Title: Plantation Shudders
Author: Ellen Byron
First published August 11, 2015
282 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781629532509 (ISBN10: 1629532509)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
Maggie Crozat returns home to Louisiana’s family-owned bed-and-breakfast inn in Plantation Shudders. With the local food festival in full swing, the inn is bustling with guests, including the Cajun Cuties, a couple of lovebirds, and a trio of Georgia frat boys.
However, things take a dark turn when two elderly honeymooners die within minutes of each other, leaving Maggie and the other guests as prime suspects in a murder investigation. With the help of the town’s new detective, Bo Durand, Maggie must solve the case to clear her name and save her family’s business.
But as she delves deeper, she uncovers decades-old secrets and startling revelations that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about her family and the guests at the inn. Ellen Byron’s cozy mystery is a thrilling and captivating debut that will keep you guessing until the very end.
About the Author
Ellen has garnered numerous awards for her Cajun Country Mysteries, including the Agatha award for Best Contemporary Novel and multiple Lefty awards for Best Humorous Mystery. Her upcoming debut of the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, with the release of BAYOU BOOK THIEF in June 2022, is eagerly anticipated.
Additionally, she writes the Catering Hall Mystery series under the name Maria DiRico, which draws inspiration from her real-life experiences.
Beyond her success as an author, Ellen’s writing career spans across various mediums. She’s an accomplished playwright, and though she hasn’t won any awards for her TV writing, she’s written for popular comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS.
Her work has also been featured in over two hundred articles for national magazines. However, she considers her most impressive credit to be her time working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.
As a lifetime member of the Writers Guild of America, Ellen’s achievements and contributions to the writing community are undeniable.
Editoral Review
Plantation Shudders by Ellen Byron is an engaging and thrilling mystery novel set in Louisiana. The author skillfully weaves together humor, suspense, and Southern charm, making it an excellent read for fans of cozy mysteries.
The story takes place at the fictional Pelican Plantation, a picturesque bed-and-breakfast that has been in the Crozat family for generations. The protagonist, Maggie Crozat, is a talented artist who is forced to return to her family plantation after her grandmother passes away.
She quickly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when one of the guests is found dead in the bayou behind the property. As Maggie tries to unravel the mystery, she must navigate the complicated relationships among the guests, the local police department, and her own family members.
Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her own past and the history of the plantation that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. One of the strengths of Plantation Shudders is its richly drawn characters.
Maggie is a relatable and likeable heroine with a sharp sense of humor and a knack for getting into trouble. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the quirky guests at the B&B to the eccentric members of Maggie’s family.
The setting of Louisiana is also a major asset to the novel. Byron vividly describes the lush bayou and the unique customs and culture of the state, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
In terms of weaknesses, the pacing of the novel can be uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, some of the plot twists are a bit predictable, which may disappoint some readers who are looking for a more surprising ending.
Despite these minor flaws, Plantation Shudders is a delightful and entertaining read that is sure to please fans of the cozy mystery genre. It is a well-written and engaging novel that successfully blends humor, suspense, and Southern charm.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Plantation Shudders to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or a satisfying read with a strong sense of place. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and rich setting, it is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
