I’m delighted to share a review of Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron. It’s Christmas. It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s chaos! It’s the fourth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron. 

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Book Details:
Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Published by: Severn House
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Number of Pages: 240 (HC)
ISBN: 9781448313181 (ISBN10: 144831318X) (HC)

About the Book:

Have yourself a merry little . . . murder?

Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her parents arrive in New Orleans for the holidays. Not only is it a chance to catch up, it’s also an opportunity to jog her mom Josepha’s memory about Ricki’s adoption. The details have always been shrouded in mystery. And Ricki understands why when she learns her mother was blackmailed for years, simply for not wanting to lose her precious daughter.

But digging into the past soon lands the James-Diaz clan in water hotter than a big pot of gumbo! When the woman who extorted Ricki’s mom is found dead at her home, Josepha becomes the primary suspect. Now Ricki has another murder to solve, and tracking down a killer in Crescent City is going to take a miracle.

Luckily, ‘tis the season! And Ricki has all the staff at the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum on hand to help. Can she prove her mother’s innocence and have the case wrapped up in time for Christmas?

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Kobo | Google Play | Apple Books | Severn House

Vintage Cookbook Mystery Series: Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and again and again): Ellen Byron is one of my favorite mystery writers, and I get so excited each time I get to read a new book! Here we have book four in the wonderful vintage cookbook mystery series, and it certainly does not disappoint. 

Side note: If you’re new to this series, I’d recommend starting with book one as there is excellent character development throughout and a few backstories that build with each book. 

Just like previous entries into the series, this latest title has such a strong sense of place that I felt immediately transported to New Orleans at Christmas time. And yes, I’d love to visit! Ellen includes details of culture and food and holiday decorations that paint a vivid picture. 

The mystery is fast-paced with twists and turns, along with moments of humor too. I did not guess the ending ahead of time! I kept turning the pages so quickly, trying to keep track of the clues and keep up with Ricki. Ricki, by the way, is such a lovely and likable sleuth, even when she acts before thinking everything through. She’s driven by love for her friends and family and nothing stands in her way. The supporting characters (both human and pets!) are delightful, and I enjoy seeing so many returning faces. 

Such an entertaining and festive read! Five glowing stars! 

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.

A native New Yorker, Byron is a graduate of Tulane University and lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a rotating crew of rescue pups.

Catch Up With Ellen Byron:

EllenByron.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub – @EllenByron
Instagram – @ellenbyronmariadirico
YouTube – @ellenbyron-mariadirico
Facebook – @ellenbyronauthor