louisiana. The people, the scenery, the excitement of Christmas in the air. Every word pulled me further in. I felt more like an observer than merely a reader. I feel like I can honestly say I have been to Louisiana.
The mystery element of A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING was superb. Lost deep into the story, wanting to solve this whodunit, I barely came up for air. With each new chapter author Byron added another layer of intrigue, another outcome as to how this tale would end. I was completely surprised when I read the reveal.
This emotional cozy also had a happy turn of events. One that has me looking forward to a new book in the series, as well as going back and catching up on those I missed in order to fill in the back stories of these characters I instantly loved.
All of the above, and amazing recipes too, A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING is a book you have to add to your bookshelves.
I’ve had the first two books of the Cajun Country Mysteries in my TBR since they both came out. I read so many books, that sometimes I overlook titles in my stacks. However, after reading book three in the series, A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING, I will be moving up the others to read much sooner.
So fabulous were the descriptions from author Ellen Byron, I instantly became lost in Pelican, Louisiana. The people, the scenery, the excitement of Christmas in the air. Every word pulled me further in. I felt more like an observer than merely a reader. I feel like I can honestly say I have been to Louisiana.
The mystery element of A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING was superb. Lost deep into the story, wanting to solve this whodunit, I barely came up for air. With each new chapter author Byron added another layer of intrigue, another outcome as to how this tale would end. I was completely surprised when I read the reveal.
This emotional cozy also had a happy turn of events. One that has me looking forward to a new book in the series, as well as going back and catching up on those I missed in order to fill in the back stories of these characters I instantly loved.
All of the above, and amazing recipes too, A CAJUN CHRISTMAS KILLING is a book you have to add to your bookshelves.
October 5, 2017
Maggie Crozat's family runs a quaint bed and breakfast in Pelican, Louisiana, about 100 miles from New Orleans and in the heart of Cajun country. However, they have been receiving very negative reviews on a travel website and their small business is suffering--so much so that they have had to downsize their famous Christmas Eve bonfire. Could the man who Maggie found murdered on nearby Doucet Plantation where she is employed as a guide, be connected in some way to the plot to discredit her family? Will Maggie's investigation to clear her Detective Bo Durand also put her in harm's way?
I loved the first two books in this series and the third was just as enjoyable. The book was well-written and paced. The mystery plot was multi-layered, though not confusingly complex, and I didn't want to put the book down! The red herrings were very effective. Maggie's character continues to develop fuller; she is not merely a one-dimensional character who just solves mysteries. The romantic element was very good and while it was a part of the plot, it didn't overpower the mystery itself. Although it is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. There was no graphic sex or violence. The book really captures the essence of this region and the feeling of being in New Orleans, with its food, culture, music, history, mystery and fun..
There are three recipes at the end of the book: Shrimp Remoulade, Muffaletta Frittata, Holiday Brandy Pain Perdu, and Coconut Pecan Bars, and Spicy Cajun Sugar Cookies. After the conclusion of the book, Ms. Byron includes "Lagniappe"--a Louisiana word for "a little something extra." She shares some history of the Christmas Eve bonfires and her personal experience attending one. Additionally, she includes her visit to Planation Country and suggests specific ones for each type of experience. I really appreciate all that information as I hope to visit that area for the first time in over 25 years.
I highly recommend this book.. I received an ARC copy and provided an honest review...
I loved the first two books in this series and the third was just as enjoyable. The book was well-written and paced. The mystery plot was multi-layered, though not confusingly complex, and I didn't want to put the book down! The red herrings were very effective. Maggie's character continues to develop fuller; she is not merely a one-dimensional character who just solves mysteries. The romantic element was very good and while it was a part of the plot, it didn't overpower the mystery itself. Although it is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. There was no graphic sex or violence. The book really captures the essence of this region and the feeling of being in New Orleans, with its food, culture, music, history, mystery and fun..
There are three recipes at the end of the book: Shrimp Remoulade, Muffaletta Frittata, Holiday Brandy Pain Perdu, and Coconut Pecan Bars, and Spicy Cajun Sugar Cookies. After the conclusion of the book, Ms. Byron includes "Lagniappe"--a Louisiana word for "a little something extra." She shares some history of the Christmas Eve bonfires and her personal experience attending one. Additionally, she includes her visit to Planation Country and suggests specific ones for each type of experience. I really appreciate all that information as I hope to visit that area for the first time in over 25 years.
I highly recommend this book.. I received an ARC copy and provided an honest review...
December 18, 2018
Great addition to the series!
October 22, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! I was actually surprised that I liked it that much since I really enjoyed the last one but could not go so far as loving the thing but this one I could not put down. Things started moving from the very first page and they never really stopped after that which was great. It starts with some family drama and health scares which puts them all under stress. Just when it looks like things cannot get worse the guy they all hate (myself included to be honest I was actually rooting for him to be the murder victim) turns up dead making all the main characters suspects. Maggie cannot help but get involved which of course leads to trouble though they figure it all out in the end. Since the characters are so well established by the this point I really enjoyed catching up with what is going on with them and I just loved the 180 of Rufus as it makes it so much nicer plus as an added bonus Maggie and Bo do not have to hide their relationship. The addition of the past made things heat up though the author handles it all very well while still making things fun. I just loved the mix of strong characters, silliness, action, mystery, secrets, and drama. It all combines into a wonderful cozy mystery that I was unable to put down for even a minute. I loved it so much it gets 5/5 stars.
February 16, 2021
Christmas is on the way to Bayou and Maggie's world is falling apart when the B&B comes under attack by online trolls and her entire family becomes murder suspects. Excellent characters, great plot, intriguing interpersonal relationships and incredible southern cooking make for a great read. If you like audiobooks, the narrator does a great job of bringing the characters to life.
September 27, 2017
I Loved This Book. From the very first page to the last one I enjoyed this story so much. I just wish I could have given it more than 5 stars. The mystery part of the story was written perfectly. I didn't know who the killer was until the end and that excited me. I hate when I figure out who the killer is half way through the book.
The author included just the right amount of description and I adored reading about the Louisianan Christmas customs. I will admit I had tears in my eyes while reading the end. I wished that I was part of the celebrations.
This is book three in the Cajun Country Mystery Series but you needn't worry if you haven't read the first two book because this book was so well written that you don't feel as if you're missing something. I've already put the first two books on my To Read list.
The author included just the right amount of description and I adored reading about the Louisianan Christmas customs. I will admit I had tears in my eyes while reading the end. I wished that I was part of the celebrations.
This is book three in the Cajun Country Mystery Series but you needn't worry if you haven't read the first two book because this book was so well written that you don't feel as if you're missing something. I've already put the first two books on my To Read list.
October 9, 2017
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I love this cozy-mystery series! The flavor of the bayou with their historic houses and the warm holiday traditions and food (recipies included - BIG bonus) permeate this wonderful cozy. Another plus - I had no idea who the baddie was.
Maggie Crozat is having something of an identity crises. She is back home after living in New York as an artist. Now, she barely has time to pick up a paint brush between helping at her family's plantation B&B and being a docent at another plantation. Not to mention her knack of finding dead bodies. It is Christmas time and everyone is building traditional bonfires on the levee, including the Crozat family. But all is not calm and bright for Maggie. The B&B is under attack on the internet, her uncle is being challenged for control of his company, there is a new, nasty manager at the plantation where Maggie works, her ex shows up in town and, of course, Maggie finds a dead body.
I love this cozy-mystery series! The flavor of the bayou with their historic houses and the warm holiday traditions and food (recipies included - BIG bonus) permeate this wonderful cozy. Another plus - I had no idea who the baddie was.
Maggie Crozat is having something of an identity crises. She is back home after living in New York as an artist. Now, she barely has time to pick up a paint brush between helping at her family's plantation B&B and being a docent at another plantation. Not to mention her knack of finding dead bodies. It is Christmas time and everyone is building traditional bonfires on the levee, including the Crozat family. But all is not calm and bright for Maggie. The B&B is under attack on the internet, her uncle is being challenged for control of his company, there is a new, nasty manager at the plantation where Maggie works, her ex shows up in town and, of course, Maggie finds a dead body.
July 1, 2020
This great Christmas-themed cozy is the 3rd in the series and each book just gets better than the last! There are plenty of suspects in this story, and even though Maggie, the main character, figures out who the culprit was, it isn't revealed until just the right moment. Centered around Maggie's family's plantation-turned-B&B, new characters (suspects, victims, friends and foes) are introduced in each book, though my favorites are still around, too. And I love how a couple of the characters have evolved over the 3 books and have changed my opinion of them.
This book had a great pace, and I barely put it down. Both the new and familiar characters are often connected to others in unexpected ways, which adds some great layers to this mystery. I'm excited that I got a chance to read this book - which I won from Cozy Mystery Review Crew! - but now I've got a long wait for book #4. Not a bad problem to have, I suppose.
This book had a great pace, and I barely put it down. Both the new and familiar characters are often connected to others in unexpected ways, which adds some great layers to this mystery. I'm excited that I got a chance to read this book - which I won from Cozy Mystery Review Crew! - but now I've got a long wait for book #4. Not a bad problem to have, I suppose.
January 28, 2018
Really 3.5 stars.
A bit more "cutesy" than I remember. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and I'll read the next one.
A bit more "cutesy" than I remember. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and I'll read the next one.
August 20, 2017
Setting: Pelican, LA
Characters: Magnolia Marie Crozat, artist, daughter of Ninette and Tug, who are B & B owners. Bo Durand, a Pelican PD detective and Maggie's boyfriend. Assorted family members, friends, coworkers, and suspects!
Plot: The holidays are nearing in the small Louisiana town of Pelican. Maggie is hard at work helping her parents and grandmother operate the Crozat Bed & Breakfast while also working as a guide at another area plantation. She fears that her career as an artist is slipping away while she focuses on being a good and supportive daughter. Maggie is also focused on her blossoming romance with Bo, but the issues that have taken precedence as A Cajun Christmas Killing begins are Maggie's father's health and the health and future of the family business. Once she learns the truth of the trouble the B & B may be in, Maggie and Bo swing into action, seeking out a mystery Internet troll who is writing negative and damaging reviews about their business and trying to get to the heart of the matter of a ruthless financier intent on acquiring the Crozat estate. But when that financier ends up dead, Maggie and Bo find that they are both on the suspect list, along with Maggie's entire family. The stakes have never been higher for the Southern sleuth.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: This book was a treat - a story that finally got me out of a reading slump! I've enjoyed the series from the beginning - the family dynamics, the clever plots, and the vivid imagery make for a compelling series for sure. I love all of the detail about Pelican, Louisiana; the rich descriptions of the area, the food, and, in this story, the holiday traditions really set the scene for readers and drew me deeper into the story and the series. I can't wait to see what Maggie and Bo get up to next!
Characters: Magnolia Marie Crozat, artist, daughter of Ninette and Tug, who are B & B owners. Bo Durand, a Pelican PD detective and Maggie's boyfriend. Assorted family members, friends, coworkers, and suspects!
Plot: The holidays are nearing in the small Louisiana town of Pelican. Maggie is hard at work helping her parents and grandmother operate the Crozat Bed & Breakfast while also working as a guide at another area plantation. She fears that her career as an artist is slipping away while she focuses on being a good and supportive daughter. Maggie is also focused on her blossoming romance with Bo, but the issues that have taken precedence as A Cajun Christmas Killing begins are Maggie's father's health and the health and future of the family business. Once she learns the truth of the trouble the B & B may be in, Maggie and Bo swing into action, seeking out a mystery Internet troll who is writing negative and damaging reviews about their business and trying to get to the heart of the matter of a ruthless financier intent on acquiring the Crozat estate. But when that financier ends up dead, Maggie and Bo find that they are both on the suspect list, along with Maggie's entire family. The stakes have never been higher for the Southern sleuth.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: This book was a treat - a story that finally got me out of a reading slump! I've enjoyed the series from the beginning - the family dynamics, the clever plots, and the vivid imagery make for a compelling series for sure. I love all of the detail about Pelican, Louisiana; the rich descriptions of the area, the food, and, in this story, the holiday traditions really set the scene for readers and drew me deeper into the story and the series. I can't wait to see what Maggie and Bo get up to next!
April 25, 2018
Very funny and a fun Christmas read! I loved learning about New Orleans Christmas traditions.
October 18, 2018
Another solid installment for this series. While not mind blowing amazing, this was light hearted, fun, safe, and free of OP drama. There was really no angst, which is a miracle given that both exes are in the picture for the duration of the book. .
I love how certain characters are getting along in this book. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this adorable town.
I love how certain characters are getting along in this book. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store for this adorable town.
October 3, 2017
I received an advanced copy from the author to read and give an honest review.
I think this is the best book I've read recently!!
Fantastic locations, with great descriptors; I felt like was there. (It is on my "Bucket List" to visit)
Well developed characters and relationships. I loved the fact that she shows that just because you didn't get along with a person, that you can move past that point, and become friends, and that people CAN change.
The plot has lots of twist that keeps you guessing "Whodunnit" to the end.
I will definitely be reading more from Ellen Byron!
***Note: this is the 3rd book, but it is a stand alone ***
I think this is the best book I've read recently!!
Fantastic locations, with great descriptors; I felt like was there. (It is on my "Bucket List" to visit)
Well developed characters and relationships. I loved the fact that she shows that just because you didn't get along with a person, that you can move past that point, and become friends, and that people CAN change.
The plot has lots of twist that keeps you guessing "Whodunnit" to the end.
I will definitely be reading more from Ellen Byron!
***Note: this is the 3rd book, but it is a stand alone ***
October 1, 2017
A Cajun Christmas Killing is an engaging book. I loved learning about Cajun traditions. This book was a fast read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maggie, her family and friends are close knit, and are always there for each other. I enjoyed the plot twists, and the descriptions of the delicious foods. I want to go to New Orleans and take part in their customs. I highly recommend this book, and this series.
September 4, 2019
What's not to like about a Christmas story taking place in Louisiana, with cajun customs and food along with a murder to solve. I was all in.
Maggie came home from New York for a holiday and never left. She has worked tirelessly to help save the family home turned B&B, but they are in trouble again. Her father's brother who runs a company turning historic homes into boutique hotels and B&Bs recently added Crozat B&B to the portfolio. All should have been fine, until a ruthless investor tries to take over the company and force him out. He gets people to post awful reviews on the web to drive the price down. When they figure out what is happening, the ruthless businessman ends up dead, murdered in Doucet House. Of course, Maggie and her family are all suspects.
I love the characters in this series. Maggie, her parents and grandmother are a wonderful family unit who work well together and take care of one another. Maggie's friends add the quirkiness to the story. They are fun and I love some of the saying they come out with. Bo and Rufus, police officers and related also add some humour to the story. Bo is Maggie's love interest and his uncle Rufus has always had a hate on for the Crozats. This story shows him changing in his attitude and actually doing some real investigating which I enjoyed. The mystery was well-written and interesting. I was kept guessing throughout and when there was another murder, it seemed to make it harder to figure out. Throw in the Christmas Bonfire, Maggie's job at Doucet manner, a proposal from a new character in the series and you have an interesting story to go along with the mystery. I enjoy this series and visits to Pelican, Louisiana. I recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers anywhere.
I listened to the audiobook of A Cajun Christmas Killing narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley. I enjoyed her narration. She has a young voice which fits well with most of the characters in the story. She does the southern accent for Maggie's mom and grandmother very well. Her pacing, tone and inflection were right on for me and added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request, the rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Maggie came home from New York for a holiday and never left. She has worked tirelessly to help save the family home turned B&B, but they are in trouble again. Her father's brother who runs a company turning historic homes into boutique hotels and B&Bs recently added Crozat B&B to the portfolio. All should have been fine, until a ruthless investor tries to take over the company and force him out. He gets people to post awful reviews on the web to drive the price down. When they figure out what is happening, the ruthless businessman ends up dead, murdered in Doucet House. Of course, Maggie and her family are all suspects.
I love the characters in this series. Maggie, her parents and grandmother are a wonderful family unit who work well together and take care of one another. Maggie's friends add the quirkiness to the story. They are fun and I love some of the saying they come out with. Bo and Rufus, police officers and related also add some humour to the story. Bo is Maggie's love interest and his uncle Rufus has always had a hate on for the Crozats. This story shows him changing in his attitude and actually doing some real investigating which I enjoyed. The mystery was well-written and interesting. I was kept guessing throughout and when there was another murder, it seemed to make it harder to figure out. Throw in the Christmas Bonfire, Maggie's job at Doucet manner, a proposal from a new character in the series and you have an interesting story to go along with the mystery. I enjoy this series and visits to Pelican, Louisiana. I recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers anywhere.
I listened to the audiobook of A Cajun Christmas Killing narrated by Amy Melissa Bentley. I enjoyed her narration. She has a young voice which fits well with most of the characters in the story. She does the southern accent for Maggie's mom and grandmother very well. Her pacing, tone and inflection were right on for me and added to my enjoyment of this story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request, the rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 10, 2017
I was lucky to get an advanced reading copy of Ellen Byron's third book in the A Cajun Country Mystery series, A Cajun Christmas Killing. This book is out October 10th and a series I adore!
Ellen Byron made me feel right at home at Christmas in her home plantation and b&b. Set just before Christmas, this was not your normal Christmas story either and I loved that it was a complicated crime to solve and there were some points in the story I found so emotional. I feel so invested in these characters and it felt like going home for the holidays. In true cozy mystery form, you get a crime that cozy are famous for and you get that cozy Christmas feeling at the end. I also loved the recipes included.
Ellen Byron made me feel right at home at Christmas in her home plantation and b&b. Set just before Christmas, this was not your normal Christmas story either and I loved that it was a complicated crime to solve and there were some points in the story I found so emotional. I feel so invested in these characters and it felt like going home for the holidays. In true cozy mystery form, you get a crime that cozy are famous for and you get that cozy Christmas feeling at the end. I also loved the recipes included.
August 5, 2017
Another engaging cozy in the Cajun Country Mystery series! Who doesn't love a cozy mystery set in the Christmas season? I don't usually read books out of season but this one didn't bombard me with Christmas details so it was fine to read in the summer! I love the details regarding the plantations, tours of the old houses, Cajun customs, and food! Lots of twists and turns and a very surprising ending. I would have liked to see more scenes with Xavier, since I've grown very fond of that character, but overall very entertaining. I look forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
December 8, 2017
I strongly recommend this read for a Christmas with a difference.
In Cajun country of Louisiana, where the main industry is history, Maggie Crozat shepherds guests around a historic mansion while her family runs a separate B&B. People travel over the holidays, so they are busy, but bad reviews on a trip site annoy the B&B owners. Especially since they need funds to make repairs. A guest dies unexpectedly in the historic mansion and Maggie has to stem the hysteria that might arise.
Too much fun for me to describe, but I really enjoyed the scenic locations and the bonfires on the levees as a traditional festival.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
In Cajun country of Louisiana, where the main industry is history, Maggie Crozat shepherds guests around a historic mansion while her family runs a separate B&B. People travel over the holidays, so they are busy, but bad reviews on a trip site annoy the B&B owners. Especially since they need funds to make repairs. A guest dies unexpectedly in the historic mansion and Maggie has to stem the hysteria that might arise.
Too much fun for me to describe, but I really enjoyed the scenic locations and the bonfires on the levees as a traditional festival.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
September 23, 2018
I love this series! With each book I feel like I've taken an actual trip to Louisiana and indulged in the spicy food and the customs. In this installment, besides a bedevilling mystery, we get to celebrate Christmas Cajun style. Maggie is, as always, an intrepid sleuth and a completely loveable character, and her friends and family, and boyfriend Bo, add lots of fun! I highly recommend the whole series!
October 13, 2017
It's Christmas time in Cajun country and Maggie Crozat couldn't be happier to be at her childhood home in Pelican. Aside from having a rude guest staying with them, some grinchy person is leaving negative reviews on a popular travel review site. Ever the diligent internet user, Gran' will not stop until she's gotten every single one of them removed especially after they get to the bottom of what was causing them. Although that doesn't come until after the rude guest they have staying with them turns up dead at Doucet Plantation where Maggie works as a tour guide.
Maggie's police detective boyfriend Bo is a person of interest in the case so he's sidelined at his desk for the duration of the investigation which leaves Maggie on her own some of the time but also working with Ru, Bo's cousin that she never thought she'd be able to work with. However, being a dad has changed Ru and he's more cooperative and willing to work with her especially since he knows her sleuthing has been helpful a couple of other times. A couple of attempts on lives as well as another murder, make Maggie even more antsy to get the answers to this case before Christmas gets there and all the traditional fun of the bonfires begins. Hopefully she can find this person before they find her!
I love the whole Christmas season so I really enjoyed this third installment in the Cajun Country series. I like how Maggie's former nemeses, Vanessa and Ru are now friends with her and she can actually count on them when she needs to. As always I just love Gran' and how she enjoys looking up things online and doing research. I had to laugh out loud at the part where everyone is gathered around the big screen to see Mass at the Vatican with Pope Francis. Pelican is especially proud because their own priest is there at the Mass. It was so hilarious when they caught him taking a selfie amid all the other religious leaders at Mass! He was tweeting different things leading up to Christmas Eve as well.
Ellen Byron describes things so vividly that I can just picture myself at Crozat Plantation or really anywhere she has her characters visiting in the story. She's an awesome story teller and it's always evident that she's really done her research and homework, that she truly loves Cajun Country. Since Bo and Maggie are growing ever closer, I can't wait to see what the next book brings for them!
Maggie's police detective boyfriend Bo is a person of interest in the case so he's sidelined at his desk for the duration of the investigation which leaves Maggie on her own some of the time but also working with Ru, Bo's cousin that she never thought she'd be able to work with. However, being a dad has changed Ru and he's more cooperative and willing to work with her especially since he knows her sleuthing has been helpful a couple of other times. A couple of attempts on lives as well as another murder, make Maggie even more antsy to get the answers to this case before Christmas gets there and all the traditional fun of the bonfires begins. Hopefully she can find this person before they find her!
I love the whole Christmas season so I really enjoyed this third installment in the Cajun Country series. I like how Maggie's former nemeses, Vanessa and Ru are now friends with her and she can actually count on them when she needs to. As always I just love Gran' and how she enjoys looking up things online and doing research. I had to laugh out loud at the part where everyone is gathered around the big screen to see Mass at the Vatican with Pope Francis. Pelican is especially proud because their own priest is there at the Mass. It was so hilarious when they caught him taking a selfie amid all the other religious leaders at Mass! He was tweeting different things leading up to Christmas Eve as well.
Ellen Byron describes things so vividly that I can just picture myself at Crozat Plantation or really anywhere she has her characters visiting in the story. She's an awesome story teller and it's always evident that she's really done her research and homework, that she truly loves Cajun Country. Since Bo and Maggie are growing ever closer, I can't wait to see what the next book brings for them!
December 4, 2020
You know some series where you have a bit of trouble remembering the characters or what’s happened in previous books? I did not have that problem with A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron, although it’s been a good three years since I’ve read the first book in the series, Plantation Shudders.
And I really have no reason as to why I missed book two, Body on the Bayou, or haven’t read the rest of the books in A Cajun Country Mystery series…. Well maybe, so many books, so little time.
But I need to make time to read the rest. A Cajun Christmas Killing reminded me how much I enjoy Byron’s writing… and I do love books that take place in the South.
Byron’s vibrant descriptions of the plantations, living history museum, and food makes the reader feel like they are actually in Louisiana. Although I’ve always wanted to visit, I feel like she could make even those who don’t like to travel want to take a trip there.
You can feel the love and tell that family is everything to the Crozats. Gran is so much more than a Southern Belle, although she still knows how to use those connections when needed. And I really enjoyed that she knows her way around a computer. Maggie’s mom and dad work hard to keep the B&B running, and I would stay there just for her mom’s cooking.
I was also pleased that Rufus, who ends up replacing Maggie’s boyfriend, Bo, on this case, is not such an unpleasant character any more, and yet he’s still got some sass to him. In so many cozies the law ends up being confrontational to the protagonist, which is fine, but sometimes it can feel overdone.
There were lots of red herrings and great suspects, and a thrilling confrontation with the killer at the end. Byron even has a twist with the killer which I enjoyed. The Cajun Country Mysteries is a cozy series that I very, very highly recommend.
And I really have no reason as to why I missed book two, Body on the Bayou, or haven’t read the rest of the books in A Cajun Country Mystery series…. Well maybe, so many books, so little time.
But I need to make time to read the rest. A Cajun Christmas Killing reminded me how much I enjoy Byron’s writing… and I do love books that take place in the South.
Byron’s vibrant descriptions of the plantations, living history museum, and food makes the reader feel like they are actually in Louisiana. Although I’ve always wanted to visit, I feel like she could make even those who don’t like to travel want to take a trip there.
You can feel the love and tell that family is everything to the Crozats. Gran is so much more than a Southern Belle, although she still knows how to use those connections when needed. And I really enjoyed that she knows her way around a computer. Maggie’s mom and dad work hard to keep the B&B running, and I would stay there just for her mom’s cooking.
I was also pleased that Rufus, who ends up replacing Maggie’s boyfriend, Bo, on this case, is not such an unpleasant character any more, and yet he’s still got some sass to him. In so many cozies the law ends up being confrontational to the protagonist, which is fine, but sometimes it can feel overdone.
There were lots of red herrings and great suspects, and a thrilling confrontation with the killer at the end. Byron even has a twist with the killer which I enjoyed. The Cajun Country Mysteries is a cozy series that I very, very highly recommend.
November 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Bryon, her third book in her A Cajun Country Mystery series. This story captured my interest from the first chapter. Maggie Crozat has returned home to the family B&B in Pelican, Louisiana for the holidays when she finds herself trying to determine who killed Donald Baxter, since her family and boyfriend are the main suspects. It becomes vital for them to solve this crime sooner rather than later. Maggie finds herself working with Rufus Durand, a longtime family enemy, as they uncover many suspects she needs to find the killer before she becomes the next victim.
This story is a fun read. There really is a lot that happens in the book and just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen. Lots of yummy recipes added too, that I plan to try.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. Ms. Bryon does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to reading other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This story is a fun read. There really is a lot that happens in the book and just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen. Lots of yummy recipes added too, that I plan to try.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. Ms. Bryon does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to reading other books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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