I have not read the other books in this series, however when I met the author at ALA in 2018 in New Orleans, I was charmed by her.

This book was populated with colorful characters and so much fun! There's a mystery painting and potential treasure, an oh-so-Southern beauty pageant, murder mystery, family history, and so much more!

Floods and festival season have brought out ALL the characters (oh, so many characters!) in Pelican, Louisiana, and it seems like everyone is a suspect for something. Maggie and Bo are adorable, and they overcome a lot of relationship tension in this book. I was rooting for them to pull through and pull together to solve this mystery.

Speaking of the mystery, it is a good one. I didn't feel lost not having read the other books in the series. The clues were good - not too obvious, and with some misdirection thrown in. There is a lot of Southern charm, but also a lot of Southern sass, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

(Improvement, yay!)

Maggie is now integrated in Pelican Society. She has been mainly helping out in the rebuilding of Pelican citizens' lives (and homes) after the flood, and she's also substituting for her great-grandmother as a judge in the Mardi Gras beauty pageant. She is up against 2 murders - one is an unknown person who washed up on her family's plantation, and the other is her fellow judge, who's a curmudgeon old man who is obsessed with Louisiana lineages. She has this suspicion that the two murders are connected. And the connection, along with your whodunnit, is part of the book's mystery.

I mentioned "improvement", because there's finally tension between our main couple. (Hurrah!) Who doesn't love tension? Tension reflects a romantic relationship we all find familiar and realistic. The conflict gets resolved in the end, on a happier note, because this is a cozy mystery (and we can't be all miserable).

The mini arc about Tug (Maggie's dad) and his obsession with winning "Best Gumbo" is one of the bright and enjoyable points in this book. Also Allie Randall, the reluctant beauty pageant contestant, who had a strong character arc (she reminded me of Mary Lennox).

The main suspects have viable motives, because of Victim 2's last words. But there are supporting characters who also have motives, and when the real killer was unmasked with the motives for the murder, it kind of hit home hard with the important lesson the book was trying to tell readers.

I still can't relate to Maggie, but because the book had a strong supporting cast and there was tension in paradise, I'm still invested in the story.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Ellen Byron’s Mardi Gras Murder is the fourth installment of the Cajun Country Mystery series and my first encounter with Ms. Byron’s writing. I am happy to report that this “new to me” mystery series checks all of my requisite boxes: interesting characters and plot, mystery kept me guessing until the end, a bit of a romantic relationship developing for the main amateur sleuth and humourous characters to keep me chuckling. I quite enjoyed that every once in a while, there were French sayings thrown in, especially since this reviewer is from a bilingual country (Canada – where the official languages are English and French).

This tale begins with Maggie Crozat working hard at the family B and B, presently closed to paying guests, so that the family could house locals whose homes are under siege by flooding of the mighty Mississippi. The flooding has also brought upon the small town of Pelican, Louisiana a body. Who has died and why is he in Pelican? With questions like that, Maggie cannot help but get involved. As I have come to learn about cozies…. seems like many of the amateur sleuths are dating (or want to be) a police detective. And Mardi Gras Murder is no exception as Maggie’s boyfriend is none other than Pelican Police Department detective Bo Durand.

I love the following snippet of dialogue between Maggie and her beau Bo – it explains so much how Maggie got into the amateur sleuthing (an explanation I certainly have not heard about previously):

“Maggie stared at Bo. “Murdered?”

He nodded. “Shot to death. Which you don’t know, because Perske specifically said not to tell you anything about it.”

“Of course he did.” Being an artist, Maggie possessed a visual acuity that enabled her to pick up clues others had missed in past murder investigations. This thoroughly annoyed the outgoing police chief.”

Musings from Maggie early on in the story:

“What is my weird place in the universe where I’m always the one finding dead bodies? she wondered when she gave up trying to get a decent night’s sleep. It felt like the definition of a rhetorical question.”

There are numerous characters throughout the story, adding a certain amount of depth and knowledge about the townsfolk as well as Louisiana. I wonder – is the depth of the towns passion for Gumbo really a southern “thing”? Regardless – never get between a person and their favourite food dish. The passion definitely came out. Maggie’s dad certainly showed his passion for Gumbo ☺

And as far as wonderful characters go, I absolutely loved Gran. In fact, if it were not for Gran getting sick at the last minute, Maggie would not have had to substitute in as a judge for the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo pageant. And that role certainly lent herself to “investigating”.

There were many potential suspects to weed through. The journey was convoluted at times and at others, it seemed like the most logical suspect was in your face… but then Maggie proved that the suspect was actually no longer a suspect. I must say – I enjoyed being stumped until the end. And actually – stumped for not just one murder, but two!

I also really enjoyed the other sub-stories: the uncovering of a painting underneath a painting, the mystery surrounding the Louisiana Orphan Train exhibit, challenges with the pageant itself. All of this, plus a bit of angst on the romantic front with Maggie and Bo provided a very fulsome read.

The cover art was eye catching as well. Having looked at the cover art for the other books in the series – I noted the consistent picture of Gopher, the family’s basset hound rescue. Gotta love a book with a dog (or really cute cat I suppose).

I have now put the prior three books in the series on that ever growing TBR pile along with book 5 – Fatal Cajun Festival, expected out in September 2019.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

This is my first time reading anything by Ellen Byron. Her characters are wonderfully written and th e plot entertaining. The setting of Mardi Grad and Louisiana was perfect - that's what attracted me to this book.

I will be reading more by this author!

I loved Mardi Gras Murder, which is an awesome book with wonderful characters, atmosphere, and humor. Pelican, Louisiana takes its Mardi Gras celebrations seriously, and things become tense when an unidentified body is found at the Crozat Plantation Bed & Breakfast property after a devastating flood and is determined to be a victim of foul play. Soon there is another victim -- one of the judges of the Pelican Miss Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen pageant, and Maggie Crozat, who has a special knack for solving crimes and mysteries, is determined to investigate.

This book is a fast-moving page-turner, and I enjoyed getting to know Maggie (short for Magnolia) and her family and friends. I also enjoyed the Cajun atmosphere and language as well as reading about the Orphan Train to Louisiana, a part of history that I was not aware of. Although this is the fourth book in the Cajun Country Mysteries, it is the first I have read in the series and can stand alone. However, I can't wait to go back and start reading the first book, Plantation Shudders.

Pelican Louisiana is preparing for Mardi Gras with all its festivities - parade, gumbo cooking contest, and of course, the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen pageant. Maggie Crozat's grandmother is normally one of the judges, but since she's under the weather, Maggie is drafted to take her place. The area is trying to recover from massive flooding and the discovery of an unknown body washed up in the flood has Maggie working triple time. When one of the judges turns up dead, another is almost poisoned, Maggie decides she needs to figure out what's going on before its her turn.

The descriptions of the festivities as well as the characters and their motivations are entertaining and brought the flavor of the region to the reader. Great story!

Maggie Crozat is back in the fourth installment of Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Mystery Series. The book starts with a flood that hits the Bayou and an unidentified male washes up at the Crozat Plantation B&B. In the meantime, Maggie into service to be one of the judges for the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen. As everyone is preparing for the pageant, one of the judges is murdered. No one knows if his murder is tied to the pageant or to the mysterious man washed up in the flood. Can Maggie solve the mystery before she becomes a Victim herself? Are the murders tied to the pageant or they tied to Pelcan’s rich and storied history?

Ellen Byron has written and wonderful story that keeps you guessing throughout. This series is one you can definitely start at any point and still understand what is happened no and who the main characters are.

I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I plan on going back and reading the first three books and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Maggie crozat, her parents and her grandmother live in Southern Louisiana. They own a bed and breakfast. A recent flood has damaged much of their community, and turned up a dead body.
Much of the story is about an annual local celebration time to coincide with the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Their celebration includes cook-offs, parades and more. There is also a murder to solve.
I enjoyed reading about the Cajun customs and the small town relationships. It was a nice cozy mystery.

The story is well plotted and the mystery has several twists and turns to keep the reader in suspense. I really enjoyed how the story of the pageant was intertwined with the death of the mystery man. I also enjoyed learning more about Mardi Gras traditions and celebrations. The characters still have their same wonderful quirky personalities. I love how Maggie and her family are able to live together and still get along so well even when one of them is a little obsessed with something like Maggie’s dad and his gumbo pot. You may enjoy the backstory of some relationships better if you have read the books in order. Having said that this book can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

I absolutely loved this cozy mystery and Ellen Byron way of telling stories.
Well written, recommend.

Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron is the 4th book in Cajun Country Mystery series. I got this book via NetGalley which was nice thing, because even thought I wasn't read other 3 books before that, I got interesting view of series and it makes me to read later whole series. So this book was readi twice. There was many funny things and humor was nice thing and that is why I loved it. There was many interesting parts in the plot and characters were more than I was even expect. And it was nice to read Cajuns because I am not so familiar with this culture or something else. It was nice to read.

Mardi Gras Murders by Ellen Byron is simply outstanding, all that a great cozy mystery should be and more. This is the first of the four-book series that I’ve read, but it easily stands alone. I’m eager to read the previous books, however – it’s that good – and I can’t wait to see where Byron takes these characters next.

Mardi Gras Murders is extremely well written with delightful, sometimes quirky characters, great humor, and steeped in the southern charm of the New Orleans area. Pelican, Louisiana was “a community so close-knit that residents occasionally discovered they accidentally married distant cousins.” I was initially a little overwhelmed by the list of characters at the beginning, but it turned out to be very helpful and everyone was pretty easy to keep up with.

Whether working as tour guide at the family plantation, serving as beauty contestant judge, or simply taking care of her grandmother, Maggie is a likeable lead character. For a small town, Pelican sure has a lot going on, especially in preparing for Mardi Gras festivities. Maggie’s dad, Tug, had a great approach to making his famous seafood gumbo … “Some men make their wives crazy all year. I save it for Mardi Gras.”

A lot of the action revolves around the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen contest – try saying that real fast! Not long after an unidentifiable body washes up at the back of Maggie’s property, an obnoxious fellow judge is murdered, and everything escalates from there. It was tempting to read fast to discover the solution, but slowing down to savor every page won out – it was that good!

Mardi Gras Murders is a clean read, with no profanity or explicit scenes, and I hope that trend continues. This is a thoroughly entertaining story with surprising depth, and I’m eager for more Cajun Country mysteries. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I'm always a little hesitant when picking up books by authors that I've never read before; but this one's raving reviews made me jump on in.

Set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, this is the 4th in the Cajun Country Mystery series. I haven't read the others previous to this, but luckily didn't feel as though I was missing anything so I'll say this can easily be read as a standalone.

Maggie finds herself (yet again, apparently) knee deep in another murder mystery that she's trying to solve before anyone else gets killed. Engaging plot, entertaining characters, and a fast pace make this an absolute worthwhile read. While I didn't find it 5 star worthy, it's definitely a solid 4 stars for those that enjoy a good cozy mystery.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great mystery from Ellen Byron. I truly have enjoyed reading each book in this series. The author always knows how to produce a mystery that allows a reader to walk down many paths to solving it. It is always a pleasure to get my New Orleans fix through these books.

Ellen Byron delivers a great read again in this nearest addition! I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers. You won't regret it!

This was fun to read! I enjoyed myself! I honestly do think you need to read the previous three books but each book is kind of it's own mystery but I think you'll get more out of it if you read the previous three books, but if you're not interested in that you can totally read this alone. I personally just get more out of books and such if I read them all in order. But anyways, I adored Maggie and I thought she made the story really interesting, and I thought the characters were really well developed! Highly suggest checking this book and the series out!

Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron may be #4 in the Cajun Country Mystery series, but it was the first one that I've read.

In this addition to the series, Maggie Crozat is concerned with the identity of a body that washed up behind Crozat Plantation B&B after the recent heavy storms. Then her gran falls ill and Maggie is conscripted to be a judge for the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Pageant. When one of the judges also turns up dead, Maggie is convinced that the 2 deaths are somehow connected.

There is also the new exhibit on the Louisiana Orphan Trains to consider. There seems to be some disagreement surrounding it.

I enjoyed the cultural aspects of Mardi Gras in Pelican. I wasn't familiar with some of the customs that some smaller towns follow. And there is a touch of romance as Maggie is involved with one of the local police officers.

Maggie is much more daring than I would ever be as she investigates the goings-on surrounding the deaths and other mysteries in the book. I liked that there was more than one mystery. It has a nice layered feeling giving it some complexity. Still, it is a light read. It's humorous in parts as well. The pace of the story is good. It gets a little fast near the end.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good, multi-layered mystery. There is humor in parts. It moves along at a good pace. It includes cultural information about Mardi Gras which has always fascinated me somewhat. And I liked the cover. There is little that has to do with the dog in this mystery, but it does talk about the masks in part. And while you can read it as a standalone, I get the feeling that you might enjoy it more if you read other books in the series. I think the other books would give the characters more depth and history and help you to know what to expect from them. Overall, it's a good read and worth your time if you enjoy cozies.

Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron was published October 9th, 2018 from Crooked Lane Books.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely expressed.

I really loved this newest installment in the Cajun Country series! It's always like going back home to old friends in Pelican, Louisiana when I read one of this series.

This time it's almost time for Mardi Gras and that has Maggie's dad Tug immersed in the ever-important gumbo cook-off for the Mardi Gras festival, and perfecting this year's recipe. A few weeks before, the whole area had been badly flooded and a John Doe was found on the Crozat property. When one of the judges for the Miss Pelican Mardi Gras pageant was found dead, actually dying (by, you guessed it, Maggie) there was speculation about whether this death was connected to that of the John Doe.

This case took Pelican's finest, er well Bo being the finest and Ru being the only other detective that could go, on assignment in NYC since the John Doe suddenly had an identity and was from NYC. Oh, it was so funny when Bo would call Maggie with his day's happenings. If we thought the Pelican PD didn't think highly of cousin Ru, let's just say the NYPD really topped them on that. They couldn't wait to see him leave, lol. Taking Ru to NYC was like taking a kid to a big toy store! All he could think of was food, more food and Broadway shows.

The mystery pulled in some past history regarding orphans that had arrived in Pelican by train. There were plenty of suspects and since I had no idea of who I suspected, I just enjoyed reading how it all turned out. The showdown was awesome and actually fun. And...just wait until you read the book ending. I gar-an-tee you'll love it!

I really enjoyed all the teen contestant characters, even Belle who proved that she wasn't as shallow as some people had thought. The bond between cousins Kaity and Allie was pretty awesome, kind of how close Maggie and her cousin Lia are. They weren't about to let some pageant ruin their family ties. I liked the other new character of Jayden too. Kaity seemed really taken with him, so I really hope that their characters show up again. Maggie was even on good terms now with Whitney, Bo's ex who was remarried and not having much luck in the baby-having department, but by the end of the book, there was a great solution for her and hubby Zach. I really didn't want this book to end!

“Mardi Gras Murder” earns 5/5 Pots of Gumbo…Engaging Fun!

Laissez les bon temps roule!

Let the good times roll with the fourth book in Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Mystery series. She has once again penned a very engaging mystery and this one swept up my interest right off. The story prologues with a devastating deluge effecting the citizens of Pelican, Mississippi, and midst the pile of debris that washed up behind Crozat’s Plantation B&B, a stranger’s body, no wallet and no ID, was found. The only fatality attributed to the storm is thought to be a tragic accident, but a closer forensic examination reveals, of course, murder! And it just might not stop at one victim! Intrigued Maggie Crozart and boyfriend/detective Bo Durand with other family and friends collaborate to uncover a killer finding current events may be effected by events in the past.

Ellen’s exciting page-turner gives readers engaging twists and turns, entertaining suspects on and off the list, relationships challenged, and a satisfying, “Oh, my!” conclusion. Her third-person narrative is well-plotted with wonderful descriptions, laying out of the investigation, and sharing the history of the Louisiana Orphan Train and bayou culture. Although I am more partial to the “I” perspective which allows me to pretend “I'm” part of the story. Byron is not a novice author, so she easily creates a community of marvelous characters, some quirky, illustrated by an entertaining banter. It all makes for a great read…newbies can definitely start here. No spoilers to interfere going back and reading the other books in the series…and you'll be very eager to do just that.

Weaving in and around the murder drama is one of the most enjoyable themes…Cajun Country! I was fascinated by the delightful bayou culture. There're the Mardi Gras parades, pageants, contests, and revelries…did I mention the “gumbo”? Readers can channel their inner Cajun with two gumbo recipes from Ellen’s dear friend Gaynell Bourgeois Moore. Something for everyone’s taste—Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Seafood Gumbo. It doesn't end there, of course, you can also enjoy Lagniappe (something given as a bonus or extra gift): additional information about the Orphan Train, Mardi Gras, and pageants along with recipes for Oyster Soup, Banana Bon Temps Cocktail, Banana Pancakes with Brown Sugar Butter, Easy-Peasy King (Bundt) Cake, and two potato salads (Ellen’s Cajun Country Potato Salad and Gaynell’s Potato Salad).

A very engaging, fun read with delicious easy-to-follow recipes…what more could you ask for!

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught.