I’m thrilled to share with you the cover reveal for the first book in a brand-new mystery series, coming July 2024 and now up for preorder.
Publication Date: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Kensington Books
Format: Print, Digital
Name of Series: Golden Motel, Book #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Author Website: ellenbryon.com
Book Synopsis
New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the San Fernando Valley and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .
Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It’s a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .
But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.
About the author
Ellen’s Cajun Country Mysteries have won two Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel and multiple Lefty Awards for Best Humorous Mystery. Bayou Book Thief is the first book in her new Vintage Cookbook Mysteries. She writes the Catering Hall Mystery series, (under the name Maria DiRico) and will debut a new series, the Golden Motel Mysteries, in 2024.
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. She serves on the national board for Mystery Writers of America, and will be the 2023 Left Coast Crime Toastmaster. Visit her at ellenbyron.com.
I love the cover and can’t wait to read the book. A new series by Ellen Byron is something to celebrate!
What a wonderful thing to say! Thanks so much, Christi!
Can’t wait to read another series by Ellen Byron!
Beth, thank you so much!
Great cover! I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much, Sarah. I can’t wait to have you read it!
At the risk of being repetitive. Ellen Byron and new series … a cheering up for the end of a holiday weekend.
Maren – please say that as often as possible!! 🤣And thank you so much. xo
Oh this makes my day!!!! A new Ellen series is a perfect way to end this holiday weekend! Thank you so much
This series is going to be so awesome! I’m excited to read it.
Thank you so much!!
What an awesome cover—can’t wait until A Very Woodsy Murder is officially here!
Lisa, thank you!! xo
So many possibilities in that scenario. Can’t wait!
Yay!
Love the cover and it sounds so fun
Great cover. A new series is so exciting. I can’t wait.
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to it!
This is a fantastic cover. Plus She is writing a new mystery series📚 This is an extraordinary writer already
now add a new Series ~ Razzle Dazzle~ to this talent.
Always look forward to her book’s📚
Gkathgoldin@yahoo.com