A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron The Fifth Vintage Cookbook Mystery
It's Mardi Gras season in New Orleans and that means it's time to party! Ricki James-Diaz is especially excited as this will be her first season celebrating as an adult. Not only that, her boyfriend, Virgil, is this year's king of the krewe of Chew and so she and her Bon Vee friends will be right in the midst of the action. What Ricki didn't realize was the time commitment involved, not only with krewe of Chew, but the myriad of other krewes, parades, and activities. Not to mention the cost! All this socializing gains Ricki some new friends, notably Jessica Fortier, whose husband, Jax, is captain of the krewe of Chew. After a krewe event that featured Jessica in a physical fight with Jax's mistress Jax is found dead. The spouse is always a suspect, especially after such a public altercation, so Jessica asks Ricki to look into things, after all, this isn't Ricki's first murder. But with a new detective on the case Ricki finds herself persona non grata. Will she solve another murder and survive Mardi Gras season?
A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS made me long to visit New Orleans and even contemplate a trip to enjoy the Mardi Gras revelry in person. The descriptions were so lush, with exquisite detail I felt transported. Since I don't like crowds I'm happy to enjoy the festivities vicariously. In addition to the environment, I enjoy hanging out with Ricki and her friends. Funny, quirky, each with a good heart, they're a joy to spend time with, even if that time is in a book. Of course, there's drama too with Virgil's ex back on the scene, mean girls, and murder!
An exquisitely plotted mystery with the backdrop of Mardi Gras makes A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS an absolute delight. Grab some king cake and settle in for the fun of the fifth Vintage Cookbook Mystery.
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!
About Ellen Byron
Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, 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. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.
ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER by Ellen Byron The Third Golden Motel Mystery
The towns of Foundgold and Goldsgone are celebrating the birthday of
Angus Sprockles, the man who made the area a historic site. Festivities begin with the opening
of a time capsule with the big event being the Sprockles Railroad Halloween-themed
fundraiser for the Historical Society featuring former child star Dougie
Keefer. After a wonderful event the last of the organizers are ready to
take the train ride back only to find Moses Sprockles dead on the
track. With murky jurisdiction, multiple law enforcement agencies soon
descend upon the scene. Dee Stern, former screenwriter and new motelier
is more than happy to leave this murder to the professionals. That is
until her dad asks her to investigate the death of his friend. Did the
murder have something to do with the silver spike from the time capsule?
Or perhaps something related to Moses' work as a notary? With the
Golden Motel once again associated with murder Dee and her partner,
Jeff, will don their sleuthing hats and try to solve another murder.
It's fun being back in Foundgold, California, especially during Halloween time. I love how Dee, her father, and Jeff really get into the spirit of things, helping families make memories, and bringing back old time fun. Like Dee, I can't stand the concept of influencers. And we have a few annoying ones here. In fact, there are plenty of shifty characters, along with favorite regulars. I'm especially fond of Ma'am and Mr. Ma'am and loved how Serena showed a decided edge. No trophy wife, she has smarts, a strong backbone, and is not someone with whom to trifle! I also love Bud, the bear.
In addition to murder, the third Golden Motel Mystery gives readers some relationship drama. Despite unpleasant changes there are hints of something special on the horizon, and plenty of laughs as well. The mystery was interesting with several suspects, the aforementioned shifty characters, red herrings. and very real threats, all which kept me interested and engaged.
Railroad aficionados, fans of the Old West, and anyone who enjoys a well written novel with unique characters will enjoy ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER, a fun Halloween themed mystery.
All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery)by Ellen Byron
About All Aboard for Murder
All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting - California Publisher: Kensington Cozies Publication Date: July 28, 2026 Print Length: 288 pages
Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running her Golden Motel in the quaint California village she moved to, leaving behind her LA life as a sitcom writer. But a killer sees the town’s Halloween celebration as a golden opportunity to write a script for murder . . .
It’s October in Gold Rush country and all manner of tricks and treats are happening in the lead-up to Halloween. October also happens to be the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man responsible for the town being designated a historic landmark, and the residents are celebrating his memory as well. His only living descendant, Moses Sprockles, runs the narrow-gauge railroad—once used to ferry lumber from the mountains to the sawmill, now a tourist attraction. The Sprockles Railroad is hosting a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society.
But when a body is found on the tracks, it’s not a Halloween prank. It’s Moses himself, seemingly felled by a fallen tree branch. Dee’s dad Sam is convinced his friend is the victim of foul play and urges his daughter to apply her sleuthing skills. Dee’s train of thought leads her to suspects ranging from a former child star and one-hit wonder, the owner of a nail salon with her claws in everything, and even the mayor. When a self-proclaimed ghost hunter throws his hat in the ring and claims to know who did it, the investigation really goes off the rails. No matter how crazy things get, Dee is determined to blow the whistle on a runaway killer with a one-track mind.
About Ellen Byron
Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, 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. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.
I'm currently reading All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron. This book is the third in the Golden Motel Mystery series and will be released next week.
The towns of Foundgold and Goldsgone are celebrating the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man made the area a historic site. From the opening of a time capsule to the Sprockles Railroad Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society featuring former child star Dougie Keefer. After a wonderful event the last of the organizers are ready to take the train ride back only to find Moses Sprockles dead on the track. With murky jurisdiction, multiple law enforcement agencies soon descend upon the scene. Dee Stern, former screenwriter and new motelier is more than happy to leave this murder to the professionals. That is until her dad asks her to investigate the death of his friend. Did the murder have something to do with the silver spike from the time capsule? Or perhaps something related to Moses' work as a notary? With the Golden Motel once again associated with murder Dee and her partner, Jeff, will don their sleuthing hats and try to solve another murder.
CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS by Ellen Byron The Fourth Vintage Kitchen Mystery
As Ricki James-Diaz prepares Miss Vee's Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware
Shop for Christmas her boyfriend, Chef Virgil Morel, has exciting news.
He's creating and producing a holiday special featuring the food of New
Orleans and filming it right at Bon Vee. As producer he can hire his
own production team and was able to coax a talented cameraman out of
retirement-Luis James-Diaz, Ricki's father! Thrilled that both of her
parents have come from Puerto Vallarta and will be staying in town
through the holidays Ricki can't wait to spend time with them and
perhaps jog some memories out of her mom regarding her birth
mother. While her adoptive parents have been nothing but supportive when
it comes to Ricki's quest to find more information about her birth
parents things change when Ricki discovers that Phyllis Gibbs, who
worked in medical records at the hospital where Ricki was born, is alive
and well and living in New Orleans. The mere mention of the woman's
name shuts her mother down and a brief meeting with the woman even puts
Ricki on alert. When Phyllis is found dead the next morning everyone is
stunned and when her death is deemed suspicious Ricki is nervous, for if
a list was made of people who wanted Phyllis dead her parents' names
would be right on top!
The Vintage Kitchen Mystery series keeps getting better and this fourth outing is my favorite thus far! It's wonderful having Ricki's parents in town and I love how her mom gets right into sleuth mode! Theo's furtiveness made me wonder what he was up too and I was considering something nefarious. The Krewe drama was fascinating-and I'm so glad I never had to deal with anything like that growing up.The ending of the mystery was exciting and satisfying, but the end of the book itself was a true Christmas gift! What a wonderful ending and beginning in one.
I love the vintage cookbook aspect to this series. Like Ricki. I also collect old cookbooks. I love looking through them even though I rarely if ever cook them. I enjoy reading the recipes included in CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS. I find the recipe for almond soup most intriguing, even though if I stay true to form I won't bother trying to make it! That being said, I really appreciate having these recipes available.
CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS is a delightful Christmas mystery celebrating food, family, and friendship in the heart of New Orleans!
It's Christmas. It's cozy. It's culinary. It's chaos! It's the fourth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
Have yourself a merry little . . . murder?
Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her parents arrive in New Orleans for the holidays. Not only is it a chance to catch up, it’s also an opportunity to jog her mom Josepha’s memory about Ricki’s adoption. The details have always been shrouded in mystery. And Ricki understands why when she learns her mother was blackmailed for years, simply for not wanting to lose her precious daughter.
But digging into the past soon lands the James-Diaz clan in water hotter than a big pot of gumbo! When the woman who extorted Ricki’s mom is found dead at her home, Josepha becomes the primary suspect. Now Ricki has another murder to solve, and tracking down a killer in Crescent City is going to take a miracle.
Luckily, ‘tis the season! And Ricki has all the staff at the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum on hand to help. Can she prove her mother’s innocence and have the case wrapped up in time for Christmas?
Since Eugenia was possibly the last purist on the planet who refused to put up a single strand of Christmas lights before Thanksgiving, the day after turned into an all-hands-on deck day of decorating for the holidays instead of Black Friday. Ricki was grateful to landlady Kitty Kat for hosting her parents, freeing her up to turn Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware into a must-shop holiday destination.
Olivia Felice, Eugenia’s granddaughter—which made her another of Ricki’s newly discovered cousins—blew into the shop through its mullioned glass French doors. Miss Vee’s was located in a lovely room formerly known as the nineteenth century mansion’s “Ladies Parlor.” Pale green damask covered its walls and ornate molding painted white encircled the room. A glistening chandelier dangled from an intricately carved ceiling medallion. The instant Ricki had stepped foot in the parlor it felt like the perfect home for a gift shop dedicated to sharing the culinary past with fans of all things vintage.
“Ugh, I’m so glad to be here and out of the school library. Can I tell you how much I hate finals?” Olivia accompanied the statement with an eye roll and flip of her thick, dirty blonde ponytail. A junior at Tulane majoring in Communication, she’d added a minor in Psychology, motivated by a recent misjudgment of someone’s character that had almost led to her death. She’d transitioned from intern to Ricki’s sole part-time employee and lifetime young friend as well as relative.
“I’m glad you’re here. I could use help decorating this.” Ricki motioned to an artificial Christmas tree that exceeded her petite height by a foot. “I think I’ve bought up food-themed ornaments at every thrift shop in town. I thought we could fill in with smaller kitchenware items like these old measuring spoons.” She held up a set of nesting tin spoons. “Every item on the tree will be for sale, so I’m going with white lights. Colored lights would be too busy.”
“I’m on it.” Olivia reached into one of two big boxes loaded with holiday paraphernalia. She pulled out a long strand of tiny white lights. “And no, I haven’t heard anything from a krewe.”
“I was afraid to ask.”
While Ricki was born in the Big Easy, she’d moved to Los Angeles as a child when Josepha met and married Luis. She was still learning the ways of the quirky city she now called home. Olivia had educated her on the machinations of krewes, the organizations responsible for the city’s elaborate Mardi Gras parades and balls. The krewes chose local young women, mostly debutantes, for their courts. While carnival season didn’t officially kick off until January 6th—Twelfth Night—invitations to join the courts were delivered much earlier via a “court call” paid to the future queen and maids by representatives of the krewe. New Orleans may celebrate the winter holidays in a big way, but to Ricki, the local greeting of “Happy Almost Mardi Gras!” made the city’s priorities clear.
Olivia threaded the lights through the tree’s branches. “I honestly don’t care if I get a court call or not. I might even say no if they ask me to be on one.”
“Liar,” Ricki teased.
A fierce squawking disrupted the conversation. Ricki and Olivia dropped what they were doing to peer outside the shop’s bay window, where they saw Bon Vee’s resident peacocks Gumbo and Jambalaya chasing co-worker Theo Charbonnet—Eugenia’s nephew and yet another cousin to Ricki—across the mansion’s verdant green side yard.
“You OK?” Ricki called to Theo.
“I read somewhere that the Victorians put stuffed peacocks on top of their trees instead of stars or angels,” he called back. “Think about it.”
He disappeared around the corner.
The women left the window and resumed decorating. “Have you noticed Cousin Theo’s been acting more weird than usual?” Olivia asked as she added a second strand of lights to the tree.
“I wouldn’t call it weird,” Ricki said. “More like he’s being squirrelly. Secretive. I think he’s up to something.”
“That’s a scary thought.”
Ricki nodded in agreement. While she and Theo had achieved a rapprochement, she still wasn’t sure she could completely trust him.
“So, your parents are really nice,” Olivia said, providing a change of subject.
“Oh, thanks. They’re the best. I’m so glad you got to meet them.”
“Are you going to do anything special while they’re here? Like, a swamp tour or something?”
Ricki, who was about to hang a ceramic beignet ornament, paused. “Actually . . . since Dad will be busy on the TV shoot, I thought Mom and I could work together and dig up clues about my bio mom.”
Ricki had been abandoned as an infant New Orleans’ infamous Charity Hospital, her teen mother disappearing after giving birth. She thanked the universe for Josepha, a NICU nurse who fell in love with the parentless baby and adopted her, parenting as a single mother until she met and fell in love with Luis, who happened to be in town working on a film.
Ricki adored her parents beyond belief, but questions about her past drove her to seek answers. So far, she’d learned that Genevieve Charbonnet had secretly given birth to a baby who would have been Ricki’s grandparent. Her friend Mordant, who’d added private investigator to a list of occupations that included haunted tour guide and Bon Vee handyman, had tracked down the father of Genevieve’s baby. Sadly, he’d died at the age of twenty-four of a rare heart condition.
Ricki resumed hanging ornaments. “Mordant hasn’t been able to come up with any leads since he discovered my great-grandfather’s grave. And I haven’t come across any new connections on my genealogy sites. I thought I’d drive Mom around to some of the places from when we lived here and see if anything jogs a memory that might be useful.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’m starving.”
Ricki grinned, amused by Olivia’s 180-degree turn to her own needs. “You keep decorating, I’ll get us a snack.”
She left the shop and headed down the mansion’s capacious center hallway. Cookie waved from the beautifully appointed living room, which she was showing off to a group of tourists. Bon Vee was currently low on both tour guides, who were paid part-timers, and docents who volunteered their time, so Cookie and other staff members had been drafted to lead tours.
“An iced coffee would be great. It’s on me.” Cookie reached into the phone pocket of her leggings and extracted a twenty. She gave it to Ricki. “Plenty more where this came from,” she said in a low voice. “This group’s a mix of Houston and Dallas-ites, or whatever you call ’em. We just started the tour and they’re already trying to out-tip each other to prove their city is better.”
“Nice.”
“I want to buy Nat the best Christmas present I can, so I need these groups to make it rain.” Cookie rubbed her thumb to her index and middle finger, indicating money. She was dating the neighbor next door to Bon Vee and determined to make him the future Mr. Cookie Yanover. “Any idea what you’re getting Virgil?”
Ricki continued down the hallway, embarrassed by her obvious change of subject and feeling guilty because she hadn’t even thought about getting Virgil a gift. It’s because our relationship is so new, she told herself, batting back the insecurity that led her to fear she and the handsome, successful chef weren’t destined to go the distance.
*
By the time Olivia reluctantly left a few hours later to continue studying for finals, Miss Vee’s was decorated to the point of kitschy. No shelf was left untouched by thrift shop Santas, nutcrackers, ornaments, and a variety of small artificial trees in materials ranging from silvery mylar to one made of oyster shells wired together as branches. Ricki’s favorites were the items that were Louisiana-themed, like the alligator nutcracker wearing a Santa hat, which claimed a space next to a ceramic ornament of Santa riding an alligator.
“You could put together a whole display of gator items.”
Ricki started, not realizing she had company. She turned to see Josepha. “Mom, hey.” The women hugged.
“I thought your dad might wanna have dinner, but he and Virgil still have a lot to go over. He’s taking a break, though.”
Josepha indicated the bay window. Ricki glanced out of it and saw Luis doing a series of choreographed movements in slow motion. “Dad’s still doing tai chi?”
“Yup. It relaxes him. And Lord knows that man could use some relaxing.” Josepha delivered this in a droll but affectionate tone. “Anyhoo, I thought me and my darlin’ daughter might go out for dinner.”
“A giant yes to that.” A thought occurred to Ricki. “I just want to make one stop on the way.”
Ricki locked up the shop and led her mother to the small staff lot where she parked her Prius. They followed Washington Avenue past lovely historic homes swathed in holiday lights and garlands, eventually reaching Claiborne Avenue, a much less scenic thoroughfare of dollar stores, gas stations, and fast-food restaurants. Ricki made a right on Tulane Avenue, followed by two more right turns that placed them in front of what was once Charity Hospital, rendered uninhabitable after Hurricane Katrina and now on the cusp of a new life as Tulane University’s new downtown medical school. Scaffolding covered the center of the massive twenty-story edifice, but even at the tail end of twilight much of the building’s 1930s structure was still evident and impressive despite years of decay.
Josepha stared out the car window, her expression unreadable. “Why are we here?”
“You haven’t been to New Orleans in so long. I thought maybe seeing Charity again might bring back memories.”
“About your bio mom.”
Ricki nodded. Josepha clasped her hand and held it tight as she continued to stare out the window. She and Luis had been nothing but supportive in Ricki’s quest for answers about her past but Ricki sensed her mother’s pain as she took in the abandoned monolith where she’d once pursued a career she loved.
The two were silent for several minutes. “I wish I could remember something that would help,” Josepha finally said in a husky voice. “All I keep seeing is your tiny body in the NICU and how my heart broke for you and how that turned into burning, all-consuming passion to be your mama.”
“Oooh . . .” Ricki fought back tears. “I’m sorry, Mom. I shouldn’t have brought you here.”
“Nothing to be sorry about, baby girl.” Josepha gave Ricki’s hand another squeeze then released it. “I’m glad to see the old place and know it’s gonna be brought back to do good things in this city. Hey, we’re not too far from Mother’s restaurant here. I could go for one of their oyster po’boys.”
“Let’s do it,” Ricki said, knowing a change of subject when she heard one.
Ricki circled back to Tulane Avenue. As they drove, Josepha cheerfully recalled memories inspired by locations they passed. Ricki noted that none involved Charity or her experiences as a nurse. Ricki mused that perhaps it was too painful for Josepha to recall that time in her life. But another thought loomed larger: Josepha was hiding something.
And what she was hiding was tied to Ricki’s birth.
***
Excerpt from Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron. Copyright 2025 by Ellen Byron. Reproduced with permission from Ellen Byron. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
Ellen Byron is a USA Today bestselling author and recipient of multiple Agatha (Best Contemporary Novel) and Lefty (Best Humorous Mystery) awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries (published by Crooked Lane), Vintage Cookbook Mysteries (Berkley and Severn House), Catering Hall Mysteries (Kensington, as Maria DiRico) and Golden Motel Mysteries (Kensington). She is also an Anthony Award nominee and an award-winning playwright.
Byron spent twenty-five years writing TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, plus pilots for all the major networks, before segueing into writing humorous mysteries. She blogs with Chicks on the Case, is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America, and serves on the national board of Mystery Writers of America. But she’ll always consider her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for the iconic Martha Stewart.
A native New Yorker, Byron is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups.
I'm currently reading Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron. This book is the fourth in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series and was released yesterday!
As Ricki James-Diaz prepares Miss Vee's Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop for Christmas her boyfriend, Chef Virgil Morel, has exciting news. He's creating and producing a holiday special featuring the food of New Orleans and filming it right at Bon Vee. As producer he can hire his own production team and was able to coax a talented cameraman out of retirement-Luis James-Diaz, Ricki's father! Thrilled that both of her parents have come from Puerto Vallarta and will be staying in town through the holidays Ricki can't wait to spend time with them and perhaps jog some memories out of her mom regarding her birth mother.While her adoptive parents have been nothing but supportive when it comes to Ricki's quest to find more information about her birth parents things change when Ricki discovers that Phyllis Gibbs, who worked in medical records at the hospital where Ricki was born, is alive and well and living in New Orleans. The mere mention of the woman's name shuts her mother down and a brief meeting with the woman even puts Ricki on alert. When Phyllis is found dead the next morning everyone is stunned and when her death is deemed suspicious Ricki is nervous, for if a list was made of people who wanted Phyllis dead her parents' names would be right on top!
Happy Halloween! On this rainy All Hallow's Eve I thought I'd share some favorite spooky reads.
I don't read horror, but I do enjoy a spooky read once in a while. If you want something spine tingling good you need to read the Pluto Snitch Mystery series by Carolyn Haines. THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED is the first book in the series. While Carolyn does write cozy mysteries, this isn't one of them! I'd classify it as Southern Gothic. Speaking of Gothic, I just finished reading THE BELL TOLLS AT TRAEGER HALL by Jaime Jo Wright.You can check out my review Sunday!
Of course any paranormal mystery would fit the bill, but especially one set at Halloween like the sixth Ghostly Fashionista Mystery, CORSETS AND CASUALTIES by Gayle Leeson.
What about a whole series set in a town that is devoted to this holiday? CHAOS AT THE LAZY BONES BOOKSHOP by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in the Halloween Bookshop Mystery series.
There are so many wonderful books out there, books with ghosts, witches, and vampires, books set at Halloween, spooky books, funny books! No matter what kind of books you enjoy I hope you're able to curl up with a great one this Halloween!
SOLID GOLD MURDER by Ellen Byron The Second Golden Motel Mystery
Foundgold and Goldsgone are in the midst of a modern day Gold Rush after Dee Stern accidentally posts a video of a guest finding real gold in her sluice. Happy that her motel is completely booked and hailed as a hero by surrounding merchants for for their now booming businesses, Dee is nevertheless apprehensive. Her anxiety increases when a 20something tech billionaire and his entourage descend on her motel. Dealing with the obnoxious Sylvan Burr is one thing, but Dee also has to jump through Verity's hoops in order to join Goldsgone's craft fair. When Sylvan goes missing and is later found dead only his girlfriend seems to be grieving. But are they crocodile tears? Almost everyone else recently threatened the young man, including Dee's father and her business partner and best friend. Dee will have to determine just why Sylvan came to Foundgold. Perhaps then she can figure out who killed him!
With plenty of laugh out loud moments I truly enjoyed my second visit to the Golden Motel. I love the camaraderie of Dee and her friends, even when things get tough they manage to stick together and try to work things out. I especially love the relationship between Dee and her business partner, best friend, and ex-husband, Jeff. They make a great team, whether it be managing their motel or breaking in someplace to investigate a murder. With no romantic overtones he simply has her back. The secondary characters more than pull their weight and I'm happy to see more of Dee's dad.
Annoying young people with no social skills and more money than they know what to do with are prime candidates for murder and SOLID GOLD MURDER takes good advantage. I love how history intertwined with the mystery and of course enjoyed Dee trying to get around the dastardly Verity "Yes-that-Donner" Gillespie.
While there may be no Solid Gold Dancers SOLID GOLD MURDER is even more entertaining with engaging characters, friendship drama, a complex mystery, gold, and a bear named Bud.
Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries)by Ellen Byron
About Solid Gold Murder
Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting - California Publisher: Kensington Cozies Publication date: July 29, 2025 Print length: 272 pages
Dee Stern’s Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains promises a tranquil getaway for outdoor lovers in the scenic Californian village of Foundgold. But when Dee accidentally triggers a modern gold rush, she suddenly turns her peaceful retreat into a hotspot for mayhem and murder . . .
With the summer season looming, former Hollywood sitcom writer Dee Stern has one small goal—scrubbing her motel’s unflattering moniker as the “Murder Motel.” Dee and ex-husband-turned-business-partner Jeff Cornetta are excited to introduce a family-friendly panning activity complete with fool’s gold just in time for the peak tourist months. Except neither could have anticipated the discovery of a real gold nugget or the ensuing social media frenzy. In a flash, the viral sensation draws grizzled prospectors, wide-eyed adventurers, and trend-chasing thrill seekers to the abandoned mines scattered around the woods . . .
The instant popularity proves great for business, but it also attracts a group of out-of-touch Silicon Valley techies with dreams of striking it rich—again. Dee finds herself particularly annoyed by the insufferably smug Sylvan Burr, a retired CEO who sold his startup before age 30 and won’t let anyone forget it. But things take a sinister turn when Sylvan meets a grim fate at the bottom of a mineshaft, leaving Dee at the center of a deadly mystery that could end her days as a motelier. And while Sylvan had plenty of enemies, Dee suddenly faces adversaries rooting against her own success. Now, with her life and the future of the Golden Motel hanging by a thread, Dee must unearth a minefield of suspects and outwit a greedy killer before she finally digs herself too deep . . .
About Ellen Byron
Ellen is a bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico), and Golden Motel Mysteries. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, 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. Visit her at http://www.ellenbyron.com/.
I'm pleased to welcome Ricki James-Diaz to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Ricki on the pages of the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT is the third book in the series and was released earlier this month.
Hi, Ricki James-Diaz here, proprietor of Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop in Bon Vee Culinary Museum, the largest mansion in New Orleans’ Garden District. I recently left Los Angeles and moved to NOLA, the city where I was born and lived until I was eight years old. I’ve given my life a jumpstart by fulfilling my dream of creating a store for people who share my fascination with cookbooks and kitchenware from past decades.
Why do I need to jumpstart my life, you ask? Well, I made some questionable choices in Los Angeles, like impulsively marrying a struggling, self-involved actor. With his career – and as it turned out, our relationship - going nowhere, Chris started filming dumb stunts and posting them on the internet. He took the name Chris-azy!, and suddenly became an internet star. Sadly, while doing the Marshmallow Challenge where the goal was to see how many marshmallows he could stuff in his mouth, he choked on one and passed away. We were separated but not divorced, which has led to my current status as a twenty-eight-year-old “young widow,” a term I’ve come to hate, along with the sort of patronizing tone people in people’s voices when they use it.
But my goal is to keep moving forward and I’m doing exactly that here in New Orleans. I’m co-parenting two adopted doggies with Virgil Morel, the extremely handsome former chef and current judge on America’s Next Top Southern Chef, who lives across the street from me and I happen to be dating; a couple of murders that involved Bon Vee haven’t stunted my shop’s success, thank goodness; and it’s Halloween in New Orleans! I haven’t celebrated here since I was a kid. I had the idea of turning Bon Vee into a haunted house at night, which the whole staff is incredibly excited about. The only problem is our nasty new neighbor next door, Miranda Fine. She’s the assistant to some actor who bought the house on a whim, it seems.
Oh no… oh no!
I just found out exactly who that actor is: Blaine Taggart, my late husband’s best friend and the man I consider responsible for Chris’s death. He’s the one who talked Chris into doing the stupid internet stunt that killed him. I thought Blaine was out of my life forever, and now he’s our neighbor? My life just got much more complicated.
But not as complicated as life for everyone here at Bon Vee is about to get.
We just discovered that the dummy in the prop tomb on our Haunted House tour isn’t a dummy. It’s the body of Miranda Fine. And it looks like her death was no accident. She was murdered.. And even though New Orleans proudly bills itself as “The most haunted city in America,” I’m guessing the killer wasn’t a ghost.
FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT by Ellen Byron The Third Vintage Cookbook Mystery
New Orleans loves a holiday and it’s going all out for Halloween. With a
multitude of activities all over town Ricki James-Diaz and her
co-workers decide to get in on the action by transforming the Bon Vee
Culinary House Museum into a haunted house with tableaus inside the
mansion and an old shed turned into a crypt outside. During the dress
rehearsal the staff are shocked to find a real dead body inside the
crypt. The victim happens to be the insufferable assistant of their new
next door neighbor, the same woman making their lives a misery. With the
New Orleans Police Department beyond busy with all of the Halloween
happenings and since pretty much everyone at Bon Vee is a suspect it
only makes sense they work together once again to solve yet another
murder at their property.
Ricki's LA past comes back to haunt her in the third Vintage Cookbook Mystery. While preparing for her first Halloween in New Orleans since childhood she has to deal with neighbors causing problems and ultimately comes face to face with a person from her past she'd rather exorcise from her life. Add murder to the mix as well as hints to her own family mystery and it's another challenging time for Ricki James-Diaz.
I love Halloween and I really enjoyed seeing how the people of New Orleans and the characters of the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series celebrate. The matching costumes of Benny and Jenny, detailed descriptions of decorations, and the camaraderie of friends celebrating make me want to spend Halloween with them in the Big Easy.
I really enjoyed not only the mystery, but how Ricki and her co-workers investigate; working together, albeit with different methods. I appreciate how Ricki deals with disappointment in regards to her investigatory work and her relationships. I also liked learning more about Nina and seeing how she keeps Ricki on her toes. And, of course, I love the addition of Red.
Combining the celebratory atmosphere of New Orleans with a well plotted mystery FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT is the perfect mystery read to get you into the Halloween spirit!
French Quarter Fright Night (Vintage Cookbook)by Ellen Byron
About French Quarter Fright Night
French Quarter Fright Night (Vintage Cookbook) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting - the Garden District of New Orleans Publisher: Severn House (September 3, 2024) Hardcover: 256 pages
The third in the fabulous cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Ellen Byron.
Welcome to the Bon Veeevil Festival of Fear! Prepare for the spookiest night of your life . . .
It's Halloween in New Orleans, and the staff of Bon Vee Culinary House Museum is setting up a fantastic haunted house tour for their visitors. But when flashy movie star Blaine Taggart and his entourage move into the mansion next door, gift shop proprietor Ricki James-Diaz gets a fright of her own.
While Ricki is excited about the potential business the tours will bring to her vintage cookbook shop, she's less thrilled by former friend Blaine's arrival in town. Then Bon Vee's prop tomb becomes a real tomb for Blaine's nasty assistant, and suddenly everyone at Bon Vee is a murder suspect. There isn't a ghost of a chance one of them committed the crime, but with NOPD busy tackling the mischief and mayhem generated by the spooky holiday, it falls on Ricki and her friends to catch the killer.
As the Big Easy gears up for the Big Scary, it seems everyone has skeletons in their closets. Can Ricki reveal the shadowy killer before someone else becomes part of the Halloween horror show?
About Ellen Byron
Ellen is a USA Today bestselling author, Anthony nominee, and recipient of multiple Agatha and Lefty awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, and Catering Hall Mysteries (as Maria DiRico). Her new series, The Golden Motel Mysteries, recently debuted. She is also an award-winning playwright and non-award-winning writer of TV hits like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents, but considers her most impressive achievement working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. Visit her at Cozy Mysteries | Ellen Byron | Author
I am currently reading French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron. This book is the third book in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series and was released last week.
New Orleans loves a holiday and it’s going all out for Halloween. With a multitude of activities all over town Ricki James-Diaz and her co-workers decide to get in on the action by transforming the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum into a haunted house with tableaus inside the mansion and an old shed turned into a crypt outside. During the dress rehearsal the staff are shocked to find a real dead body inside the crypt. The victim happens to be the insufferable assistant of their new next door neighbor, the same woman making their lives a misery. With the New Orleans Police Department beyond busy with all of the Halloween happenings and since pretty much everyone at Bon Vee is a suspect it only makes sense they work together once again to solve yet another murder at their property.
Today I'd like to welcome Ellen Byron back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Ellen
starts a new series with A VERY WOODY MURDER which was released this
week.
Kathy: You start a new series with A VERY WOODSY MURDER. Why branch out into
the woods?
EB: My family had a cottage on a lake in the Connecticut
countryside for over thirty years. I love the country and California is
filled with gorgeous, bucolic regions my husband
and I have visited. And on my very first trip to CA, my great-aunt took
me to Columbia State Historic Park and the impression it made has
lingered with me ever since. My agent and I were batting around ideas
for a new series. He brought up Schitt’s Creek,
which my husband and I watched from the moment it debuted on PopTV. We
love Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara and will watch them in anything!
Anyway, the mashup of Hacks meets
Schitt’s Creek occurred to me. It was a way of incorporating my
past as a sitcom writer into a series without having to set a series in
the actual sitcom world, which felt too close to me.
Kathy: The Golden Motel is a prime example of mid-century modern. Is this a favorite design aesthetic
for you?
EB: It’s actually a rustic, ranchy mid-century look versus the
sleek look of Googie architecture.
I love it all! I grew up with a mother who loved historical
architecture, hence the settings of my Cajun Country and Vintage
Cookbook Mysteries. (Elegant 19th century homes in both
cases.) My parents didn’t appreciate mid-century architecture when
I was growing up. In fact, they hated it. But then Jer and I bought an
MCM ranch house in Studio City, CA, and they became fans! I love it. I’m
totally into the architecture of the 20th century. Really, of all eras. If I wasn’t a writer, I think
I’d be an architectural historian. If there is such a thing.
Kathy: You share some career similarities with protagonist Dee Stern, both being screenwriters. Have you ever
left a career to start a new one? One with which you had no experience?
EB: In a way, my whole writing career
fits the second description. After college, I worked – or looked for
work – as an actress. I did some shows and quite a few commercial
voiceovers. But I didn’t land enough jobs to keep me
busy, so I used my free time to write a play. That kicked off my
writing career. When I first began writing, I’d never studied it before.
But the chairman of my college theatre department told me I should
pursue writing. (She was a lit and crit prof.) I dismissed
it at the time. Years later, when I was transitioning from TV to
writing mysteries, I tracked Professor Baringer down and told he she was
right!
Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?
EB: Aside from the fun of tapping into my former career as a sitcom writer, I
loved the idea of finally setting a series in California, my adopted
state. I’ve always said I’m a New Yorker who
lives in California. With this series, I feel like it’s time to
identify as a Californian. And be proud of it.
Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own
marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of
marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?
EB: I love coming
up with new swag to share with readers and also
coming up with fun takes on my Shameless Shilling Campaigns, which are
my way of owning the fact I have to promote my books and letting my
readers in on the journey. And I really enjoy creating my newsletters.
What I don’t like is the time marketing can eat
up. There are days when I’ve spent so much time marketing that I don’t
have time to write. I also don’t like that I have no way of quantifying
how much my marketing moves the sales needle.
Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?
EB:
Yes! FRENCH QUARTER FRIGHT NIGHT, my 3rd Vintage Cookbook Mystery,
launches on September 3rd. It revolves around Halloween in New Orleans.
I’ve spent a few wonderful
Halloweens in the Big Easy and incorporated some of my experiences into
the book. I’m excited about it!
Burned out from life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles Dee Stern is ready
for a new start and finds it in a crumbling motel at the foot of the
Sierra Nevada mountains. Convincing her best friend Jeff Cornetta
to buy the Golden Motel with her the fledgling moteliers have their
work cut out for them. Their first guest has an agenda, and it's not
helping Dee's new business. When he winds up murdered, the friends are
seen as pariahs...and suspects. With two law enforcement agencies
battling to quickly close the case Dee and Jeff decide it's in their
best interest to try to solve the murder themselves.
Friends with zero hospitality experience decide to open a motel in the middle of nowhere. What could possible go wrong? Fortunately for readers a lot goes wrong-cue in one dastardly screenwriter, murder, and bad pastries, and a lot goes right, snappy dialogue, unique characters, and a lot of humor. There are a few running gags I particularly enjoyed, the one with Emmy and Oscar in particular always made me smile. I really love the relationship between Dee and Jeff and like how they work as a team. Some of the characters are a bit over the top, but fun to have around.
I appreciate the balance between getting their motel up and running and dealing with the citizens of both towns while working with law enforcement and investigating on their own. Several suspects, lots of motives, and more than one red herring made for an enjoyable mystery.
So don't be a cidiot, grab your own copy of A VERY WOODSY MURDER.
I'm currently reading A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron. This book is the first in the Golden Motel Mystery series and was released yesterday!
Burned out from life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles Dee Stern is ready for a new start and finds it in a crumbling motel at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Convincing her best friend Jeff Cornetta to buy the Golden Motel with her the fledgling moteliers have their work cut out for them. Their first guest has an agenda, and it's not helping Dee's new business. When he winds up murdered, the friends are seen as pariahs...and suspects. With two law enforcement agencies battling to quickly close the case Dee and Jeff decide it's in their best interest to try to solve the murder themselves.
I'm currently reading Four Parties and a Funeral by Maria DiRico. This book is the fourth in the Catering Hall Mystery series and will be released March 28, 2023.
Reality TV has come to Belle View! The production company for TheDons of Ditmars Boulevard have arrived filming the pilot they hope to sell to the networks. Now Belle View Catering Hall is filled with wannabe reality stars, including some Family members looking to become TV celebrities. When the production company's smarmy CEO winds up dead Little D becomes the prime suspect, after all he is the son of a real Don and is romantically involved with the victim's ex-wife. Mia Carina will have to prove his innocence while corralling the dons and donettes as the film crew tries to create more drama. At least she can count on Shane for support. Or can she?
WINED AND DIED IN NEW ORLEANS by Ellen Byron The Second Vintage Cookbook Mystery
Hurricane warnings have Ricki James-Diaz flustered even more than the low sales at Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop that she runs at the Bon
Vee Culinary House Museum. The exciting discovery of wine hidden under the
mansion since the mid 1800s could solve the historic home's financial
woes. Facing her fear of social media, Ricki posts about the find,
hoping to lure prospective buyers for the auction. Instead she lures
shady Charbonnet relatives, all looking to
cash in. When the head interloper in murdered on the property with
vintage kitchenware from Ricki's shop police aim their sights at the New
Orleans Charbonnet clan. In order to prove
Eugenia's innocence Ricki will have to look into the Charbonnet family
history and the financial problems that may have created a killer.
The weather isn't the only thing that's stormy in the second Vintage Cookbook mystery when family and romantic relationships collide with murder! The mystery was clever with several motives, sketchy characters, and lots of avenues to explore. I like how Ricki's relationship with NOLA PD is improving, indeed how a friendship is forming. I'm also pleased with the different romantic relationships slowly evolving.
WINED AND DIED IN NEW ORLEANS rocks. Seedy relatives arriving like leeches, an annoying Gen Z who turns invaluable, and an assistant with a black heart all assail Bon Vee and add plenty of drama and fun. The characters are really coming into their own in this second outing. They're more vibrant and less flighty. I'm still not a fan of Cookie, but I don't dislike her as much, and I enjoy seeing the other friendships grow. Clarissa was a good addition, making trouble for Ricki and being a good villain. Ricki showed more restraint for dealing with her that I would have!
WINED AND DIED IN NEW ORLEANS is a fast paced New Orleans adventure with troubled families, rare wine, and devious behavior all mixing under the threat of a hurricane.
The second in a fantastic new cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
It’s hurricane season in New Orleans and vintage cookbook fan Ricki James-Diaz is trying to shelve her weather-related fears and focus on her business, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop, housed in the magnificent Bon Vee Culinary House Museum.
Repairs on the property unearth crates of very old, very valuable French wine, buried by the home’s builder, Jean-Louis Charbonnet. Ricki, who’s been struggling to attract more customers to Miss Vee’s, is thrilled when her post about the discovery of this long-buried treasure goes viral. She’s less thrilled when the post brings distant Charbonnet family members out of the woodwork, all clamoring for a cut of the wine’s sale.
When a dead body turns up in Bon Vee’s cheery fall decorations, the NOPD zeroes in on Eugenia Charbonnet Felice as the prime suspect, figuring that as head of the Charbonnet family, she has the most to gain. Ricki is determined to uncover the real culprit, but she can’t help noticing that Eugenia is acting strangely. Ricki wonders what kind of secret her mentor has bottled up, and fears what might happen if she uncorks it.
In the second Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Ricki has to help solve a murder, untangle family secrets, and grow her business, all while living under the threat of a hurricane that could wipe out everything from her home to Bon Vee.
About Ellen Byron
Ellen’s Cajun Country Mysteries have won the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel and multiple Lefty Awards for Best Humorous Mystery. Bayou Book Thief will be the first book in her new Vintage Cookbook Mysteries. She also writes the Catering Hall Mystery series under the name Maria DiRico.
Ellen is an award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly Odd Parents. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. An alum of New Orleans’ Tulane University, she blogs with Chicks on the Case, is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America and will be the 2023 Left Coast Crime Toastmaster. Please visit her at https://www.ellenbyron.com/
I'm currently reading Wined and Died in New Orleans by Ellen Byron. This book is the second in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series and was released yesterday.
Hurricane warnings have Ricki James-Diaz flustered even more than the low sales at Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbook and Kitchenware Shop that she runs at the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. The discovery of wine hidden under the mansion since the mid 1800s could solve the historic home's financial woes. Facing her fear of social media, Ricki posts about the find, hoping to lure prospective buyers for the auction. Instead she lures shady Charbonnet relatives, all looking to cash in. When the head interloper in murdered on the property with vintage kitchenware from Ricki's shop police aim their sights at the New Orleans Charbonnet clan. In order to prove Eugenia's innocence Ricki will have to look into the Charbonnet family history and the financial problems that may have created a killer.
Bayou Book Thief by Ellen Byron The First Vintage Cookbook Mystery
After spending most of her life in California, Ricki James decides to
return to New Orleans, the city of her birth, after the death of her
husband. A lover of vintage cookbooks and kitchen accoutrements, Ricki
has a great idea to open a culinary themed gift shop in Bon Vee, a
Garden District mansion turned museum. Fortunately, the grande dame of
the estate loves the idea and Ricki is soon selling wares and making
friends. While going through boxes of donations, she makes a grisly
discovery, the body of the cantankerous tour guide who was recently
fired for stealing books! When the police appear to shrug off the clues
Ricki's found, she decides to stop sharing and start sleuthing.
The elegance as well as the attempts to hide fading glory and the gritty realness that is New Orleans imbue the first Vintage Cookbook Mystery with a real sense of this wonderful city. That reality also reminds us not to judge a book by its cover! Miracle James-Diaz has a tendency to jump to conclusions. As a book lover she should remember the adage to never judge a book by its cover and readers would be wise to keep that in mind.
The characters truly make BAYOU BOOK THIEF stand out. A young widow with loving and fun parents who nonetheless would like to discover more about her birth, a hot chef with a damaged heart, a lost soul, a rowdy senior, and more intriguing people inhabit the pages and not only make me want to learn more about them, but make me start to care for them. I like Zellah and Kitty while I'm not a fan of Cookie, and I absolutely adore German and want to learn more about Mordant. I'm also a huge fan of Gumbo and Jambalaya.
The murder was intriguing leading to several additional mysteries. I like that while the murder is solved, there are lots of other questions still raised and I'm eager to see developments as the series progresses.
BAYOU BOOK THIEF brings together quirky characters and an engaging mystery in a wonderful setting. Vintage cookbooks, memorable characters, and the intoxicating setting that is New Orleans make this a fantastic start to a new series. Just remember, looks can be deceiving.
A fantastic new cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
Twenty-eight-year-old widow Ricki James leaves Los Angeles to start a new life in New Orleans after her showboating actor husband perishes doing a stupid internet stunt. The Big Easy is where she was born and adopted by the NICU nurse who cared for her after Ricki’s teen mother disappeared from the hospital.
Ricki’s dream comes true when she joins the quirky staff of Bon Vee Culinary House Museum, the spectacular former Garden District home of late bon vivant Genevieve “Vee” Charbonnet, the city’s legendary restauranteur. Ricki is excited about turning her avocation – collecting vintage cookbooks – into a vocation by launching the museum’s gift shop, Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbooks and Kitchenware. Then she discovers that a box of donated vintage cookbooks contains the body of a cantankerous Bon Vee employee who was fired after being exposed as a book thief.
The skills Ricki has developed ferreting out hidden vintage treasures come in handy for investigations. But both her business and Bon Vee could wind up as deadstock when Ricki’s past as curator of a billionaire’s first edition collection comes back to haunt her.
Will Miss Vee’s Vintage Cookbooks and Kitchenware be a success … or a recipe for disaster?
About Ellen Byron
Ellen’s Cajun Country Mysteries have won the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel and multiple Lefty Awards for Best Humorous Mystery. Bayou Book Thief will be the first book in her new Vintage Cookbook Mysteries. She also writes the Catering Hall Mystery series under the name Maria DiRico.
Ellen is an award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly Odd Parents. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart. An alum of New Orleans’ Tulane University, she blogs with Chicks on the Case, is a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America and will be the 2023 Left Coast Crime Toastmaster. Please visit her at https://www.ellenbyron.com/
