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Cajun Country Mystery #5
Fatal Cajun Festival
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Byron cranks it up to eleven in the fifth fast and funny Cajun Country mystery.
Louisiana B&B owner Maggie Crozat kicks up her heels at a country music festival--but she'll have one foot in the grave if she can't bring the killer of a diva's hanger-on to heel.
Grab your tickets for Cajun Country Live!, the pickers' and crooners' answer to the legendary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Maggie Crozat, proprietor of the Crozat Plantation B&B, plans to be in the cheering section when her friend Gaynell Bourgeois takes the stage with her band, Gaynell and the Gator Girls.
The festival's headliner, native daughter Tammy Barker, rocketed to stardom on a TV singing competition. She has the voice of an angel...and the personality of a devilish diva. But Maggie learns that this tiny terror carries a grudge against Gaynell. She's already sabotaged the Gator Girls' JazzFest audition. When a member of Tammy's entourage is murdered at the festival, Tammy makes sure Gaynell is number one on the suspect list.
Gaynell has plenty of company on that list--including every one of Tammy's musicians. Posing as a groupie, Maggie infiltrates Tammy's band and will have to hit all the right notes to clear her friend's name.
Louisiana B&B owner Maggie Crozat kicks up her heels at a country music festival--but she'll have one foot in the grave if she can't bring the killer of a diva's hanger-on to heel.
Grab your tickets for Cajun Country Live!, the pickers' and crooners' answer to the legendary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Maggie Crozat, proprietor of the Crozat Plantation B&B, plans to be in the cheering section when her friend Gaynell Bourgeois takes the stage with her band, Gaynell and the Gator Girls.
The festival's headliner, native daughter Tammy Barker, rocketed to stardom on a TV singing competition. She has the voice of an angel...and the personality of a devilish diva. But Maggie learns that this tiny terror carries a grudge against Gaynell. She's already sabotaged the Gator Girls' JazzFest audition. When a member of Tammy's entourage is murdered at the festival, Tammy makes sure Gaynell is number one on the suspect list.
Gaynell has plenty of company on that list--including every one of Tammy's musicians. Posing as a groupie, Maggie infiltrates Tammy's band and will have to hit all the right notes to clear her friend's name.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2019
157 people are currently reading
713 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 233 reviews
May 15, 2019
Fatal Cajun Festival is the fifth book in the 'Cajun Country Mystery' cozy series written by Ellen Byron. I was lucky enough to get an early copy through NetGalley and happened to be current in the series so I could begin reading it this week. It will be published in early fall but you can pre-order it now via Amazon. Byron has another success on her hands, and I truly enjoyed the latest edition in this adorable and engaging series about crimes occurring on a Louisiana plantation.
Maggie's grandmother helped organize a music festival in Pelican. A rising country singer who used to live in Pelican returns to sing for her hometown. In the days before her performance, we meet all the people in her band or running her team, then learn one of them is a former rival of Maggie's good friend, Gay. Unfortunately, someone in the band causes trouble for a few people and winds up dead. Another person is attacked, and everything points to Gay. Maggie knows it's not true, and even fakes a break-up with her fiance police detective, Bo, so she can unearth the scoop. Will she be successful, or will someone feed her to the alligators and snakes first?
Music and a southern Louisiana plantation go hand-in-hand. The drama that unfolds is clever and messy (in a good way) -- there are a variety of strong suspects with believable alibis and motives. One of them is clearly being faked, but it's not obvious at first. There are complex layers afoot in this mystery, and we only learn how everyone is connected, by accident, near the end. What an interesting way to assemble a band! Byron has created a compelling story with memorable characters, all the while dazzling us with subplots and side-stories about Maggie's friends and families who aren't involved directly in the murder mystery. For instance, Gran learns something about her late husband, and it changes her future. Maggie makes a decision about her own relationship's future. And a few other characters get some unexpected surprises. Great way to keep viewers entertained while solving an investigation.
Byron's books are easy to read. She wraps up her subplots. We see lots of characters who move the story along. And we never feel overwhelmed or confused. It's a strong balance of all the things that belong in a cozy. It's one of the series I've stayed super-current on so I can read the books when they first become available, rather than wait months or years to catch up. I look forward to the next one! Hurry up, please. :)
Maggie's grandmother helped organize a music festival in Pelican. A rising country singer who used to live in Pelican returns to sing for her hometown. In the days before her performance, we meet all the people in her band or running her team, then learn one of them is a former rival of Maggie's good friend, Gay. Unfortunately, someone in the band causes trouble for a few people and winds up dead. Another person is attacked, and everything points to Gay. Maggie knows it's not true, and even fakes a break-up with her fiance police detective, Bo, so she can unearth the scoop. Will she be successful, or will someone feed her to the alligators and snakes first?
Music and a southern Louisiana plantation go hand-in-hand. The drama that unfolds is clever and messy (in a good way) -- there are a variety of strong suspects with believable alibis and motives. One of them is clearly being faked, but it's not obvious at first. There are complex layers afoot in this mystery, and we only learn how everyone is connected, by accident, near the end. What an interesting way to assemble a band! Byron has created a compelling story with memorable characters, all the while dazzling us with subplots and side-stories about Maggie's friends and families who aren't involved directly in the murder mystery. For instance, Gran learns something about her late husband, and it changes her future. Maggie makes a decision about her own relationship's future. And a few other characters get some unexpected surprises. Great way to keep viewers entertained while solving an investigation.
Byron's books are easy to read. She wraps up her subplots. We see lots of characters who move the story along. And we never feel overwhelmed or confused. It's a strong balance of all the things that belong in a cozy. It's one of the series I've stayed super-current on so I can read the books when they first become available, rather than wait months or years to catch up. I look forward to the next one! Hurry up, please. :)
February 13, 2022
In this fifth book in the 'Cajun Country Mystery' series, amateur sleuth Maggie Crozat investigates the murder of a country singer's manager. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
After living in New York for over a decade, artist Maggie Crozat returned to her home town of Pelican, Louisiana. There Maggie shares a shotgun house with her Grand-mère Charlotte;
helps her parents run the Crozat Plantation Bed and Breakfast;
works as the art manager for the Doucet Plantation tourist attraction;
and recently became engaged to Sheriff's Department Detective Bo Durand.
Since both Maggie and Bo come from ancestral Pelican families, their nuptials are the local equivalent of a royal wedding. Thus the betrothed couple is constantly asked 'When's the wedding?'....which they can't answer yet.
Luckily Maggie and Bo get a break from the attention of the townsfolk when Grand-mère Charlotte organizes a music festival to be held in Pelican. The star attraction is Tammy Barker, a Pelican girl who became a country music star and moved away.
Tammy comes back to Pelican in style, bringing her manager, Pony Pickner;
her assistant, her backup singer, and a motley crew of musicians Pony put together.
Pelican has another aspiring singer, Maggie Crozat's friend Gaynell Bourgeois, who's also scheduled to play at the music festival.
Back in the day, Tammy and Gaynell went to school together, and Tammy was a mean-girl bully. Tammy hasn't changed, and although she pretends to be nice to Gaynell, Tammy's agenda is to undermine her music rival. Tammy sneakily co-opts Gaynell's band, the Gator Girls, for her own act....
....and in the guise of helping Gaynell's career, introduces her to manager Pony Pickner. Pickner is an arrogant guy who disses Gaynell's talent and makes sexual innuendoes. Gaynell makes threats in response, so when Pony is murdered, Gaynell is the first suspect.
Maggie isn't going to sit still while her friend is in trouble, and she sets out to find the real killer. To assist the investigation, Maggie and Bo pretend to break up so Maggie can hang out with Tammy's entourage, flirt with the musicians, and zero in on the murderer. The 'break-up' rumor spreads through Pelican - and the surrounding area - like wildfire.
As a result, Maggie has to deal with gals hitting on newly single, hunky Bo while she uncovers clues to the murderer.
In addition to sleuthing, Maggie is running the Crozat Praline Booth at the music festival, which sells delicious treats.
Maggie makes lots of candy to sell, and hires teenage siblings to assist her. The youngsters get the business bug, and Maggie helps them become praline entrepreneurs. 😊
It's always a treat to get a peek at the Cajun ambiance of Pelican, and to visit with popular characters in the series, like Sheriff Rufus Durand - who's doing well with his exercise guru girlfriend;
Cousin Lia - who's pregnant with triplets;
Maggie's mom Ninette, who's overwhelmed with vegan and vegetarian dietary requests by Tammy's crew;
Grand-mère Charlotte - who uncovers love letters her husband wrote when she's doing a 'Swedish death cleaning'; and more.
This is a fun addition to the popular cozy mystery series, recommended to fans of the genre.
Recipes in the book include:
Cauliflower Jambalaya
Pecan Pralines
Maple Bacon Pralines
Rum Raisin Cake
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
September 11, 2019
The fifth book in the Cajun Country Mystery series by Ellen Byron. Maggie Crozat and her family and friends are back in another fun book for this series. When mysteries happen in Pelican, LA, Maggie is quick to help investigate and find the guilty party.
In this book, a local festival is happening in Pelican. Tammy, a singer, returns to her hometown of Pelican to headline the festival. Tammy holds a grudge against Gaynell, one of Maggie's friends. Along with Tammy are her manager and band members. When Tammy's manager is killed, Gaynell becomes a suspect, and Maggie sleuths to prove Gaynell's innocence.
I have now read three books in this series, and have enjoyed each one. I plan to go back and read the two books I skipped. The mysteries for each book are standalone stories, but the personal events happening with the characters is a continuing storyline.
Fun characters in a delightful setting. I love the quirkiness and Southern charm of Pelican and its residents. An entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, a local festival is happening in Pelican. Tammy, a singer, returns to her hometown of Pelican to headline the festival. Tammy holds a grudge against Gaynell, one of Maggie's friends. Along with Tammy are her manager and band members. When Tammy's manager is killed, Gaynell becomes a suspect, and Maggie sleuths to prove Gaynell's innocence.
I have now read three books in this series, and have enjoyed each one. I plan to go back and read the two books I skipped. The mysteries for each book are standalone stories, but the personal events happening with the characters is a continuing storyline.
Fun characters in a delightful setting. I love the quirkiness and Southern charm of Pelican and its residents. An entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2019
This series is pretty much my favorite cozy mystery series out of all the ones I have tried to date. 🙌 It is well written. 👍 The mystery always keeps me guessing until the end. 👀 There is always a fantastic cast of secondary characters. 👤👤👤 I love the setting. 🎼 Maggie is a very likable main character, and her a Bo's romance is cute (although it moves at a snail's pace). 🐌 Throw in some yummy sounding recipes at the end and you have the makings for a great book (series). 🍴 I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next. 👍👍
August 8, 2019
Magnolia Marie "Maggie" Crozat and her family prepare their Cajun bed and breakfast to accommodate a hometown singer-turned country star and her West coast based band. Their manager, Pony, barks orders to everyone; he's the one who discovered Tammy in their small town of Pelican, Louisiana. But not everyone is happy for Tammy's homecoming. Gaynell, one of Maggie's closest friends and who is also a talented singer, remembers Tammy mercilessly bullying her in high school. When Pony is killed due to electrocution by faulty wiring, Maggie immediately wonders if this is really an accident or if more sinister forces are at work.
I've read the prior four books in the series. It's good to have some background of the characters but can easily be read as a standalone. With Gaynell as the prime suspect, there are a still a lot of characters to keep track of. Maggie's grandmother begins to sort her belongings in a morbid way for my taste and finds more than she bargained for. There's also the continuing engagement of Maggie and Detective Bo Durand. Given that they are not in their 20's, it's a bit too long of an engagement for me but hopefully there will be a wedding in a future book. Overall, a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for a digital ARC. My review is voluntary.
I've read the prior four books in the series. It's good to have some background of the characters but can easily be read as a standalone. With Gaynell as the prime suspect, there are a still a lot of characters to keep track of. Maggie's grandmother begins to sort her belongings in a morbid way for my taste and finds more than she bargained for. There's also the continuing engagement of Maggie and Detective Bo Durand. Given that they are not in their 20's, it's a bit too long of an engagement for me but hopefully there will be a wedding in a future book. Overall, a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for a digital ARC. My review is voluntary.
July 27, 2020
Fatal Cajun Festival marks my fifth visit with Maggie Crozat and her Pelican, Louisiana cohorts. And at author Ellen Byron’s skilled hand, this visit, like the previous ones, has been a pleasure.
Maggie and her friends are gearing up for the Cajun Country music festival, an idea initiated by Maggie’s Grand-mere, Charlotte. Maggie’s friend, Gaynell and her group, the Gator Girls, hope to make an appearance at the festival. The headliner, Tammy Barker, is a hometown girl, returning for the festival after becoming an overnight star on a national singing competition. Tammy, it turns out, is also Gaynell’s high school rival and is set on making things difficult for Gaynell. Things become far more than difficult when Pony Pickner, Tammy’s manager, is murdered, and Gaynell becomes the prime suspect. Fearing her friend is being unjustly accused, Maggie vows to find the perpetrator.
The mystery is complex and engaging, with just the right amount of Louisiana flair. The series regulars all play roles in the story, and we get a front-row view of Maggie’s serious relationship with detective Bo Durand. Despite the large hometown cast, the focus this time is on the newcomers – Tammy and her entourage, each of whom is sufficiently distinct and memorable that the list of characters preceding the novel is unnecessary. A sweet subplot involving Maggie’s Grand-mere is especially heartwarming. And, as an added bonus, the book concludes with a series of recipes, including one for Maple Bacon Pralines, that sound delicious.
Rumor has it that the sixth book in the series will be out later next year. Based on how much I enjoyed Fatal Cajun Festival, it’s one I will be diving into shortly.
Maggie and her friends are gearing up for the Cajun Country music festival, an idea initiated by Maggie’s Grand-mere, Charlotte. Maggie’s friend, Gaynell and her group, the Gator Girls, hope to make an appearance at the festival. The headliner, Tammy Barker, is a hometown girl, returning for the festival after becoming an overnight star on a national singing competition. Tammy, it turns out, is also Gaynell’s high school rival and is set on making things difficult for Gaynell. Things become far more than difficult when Pony Pickner, Tammy’s manager, is murdered, and Gaynell becomes the prime suspect. Fearing her friend is being unjustly accused, Maggie vows to find the perpetrator.
The mystery is complex and engaging, with just the right amount of Louisiana flair. The series regulars all play roles in the story, and we get a front-row view of Maggie’s serious relationship with detective Bo Durand. Despite the large hometown cast, the focus this time is on the newcomers – Tammy and her entourage, each of whom is sufficiently distinct and memorable that the list of characters preceding the novel is unnecessary. A sweet subplot involving Maggie’s Grand-mere is especially heartwarming. And, as an added bonus, the book concludes with a series of recipes, including one for Maple Bacon Pralines, that sound delicious.
Rumor has it that the sixth book in the series will be out later next year. Based on how much I enjoyed Fatal Cajun Festival, it’s one I will be diving into shortly.
June 24, 2019
Food, fun, murder and mystery are on the menu in the latest book to the series. When the hometown winner of a singing contest comes back to perform for the local festival it brings up old jealousy between the big singer and Gaynell. Especially since Gaynell and her Gator Girls are scheduled to perform for a spot in Jazz Fest. All of that changes when a murder happens on stage and Maggie has to find a way to clear Gaynell from being accused of the crime while she is trying to make pralines for her booth.
If you've ever been to Louisiana music and food are our major staples! This book also includes a few recipes for you to try your hand at.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you've ever been to Louisiana music and food are our major staples! This book also includes a few recipes for you to try your hand at.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.
September 10, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
The characters in this cozy-mystery are just great. I love the slow burn romance between Bo and Maggie, who between solving murders in Pelican, LA have gotten engaged. They just need to set the date. I love how Bo respects Maggie and asks for her help in solving this murder.
Native daughter, Country music star Tammy Barker, jump started her career by winning Sing It a TV talent show, like Carrie Underwood. Tammy has a whole lot of attitude like Reba, except she's not a nice person. She is back in Pelican to headline the first Cajun Country Live! Music Festival. Also performing at the Festival and looking for her big break will be Maggie's best friend, Gaynell Bourgeois and her girl band, the Gator Girls. There are bad feelings between Tammy and Gaynell since high school and Tammy does her best to ruin Gaynell's big chance. When one of Tammy's posse is murdered she does everything she can to implicate Gaynell.
Gaynell is just lucky to have Maggie and Bo on her side and that there are a whole lot of people, everyone in Tammy's entourage (including Tammy) who make just as good suspects. Maggie makes it her job to get close to the musicians and find out who really committed the murder.
The characters in this cozy-mystery are just great. I love the slow burn romance between Bo and Maggie, who between solving murders in Pelican, LA have gotten engaged. They just need to set the date. I love how Bo respects Maggie and asks for her help in solving this murder.
Native daughter, Country music star Tammy Barker, jump started her career by winning Sing It a TV talent show, like Carrie Underwood. Tammy has a whole lot of attitude like Reba, except she's not a nice person. She is back in Pelican to headline the first Cajun Country Live! Music Festival. Also performing at the Festival and looking for her big break will be Maggie's best friend, Gaynell Bourgeois and her girl band, the Gator Girls. There are bad feelings between Tammy and Gaynell since high school and Tammy does her best to ruin Gaynell's big chance. When one of Tammy's posse is murdered she does everything she can to implicate Gaynell.
Gaynell is just lucky to have Maggie and Bo on her side and that there are a whole lot of people, everyone in Tammy's entourage (including Tammy) who make just as good suspects. Maggie makes it her job to get close to the musicians and find out who really committed the murder.
September 11, 2019
Maggie Crozat’s grand-mere has come up with the idea of Pelican, Louisiana, holding a musical festival in the days leading up to New Orleans’s famous Jazz Fest. Tammy Barker, a native who has gained fame as the winner of the TV singing competition, has agreed to return to headline the event. This isn’t good news for Maggie’s friend, Gaynell, however. Gaynell and Tammy went to high school together, and Tammy seems to have it out for her, even sabotaging Gaynell’s shot at auditioning for Jazz Fest. So when a murder takes place after Tammy’s set opening night of the festival, all eyes are on Gaynell. Can Maggie clear her friend?
This is the fifth book in the series, and it was wonderful to get to visit our friends in Pelican again. Maggie leads a strong cast. While there are quite a few regulars plus the suspects, I didn’t have any trouble keeping the characters straight while I was reading. However, there is a handy character guide in the front of the book if you do need it. The plot is strong with a couple of equally as strong sub-plots to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed a sub-plot involving Grand-mere. The twists and turns lead us to a logical climax. My only complaint is how Maggie works with the police, but it was a minor issue overall. We get five recipes and some fun background on things we learn in the story at the end of the book. I always feel like I’ve visited Louisiana when I read one of these books, and this one is no expectation. Fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is the fifth book in the series, and it was wonderful to get to visit our friends in Pelican again. Maggie leads a strong cast. While there are quite a few regulars plus the suspects, I didn’t have any trouble keeping the characters straight while I was reading. However, there is a handy character guide in the front of the book if you do need it. The plot is strong with a couple of equally as strong sub-plots to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed a sub-plot involving Grand-mere. The twists and turns lead us to a logical climax. My only complaint is how Maggie works with the police, but it was a minor issue overall. We get five recipes and some fun background on things we learn in the story at the end of the book. I always feel like I’ve visited Louisiana when I read one of these books, and this one is no expectation. Fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 24, 2021
A music festival brings home a local celebrity who turns out to bring a trail of mayhem! Once again Maggie needs to use her artists eye and intuition to figure out who is causing problems before one of her dearest friends goes down for the crime! Great characters, fun plot and tons of suspects to choose from! Definitely worth the read or listen if you rather, although I do recommend that you start with the first book in the series to build up the backstory of the main characters involved in the book.
September 27, 2019
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. I love Maggie Crozat, her family and friends, and her sexy finance, Detective Bo Durand. This is the fifth book of the series, which takes place in Pelican, Louisiana, and iris my favorite so far. I read it in one day, and now I have a long wait until Book 6. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
September 26, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We arrive in Pelican, Louisiana just in time for Cajun Country Live! the brainchild of Maggie’s grandmere. The event has lured hometown favorite, Tammy Barker, back as the headliner for the first time since she won that singing competition on television. Maggie’s friend Gaynell will also be performing with her band the Gator Girls in hopes of making it big like Tammy. It isn’t until after Tammy checks into Crozat Plantation B&B that Maggie learns that Tammy is holding an old grudge against Gaynell.
Tammy seems to be trying to help Gaynell when in truth she is trying to sabotage her any way she can and when one of Tammy’s crew is freakishly killed in front of a crowd at the festival, she makes sure Gaynell is the police’s prime suspect. Maggie knows her friend is innocent and will pull out all the stops to prove it.
____
This series has some of the most well-developed characters out there. Their lives are interesting and entertaining even before adding the murder mystery. These daily life subplots never fail to draw me in. This time Maggie’s grandmother is doing the Swedish tradition of döstädning, which translates to death cleaning. Through this process, she makes a surprising discovery.
The main mystery did have a variety of suspects with opportunity and the author really tangled up all the possibilities. A twist confirmed a little inkling I had and the ending of the murder mystery came together nicely. But that wasn’t the end of the story. There were more surprises to come.
Music, mystery, and mayhem make Fatal Cajun Festival a must-read. I was so excited to have the next book, Murder in the Bayou Boneyard waiting on my Kindle that I dove right in as soon as I finished this book.
We arrive in Pelican, Louisiana just in time for Cajun Country Live! the brainchild of Maggie’s grandmere. The event has lured hometown favorite, Tammy Barker, back as the headliner for the first time since she won that singing competition on television. Maggie’s friend Gaynell will also be performing with her band the Gator Girls in hopes of making it big like Tammy. It isn’t until after Tammy checks into Crozat Plantation B&B that Maggie learns that Tammy is holding an old grudge against Gaynell.
Tammy seems to be trying to help Gaynell when in truth she is trying to sabotage her any way she can and when one of Tammy’s crew is freakishly killed in front of a crowd at the festival, she makes sure Gaynell is the police’s prime suspect. Maggie knows her friend is innocent and will pull out all the stops to prove it.
____
This series has some of the most well-developed characters out there. Their lives are interesting and entertaining even before adding the murder mystery. These daily life subplots never fail to draw me in. This time Maggie’s grandmother is doing the Swedish tradition of döstädning, which translates to death cleaning. Through this process, she makes a surprising discovery.
The main mystery did have a variety of suspects with opportunity and the author really tangled up all the possibilities. A twist confirmed a little inkling I had and the ending of the murder mystery came together nicely. But that wasn’t the end of the story. There were more surprises to come.
Music, mystery, and mayhem make Fatal Cajun Festival a must-read. I was so excited to have the next book, Murder in the Bayou Boneyard waiting on my Kindle that I dove right in as soon as I finished this book.
September 13, 2019
Just like all my book trips to Pelican, LA, I didn't want this one to end! I love that Bo and Maggie have been planning their wedding (even though they've failed at coming up with a date). Vanessa was still able to be snarky, but now she was Maggie's friend, and she came in handy at giving advice on handling a bully seeing how she was one herself not so very long ago. I like the new and improved Rufus too. He's been a dad for a few books now and even though he's not with little Charli's mom, he is crazy about his baby girl. Maggie's friend Gaynell got a chance to shine with her Gator Girls band but she was worried about a high school bully named Tammy coming to the music festival. Tammy was a very rich and successful singer, and when she got there, she proved just how mean she could still be by suggesting that Gaynell was the one who killed her manager.
There was a really good twist in the plot which created another little mystery, and just when the killer was taken care of and the murder was solved, there were still more surprises coming. It was an enjoyable roller coaster ride to the finish and I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
There was a really good twist in the plot which created another little mystery, and just when the killer was taken care of and the murder was solved, there were still more surprises coming. It was an enjoyable roller coaster ride to the finish and I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
April 30, 2019
Fatal Cajun Festival: A Cajun Country Mystery by Ellen Byron, is the 5th of series. Maggie Crozat's grandmere has created a music festival, Cajun Country Live! The Crozat family are planning to be a cheering section of Maggie's best friend, Gaynell Borgeois, and her band The Gator Girls. The Crozat Plantation Bed and Breakfast has been booked to accomodate the headliner, a former resident, Tammy Baker. Tammy was the winner on a television singing competition and the diva now lives in Hollywood. The death of the Tammy Baker's manager causes suspicion on Gaynell since she had uttered angry remarks toward him because of his inappropriate actions toward her. Tammy immediately blames Gaynell but Maggie is sure her friend didn't do it. This is a fast paced book that will provide lots of laughs but also supply you with much enjoyment.
January 29, 2020
5th book in the series. The story theme is a local music festival. A murder occurred and Gaynell, Maggie's close friend became POI. I love characters and setting in this series. Recipe: Cauliflower Jambalaya! 3.5 stars
July 12, 2019
Fatal Cajun Festival is the fifth book in the Cajun Country Mystery cozy series. This was the first book I read by this author and the first book in this series. I was a little nervous starting with Book 5 but the book definitely stands alone. There is enough of a backstory to not be confused.
I recently traveled to New Orleans for the first time , and I can say the food and music are so spot on in this book. I loved reading about the Jazz Festival, well until the body showed up
I enjoy the fun characters and the well thought out mystery. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series.
I recently traveled to New Orleans for the first time , and I can say the food and music are so spot on in this book. I loved reading about the Jazz Festival, well until the body showed up
I enjoy the fun characters and the well thought out mystery. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series.
December 27, 2021
This is the 5th book. Bo and Maggie are wanting to set a date for their wedding. Maggie Grandmere finds love letters from her deceased husband ( Maggie Grapere) to another woman. A singer Tammy ( that used to live in New Orleans) and her entourage Sarah assistant, Gigi cousin, Pony manager, Valerie backup singer , The Sound and other members. Crozat Manor B$B. Maggie family for generations place. The entourage were disrespectful wanting all kinds of weird food types. Gaynell ( a singer and a lot of instruments she can play) a friend of Maggie said that Tammy used to bully her when she was in highschool. And it seemed like it did not stop there. Tammy told Gaynell that Pony wanted to talk to her about a sign up deal. But when Gaynell went there Pony told Gaynell she has to up her ante especially the way she looked and then made a pass to her. Then when Tammy and group went to festival ( that Grandmere decided vocifeRously Live Music and Culture festival) Pony got in a heated argument with Gaynell with everyone around. And Pony got electrocuted. So Tammy accused Gaynell of killing him. But there is some things Pony was hiding to the whole group. This is the first book I have read on this series. Book 5. It is a cool book so I will definitely read more. I love New Orleans. I'm about 2to 3 hours away from there
June 21, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!
This series seems like a whole lot of fun, and definitely has a distinct flavour! Even with this being the fifth book, I felt welcomed immediately and enjoyed both the mystery and the characters. The setting was a good one, and the music festival was definitely different for a cozy. The time constraint meant the mystery had to be solved quickly too, before the main players left town.
The pralines thing was a mystery for me; I've never heard of them before so I had to look them up after I finished the book. They sound yummy! In fact, loads of the food sounds amazing, and adds an almost mini theme of its own.
A good addition to the series, with more to go back and more to look forward to. Four stars
This series seems like a whole lot of fun, and definitely has a distinct flavour! Even with this being the fifth book, I felt welcomed immediately and enjoyed both the mystery and the characters. The setting was a good one, and the music festival was definitely different for a cozy. The time constraint meant the mystery had to be solved quickly too, before the main players left town.
The pralines thing was a mystery for me; I've never heard of them before so I had to look them up after I finished the book. They sound yummy! In fact, loads of the food sounds amazing, and adds an almost mini theme of its own.
A good addition to the series, with more to go back and more to look forward to. Four stars
March 2, 2024
This is the 5th book in a great, fun series. Maggie and Bo are starting to think about planning their wedding. I am enjoying the progression of these books and the fun characters we have gotten to know.
It's festival time in Pelican, Louisiana and Maggie and the rest of the Crozat family is prepping. A local legend, Tammy Barker has returned to Pelican to contribute to the festival, but brings drama and chaos with her.
Along with Tammy comes her annoying and masogonistic manager, Pony. When Pony is found dead, Maggie's friend Gaynell is arrested for the murder. Maggie and Bo work together to find the killer.
There were a lot of characters and it was kind of difficulty to keep track of them all. There were a lot of substories, which I enjoyed.
It's festival time in Pelican, Louisiana and Maggie and the rest of the Crozat family is prepping. A local legend, Tammy Barker has returned to Pelican to contribute to the festival, but brings drama and chaos with her.
Along with Tammy comes her annoying and masogonistic manager, Pony. When Pony is found dead, Maggie's friend Gaynell is arrested for the murder. Maggie and Bo work together to find the killer.
There were a lot of characters and it was kind of difficulty to keep track of them all. There were a lot of substories, which I enjoyed.
February 16, 2023
Another fun adventure with Maggie and the gang.
August 4, 2021
This one might be my favorite so far in the series. There was so much going on, I found myself getting emotionally involved in the story. I like that Bo lets Maggie help with the investigation to an extent. It was really cool to see them working as a team to help prove Gay's innocence. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend it. I would also say that it would be best to read this series in order.
August 11, 2019
2.5 stars. I can't make myself be more generous than that. The writing was simplistic, Maggie's inability to talk with her grandmother about 'death cleaning' plain dumb (as was the pretend break-up) and Maggie exhibited some first-rate too stupid to live behaviour. Oy.
The town of Pelican is hosting the Cajun Country Live! festival and local girl that made it big Tammy Barker is back in town to perform at the festival, and to be a pain in the backside of Gaynell, a girl Tammy bullied in highschool. Tammy sets Gaynell - an aspiring musician herself - up with her manager Pony, but Pony tells Gaynell she won't make it in the music business because she doesn't have sex appeal. Things come to real blows when Tammy finishes her set at the festival with a song Gaynell wrote and had wanted to use for her own set. Gaynell leaves making threats to Pony.
Shortly after, Pony is killed by electrocution.
Gaynell is the main suspect, because making threats gives you motive. Because Gaynell is her friend and she can't believe the girl would do such a thing, Maggie Crozat steps in to investigate. She even goes as far as to go on a pretend break-up with her fiancé so she can get closer to the musicians in Tammy's support band. Why out-of-town musicians would be interested in small town gossip about a couple's break up is beyond me.
Strangely enough, they are into the local gossip and let Maggie hang out with them to mend her broken heart. Ugh.
There's a large cast of characters. Probably too large to get a connection to any of them. Mainly, I didn't get a connection to Maggie, the sleuth, who is a woman of strong, but shallow emotions. It was an enjoyable story, though. And I probably won't pass if I come across any of the other books in the series.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
The town of Pelican is hosting the Cajun Country Live! festival and local girl that made it big Tammy Barker is back in town to perform at the festival, and to be a pain in the backside of Gaynell, a girl Tammy bullied in highschool. Tammy sets Gaynell - an aspiring musician herself - up with her manager Pony, but Pony tells Gaynell she won't make it in the music business because she doesn't have sex appeal. Things come to real blows when Tammy finishes her set at the festival with a song Gaynell wrote and had wanted to use for her own set. Gaynell leaves making threats to Pony.
Shortly after, Pony is killed by electrocution.
Gaynell is the main suspect, because making threats gives you motive. Because Gaynell is her friend and she can't believe the girl would do such a thing, Maggie Crozat steps in to investigate. She even goes as far as to go on a pretend break-up with her fiancé so she can get closer to the musicians in Tammy's support band. Why out-of-town musicians would be interested in small town gossip about a couple's break up is beyond me.
Strangely enough, they are into the local gossip and let Maggie hang out with them to mend her broken heart. Ugh.
There's a large cast of characters. Probably too large to get a connection to any of them. Mainly, I didn't get a connection to Maggie, the sleuth, who is a woman of strong, but shallow emotions. It was an enjoyable story, though. And I probably won't pass if I come across any of the other books in the series.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
September 11, 2019
Fatal Cajun Festival is an engaging cozy mystery that will have your craving etouffee and a beignet. Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron is the fifth A Cajun Country Mystery. This is a series that I recommend reading in order because it will allow you to get to know the characters and the town. I enjoy Ellen Byron’s conversational writing style. Her story welcomes you and I soon find myself immersed in the story. There is a great cast of characters in A Cajun Country Mystery series. I like their Southern charm and Louisiana quirkiness. Maggie comes from a close family and lives with her grandmother, Charlotte. Maggie was happy to put her wedding plans on the back burner to help with the festival. She designed the graphics for the festival and is also making the pralines (they are yummy) to sell at the Pelican Praline booth. Unfortunately, the Crozat B&B kitchen is off limits thanks to Tammy and her entourage with their special meal requests. Maggie must rely on the kindness of her friends and relatives for the use of their kitchens. I liked Gaynell with her sweet demeanor and beautiful voice. Gaynell and the Gator Girls played lively tunes that set my toes to tapping. I thought the mystery was clever from the way the individual was killed to the killer. You need to pay careful attention to the clues, or you will end up fingering the wrong person. Charlotte is sorting through her belongings and uncovers some information about her deceased husband that raises questions and sends her on a journey. The joyful ending will have you beaming. At the end of the book there are a couple of recipes including one for pecan pralines. Fatal Cajun Festival is a harmonious cozy mystery with lip-smacking pecan pralines, toe tapping Cajun tunes, a dramatic diva, an electric stage, a clever killer and a sneaky sleuth.
June 21, 2019
Love and murder is in the air at Crozat! The latest in the Cajun Country Mystery series kept me guessing and shedding a few tears!
When Maggie's friend Gaynell, an aspiring singer/songwriter/musician is accused of killing the manager of Crozat's most famous citizen, Maggie and Bo take action! Tammy Barker, is the girl from Crozat who made it to the top of the charts and out of the small town. However,during a visit to a music festival held in Crozat, she is harboring a grudge that just may get Gaynell put away for life. All this is going on as Maggie and Bo are trying to come up with a wedding date and Gran Mere'' is facing a love crisis of her own!
I love Maggie - smart, kind hearted, a talented artist and fiercely loyal to those she loves. She is madly in love with Bo, a local police officer, but never loses her independence. That being said, she doesn't circumvent law enforcement and doesn't run headfirst into danger without a plan! I enjoy the way the author incorporates friends and family into the mystery. Ninette and Tug (Maggie's mom and dad), Gran Mere' (her grandmother) and all her other family/friends are a lovable bunch!
As a regular visitor to Crozat, I can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
When Maggie's friend Gaynell, an aspiring singer/songwriter/musician is accused of killing the manager of Crozat's most famous citizen, Maggie and Bo take action! Tammy Barker, is the girl from Crozat who made it to the top of the charts and out of the small town. However,during a visit to a music festival held in Crozat, she is harboring a grudge that just may get Gaynell put away for life. All this is going on as Maggie and Bo are trying to come up with a wedding date and Gran Mere'' is facing a love crisis of her own!
I love Maggie - smart, kind hearted, a talented artist and fiercely loyal to those she loves. She is madly in love with Bo, a local police officer, but never loses her independence. That being said, she doesn't circumvent law enforcement and doesn't run headfirst into danger without a plan! I enjoy the way the author incorporates friends and family into the mystery. Ninette and Tug (Maggie's mom and dad), Gran Mere' (her grandmother) and all her other family/friends are a lovable bunch!
As a regular visitor to Crozat, I can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
May 8, 2019
How does she do it? Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Festival, the 5th book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, is absolutely fantastic! She manages to make the reader feel a part of the unique experience one can only find in parts of Louisiana. The Cajun flavor is well seasoned without being overdone and that balance is a talent in itself. With great characters to adore and a few not so great ones to revile, we are drawn into the lives of Maggie, her family and friends and her new acquaintances as she works and investigates at the new Pelican Cove Cajun Country Live festival. Something feels a bit off about the band traveling with a local singer on the rise in the country and western music scene even before the bodies start to turn up, but it is a friend of Maggie’s who looks guilty. As much as Maggie would love for the sneaky star to be the villain, she has to investigate the whole band to make sure she can prove that one of them belongs in the slammer, not Gaynell. Just as food, fun and music are a part of any Cajun scene even in the face of adversity, so that are though this festival along with hard works and a bit of romance.
August 21, 2019
Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron is the 5th book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, and a perfect blend of mystery and humor. Not only is this book really funny, I often found myself laughing out loud, it has a great mystery. There are twists and turns around every corner, which kept me reading page after page. I found this book to be a quick read, I read it in one day, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries with quirky characters, I highly recommend this book and series.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
September 3, 2019
Series: A Cajun Country Mystery – Book 4
Author: Ellen Byron
Genre: Cozy Mystery/B&B
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Page Count: 304
Publishing Date: September 10,
The newest addition Fatal Cajun Festival to the “A Cajun Country Mystery” series by Ellen Byron comes from Crooked Lane Books on September 10th. Readers should rush to get this one and the entire cozy series! The 4th book in this series will not disappoint fans. It is brilliantly entertaining, exciting, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing to the very end. These cozies are addictive and fun!
Maggie is easy to like. She is loyal, compassionate, and determined. When her friend’s career and possible prison time threatens Gaynell’s future, Maggie comes to the rescue. Characters in these cozies are lovable, readers connect with, and find them believable. There is at least one member of the cast that readers love, for me its Maggie’s Gran. I wanted her to play a much more significant role in this new book, but the story works well with minimal scenes with her, and other characters that are part of Maggie’s world.
The victim is not likable in the least, exactly the way you want your victim. Towards the end of the book, readers may find themselves feeling sympathy for him. The killer is remorseless and a perfect villain. Red herrings thrive in this book and keep readers on their toes. The unmasking of the murderer in cozies is traditionally the most exciting part of the mystery, and this remains true in Fatal Cajun Festival.
I enjoyed reading this book and the series and happily recommend it to readers of cozies everywhere. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, now is a great time to start. You won’t regret it!
Author: Ellen Byron
Genre: Cozy Mystery/B&B
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Page Count: 304
Publishing Date: September 10,
The newest addition Fatal Cajun Festival to the “A Cajun Country Mystery” series by Ellen Byron comes from Crooked Lane Books on September 10th. Readers should rush to get this one and the entire cozy series! The 4th book in this series will not disappoint fans. It is brilliantly entertaining, exciting, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing to the very end. These cozies are addictive and fun!
Maggie is easy to like. She is loyal, compassionate, and determined. When her friend’s career and possible prison time threatens Gaynell’s future, Maggie comes to the rescue. Characters in these cozies are lovable, readers connect with, and find them believable. There is at least one member of the cast that readers love, for me its Maggie’s Gran. I wanted her to play a much more significant role in this new book, but the story works well with minimal scenes with her, and other characters that are part of Maggie’s world.
The victim is not likable in the least, exactly the way you want your victim. Towards the end of the book, readers may find themselves feeling sympathy for him. The killer is remorseless and a perfect villain. Red herrings thrive in this book and keep readers on their toes. The unmasking of the murderer in cozies is traditionally the most exciting part of the mystery, and this remains true in Fatal Cajun Festival.
I enjoyed reading this book and the series and happily recommend it to readers of cozies everywhere. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, now is a great time to start. You won’t regret it!
February 12, 2020
FATAL CAJUN FESTIVAL is book 5 in author Ellen Byron's award-winning Cajun Country Mystery Series. The story features Maggie Crozat, proprietor of the Crozat Plantation B and B and revolves around the Cajun Music Festival and headliner, Tammy Barker. When a member of Tammy's band is murdered, Maggie's friend Gaynell is the number one suspect. To clear Gaynell, Maggie helps her fiance Bo, a detective, find the real killer.
I enjoyed this story. I have never been to Cajun country so it was fun to experience the book's setting as well as the plot. Ms. Byron's characters were likable and well-developed. Even some of the "not so nice" characters had an interesting third dimension added to them.
The tone of the book is light-hearted and the story progresses well and is easy to read. I recommend this book to everyone, male and female. The backstory behind the country music business makes this plot engaging. Regardless of the series, each book is a standalone and can be read out of order. For those who like to cook, there are recipes included in the back section. I just may try my hand at the Pecan Praline recipe. Yum!
I enjoyed this story. I have never been to Cajun country so it was fun to experience the book's setting as well as the plot. Ms. Byron's characters were likable and well-developed. Even some of the "not so nice" characters had an interesting third dimension added to them.
The tone of the book is light-hearted and the story progresses well and is easy to read. I recommend this book to everyone, male and female. The backstory behind the country music business makes this plot engaging. Regardless of the series, each book is a standalone and can be read out of order. For those who like to cook, there are recipes included in the back section. I just may try my hand at the Pecan Praline recipe. Yum!
September 2, 2019
The Cajun Country Mystery series is one of my favorites as I love to follow the Crozat family through their ups and downs of running a family B&B. The main character, Maggie, is out to solve another murder, this time to prevent her good friend, Gaynelle, from going to jail. Maggie's love interest, Bo, has finally proposed but they fake a breakup so Maggie can get close to the potential real killer. The plot was thin in this installment and there were a lot of band members with crazy names to keep track of that made it hard to follow. I was more interested in her grandmother's Swedish death cleaning which had it's own mini mystery to solve. This one didn't have the gripping whodunit that the others in the series had but still a good read and I look forward to the next book.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2021
Have mercy! Mean Girls goes cajun and people die. Maggie's loyalty to her friend brings her once more into helping solve the murder. Cajun delicacies (in the form of many flavors of pralines) are made and consumed. I love this series! The main characters are so much fun and the setting makes the books. The stories are well written. The mystery takes enough turns to keep the reader engrossed until the resolution. Looking forward to my next sojourn to Crozat.
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