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Key West Culinary Cozy #3
The Lime and the Dead
What if the real housewives of Key West were murder suspects? Marilyn is about to find out, and the world is watching. A reality show contestant is dead, and the Key Lime pie shop is once again a crime scene. Everyone has a motive this time, and with as many green dollars as green pies as clues, it's not going to be a simple matter to unravel the mystery. Will this case finally leave Marilyn baked for good?
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162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
81 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Summer Prescott
149 books243 followersSummer Prescott is well-known in the Cozy Mystery realm, having written and published several Best-Sellers in the genre. An avid reader of Thrillers, Horror and Suspense, the author has decided to follow her passion with the debut of her Thriller, The Quiet Type, which launched in the top 50 of the Serial Killer category on Amazon. The novel has received high praise in its reviews, and Summer is considering a possible trilogy or series to continue the story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 2, 2024
They say the third time's the charm, but not in this series. It is boring and predictable. I will not read anything by this author again.
April 15, 2019
Cute, clean, fast read with interesting characters and a plot that had some coherent twists. Nice bed, beach and beyond read. 🙂
June 25, 2016
The pie shop is a murder scene once again. A reality show contestant is dead, and everyone has a motive including Tiara and Marilyn.
Welcome to a new, creepy yet curious character, Tim Eckels. Tim makes a mean Key Lime pie and would love to work for Marilyn in her shop. She is put off by everything about Tim.
This is a great addition to the series. Plot moves steadily and the characters are developed well. There seems to be a bit more action in this edition. I can't wait for more.
Welcome to a new, creepy yet curious character, Tim Eckels. Tim makes a mean Key Lime pie and would love to work for Marilyn in her shop. She is put off by everything about Tim.
This is a great addition to the series. Plot moves steadily and the characters are developed well. There seems to be a bit more action in this edition. I can't wait for more.
September 4, 2017
Getting more deliciously suspenseful with each new slice of key lime pie and book in the series
In this third book in phenomenally talented author and publisher Summer Prescott's Key West culinary cozy mystery series – The Lime and the Dead – reality TV comes to the southernmost spot in the United States – and specifically to Marilyn's Key West pie shop. at the same time, a beloved neighbor moves away, and a really creepy new guy named Tim Eckels moves in and begins showing up everywhere unexpectedly – and uninvited – in Marilyn's life. Approached by the producer of a popular reality TV program to film in her pie shop – with her daughter Tiara featured on camera – realizing that this golden opportunity could prove potentially profitable for her business, Marilyn agrees – only to be promptly horrified by an unpleasant encounter between one of the two young women on the show and her own daughter. later, when Bella – the unpleasant reality show star – appears to have disappeared and does not show up for a scheduled filming, Tiara is once more called upon to take Bella's place. not long afterward, Bella's body surfaces, murdered. the body is discovered by Marilyn's new creepy neighbor, Tim. Although continuing involvement with the reality show, where Tiara basically takes Bella's place – both for the earnings the opportunity presents to her and, mostly, believing that being "on the inside" could help mother and daughter discover who killed Bella, when they , once more, find themselves prime suspects in a murder investigation. Between trying to figure out who killed the unpleasant reality star, and simultaneously trying her best to avoid her stalker-ish creepy new neighbor, Marilyn, along with her daughter Tiara, have more than their hands full – while doing their best to keep Marilyn's pie shop running smoothly. Before all is said and done and the truth is revealed, at least one of them will find herself literally in a very critical life-and-death situation, from which she may not survive.
Without a doubt, The Lime and the Dead is Summer Prescott's most gripping and suspenseful book yet in this exceptional series. Having read these first three books – one right after the other – over the past two days (because I simply can't stop – they're that addictive – every bit as delectably irresistible as key lime pie itself), I can't help noticing that, with each subsequent title in this wonderful series, the books just keep getting more and more grippingly suspenseful and even more impossible to stop reading. you can't help caring passionately about what will happen to Marilyn and Tiara as these two brave women can't seem to escape finding themselves in the center of murder investigations. Once again without any graphic sexual or violent content – like all her other exceptional cozy mysteries, this book is perfect for readers of any and all ages – Summer Prescott presents the perfect blending of unforgettable and extremely well-developed characters, an engrossing and truly captivating storyline, a vivid and totally inviting realistic Key West setting, ideal pacing that's neither too fast nor too slow, flawlessly flowing narrative and natural storytelling that makes readers unable to stop reading, and oodles of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout right to the end of the book – definitely Summer Prescott at her mega-talented best. If only it were possible to give these books far higher than only five-star ratings – that's my only one single regret – because they truly deserve a whole lot more… I'm totally in love with this amazing, fun, and deliciously suspenseful series, and I can hardly wait to post this review so I can get on and dig into the fourth book. I can't decide what's more addictive – these awesome books or the key lime pies and other delicacies around which the stories are crafted. I simply can't recommend this book highly enough. like everything else she writes and publishes, this is, without a doubt, Summer Prescott at her undeniable absolute best… A total winner and an absolute "must read"… I guarantee it…
In this third book in phenomenally talented author and publisher Summer Prescott's Key West culinary cozy mystery series – The Lime and the Dead – reality TV comes to the southernmost spot in the United States – and specifically to Marilyn's Key West pie shop. at the same time, a beloved neighbor moves away, and a really creepy new guy named Tim Eckels moves in and begins showing up everywhere unexpectedly – and uninvited – in Marilyn's life. Approached by the producer of a popular reality TV program to film in her pie shop – with her daughter Tiara featured on camera – realizing that this golden opportunity could prove potentially profitable for her business, Marilyn agrees – only to be promptly horrified by an unpleasant encounter between one of the two young women on the show and her own daughter. later, when Bella – the unpleasant reality show star – appears to have disappeared and does not show up for a scheduled filming, Tiara is once more called upon to take Bella's place. not long afterward, Bella's body surfaces, murdered. the body is discovered by Marilyn's new creepy neighbor, Tim. Although continuing involvement with the reality show, where Tiara basically takes Bella's place – both for the earnings the opportunity presents to her and, mostly, believing that being "on the inside" could help mother and daughter discover who killed Bella, when they , once more, find themselves prime suspects in a murder investigation. Between trying to figure out who killed the unpleasant reality star, and simultaneously trying her best to avoid her stalker-ish creepy new neighbor, Marilyn, along with her daughter Tiara, have more than their hands full – while doing their best to keep Marilyn's pie shop running smoothly. Before all is said and done and the truth is revealed, at least one of them will find herself literally in a very critical life-and-death situation, from which she may not survive.
Without a doubt, The Lime and the Dead is Summer Prescott's most gripping and suspenseful book yet in this exceptional series. Having read these first three books – one right after the other – over the past two days (because I simply can't stop – they're that addictive – every bit as delectably irresistible as key lime pie itself), I can't help noticing that, with each subsequent title in this wonderful series, the books just keep getting more and more grippingly suspenseful and even more impossible to stop reading. you can't help caring passionately about what will happen to Marilyn and Tiara as these two brave women can't seem to escape finding themselves in the center of murder investigations. Once again without any graphic sexual or violent content – like all her other exceptional cozy mysteries, this book is perfect for readers of any and all ages – Summer Prescott presents the perfect blending of unforgettable and extremely well-developed characters, an engrossing and truly captivating storyline, a vivid and totally inviting realistic Key West setting, ideal pacing that's neither too fast nor too slow, flawlessly flowing narrative and natural storytelling that makes readers unable to stop reading, and oodles of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout right to the end of the book – definitely Summer Prescott at her mega-talented best. If only it were possible to give these books far higher than only five-star ratings – that's my only one single regret – because they truly deserve a whole lot more… I'm totally in love with this amazing, fun, and deliciously suspenseful series, and I can hardly wait to post this review so I can get on and dig into the fourth book. I can't decide what's more addictive – these awesome books or the key lime pies and other delicacies around which the stories are crafted. I simply can't recommend this book highly enough. like everything else she writes and publishes, this is, without a doubt, Summer Prescott at her undeniable absolute best… A total winner and an absolute "must read"… I guarantee it…
October 28, 2024
This was a bit better than the last, but I’m just not feeling a connection with Marilyn. However, one light in my path was the familiar face of Timothy Eckels! Why is he familiar? Because he was in Prescott’s Calgon series.
At first Timothy was very awkward and I wondered if he was a killer (same as in this book!), but then I ended up liking his contrasting character. His character is much better in the Calgon series, by the way. He gets a mortician assistant and the two have a cool relationship. His assistant is very assertive and she pretty much tells Timothy he’s going to hire her… and he does.
Wait, this book isn’t about Timothy except to state that he’s very strange or as Marilyn calls him an “odd duck.”
Talia - Marilyn’s daughter and a temporary actress in this book. I like her better than her helicopter mother. I can’t stand Marilyn’s over-protective nature. Ugh.
Next is book 4 Murder By Lime.
At first Timothy was very awkward and I wondered if he was a killer (same as in this book!), but then I ended up liking his contrasting character. His character is much better in the Calgon series, by the way. He gets a mortician assistant and the two have a cool relationship. His assistant is very assertive and she pretty much tells Timothy he’s going to hire her… and he does.
Wait, this book isn’t about Timothy except to state that he’s very strange or as Marilyn calls him an “odd duck.”
Talia - Marilyn’s daughter and a temporary actress in this book. I like her better than her helicopter mother. I can’t stand Marilyn’s over-protective nature. Ugh.
Next is book 4 Murder By Lime.
July 19, 2018
This is a short cozy mystery written by a successful indie author who I’ve been meaning to read for a long time. Too fluffy for me. Too much focus on making key lime pies and tarts and anything else the same filling can be used in. Not enough mystery investigation and the characters were too thin to be memorable. In fact, I’m writing this only a couple of days after I finished the book, and I can’t remember who was murdered or why.
But I do remember the creepy neighbor. He was the character that was most interesting to me. I think that’s because Marilyn, the main character, has a strong reaction to him, and because he’s creepy, he has to be the number one suspect in the murder.
Summer Prescott is another author who thinks the comma is an all-purpose punctuation mark, which thoroughly annoyed me. I would have preferred a few more periods and semicolons.
Overall, this was not my cup of tea, but those who enjoy culinary cozies might find it enjoyable.
But I do remember the creepy neighbor. He was the character that was most interesting to me. I think that’s because Marilyn, the main character, has a strong reaction to him, and because he’s creepy, he has to be the number one suspect in the murder.
Summer Prescott is another author who thinks the comma is an all-purpose punctuation mark, which thoroughly annoyed me. I would have preferred a few more periods and semicolons.
Overall, this was not my cup of tea, but those who enjoy culinary cozies might find it enjoyable.
June 14, 2020
An excellent read! When Marilyn’s next door neighbor moves away, it was amazing to see who her new, creepy, next neighbor is. Someone new joins the book, and I am in love!
July 13, 2021
I enjoyed the subject matter.
August 2, 2021
I didn’t like the part with Eckles because I know him from Prescott’s other series but I liked the reality show part so I rounded it up.
December 11, 2024
This was fun and cozy again. But with all this random crime showing up around the pie store I would start to become very suspicious by now.
August 7, 2025
Another fun addition to this series!!
September 6, 2015
The Lime and the Dead by Summer Prescott is set in a small cottage in Key West. The main character, Marilyn Hayes, is the owner of a sweets shop called Sublime Sweets that specializing in her signature Lime Pie. Her only daughter, Tiara, helps her run the shop.
The third installment of the Key West Culinary series starts as Marilyn is losing her favorite neighbor and sweet friend, Madge Prentiss while gaining a creepy, borderline stalker by the name of Tim Eckels. While looking for a qualified baker, Tim starts showing up in more and more unusual places after not being hired for the position. Marilyn starts to get worried as she digs up background information on him and finds out about his past run-ins with the law.
After hiring new baker, Kelcie Williams, Tiara brings news that a realty show want to film a segment in Sublime Sweets. Hoping this brings more business, Marilyn agrees and things start to take a turn for the worse when one of the stars sneers at her beloved pie. After Tiara and reality star, Bella Fontaine, have words in the shop, Bella goes missing. The producer, Sabra Remington, asks Tiara to replace her temporarily. Then the worst happens. Bella is found dead in Marilyn’s back yard by Tim Eckels.
The ending is a true surprise. Who killed Bella? Is it Marilyn, Tim the new neighbor, Sabra, the show’s producer, Tiara or someone else associated with the show or shop?
This book had everything I look for in a book without having to read the books before it. I felt like I knew the characters through their actions. Summer didn’t tell me, she showed me and I like that. I loved the interaction between the characters weather they were being happy over being dramatic. I got the gist of who they were.
The action happened at the beginning of the book in the second chapter. I don’t like waiting and I didn’t have to in this book. Creepy Tim came to the rescue and made me start wondering about him. I also like that someone went missing pretty early so I had time to try and solve the murder with the characters. Then of course, I was surprised by who the murderer was. Ya, I didn’t see that coming and I love when that happens. I had two people on my list and neither one had anything to do with it.
The Lime and the Dead is a fairly short and fun read at 161 pages. And like I said earlier, you don’t need to have a previous relationship with these characters to enjoy it because I loved it and this third installment was the first of the series I have read. Good news though; I do plan to go back and read the other.
Now, if you’ll excuse me…I need to go eat some Lime Pie.
The third installment of the Key West Culinary series starts as Marilyn is losing her favorite neighbor and sweet friend, Madge Prentiss while gaining a creepy, borderline stalker by the name of Tim Eckels. While looking for a qualified baker, Tim starts showing up in more and more unusual places after not being hired for the position. Marilyn starts to get worried as she digs up background information on him and finds out about his past run-ins with the law.
After hiring new baker, Kelcie Williams, Tiara brings news that a realty show want to film a segment in Sublime Sweets. Hoping this brings more business, Marilyn agrees and things start to take a turn for the worse when one of the stars sneers at her beloved pie. After Tiara and reality star, Bella Fontaine, have words in the shop, Bella goes missing. The producer, Sabra Remington, asks Tiara to replace her temporarily. Then the worst happens. Bella is found dead in Marilyn’s back yard by Tim Eckels.
The ending is a true surprise. Who killed Bella? Is it Marilyn, Tim the new neighbor, Sabra, the show’s producer, Tiara or someone else associated with the show or shop?
This book had everything I look for in a book without having to read the books before it. I felt like I knew the characters through their actions. Summer didn’t tell me, she showed me and I like that. I loved the interaction between the characters weather they were being happy over being dramatic. I got the gist of who they were.
The action happened at the beginning of the book in the second chapter. I don’t like waiting and I didn’t have to in this book. Creepy Tim came to the rescue and made me start wondering about him. I also like that someone went missing pretty early so I had time to try and solve the murder with the characters. Then of course, I was surprised by who the murderer was. Ya, I didn’t see that coming and I love when that happens. I had two people on my list and neither one had anything to do with it.
The Lime and the Dead is a fairly short and fun read at 161 pages. And like I said earlier, you don’t need to have a previous relationship with these characters to enjoy it because I loved it and this third installment was the first of the series I have read. Good news though; I do plan to go back and read the other.
Now, if you’ll excuse me…I need to go eat some Lime Pie.
September 4, 2015
3 Stars
I had very high hopes that this book would be longer and more detail oriented. I can see that the potential is there, but it just hasn't been reached.
The book started out with the protagonist, Marilyn, deciding she needs to find a way to make friends. Unfortunately, this really doesn't happen. It's the same old thing, always making key lime pie, and not much else. I prefer cozy mysteries to be more intriguing, with more characters and a deeper story line. These are more novella style stories and the murder is solved much too quickly. There needs to be more than key lime pie at every meal. I find myself becoming frustrated with the characters and the lack of a better plot.
I had very high hopes that this book would be longer and more detail oriented. I can see that the potential is there, but it just hasn't been reached.
The book started out with the protagonist, Marilyn, deciding she needs to find a way to make friends. Unfortunately, this really doesn't happen. It's the same old thing, always making key lime pie, and not much else. I prefer cozy mysteries to be more intriguing, with more characters and a deeper story line. These are more novella style stories and the murder is solved much too quickly. There needs to be more than key lime pie at every meal. I find myself becoming frustrated with the characters and the lack of a better plot.
February 12, 2021
Kindle unlimited
Always like the included receipe at end, but still issues with each story. The usual wrap up always seems to be missing details and full ending, with characters mentioned then not really again, more of a red herring type thing, but also feeling less than totally complete. Have noticed some typo etc as well, more here and there rather than every where, but really needs better proofreading. With the ongoing feeling of not quite complete, thought about dropping the score by 1, but until I figure out whether it is actually the writing instead of me maybe not paying enough, do not want to do that.
Always like the included receipe at end, but still issues with each story. The usual wrap up always seems to be missing details and full ending, with characters mentioned then not really again, more of a red herring type thing, but also feeling less than totally complete. Have noticed some typo etc as well, more here and there rather than every where, but really needs better proofreading. With the ongoing feeling of not quite complete, thought about dropping the score by 1, but until I figure out whether it is actually the writing instead of me maybe not paying enough, do not want to do that.
August 25, 2015
The Lime and the Dead, the third in the Key West Culinary Cozy mystery series, find mother and daughter, Marilyn and Tiara, in the middle of another murder mystery while being surrounded by cameras filming a reality TV show. I love the relationship between mother and daughter as well as Marilyn's determination to make things right for her loved ones. I'm looking forward to how the burgeoning relationship between Marilyn and the detective, who always suspects her of murder, develops. This a great, quick and sweet read! I definitely recommend it but don't read it on an empty stomach!
September 3, 2015
This was really good as well. I am enjoying this new series by Summer Prescott. In this one, Marilyn and her daughter come face-to-face with the ugliness that is reality TV when a "girlfriends of the rich and famous" type of show films a segment in their store. It gets really bad when the evil co-star of the show turns up dead and Marilyn's daughter is one of the first suspects. Of course she didn't do it, but the ugliness continues and they get drawn up into it. Good ending, and I like that Marilyn finally has a date with the detective...
June 12, 2020
Kindle Copy for Review
Reality TV has hit Marilyn’s bakery. A reality TV producer wants to visit her shop with cameras in tow but she is hesitant about doing so but is talking into by her daughter who says it will help boost advertising.
But a body is soon found at the shop as things heat up. Throw in a creepy neighbor who suddenly drops by which keeps her on the edge even more.
Will she find the killer before her daughter ends up in jail? Another yummy cozy featuring key lime.
Reality TV has hit Marilyn’s bakery. A reality TV producer wants to visit her shop with cameras in tow but she is hesitant about doing so but is talking into by her daughter who says it will help boost advertising.
But a body is soon found at the shop as things heat up. Throw in a creepy neighbor who suddenly drops by which keeps her on the edge even more.
Will she find the killer before her daughter ends up in jail? Another yummy cozy featuring key lime.
June 12, 2020
An interesting addition to this series. The book focuses on one time only characters in the form of reality show staff and stars. It also introduces Timothy Eccles as Marilyns annoying new neighbor.
Marilyn’s bakery Sublime Sweets agrees to let a reality show to film at the shop. One actress is very nasty and derogatory about the pie and Tiara the daughter is having none of it. When the actress ends up dead Marilyn and Tiara need to find the real killer before Tiara ends up in prison!
Marilyn’s bakery Sublime Sweets agrees to let a reality show to film at the shop. One actress is very nasty and derogatory about the pie and Tiara the daughter is having none of it. When the actress ends up dead Marilyn and Tiara need to find the real killer before Tiara ends up in prison!
June 19, 2020
A reality show producer wants to come film Marilyn in her shop. She is uncomfortable about it but Tiara convinces her it will be great publicity. Unfortunately Tiara and one of the celebs from the show have a show down. Things really heat up when a dead body is found. Tiara is once again one of the main suspects so Marilyn needs to get to the bottom of this murder to get her off the hook.
June 27, 2020
Marilyn Hayes reluctantly agrees to a camera crew to film a scene or to in her shop with a popular reality series, and her daughter does a episode cause one of the girls is a no show later found dead her daughter is a "person of interest." And Marilyn takes it upon herself to find the real killer. I totally love this series. I received this as an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing.
July 2, 2020
Another great read. Marilyn and Tiara are thrown into another murder when their yoga teacher is accused of killing someone. Marilyn is off to solve it so she can keep Tiara safe and her shop.
Great read, Easy and fun to read. Characters and setting are great and leaves you always wanting key lime something.
Great read, Easy and fun to read. Characters and setting are great and leaves you always wanting key lime something.
August 26, 2015
Another great afternoon read. Once you start the characters will pull you in and you will not want to put it down. I love the mother and detective relationship and hope to see it develop quickly.
This book will make you want to take a trip to the Keys and eat pie.
This book will make you want to take a trip to the Keys and eat pie.
September 5, 2015
This series just keeps getting better
Great cozy series. The characters continue to entice confidences while the story line has become more comes. Glad to see that the whole done it Parr of the plot was given more attention as the series continue.
Great cozy series. The characters continue to entice confidences while the story line has become more comes. Glad to see that the whole done it Parr of the plot was given more attention as the series continue.
October 2, 2015
Great cozy mystery.
This was a great book to read. Third one in the series. There are lots of twists and turns that kept my attention. Also kept my mouth watering for a piece of pie. If u like cozy mystery this is the book for you.
This was a great book to read. Third one in the series. There are lots of twists and turns that kept my attention. Also kept my mouth watering for a piece of pie. If u like cozy mystery this is the book for you.
November 28, 2015
Another sweet read
This series continues to impress. The mystery and a hint of a possible romance in the future makes this series a keeper. Would recommend this series to anyone who wants a quick but fun story
This series continues to impress. The mystery and a hint of a possible romance in the future makes this series a keeper. Would recommend this series to anyone who wants a quick but fun story
June 11, 2020
Yummy "Summer" treat
As always Summer Prescott gives us another delicious cozy. The Line and the Dead is the third installment in this series remake and it's even better the second time around. Looking forward to the next book and of course the next awesome recipe.
As always Summer Prescott gives us another delicious cozy. The Line and the Dead is the third installment in this series remake and it's even better the second time around. Looking forward to the next book and of course the next awesome recipe.
June 13, 2020
There should be more than 5 starz
I am really enjoying this series. It is well written with great characters. I love that Timothy Ekels showed up. I can't wait to see where this all goes. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I am really enjoying this series. It is well written with great characters. I love that Timothy Ekels showed up. I can't wait to see where this all goes. I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 16, 2020
A great book
Ahhh..we are introduced to the mysterious Timothy Eckles. If you have read any of Summer Prescott books you know who the eccentric mortician is. Great key lime mousse recipe
Ahhh..we are introduced to the mysterious Timothy Eckles. If you have read any of Summer Prescott books you know who the eccentric mortician is. Great key lime mousse recipe
June 19, 2020
Timothy Eckels
This book is where we meet one of my all time favorite characters, Timothy Eckels. Reality TV invades Marilyn's pie shop and chaos quickly follows. Who is the murderer? Marilyn, her daughter, Tim? Grab a copy and find out.
This book is where we meet one of my all time favorite characters, Timothy Eckels. Reality TV invades Marilyn's pie shop and chaos quickly follows. Who is the murderer? Marilyn, her daughter, Tim? Grab a copy and find out.
June 13, 2020
Love it.
This is a delightful series. I am enjoying every one so far. Can't wait to read book 4. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
This is a delightful series. I am enjoying every one so far. Can't wait to read book 4. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews