Although this is a cozy mystery, I think the humor woven in it is my favorite part. There's plenty of drama mixed in with everything, and I greatly enjoyed reading this. There were enough twists and subtle clues to keep me guessing. Everything was neatly wrapped up by the end, which I always appreciate. A wonderful cozy mystery. ( )

Not bad; I think Crooked Lane Publishers could do better with a tighter editing process, but the plotting was excellent. The characters weren’t engaging as past entries of the series, but I’m not sure I can say why. Generally, a relatively solid entry in a better than average series. ( )

5th book in the series. The story theme is a local music festival. A murder occurred and Gaynell, Maggie's close friend became POI. I love characters and setting in this series. Recipe: Cauliflower Jambalaya! 3.5 stars ( )

Maggie Crozat and her friend, Gaynell Bourgeois, are helping Maggie's grandmother with the Cajun Country festival and everything seems to be exciting until Gaynell finds out that Tammy Barker, her nemesis from high school, now a name country singer is coming back to town. Things just seem to be getting worse when Gaynell turns down a pass from Tammy's manager and then he turns up dead.

As usual, Maggie has to try to make things right but ends up getting herself in danger instead.

The mystery wasn't that heavy, more time was spent on the characters and their interactions but it was still fun. ( )

Fatal Cajun Festival is an engaging cozy mystery that will have your craving etouffee and a beignet. Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron is the fifth A Cajun Country Mystery. This is a series that I recommend reading in order because it will allow you to get to know the characters and the town. I enjoy Ellen Byron’s conversational writing style. Her story welcomes you and I soon find myself immersed in the story. There is a great cast of characters in A Cajun Country Mystery series. I like their Southern charm and Louisiana quirkiness. Maggie comes from a close family and lives with her grandmother, Charlotte. Maggie was happy to put her wedding plans on the back burner to help with the festival. She designed the graphics for the festival and is also making the pralines (they are yummy) to sell at the Pelican Praline booth. Unfortunately, the Crozat B&B kitchen is off limits thanks to Tammy and her entourage with their special meal requests. Maggie must rely on the kindness of her friends and relatives for the use of their kitchens. I liked Gaynell with her sweet demeanor and beautiful voice. Gaynell and the Gator Girls played lively tunes that set my toes to tapping. I thought the mystery was clever from the way the individual was killed to the killer. You need to pay careful attention to the clues, or you will end up fingering the wrong person. Charlotte is sorting through her belongings and uncovers some information about her deceased husband that raises questions and sends her on a journey. The joyful ending will have you beaming. At the end of the book there are a couple of recipes including one for pecan pralines. Fatal Cajun Festival is a harmonious cozy mystery with lip-smacking pecan pralines, toe tapping Cajun tunes, a dramatic diva, an electric stage, a clever killer and a sneaky sleuth. ( )