Cover Reveal ~ A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron

Mar 29, 2026 | Cover Reveal

I’m so thrilled to host the cover reveal for the next book in the “Vintage Cookbook” mystery series, coming August 2026 and now up for preorder.

Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Series: A Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Book 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Author Website: ellenbyron.com

Book Synopsis
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!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

About the author
Ellen Byron is a USA Today 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.

25 Comments

  1. Patricia Sargeant
    Patricia Sargeant on March 29, 2026 at 11:22 am

    I love this cover so much!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 12:16 pm

      Thank you!!! Me too

  2. Ellen Byron
    Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 11:23 am

    Thank you so much!!! My publisher and I worked hard to make sure this cover gave celebratory Mardi Gras vibes – with a hint of danger. 😉

  3. Erin Probst
    Erin Probst on March 29, 2026 at 11:47 am

    great cover, love this series

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 12:17 pm

      Erin, thanks so much. I’m thrilled you love the series!

  4. Diane Kelly
    Diane Kelly on March 29, 2026 at 12:12 pm

    Sounds fun!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 12:18 pm

      I’m going to go out on a limb and say it is!’

  5. Penney Wilfort
    Penney Wilfort on March 29, 2026 at 12:54 pm

    I love that cover, it sounds very good, I’m looking forward to it, thanks for being here today.
    Penney

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 1:32 pm

      Penney, thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy with the cover. Glad you’re looking forward to it!

  6. Elizabeth Crowens
    Elizabeth Crowens on March 29, 2026 at 1:56 pm

    The cover is great. Sounds like a lot of fun.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks so much!

  7. Deborah L Ortega
    Deborah L Ortega on March 29, 2026 at 2:09 pm

    Love the cover. Congratulations on your new release. Deborah

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks, Deborah!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 6:10 pm

      So glad you think so! Perfect for bedazzling, wink wink

  9. Sue Leis
    Sue Leis on March 29, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    I ❤️ this cover! It really captures the Mardi Gras vibes.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 29, 2026 at 6:11 pm

      Sue, thanks!

  10. inks
    inks on March 29, 2026 at 6:30 pm

    I love it! I keep meaning to give this series a try … this is extra incentive.

    Congrats!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 30, 2026 at 12:03 am

      Yay!! Go for it!

  11. Annette Gavigan
    Annette Gavigan on March 29, 2026 at 7:16 pm

    I can’t wait to read this.

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 30, 2026 at 12:03 am

      Thank you!!!

  12. Edith Maxwell
    Edith Maxwell on March 30, 2026 at 6:38 am

    Another great cover, my friend!

    • Ellen Byron
      Ellen Byron on March 30, 2026 at 10:23 am

      Thanks so much, Edith!

    • Kathy Goldin
      Kathy Goldin on March 31, 2026 at 8:05 pm

      congratulations 🎉
      sounds Spectacular

  13. Lisa Mathews
    Lisa Mathews on March 30, 2026 at 5:28 pm

    Great cover!!! Love it.