Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Cajun Kiss of Death: A Cajun Country Mystery" by Ellen Byron

In this 7th book in the 'Cajun Country Mystery' series, amateur sleuth Maggie Crozat helps investigate the murder of a restaurateur. The book can be read as a standalone with respect to the mystery, but it's best to start at the beginning if you want to follow the characters' arcs.

*****

Maggie Crozat is a thirtysomething artist who lives in Pelican, Louisiana.

There Maggie helps her parents run the Crozat Plantation Bed and Breakfast; works as the art manager for the Doucet Plantation tourist attraction; and is newly married to Sheriff's Department Detective Bo Durand.

Maggie is stepmother to Bo's eight-year-old son Xander, who's an art prodigy with Asperger's syndrome.

Pelican has had two popular eateries for years: Abel's Home Cookin'.....

.....and Junie's Oyster Bar and Dance Hall.

In addition, the Crozat B&B dining room, Fais Dough Dough bakery, and Bon Bon Sweets add to the town's culinary treats. The gastronomic choices are expanding, however, with the addition of the high-end Chanson Restaurant.....

.....run by celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson.

As the Chanson Restaurant is opening, some of the personnel are staying at the Crozat B&B, where Maggie can sense tension among the staff. This is especially true of Philippe's ex-wife Kate - who manages the Chanson group, and Philippe's current girlfriend Becca - who's the sous-chef.

Also present is a ghostwriter named Dyer Gossmer, who's penning Philippe's autobiography, but is forbidden to put in any juicy stuff. This galls the author, who's hoping to revive his declining career.

The other restaurateurs in Pelican soon learn that Philippe is an unscrupulous man who steals recipes and uses unethical tactics. This becomes clear when Chanson Restaurant starts serving the fillet-of-catfish po'boy featured at Abel's Home Cookin'; and when Junie's Oyster Bar and Dance Hall is framed for health code violations. Even Maggie's mother Ninette - who's the chef for the Crozat B&B - is a victim when Chanson Restaurant starts offering her calas (fried rice fritters) dessert.

All three wronged chefs are angry at Philippe, and publicly voice their dismay.

Thus, when Philippe is murdered the suspects include Abel, JJ (owner of Junie's), and Ninette. Maggie is determined to clear their names, and inveigles herself into Chanson's staff to investigate.

As this is going on, Maggie is taking art lessons with renowned painter Vi De Lavallade; getting ready for Valentine's Day; curating a wedding gown exhibit; dealing with an anonymous stalker; and helping plan a fundraiser for the Doucet Plantation. The fundraiser will be a gala with delicious food, a silent auction, music by Gaynell and the Gator Girls, and a senior citizen talent show organized by Maggie's grand-mère Charlotte....

.....who's part of a Rosie the Riveter song and dance troupe.

The series' recurring characters make an appearance as well, adding to the fun of the story.

If you want to sample the taste of southern Louisiana (literally, because the books contain recipes), try this series.

Thanks to Netgalley, Ellen Byron, and Crooked Lane Books for a copy of the book.

Recipes in the book include:

Maggie's Beer Bread