Ellen Byron is a multi-faceted and prolific author and her books always keep me engaged and entertained. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you the cover reveal for the next book in the “Golden Motel” mystery series, coming July 2026 and now up for preorder.
Publication Date: July 28, 2026
Name of Series: A Golden Motel Mystery, Book 3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Author Website: ellenbyron.com
Book Synopsis
Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running her Golden Motel in the scenic California village where she relocated after 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 the author
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.
I love it! Congratulations, Ellen.
Thanks so much, Edith! I love YOUR covers – and books!
Love this!
Me too!!!
Fun cover
Great cover of your latest humorous mystery series!
Thanks so much, Beth!
This is fun to see, I must say! Reading through your bio, wow, what a lot of accomplishments. Congratulations, Ellen!
Thanks, Kathy! Fun is a great way to describe it. 🙂
Nice cover.
Yay! I’m so excited for more Golden adventures!
I’m excited you’re excited!
I love the cover Ellen! It should help attract Halloween fans who aren’t yet fans of the series. Thanks for hosting the cover reveal Dru.
Thanks so much, Sue!
SO CUTE! Congratulations!
Thanks, Melissa!
Fabulous cover … and great series!
That is a fabulous cover! Congrats, Ellen!
Cute cover that fits in with the series.
So cute! Congratulations!