Ellen Byron
Verified
As seen in:
The Wall Street Journal,
MSN,
MarketWatch,
The Toronto Star,
Podbean,
Popular Science,
Expansión,
Houston Chronicle,
Numlock News,
Book Riot,
The Columbus Dispatch
and
Deputy National Affairs Editor
ellen.byron at wsj.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ellen Byron
August 2026 in Review
September is tomorrow (what??) and I’m still waiting for Georgia to decide it’s had enough of summer. As I sit here, thankful for air conditioning, it’s time to look at my August 2026 in Review – aka, the books I reviewed during this past month. August had several phenomenal reads, including a whopping SEVEN 5 star reads among all the 4 & 4.5 star ones too. I hardly ever give out that many, but they were definitely deserved.
Cozy Wednesday featuring A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries) by Ellen Byron #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @ellenbyronmariadirico
Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am delighted to share my thoughts today about A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries) by Ellen Byron.
Review – The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass by Leslye Penelope
4 paws Book Release Fantasy mystery Review Synopsis For five years, Zahara Douglass has been haunted by her sister’s impossible disappearance. Now, in December 1999, with the world on the brink of chaos, Zahara sets out to find her sister no matter the cost in this twisty and compelling modern fantasy from Leslye Penelope. In April 1994, Zahara watched her twin sister, Annica, get hustled into a stranger’s car and disappear—only to return to a world where no one remembers Annica ever existed.
Guest Post & Giveaway – Troubled Water by Kassandra Lamb
Cozy Giveaway Guest Post Monday mystery Troubled Water: An Aging Ain’t for Wimps Mystery Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting – Northern Florida Publisher : Misterio Press LLC Publication date : July 28, 2026 Synopsis What does it say about you when your coming-of-age story begins at seventy-one? Amy Bridges Parker asks herself that question as she resists her domineering sister’s attempts to take over where her subtly controlling and recently deceased husband left off.
Review & Giveaway – A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron
5 paws Cozy Giveaway mystery Review A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras (Vintage Cookbook Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 5th in Series Setting – Louisiana Publisher : Severn House Publication date : August 4, 2026 Print length : 240 pages Hardcover Synopsis It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It’s Mardi Gras madness! It’s the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today-bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
Book Review (and a Giveaway!): A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron
A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron SERIES: Vintage Cookbook Mysteries #5 GENRE: Cozy Mystery (Clean) PUBLISHER: Severn House RELEASE DATE: August 4, 2026 PAGES: 240 It’s cozy. It’s culinary. It‘s Mardi Gras madness! It’s the fifth book in this fabulous mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today–bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Ellen Byron.
Author Showcase ~ I Love A (Mardi Gras) Parade by Ellen Byron
As a student at Tulane University, I adored Mardi Gras parades. But watching a parade drunk from the sidelines as you yell, “Throw me something, mister!” is far different from belonging to one of the krewes that sponsor the parades and man the floats. When I decided that my Vintage Cookbooks Mystery protagonist, Ricki James-Diaz, would join a krewe in A Murderer’s Guide to Mardi Gras, I knew there was only one way to capture the authenticity of her experience: join a krewe myself.
Carla Loves To Read
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for All Aboard for Murder, the second book in the Golden Motel Mystery series. This was such a fun story. I love the Gold Rush backstory, and having been on a narrow gage train, I enjoyed that aspect of the story. All Aboard for another trip to Lily Rock, California.
Carla Loves To Read
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for All Aboard for Murder, the second book in the Golden Motel Mystery series. This was such a fun story. I love the Gold Rush backstory, and having been on a narrow gage train, I enjoyed that aspect of the story. All Aboard for another trip to Lily Rock, California.
Carla Loves To Read
I am a huge cozy mystery fan, and enjoyed getting back to them. I am trying to catch up on some of the series I enjoy and these are three of them. The first is a book from an author I love and am reviewing her newest book on a blog tour this week. The next is a wonderful culinary cozy set in an Asian restaurant and the last is the first book in a series that I started partway through. I hope to go back to the beginning and catch up.
My Musing ~ A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron
Dru’s Short Musing: Riding a krewe should be merry, that is until one of the co-leaders is found dead and his widow asks Ricki to use her amateur sleuth skills to find his murderer. Once again, Ellen Byron delivers a tantalizing whodunit that quickly became a page-turner as I had to know who was doing what to whom.
Cozy Wednesday featuring All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) by Ellen Byron #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @KensingtonBooks @ellenbyronmariadirico
Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am delighted to share my thoughts today about All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) by Ellen Byron! All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) by Ellen Byron About All Aboard for Murder All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting – California Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : July 28, 2026 Print length : 288 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 : 1496745418 ISBN-13 : 978-1496745415 Digital...
Author Showcase ~ All Aboard for Research! by Ellen Byron
Maybe it’s because I grew up navigating the subways and commuter rail lines of New York, but I never met a train trip I didn’t love. I wisely married a man who feels exactly the same way. Even more fortuitous, we live in California—a state with a rich and pivotal railroad history. While my Golden Motel Mystery series is contemporary, each book contains a subplot touching on the Golden State’s fascinating past.
Review & Giveaway – The Frequency by Randall D. St. Claire
5 paws Action fiction Giveaway Review suspense Thriller The Frequency By Randall D. St. Claire Mystery / Speculative Thriller / Thriller / Suspense / History Publisher: Atmosphere Press Publication Date: July 21, 2026 Synopsis He didn’t expect his life to change in a single moment. He didn’t expect it to ask anything in return. Bronx Rousselle built his small life on purpose: a pawnshop in northern Minnesota, a few familiar faces, no debts he couldn’t count, no relationship anchors.
Guest Post & Giveaway – Cool Change by Kevin Zelenka
Cozy excerpt Giveaway Guest Post mystery Cool Change: A Tony DeLucca Mystery (Originally Pressed Mysteries) Music-Infused Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting – Minnesota Publisher : Windbreak Press Publication date : June 1, 2026 Print length : 249 pages Synopsis After ten years as a Military Police investigator, Tony DeLucca thought coming home would mean peace and quiet. He was wrong.
Mystery Spotlight & Giveaway – All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron
Cozy Giveaway mystery Spotlight All Aboard for Murder (A Golden Motel Mystery) Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series Setting – California Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : July 28, 2026 Print length : 288 pages Synopsis Dee Stern is starting to feel at home running her Golden Motel in the quaint California village she moved to, leaving behind her LA life as a sitcom writer. But a killer sees the town’s Halloween celebration as a golden opportunity to write a script for murder . . .
Today's Selection of Free MystereBooks for Saturday, July 25, 2026
Omnimystery News is pleased to feature a selection of Free MystereBooks found on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET … Black Dog Escape by W. L.
Today's Selection of Newly Published Indie MystereBooks
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a selection of newly published and recently released mystery, suspense and thriller titles — mostly from independent publishers — for Friday, July 24, 2026. Click this link to see all newly published titles for today.
Today's Selection of Newly Discounted MystereBooks
Here is a selection of the recently discounted mystery, suspense and thriller titles found on Friday, July 24, 2026 … A Body at Boot Camp by Ellie Alexander A Meg Reed Investigation (4th in series) Publisher: Storm Publishing Price: $1.99 Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mysteries by Cindy Bell Books 1-3 Publisher: Cindy Bell Price: 99¢ 61 Hours by Lee Child A Jack Reacher Thriller (14th in series) Publisher: Delacorte Press Price: $1.99 The West Wales Mysteries by P. F.
Today's Selection of Free MystereBooks for Friday, July 24, 2026
Omnimystery News is pleased to feature a selection of Free MystereBooks found on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET … The Titus Conspiracy by David Asher An International Spy Thriller Publisher: Weyyakin Ranch Publishing Price: FREE! Have a Deadly, Sudsy Christmas by Sophia Barton An Abigail Kinsman Mystery Publisher: Sophia Barton Price: FREE! Six Shots in Mercy Canal by Josephine Carter A Sablewater Parish Mystery Publisher: Josephine Carter Price: FREE! Ghosts of Christmas Present by Kay...
Omnimystery News
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a selection of newly published and recently released mystery, suspense and thriller titles — mostly from independent publishers — for Thursday, July 23, 2026. Click this link to see all newly published titles for today. The Teller Threshold by Alexander Bentley The Consensus Files (1st in series) Published: 07/23/26 by Charlton Manor Publishing Edition(s): Print and eBook eBook Price: $5.99 The Thousand Dollar Villain by J. T.
My Musing ~ ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER by Ellen Byron
Dru’s Short Musing: When his friend is murdered, Dee’s dad, Sam, wants her to find the killer. Ellen Byron continues to bring a solid and well-plotted whodunit that I could not put down until the last page was read. The drama was nicely executed with crisp writing and a comfortable tone making it easy to follow along with what the author intended.
A MURDERER'S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS
Byron lets the good times roll, and then some. Her first Mardi Gras after her return to New Orleans is filled with surprises for Los Angeles transplant Ricki James-Diaz. Although her cousin Olivia Felice is this year’s queen of the legendary Krewe of Gaia, Ricki’s chosen to ride with the more contemporary Krewe of Chew, whose members include chefs, cooks, waitstaff, and others who contribute to the city’s fabulous food scene.
Cover Reveal ~ A MURDERER’S GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS by Ellen Byron
I’m so thrilled to host the cover reveal for the next book in the “Vintage Cookbook” mystery series, coming August 2026 and now up for preorder. Publication Date: August 4, 2026 Series: A Vintage Cookbook Mystery, Book 5 Genre: Cozy Mystery Format: Print, Digital, Audio Author Website: ellenbyron.com Book Synopsis It’s cozy. It’s culinary.
Cover Reveal ~ ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER by Ellen Byron
Ellen Byron is a multi-faceted and prolific author and her books always keep me engaged and entertained. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you the cover reveal for the next book in the “Golden Motel” mystery series, coming July 2026 and now up for preorder.
Book Review: Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron
Cozy mystery lovers are going to want to check out Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron, the fourth book in the Vintage Cookbook Mystery series. When Ricki James-Diaz's boyfriend invites her parents to New Orleans, she has no idea her parents will wind up being suspects in a murder tied to a secret from her mother's past.
Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron (Review Coming Soon!)
CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS November 3 - 28, 2025 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: 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. Have yourself a merry little . . . murder? Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her parents arrive in New Orleans for the holidays.
Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron
CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS November 3 - 28, 2025 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: 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. Have yourself a merry little . . . murder? Ricki James-Diaz gets the best present ever when her parents arrive in New Orleans for the holidays.
Today's Selection of Newly Published Indie MystereBooks
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a selection of newly published and recently released mystery, suspense and thriller titles — mostly from independent publishers — for Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Click this link to see all newly published titles for today.
Today's Selection of Newly Discounted MystereBooks
Here is a selection of the recently discounted mystery, suspense and thriller titles found on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 … Death of a Greedy Woman by M. C.
Today's Selection of Free MystereBooks for Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Omnimystery News is pleased to feature a selection of Free MystereBooks found on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM ET … Holiday Havoc by Suzanne Bolden A Parker Photography Cozy Mystery Publisher: Laughing Deer Press Price: FREE! The Mistletoe Parade Murder by Nora Denham A Marigold Harbor Mystery Publisher: Nora Denham Price: FREE! Sleigh Bells and Deadly Spells by Maisy Marple A Holly and Crimes Mystery Publisher: Maisy Marple Price: FREE! The Body in the Bookshop by Ellen Read The...
Omnimystery News
Omnimystery News is pleased to present a selection of newly published and recently released mystery, suspense and thriller titles — mostly from independent publishers — for Saturday, November 08, 2025. Click this link to see all newly published titles for today.
My Musing ~ CRESCENT CITY CHRISTMAS CHAOS by Ellen Byron
Dru’s Short Musing: When a blackmailer is murdered and her parents are suspects, Ricki will do everything possible to clear their names. What a great whodunit that I could not put down until all was said and done. This fast-paced and well-written drama with crisp writing and a comfortable tone was an enjoyable read.
See Photos From ‘No Kings’ Protests Across the Country
See Photos From ‘No Kings’ Protests Across the Country Demonstrators gathered in cities, suburbs and small towns. Photographers captured the day, from Red Bank, N.J. and Canton, Ga., to McAllen, Texas and Rio Vista, Calif.
January Book Club: Mini Cozy Con
For our January book club – meeting on Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m. eastern – we’ll be hosting three outstanding cozy writers who between them have written 80 (yes, that’s 80) books. We’ll be discussing the past, present and future of the cozy novel as well as talking to some really wonderful women. This all takes place on zoom, and all are welcome to join. Message me on facebook or instagram for a zoom link. Check the website for reviews of many of their novels.
Cozy Wednesday featuring Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) by Ellen Byron – Great Escapes Book Tour @KensingtonBooks @ellenbyronmariadirico
Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am delighted to give my thoughts about Ellen Byron’s new book, Solid Gold Murder, today! Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) by Ellen Byron About Solid Gold Murder Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting – California Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : July 29, 2025 Print length : 272 pages ISBN-10 : 1496745388 ISBN-13 : 978-1496745385 Digital ASIN : B0DLR3TVJP Dee Stern’s Golden...
Fast Times as a TV Sitcom Writer
In my former life, I was a sitcom writer. So was Dee Stern, the protagonist of my Golden Motel Mystery series. Sharing a backstory with a character gives me plenty of plot ideas. Case in point: the subplot in Solid Gold Murder, Golden Motel Mystery #2, where Dee’s hobby of creating cartoons inspired by a lumbering local bear may lead to an animation pilot deal.
A Day In The Life ~ The Bear Formerly Known as Stoney by Ellen Byron
Howdy all, Stoney the Bear here. Well, the Bear Formerly Known as Stoney. My friend Dee Stern, the new Golden Motel owner, has rechristened me “Bud the Bear.” Apparently, she needs a more family-friendly name for the cartoons she’s been creating featuring yours truly. See below for one of the cartoons featuring ME! I do spend part of my day cavorting in the motel pool and scaring off guests, especially during the summer.
Ellen Byron
Coming July 29! WHERE THERE’S GOLD, THERE’S GREED. Solid Gold Murder (Golden Motel Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting – California Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication date : July 29, 2025 Print length : 272 pages ISBN-10 : 1496745388 ISBN-13 : 978-1496745385 Digital ASIN : B0DLR3TVJP Dee Stern’s Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains promises a tranquil getaway for outdoor lovers in the scenic Californian village of Foundgold.
My Musing ~ Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Byron
Dru’s Short Musing: The gold rush is on at the Murder Motel… As well as the discovery of a dead body. To protect her business and reclaim her motel from being called “Murder Motel”, Dee starts looking for the person responsible. I love the writing style with its comfortable tone that makes it a joy to read. The mystery is nicely done with strategically placed clues and a few red herrings that kept me glued to the pages as I had to know how this was going to turn out.
Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries) by Sharon Marchisello
Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries) by Sharon Marchisello 5 stars! An excellent follow-up to the series debut as well as an exciting standalone mystery! ~Boys’ Mom Reads! About Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos Murder at Leisure Dreams: Galapagos (Giovanna Rogers Mysteries) Mystery 2nd in Series Setting – Galapagos Publisher : Milford House Press Publication date : June 26, 2025 Print length : 340 pages Digital ASIN : B0FFR9Y2GW Giovanna Rogers...
Cover Reveal ~ Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron
I’ve been a fan of Ellen Byron’s since the first book I read of hers. It is now my pleasure to share with you the cover reveal for the next book in the “Vintage Cookbook” mystery series, coming November 2025 and now up for preorder. Publication Date: November 4, 2025 Format: Print, Digital Name of Series: Vintage Cookbook Mystery ~ Book 4 Genre: Cozy Mystery Author Website: ellenbyron.com Book Synopsis It’s Christmas. It’s cozy. It’s culinary.
A Reveal Like No Other by Ellen Byron
I am excited to share with you this reveal from the Golden Motel Mystery series. Tada!!! A VERY WOODSY MURDER: Sitcom writer Dee Stern impulsively quits her job on the Kidz Channel sitcom “DUH!” and buys a rustic motel in a small California Gold Rush town at the foot of a national park. Dee soon finds herself totally out of her element as both a motelier and an amateur sleuth when she discovers the body of a guest straddling the property line between her motel and the national park.
3 Signs You'll Love The Cozy Mystery Genre, As Told To Us By An Author
If you love mystery stories but balk at violence, then the cozy mystery genre might be for you. "Cozy mysteries are basically defined as mysteries that feature an amateur sleuth and are devoid of graphic sex, violence, and profanity," award-winning author Ellen Byron exclusively told Women.
How many lawyers in good standing were practicing law in cities within Champaign County as of Q1?
There were 259 lawyers in good standing in cities within Champaign County as of the first quarter of 2025, according to the ARDC of the Supreme Court of Illinois. This is a decrease from the previous quarter, when there were 261 lawyers. Countywide, the largest number of active lawyers in good standing were found in the city of Champaign (138). Lawyers in good standing do not have any complaints or disciplinary actions being taken against them.
3 fewer lawyers practicing in cities in Champaign County in February
Cities within Champaign County had a decline in the number of lawyers with active licenses compared to the previous month, according to the ARDC of the Supreme Court of Illinois. In total, there were 256 active legal licenses recorded in cities in Champaign County in February, compared to 259 in the previous month. The majority of these active licenses were granted in Champaign (135).
Champaign County: Cities registered 256 lawyers in good standing as of February
There were 256 lawyers in good standing in cities within Champaign County as of February, according to the ARDC of the Supreme Court of Illinois. This is a decrease from the previous month, when there were 259 lawyers. Countywide, Champaign recorded 135 lawyers in good standing in February, the highest number within Champaign County during that period. A 2023 study found Illinois had the fourth-highest number of lawyers per capita in the United States, with nearly five lawyers per 1,000 residents.
261 lawyers in good standing in cities within Champaign County as of Q4 2024
There were 261 lawyers in good standing in cities within Champaign County as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the ARDC of the Supreme Court of Illinois. This is a decrease from the previous quarter, when there were 262 lawyers. Countywide, the largest number of active lawyers in good standing were found in the city of Champaign (140). Lawyers in good standing do not have any complaints or disciplinary actions being taken against them.
Champaign County: Cities registered 259 lawyers in good standing as of January
There were 259 lawyers in good standing in cities within Champaign County as of January, according to the ARDC of the Supreme Court of Illinois. This is a decrease from the previous month, when there were 261 lawyers. Countywide, Champaign recorded 138 lawyers in good standing in January, the highest number within Champaign County during that period. A 2023 study found Illinois had the fourth-highest number of lawyers per capita in the United States, with nearly five lawyers per 1,000 residents.
The 2025 Malice Domestic Award Nominations
Best Contemporary Novel Nominees A COLLECTION OF LIES by Connie Berry A MIDNIGHT PUZZLE by Gigi Pandian A VERY WOODSY MURDER by Ellen Byron FONDUE OR DIE by Korina Moss THE DARK WIVES by Ann Cleeves Best Historical Novel Nominees HALL OF MIRRORS by John Copenhaver THE LAST HOPE by Susan Elia MacNeal THE PARIS MISTRESS by Mally Becker THE WHARTON PLOT by Mariah Fredericks TO SLIP THE BONDS OF EARTH by Amanda Flower Best First Novel Nominees A DEADLY ENDEAVOR by Jenny Adams GHOSTS OF WAIKĪKĪ...
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Ellen
Contact Ellen, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack