Cover Reveal ~ A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron

Mar 12, 2017 | Cover Reveal

I’m excited to reveal the cover for third book in the “Cajun Country” mystery series, coming October 10, 2017.

a-cajun-christmas-killing
Title: A Cajun Christmas Killing
Series: Cajun Country #3
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Website: Ellen Byron

Christmas in Cajun Country is magical. Elaborate decorations adorn homes and businesses, and Pelican residents come together for a raucous Christmas Eve festival featuring giant bonfires on the levee that light the way up the river for Papa Noël. But this year, there’s coal in the stockings at Crozat Plantation B&B. Someone is flooding travel websites with vicious negative reviews of the B&B. The culprit may be one of the Crozats’ own holiday guests, among whom is Don Baxter, a nasty businessman who’s an innkeeper’s worst nightmare.

When Baxter is found stabbed to death at Doucet Plantation, where heroine Maggie Crozat works part-time, she and her entire family are considered suspects. They establish alibis, but her boyfriend, Detective Bo Durand, also a suspect, remains under suspicion. With Bo sidelined during the investigation, Maggie finds herself with an unlikely ally, longtime family enemy Rufus Durand. Her sleuthing uncovers a viper’s nests of dysfunctional family dynamics, and puts her in the crosshairs of a murderer. She and Rufus must track down Don Baxter’s killer, or it will be the opposite of a Joyeux Noël for those at Crozat Plantation Bed & Breakfast.

About the author
Ellen’s debut novel, Plantation Shudders, nominated for Agatha, Lefty, and Daphne awards, made the USA Today Bestseller list. Body on the Bayou, the second book in her Cajun Country Mystery Series, is nominated for a 2016 Best Humorous Mystery Lefty, as well as an Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel. She’s written over 200 national magazine articles; published plays include the award-winning Graceland; TV credits include Wings, Just Shoot Me, Fairly OddParents, and pilots. She’s heard things in comedy writing rooms that she can never repeat in mixed company – unless you buy her a drink.

Book is available for pre-order at retail and online booksellers.

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of the first two books, Plantation Shudders and Body on the Bayou. US entries only, please. The giveaway ends March 14, 2017. Good luck everyone!

63 Comments

  1. Gram
    Gram on March 12, 2017 at 7:13 am

    I read Plantation Shudders and am looking forward to the next in the series.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:38 pm

      thanks so much!

  2. holdenj
    holdenj on March 12, 2017 at 7:29 am

    I love it!! Seems to represent a Southern holiday well…no snow! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:39 pm

      LOL, can make it a little hard to sell the holiday theme. But notice how the branches are a bit bare under the Spanish moss.

  3. Grace K.
    Grace K. on March 12, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Great cover and a Christmas mystery too! I loved reading Plantation Shudders and Body on the Bayou, so don’t include me in the drawing. Looking forward to reading Cajun Country Mystery #3, Ellen!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:39 pm

      Thanks, Grace! See you in HI (assuming it’s you) 😉

      • Grace K.
        Grace K. on March 14, 2017 at 1:51 am

        Yes, Ellen, it is the Grace you met at LCC2016. See you in HI!!

  4. ellie
    ellie on March 12, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I would enjoy these intriguing books. What a wonderful giveaway.

  5. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on March 12, 2017 at 10:26 am

    This is a great series! I have read and enjoyed them both, and look forward to the next in the series! Thanks Dru Ann. 🙂 Thanks Ellen for your generous giveaway.

  6. noraadrienne
    noraadrienne on March 12, 2017 at 10:36 am

    I love the series and have read both books. I’d kill to own them, so toss my name into the magic contest hat please Dru.

  7. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on March 12, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Love the cover. Thanks for a chance to win copies of your books.

  8. Linda MH
    Linda MH on March 12, 2017 at 10:41 am

    This is a wonderful series, and I’ve recommended it to all my friends! I loved both books and would be thrilled to win a print copy of them. Thanks so much for the chance–so generous!!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      So glad you like them, Barbara. And the generosity is inspired by my gratitude for readers like everyone here.

  9. free53544
    free53544 on March 12, 2017 at 10:43 am

    A most intriguing read. Loved the blurb. And the cover. The books are on my TBR. Do so hope this will be a beginning. The synopsis on the books have me wishing for now instead of later. Thanks for the chance to make it so

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:41 pm

      thanks so much. Sorry about the wait. I wish it was out now, too.

  10. Elisa V
    Elisa V on March 12, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Love the cover art and to read this series. I have these books on my wishlist. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      You’re welcome! And happy I’m on your TBR.

  11. Doward Wilson
    Doward Wilson on March 12, 2017 at 11:48 am

    I loved the first book & can’t wait to read the second & third. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks so much, Doward. Good luck!!

  13. Lisa Millett
    Lisa Millett on March 12, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    Loved the first book and the characters are fun and quirky. Can’t wait to read the second one and the new one. Great review. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      Lisa, what a great way to describe my characters. Thank you for that, and good luck!

  14. Celia Fowler
    Celia Fowler on March 12, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    What an awesome cover — the dog is so cute, and the skulls and crossbones on the Christmas tree are a nice touch! Thanks for the cover reveal Dru Ann!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      The dog is inspired by our own late, lamented basset hound, Lucy. And glad you like the skulls. We wanted to add an ominous touch to the cover.

  15. Kristina Millett
    Kristina Millett on March 12, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Great interview!! I really enjoyed reading the first book. I am very excited to read the second and third one. Love the setting and the characters in the series!! Thank you for the giveaway.

  16. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on March 12, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    I love Cajun novels. I was once engaged to a Cajun. Dropped the man but never lost my love of the area.

  17. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on March 12, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    The cover looks cute until you notice the skull Christmas tree.

  18. Donna Gantt
    Donna Gantt on March 12, 2017 at 1:28 pm

    I would love to win copies of these books! Thank you for a chance!

  19. Gayle Shanahan
    Gayle Shanahan on March 12, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I love this series. The dog on the cover of your next book is so cute!

  20. Marty French
    Marty French on March 12, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    I have been looking forward to the next in the series. I love this series.

  21. Mari Hinton
    Mari Hinton on March 12, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Would love to win the print copies. Thanks for such a great giveaway! We have a Bassett hound so I love the cover.

  22. Marci Konecny
    Marci Konecny on March 12, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    It’ll be out in time for Christmas this year, yay! I like the skull and crossbones touch to the tree. Beautiful, congratulations! Looking forward to reading it. =)

  23. Kay Bennett
    Kay Bennett on March 12, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    I love the cover. Havent read the first book, but still plan on doing that. Thanks for the chance to win.

  24. Pam
    Pam on March 12, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    I love the cover! Looking forward to reading this!

  25. Sharon Baker
    Sharon Baker on March 12, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    Adorable cover. Looks like a digital loved and had when I was a kid. Book sounds great and would love to have it. Thank you.

  26. donamaekutska7
    donamaekutska7 on March 12, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    How exciting! Thank you for the chance.

  27. diannekc
    diannekc on March 12, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    I haven’t read this series yet, but it’s definitely my type of book. I love reading about the Deep South and Antebellum plantations. Looking forward to reading this series. Thanks for the chance..

  28. Linda Lynch
    Linda Lynch on March 12, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    I can’t wait. I absolutely loved the first two in the series and have been impatient for the next.

  29. Lisa Mitchell
    Lisa Mitchell on March 12, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Great cover! I liven in Louisiana for 14 years and love to read mysteries set there! Thanks for the chance to win suck a great giveaway! Laissez les bontemps roulez!!

  30. Lisa Mitchell
    Lisa Mitchell on March 12, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    Great cover! I lived in Louisiana for 14 years and love to read mysteries set there! Thanks for the chance to win such a great giveaway! Laissez les bontemps roulez!!

  31. Ellen Byron
    Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    Thank you all so much for the enthusiasm!! Good luck to everyone!

  32. Ellie Wright
    Ellie Wright on March 12, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    This sounds like my kind of series! I can’t wait to read them.

  33. Ellen Byron
    Ellen Byron on March 12, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Hi to all! I wanted to respond individually to all of your wonderful comments, but my daughter broke her finger and is in a cast, which means the only way her homework gets done is if my Mom steps up to help. It’s HS junior year, so I’m all in on the helping. Thanks a ton to Dru for hosting my reveal. And to everyone who’s either read my books or wants to, and who’s commented or is going to – thanks a ton. You’ve all made my day.

  34. bobbi
    bobbi on March 12, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    Your books sound great. Can not wait to start reading. embam1969@comcast.net

  35. Jennifer Hansen
    Jennifer Hansen on March 12, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    Would love to read these! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com

  36. Jana Leah
    Jana Leah on March 12, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    I really enjoyed Plantation Shudders. Have not read Body on the Bayou, yet.

  37. Theresa N
    Theresa N on March 12, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    That’s a great cover.

  38. Mary C.
    Mary C. on March 12, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    Love the cover!

  39. cyn209
    cyn209 on March 12, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    Sounds like I would enjoy this series…..
    Thank you for the giveaway…..

  40. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on March 12, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    Sounds great. Congratulations on this release, Ellen. Looking forward to reading it would’ve such a nice treat to win your book for sure.

    Thank you so much.

  41. John Smith
    John Smith on March 12, 2017 at 11:17 pm

    Cute doggie! Thank you for the contest!

  42. Marlene Ezell
    Marlene Ezell on March 12, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    Thanks for the contest. This books sounds like my kind of read.
    marlene(dot)ezell(at)gmail(dot)com

  43. Paula Hambrick
    Paula Hambrick on March 13, 2017 at 12:40 am

    Congratulations Ellen on your new release! Thank you for having such a nice giveaway and a chance to win! I can’t wait to start reading these books because they all look like really good ones.

  44. Abby Fabian
    Abby Fabian on March 13, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I love the cover! This series looks excellent, and I have been wanting to read it. Thank you so very much for the chance to win!

  45. Linda Herold
    Linda Herold on March 13, 2017 at 9:20 am

    Wow! Looks like I’m not the only one hoping to win! Thanks so much for offering the chance!

  46. Brooke
    Brooke on March 13, 2017 at 11:53 am

    That’s a great cover!

  47. Jane werthmann
    Jane werthmann on March 13, 2017 at 12:21 pm

    I just the other books and enjoyed them both – looking forward to another one!

  48. Annette
    Annette on March 13, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    I love reading Christmas theme mysteries during the holidays.

  49. Jill Broussard
    Jill Broussard on March 13, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    I love the cover and I can’t wait until Oct to get Cajun Country #3!
    Not entering, I have the first 2 in the series.

  50. Jess D
    Jess D on March 13, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    I would love to read this series! Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

  51. Sandy McCarthy
    Sandy McCarthy on March 14, 2017 at 6:17 am

    Thank you so much for a chance to win!! 📚📚

  52. Dru
    Dru on March 29, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    **** WINNER ****
    of Plantation Shudders and Body on the Bayou is Linda Herold
    Congratulations!