Dru’s Short Musing:
Riding a krewe should be merry, that is until one of the co-leaders is found dead and his widow asks Ricki to use her amateur sleuth skills to find his murderer.

Once again, Ellen Byron delivers a tantalizing whodunit that quickly became a page-turner as I had to know who was doing what to whom. With crisp writing and a comfortable tone, the author knows how to tell a story that encompasses all that I like in a mystery: a likeable protagonist, the victim whose demise sets the stage for this tale, the potential suspects all who had motive, but whose was stronger, the friends who aid in helping Ricki put the pieces together and in this one the setting with an insider knowledge of participating in a Mardi Gras krewe parade.

The mystery was nicely executed with a multi-plot storyline that converged with help from an unexpected source. As Ricki searched for clues, danger was lurking as she got closer, but it was that strategically placed twist that spelled it out with the one person left standing, the murderer. I also enjoyed the camaraderie with her friends and her birth mom. As always, Ellen produces engaging and entertaining read that are both enjoyable and fun. Overall, this is one of the best books in this festive series.

Series: A Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Book 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: August 4, 2026
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

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 . . .

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.