A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras
by Ellen Byron

It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It‘s Mardi Gras madness! It’s the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today-bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.

Step 1: join a killer krewe

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz and her friends from Bon Vee are dressing up for Mardi Gras. They’ve joined the notorious krewe of Chew to support Ricki’s chef boyfriend, Virgil, who is to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, throws, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled with his own medallion.

Step 2: survive the festivities

The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend, the deceased’s wife who discovered he was cheating on her. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t so sure. The krewe’s leader had many enemies including his mistress, his krewe co-founder who he ousted, and his college friend whose girlfriend he stole. One thing’s clear, Ricki’s at the center of yet another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last . . .

Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke, these delightful mysteries bring New Orleans to life with fun characters and delicious recipes. This series is a must-read for culinary cozy lovers!

Reviews

“Entirely satisfying . . . Byron ensures that even red herrings are dealt with in a gratifying way”

Booklist Starred Review of Crescent City Christmas Chaos

“A parental visit, a catfight among holiday parade royalty, a string of thefts, and of course a murder add spice to [Ricki's] New Orleans Christmas”

Kirkus Reviews on Crescent City Christmas Chaos

“A spooktacular Halloween romp”

Tina Kashian, author of the Kebab Kitchen Mysteries, on French Quarter Fright Night

“[A] fantastic whodunnit . . . will keep you guessing late into the night”

J.C. Kenney, bestselling author of the Elmo Simpson Mysteries, on French Quarter Fright Night

“The Big Easy rolls across the pages of Ellen Byron's latest Vintage Cookbook mystery. French Quarter Fright Night is rich and full, and I couldn't put it down”

Olivia Matthews, author of the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries, on French Quarter Fright Night

“Plenty of suspects and plenty of fun”

Kirkus Reviews on Wined and Died in New Orleans

“Byron, author of the award-winning 'Cajun Country' mysteries, combines setting, vintage cookbooks, recipes, and family drama in another delectable cozy”

Library Journal on Wined and Died in New Orleans

“The characters feel like old friends. Everything about this story keeps the reader invested . . . you won’t be disappointed. This book will keep fans excited and looking forward to the next installment”

thecozyreview.com on Wined and Died in New Orleans

“Fans of Byron's award-winning 'Cajun Country' mysteries will enjoy her return to New Orleans with an engaging, fun cast of characters”

Library Journal on Bayou Book Thief

“Standard cozy fare served up Crescent City style”

Kirkus Reviews on Bayou Book Thief

Ellen Byron

Ellen Byron is an Anthony Award-nominated bestselling author and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, and Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico). She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents. Ellen was the 2023 Left Coast Crime Toastmaster but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents. Ellen was the 2023 Left Coast Crime Toastmaster but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. A native New Yorker, Ellen is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups.

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Editions

A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483200114th August 2026144 X 222mm256$29.99
Hardback97814483200114th August 2026144 X 222mm256£21.99
Ebook97814483200284th August 2026N/A256£12.99
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