by Sandra Murphy
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of A Cajun Christmas Killing. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.
Maggie Crozat is working her usual twenty-seven jobs, or at least it feels like that many. For one, she sells baked goods and soft drinks on the levee to raise money for porta-potties. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, each of the plantations build a big bonfire and try to outdo each other. They can be thirty feet tall, a pyramid of logs or something as artistic as a miniature of the plantation’s manor house. Porta-potties are essential.
At the family’s B&B, there’s a nice family, a tour group of Japanese visitors, and one cranky man. Nothing seems to please him. Tug, Maggie’s dad, is usually an upbeat guy but lately he’s been downright grouchy. When he collapses at the bonfire site, hospital tests show his blood pressure is sky high. Bad news about the B&B has only added to his stress. A hostile takeover of the family business might just put them all out on the street. 
Maggie finds out the cranky man is really Steve Harmon. He’s behind the takeover, using bulldozer tactics, spreading rumors, and making sure negative reviews show up on travel advisor sites. Once his secret identity is exposed, he’s all over town. Maggie’s mom was a Ducet. Her former home was gifted to the state in order to preserve its history. Maggie works there as a tour guide. There’s a new manager, Tannis, who seems awfully cozy with Steve.
Even though she doesn’t have nearly enough time to devote to her paintings, Maggie’s giving Bo’s son, Zander, lessons. Steve decides Zander should be the next prodigy, but Bo’s not having any of that. Another surprise is the “art consultant” who is traveling with Steve. It’s Chris, Maggie’s ex. Well, if this isn’t just a mess and a half.
When Steve’s body is found in the men’s parlor at Ducet, Maggie knows she has to help find the killer. Her family is likely to be on the suspect list along with a local dancer, his own relatives and more. The suspect list could go on and on. When a second death occurs and an attempt is made on Maggie’s life, it’s time to put the investigation into high gear and find the killer.
This is the third book in the series. Maggie and Bo are a good match. Rufus, Bo’s cousin and the former police chief who was such a thorn in Maggie’s side, is on the sidelines due to a fight with the mayor over a parking space, but only until Bo himself is a suspect in Steve’s death after their argument about Zander.
For a look into Southern life, a bit of history, and a really good mystery, this is the place to go. After reading about the meals Maggie’s mom makes for the guests, readers will be glad to see recipes for shrimp remoulade, muffaletta frittata, brandy pain perdu (similar to French toast), coconut pecan bars, and spicy Cajun sugar cookies. Byron also tells a bit about how real life experiences show up in the book.
To enter to win a copy of A Cajun Christmas, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “cajun,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 2, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
You can also use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I’d love to read this. Thanks for the chance!
Thank you would love to read! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com
I’d sure love to read this–ty for the giveaway! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I am looking forward to reading this! The previous two books were awesome with a few twists and turns which made me want to keep on reading. I’m sure this one will as well. Ellen is such a great author and knows how to keep you turning the page as well as introducing to the characters you love, and the characters you love to hate. Thank you for the opportunity.
meg85242 at gmail dot com
I really enjoy this series. Thanks for the chance to win! stclairck@gmail.com
I love books that have a bed & breakfast in the setting. Thanks for a chance to enter this giveaway!
I love Ellen’s Cajun and Seal books. I’ve read almost all of them and wish I owned some.. So maybe this will be the start of my Ellen Byron section of my home library.
I’ve seen this book around a little bit, looks perfect for the season. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
You had me with the cover – LOVE IT! I love cozy mysteries and Christmas stories but then you hit the trifecta with the doggie. 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of A Cajun Christmas Killing!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thank you for the chance. lamonicaks at gmail dot com
I have heard such good things about this book so thank you for letting us enter.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Love this series! “A Cajun Christmas” sounds like great read for the Holiday season.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Read the first two books and fell in love with the series! Can’t wait to read A Cajun Christmas Killing. Thank you for doing the giveaway!
generallylost@hotmail.com
Thanks for the chance. I would love to win this. Today is my birthday so maybe I will be lucky.
ezellmarlene(at)gmail(dot)com
The cover is gorgeous! I would love to read this! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
This is a new to me series but I love the cover, with that sad dog in a Santa Hat. I really enjoy seasonal themed mysteries.
What a great series! I would love to read this one
sheryljeffries63(at)gmail(dot)com
Love this series.
WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ANOTHER BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR! THANKS FOR THE CHANCE! calicolady60@hotmail.com
I really enjoy this series. Thank you for the chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
We have a winner!