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Key West Food Critic Mystery #14
A Poisonous Palate
The heat is turned up for Hayley Snow and her friends in the next installment of the Key West Food Critic mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.
When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.
Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff’s office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance, but uncover more questions than answers.
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.
Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff’s office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance, but uncover more questions than answers.
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
395 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
108 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Burdette
24 books830 followersLucy Burdette is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries. Her first thriller, UNSAFE HAVEN, is out from Severn House this month. As Roberta Isleib, she has also written the golf lovers mystery series and the advice column mysteries. Her books and stories have been nominated for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She is the president of the Friends of the Key West Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
August 6, 2024
Book 14 in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. I have read books 12 and 13 so I was already familiar with the characters. One day I would love to go back to books 1- 11. If only there was more time!!!
In a Poisonous Palate Hayley Snow, food critic and amateur sleuth, is sought out by Catherine Davitt to help solve a decades old disappearance. Hayley is intrigued but her husband, Nathan, is wary and he may well be right. Is Catherine really sharing the truth and is the reality going to put Hayley into danger?
I really enjoyed the character of Gloria who is eighty years plus and is still living life to the fullest. I loved the descriptions of everyday life on the houseboats. Best of all were the culinary quotes at the beginning of each chapter, some of which were very funny and well worth reading aloud to anyone prepared to listen.
An excellent read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
In a Poisonous Palate Hayley Snow, food critic and amateur sleuth, is sought out by Catherine Davitt to help solve a decades old disappearance. Hayley is intrigued but her husband, Nathan, is wary and he may well be right. Is Catherine really sharing the truth and is the reality going to put Hayley into danger?
I really enjoyed the character of Gloria who is eighty years plus and is still living life to the fullest. I loved the descriptions of everyday life on the houseboats. Best of all were the culinary quotes at the beginning of each chapter, some of which were very funny and well worth reading aloud to anyone prepared to listen.
An excellent read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
February 25, 2024
A Poisonous Palate is the 14th book in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries. It takes place in Key West, FL. Hayley Snow is the main character in this series. She is a food critic for a magazine. She is married to Nathan Bransford a police lieutenant at the Key West police department.
They live on a houseboat in Key West Houseboat Row. Miss Gloria is an elderly woman who lives next door. Hayley gets an email from Catherine Davitt about her missing friend, Veronica (Ronnie) who disappeared many years ago. She meets with her and decides to help her.
Catherine wants to go to Big Pine where she had been there in a camp in the Mangroves when in her 20's. Both Catherine and Veronica went to FL to escape their families. Hayley and Catherine go to the No Name Pub where they want to ask questions. The waitress, Ginny. was part of the people at the camp when Catherine was there. She tells them that Arthur Combs is now a veterinarin, Ned Newman still owns the run down Ned and Nora Motel and Suzanne is now a cook at a local restaurant. They decide to go to the motel to speak to Ned and find him dead with a knife in his chest. They call the police and Darcy Rogers arrives. Hayley has had run-ins with Darcy before. After they are interviewed Hayley takes Catherine back to her home where Miss Gloria tells them that she knows Ryan Lopez, the policeman who Catherine had spoken to when she reported Veronica's disappearance and plans to speak to him.
Hayley and Miss Gloria go back to Big Pine to speak to him. He talks to them but they both feel that he knows more than he is saying. He had been the one who went to the camp and closed and demolished the grounds. The next day Hayley and Miss Gloria go to the hotel to pick up Catherine who is staying but find she is not there. She has disappeared.
This is where th story takes off with Hayley trying to find out what happened to Catherine and Veronica. There is so much going on that it would be hard to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising end.
I have read another book in this series and enjoyed it as well as this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for this ARC.
They live on a houseboat in Key West Houseboat Row. Miss Gloria is an elderly woman who lives next door. Hayley gets an email from Catherine Davitt about her missing friend, Veronica (Ronnie) who disappeared many years ago. She meets with her and decides to help her.
Catherine wants to go to Big Pine where she had been there in a camp in the Mangroves when in her 20's. Both Catherine and Veronica went to FL to escape their families. Hayley and Catherine go to the No Name Pub where they want to ask questions. The waitress, Ginny. was part of the people at the camp when Catherine was there. She tells them that Arthur Combs is now a veterinarin, Ned Newman still owns the run down Ned and Nora Motel and Suzanne is now a cook at a local restaurant. They decide to go to the motel to speak to Ned and find him dead with a knife in his chest. They call the police and Darcy Rogers arrives. Hayley has had run-ins with Darcy before. After they are interviewed Hayley takes Catherine back to her home where Miss Gloria tells them that she knows Ryan Lopez, the policeman who Catherine had spoken to when she reported Veronica's disappearance and plans to speak to him.
Hayley and Miss Gloria go back to Big Pine to speak to him. He talks to them but they both feel that he knows more than he is saying. He had been the one who went to the camp and closed and demolished the grounds. The next day Hayley and Miss Gloria go to the hotel to pick up Catherine who is staying but find she is not there. She has disappeared.
This is where th story takes off with Hayley trying to find out what happened to Catherine and Veronica. There is so much going on that it would be hard to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising end.
I have read another book in this series and enjoyed it as well as this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for this ARC.
March 28, 2024
Hayley receives an email from a writer named Catherine who is looking into the disappearance of her friend Veronica when they were in Key West in the 1970's. A group of people hung out then, and some of them still live in the area, so Hayley, consummate busybody that she is, decides to interrogate them. Surprisingly, they actually answer her questions. Then when one of the old group is found dead, Hayley reflects on the plethora of suspects, especially when Catherine stands her up at their arranged meeting. The police, including her police-officer husband, ask her to back off, but she is determined to solve the case. Recipes are included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
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November 3, 2024A good mystery, a bit unrealistic at times !! Overall I like these mysteries…
April 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐ Another great entry in one of my favorite series. Hailey is asked to help with a decades old mystery when she receives an email from a woman who wants to find out what happened to her friend who disappeared 40 years ago. As usual, the setting and main characters are wonderful (especially Miss Gloria!). I guess I just don't really understand why Hailey was willing to investigate for a complete stranger. Otherwise I enjoyed this, as always with this series.
July 4, 2024
"A Poisonous Palate" the 14th instalment in the "A Key West Food Critic" Mystery series by Lucy Burdette. This is one of my favourite foodie cozy mystery series. I really enjoyed this story and hanging out with Haley, Nathan and Miss Gloria! I must say I really do love octogenarian Miss Gloria and all the things she does and says. I enjoyed learning about Hemingway and his wives too.
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I liked trying to figure out who killed Catherine’s friend in 1978 and one of the suspects today.
I kept second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I liked trying to figure out who killed Catherine’s friend in 1978 and one of the suspects today.
I kept second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
August 4, 2024
4.5⭐ rounding up
Fourteen books in, and this is definitely one of my favorites in the series. Haley Snow, food critic for the Key Zest, personifies an insatiable curiosity that served her well in helping solve past murders. But is this cold case a murder or missing person? Along the way, the idea of toxic relationships as illustrated by the life of Ernest Hemingway, a one-time Key West resident, becomes an integral key to understanding what happened back in 1978 to the vivacious Veronica when she went missing from the hippie encampment. Twisty plot that kept me guessing. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Fourteen books in, and this is definitely one of my favorites in the series. Haley Snow, food critic for the Key Zest, personifies an insatiable curiosity that served her well in helping solve past murders. But is this cold case a murder or missing person? Along the way, the idea of toxic relationships as illustrated by the life of Ernest Hemingway, a one-time Key West resident, becomes an integral key to understanding what happened back in 1978 to the vivacious Veronica when she went missing from the hippie encampment. Twisty plot that kept me guessing. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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February 14, 2024
#APoisonousPalate #NetGalley featuring Haley Snow and Miss Gloria is the newest addition to this series and really well done.
Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friThank you to, Veronica. She reaches out to Haley, asking for her help in finding out the truth about Veronica's disappearance from a campsite that a few young adults were part of.
When Haley begins asking questions, she soon learns that the people involved would rather not relive the events, so it takes some time for Haley to unravel the clues.
I really enjoyed this book, the story was well written and I had no idea who was responsible for Veronica's disappearance, the ending was definitely a surprise.
Miss Gloria is my favorite character in this series, I love her energy and her gumption to always be a part of the investigations Haley becomes involved in.
This is one of my favorite in the series so far, and Miss Gloria really saved the day with her plan!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friThank you to, Veronica. She reaches out to Haley, asking for her help in finding out the truth about Veronica's disappearance from a campsite that a few young adults were part of.
When Haley begins asking questions, she soon learns that the people involved would rather not relive the events, so it takes some time for Haley to unravel the clues.
I really enjoyed this book, the story was well written and I had no idea who was responsible for Veronica's disappearance, the ending was definitely a surprise.
Miss Gloria is my favorite character in this series, I love her energy and her gumption to always be a part of the investigations Haley becomes involved in.
This is one of my favorite in the series so far, and Miss Gloria really saved the day with her plan!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
September 2, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Key Zest food critic turned amateur sleuth Hayley Snow was scrolling through her emails. There was one from a name she didn't recognize but the subject line was intriguing "Hemingway toxic love and an old story". Catherine Davitt had written several books and she is now researching Hemingway's relationships with his wives. But it isn't her first trip to the area. Catherine and her friend Veronica were there back in 1978. They joined a group camping in the mangroves outside of Big Pine Key. Each had their reasons for being there and there was some friction from time to time but all seemed surprised the day Veronica just disappeared. The sheriff's department did investigate but never found her. Now it is a cold case. With Catherine is back in the area she wants to figure out what happened to her friend and she has asked for Hayley's help.
Hayley agrees. There were a few people still living in or near Big Pine Key who had camped in the mangroves. Sadly, none were very forthcoming leaving Hayley and Catherine with even more questions. Then they went to interview a local motel owner who had hung around at the camp but he wasn't talking. He was dead, recently stabbed. Shortly thereafter Catherine goes missing. Hayley knows both events are connected to Veronica going missing all those years ago.
Can she piece the clues together and get past all the secrets and lies in time to solve the new cases and the old?
______
I really enjoyed returning to catch up with Hayley, her detective husband Nathan, her parents, her best friend, octogenarian, and next-door neighbor Miss Gloria. Miss Gloria is smart as a whip, clever, and funny. She is up for anything and jumps at the chance to help Hayley in any way she can. She is my favorite character in this series but the entire core cast is likable and genuine. Nathan and Hayley's relationship is strong and comfortable. He has accepted that she is going to get into some crazy situations and investigations but he still worries and will always be there to aid her in everything she does. Her parents are supportive too but have less time to worry as they are busy with their catering business. All these characters continue to develop nicely.
The mysteries Hayley is trying to untangle send her in circles as the information she needs comes out in drips and dabs. She had to visit some people several times. Good thing she is tenacious. I was delighted to follow the clues right along with her. I thought I had the culprit pinned down when Hayley found herself in a precarious situation but I was all wrong. As I kept reading my heart started pounding. I was truly surprised but there was still something up in the air and Hayley needed to solve that mystery too. What an ending!
The way Ms. Burdette plotted out this story was interesting. Within the chapters is Catherine's story about her time at the camp in 1978. The snippets made that time more real as we learned why these girls ended up in Big Pine Key and their time there. I also liked how she weaved in Hemingway's history within the story.
A Poisonous Palate contains a complicated mystery with endearing characters, and plenty of humor that kept me totally captivated from beginning to end. Then we got to the recipes for all the food that had my stomach growling continually. I highly recommend the entire Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. They are all fun and entertaining, but this is my new favorite. That Miss Glory, I sure do love her!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Land Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Key Zest food critic turned amateur sleuth Hayley Snow was scrolling through her emails. There was one from a name she didn't recognize but the subject line was intriguing "Hemingway toxic love and an old story". Catherine Davitt had written several books and she is now researching Hemingway's relationships with his wives. But it isn't her first trip to the area. Catherine and her friend Veronica were there back in 1978. They joined a group camping in the mangroves outside of Big Pine Key. Each had their reasons for being there and there was some friction from time to time but all seemed surprised the day Veronica just disappeared. The sheriff's department did investigate but never found her. Now it is a cold case. With Catherine is back in the area she wants to figure out what happened to her friend and she has asked for Hayley's help.
Hayley agrees. There were a few people still living in or near Big Pine Key who had camped in the mangroves. Sadly, none were very forthcoming leaving Hayley and Catherine with even more questions. Then they went to interview a local motel owner who had hung around at the camp but he wasn't talking. He was dead, recently stabbed. Shortly thereafter Catherine goes missing. Hayley knows both events are connected to Veronica going missing all those years ago.
Can she piece the clues together and get past all the secrets and lies in time to solve the new cases and the old?
______
I really enjoyed returning to catch up with Hayley, her detective husband Nathan, her parents, her best friend, octogenarian, and next-door neighbor Miss Gloria. Miss Gloria is smart as a whip, clever, and funny. She is up for anything and jumps at the chance to help Hayley in any way she can. She is my favorite character in this series but the entire core cast is likable and genuine. Nathan and Hayley's relationship is strong and comfortable. He has accepted that she is going to get into some crazy situations and investigations but he still worries and will always be there to aid her in everything she does. Her parents are supportive too but have less time to worry as they are busy with their catering business. All these characters continue to develop nicely.
The mysteries Hayley is trying to untangle send her in circles as the information she needs comes out in drips and dabs. She had to visit some people several times. Good thing she is tenacious. I was delighted to follow the clues right along with her. I thought I had the culprit pinned down when Hayley found herself in a precarious situation but I was all wrong. As I kept reading my heart started pounding. I was truly surprised but there was still something up in the air and Hayley needed to solve that mystery too. What an ending!
The way Ms. Burdette plotted out this story was interesting. Within the chapters is Catherine's story about her time at the camp in 1978. The snippets made that time more real as we learned why these girls ended up in Big Pine Key and their time there. I also liked how she weaved in Hemingway's history within the story.
A Poisonous Palate contains a complicated mystery with endearing characters, and plenty of humor that kept me totally captivated from beginning to end. Then we got to the recipes for all the food that had my stomach growling continually. I highly recommend the entire Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. They are all fun and entertaining, but this is my new favorite. That Miss Glory, I sure do love her!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Land Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review. #campnetgalley
This series is one of my favourites, but this one is not so much. My favourite type of cosy mystery is one that is centered around food, but this one wasn't for me. Hayley was so easily sucked into another mystery by someone she initially believed was guilty that I didn't care. I did like that the case was a cold case of a missing person from the 70's but I did not care enough about the characters involved or even the missing person. With her spunk and how she tagged along with Hayley to question suspects, Hayley's elderly friend Miss Gloria was a shining light to this story for me.
This series is one of my favourites, but this one is not so much. My favourite type of cosy mystery is one that is centered around food, but this one wasn't for me. Hayley was so easily sucked into another mystery by someone she initially believed was guilty that I didn't care. I did like that the case was a cold case of a missing person from the 70's but I did not care enough about the characters involved or even the missing person. With her spunk and how she tagged along with Hayley to question suspects, Hayley's elderly friend Miss Gloria was a shining light to this story for me.
April 17, 2024
A Poisonous Palate is a gripping, yet delightfully charming, cozy mystery novel. Haley receives a random email requesting her help in a decades-old missing person case. With her friend's wedding soon approaching and several article deadlines due, Haley doesn't exactly have time for a cold case; however, she's never been one to say 'no' to a mystery. Haley agrees to help Catherine and they soon start investigating the area where Catherine and her missing friend used to live. As it so happens, it was a commune, and the group was very suspect. Soon after visiting the camp, they discover one of the previous residents murdered and then Catherine goes missing. Just what has Haley gotten herself into!?
A Poisonous Palate is a bit edgier than most of the cozies that I read; however, I thoroughly enjoyed the dark(ish) themes of the commune and Catherine's past. I also really appreciated the way that the author wove in Hemingway and his past. Hemingway is such a huge part of Key West's history and the author was able to creatively and smoothly weave his history (which is fascinating) in with the main plot. AND then there were the restaurants and the meals. I wanted to devour every one of the dishes that was described. For me, a great cozy is not complete without the food descriptions. I will absolutely be continuing with this series!
A Poisonous Palate is a bit edgier than most of the cozies that I read; however, I thoroughly enjoyed the dark(ish) themes of the commune and Catherine's past. I also really appreciated the way that the author wove in Hemingway and his past. Hemingway is such a huge part of Key West's history and the author was able to creatively and smoothly weave his history (which is fascinating) in with the main plot. AND then there were the restaurants and the meals. I wanted to devour every one of the dishes that was described. For me, a great cozy is not complete without the food descriptions. I will absolutely be continuing with this series!
August 11, 2024
A plot that is a feast for the brain! Cold case, current case and everyone involved is lying about something driving our inquisitive food critic to keep stirring the pot to get to the truth! This plot will have you drooling, I mean seriously the food sounds delicious and after all, Haley is a food critic to food has to be an integral part of the story. However, the food isn't the only good thing. The cold case, the current mysterious case and all the lies surrounding both have Haley digging to find the facts of the past which she thinks may also solve the present! This series is always entertaining, but this book takes the mystery to a new level of whodunit to really whet your appetite and have you turning page after page late into the night to find out what really happened. I do think that this book is my new favorite of the series. The author creates compelling characters and even more engaging storylines for the characters that wrap through the mystery to make the entire story all that much more gripping and unputdownable! I can't wait for my next visit to Key West via Haley Snow and her collection of family and friends! Someday I'll make it to Key West in my real life, but for now it is a lot of fun to visit via Haley and pals!
August 20, 2024
4.5 stars
Miss Gloria is the best octogenarian character around. You can tell me I’m wrong but I won’t listen.
Book 14 was another great installment in the series. Full of feelings from many different angles. I’m so happy Hayley has Nathan. I even believe she made some friends with the other law enforcement officers.
You will want to read nonstop once you start.
Miss Gloria is the best octogenarian character around. You can tell me I’m wrong but I won’t listen.
Book 14 was another great installment in the series. Full of feelings from many different angles. I’m so happy Hayley has Nathan. I even believe she made some friends with the other law enforcement officers.
You will want to read nonstop once you start.
December 15, 2024
Lucy Burdette's A Poisonous Palate revisits a writer's hippie cult experience from thirty years ago. The writer Catherine Davitt asks Haley Snow for her help in finding her friend Veronica who has been missing since they last lived in the Keys. She is in Key West to research Hemingway's wives. Haley insists she is not a PI but agrees to meet with her. Since she works for a Florida Keys lifestyle publication, talking with the woman about her book seems relevant. They end up tracking down some former campers who still live in the area. One of them is a motel owner; they discover his dead body. Then Catherine vanishes. Haley ends up almost being a victim herself. All the current crimes involving the former hippies are solved, but expect surprises and some scary moments first. Burdette's focus is on Haley, but some portions of the book are written from Catherine's perspective. A creative touch is the food-related quotes from mysteries, cookbooks, articles and interviews that start each chapter. Recipes are included. This has been a series that I turn to each year to deal with holiday stress. it's not holiday-focused, but it helps take my mind off all the shopping and wrapping.
March 28, 2024
Hayley Snow, Floridian professional food critic and amateur investigator is looking forward to her friend's wedding, but in the run up has been contacted by a fellow writer with an interesting tale to tell. Catherine Davitt joined a camp in the Big Pine Key mangroves in the late 1970s and has returned to research her latest book about Hemingway’s four wives. She also wants Hayley to help her discover what happened to her friend Veronica, who vanished from the camp in 1978.
With her octogenarian sidekick, Miss Gloria, Hayley throws herself into interviewing Catherine's ex camp mates and searching newspaper records for information, much to her husband and local detective Nathan's concern. Old mysteries, however, are sometimes best left alone, and when one of Veronica’s old acquaintances is killed and another disappears, Hayley realises her investigation isn't the only thing in jeopardy!
Book 14 in Lucy Burdette's Key West Food Critic Mystery Series is the first I've read, but I was never once confused or felt this wasn't the place to start. Instead, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, didn't work out whodunnit, and will totally be adding this series to my cosy library. Hayley is a great main protagonist, but Miss Gloria steals every scene she's in with a wonderful disregard for sensibilities only an octogenarian can get away with! As expected with a food critic sleuth, there are a few restaurant visits included, as are some recipes at the end.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
With her octogenarian sidekick, Miss Gloria, Hayley throws herself into interviewing Catherine's ex camp mates and searching newspaper records for information, much to her husband and local detective Nathan's concern. Old mysteries, however, are sometimes best left alone, and when one of Veronica’s old acquaintances is killed and another disappears, Hayley realises her investigation isn't the only thing in jeopardy!
Book 14 in Lucy Burdette's Key West Food Critic Mystery Series is the first I've read, but I was never once confused or felt this wasn't the place to start. Instead, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, didn't work out whodunnit, and will totally be adding this series to my cosy library. Hayley is a great main protagonist, but Miss Gloria steals every scene she's in with a wonderful disregard for sensibilities only an octogenarian can get away with! As expected with a food critic sleuth, there are a few restaurant visits included, as are some recipes at the end.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
April 1, 2024
Catherine Davitt comes into the life of Hayley Snow, a food critic, and turns it upside down when asking her to look into the disappearance of a friend, which happened decades ago.
This is the 14th entry in the Key West Food Crititc series, and it was the first that I've read. In my opinion, this book can be read as a standalone, because the mystery itself begins and is solved in this entry. However, I did feel I lost something when it comes to the personal life of Hayley Snow (I believe she is the protagonist of the entire series). The author does explain enough of her past for you to not be confused with what is going on in her life, but since I did not accompany the character's development I did not care very much about Hayley's personal life. I feel like that is 100% on the fact I did not read the previous books. Besides, the author does allude to some interesting events in Hayley's past.
Besides that, this is a very cozy read, the mystery was good and kept me hooked and not knowing until the end. There were some minor logic flaws that removed me a little bit from the story sometimes, but they were indeed very minor and did not hinder my interest in the mystery.
Of course the recipes at the end were a very nice and welcome addition to the book!
Warning: do not read while hungry, there is a lot of food in this book!!!
Thank you very much to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
This is the 14th entry in the Key West Food Crititc series, and it was the first that I've read. In my opinion, this book can be read as a standalone, because the mystery itself begins and is solved in this entry. However, I did feel I lost something when it comes to the personal life of Hayley Snow (I believe she is the protagonist of the entire series). The author does explain enough of her past for you to not be confused with what is going on in her life, but since I did not accompany the character's development I did not care very much about Hayley's personal life. I feel like that is 100% on the fact I did not read the previous books. Besides, the author does allude to some interesting events in Hayley's past.
Besides that, this is a very cozy read, the mystery was good and kept me hooked and not knowing until the end. There were some minor logic flaws that removed me a little bit from the story sometimes, but they were indeed very minor and did not hinder my interest in the mystery.
Of course the recipes at the end were a very nice and welcome addition to the book!
Warning: do not read while hungry, there is a lot of food in this book!!!
Thank you very much to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
February 10, 2024
A Poisonous Palate by Lucy Burdette is a clever mystery novel, another in her series of Key West Food Critic mysteries and it also includes recipes. It’s a tale of a woman who comes back to Key West ostensibly to write a book about Ernest Hemingway and his wives but also to look again for a friend Veronica who disappeared when she visited 40 years ago and was never found.
The writer Catherine contacted Hayley Snow, food critic for the Key Zest e-zine who was known locally for having solved some mysteries. Hayley agreed to meet her for coffee and after talking to her, to help her.
The next day they drove further up the Keys to try to talk to some of the people who might still have been around 40 years ago and unfortunately Catherine discovered the body of Ned, one of the men she remembered, in the office of his hotel.
As Hayley continued her investigation Catherine also disappeared. Hayley continued to talk to waitresses and chefs and retired sheriff’s officers and a veterinarian to try to solve the mystery and the murder, first to no avail, but seemed to be getting closer. She has some really delicious meals along the way. But was it getting dangerous. Then she and someone helping her were shot at. Will she find Catherine? Will she catch the killer? Will she stay alive? You will have to read this delicious and intriguing story to find out.
The writer Catherine contacted Hayley Snow, food critic for the Key Zest e-zine who was known locally for having solved some mysteries. Hayley agreed to meet her for coffee and after talking to her, to help her.
The next day they drove further up the Keys to try to talk to some of the people who might still have been around 40 years ago and unfortunately Catherine discovered the body of Ned, one of the men she remembered, in the office of his hotel.
As Hayley continued her investigation Catherine also disappeared. Hayley continued to talk to waitresses and chefs and retired sheriff’s officers and a veterinarian to try to solve the mystery and the murder, first to no avail, but seemed to be getting closer. She has some really delicious meals along the way. But was it getting dangerous. Then she and someone helping her were shot at. Will she find Catherine? Will she catch the killer? Will she stay alive? You will have to read this delicious and intriguing story to find out.
June 16, 2024
"A Poisonous Plate (A Key West Food Critic #14)" by Lucy Burdette has us flashing back to a 70's mangrove commune camp and combining a cold case with a current case. At times it wasn't quite obvious we were in a flashback or took a few lines before realizing it. I also started skipping over the quotes at the beginning of chapters since some seemed a stretch to be relevant.
Hayley gets sucked in an old missing person's case when the missing girl's best friend goes missing too after asking for Hayley help with the 40 year old case. This takes Hayley investing an old commune the girls had joined when they ran away from home. It was the 70's in a commune, think stereotypical things that go with that.
There were several possible suspects. However, there was one person that kept being part of the story that I didn't totally think would get mentioned so often if they weren't involved somehow. Especially a couple of comments being made about them that seemed either unnecessary or as a hint hint. My gut instinct about them turned out to be correct.
Hayley gets sucked in an old missing person's case when the missing girl's best friend goes missing too after asking for Hayley help with the 40 year old case. This takes Hayley investing an old commune the girls had joined when they ran away from home. It was the 70's in a commune, think stereotypical things that go with that.
There were several possible suspects. However, there was one person that kept being part of the story that I didn't totally think would get mentioned so often if they weren't involved somehow. Especially a couple of comments being made about them that seemed either unnecessary or as a hint hint. My gut instinct about them turned out to be correct.
February 10, 2024
Lucy Burdette has served up another delicious helping of the Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. Each book is better than the previous one which really seems impossible but is true. I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to read an advanced copy and loved every chapter. .This time Hayley Snow is approached by a stranger to help solve a 40 year old missing person case. The twists and turns keep you mystified until the very end. I laughed and cried and really enjoyed my trip to Key West. The vivid descriptions of the area as well as the character development is very well done. While is is best to start with “ Appetite for Murder” and work one’s way through the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone without feeling lost. Thank you Lucy. Now, I eagerly await the next book in the series.
May 19, 2024
Hayley Snow, Key West food critic is back and she’s asked to help solve a decades old mystery by a stranger, Catherine. As Hayley and Catherine start to investigate, the plot thickens and all of the possible suspects seem to have a motive. I found the mystery intriguing but do wish there was more of Miss Gloria and the other usual characters. I look forward to reading the next intrigue that Hayley becomes involved in.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc.
August 6, 2024
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My family went to Key West in the winters during my childhood. I bought earlier books in this series for my mother and I to read. I read the entire series at once to catch up for this latest book. It has been nice to reminisce about the island’s restaurants, bars, piers, festivals, quirks, history, and architecture. The mystery part of the stories has been good and not repetitive which must be difficult this far into a series. The relationship between the main character and her husband has always felt lacking and I don’t fee the author invested enough time in writing this part of the series to make it believable. They are hardly ever together on page and never seemed to have a romantic connection to the point where I was surprised when he proposed, shocked when she accepted, and genuinely didn’t think they would follow through with the wedding. Also she seems to lose track of her “best friend” Connie who had a baby and I swear several books go by before the friend or baby is mentioned again. Im not even sure they share the name of the best friends baby until a few books after she was born. The most believable relationship in the book is with the octogenarian roommate/neighbor, Gloria.
My family went to Key West in the winters during my childhood. I bought earlier books in this series for my mother and I to read. I read the entire series at once to catch up for this latest book. It has been nice to reminisce about the island’s restaurants, bars, piers, festivals, quirks, history, and architecture. The mystery part of the stories has been good and not repetitive which must be difficult this far into a series. The relationship between the main character and her husband has always felt lacking and I don’t fee the author invested enough time in writing this part of the series to make it believable. They are hardly ever together on page and never seemed to have a romantic connection to the point where I was surprised when he proposed, shocked when she accepted, and genuinely didn’t think they would follow through with the wedding. Also she seems to lose track of her “best friend” Connie who had a baby and I swear several books go by before the friend or baby is mentioned again. Im not even sure they share the name of the best friends baby until a few books after she was born. The most believable relationship in the book is with the octogenarian roommate/neighbor, Gloria.
February 16, 2024
A woman named Catherine Davitt reaches out to Hayley Snow asking her to look into the case of her missing friend Veronica whom she traveled with some forty years ago.
According to Catherine, they were traveling from Michigan to the Florida Keys when she disappeared.
All efforts made by the police to locate Catherine’s friend’s whereabouts were futile.
According to Catherine, she even hired a PI who had to halt his investigation because he wasn’t making any progress.
Now Catherine is back on a research trip. She’s writing a book about toxic love and Hemmingway’s wives.
So Catherine and Haley start interviewing Big Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance.
One such resident is Ned Newman, a motel owner who hung around with Catherine and her friends. Although he came across as somewhat creepy.
When Catherine and Hayley stop by Ned’s motel to speak with him, they find him stabbed to death with a pair of scissors. Soon after Catherine goes missing
Thank you to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
According to Catherine, they were traveling from Michigan to the Florida Keys when she disappeared.
All efforts made by the police to locate Catherine’s friend’s whereabouts were futile.
According to Catherine, she even hired a PI who had to halt his investigation because he wasn’t making any progress.
Now Catherine is back on a research trip. She’s writing a book about toxic love and Hemmingway’s wives.
So Catherine and Haley start interviewing Big Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance.
One such resident is Ned Newman, a motel owner who hung around with Catherine and her friends. Although he came across as somewhat creepy.
When Catherine and Hayley stop by Ned’s motel to speak with him, they find him stabbed to death with a pair of scissors. Soon after Catherine goes missing
Thank you to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
February 16, 2024
A woman named Catherine Davitt reaches out to Hayley Snow asking her to look into the case of her missing friend Veronica whom she traveled with some forty years ago.
According to Catherine, they were traveling from Michigan to the Florida Keys when she disappeared.
All efforts made by the police to locate Catherine’s friend’s whereabouts were futile.
According to Catherine, she even hired a PI who had to halt his investigation because he wasn’t making any progress.
Now Catherine is back on a research trip. She’s writing a book about toxic love and Hemmingway’s wives.
So Catherine and Haley start interviewing Big Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance.
One such resident is Ned Newman, a motel owner who hung around with Catherine and her friends. Although he came across as somewhat creepy.
When Catherine and Hayley stop by Ned’s motel to speak with him, they find him stabbed to death with a pair of scissors. Soon after Catherine goes missing
Thank you to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
According to Catherine, they were traveling from Michigan to the Florida Keys when she disappeared.
All efforts made by the police to locate Catherine’s friend’s whereabouts were futile.
According to Catherine, she even hired a PI who had to halt his investigation because he wasn’t making any progress.
Now Catherine is back on a research trip. She’s writing a book about toxic love and Hemmingway’s wives.
So Catherine and Haley start interviewing Big Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance.
One such resident is Ned Newman, a motel owner who hung around with Catherine and her friends. Although he came across as somewhat creepy.
When Catherine and Hayley stop by Ned’s motel to speak with him, they find him stabbed to death with a pair of scissors. Soon after Catherine goes missing
Thank you to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
July 18, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lucy Burdette for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Poisonous Palate coming out August 6, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.
Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff’s office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance, but uncover more questions than answers.
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
I didn’t actually read the other books in the series. I didn’t realize it was book 14. I was a little lost at first, but I think it was easy to catch up. I thought Hayley was an interesting character. I really enjoyed the dual timelines. I wasn’t expecting a story set in the past as well. It was cool that she had to solve an old mystery as well. I thought the characters were interesting. There were a couple serious topics that didn’t feel as cozy to me. I don’t want to give anything away though. I enjoyed the recipes at the end. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries!
When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway’s wives, but she’s also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.
Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff’s office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica’s disappearance, but uncover more questions than answers.
Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It’s up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.
I didn’t actually read the other books in the series. I didn’t realize it was book 14. I was a little lost at first, but I think it was easy to catch up. I thought Hayley was an interesting character. I really enjoyed the dual timelines. I wasn’t expecting a story set in the past as well. It was cool that she had to solve an old mystery as well. I thought the characters were interesting. There were a couple serious topics that didn’t feel as cozy to me. I don’t want to give anything away though. I enjoyed the recipes at the end. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries!
October 7, 2024
Solving a past murder was a fun change of pace! I enjoyed the diary entries from Catherine as well. I will say, Hayley is very, VERY overly trusting of people. Oofda!
July 27, 2025
This one had me so intrigued but also stumped because Hayley wasn’t finding much information to lead her to solving the case.
August 22, 2024
This is the fourteenth book in the Key West Food Critic mystery series. Once again Lucy Burdette paints a vivid picture of Key West. Key West is definitely on my bucket list, but if I never get to go, I can see the place in my head thanks to these books.
Hayley is asked by a woman to help her investigate the disappearance of a friend of hers 40 years ago. I love mysteries with a cold case angle. The way the author introduces the idea of toxic relationships is very intriguing. As always part of the charm of this series are Hayley’s friends, especially her tarot-reading friend, Lorenzo, and Miss Gloria, who continues to show how life should be led in your eighties.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for my free Advanced Reader’s Copy. I gave this mystery 5 stars. The author kept me guessing until the end who the killer was. While it is the 14th in the series, I do think it is one you could just jump in and read as a stand alone.
Hayley is asked by a woman to help her investigate the disappearance of a friend of hers 40 years ago. I love mysteries with a cold case angle. The way the author introduces the idea of toxic relationships is very intriguing. As always part of the charm of this series are Hayley’s friends, especially her tarot-reading friend, Lorenzo, and Miss Gloria, who continues to show how life should be led in your eighties.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for my free Advanced Reader’s Copy. I gave this mystery 5 stars. The author kept me guessing until the end who the killer was. While it is the 14th in the series, I do think it is one you could just jump in and read as a stand alone.
March 10, 2024
A Poisonous Palate is the 14th book in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries, but the first book of Lucy Burdette’s that I’ve read. Normally, I enjoy starting with the first book in a series, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to read this ARC and get to know both Ms. Burdette and her main character, Haley Snow. I’m officially hooked, and, while this book could be read as a standalone, have already gone back and started the 1st in the series, An Appetite for Murder. Ms. Burdette does a great job of bringing in characters from her other books, so I felt up to speed.
Haley is not a detective. She’s a food critic for the local Key West newspaper, but based on past experience, she gets drawn into helping others to solve crimes in their lives. In this case, it’s a woman named Catherine, who camped out in the Keys back in the 70s with other young, lost souls, and returns, ostensibly to get material for her book next book about Ernest Hemingway and his four wives. However, what she really wants is to find out what happened to her friend, Veronica, from those days, and suddenly disappeared one night from the campsite. Haley agrees to help, and almost immediately the two women discover that one of those campers has just been murdered. Shortly afterward, Catherine disappears! Let the fun begin!
The dialogue is snappy and the situations, especially the dialogue among the characters, are realistic. The characters are multi-dimensional. I especially liked Haley’s husband Nathan, her parents, and her very feisty octogenarian neighbor, Miss Gloria. However, Ms. Burdette doesn’t shy away from the other characters who still carry their past traumas, history, and memories, sometimes not positive or healthy.
Never having been to the Keys, I also enjoyed the setting and Ms. Burdette’s detailed descriptions. She also uses the names of actual places, including restaurants, and that makes it even more real to me. Yes, the food descriptions are heavenly, and I got a kick out of how she starts each chapter with a food quote. There was never a lag in the pacing—which meant I stayed up later than I normally do to “see what happens next!” I honestly didn’t figure out “who done it” until it was revealed! I’m thrilled to have discovered such a terrific author and a new culinary cozy series! Thank you, NetGalley and Lucy Burdette, for the opportunity to read this very entertaining book. More, please!!
Haley is not a detective. She’s a food critic for the local Key West newspaper, but based on past experience, she gets drawn into helping others to solve crimes in their lives. In this case, it’s a woman named Catherine, who camped out in the Keys back in the 70s with other young, lost souls, and returns, ostensibly to get material for her book next book about Ernest Hemingway and his four wives. However, what she really wants is to find out what happened to her friend, Veronica, from those days, and suddenly disappeared one night from the campsite. Haley agrees to help, and almost immediately the two women discover that one of those campers has just been murdered. Shortly afterward, Catherine disappears! Let the fun begin!
The dialogue is snappy and the situations, especially the dialogue among the characters, are realistic. The characters are multi-dimensional. I especially liked Haley’s husband Nathan, her parents, and her very feisty octogenarian neighbor, Miss Gloria. However, Ms. Burdette doesn’t shy away from the other characters who still carry their past traumas, history, and memories, sometimes not positive or healthy.
Never having been to the Keys, I also enjoyed the setting and Ms. Burdette’s detailed descriptions. She also uses the names of actual places, including restaurants, and that makes it even more real to me. Yes, the food descriptions are heavenly, and I got a kick out of how she starts each chapter with a food quote. There was never a lag in the pacing—which meant I stayed up later than I normally do to “see what happens next!” I honestly didn’t figure out “who done it” until it was revealed! I’m thrilled to have discovered such a terrific author and a new culinary cozy series! Thank you, NetGalley and Lucy Burdette, for the opportunity to read this very entertaining book. More, please!!
March 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a review that is completely my thoughts and impressions.
This is the 14th entry in the Key West Food Critic series and I enjoyed my visit with Hayley Snow and her family and friends thoroughly. In this entry to the series, Hayley receives an email from a woman visiting the island supposedly to research a book she is writing on the toxic relationships between Earnest Hemingway and his four wives.. She reveals that she visited the Keys many years before as a young woman. She spent time living in a tent in a sort of commune. She had driven down from Michigan with an acquaintance who disappeared during their stay. She (Catherine) reported the woman missing, but felt the police never took her disappearance seriously. She wanted Hayley's help trying to learn what actually happened.
Hayley is married to police lieutenant detective Nathan Bransford and he is never happy when Hayley gets involved in these investigations but has come to accept her curiosity will not be tamed. Along with Nathan, Hayley's number one cohort is 80 something year old Miss Gloria, who is as curious as Hayley and twice as feisty. After a trip to Big Pine Key and a visit to the bar near where Catherine and the commune members used to hang out, Hayley and Catherine found a dead body as they traveled around Big Pine Key. Shortly after that discovery Catherine went missing. Was it because she was guilty or had the guilty party taken care of her and disposed of her body?
Hayley continues to poke around asking questions of of all the people still around from those many years before, all while eating at a variety of restaurants around the area to write up her column in Key Zest magazine. Twists, turns and lots of action ensue before all the questions are answered.
While I really like Hayley's blend of independent curiosity and her desire to keep her husband happy by staying out of these situations, I love Miss Gloria's spunkiness and creative approach to dealing with her sons' protectiveness, especially when it contributes to Hayley's safety!
This is the 14th entry in the Key West Food Critic series and I enjoyed my visit with Hayley Snow and her family and friends thoroughly. In this entry to the series, Hayley receives an email from a woman visiting the island supposedly to research a book she is writing on the toxic relationships between Earnest Hemingway and his four wives.. She reveals that she visited the Keys many years before as a young woman. She spent time living in a tent in a sort of commune. She had driven down from Michigan with an acquaintance who disappeared during their stay. She (Catherine) reported the woman missing, but felt the police never took her disappearance seriously. She wanted Hayley's help trying to learn what actually happened.
Hayley is married to police lieutenant detective Nathan Bransford and he is never happy when Hayley gets involved in these investigations but has come to accept her curiosity will not be tamed. Along with Nathan, Hayley's number one cohort is 80 something year old Miss Gloria, who is as curious as Hayley and twice as feisty. After a trip to Big Pine Key and a visit to the bar near where Catherine and the commune members used to hang out, Hayley and Catherine found a dead body as they traveled around Big Pine Key. Shortly after that discovery Catherine went missing. Was it because she was guilty or had the guilty party taken care of her and disposed of her body?
Hayley continues to poke around asking questions of of all the people still around from those many years before, all while eating at a variety of restaurants around the area to write up her column in Key Zest magazine. Twists, turns and lots of action ensue before all the questions are answered.
While I really like Hayley's blend of independent curiosity and her desire to keep her husband happy by staying out of these situations, I love Miss Gloria's spunkiness and creative approach to dealing with her sons' protectiveness, especially when it contributes to Hayley's safety!
February 14, 2024
A POISONOUS PALATE by Lucy Burdette
“Wherever you go, there you are.” One of my students liked to write this on the blackboard, a reminder that we carry our character and many of our problems with us. It fits A POISONOUS PALATE with its repetition of hurtful patterns of behavior, old connections, buried secrets, and remains of the ‘70s hippy, flower children commune. (I spent the ‘70s in Minnesota, and Key West would have been quite tempting in January).
Looking into an unsolved mysterious disappearance awakens old problems and traumas, and stirs up new troubles. Haley is unwilling to stay out of it, and her insatiable curiosity, described as being like a “dog with a new bone,” is perhaps a dangerous curse but more likely a potential blessing, especially with the impressive team of family and friends assisting. Special praise to Miss Gloria. What a treasure! I love her more every book. I loved the surprising ending also. The tie to Hemingway? Rather the opposite, sorry if that offends any fans, but what a mess his life was.
Personal dilemma for this reader: the descriptions of food sparked my appetite, but I didn’t want to stop reading to fix food. The solution might be to prepare some ready-to-eat meals in advance. ;-)
I was halfway through a somewhat tedious book when I received the link to this book. I tried to persist, but decided it was kinder to “table” that book. I just couldn’t wait, and it really wasn’t fair to that book to try to read when my mind was wanting to go see what Haley was up to in Key West . . . the literary version of “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.”
Pub. date is 8/6, so you have time to catch up in the series or reread if you desire.
“Wherever you go, there you are.” One of my students liked to write this on the blackboard, a reminder that we carry our character and many of our problems with us. It fits A POISONOUS PALATE with its repetition of hurtful patterns of behavior, old connections, buried secrets, and remains of the ‘70s hippy, flower children commune. (I spent the ‘70s in Minnesota, and Key West would have been quite tempting in January).
Looking into an unsolved mysterious disappearance awakens old problems and traumas, and stirs up new troubles. Haley is unwilling to stay out of it, and her insatiable curiosity, described as being like a “dog with a new bone,” is perhaps a dangerous curse but more likely a potential blessing, especially with the impressive team of family and friends assisting. Special praise to Miss Gloria. What a treasure! I love her more every book. I loved the surprising ending also. The tie to Hemingway? Rather the opposite, sorry if that offends any fans, but what a mess his life was.
Personal dilemma for this reader: the descriptions of food sparked my appetite, but I didn’t want to stop reading to fix food. The solution might be to prepare some ready-to-eat meals in advance. ;-)
I was halfway through a somewhat tedious book when I received the link to this book. I tried to persist, but decided it was kinder to “table” that book. I just couldn’t wait, and it really wasn’t fair to that book to try to read when my mind was wanting to go see what Haley was up to in Key West . . . the literary version of “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.”
Pub. date is 8/6, so you have time to catch up in the series or reread if you desire.
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