Murder in New Orleans: A Mallory Beck Standalone Travel Mystery

A Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper #8

by Denise Jaden

* This humorous, contemporary travel mystery was originally published as Murder of a Po’ Boy in the When the Cat’s Away Anthology

A food tour in New Orleans where murder is on the menu…

When Mallory Beck wins a food tour experience in New Orleans, she invites teenage Amber, her foodie BFF, to join her on a road trip of French and creole cuisine. Mallory’s cat-sitter cancels at the last minute, and presumptuous, cheeky Hunch helps himself to shotgun in Mallory’s Prius. A good thing, too, because when a know-it-all food tour participant turns up dead and wrapped in Mardi Gras beads, they’ll need Hunch’s keen nose to sniff out any foul play.

Surrounded by tight-lipped locals and voodoo theories, Mallory and her team of sleuths have their work cut out for them to clear Amber’s name from suspicion and get to the bottom of what happened to the Po’ Boy who didn’t make it through to the last stop on the food tour.

You'll love the strong friendships and the cranky crime-solving cat who thinks he's a dog in this new whodunit. Order Murder in New Orleans now!

248 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Bestselling author Denise Jaden loves cozy socks, cozy cats, and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of several young adult novels, nonfiction books for writers, and cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud while dangling at the edge of your seat.

Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mallory Beck wins a food tour of New Orleans, she takes her teen friend Amber and cat Hutch along for the ride, car ride that is. However, it wasn't what she expected as only one other person was a contest winner and the stops not necessarily as reflective of the New Orleans culture as she would've liked. When an abrasive guest on the tour ends up dead, Mallory is determined to figure out who is responsible when Amber seems like the only one without an alibi.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory enters a baking contest and wins two tickets for a food tour in New Orleans. She and Amber get ready to depart when a snag occurs because her cat sitter cancels out at the last moment. So, of course, Hunch has to come along even tho pets aren’t allowed in the hotel they’ll be staying in. Good thing though because when a food critic drops dead during the tour Amber is the prime suspect because she wasn’t with the group at the time, having gone to check up on Hunch. Well Hunch immediately gets to work at the murder scene and finds the critical clue that points the investigation towards the real killer!

Denise’s series is such fun! A good murder mystery, a cat who is always on the spot to find critical clues and a special treat because at the end of each story Denise includes a recipe from the book you can make and enjoy! It doesn’t get much better than that! So why not just go to the back of the book, make the recipe and then settle down and have something to munch on as you piece the puzzle pieces together to see whodunnit before the individual is revealed!

I heartily recommend this book and this series to one and all for the stories are so well written and the main characters are ones you are going to love! You’ll be telling your friends they need to read this new author you’ve just discovered! So pick up this book today and while you’re at it get the entire series to this point so you can enjoy all the adventures Mallory, Amber and Hunch have at unraveling clues leading to who has been committing murders in Honeysuckle Grove!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed the Critic ? . . .

Mallory Beck and teenager Amber are heading to New Orleans to attend the food tour Mallory has won. When the cat sitter cancels at the last minute, Hunch has to go with them, even though he will be hidden in the hotel room. Actually that is a good thing this time since his talents will be needed in investigating a murder.

The victim, Clive Richards, is a food critic and not well liked since he is rumored to have stolen the recipe he entered for the contest. He was killed around the time Amber went to check on Hunch, so she was left without an alibi she could provide. Hunch, our hero, goes to the murder scene to sniff out the critical clue that will point to the killer! Can they clear Amber’s name?

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory wins a food tour of New Orleans and she takes Amber along as her plus one. Without a cat sitter, Hunch is along and has to stow away in the hotel. But it works out that Hunch is on the trip because Mallory and Amber stumble on yet another murder and Hunch is the big hero again. Fun quick read with a good mystery.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory Beck won a food tour experience in New Orleans by entering an original recipe into a magazine contest. She takes Amber and Hutch the cat with her.
The tour has a diverse group of participants including another winner Clive Richards who is a food critic who supposedly stole the recipe he entered into the contest from a local restaranteur. Amber finds Clive unresponsive in the alley outside their latest tour stop. After the police start investigating it looks like Amber is the prime suspect. Mallory has to clear Amber of murder and Hutch helps her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series but if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, you won't be lost as the characters are well introduced making it easy to get to know them. The story line pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages with mystery, intrigue and suspense. Cozy mystery fans and mystery fans will truly enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Jaden! I adore this whole series — always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Jaden proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory and her BFF Amber head to New Orleans. Mallory has won a food tour. Her cat sitter cancels at the last minute so he has to go along. Which ends up being a good thing because they find themselves involved in a murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in New Orleans is the eighth book in the Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper series. This is a fun cozy mystery with murder, voodoo, a feisty feline, and a real whodunnit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series, and they never disappoint.
Love the interaction betwwen all the characters
Highly recommended to all

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on a food tour in New Orleans that Mallory and Amber won, they get mixed up in a murder of one of the participants in their group. A very unlikeable fellow who was a food critic and just a plain critic of everyone and everything else. Hunch is with them due to unforeseen circumstances. The worst part is that Amber is looking like the prime suspect. Can they come out of this situation without having to call Amber's mother? I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mallory's adventure with Amber and Hunch the cat. It was fun to read about New Orleans. I think the author brought it all alive on the page. I enjoyed Mallory and Amber's friendship.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way Denise Jaden writes, it was what I enjoyed from the cozy mysteries book. The story was a lot of fun to read and I enjoyed going through this journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory and Amber take a long drive to New Orleans after winning a recipe contest

murderous mayhem interferes before they can get too far

instead of culinary delights , they face police questions and confinement to their hotel

Can Amber, Hunch and Mallory solve another crime before they need to leave for another catering gig? or are they stuck in Louisiana long term - behind bars?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book in this series, and because Jaden has done such a good job introducing the characters, I did not feel that I had missed out on any of their history nor did I find myself wondering how, when, where or why.

Very readable, full of fun and a good plot with plenty of possible suspects. I would certainly look out for more from this author. And yes, Hunchie is adorable, onery but still adorable. And I do like the fact that each chapter starts with the picture of a cat at the top of the page!

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Cozy Murder Mystery with Yummy Food Tour in New Orleans!!!

Murder in New Orleans is book #8 in Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Caper Series but you can read it as standalone.

Mallory Beck, Amber (her foodie BFF) and Hunch (Mallory's cat) head to New Orleans to attend the food tour Mallory has won. When the food critic is murdered and Amber is the prime suspect, Hunch needs to sniff out to find the clue to capture the killer and clear Amber’s name.

I had a great fun reading this book, it's a very entertaining, page turning cozy mystery with great story line and wonderful characters that is hard to put down. It's very enjoyable, I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in a very readable cozy mystery series, based around a young widow, Mallory Beck. Mallory, a talented Chef by trade, helps the local Police Detective, Alex, solve murders which happen to occur in the small town she lives in, Honeysuckle Grove.

Mallory wins a competition, the prize is a food tour of New Orleans so she and Amber, her teenage friend , along with Hunch (Mallory's cat) make the journey to take part in the prize. Of course, things don't go quite to plan when one of the other people on the tour ends up murdered and Mallory has to find the killer, because Amber is their chief suspect!

A really readable cozy mystery series, each book a standalone mystery easily read in a few hours. Whilst the books can be read in any order, they are best read in the order of publication, to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory and Amber are on their own in New Orleans for a food tour that Amber won. When Hunch’s pet sitter cancels it’s take him and hope he can stay at the hotel or stay home. Who’d give up the opportunity so off they go. The tour sounds pretty typical- nasty person with a big mouth, person with food allergies, and some nice people and fun places. Of course someone gets knocked off and Mallory and Amber have to solve the murder, this time without Alex. Jaden provides all the twists she’s so good at and kept me waiting for the big reveal.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series.

Mallory, Amber, and Hunch went to New Orleans as winners of a recipe contest. As winners they were given a guided tour to taste the flavors of New Orleans. One of the people on the tour was murdered and the trio began looking for the murderer. Thank you Denise Jaden for another enjoyable read.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by author Denise Jaden.
Loved reading this awesome book. Couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend reading it and any of her other books. One of my favorite authors...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun novella

This was a quick, fun read. I loved how Hunch saved the day again! That kitty is such a great investigator. I hope that they’ll be a lot more in the series to be read in the future.

[Eileen Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read about a woman who wins a trip for two for a foodie’s tour of New Orleans. When one of the tour group is murdered, suspicion falls on Mallory and her traveling companion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another brilliant standalone story in an excellent series from a master storyteller❣️

Next please 🐈

[Roxane Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light read

A was a quick read...light and not suspenseful. I had just finished a difficult read a book challenge and need something light. This fit the bill

[♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory wins a food tour experience in New Orleans and brings Amber along. But, of course, these two can't go anywhere without a mystery falling in their laps. So when one of the food tour participants ends up dead as they are on the tour, Mallory and Amber are on the case to solve who did it!

This was a really fun one. A little different vibe because it doesn't take place at home and Alex and Hunch aren't along for the ride with them. But it was still a really fun and fast pace mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm actually quite a fan of familiar characters in a series going off on adventures, so this was right up my alley that they were on a vacation of sorts.

I highly recommended this series for cozy mystery lovers! They are all super clean mysteries. No swearing, no sex or sexual situations, no violence or gore. So if that's the kind of murder mysteries that you like, then you'll really enjoy this book (and series).