Book Reviews: Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron

 

As a long-time fan of Ellen Byron and her Cajun Country Mystery series, I was excited to read the recent installment, Cajun Kiss of Death. And it was worth the wait! The series began with Maggie Crozat when she returned home to her family's B&B in Lousiana. The family reunion quickly takes a turn when an elderly couple (guests at the B&B) die within minutes of each other. Maggie and her loved ones soon make it on the suspect list. While working to clear her family's name, Maggie spends quality time with a handsome detective. Check out the full series here. The newest and FINAL book in the series is set against the backdrop of Valentine's Day and celebrates all things love. Maggie has another case to solve when her friend JJ is accused of murder following the suspicious boat crash that kills a celebrity chef. Maggie soon receives anonymous gifts that become increasingly more disturbing and lead her to wonder if the gifts could be coming from the killer. Recipes are included in each book of the series.

You can pre-order the first book in her NEW series, Bayou Book Thief, here at Amazon. This will be available in June 2022. 

Byron also writes under the pen name Maria DiRico. Her Catering Hall Mystery series has the third book available this month and can be found here on Amazon. You can get to know more about the author on her website.

REVIEW

"I'm so blessed to have y'all as friends. You're my galentines." 

- Maggie, chapter 18

The newest installment begins with a sweet opening that finds not one but three couples getting married. Maggie and Bo have made it to the altar and are now beginning a new chapter in their lives, along with their closest loved ones, Bo's cousin Rufus marrying Sandy and Maggie's grandmother marrying Lee. The triple wedding sets the tone for this grand finale that puts an end to Maggie's sleuthing adventures. The lighthearted tone sets the final mystery for Maggie while setting up new adventures she'll have in the role of wife and stepmom. The series has focused on the changes Maggie has experienced since moving back to Lousiana so seeing her settling down with her family and a new family creates a full circle moment that is satisfying. This lovely opening celebrates love and family which are two common elements that Byron has explored throughout the Cajun Country Mystery series. These elements strike a balance with the elements of murder, mystery, and suspense. The story jumps forward a few weeks later with Maggie settling into her new life and delves right into the set-up for the mystery.

Maggie's constantly surrounded by family and friends, and each one has a significant role which Byron touches upon a little more in each book, often drawing in various loved ones as suspects. The characters are relatable and create a community that's full of life with each one having a vivid personality. These characters provide allies in Maggie's investigations, a source of friendship and companionship, and provide the root of the humor throughout the series. Byron excels at witty dialogue and clever characters such as the attitude of Gran (an example being her comment about the A-G-E syndrome precluding a full night's sleep). Byron excels at bringing Lousiana to life through the vibrant, colorful, and lively details woven into every description.

The suspects move firmly into place with Maggie working to determine who is innocent and who is guilty. Her ex-boyfriend from high school is caught in the middle when his father (who accuses celebrity chef of stealing a recipe for fried catfish fillet) is arrested for disturbing the peace. Friendship is a key element within the story as they form a support system for Maggie outside of her family and helps her in every way, even with murder mysteries. Gaynell and Ione are her galentines and their presence creates a fun trio of sleuths to investigate with humorous and heartfelt friendship moments. Byron steadily increases the stakes of the mystery with Maggie's mother going to jail after she learns that the celebrity chef took a recipe for her calas and disturbing gifts from a secret admirer. The mystery has a Valentine's Day themed with love running rampant throughout from the triple wedding at the beginning to a sweet surprise from her new husband and stepson. Byron has crafted a brilliant good-bye to Maggie and her friends in this satisfying conclusion.