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Hey, cozy friends and Reader Crate mystery lovers! I am so thrilled you're joining us for another festive author chat! You can watch the replay here
Today, I’m joined by an absolute star of the cozy mystery world: Ellen Byron. Ellen is a USA Today bestselling author and the creative force behind several beloved series — including the Cajun Country Mysteries, the Golden Motel Mysteries, and the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries. She’s written for TV shows like Wings, Just Shoot Me, and Fairly OddParents and even worked for Martha Stewart (yes, really!).
Ellen’s storytelling journey is nothing short of fascinating. She started in theater and improv, transitioned into television comedy, and later fell in love with writing mysteries. Her comedy background shines through in her books — always adding humor, charm, and heart to each page.
“I think laughter is underrated in our society. It’s healing. It brings joy.”
That warmth and wit have earned her multiple Agatha and Lefty Awards — and a loyal fanbase who can’t get enough of her smart, funny sleuths.
This year, Ellen released two full-length cozies:
Crescent City Christmas Chaos brings readers back to New Orleans, where protagonist Ricki finds herself entangled in a festive mystery involving her adoptive parents, a blackmailing neighbor, and a mischievous robber dressed as “Mr. Bongo” — a parody of the local holiday icon Mr. Bingle. It's full of cozy Christmas charm and vintage cookbook vibes.
“These books are immersive. I want you to feel like you're living in the story, in New Orleans, in the motel, or in Cajun country.”
Ellen’s Vintage Cookbook Mysteries are inspired by her real-life collection of over 100 old cookbooks — treasures she’s discovered at library sales and thrift stores over the years.
“They’re like little time capsules — filled with forgotten ingredients, charming illustrations, and a peek into how people lived and ate in the past.”
Even though Ellen jokes that she’s not a great cook herself, she includes adapted recipes in every book — often from rare or retro sources. (Pumpkin chiffon pie, anyone?)
In the Golden Motel Mysteries, Ellen’s main character Dee is a former sitcom writer who buys a motel in California’s Gold Rush country. Sound familiar?
“She’s the most like me — a little bolder, a little gutsier — but we share that same background in TV and writing and reinvention.”
This series blends Ellen’s love for classic Hollywood with a modern cozy vibe and a touch of history in every mystery.
When it comes to holidays, Ellen’s home is filled with handmade needlepoint ornaments, twinkling lights, and her annual “Christmas Crawl” — a tour of LA’s best outdoor decorations. It’s no surprise that her festive flair makes it into her books, even if she insists her daughter is the better cook!
Her current family tradition? Gumbo on Christmas Day. (Spicy? Nope — Ellen prefers flavor over fire!)
We can’t wait to get our hands on these next adventures — filled with twists, laughs, and Ellen’s signature cozy charm.
And don’t forget to grab your Cozy Crime Reader Crate — Ellen included something extra special inside! 🎁
Happy reading and happy sleuthing, cozy friends!
— Alyssa Granlund
Founder of Reader Crate
