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Key West Food Critic Mystery #4
Murder with Ganache
Hayley Snow, the food critic for Key Zest magazine, has her plate heaped high with restaurant reviews, doughnut and sticky bun tastings, and an article on the Hemingway cats. But this week she’s also in charge of her best friend’s wedding. And then someone adds a side of murder…
For better or worse, Hayley has agreed to bake over 200 cupcakes for her friend Connie’s wedding while still meeting her writing deadlines. The last thing she needs is family drama. But her parents come barreling down on the island like a category 3 hurricane and on their first night in town her stepbrother, Roby, disappears into the spring break party scene in Key West.
When Hayley hears that two teenagers have stolen a jet ski, she sets aside her oven mitts and goes in search of Rory. She finds him, barely conscious, but his female companion isn’t so lucky. Now Hayley has to let the cupcakes cool and assemble the sprinkles of clues to clear her stepbrother’s name—before someone else gets iced.
For better or worse, Hayley has agreed to bake over 200 cupcakes for her friend Connie’s wedding while still meeting her writing deadlines. The last thing she needs is family drama. But her parents come barreling down on the island like a category 3 hurricane and on their first night in town her stepbrother, Roby, disappears into the spring break party scene in Key West.
When Hayley hears that two teenagers have stolen a jet ski, she sets aside her oven mitts and goes in search of Rory. She finds him, barely conscious, but his female companion isn’t so lucky. Now Hayley has to let the cupcakes cool and assemble the sprinkles of clues to clear her stepbrother’s name—before someone else gets iced.
367 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2014
136 people are currently reading
1618 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 192 reviews
February 7, 2014
Food critic, Hayley Snow is back in the 4th book of the “Key West Food Critic Mystery” series. Her best friend, Connie, is about to be married and Hayley promises to bake over two hundred cupcakes. Unfortunately, her boss has given her several projects that need completion, as well. To make matters worse, her two sets of parents are in town for the wedding and things are getting crazier by the moment.
When her troubled teenage step-brother, Rory, vanishes, Hayley is on the scene to find him. After an extensive search, he’s finally found but in a coma. An even bigger problem is that the teenage girl he was with is found dead. The police are pointing fingers directly at Rory but he is in no shape to defend himself. Hayley is convinced Rory is innocent and is determined to prove it. If for no other reason, than preventing her step-mother from having a nervous breakdown.
I love this series. Hayley is a fun character and her devotion to her family shines through in this story. There are two possible romances, but they aren’t emphasized in this book. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in future books. The rest of the cast are created expertly, each one having their own personality and coming to life on each and every page.
The story moves along at a nice pace, with no down time. There are a few twists and turns. I didn’t figure out who did it until Haylely did. So, it kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, but I also still have to read the second book. I already read the first and third and enjoyed them. To add to my enjoyment, this book takes place in Key West and the author gives us a visit to the Hemingway House complete with all its live-in kitties.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
When her troubled teenage step-brother, Rory, vanishes, Hayley is on the scene to find him. After an extensive search, he’s finally found but in a coma. An even bigger problem is that the teenage girl he was with is found dead. The police are pointing fingers directly at Rory but he is in no shape to defend himself. Hayley is convinced Rory is innocent and is determined to prove it. If for no other reason, than preventing her step-mother from having a nervous breakdown.
I love this series. Hayley is a fun character and her devotion to her family shines through in this story. There are two possible romances, but they aren’t emphasized in this book. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in future books. The rest of the cast are created expertly, each one having their own personality and coming to life on each and every page.
The story moves along at a nice pace, with no down time. There are a few twists and turns. I didn’t figure out who did it until Haylely did. So, it kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, but I also still have to read the second book. I already read the first and third and enjoyed them. To add to my enjoyment, this book takes place in Key West and the author gives us a visit to the Hemingway House complete with all its live-in kitties.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 14, 2024
This is a good mystery that becomes personal for mc Haley when her teenage stepbrother is attacked and then becomes the prime suspect in a murder. I started this series late but it's quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Happily, I still have a few more to read before I'm all caught up!
October 28, 2014
There was nothing better to lift my spirits than a trip to Key West Florida on another adventure with Key West food critic writer, Hayley and her friends and family. In what was supposed to be a joyous occasion with Hayley's best friend, Connie marrying her one true love Ray and with Hayley preparing to make two hundred scrumptious Lime Cupcakes with Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Hayley's family also flies out to vacation and to celebrate the only glitch is Rory, Hayley's teenage step brother who wants nothing better than to not be at the wedding.
So with approval of Hayley and her Step mom, Allison. Rory heads out to explore Key West alone or so Hayley and her family thinks. When he does not return by his curfew Hayley sets out to find Rory on Duval street. As the hours pass and she is unable to find him her fears for him escalate and she then tells her father and Allison. They find Rory half concious on a boat then with a little investigating from Hayley she finds out that Rory did indeed have friends in Key West and then that friend is found murdered in the mangroves and Rory soon from his hospital bed becomes the prime suspect and with Connie cancelling the wedding at the last minute, it's up to Hayley to save her brother and find his friend's murderer and possibly save a marriage.
This is one of my very favorite culinary cozy mystery series. Murder with Ganache is foodie mystery lovers dream. Hayley's true love first and foremost is food and bringing her readers delicious reviews of some of Key West's restaurants but in Murder with Ganache her family came first and that is what I loved about it . I have come to love Hayley and her entire family and friends throughout this series, and after reading you will come to love them too. Murder with Ganache left me with happy tears. I can't wait to read and review Death with all the trimmings the next in the series released in December of this year.
So with approval of Hayley and her Step mom, Allison. Rory heads out to explore Key West alone or so Hayley and her family thinks. When he does not return by his curfew Hayley sets out to find Rory on Duval street. As the hours pass and she is unable to find him her fears for him escalate and she then tells her father and Allison. They find Rory half concious on a boat then with a little investigating from Hayley she finds out that Rory did indeed have friends in Key West and then that friend is found murdered in the mangroves and Rory soon from his hospital bed becomes the prime suspect and with Connie cancelling the wedding at the last minute, it's up to Hayley to save her brother and find his friend's murderer and possibly save a marriage.
This is one of my very favorite culinary cozy mystery series. Murder with Ganache is foodie mystery lovers dream. Hayley's true love first and foremost is food and bringing her readers delicious reviews of some of Key West's restaurants but in Murder with Ganache her family came first and that is what I loved about it . I have come to love Hayley and her entire family and friends throughout this series, and after reading you will come to love them too. Murder with Ganache left me with happy tears. I can't wait to read and review Death with all the trimmings the next in the series released in December of this year.
May 19, 2021
If you like to read cozies - then this is for you - I usually don't read them, but every once in a while I just have to empty my brain ! Cute series - I will read more for sure
January 16, 2016
Connie and Ray are getting married. Connie’s family is Hayley’s family since her mom passed away and she hasn’t seen her father in years. So Hayley’s parents and their significant others have arrived in Key West for the wedding and brought all the family drama with them. That includes Hayley’s teenage stepbrother Rory. The last thing a teenage boy want to do is attend a bridal shower or go sightseeing with his mother and stepfather. He convinces his mother to let him go off my himself for just a couple of hours but of course he misses his curfew. In fact he still has arrived back my morning. This sets off a search for him and leads to all kinds of trouble. Will Hayley be able to get Rory out of the hot water he has gotten himself or will be extending his stay in a Florida jail cell.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Oh I would love to be in Key West right now instead freezing here in Wisconsin. Thanks to Lucy Burdette I was able to have a mini escape there. She really has outdone herself with this installment.
Hayley is a super strong character that just jumps off the page but really struck me with this story was the interaction between her mom and step-mom. The usual angst was there of her mom being jealous of the relationship Hayley has with her step-mom but the way a tragedy brings these women together just warmed my heart. In this day and age it is sometimes hard for divorced couples to put their children first whether the children are 2, 15, or 30. I was really happy to see the two sides of the family come together.
The story had a wonderful mystery and plenty of twists in both the main plot and the subplot. There were a lot of characters in this story but it was very easy to follow. I missed the tarot card reader that was prevalent in the previous books. We had a glimpse of him but not the usual Hayley visits.
Lucy Burdette is a great cozy author. I look forward to my visits to Key West. I can’t wait for my next trip.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Oh I would love to be in Key West right now instead freezing here in Wisconsin. Thanks to Lucy Burdette I was able to have a mini escape there. She really has outdone herself with this installment.
Hayley is a super strong character that just jumps off the page but really struck me with this story was the interaction between her mom and step-mom. The usual angst was there of her mom being jealous of the relationship Hayley has with her step-mom but the way a tragedy brings these women together just warmed my heart. In this day and age it is sometimes hard for divorced couples to put their children first whether the children are 2, 15, or 30. I was really happy to see the two sides of the family come together.
The story had a wonderful mystery and plenty of twists in both the main plot and the subplot. There were a lot of characters in this story but it was very easy to follow. I missed the tarot card reader that was prevalent in the previous books. We had a glimpse of him but not the usual Hayley visits.
Lucy Burdette is a great cozy author. I look forward to my visits to Key West. I can’t wait for my next trip.
June 4, 2024
Anytime families get together for anything you never know what will happen. Murder included!
Weddings are to be a time of love and happiness but unfortunately never without stress. Connie and Ray are excited to be getting married and all the families have descended onto Key West including Connie’s estranged father. Hayley’s stepbrother goes missing and during the search for him the wedding is CANCELED! As Hayley is trying to figure out where her stepbrother is and what the wedding is off she goes off investigating the homeless teen population in Key West. Can she bring everything back together again under one big happy umbrella?
This has been the perfect cozy mystery series to binge as summer starts.
Weddings are to be a time of love and happiness but unfortunately never without stress. Connie and Ray are excited to be getting married and all the families have descended onto Key West including Connie’s estranged father. Hayley’s stepbrother goes missing and during the search for him the wedding is CANCELED! As Hayley is trying to figure out where her stepbrother is and what the wedding is off she goes off investigating the homeless teen population in Key West. Can she bring everything back together again under one big happy umbrella?
This has been the perfect cozy mystery series to binge as summer starts.
July 5, 2019
This is one of my favorite series. I love Haley and this book is one of my favorites.
The story is exciting and the author keeps us guessing until the very end.
The story is exciting and the author keeps us guessing until the very end.
August 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this entry in the series. The mystery made this one a real page turner for me and I kept wanting to see what would happen next. Hayley had a lot going on in this one and it was fun seeing her whole family there with her. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
February 8, 2014
Lucy Burdette is back with her fourth book in the Key West Food Critic series, Murder with Ganache. What does a beach wedding, a stolen Jet Ski and a missing set of teenagers have in common? A really good whodunit! Burdette's passion for Key West is evident on every page as she describes not only the sites and sounds but the people and their exotic culture. Murder by chain is afoot and Hayley's step brother may be right in the middle of it. Readers who love this series are in for a real treat with the latest addition to the series.
What I liked:
The Florida Keys have always seemed like one of those exotic junglesque locales right out of a movie to me and Lucy Burdette continues to strengthen that idea in my mind. With every Key West Food Critic book, I sink a little deeper in my fantasy of living on the beach, eating usual foods and reading a good cozy mystery, probably one of Burdette's. Her descriptions transport the reader into a different world really. Key West is so unique. The attitudes the laid back way of life. Burdette will have most readers under her spell in no time. She has a real gift for setting and time and place.
Hayley is in the middle of preparing for her best friend Connie's wedding when her very immense and unconventional family roars into town. I loved the fact that Hayley's blended bunch had their issues but still pulled together when the needed to. Her step-brother, Rory has turned into a typical teenager who gets himself into a bit of trouble. If you want to call being accused of murder a little trouble. I thought the whole idea of Rory taking off and trying to impress a girl was extremely realistic. Spring break crowds, a big party and too much time on his hands. I thought Burdette really showed her strength in characterization with Rory.
I loved the idea of Rory's companion being from Project Lighthouse. I thought that was a nice touch and it added to the overall mystery in a lot of ways. It gave the story some unusual suspects besides Rory and Hayley's visit was interesting and gave the reader another angle and perspective to the mystery. Hayley is always trying to help people out and she and the director have become close. I liked the tie in with this one and hope they work together again in the future.
The Food Critic angle always gives these books a great food related back story. The cupcakes for the wedding are only a few of the goodies described here and you've got to try some of the recipes in the back. I have got to try me some, Spanokopita, what a name!
What I didn't like:
Some readers who are new to the series, may have some issues with following along and figuring out who everyone is and how everyone is related or unrelated. Why this person doesn't like this person or does like this other person. In other words it can get a little confusing. I recommend reading them as a series in stead of stand alone's for just that reason.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent addition to the series. I find myself liking this one more with each new book. Murder with Ganache isn't my favorite, but it definitely gave me a reason to continue reading this series. I look forward to what's to come for Hayley, maybe even a little romance.
What I liked:
The Florida Keys have always seemed like one of those exotic junglesque locales right out of a movie to me and Lucy Burdette continues to strengthen that idea in my mind. With every Key West Food Critic book, I sink a little deeper in my fantasy of living on the beach, eating usual foods and reading a good cozy mystery, probably one of Burdette's. Her descriptions transport the reader into a different world really. Key West is so unique. The attitudes the laid back way of life. Burdette will have most readers under her spell in no time. She has a real gift for setting and time and place.
Hayley is in the middle of preparing for her best friend Connie's wedding when her very immense and unconventional family roars into town. I loved the fact that Hayley's blended bunch had their issues but still pulled together when the needed to. Her step-brother, Rory has turned into a typical teenager who gets himself into a bit of trouble. If you want to call being accused of murder a little trouble. I thought the whole idea of Rory taking off and trying to impress a girl was extremely realistic. Spring break crowds, a big party and too much time on his hands. I thought Burdette really showed her strength in characterization with Rory.
I loved the idea of Rory's companion being from Project Lighthouse. I thought that was a nice touch and it added to the overall mystery in a lot of ways. It gave the story some unusual suspects besides Rory and Hayley's visit was interesting and gave the reader another angle and perspective to the mystery. Hayley is always trying to help people out and she and the director have become close. I liked the tie in with this one and hope they work together again in the future.
The Food Critic angle always gives these books a great food related back story. The cupcakes for the wedding are only a few of the goodies described here and you've got to try some of the recipes in the back. I have got to try me some, Spanokopita, what a name!
What I didn't like:
Some readers who are new to the series, may have some issues with following along and figuring out who everyone is and how everyone is related or unrelated. Why this person doesn't like this person or does like this other person. In other words it can get a little confusing. I recommend reading them as a series in stead of stand alone's for just that reason.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent addition to the series. I find myself liking this one more with each new book. Murder with Ganache isn't my favorite, but it definitely gave me a reason to continue reading this series. I look forward to what's to come for Hayley, maybe even a little romance.
June 12, 2016
Hayley Snow, a food critic for a Key West newspaper
has a very full plate. She needs to write reviews on two
Key West restaurants. Plus write a piece on The
Hemington House cats. Then she needs to taste test
and review breakfast pastries such as Key West chocolate
pastries topped with Ganache and sticky buns.
Hayley is helping plan her best friend, Connie Arp with
her wedding plans. Complicating matters Hayley’s mother
and her man friend are arriving plus Hayley’s father and
her stepmother bringing a teenage stepbrother who is very
troublesome. Also, the groom‘s, Ray Hanson parents are
expected to be entertain by Hayley.
The night of the bridal shower, first, her stepbrother who
is “bored” leaves to explore Duval Street by himself while
the shower continues. Then to add more excitement
Connie’s long lost father unexpectedly presents himself
at the shower.
Then Hayley’s stepbrother disappears and is found the
next day unconscious on a dock. Sometime later a young
girl is found floating in the water in the mangroves.
Exciting read with murders, thefts, suspicious happenings,
an art showing, great food and an array of animals to
add humor….Schnootie, the schnauzer, Sparky and
Evinrude. the cats on Gloria’s houseboat, the Hemingway
House cats: Captain Tony, Rudy Valentino, Duke
Ellington, Audrey Hepburn, Harry Truman, Fat Waller,
Tennessee Williams, Captain Tony and Hemington to
name a few of the 70+ cats living there.
There are recipes at the end of the book. My favorite
recipes are Chocolate bars with Ganache and
Spanakopita.
has a very full plate. She needs to write reviews on two
Key West restaurants. Plus write a piece on The
Hemington House cats. Then she needs to taste test
and review breakfast pastries such as Key West chocolate
pastries topped with Ganache and sticky buns.
Hayley is helping plan her best friend, Connie Arp with
her wedding plans. Complicating matters Hayley’s mother
and her man friend are arriving plus Hayley’s father and
her stepmother bringing a teenage stepbrother who is very
troublesome. Also, the groom‘s, Ray Hanson parents are
expected to be entertain by Hayley.
The night of the bridal shower, first, her stepbrother who
is “bored” leaves to explore Duval Street by himself while
the shower continues. Then to add more excitement
Connie’s long lost father unexpectedly presents himself
at the shower.
Then Hayley’s stepbrother disappears and is found the
next day unconscious on a dock. Sometime later a young
girl is found floating in the water in the mangroves.
Exciting read with murders, thefts, suspicious happenings,
an art showing, great food and an array of animals to
add humor….Schnootie, the schnauzer, Sparky and
Evinrude. the cats on Gloria’s houseboat, the Hemingway
House cats: Captain Tony, Rudy Valentino, Duke
Ellington, Audrey Hepburn, Harry Truman, Fat Waller,
Tennessee Williams, Captain Tony and Hemington to
name a few of the 70+ cats living there.
There are recipes at the end of the book. My favorite
recipes are Chocolate bars with Ganache and
Spanakopita.
January 26, 2014
Key West food critic Hayley Snow feasts on a buffet of trouble in this fourth installment of the series -- busted cupcakes, visiting troublemakers (mostly family), unruly animals (also mostly family), murder, plus a bride and groom who fall off the wedding cake. This time, there is simply NO WAY our polite and caring heroine will manage all of these family, pet and dessert problems, let alone solve the murder and maintain her sanity. Can she?
I don't read a lot of cozies. I usually like blood, sex, a little more action. But Lucy is such a fine writer, and Hayley such a wonderfully entertaining character, I'm stuck on the series. Don't tell my noirish friends.
I don't read a lot of cozies. I usually like blood, sex, a little more action. But Lucy is such a fine writer, and Hayley such a wonderfully entertaining character, I'm stuck on the series. Don't tell my noirish friends.
November 17, 2023
4 stelle e mezza
In questo libro gioca un ruolo centrale la famiglia allargata della protagonista: devo dire che mi ci è voluto un po' ad apprezzare alcuni membri, ma alla fine non posso parlarne male (a parte il padre del fratellastro, che è odioso: per fortuna compare poco). Per il resto, ho l'impressione che si annunci un triangolo amoroso, cosa che non mi piace un granché. La storia non era male, ma era impossibile capire chi fosse il cattivo, almeno secondo me.
In questo libro gioca un ruolo centrale la famiglia allargata della protagonista: devo dire che mi ci è voluto un po' ad apprezzare alcuni membri, ma alla fine non posso parlarne male (a parte il padre del fratellastro, che è odioso: per fortuna compare poco). Per il resto, ho l'impressione che si annunci un triangolo amoroso, cosa che non mi piace un granché. La storia non era male, ma era impossibile capire chi fosse il cattivo, almeno secondo me.
March 26, 2022
Murder with Ganache (Key West Food Critic Mystery #4) is about a family who arrives at Key West for a wedding. However, within a short time, the wedding is called off, Hayley’s step brother goes missing and another girl turns up dead. Hayley and her friends decided to do some sleuthing on their own in order protect her step-brother from being accused of murder.
September 19, 2025
This is a generally enjoyable series, not least because I love Key West. I like the characters, and MC's extended family are entertaining. I also realised that the boat the MC lives on is at the same marina that my hubby and I stayed on a catamaran at before Covid.
November 22, 2021
Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest magazine, has her hand full. Restaurant reviews to write, cupcakes to bake for her friend's wedding, two sets of parents in town, and a step-brother in the hospital, accused of murder. Hayley handles it all in her own style.
January 26, 2018
A perfect confection: sweet on top and with a complicated set of flavors at bottom.
March 28, 2024
Despite all of the tension and the finger pointing, I happened to spot the murderer on their first introduction. The one character with the least at stake and the least part in any of it was so clearly the person behind it all. I ended up reading Murder with Ganache mostly for the family drama instead of the murder mystery.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
February 5, 2014
Murder With Ganache is the fourth book in A Key West Food Critic Mystery series.
Another fine addition to this fun series.
Hayley Snow is busy baking wedding cupcakes for her best friend Connie and trying to work in an interview out at the Hemmingway home for Key Zest, the magazine she is also food critic for. Add to this, her father and stepmom and her mother and her boyfriend are also coming for Connie's wedding. Everyone get ready for the Jack and Jill shower and after a while, Rory, Hayley's stepbrother and a young teenager, gets bored and wants to walk Duval Street and take in the sites of Key West. Finally he gets permission and is out of there. As the shower is beginning to break, nothing has been heard from Rory or is he answering his cell phone. While the police are looking for Rory, Hayley finds a picture of Rory on Face Book. Then they find out that possibly Rory and a teenaged girl have stolen a jet-ski. The next morning, Hayley with the help of some friends starts searching the waters near where they were last seen. They first find the dead body of the girl, who was apparently strangles with a chain. They soon find Rory near by, unconscious and with a chain similar to the used to strangle the girl. Hayley knows that he's no angel, but then she doesn't think he is a killer either. She ends up visiting a shelter for runaway teens to learn more about the dead girl and to seek clues as where to look to clear her step-brother.
A great story that was both exciting and informative and with a cast of interesting characters.
A perfect book for me to read on these snow days.
I will be looking for the next book in the series.
Another fine addition to this fun series.
Hayley Snow is busy baking wedding cupcakes for her best friend Connie and trying to work in an interview out at the Hemmingway home for Key Zest, the magazine she is also food critic for. Add to this, her father and stepmom and her mother and her boyfriend are also coming for Connie's wedding. Everyone get ready for the Jack and Jill shower and after a while, Rory, Hayley's stepbrother and a young teenager, gets bored and wants to walk Duval Street and take in the sites of Key West. Finally he gets permission and is out of there. As the shower is beginning to break, nothing has been heard from Rory or is he answering his cell phone. While the police are looking for Rory, Hayley finds a picture of Rory on Face Book. Then they find out that possibly Rory and a teenaged girl have stolen a jet-ski. The next morning, Hayley with the help of some friends starts searching the waters near where they were last seen. They first find the dead body of the girl, who was apparently strangles with a chain. They soon find Rory near by, unconscious and with a chain similar to the used to strangle the girl. Hayley knows that he's no angel, but then she doesn't think he is a killer either. She ends up visiting a shelter for runaway teens to learn more about the dead girl and to seek clues as where to look to clear her step-brother.
A great story that was both exciting and informative and with a cast of interesting characters.
A perfect book for me to read on these snow days.
I will be looking for the next book in the series.
October 19, 2014
It's spring time in Key West, Florida. So what sounds like the most fun? Vacation for the young crowd on break, or maybe a lovely wedding on the point with a beautiful sunset reception, or perhaps a family gathering of all the different new couples with divorced parents and food tasting. Well in this book, Lucy Burdette has brought all these things together in her fourth Key West Food Critic Mystery book, and the results is a world-win of adventure.
Amongst everything else, food critic and writer, Hayley Snow, is dealing with her surely 15 year old half brother who has gone off on a Jet Ski that is not his, and he's gotten into a real mess. At the same time, Hayley is a bride's maid for her best friend's wedding and has planned to make hundreds of cupcakes for the big day. But never forget that her day job is eating and critiquing foods from all of the local restaurants for her handsome boss at Key Zest Magazine.
I adore this series. Burdette's characters grow exponentially in every book and I must get my updates on everyone's lives in each new book. The fun vacation atmosphere and food recipes give me that vacation feeling every time I get engrossed in these mysteries. The lime cupcakes, strawberry pie recipe, and other recipes are worth the read by themselves. I hope these mysteries go on and on like a wonderful family reunion with a mysterious twist!
Amongst everything else, food critic and writer, Hayley Snow, is dealing with her surely 15 year old half brother who has gone off on a Jet Ski that is not his, and he's gotten into a real mess. At the same time, Hayley is a bride's maid for her best friend's wedding and has planned to make hundreds of cupcakes for the big day. But never forget that her day job is eating and critiquing foods from all of the local restaurants for her handsome boss at Key Zest Magazine.
I adore this series. Burdette's characters grow exponentially in every book and I must get my updates on everyone's lives in each new book. The fun vacation atmosphere and food recipes give me that vacation feeling every time I get engrossed in these mysteries. The lime cupcakes, strawberry pie recipe, and other recipes are worth the read by themselves. I hope these mysteries go on and on like a wonderful family reunion with a mysterious twist!
September 3, 2023
3.5
I enjoyed this delicious book very much. This is the first of the series that I've read (I won a copy from the author); I'll definitely read the rest.
Hayley Snow and her wacky relatives are the characters that drive this book. They've shown up for a wedding that is definitely (and maybe permanently) cancelled. Hayley has to try keeping them entertained on Key West during spring break. There is tension between Hayley's mother and her stepmother to be managed. Hayley's boss keeps piling on additional articles for Key Zest. To top it all off, Hayley's teen-aged stepbrother gets himself mixed up with another confused teen-ager, drugs in Key West, a stay in the local ICU, and suspected in a murder case. As Hayley and her mother are excellent cooks, everyone turns to food (making or eating) for comfort. The food all reads as delicious, with recipes included.
The book is a quick and delightful read, with the very real question of what makes a family, whether the one we're born to or the one we make for ourselves, underpinning the fun. It certainly made me think about this in my own life.
I enjoyed this delicious book very much. This is the first of the series that I've read (I won a copy from the author); I'll definitely read the rest.
Hayley Snow and her wacky relatives are the characters that drive this book. They've shown up for a wedding that is definitely (and maybe permanently) cancelled. Hayley has to try keeping them entertained on Key West during spring break. There is tension between Hayley's mother and her stepmother to be managed. Hayley's boss keeps piling on additional articles for Key Zest. To top it all off, Hayley's teen-aged stepbrother gets himself mixed up with another confused teen-ager, drugs in Key West, a stay in the local ICU, and suspected in a murder case. As Hayley and her mother are excellent cooks, everyone turns to food (making or eating) for comfort. The food all reads as delicious, with recipes included.
The book is a quick and delightful read, with the very real question of what makes a family, whether the one we're born to or the one we make for ourselves, underpinning the fun. It certainly made me think about this in my own life.
February 9, 2014
Hayley Snow is the food critic for a magazine in Key West. As the story opens she's busy with plans for her best friend, Connie's wedding. Hayley is the maid of honor.
Since Connie has been a family friend, Hayley's entire family is coming to the wedding, including her moody step-brother, Rory.
At the rehearsal dinner, Rory asks that he be allowed to visit Key West by himself. Hayley convinces Rory's mother to let him go. However, he doesn't return home and Hayley spends the later night searching for him.
The story is set in Key West and Hayley lives on a houseboat. She enjoys cooking and shares the recipes with some of her favorites with the reader. Enjoying the food at various restaurants she is reviewing for her magazine and reading about how others enjoy her food lessens the tension from what is happening with Rory and with a side story of Connie and her fiance.
Hayley is a delightful character and the author makes her so real that it feels that we're right with her and know her well.
The story moves along nicely and there is a good mixture of action, scene descriptions and drama. It is a novel the reader will remember.
Since Connie has been a family friend, Hayley's entire family is coming to the wedding, including her moody step-brother, Rory.
At the rehearsal dinner, Rory asks that he be allowed to visit Key West by himself. Hayley convinces Rory's mother to let him go. However, he doesn't return home and Hayley spends the later night searching for him.
The story is set in Key West and Hayley lives on a houseboat. She enjoys cooking and shares the recipes with some of her favorites with the reader. Enjoying the food at various restaurants she is reviewing for her magazine and reading about how others enjoy her food lessens the tension from what is happening with Rory and with a side story of Connie and her fiance.
Hayley is a delightful character and the author makes her so real that it feels that we're right with her and know her well.
The story moves along nicely and there is a good mixture of action, scene descriptions and drama. It is a novel the reader will remember.
January 30, 2014
Key West restaurant critic and magazine feature writer Hayley Snow has a lot on her plate. Her boss doesn’t like her story ideas, she promised to bake two hundred cupcakes for her best friend’s wedding, and her divorced parents have arrived in town, still sniping at each other after all these years. When Hayley’s cats tangle with the neighbor’s new Schnauzer, the cupcakes are the casualties. That’s a minor problem—on his first night in town, Hayley’s fifteen year old stepbrother goes missing.
The author combines a page turner of a mystery with the wonderfully colorful setting of Key West. Oh, and did I mention the food? Recipes are included in the book. While this book would make a fabulous beach read, it was a treat on a wintry below zero day, accompanied by a cup of cocoa. Fourth in the series.
The author combines a page turner of a mystery with the wonderfully colorful setting of Key West. Oh, and did I mention the food? Recipes are included in the book. While this book would make a fabulous beach read, it was a treat on a wintry below zero day, accompanied by a cup of cocoa. Fourth in the series.
February 18, 2014
At this time of year, those of us buried in snow are longing to get away. What better escape than a trip with a totally different type of snow--Haley Snow, protagonist of the charming Key West Food Critic mysteries. In this latest outing, Haley is trying to do her duty as main of honor at her best friend's wedding, while also managing family drama with her visiting relatives. When her step-brother, Rory, disappears, Haley is drawn into the sinister underworld of runaway teens which lies just beneath the charming, free-spirited Key West society. As always, Key West itself is a character in the novel. We visit lots of great dining establishments, as well as Hemingway's house. We also get to see Haley at her finest as she steps up to the plate to solve a murder, and resolve several family entanglements.
August 5, 2016
Lucy Burdette, aka Roberta Isleib, is a solid writer with a soft heart that packs a punch. Her characters are more on the real side than many cozy mysteries provide, and there's enough spice and sizzle to keep the plot moving along from the appetizers straight through the entrees and finish off nicely with the perfect dessert. I haven't tried her recipes because I am convinced I gain pounds enough just reading them.
If you haven't followed Hayley Snow on her scooter through the streets of Key West, this is a great place to start. :)
If you haven't followed Hayley Snow on her scooter through the streets of Key West, this is a great place to start. :)
January 23, 2014
This series is fun and smart, especially psychologically smart. This time Hayley is helping put on her friend Connie's wedding (yummy key lime cupcakes) and there's plenty of family drama (her divorced parents arrive with new significant others) even before her stepbrother disappears. It's the perfect antidote for winter. Perfect for fans of Diane Mott Davidson. (I was thrilled to get an early copy of this.)
February 4, 2014
A cozy mystery with a familial twist. Add a sprinkling of food and you have a delightful read.
The main character is dealing with a friend's wedding and the arrival of a less-than-comfy assortment of family members. In particular, her teen-aged, angst ridden step brother.
The brother disappears, the wedding is off (or is it?), and the search for answers is on.
"Visit" Key West by reading this book and have a good time.
The main character is dealing with a friend's wedding and the arrival of a less-than-comfy assortment of family members. In particular, her teen-aged, angst ridden step brother.
The brother disappears, the wedding is off (or is it?), and the search for answers is on.
"Visit" Key West by reading this book and have a good time.
July 17, 2016
Wedding bells, murder, treasures, family troubles and more. This was such a good book. It was great to meet more of Hayley's family and it looks like there are two possible romantic interests for her. I had an inkling who was involved with the murder but didn't know for sure until the end when it came out. Looking forward to reading the next book!
January 7, 2014
I enjoyed this book a good bit. The story was interesting for the most part and it wasn't slow paced. The mystery elements were well written. I'd recommend this book. Note: I received a copy through first-reads but that doesn't affect my review or opinions of the book.
March 21, 2014
After four books, I can honestly say I've given this series a chance, and it's just not for me.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/830057...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/830057...
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