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Key West Food Critic Mystery #16
A Delicious Deception
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Mother-to-be Hayley Snow bites off more than she can chew in the sixteenth installment of Lucy Burdette’s USA Today bestselling Key West Food Critic mysteries.
When Sheriff’s Deputy Darcy Rogers asks Hayley for a small favor, she can’t say no. Nine months pregnant and temporarily benched from her food critic duties, Hayley’s itching for a distraction and eager to help. All she has to do is tag along while a young woman picks up her daughter from her father at Monroe County’s safe custody exchange location. Easy, right?
Wrong.
In the chaos of the Sheriff’s Office open house, the mother disappears. Then the father bolts, leaving Hayley with a terrified girl and the realization that something has gone terribly wrong. Hayley and Deputy Rogers head north up the Keys to search for answers.
When a body turns up, Hayley realizes this isn’t just a missing-persons case—it’s a race against time. With the little girl’s safety at risk, Hayley must trust her instincts—and her heart—to uncover the truth.
When Sheriff’s Deputy Darcy Rogers asks Hayley for a small favor, she can’t say no. Nine months pregnant and temporarily benched from her food critic duties, Hayley’s itching for a distraction and eager to help. All she has to do is tag along while a young woman picks up her daughter from her father at Monroe County’s safe custody exchange location. Easy, right?
Wrong.
In the chaos of the Sheriff’s Office open house, the mother disappears. Then the father bolts, leaving Hayley with a terrified girl and the realization that something has gone terribly wrong. Hayley and Deputy Rogers head north up the Keys to search for answers.
When a body turns up, Hayley realizes this isn’t just a missing-persons case—it’s a race against time. With the little girl’s safety at risk, Hayley must trust her instincts—and her heart—to uncover the truth.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Lucy Burdette
21 books847 followersClinical psychologist Lucy Burdette writes the USA Today best-selling Key West food critic mysteries, a cozy, culinary mystery series starring food critic Hayley Snow, including #16, A DELICIOUS DECEPTION. A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS, won the Florida Book Award's gold medal for popular fiction. Both the 12th book in the series, A DISH TO DIE FOR, and the 10th, THE KEY LIME CRIME, won bronze medals for popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards. Lucy's first women's fiction title, THE INGREDIENTS OF HAPPINESS, came out in July 2023.
As Roberta Isleib, she wrote the golf lover's mystery series (SIX STROKES UNDER) and the advice column mysteries (DEADLY ADVICE.)
Lucy's books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.
She is a past president of National Sisters in Crime and the Friends of the Key West Library.
As Roberta Isleib, she wrote the golf lover's mystery series (SIX STROKES UNDER) and the advice column mysteries (DEADLY ADVICE.)
Lucy's books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.
She is a past president of National Sisters in Crime and the Friends of the Key West Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Change is in the air for Hayley, a food reviewer, her detective husband, and their friends in Key West. To me, A delicious deception felt very different. She wasn't as busy reviewing fantastic restaurants as usual, which was disappointing. On a happier note, Hayley is very pregnant. In the middle of a new home renovation Hailey is again faced with a difficult murder to solve. With a missing mom, child and a murdered husband. I wondered how Hayley would do it but she did with a beautiful new baby in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this series. This was a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this series. This was a honest review.
March 20, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Delicious Deception by Lucy Burdette follows Hayley Snow, who’s super pregnant and just looking for something to keep her busy when she agrees to help with what should be a simple custody exchange. But things go sideways fast—the mom disappears, the dad takes off, and Hayley is left with a scared little girl and a whole lot of questions.
What starts as a small favor turns into a full-blown mystery involving lies, secrets, and murder. As Hayley and Deputy Darcy Rogers try to figure out what’s really going on, it becomes clear this is way bigger—and more dangerous—than they expected.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this advance copy.
A Delicious Deception by Lucy Burdette follows Hayley Snow, who’s super pregnant and just looking for something to keep her busy when she agrees to help with what should be a simple custody exchange. But things go sideways fast—the mom disappears, the dad takes off, and Hayley is left with a scared little girl and a whole lot of questions.
What starts as a small favor turns into a full-blown mystery involving lies, secrets, and murder. As Hayley and Deputy Darcy Rogers try to figure out what’s really going on, it becomes clear this is way bigger—and more dangerous—than they expected.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#ADeliciousDeception #NetGalley is such a good story. I love this series, but this particular one is excellent.
Hayley is 8 months pregnant and uncomfortable. She's in the middle of renovating her home with husband Nathan.
Hayley is doing her best to stay safe, but when Darcy, a local deputy reaches out for a favor, Hayley agrees, after all, its a simple child visitation exchange.
Things go terribly wrong, and a very pregnant Hayley finds herself in the middle of family drama.
I like that Hayley knows her limits in the story, but if she didn't take a few risks, the story wouldn't be the same.
I can't wait to see what is next for Hayley and her family, and I'm excited to recommend this book to other readers.
Hayley is 8 months pregnant and uncomfortable. She's in the middle of renovating her home with husband Nathan.
Hayley is doing her best to stay safe, but when Darcy, a local deputy reaches out for a favor, Hayley agrees, after all, its a simple child visitation exchange.
Things go terribly wrong, and a very pregnant Hayley finds herself in the middle of family drama.
I like that Hayley knows her limits in the story, but if she didn't take a few risks, the story wouldn't be the same.
I can't wait to see what is next for Hayley and her family, and I'm excited to recommend this book to other readers.
January 26, 2026
Hayley (FMC) gets involved in a complicated police situation that includes a child kidnapping and a murder. Her pregnancy is VERY advanced, which makes things even harder; she keeps insisting on being the right person to solve the mystery (or mysteries).
I’ll start with the parts that I enjoy:
- I enjoyed a ton of the descriptions of food. I can see that this is the author’s “meat and potatoes” (pun intended!).
- I enjoyed the food quotes.
- I also appreciate the recipes.
Parts that need some work or make no sense for me:
- The police procedure: I don’t need it to be super accurate, but there are general knowledge rules that I feel authors must follow, for example, a civilian taking home a random kid whose parents disappear, we all know that’s a big no no.
- The amount of plots: We are already dealing with a heavily stressed pregnant lady who’s scared of what is coming with her baby (she claims it multiple times) on top of that we have close to 7 other issues that play around during the story, some had no place and add nothing: the home renovations, the “I miss my old neighborhood” complaints, the family member being sick, the love life of the boss, etc.
In conclusion, I’m giving it two stars, but I want to clarify that this is the only book I've read so far in the series. I could be missing some context or character growth. I didn’t give it a higher score because I also didn’t like the ending; the resolution of the mystery was highly anticlimactic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!
I’ll start with the parts that I enjoy:
- I enjoyed a ton of the descriptions of food. I can see that this is the author’s “meat and potatoes” (pun intended!).
- I enjoyed the food quotes.
- I also appreciate the recipes.
Parts that need some work or make no sense for me:
- The police procedure: I don’t need it to be super accurate, but there are general knowledge rules that I feel authors must follow, for example, a civilian taking home a random kid whose parents disappear, we all know that’s a big no no.
- The amount of plots: We are already dealing with a heavily stressed pregnant lady who’s scared of what is coming with her baby (she claims it multiple times) on top of that we have close to 7 other issues that play around during the story, some had no place and add nothing: the home renovations, the “I miss my old neighborhood” complaints, the family member being sick, the love life of the boss, etc.
In conclusion, I’m giving it two stars, but I want to clarify that this is the only book I've read so far in the series. I could be missing some context or character growth. I didn’t give it a higher score because I also didn’t like the ending; the resolution of the mystery was highly anticlimactic.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one might be a good read for someone who is prone to agree to doing favor after favor for others without thinking. Hayley is very pregnant and agrees to do what appears an easy favor for Deputy Darcy Rogers. She winds up finding herself in the middle of not just a child custody issue but murder and an abducted child. Let's just say, while she does acknowledge her limits at times, she ultimately is so exhausted from it all and the daily life of living in the middle of a construction zone in her new home that she forgets about her own baby shower. Yep, that's tired. To add another complication, husband Nathan has to leave home to go to Miami where his father is to undergo surgery and isn't on hand. True, she has good friends Miss Gloria and Annie Dubisson, both also former house boat residents, now living in a small cottage in her backyard.
And....well, that's just the beginning though I won't spoil the plot any further. Let's just say it involves not just the aforementioned child custody issues, abduction, and murder, but probable drug dealers, lots of family drama and some odd police procedure. Nope, phew, not Nathan. Didn't seem to be as much carefree food talk this go-round as usual, nor do we get as much of a virtual tour of Key West, so hopefully Hayley will be back to her usual food critic/addict new book. She's definitely not going without food, however. After all, she's got that old cliche of an excuse of eating for two. There are food related quotes from various sources at the start of each chapter, though, so you don't have to go cold turkey for food mentions.
Bottom line, although for some reason I couldn't quite connect to the story line, especially when the murder was sort of shoved into the shadows in favor of finding the missing child, but overall it was an easy, enjoyable read. The ending was a bit abrupt, too, hence a 3.5 star rounded up, although the changes to Hayley and Nathan's life at the end of the book hint of some fun scenes in Key West in the future. Fortunately, they seem to have their usual full support team behind them, probably eager to offer their services for....oops, not saying, though bet you can guess. Grin.
And....well, that's just the beginning though I won't spoil the plot any further. Let's just say it involves not just the aforementioned child custody issues, abduction, and murder, but probable drug dealers, lots of family drama and some odd police procedure. Nope, phew, not Nathan. Didn't seem to be as much carefree food talk this go-round as usual, nor do we get as much of a virtual tour of Key West, so hopefully Hayley will be back to her usual food critic/addict new book. She's definitely not going without food, however. After all, she's got that old cliche of an excuse of eating for two. There are food related quotes from various sources at the start of each chapter, though, so you don't have to go cold turkey for food mentions.
Bottom line, although for some reason I couldn't quite connect to the story line, especially when the murder was sort of shoved into the shadows in favor of finding the missing child, but overall it was an easy, enjoyable read. The ending was a bit abrupt, too, hence a 3.5 star rounded up, although the changes to Hayley and Nathan's life at the end of the book hint of some fun scenes in Key West in the future. Fortunately, they seem to have their usual full support team behind them, probably eager to offer their services for....oops, not saying, though bet you can guess. Grin.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hayley Snow and Nathan Bransford are experiencing big changes, with more to come. Big change number one is the driver of the rest of change not just for Hayley and Nathan but all of their family and friends. Hayley in 9 months pregnant. In anticipation of the need for more room they have moved off of Houseboat Row into a house they are in the middle of remodeling, Miss Gloria and Annie have moved along with them into a small cottage on their new property.
The story opens with Sheriff's Deputy Darcy Rodgers asking for Hayley's help with a child exchange. Nathan is opposed, but Hayley prevails in her desire to help and the story takes off. We have a dead body (of course!), a kidnapping, a missing mother and Nathan's father having a heart procedure in Miami so Nathan can be there to support him.
This book is packed with action, but not much in the way of food reviewing and the tension with her boss, Palomina is greatly reduced, love might be involved. I did miss the restaurant chasing, but think life will have to morph a bit for Hayley, to accommodate the needs of a little one. We do get some lovely descriptions of tasty sounding dishes and the author does give us several recipes at the end of the book that I can see myself trying out.
We do get to see all of Hayley and Nathan's family and friends, even if not always in the usual spots, Hayley does not take us to Duval Square this time around, Lorenzo shows up at her baby shower and for Thanksgiving dinner. Even Nathan's mother and sister Vera make an appearance.
With a new baby on-board it will be fun to see how she manages her investigating (according to Nathan, read that as interfering!). Miss Gloria and Annie will be around to babysit as will Mom, Janet and best friend, Connie, but I see Hayley as a hands-on kind of parent. What kind of changes are still ahead makes for lots of anticipation for the next adventure for our intrepid Key West food critic.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The story opens with Sheriff's Deputy Darcy Rodgers asking for Hayley's help with a child exchange. Nathan is opposed, but Hayley prevails in her desire to help and the story takes off. We have a dead body (of course!), a kidnapping, a missing mother and Nathan's father having a heart procedure in Miami so Nathan can be there to support him.
This book is packed with action, but not much in the way of food reviewing and the tension with her boss, Palomina is greatly reduced, love might be involved. I did miss the restaurant chasing, but think life will have to morph a bit for Hayley, to accommodate the needs of a little one. We do get some lovely descriptions of tasty sounding dishes and the author does give us several recipes at the end of the book that I can see myself trying out.
We do get to see all of Hayley and Nathan's family and friends, even if not always in the usual spots, Hayley does not take us to Duval Square this time around, Lorenzo shows up at her baby shower and for Thanksgiving dinner. Even Nathan's mother and sister Vera make an appearance.
With a new baby on-board it will be fun to see how she manages her investigating (according to Nathan, read that as interfering!). Miss Gloria and Annie will be around to babysit as will Mom, Janet and best friend, Connie, but I see Hayley as a hands-on kind of parent. What kind of changes are still ahead makes for lots of anticipation for the next adventure for our intrepid Key West food critic.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book courtesy of Netgalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Hayley Snow Bransford is getting tired of being pregnant. She waddles more than walks, and lets her fears of the upcoming birth carry her away. Add to that the fact that the new house is still missing its kitchen and they are still getting used to Hayley's older friends living in the cottage out back. Lucky for Hayley, Deputy Darcy Rogers has a favor to ask. There's a young mother who needs to pick up her daughter from her estranged husband at the Sherrif's Department. When the mother disappears, and the father found dead, Darcy and Hayley are flung into another mystery. To add even higher stakes to the case, the five-year-old girl has been kidnapped. Who killed Mack? Who has Tamara? And just where is Reba? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Poor Darcy. She cared so much for a college friend, and she really got taken advantage of. Neither Louise nor Reba cared about what could happen to Darcy, or the risks to her job.
Likes: Reba did have a good neighbor in her life.
Hayley had a whole team making sure that she was fed, trying to keep her taking it easy, and filling in when Nathan was busy.
Speaking of Nathan, he and Hayley brought out the best in each other.
The baby shower was fun. It showed just how many people cared for the Bransford family.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, or the Key West Food Critic series, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Hayley Snow Bransford is getting tired of being pregnant. She waddles more than walks, and lets her fears of the upcoming birth carry her away. Add to that the fact that the new house is still missing its kitchen and they are still getting used to Hayley's older friends living in the cottage out back. Lucky for Hayley, Deputy Darcy Rogers has a favor to ask. There's a young mother who needs to pick up her daughter from her estranged husband at the Sherrif's Department. When the mother disappears, and the father found dead, Darcy and Hayley are flung into another mystery. To add even higher stakes to the case, the five-year-old girl has been kidnapped. Who killed Mack? Who has Tamara? And just where is Reba? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Poor Darcy. She cared so much for a college friend, and she really got taken advantage of. Neither Louise nor Reba cared about what could happen to Darcy, or the risks to her job.
Likes: Reba did have a good neighbor in her life.
Hayley had a whole team making sure that she was fed, trying to keep her taking it easy, and filling in when Nathan was busy.
Speaking of Nathan, he and Hayley brought out the best in each other.
The baby shower was fun. It showed just how many people cared for the Bransford family.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, or the Key West Food Critic series, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hayley Snow was used to living on her beloved houseboat, being busy, and helping the local police department whenever she could. She's not used to being almost nine months pregnant, living in a house full of contractors, and feeling like a grumpy pumpkin! So when Sheriff’s Deputy Darcy Rogers unexpectedly asks for her help she can't resist! Unfortunately, the safe custody exchange she is involved in goes tragically wrong, and Hayley knows she can't just sit back, she has to help sort things out. But with her baby about to make an entrance does she even have time to work out what happened?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was such a fun read, Hayley was definitely at the waddling stage and I enjoyed reading about her experiences very much. Miss Gloria was once again on top form and even though their location has changed slightly the mystery and the everyday lives of the main protagonists are still as entertaining as ever. There are also yummy sounding recipes at the end of the book. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was such a fun read, Hayley was definitely at the waddling stage and I enjoyed reading about her experiences very much. Miss Gloria was once again on top form and even though their location has changed slightly the mystery and the everyday lives of the main protagonists are still as entertaining as ever. There are also yummy sounding recipes at the end of the book. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the next book in the Key West Food Critic mystery series, A DELICIOUS DECEPTION by Lucy Burdette, Hayley Snow is the protagonist. She and her husband, Nathan, are expecting a baby. Haley is very pregnant. She and Nathan have moved to a house with a guest cottage, where Miss Gloria and Gloria’s best friend (Cory) now live. Haley agrees with the local police to care for a girl (five-year-old Tamara). The girl’s mother, Reba, goes missing. What happens to Reba? What will happen to Tamara? Will Haley deliver her baby? I have lots of questions.
It is good to return to Haley‘s world. I enjoy reading about characters that have appeared in other novels in the series. I like the quotes at the beginnings of chapters, especially those from sources I’m familiar with. I don’t seem to be drawn to the Key West setting as much as usual. I look forward to the next book in the series. I especially want to find out what happens next for Haley and her husband, Nathan. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A DELICIOUS DECEPTION.
It is good to return to Haley‘s world. I enjoy reading about characters that have appeared in other novels in the series. I like the quotes at the beginnings of chapters, especially those from sources I’m familiar with. I don’t seem to be drawn to the Key West setting as much as usual. I look forward to the next book in the series. I especially want to find out what happens next for Haley and her husband, Nathan. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A DELICIOUS DECEPTION.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first read from NetGalley and I’m so glad it was this one! It was such an enjoyable cosy mystery.
The story kept me engaged the whole way through and I really loved the Key West setting. It felt vibrant, warm and full of character, which made the mystery even more fun to follow.
One of my favourite little details was that many of the recipes mentioned throughout the story are actually included at the end of the book. I thought that was such a lovely touch and it made the reading experience feel even more immersive. It’s always fun when a book gives you something extra like that.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read with a great setting, an engaging mystery and the bonus of recipes you can try yourself afterwards. A perfect cosy mystery for anyone who enjoys food, atmosphere and a good whodunnit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story kept me engaged the whole way through and I really loved the Key West setting. It felt vibrant, warm and full of character, which made the mystery even more fun to follow.
One of my favourite little details was that many of the recipes mentioned throughout the story are actually included at the end of the book. I thought that was such a lovely touch and it made the reading experience feel even more immersive. It’s always fun when a book gives you something extra like that.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read with a great setting, an engaging mystery and the bonus of recipes you can try yourself afterwards. A perfect cosy mystery for anyone who enjoys food, atmosphere and a good whodunnit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary DRC of this book
I love Key West, and that's why I enjoy this cozy series first and foremost, and this one was no different, aside from it being different – a kidnapping?! This was a tad more suspenseful in that our Hayley is newly married and pregnant, which also makes this one a tad more difficult for me to enjoy. I found the activities Hayley involved herself in a bit far-fetched and irresponsible, lol, but also, it's Hayley Snow to do just these things, so I guess I am on the fence a bit... That aside, I also didn't like how the book ended. It wrapped up a slightly dragging storyline too quickly, along with the birth of their daughter. I didn't like the circumstances the family was in. It doesn't mean I won't read the next one though; I do love escaping back to KW and am fond of the characters in this story, nonetheless :)
** thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary DRC of this book
I love Key West, and that's why I enjoy this cozy series first and foremost, and this one was no different, aside from it being different – a kidnapping?! This was a tad more suspenseful in that our Hayley is newly married and pregnant, which also makes this one a tad more difficult for me to enjoy. I found the activities Hayley involved herself in a bit far-fetched and irresponsible, lol, but also, it's Hayley Snow to do just these things, so I guess I am on the fence a bit... That aside, I also didn't like how the book ended. It wrapped up a slightly dragging storyline too quickly, along with the birth of their daughter. I didn't like the circumstances the family was in. It doesn't mean I won't read the next one though; I do love escaping back to KW and am fond of the characters in this story, nonetheless :)
** thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary DRC of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hayley is asked to help a young Mother with a visitation exchange. She feels like it is a safe request and even Nathan agrees to let her help. But when the Mother disappears and the father is murdered, Hayley and the ladies can’t help but try to figure out what happened.
Maybe it’s Hayley’s Mother instinct kicking in, maybe it’s the sleuthing bug, and maybe it’s a combination of the two. But either way, Hayley can’t help trying to help figure out what’s going on and help the young mother and her now missing daughter.
This is a great series and I adore when authors find a way to keep a series going rather than just marrying a character off and sending them into the sunset with a child. Especially in this case where Hayley. Is a working and independent Mom to be and isn’t a shrinking violet. A solid mystery and excellent food in each and every entry makes this a winning combination of a mystery with a side of food.
Maybe it’s Hayley’s Mother instinct kicking in, maybe it’s the sleuthing bug, and maybe it’s a combination of the two. But either way, Hayley can’t help trying to help figure out what’s going on and help the young mother and her now missing daughter.
This is a great series and I adore when authors find a way to keep a series going rather than just marrying a character off and sending them into the sunset with a child. Especially in this case where Hayley. Is a working and independent Mom to be and isn’t a shrinking violet. A solid mystery and excellent food in each and every entry makes this a winning combination of a mystery with a side of food.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What happened to the Key West Food Critic series?
Hayley is 8+ months pregnant. Her husband leaves and heads to Miami to be with his estranged father during surgery? Hayley agrees to go with a woman she doesn't know during a custody handover? The woman disappears and Hayley brings the little girl to her friend's home, where someone kidnaps her. (And when we learn the kidnapper's identity, that's a bit difficult to believe.) The perpetually hungry Hayley decides to investigate and pesters people who actually talk to her even though she's just a busybody. She's so exhausted from this investigation she was not supposed to be involved in that she forgets her own baby shower and ignores her obstetrician's advice.
A plot that requires this much suspension of disbelief is insulting to the reader. At least recipes are still included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Hayley is 8+ months pregnant. Her husband leaves and heads to Miami to be with his estranged father during surgery? Hayley agrees to go with a woman she doesn't know during a custody handover? The woman disappears and Hayley brings the little girl to her friend's home, where someone kidnaps her. (And when we learn the kidnapper's identity, that's a bit difficult to believe.) The perpetually hungry Hayley decides to investigate and pesters people who actually talk to her even though she's just a busybody. She's so exhausted from this investigation she was not supposed to be involved in that she forgets her own baby shower and ignores her obstetrician's advice.
A plot that requires this much suspension of disbelief is insulting to the reader. At least recipes are still included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 5, 2026
"A Delicious Deception (A Key West Food Critic Mystery Book 16)" by Lucy Burdette feels like a good final book for the series. It's probably not, even though its core characters' stories feel played out. Mother-to-be Hayley Snow gets pulled into her Sheriff friend's custody exchange program to help a desperate mother calmly pick up her daughter from her piece of work ex. Unfortunately, things don't go to plan.
First the mother disappears, then the father and finally the daughter goes missing. All while Hayley's Sheriff friend is in hot water for the situation and should have known better than to involve a known armchair sleuth that could pop out a baby literally any minute. Honestly, Hayley is far too reckless at this point in her pregnancy and with a key piece in her support system too far away to help her.
First the mother disappears, then the father and finally the daughter goes missing. All while Hayley's Sheriff friend is in hot water for the situation and should have known better than to involve a known armchair sleuth that could pop out a baby literally any minute. Honestly, Hayley is far too reckless at this point in her pregnancy and with a key piece in her support system too far away to help her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Delicious Deception is the sixteenth book in Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic Mystery series. What begins as a missing person case quickly turns into a murder investigation for pregnant Hayley Snow. This time, Hayley teams up with Deputy Darcy Rogers, the very person who lands her in this predicament.
Some of the life changes Hayley makes were not surprising, as they were hinted at in earlier books as plans for the future. However, one development truly caught me off guard. I especially loved how Hayley’s pregnancy played an active role in the investigation; it felt more realistic and ratcheted up the tension.
This installment delivers solid character growth alongside a compelling mystery, and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Some of the life changes Hayley makes were not surprising, as they were hinted at in earlier books as plans for the future. However, one development truly caught me off guard. I especially loved how Hayley’s pregnancy played an active role in the investigation; it felt more realistic and ratcheted up the tension.
This installment delivers solid character growth alongside a compelling mystery, and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
No Good Deed . . .
“Very pregnant” Haley agrees to do a simple little favor, accompany a mother to exchange custody of her daughter from her father, simple, safe (right by police department) and a reason to get out of the construction mess at her new home. Then the mayhem begins, with more complications and trouble than anyone could have contemplated and solutions I did NOT expect. Thank goodness for helpful, loyal, and encouraging family and friends who work to keep Haley safe, fed, and. sometimes rested.
As a bonus, I got to read of the warmth of Key West while kept inside by snow and cold . . . and now want shrimp and. mangoes.
“Very pregnant” Haley agrees to do a simple little favor, accompany a mother to exchange custody of her daughter from her father, simple, safe (right by police department) and a reason to get out of the construction mess at her new home. Then the mayhem begins, with more complications and trouble than anyone could have contemplated and solutions I did NOT expect. Thank goodness for helpful, loyal, and encouraging family and friends who work to keep Haley safe, fed, and. sometimes rested.
As a bonus, I got to read of the warmth of Key West while kept inside by snow and cold . . . and now want shrimp and. mangoes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for this Arc!
Haley is in the late stages of pregnancy and becomes involved in a child kidnapping and murder. She attempts to assist the police with solving the case, claiming that she is the right person for the job.
I did find some issues with the discussions of police procedure. I often found that some things were unrealistic or just truly wouldn’t happen in the real world. I also struggled with how many different things were going on at once which made it very difficult to follow each and every one of them.
I really enjoyed the incorporation of the food quotes at the start of each chapter!
Haley is in the late stages of pregnancy and becomes involved in a child kidnapping and murder. She attempts to assist the police with solving the case, claiming that she is the right person for the job.
I did find some issues with the discussions of police procedure. I often found that some things were unrealistic or just truly wouldn’t happen in the real world. I also struggled with how many different things were going on at once which made it very difficult to follow each and every one of them.
I really enjoyed the incorporation of the food quotes at the start of each chapter!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very pregnant Hailey is in the middle of renovations to The new home she shares with her husband Nathan. When asked by Deputy Darcy Rogers to go along as a mother is picking up her daughter from her estranged husband. When the mother disappears before the exchange, Hailey is left with the child. When the husband turns up dead, Hailey wonders about the mother's involvement. When the daughter is taken by someone claiming to be from Child Services, Hailey is determined to find the mother and daughter while dealing with the fact that she is unable to be with Nathan while his father undergoes medical testing and surgery.
#ADeliciousDeception #CrookedLaneBooks #NetGalley
#ADeliciousDeception #CrookedLaneBooks #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoy this series, the characters, the food and especially the Key West restaurants and setting. The author has you traveling along from tropical spot to spot. I liked that Sherrif Deputy Darcy took on more of a role, and I look forward to hearing more about Miss Gloria’s new roommate. However, it seems incredulous that the police were this incompetent in their investigation, and it comes down to our heavily pregnant and distracted heroine to unravel the mystery. Nonetheless, looking forward to the next one.
I enjoy this series, the characters, the food and especially the Key West restaurants and setting. The author has you traveling along from tropical spot to spot. I liked that Sherrif Deputy Darcy took on more of a role, and I look forward to hearing more about Miss Gloria’s new roommate. However, it seems incredulous that the police were this incompetent in their investigation, and it comes down to our heavily pregnant and distracted heroine to unravel the mystery. Nonetheless, looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have enjoyed this series immensely and am always looking forward to the next installment. Unfortunately this one didn't quite stack up. It took a turn from the usual fare of mystery murder and food into a darker realm that was focused almost solely on a kidnapping and Haley's state of "very pregnant."
I missed all of the food and restaurant scenes and this particular mystery/murder at hand felt much more serious than usual. I will continue with the series but this was not one of my favorites by far.
I have enjoyed this series immensely and am always looking forward to the next installment. Unfortunately this one didn't quite stack up. It took a turn from the usual fare of mystery murder and food into a darker realm that was focused almost solely on a kidnapping and Haley's state of "very pregnant."
I missed all of the food and restaurant scenes and this particular mystery/murder at hand felt much more serious than usual. I will continue with the series but this was not one of my favorites by far.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this series and always look forward to the next installment. If you follow the series, Hailey is dealing with a lot of changes at one time, while dealing with her husband, Nathan, being away. When an acquaintance asks for Hailey's help with what should be an custody exchange, everything goes down hill and once again, Hailey is in the thick of it, trying to find the answers, while trying to stay safe. I highly recommend, A Delicious Deception, as well as, the whole series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time reading a book in this series, and I loved it. Having never been to Key West, I found the setting absolutely fascinating. I really enjoyed the relatable characters and the fast-moving plot, even if a few of the twists were a bit predictable. Overall, I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great cozy mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
This was my first time reading a book in this series, and I loved it. Having never been to Key West, I found the setting absolutely fascinating. I really enjoyed the relatable characters and the fast-moving plot, even if a few of the twists were a bit predictable. Overall, I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great cozy mystery that keeps you turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Our sleuth is eight and a half months pregnant, so of course, she decides to go to a custody exchange between sketchy parents she doesn't know. Of course things go wrong, there's a murder, a disappearance, and the usual foster care stuff. It seemed a bit odd to start a book with a TSTL moment.
Readable, but I had trouble getting past the first part.
Our sleuth is eight and a half months pregnant, so of course, she decides to go to a custody exchange between sketchy parents she doesn't know. Of course things go wrong, there's a murder, a disappearance, and the usual foster care stuff. It seemed a bit odd to start a book with a TSTL moment.
Readable, but I had trouble getting past the first part.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t familiar with this series but dove right into it - what a fun read! I enjoyed learning about all the characters & found myself trying to guess the killer early only be oh so wrong. It had the right amount of twisty turns & I enjoyed the adventure.
Thank you so much to Lucy Burdette, Crooked Lane Books, & NetGalley for the opportunity.
Thank you so much to Lucy Burdette, Crooked Lane Books, & NetGalley for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderful addition to this series. Life is always changing and Hayley and Nathan have a lot all at once. But Hayley cannot keep her nose out of a mystery even when she is already overstressed. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Always a fabulous read from Lucy Burdette. I love this series so much! This story was great and kept Hayley out of any real danger while she was pregnant. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolute delight to be back in Key West. So much has changed for this amazing variety of characters. Of course some have not changed. Hayley still solves the mystery despite being nine months pregnant. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My first by the author was a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping for more descriptions of Key West and delicious food -- two hallmarks of this beloved mystery writer's books.
May 17, 2026
A good sequel in the series. In this installment, Haley is helping out with a child custody transfer when things go completely wrong. While in her last days of pregnancy, Haley tries to figure out who can be trusted and the motive for the crime. This one had a nice twist, a little bit of sadness, and some happiness in the end. It will be interesting to see how Haley solves crimes in the future now that her life has completely changed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hayley is entering the last stretch of her pregnancy and is asked by the police to help with a custody arrangement when the father in the case is found dead.
Let me preface this by saying this is the 16th book in the series and I haven't read any of the others. Still, there were a few key things I look for in cosies that were nowhere to be found here.
First, there are no descriptions of Key West whatsoever. I personally love cosy mysteries because it's a built-in excuse to do some literary tourism - you are given a chance to visit towns which are often charming, even quaint, and have a real sense of the community feel of a place. This had none of that, I still have no idea what's in Key West, which is a shame - I usually finish cosy mysteries wanting to immediately plan a new trip. Key West looks completely gorgeous too, I'm so sad I didn't read anything about it.
I also love it when cosy mysteries have tons of descriptions of whatever niche hobby they are about. Hayley is heavily pregnant so she's not working as a food critic in this book, which probably explains why there are all of two paragraphs dedicated to some of her thoughts about two restaurants. There is very little food in this, I was expecting lots of descriptions of restaurants, the food industry, even cooking. There are a couple of scenes about that and even a few recipes at the end but it wasn't nearly enough. The heroine being pregnant so off work in this is probably why this isn't a good book to start the series with - I'm sure food is more of a topic in other books.
The mystery itself was adequately explained but the subject matter - drugs, child kidnapping, custody battles - was too heavy for me with nothing to counterbalance it. How anyone could think that a pregnant woman is a perfectly logical choice (the police chooses her of all people, poor Hayley just wanted to rest) to investigate these deadly and extremely dangerous situations baffles me. One of the characters also deals with the death of a parent, which I think warrants its own content warning. This is was frankly a bit bleak for a cosy mystery. Even the baby shower that the heroine almost misses didn't make this any more cheerful. The ending is bittersweet, it was so heavy.
The best thing about this book was absolutely the food quotes at the beginning of each chapter, they were excellent and hilarious. Here are a few -
'A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand' - Barbara Johnson
'You can be miserable before you have a cookie, and you can be miserable after you eat a cookie, but you can't be miserable while you are eating a cookie.' - Ina Garten
'It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers, it is a sign of strength.'
'Maybe worrying so much about what you eat is worse than actually eating what you're so worried about.'
'When he began to eat pie, he wished he had eaten nothing else' - Laura Ingalls Wilder in Farmer Boy
'The smell of that buttered toast simply spoke to Toad, and with no uncertain voice; talked of warm kitchens, of breakfasts on bright frosty mornings, of cozy parlour firesides on winter evenings, when one's ramble was over and slippered feet were propped on the fender; of the purring of contented cats, and the twitter of sleepy canaries.' - Kenneth Grahame in The Wind in the Willows
'When I am cooking, there is nothing else.'
The three stars reflect my experience with this particular book but again, I haven't read any of the others and it would be unfair to judge the whole series based on this one, it's a very specific book with a specific timeling in the characters' lives and it doesn't seem to me like it's anything like the others. I'd be curious to read the first few books in the series to see if they've got more of a sense of place, more food, and are cosier.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!
Let me preface this by saying this is the 16th book in the series and I haven't read any of the others. Still, there were a few key things I look for in cosies that were nowhere to be found here.
First, there are no descriptions of Key West whatsoever. I personally love cosy mysteries because it's a built-in excuse to do some literary tourism - you are given a chance to visit towns which are often charming, even quaint, and have a real sense of the community feel of a place. This had none of that, I still have no idea what's in Key West, which is a shame - I usually finish cosy mysteries wanting to immediately plan a new trip. Key West looks completely gorgeous too, I'm so sad I didn't read anything about it.
I also love it when cosy mysteries have tons of descriptions of whatever niche hobby they are about. Hayley is heavily pregnant so she's not working as a food critic in this book, which probably explains why there are all of two paragraphs dedicated to some of her thoughts about two restaurants. There is very little food in this, I was expecting lots of descriptions of restaurants, the food industry, even cooking. There are a couple of scenes about that and even a few recipes at the end but it wasn't nearly enough. The heroine being pregnant so off work in this is probably why this isn't a good book to start the series with - I'm sure food is more of a topic in other books.
The mystery itself was adequately explained but the subject matter - drugs, child kidnapping, custody battles - was too heavy for me with nothing to counterbalance it. How anyone could think that a pregnant woman is a perfectly logical choice (the police chooses her of all people, poor Hayley just wanted to rest) to investigate these deadly and extremely dangerous situations baffles me. One of the characters also deals with the death of a parent, which I think warrants its own content warning. This is was frankly a bit bleak for a cosy mystery. Even the baby shower that the heroine almost misses didn't make this any more cheerful. The ending is bittersweet, it was so heavy.
The best thing about this book was absolutely the food quotes at the beginning of each chapter, they were excellent and hilarious. Here are a few -
'A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand' - Barbara Johnson
'You can be miserable before you have a cookie, and you can be miserable after you eat a cookie, but you can't be miserable while you are eating a cookie.' - Ina Garten
'It is not a sign of weakness to feed strangers, it is a sign of strength.'
'Maybe worrying so much about what you eat is worse than actually eating what you're so worried about.'
'When he began to eat pie, he wished he had eaten nothing else' - Laura Ingalls Wilder in Farmer Boy
'The smell of that buttered toast simply spoke to Toad, and with no uncertain voice; talked of warm kitchens, of breakfasts on bright frosty mornings, of cozy parlour firesides on winter evenings, when one's ramble was over and slippered feet were propped on the fender; of the purring of contented cats, and the twitter of sleepy canaries.' - Kenneth Grahame in The Wind in the Willows
'When I am cooking, there is nothing else.'
The three stars reflect my experience with this particular book but again, I haven't read any of the others and it would be unfair to judge the whole series based on this one, it's a very specific book with a specific timeling in the characters' lives and it doesn't seem to me like it's anything like the others. I'd be curious to read the first few books in the series to see if they've got more of a sense of place, more food, and are cosier.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!
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