A timid traveler. A New Orleans adventure. A Mardi Gras murder…
Roxy believed that life never gives you more than you can handle. But when she’s fired from her wage-slave job, bullied by her co-workers, and her boyfriend abandons her, she decides she’s handled quite enough. Eager for a change of scene, Roxy with her white Persian cat Nefertiti head off to New Orleans.
The exotic sights, scents, and food of Mardi Gras coax the shy young woman out of her shell. Booking a room at a rundown guesthouse, Roxy is surrounded by a colorful cast of local characters. From tattooed waitresses to mystical tarot card readers, she quickly makes new friends and leaves her old life behind.
But she soon discovers that the Big Easy isn’t all beignets and jambalaya. A wealthy developer is eager to buy the guesthouse where Roxy lives and tear it down… until he turns up dead as a doornail! Before she can say ‘Mon Dieu!’, Roxy is caught up in a diabolical murder mystery… and her new friends are the prime suspects!
Roxy is determined to protect her pals, and save her new home. But is this anxious adventurer up to the challenge of solving a murder? Or will she become the killer’s next victim?
Titles in the Roxy Reinhardt Mystery series include – Mardi Gras Madness – New Orleans Nightmare – Louisiana Lies –
Title: Mardi Gras Madness
Series: Roxy Reinhardt Mystery #1
Author: Alison Golden & Honey Broussard
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published: September 28, 2019
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Mardi Gras Madness starts off the Roxy Reinhardt Mystery series with a fun Cozy Mystery that will have you longing for a visit to New Orleans.
As with any Cozy Mystery I review I’m very careful about spoilers so… with a touch of worldbuilding (that’s really necessary) we’re off on an adventure with Roxy as she begins her new life far away from the world she knew. In New Orleans, she’s feeling the pull of this Grand Dame of a city full of history, magic, promises, and… murder.
The story flows smoothly as the tensions are slowly ratcheted up as murder shatters the plans of several people who not only visit but live in the old, historic, rundown guesthouse where Roxy is staying. I’d say that there really is no huge arrow pointing to the villain here, you may get a feel for some and then discard them for another character so in that sense Mardi Gras Madness will keep you guessing until the reveal. There’s a wide variety of characters who show off the delights of New Orleans with a native’s ease, and others who have made the Big Easy their new home. Each is unique, has a slightly different backstory and as the series continues I’m hoping to get to know all the regulars much better. Plus there’s a hint of a future romance.
I enjoyed my time in this world and will definitely be following the series. If you love a really good Cozy Mystery that captures your attention and draws out the ‘whodunit’ skillfully then you’ll want to pick up Mardi Gras Madness and get started at the beginning of a charming, enjoyable series.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Available for the Kindle
