Today I’ll be writing about one of the more popular Cozy Mystery series in recent years, Ellen Byron‘s Cajun Country Mystery Series, and specifically the first entry, Plantation Shudders.
In some ways, it might be a bit surprising to hear that Ellen Byron is one of the more recommended authors in the recent Cozy Mystery recommendations posts. After all, she only has a single series, and it has only had three books released, one per year since the first entry came out Many authors nowadays are putting out three (or more!) books a year, often several different series at the same time, at a pace that personally I can find a bit overwhelming – there’s only so much time in a day after all!
So it can be very refreshing when a quality author is obviously spending their time to “get it right”, releasing one well-written, carefully crafted book per year rather than releasing an endless stream of new series in a hope that something will stick. Looking at Byron’s writing credits, it’s easy to see why she’s gotten so popular so quickly. She might be relatively new to Cozies, but she’s certainly no stranger to comedic writing, with credits to episodes from popular sitcoms such as Wings and Just Shoot Me!.
With that in mind, it shouldn’t be any surprise that Plantation Shudders is far more polished than the average debut novel has any right to be. Most authors take a bit of time to really get their stride and discover their writing voice, but the Cajun Country Mystery Series started strong, and it isn’t any surprise that the debut novel (and other entries since) have had multiple award nominations. Indeed, Body on the Bayou, the second entry, won a Lefty for Best Humorous Mystery Novel in 2017.
In addition to being one of the better written Cozies that has come out in recent years, Plantation Shudders also benefits from having a great setting in Pelican, a small town in Louisiana, and the Crozat family plantation, now converted into a bed and breakfast. Pelican and the Crozat plantation both give a feeling of the civil gentility of the old south, but the novel doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the darker elements of the old south, which can be a refreshing change from some settings in Cozies that seem to be entirely positive portrayals. (Aside from the surprising murder rates of course!)
The Crozat family, including the sleuth herself, Maggie Crozat, are also enjoyable and likable without becoming “over the top” or “zany” in inappropriate places. For example, Maggie’s Gran is portrayed as a fiesty older woman with plenty of spirit left in her – but she’s also an older woman, and it’s clear that the events of the novel make her more tired than normal, which is a surprisingly realistic and sympathetic reaction to such high stress situations as murder investigations (well, at least to someone else who is finding herself slowing down a bit in recent years…).
If you’re looking for a strong, well-written, modern Cozy with a great setting and interesting characters, I highly recommend giving the Cajun Country Mystery Series by Ellen Byron a try!
PS: For those looking for interesting looking Cajun-inspired recipes, be sure to check out the end of the book, as it has several great looking recipes!
To see others of the most popular and recommended Cozy Mystery series, click here.
Kimberley Cornwell says
Totally agree with your assessment of the the author and the series. Excellent work.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kimberley, I’m glad to hear that there are other people who enjoy this series as much as I do.
Paula Catherine says
I love this series and just finished the Cajun Christmas Killing and it does not disappoint. Maggie is a very likable character without being over the top or boring. Kudos to Ellen Byron!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Paula, I’m glad to hear that you love these books as much as I do!
Gwen Stockbridge says
I just finished Cajun Christmas Killing and it was one of the best books I have read in a long time!! I fell in love with the characters because they were so easy to relate to. I want to read more of Ellen Byron’s books. I love books that are set in the Bayou.
Ellen Byron says
OMG, I couldn’t be more thrilled about this. My series wouldn’t exist without this terrific site. I check it all the time to see what authors are and aren’t doing. It’s invaluable to me as both an author and reader.
I’m writing this sitting on a plane headed for Baton Rouge, where I’ll be on a panel and signing at the Louisiana Book Festival. Thanks to cozy-mystery.com for making so many dreams come true.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
That means a lot Ellen – I’m always glad when I can help out readers of course, but I’m always especially glad when authors find the site! And hearing that it’s helpful to you as an author as well as a reader is truly flattering.
I hope that the signing goes well in Louisiana.
Linda MH says
Hi Danna,
I agree with everything you said. This has become one of my favorite series–great characters, wonderful setting, and interesting mysteries to solve! I just finished the third book, and by the time I was done, I had a big smile on my face. I loved it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much as well! It’s always fun to read a series that has so many great elements come together as well as these do.
Emzee says
I bought Plantation Shudders because it was an Agatha Award finalist for best first mystery and a Lefty Award finalist for best humorous mystery. I enjoyed it so much I immediately bought Body on the Bayou! I will be reading A Cajun Christmas Killing very soon! Highly recommended series!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Emzee, looking at mystery awards like the Lefties and the Agathas is usually a great first start for looking for new series, so I’m not surprised to hear that that’s how you found this one.
Sharon S says
Emzee, thanks for mentioning A Christmas Cajun Killing. I want to start reading some Christmas novels, and this one sounds great.
Nancy says
I’m going to accept your recommendation and try this series. Thanks!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Diana says
I love this series. I just got the Cajun Christmas Killing but haven’t started to read it yet. I enjoy reading cozy mysteries that take place in the south. Hope Ms Byron will continue to write more in this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diana, well, with the holiday season fast approaching, I’m sure it will be helpful in getting into a holiday mood!
Sharon S says
Thank you, Danna. This author and her series sound so good, I’ve put it on my must-read list! And I agree with you, there are so many books out there and it does get overwhelming at times.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, you’re welcome!
Patricia W. says
I agree with Danna and the other posts. I enjoyed the first two books in the series. I am looking forward the reading the third book. I am a fan of Ellen Byron. I signed up for her email newsletter and follow her on face book. I love the books and enjoy reading about her life. Ellen has a great sense of humor. I live in the south. Ms Byron’s books bring back memories of visiting Louisiana.
I love this website. Thank you Danna.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patricia, you’re very welcome, and I’m glad that you love the site!
Aneilea says
Looking forward to reading this series.
Thank you for the recommendation.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Aneilea, you’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.
Diana says
My husband bought me the first book for my birthday and it was wonderful!!!! He’s from New Orleans and we have been there often so it was fantastic to see a place i love captured well. The author is also super nice to chat with,I emailed her and we ended up talking back and forth!! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series(the second book had me in stitches!!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diana, glad you enjoyed the book. I did too!