Winner of the 2016 Best Humorous Mystery Lefty Award and shortlisted for the Agatha Best Contemporary Novel Award, Body on the Bayou finds Maggie Crozat once again using her artist's eye to spot clues and help.
The Crozats feared that past murders at Crozat Plantation B&B might spell the death of their beloved estate, but they've managed to survive the scandal. Now there's a trés bigger story in Pelican, Louisiana: the upcoming nuptials between Maggie Crozat's nemesis, Police Chief Rufus Durand, and her co-worker, Vanessa Fleer.
When everyone else refuses the job of being Vanessa's Maid of Honor, Maggie reluctantly takes up the title and finds herself tasked with a long list of duties—the most important of which is entertaining Vanessa's cousin, Ginger Fleer-Starke. But just days before the wedding, Ginger's lifeless body is found on the bayou and the Pelican PD, as well as the Crozats, have another murder mystery on their hands.
There's a gumbo-potful of suspects, including an ex-Marine with PTSD, an annoying local newspaper reporter, and Vanessa's own sparkplug of a mother. But when it looks like the investigation is zeroing in on Vanessa as the prime suspect, Maggie reluctantly adds keeping the bride-to-be out of jail to her list of Maid of Honor responsibilities in Body on the Bayou, Ellen Byron's funny and engaging follow up to her critically acclaimed novel Plantation Shudders.
About the Author
Ellen Byron is a television writer, playwright, and freelance journalist. Her TV credits include Wings, Still Standing, and Just Shoot Me, and her written work has appeared in Glamour, Redbook, and Seventeen, among others. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, their daughter, and the family’s very spoiled rescue dog. A native New Yorker, Ellen still misses her hometown and still drives like a New York Cabbie. This is her second in the Cajun Country mystery series following USA Today bestseller Plantation Shudders.
Praise For…
Praise for Body on the Bayou: 2017 WINNER OF THE LEFTY AWARD FOR BEST HUMOROUS MYSTERY NOVEL 2017 AGATHA BEST CONTEMPORARY NOVEL AWARD NOMINEE "Cozy readers who fell under the spell of the eccentric and charming Crozat family will welcome their return...Diane Mott Davidson and Lou Jane Temple fans will line up for this series." —Library Journal
“A tight plot, an appealing setting, and a smart, good-hearted protagonist with a caring, supportive family and lots of friends give this story everything cozy readers could want.” —Publishers Weekly
“Who did the deadly deed? Often amusing characters and plenty of red herrings make Byron’s second Cajun Country mystery an entertaining read.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Body on the Bayou is a perfect mix of Southern charm, spicy people, fantastic food, and murder...Once again, Ellen Byron has given us a murder mystery masterpiece!" —Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick
"Southern charm and humor permeate Ellen Byron’s Body on the Bayou, a Louisiana murder mystery rife with suspenseful twists, relationship drama, and delectable cooking...Aside from the backdrop, the characters are the most compelling aspect of the novel, as even minor players possess unique and memorable personalities." —Foreword Reviews, five-star review
"Not only is the story a whole lot of fun to read, with a historical plantation setting, but there are also mouthwatering recipes for every reader to sink their teeth into." —Suspense Magazine
"Byron fills this mystery with delightful characters...The story flows nicely and the killer is a surprise." —Noir Journal
"Ellen Byron serves up a veritable feast of different characters, all twisting and turning to keep their own particular secrets hidden from those they would rather keep in the dark...If you like strong flavors in both your books and your food, then this is definitely for you." —Criminal Element
“Byron shares an entertaining look at Southern small town life, with all its complications and friendships, good food, and mysteries while adding humor.” —Kings River Life Magazine
