Murder suspense ‘Killer Krewe’ throws unexpected turns in Lisa M. Lucero’s Sixth Novel

Lisa M. Lucero’s latest novel “Killer Krewe” provides plenty of thrills as the town of Beaufort, N.C. celebrates Mardi Gras. During the festivities, scandalous mayor Franklin Lane commits the murder of Clayton Young and gets away with it by offering favors to community members to keep it hushed. Fortunately, there are two witnesses, Clayton’s girlfriend Meghan Stone and her friend, Amie Booker, who must seek justice for the murder.

They devise a plan to frame Lane, who is the leader of the corrupt Krewe Les Beat. Members of Krewe Les Beat threaten Meghan and Amie to keep quiet. Undeterred, the women put their plan in action. They discover a web of lies and find out the town is much more corrupt than what they originally had thought.

Lucero uses her own experience celebrating Mardi Gras while living in Louisiana and Southern Texas. Her interpretation of the celebration is evident in Krewe Les Beat.

“I love Mardi Gras,” Lucero said. “It’s a wonderful celebration that draws in large crowds. I have never seen so much joy from catching beads, doubloons, and other trinkets from large colorful floats that are intricately decorated before for the festivities. People love to party and get swept up in all the excitement. I thought it would be the perfect occasion for chaos.”

Published by Light Switch Press in March 2025, “Killer Krewe” is a David versus Goliath type of story. It leaves readers wondering will the underdog win.

“I had fun creating the twists and turns of this story,” Lucero said. “There’s nothing like a good murder suspense that makes you wonder how the heroes will defeat the enemies.”

Lucero’s first book was the romance suspense novel, “Waves Crashing.” She followed that up with the science fiction page-turner “Death Firm” and its sequel, “The Re-Creation of the Death Firm.” She also wrote the murder mystery “Deadly Beats” and the dark fantasy “Night Shadow.” Visit her website for more information at www.lisamlucero.com.

Lucero is currently working at Grinnell College as an administrative assistant in data and records. She grew up in McPherson, Kan., and is now living in Newton.