Phillipe Chanson and crew are staying at the Crozat B&B as they open a new restaurant in town. The town is excited about a new restaurant. Unfortunately, it seems the staff is playing dirty as the other popular restaurants are being sabotaged. Things escalate when Phillipe turns up dead. Maggie and crew are busy trying to protect the local restaurants and find the murderer.

I really enjoy this series and the charming Cajun characters. Unfortunately, this is the last in the series. I will look forward to a new series from the author.

I adore these books by Ellen Byron. They are such a delight to disappear into the Louisiana Bayou for an afternoon. I especially like these books because I could absolutely see myself being friends with Maggie, the protagonist.

In this book, Bo and Maggie's wedding is finally here! Maggie is hoping for a new start in their lives and no more murders in the tiny town of Pelican but this wouldn't be a cozy mystery without a whodunit, right? This time it's a stuffy restauranteur and chef who blows into town to put the Cajun food scene back on the map (even though JJ, proprietor of Junie's Oyster Bar and Dance Hall has been doing that for years!). He opens up a Cajun restaurant that threatens to put Junie's out of business and worse, JJ becomes a murder suspect. Maggie won't stand for her beloved friend being accused of a crime he didn't commit and decides to find out whodunit. Interlaced in this story is a second whodunit as well as a mysterious (and creepy) secret admirer of Maggie's.

As I said, I adore these books. I only found them last year when I received an ARC from Netgalley of Murder in the Bayou Boneyard but I was immediately hooked. Maggie's family is so charming and welcoming and their B&B sounds adorable. I love the cast of supporting colorful characters, although some of the regulars were scant in this book. I do hope there will be more adventures with Mrs. Magnolia Marie Crozat now Durand.

CAJUN KISS OF DEATH, the seventh book in the Cajun Country Mysteries by Ellen Byron, ends the series with a bang. A longtime favorite series of mine, Ms. Bryon pulls out all the stops with a topnotch mystery, characters that will linger in my memory, and the drool-worthy bayou setting of Louisiana in addition to a jaunt in New Orleans. With a strong descriptive voice, the author takes the reader on a ride where you can see, taste (oh, especially taste!), feel, smell, and hear all the things the setting has to offer. Starting the book already knowing that this will be the last one, left me with a bittersweet feeling. That said, I appreciate that Ms. Byron allows the reader to experience joy alongside protagonist, Maggie Crozat, as she settles into life with her new husband and charming stepson. She also does an admirable job of wrapping up and bringing closure to all the core characters from the series so the reader isn’t left dangling with a “whatever happened to so-and-so”.

The mystery itself is expertly woven into the fabric of the characters and the setting. When a celebrity chef ventures into the small town of Pelican to open a new restaurant, tempers fly both at his arrogance and his theft of cherished recipes from local eateries. His tragic death proves to be a murder and Maggie’s own mother becomes a suspect. Maggie’s perseverance for finding the truth gives the book a fast pace while several subplots kept the action going. With plenty of suspects around who hated the celebrity chef, by locals and out-of-towners alike, I was surprised at the Agatha Christie-style reveal – I didn’t guess the culprit in the least. And just as I thought the story was wrapping up, another heart-stopping conclusion came along. Ms. Byron has proven, once again, to be an expert storyteller!

With so many mouthwatering dishes mentioned throughout the story, I was practically drooling on the page and couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book to check out the delicious recipes the author includes.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I enjoy a good cozy series and I have really loved this one. It is set in a part of the country that I am hoping to visit some day in the not to distant future. The book also contains real Cajun recipes that are just fantastic. I love the heroine, the hero and every character in the series, they all make the reading such a pleasure. There were hints that this may be the last book in the series. I really hope not. I'm not ready to let the good characters of Pelican, Louisiana go.

Maggie Crozat got her HEA in the last book. Right now all she wants is to settle into that HEA with new husband, Bo. But, of course, that is not likely to happen given her track record. Murder seems to have a way of finding her, no matter how hard she tries to avoid it. Celebrity chief, Phillippe Chanson, has come to Pelican, Louisiana to open a new restaurant and things have not gone smoothly there.

The chief has made a few enemies and someone hated him enough to put an end to him, leaving Maggie's friend JJ and her mother, Ninette, as suspects. Several restaurant owners and other chefs are suspect because Phillppe liked to lift recipes he liked for use in his own restaurants and kept his restaurants stocked with oysters when they are in short supply everywhere else.

When Maggie seems to have picked up a Valentine's Day stalker who is leaving presents with a nasty twist, she and Bo have more than enough on their newlywed plate. Bo gifts Maggie a series of private art lessons with a visiting painter, but Maggie just can't seem to find her "It". Maybe she is spending to much time tracking down a murderer.

Maggie Crozat and Bo Durand are newlyweds and are looking forward to spending their first Valentine’s Day together as a married couple. Things are busy at her family’s Louisiana Bed and Breakfast because of some high maintenance guests - celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson and his staff who are opening a new Cajun restaurant in town. Not everyone is thrilled with the way Phllippe conducts his professional or his personal business so when the arrogant chef perishes in a boat crash, there are plenty of people with motives. When law enforcement zeroes in on Maggie’s friend JJ, owner of a competing restaurant, Maggie puts romance aside to track down the real killer.

This is the seventh book in the Cajun Country Mystery series and from the author’s note, it looks like this will be the final installment for quite a while. The author is going out on a high note because I feel this book is one of the best in the series. The generous, hard-working Maggie is a unique and likable character and I have enjoyed reading about her romance and now marriage to Sheriff’s Department Detective Bo. They have chemistry as well as mutual respect for each other. There are a lot of different subplots going on in the book including Maggie taking art lessons from an artist she admires, helping out at various restaurants in town, working her regular job, organizing fundraisers, and dodging the attention of an increasingly creepy stalker. However, all of the elements help create a fast-paced and entertaining story. I was surprised by the outcome of the murder and thought the solution of the stalker was stretching things a little, but overall, really enjoyed this book. An author’s note gives interesting background about some of the elements of the story and the recipes at the back seem like they would be tasty.

I rate this book 4.5 stars and highly recommend this book to anyone who has been following this series. The story itself would work fine as a standalone for new readers. However, there is a very detailed epilogue at the end that gives a glimpse at the characters several years in the future, so new readers may want to read prior books before this one. I love the book and the series and am hopeful by the author’s comment in her note that while this is the end of the series, she won’t completely rule out a book or short story in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Another five star mystery from Ellen Byron and this one has it all. With Maggie and Beau tying the knot then working together to solve another local murder, that might be more than enough but Maggie finds that she has a secret admirer who might turn out to be a stalker. One thing is certain in the town of Pelican - life is never boring.
With the arrival of a big name chef, in town to open a restaurant, things heat up. Let's just say that he isn't much liked and many locals wish he had never come to town. Which one, on the very long list of people who disliked him to varying degrees, felt it necessary to bump him off? Maggie is certain it isn't anyone within her circle even if some of them do dislike him and for good reason. She and Beau will catch the killer in a very satisfying mystery. It's exactly what I have come to expect from this wonderful cozy series.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 7th book in the charming series "Cajun Country Mysteries" by cozy author Ellen Bryon. Each new release is a delight in this fun series . Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

We return to Pelican Louisiana and the B&B where a famous chef has arrived and checked in. He is pompous and obnoxious. The perfect person to meet his demise . Maggie is balancing her business venture with art lessons and romancing her boyfriend but she takes on the murder investigation as she has proven to be savvy at finding clues and suspects. The tension grows as suspects abound and more is found out about the victim. .When Maggie's good friend is blamed for the murder she feels the pressure to solve the case with the help of the local detective.

This was a fun read and a great next in series. The culture of Louisiana is front and center in this series and always fun to read about. I look forward to the next in series.

This is one of my favorite series and this latest one did not disappoint. It starts with a wedding (or three) and is a nonstop adventure in Pelican, LA, with celebrity chefs, old flames, and plenty of good food. The mystery was well presented and stayed in the forefront despite all the other things going on in Maggie's life. The epilogue was bittersweet; it ties up the series well but I need more time, more books with these wonderful characters. Highly recommended!

The story starts with Maggie Crozat and Bo Durand's wedding but the happy times in Pelican, Louisiana don't last long. Celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson has arrived in town to open his newest Cajun-themed restaurant. Tensions rise when Maggie's dear friend JJ, owner of Junie's Oyster Bar and Dance Hall, is temporarily shut down by the health department. Then Maggie's mother Ninette becomes enraged with Philippe who steals one of her cherished recipes. When Philippe dies in a fiery boat crash during the opening day celebrations of his restaurant, Maggie has to get JJ and her mother off the police's radar. Maggie also has to deal with an admirer or stalker that is sending her charming gifts but may be ramping up towards a big unwanted Valentine's Day surprise.

This was a charming and tasty final entry in the award-winning Cajun Country mystery series.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Maggie and Bo have finally gotten married (as has her grandmother) and she's been looking forward to the art lessons he's gifted her with. But no.....Things never go as planned in Pelican and this time, well this time, it's new Pelican resident and restaurateur Phillippe Chanson who has been murdered. He had a number of people who wanted him gone- maybe not dead but gone- including Maggie's BFF and her mom. So of course she's going to look into things. She's got some other issues, including a sort of creepy stalker of sorts. I've been a fan of this series because of the characters and the setting, which is quite evocative of small town Louisiana. Cozy readers will find this latest fine as standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of the series will be unhappy with the last few pages.

I loved this book, right up until I saw the epilogue and realized this was the end of the series! NOOOOOOO! I love these people! Maggie, Bo, Xander, Rufus, Tug, Nina, Grand-mere... I need more!

Rant aside, I really did love this book. Very well written, lots of twists and turns. Very enjoyable! And I really did love the ending. I finished it last night and I still have all the feels.

Artist and amateur sleuth Maggie Cozat once again has a murder investigation to complete. She is especially concerned because one of her friends is a suspect. I enjoyed following along as Maggie discovered clues. Her logic is impressive when figuring out whodunit. I found Maggie's and Pelican Police Detective Bo Durand's wedding quite entertaining. It was a wonderful way to begin the story. I had to laugh at basset hound Gopher and chihuahua Jolie being part of the wedding party. Their stop to enjoy gold fish crackers that were spilled made me smile.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Maggie and Bo just got married, you would think, the marital bed would have been the only exciting attraction for them, think again, because murder just crashed their party. With her Mum being the main suspect of the explosive crime, Maggie put her sleuthing gloves on. This book brought about the end of an exciting, intriguing, and very entertaining series.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Cajun Kiss of Death is the latest book in the Cajun Country Mystery series. The book starts off with Maggie taking a big step in her life, and everything seems to going well for a change. Unfortunately, it does not last for a long time, thanks to a celebrity chef without a conscience and his crew. The mystery was interesting, and it's not just the murder that occurs, but different other events afterwards that makes it so good to read. The descriptions are very detailed, which really helps to picture what is going on, as well as the characters. Sadly, it appears that this entry is the last in this series. I will miss it, but I had a very good time reading the books.

Finally we get to the wedding of Maggie and Bo Durand along with her Grandmère and Lee Bertrand. Several weeks later the Cozart B&B is hosting the cooking crew of Chef Celebrity Phillippe Chanson who is opening a new restaurant in Pelican. Everyone is excited until the true nature of the chef comes to light - he steals recipes to take the credit for great food including Maggie's mother's recipes served at the B&B. No surprise when Chef Phillippe turns up dead but was it someone whose recipe was taken or was there some other reason.

I really enjoy the setting and characters in this series/book and only wish I could get some of the scrumptious sounding food!

Book 7, rumored to be the last in the series, begins a multi-layered plot with plans for Valentine’s Day. It’s Pelican, Louisiana, near New Orleans and Pelican has a new Cajun themed restaurant to celebrate—until it’s arrogant owner dies in a fiery boat crash. The man was stealing old family recipes and he made more enemies than friends, so the suspect list isn’t short.

Maggie Crozant married her policeman beau, Bo. He got her art lessons in New Orleans—she is an artist or thought she was—but is this really going to work? The teacher doesn’t really appreciate any of her stuff. And then there is her stalker, shopping for gowns, and another death. So many issues!

I enjoy the atmospheric description that puts you right into the middle of the culture. There are a lot of peripheral characters, names swapped back and forth. The author infuses her narratives with a sense of humor and the scent of delicious fragrances from the local dishes.

So I’m not sure why this one didn’t quite click with me. It was slow moving and filled with the minutia of daily life, the struggles, the southern philosophies of life. The mystery was there, just not quite at the forefront, suspense was lacking, and the ending was an obvious wrap. I’ve read others in this series and loved both but this one fell short for me. 3.5 stars

Cajun Kiss of Death will keep you guessing as the characters keep changing their colors. You'll find yourself second guessing as to who is guilty. Then family and friends band together.

This seventh and final Cajun Country mystery begins at Maggie and Bo's wedding on New Years' Eve. Also marrying at the same time are Grand-mere and Lee Bertrand and Rufus Durand and Sandy Sechrest. We get to see all the characters we have come to know through the previous six books.

A few weeks later, the B & B is hosting the crew of a new Cajun restaurant which is being opened by Phillippe Chanson. Guests include his ex-wife and business partner, his best friend also a partner, his new girlfriend who is a sous chef, and some other employees. Folks at Pelican have mixed feeling about the new restaurant. Maggie and her family will enjoy more traffic at their B & B, but JJ is wondering if his restaurant can compete with the new one. Maggie also notices lots of tension among the various restaurant people.

Locals are also incensed when Chanson steals recipes from local joints and even from Maggie's mother. So when Chanson dies in a speedboat accident while celebrating the Grand Opening of his restaurant with fireworks over the Mississippi, there are a number of suspects who wouldn't mind that he was no longer around. Because the accident damaged a barge and a bridge, a number of law enforcement agencies get involved including Bo, Rufus and the Pelican police.

Meanwhile, Maggie is dealing with some additional issues. The accountant for Doucet where Maggie works has cleaned out the bank accounts and skipped town leaving the non-profit in danger of closing. And Maggie seems to have attracted a stalker. She is also dealing with art lessons, which were a gift from Bo, with a teacher who seems delighted in putting down Maggie's work.

Maggie's abilities as an observant artist play a key role in solving the murders of Phillippe Chanson and the man who was hired to write his autobiography.

This was a great cozy with some tasty sounding recipes interspersed in the story and detailed at the end of the book. I like the variety of interesting characters. I also like the Epilogue which jumped twenty years into the future and let us know how things were going for the characters.

Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron is the 7th book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, and another fun read. Not only is this book really funny, I often found myself laughing out loud, it has a great mystery too. There are twists and turns around every corner, which kept me reading page after page. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. Unfortunately this appears to be the last book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries with quirky characters, I highly recommend this book and series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Valentines Day in Pelican Louisiana has a way of warming the heart, despite the chill. At Croat Plantation B&B the air turns deadly when celebrity chef Philippe Chanson checks in. Chef Phillppe is in town to open his newest Cajun themed restaurant and perishes in a fiery boat crash. Maggie Crozarts dear friend JJ lands I very cold water. Did JJ proprietor of Junies Oyster Bar andDance Hall murder Philippe cause he feared competition? Might Maggie’s mother Ninette have bumped off the chef for stealing one of her recipes? Or was the culprit a local seafood vender miffed since Philippe was somehow able to sell oysters for a reasonable price despite an oyster shortage? Does Maggie have a stalker or an admirer? Maggie receives anonymous gifts that begin as charming but grow to disturbing. Are the gifts somehow related to Phillippes murder? Blood maybe thicker than water but this case is thicker than gumbo.solving it will determine whether Maggie gets hearts and roses or a hearse and lilies this Valentines Day. A fun story in the deep south with any interesting characters. A great story to get involved in.