Loves this book! Read Plantation Shudders and Body on the Bayou first, as I like to read books in order. I think this was the best one yet. Lots of sub-plots, lots of good character development. I love how people are changing in this book. Love the addition of Tig, the evolution of Vanessa and Ru into friends of Maggie. Totally in love with this series!

A murder or two takes place during the Christmas season at the B&B and once again, Maggie finds herself involved in the investigation to clear her family and those closest to her names and to save their B&B business which sets in motion a visit from her past and a fun-filled and well-written mystery.

I adore this series. This story captured my attention immediately and I could not put this book down. The writing was crisp and flowed so evenly making it easy to follow along with all that was happening in Pelican, Louisiana. The mystery was expertly done, creating a multitude of suspects with clues that kept me digging to identify the culprit and a bonus to the author with how the murder was solved, giving me that aha moment when it became clear as to who the killer was, but then the author added that little twist that enhanced the telling of this tale. The narrative had my mind escaping to the outpost that is New Orleans with its natural atmospheric setting which enlightened the interaction of the various characters and the role of the town. It was good to see Maggie and Ru working together for the greater good. Boasting a wonderful cast of characters, engaging dialogue and small-town feeling, this is one of the best book in this delightfully charming and entertaining series and I can’t wait for their next adventures.

I do like this series and this Christmas outing is no exception. It isn't excessively Christmassy, nor did I get as much of a Cajun feeling as in the past despite many local references unique to the area. I do read a few series set in Cajun country so maybe I'm just getting used to it and don't notice the setting as much.

What I appreciate the most in this book, besides a decent mystery with lots of sleuthing, it that there is character development. Many of the characters have changed since the first book. It may not be great in some cases or may just be starting, but it's there.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This series just keeps getting better and better! The latest installment in the Cajun Country Mystery Series by author Ellen Byron, A Cajun Christmas Killing, is just as wonderful a cozy mystery as the previous two books in the series. It's Christmastime, and the residents of Pelican, Louisiana (Yes, We Pelican!!!) are busy with the construction of their annual bonfires, which the entire town participates in, but that doesn't stop a murderer from striking not once but twice! Maggie et al have their hands full with negative reviews about the Crozat B&B, Tug's failing health, and the new manager who's making Maggie's life miserable at Doucet. Relationships are changing in Pelican, and it's nice to see the progression. I really enjoyed this book, and will anxiously await the release of any future installments. Highly, highly recommend! A+++

This is the third in the Cajun Country Mystery Series and they keep getting better and better. And no, you don't have to read the the other two before this one, but it will make you more familiar with the characters.

Maggie Crozat's parents own a B&B, which is always the center of attention. In this particular book, the B&B is receiving ugly reviews from an unknown person. These reviews are hurting business and Maggie is going to get to the bottom of who is writing them. In the mean time, a guest who stayed at the B&B is found dead at a local plantation. Maggie uses her sleuthing skills to figure out who murdered the guest

There are lots of suspects and I wasn't able to figure out who the murderer was until the end of the book. A great mystery that was difficult to put down.

Maggie has returned to her family's home in Louisiana after a breakup with her boyfriend. She's hoping to continue her art career, while helping her family with their bed & breakfast and working as a tour guide at the family's old plantation (now run by the state). It's almost Christmas, and the B&B is suddenly getting bad reviews, followed by the murder of one of their guests. Maggie and her boyfriend Bo, who is a police detective, both are suspects, but they work to find the killer.
This is a fun mystery to read, mostly because of the infusion of authentic Louisiana cultures--Cajun, Creole, mixtures. The characters are interesting, and provide good dialogue (again, authentic!) I noticed only 2 possible flaws: at one point it's mentioned that Maggie's mother has used shrimp instead of crawfish in the etouffee because crawfish weren't in season. Then, the next evening, we find Maggie at a bar where she's offered Cajun popcorn (fried crawfish) by Rufus. And, I really think Maggie's boyfriend should be called Beau rather than Bo, especially since he appears to be from a family that has roots in the same area.
The plot of this mystery is well-written, with enough twists to keep the murderer secret, at least until near the end. It's a fine cozy mystery with some good recipes at the end of the book! I look forward to reading the next installment!

Title: A Cajun Christmas Killing: A Cajun Country Mystery
Author: Ellen Byron
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy/Mystery

Bonfires on the levee, zydeco carols, and pots of gumbo greet Maggie Crozat when she returns home to Pelican, Louisiana. It's Christmas time her favorite time of the year. This year, however, things aren’t going as planned at the Crozat Plantation B&B. Murder shows up for the holidays.

Someone is writing bad reviews on travel websites that are hurting business. A rival, Donald Baxter is not whom he seems, and before long her family and everything they worked for are in danger. Maggie is set to accuse Baxter of trying to destroy their business when she finds him stabbed to death.

Her family all have alibis, Detective Bo Durand, Maggie’s boyfriends comes under suspicion. Maggie is forced to work with longtime family enemy Rufus Durand, who, as it turns out, isn’t as bad as she thought. The investigation leads her in circles and places her in the line of fire.

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A Cajun Christmas Killing is a wonderfully entertaining book with colorful characters who will remain in the reader's memory for years to come. Ellen Byron has crafted a story that leads the reader down a path of Cajun proportions. Filled with everything you would expect for a Cajun Christmas celebration, music, unique characters and of course, food.

Maggie is crazy about her boyfriend Bo, and she wants things to move on to the next step, but Bo is a gentleman and won’t be rushed. Tug and Ninette, Maggie’s parents, are the kind of parents who support their daughter in everything she does but also want her to be happy and settle down. Gran is a delight; she has a mischievous nature; she is lively, caring and can be put on airs when necessary.

This book is the third installment of the“A Cajun Country Mystery” series. Readers that have not read the first two books will have no trouble understanding the backstory, the players or their role in the family dynamic. They will fall in love with the Cozart family. This book is a page turner and will keep the reader guessing to the end. The reveal of the killer is in true Cajun style, filled with excitement that leaves a smirk on the reader's face. The story is fast-paced and flows smoothly; it is extremely well written. The action and intrigue are non-stop. This book, along with the series is highly recommended as an all-out entertaining and satisfying read.


An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

Not my favorite book. Liked the 1st one in the series, but there is only so many times the same person can find a dead body without it getting suspicious. Love the grandmother character.

It's Christmas time in Pelican, Louisiana, and murder's making naughty on the Crozat's list. Maggie and family and friends are looking forward to an exciting and lucrative Creole/Cajun holiday season at the Crozat's plantation B & B. Unfortunately, things are just going south on all fronts. Her boss is a wicked Grinch, her daddy's health is in jeopardy, someone's giving trash reviews on the B & B, the status of which is in grave danger, and a guest just booted from the B & B is murdered, and boyfriend Bo, is a person of interest. As Christmas Eve approaches, more mayhem and murder transpires. Just love this series, and this one's a winner. Great southern cozy. 5 stars, for sure. Thanks NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy. Looking forward to the next one.

A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron is an exciting story, filled with more twists than a candy cane.
I was intrigued to read about the bonfire holiday traditions that take place in Pelican, Louisiana.

Maggie Crozat is an intelligent character and I was immediately drawn to her.
Returning to Pelican was an easy decision for Maggie to make, her family needed her help and in her mind, family always comes first.
When someone begins posting negative comments on various websites, Maggie's family bands together to find the culprit. Unfortunately, a dead body gets in the way and it's up to Maggie to find the answers.

I was kept guessing throughout the story and I consider myself a true fan of this well written series.

I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.