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Key West Food Critic Mystery #9
A Deadly Feast
National bestselling author Lucy Burdette’s intrepid food critic Hayley Snow must sniff out a killer in the ninth Key West Food Critic mystery.
Key West food critic Hayley Snow scents-es something fishy when a customer falls stone-crab cold dead on a seafood tasting tour.
Thanksgiving is nearly here, and Key West food critic Hayley Snow has just one more assignment to put to bed for Key Zest magazine before she gets to celebrate with her family and her police officer fiancé, Nathan Bransford. Then, just days later, wedding bells will ring—if death doesn’t toll first.
The sweet potatoes and stuffing will have to wait when Hayley picks up a distraught phone call from her friend, Analise Smith. On the last stop of a seafood tasting tour run by Analise, one of the customers collapsed—dead. With the police on the verge of shutting down the tour—and ruining Analise’s business—Hayley can hardly refuse her friend’s entreaties to investigate.
As if wedding jitters and family strife weren’t enough for Hayley to worry about, there’s crusty pastry chef Martha Hubbard, whose key lime pie may have been the murder weapon—but did she poison her own pie or was she framed? As the hours to Turkey Day tick away, the pressure cooker is on for Hayley to serve up the culprit on a silver platter.
Key West food critic Hayley Snow scents-es something fishy when a customer falls stone-crab cold dead on a seafood tasting tour.
Thanksgiving is nearly here, and Key West food critic Hayley Snow has just one more assignment to put to bed for Key Zest magazine before she gets to celebrate with her family and her police officer fiancé, Nathan Bransford. Then, just days later, wedding bells will ring—if death doesn’t toll first.
The sweet potatoes and stuffing will have to wait when Hayley picks up a distraught phone call from her friend, Analise Smith. On the last stop of a seafood tasting tour run by Analise, one of the customers collapsed—dead. With the police on the verge of shutting down the tour—and ruining Analise’s business—Hayley can hardly refuse her friend’s entreaties to investigate.
As if wedding jitters and family strife weren’t enough for Hayley to worry about, there’s crusty pastry chef Martha Hubbard, whose key lime pie may have been the murder weapon—but did she poison her own pie or was she framed? As the hours to Turkey Day tick away, the pressure cooker is on for Hayley to serve up the culprit on a silver platter.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
171 people are currently reading
583 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 193 reviews
June 8, 2019
It’s nearly Thanksgiving in Key West and for food critic Hayley Snow, that can only mean one thing—lobster macaroni, key lime pie, and murder! We find Hayley preparing for not only Thanksgiving, but for her wedding to fiancé Nathan Bransford, when a dead body threatens to put a stop to the whole thing. With yummy food descriptions, vibrant settings, and a great cast of characters, the latest installment in the Key West Food Critic mysteries is a fun mystery!
About the Book
Hayley Snow is a bit frantic, but she is doing her best to take it in stride. Her wedding is only days away (not to mention, so is Thanksgiving), and her father, stepmother, and stepbrother are arriving soon. In addition to the expected tension between her father and her mother’s beau, Hayley also finds herself without a contractor to fix the houseboat she and Nathan were set to move into following their wedding.
But all of those worries may become obsolete when a seafood tasting tour she is covering for her job as a food critic for Key Zest magazine ends up with a death. Even worst, her friend Analise’s business running the seafood tasting may go under. As Hayley puts wedding planning partly on hold to look into the murder, her fiancé Nathan is tied up on a dangerous and mysterious case of his own.
Will Hayley and Nathan be able to come together in time for their wedding? Will Hayley be able to discover who was responsible for murder? Time is ticking and Hayley has a LOT on her plate—pun intended!
Reflection
This was my first book from the Key West Food Critic mysteries, and I can see why they are so beloved! Hayley is a really great protagonist—she has strong instincts and a big heart, though she certainly is a bit impulsive and prone to worrying, relative to her fiancé Nathan! It was interesting because Nathan was sort of absent working on his own case. When we saw them together, it was nice to hear about them working out the challenges of being married to a police detective. I’d imagine the spouses and loved ones of police detectives have quite a hard time not getting worried when their loved one can’t call in.
I did think that this one got a bit too focused on the details of Hayley’s life (which, in fairness, were interesting and she was QUITE busy at the time of this mystery), and it took awhile for the mystery to really pick up. Even after it picked up, we were more focused on finding out what Nathan’s case was than on following leads Hayley was pursuing.
This balance is always the key to how a cozy mystery is read. I think long-time fans of the series probably didn’t mind the mystery being secondary. But for me, I wanted a bit more of the mystery to be front and center. Hayley seemed a bit reluctant to investigate it, which though I just met her did feel a bit out of character! I definitely want to revisit a few of the earlier books. I wonder if Hayley wasn’t as invested in this case because of how much was going on in her life, or because she wasn’t as close to the murder (not someone she knew nor that she discovered)?
Regardless, though the mystery didn’t pick up until the end of the book, it was so entertaining when it did hit! Plus we got a sweet ending to the book and some fantastic recipes (hello, lobster macaroni and cheese) that made my mouth water just reading about!
All in all this was a fun virtual getaway to Key West, and I loved the vivid descriptions of the scenery, food, and characters! I’ll definitely try another from this series.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
About the Book
Hayley Snow is a bit frantic, but she is doing her best to take it in stride. Her wedding is only days away (not to mention, so is Thanksgiving), and her father, stepmother, and stepbrother are arriving soon. In addition to the expected tension between her father and her mother’s beau, Hayley also finds herself without a contractor to fix the houseboat she and Nathan were set to move into following their wedding.
But all of those worries may become obsolete when a seafood tasting tour she is covering for her job as a food critic for Key Zest magazine ends up with a death. Even worst, her friend Analise’s business running the seafood tasting may go under. As Hayley puts wedding planning partly on hold to look into the murder, her fiancé Nathan is tied up on a dangerous and mysterious case of his own.
Will Hayley and Nathan be able to come together in time for their wedding? Will Hayley be able to discover who was responsible for murder? Time is ticking and Hayley has a LOT on her plate—pun intended!
Reflection
This was my first book from the Key West Food Critic mysteries, and I can see why they are so beloved! Hayley is a really great protagonist—she has strong instincts and a big heart, though she certainly is a bit impulsive and prone to worrying, relative to her fiancé Nathan! It was interesting because Nathan was sort of absent working on his own case. When we saw them together, it was nice to hear about them working out the challenges of being married to a police detective. I’d imagine the spouses and loved ones of police detectives have quite a hard time not getting worried when their loved one can’t call in.
I did think that this one got a bit too focused on the details of Hayley’s life (which, in fairness, were interesting and she was QUITE busy at the time of this mystery), and it took awhile for the mystery to really pick up. Even after it picked up, we were more focused on finding out what Nathan’s case was than on following leads Hayley was pursuing.
This balance is always the key to how a cozy mystery is read. I think long-time fans of the series probably didn’t mind the mystery being secondary. But for me, I wanted a bit more of the mystery to be front and center. Hayley seemed a bit reluctant to investigate it, which though I just met her did feel a bit out of character! I definitely want to revisit a few of the earlier books. I wonder if Hayley wasn’t as invested in this case because of how much was going on in her life, or because she wasn’t as close to the murder (not someone she knew nor that she discovered)?
Regardless, though the mystery didn’t pick up until the end of the book, it was so entertaining when it did hit! Plus we got a sweet ending to the book and some fantastic recipes (hello, lobster macaroni and cheese) that made my mouth water just reading about!
All in all this was a fun virtual getaway to Key West, and I loved the vivid descriptions of the scenery, food, and characters! I’ll definitely try another from this series.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.
May 9, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s almost Thanksgiving and food critic Hayley Snow already has plenty on her plate.
Her wedding to Detective Nathan Bransford is just a few days away.
Her father, stepmother, and stepbrother will be arriving in Key West soon for the festivities including Thanksgiving dinner at her mother’s.
She needs to find a place for her and her groom to live because the contractor they hired to renovate Nathan’s houseboat keeps flaking on them.
She is taking part in a seafood tasting tour to write an article for Key Zest Magazine.
Her groom is working on some top secret case and is missing all the pre-wedding festivities which has her very worried.
Plus, the murder she now has to solve. Yes, at that seafood tasting tour, one of the other participants died right in front of everyone. At least, this puts her article on hold.
A normal bride would be all wrapped up in wedding plans the week before her wedding, but Hayley Snow is not a normal bride. She takes on so much I was exhausted just reading about everything she was doing. Oh! to have her energy!
I love Hayley Snow. She is a great protagonist. She is smart and has great instincts and her investigating talents have grown so much since the first book. The one thing she can’t do is say “No” to anyone. This time a chef asked for her help but truthfully she would have investigated anyway, even after Nathan asks her to leave it to the police. In full disclosure, Nathan’s plate was as full as Hayley’s but the case he was working totally took over. Miss Gloria never fails to bring the comedy to almost any situation. She is a real treat. Almost all my other favorite characters returned in this story too. One was out of town and some just have small cameo appearances but it was nice to see them. I was also happy to see Hayley’s whole family together to support her.
The book was very entertaining. All the daily drama leading up to the real main event captivated me from the start. Because of that, the mystery portion of the story got a little lost for me. I was wrapped up in all the other chaos in Hayley’s normal life until things really started to come together in a very exciting way near the end. There was definitely some edge of the seat moments. Then the ending was positively heartwarming.
Again, this author brings on my cravings with all the delectable food. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Mojito Cookies, Strawberries and Lime Sponge Cake Trifle, and some unique twists on the usual Thanksgiving fare. Yes, the recipes are at the back of the book. Perfect to make your own holiday feast.
I have enjoyed each and every visit to Key West. These are some of my favorite cozy characters and a literary vacation to Key West is always fun, no matter what time of year.
Fans of this series will be delighted by this book. New readers will enjoy it even more if they start the series from the beginning.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and food critic Hayley Snow already has plenty on her plate.
Her wedding to Detective Nathan Bransford is just a few days away.
Her father, stepmother, and stepbrother will be arriving in Key West soon for the festivities including Thanksgiving dinner at her mother’s.
She needs to find a place for her and her groom to live because the contractor they hired to renovate Nathan’s houseboat keeps flaking on them.
She is taking part in a seafood tasting tour to write an article for Key Zest Magazine.
Her groom is working on some top secret case and is missing all the pre-wedding festivities which has her very worried.
Plus, the murder she now has to solve. Yes, at that seafood tasting tour, one of the other participants died right in front of everyone. At least, this puts her article on hold.
A normal bride would be all wrapped up in wedding plans the week before her wedding, but Hayley Snow is not a normal bride. She takes on so much I was exhausted just reading about everything she was doing. Oh! to have her energy!
I love Hayley Snow. She is a great protagonist. She is smart and has great instincts and her investigating talents have grown so much since the first book. The one thing she can’t do is say “No” to anyone. This time a chef asked for her help but truthfully she would have investigated anyway, even after Nathan asks her to leave it to the police. In full disclosure, Nathan’s plate was as full as Hayley’s but the case he was working totally took over. Miss Gloria never fails to bring the comedy to almost any situation. She is a real treat. Almost all my other favorite characters returned in this story too. One was out of town and some just have small cameo appearances but it was nice to see them. I was also happy to see Hayley’s whole family together to support her.
The book was very entertaining. All the daily drama leading up to the real main event captivated me from the start. Because of that, the mystery portion of the story got a little lost for me. I was wrapped up in all the other chaos in Hayley’s normal life until things really started to come together in a very exciting way near the end. There was definitely some edge of the seat moments. Then the ending was positively heartwarming.
Again, this author brings on my cravings with all the delectable food. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Mojito Cookies, Strawberries and Lime Sponge Cake Trifle, and some unique twists on the usual Thanksgiving fare. Yes, the recipes are at the back of the book. Perfect to make your own holiday feast.
I have enjoyed each and every visit to Key West. These are some of my favorite cozy characters and a literary vacation to Key West is always fun, no matter what time of year.
Fans of this series will be delighted by this book. New readers will enjoy it even more if they start the series from the beginning.
January 28, 2019
Lucy Burdette’s A Deadly Feast is an entertaining cozy read with a great heroine, an interesting mystery and a vivid setting. But, I wish some characters and subplots were trimmed because the book is crowded. Furthermore, I wish that the mystery plot was more suspenseful and better developed. This book is the ninth instalment in the Key West Food Critic mystery series. I don’t recommend this as a standalone because certain things may confuse new readers.
Food critic Hayley Snow’s plate is overflowing this Thanksgiving. She’s about to marry her detective fiancé, Nathan. She’s also balancing family drama, houseboat repairs, and work assignments. While Hayley is attending a friend’s seafood tasting tour, she witnesses the sudden death of a woman. Although Hayley wants to stay away from sleuthing, she’s soon trying to find a killer. Could it be the woman’s shady husband? Is secretive chef Martha’s key lime pie to blame? Meanwhile, Nathan is busy with a secret assignment, giving Hayley more to worry about. Will Hayley catch a killer and make it down the aisle?
While the book is fast-paced and held my attention, I wish Burdette spent more time fleshing out the mystery and creating tension. I wish Hayley had done more investigating. I do like how certain things eventually tie together. However, the mystery sometimes felt like an afterthought. There is little tension until the bitter end. Furthermore, some of the subplots like Miss Gloria’s friendship with her prison buddy could have been trimmed. But, I like the inclusion of the Me Too movement into the plot.
I adore the lovingly detailed descriptions of Key West. I really feel like I’m there with every delicious dish and depiction of places and people. I also love the sweet feeling of friendship and family throughout the book which makes it a perfect holiday read.
Hayley is a great protagonist. She is smart, kind, and relatable. The other characters are well-crafted and interesting. However, there are too many characters and some of them act implausibly. Although I’m not a fan of Hayley’s relationship with broody detective Nathan, I actually did not mind them here because Nathan was slightly less patronizing and controlling than usual.
A Deadly Feast is a quick and entertaining cozy in a fantastically written setting. With all the delicious dishes and sweet interactions between the characters, this book is great for holiday reading. I love that the book includes some mouth-watering recipes. Although I wish the mystery was more developed and that some characters and subplots were trimmed, this is an easy and light read that’ll have you booking a trip to Key West or baking your own version of Hayley’s scrumptious pumpkin pie!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Food critic Hayley Snow’s plate is overflowing this Thanksgiving. She’s about to marry her detective fiancé, Nathan. She’s also balancing family drama, houseboat repairs, and work assignments. While Hayley is attending a friend’s seafood tasting tour, she witnesses the sudden death of a woman. Although Hayley wants to stay away from sleuthing, she’s soon trying to find a killer. Could it be the woman’s shady husband? Is secretive chef Martha’s key lime pie to blame? Meanwhile, Nathan is busy with a secret assignment, giving Hayley more to worry about. Will Hayley catch a killer and make it down the aisle?
While the book is fast-paced and held my attention, I wish Burdette spent more time fleshing out the mystery and creating tension. I wish Hayley had done more investigating. I do like how certain things eventually tie together. However, the mystery sometimes felt like an afterthought. There is little tension until the bitter end. Furthermore, some of the subplots like Miss Gloria’s friendship with her prison buddy could have been trimmed. But, I like the inclusion of the Me Too movement into the plot.
I adore the lovingly detailed descriptions of Key West. I really feel like I’m there with every delicious dish and depiction of places and people. I also love the sweet feeling of friendship and family throughout the book which makes it a perfect holiday read.
Hayley is a great protagonist. She is smart, kind, and relatable. The other characters are well-crafted and interesting. However, there are too many characters and some of them act implausibly. Although I’m not a fan of Hayley’s relationship with broody detective Nathan, I actually did not mind them here because Nathan was slightly less patronizing and controlling than usual.
A Deadly Feast is a quick and entertaining cozy in a fantastically written setting. With all the delicious dishes and sweet interactions between the characters, this book is great for holiday reading. I love that the book includes some mouth-watering recipes. Although I wish the mystery was more developed and that some characters and subplots were trimmed, this is an easy and light read that’ll have you booking a trip to Key West or baking your own version of Hayley’s scrumptious pumpkin pie!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette is a delightful trip to the Keys with a chance to wander around some of the streets of Key West which is only one mile wide and six miles long. There were just enough references to local landmarks and streets to spark the memory of anyone who has ever lived or spent some time there, without being overwhelming or feeling like a travelog.
The characters of this series, including Haley, a food reporter and the central protagonist for the series, her police officer fiance, Nathan, her roomate, Miss Gloria and several others including parents and friends, are well written with enough information to help them develop as individuals in the reader’s mind. An added bonus are the recipes at the back of the book, several of which look enticing and may wind up in a “to be tried” recipe box belonging to more than one reader.
This is the sixth in Ms. Burdette’s Key West Food Critic mysteries and my first of the series. Haley is on a food tour for an article she is writing when one of their group drops dead at the last stop. While the story is self-contained within this book, there are hints that Haley has solved mysteries prior to this one, sometimes to the chagrin of Nathan. While she talks about staying out of this one, she keeps agreeing to check into things for one or more of her friends, all while getting ready for her wedding which is supposed to happen at the end of the week.
While Haley is drawn to question what happened to her tour companion, she is also concerned that she may make Nathan unhappy in that he has asked her to let him handle murder and other crimes in his official capacity. Haley tries to walk a fine line between discovering what happened and whether or not it was someone seeking revenge on a local chef and staying true to her promise to Nathan. To complicate matters, Nathan is on an undercover assignment that has him disappearing for most nights with little information regarding his activities. Haley is even more frustrated when she sees his rented SUV parked outside a local strip club. Is he on assignment there or is he engaged in his last hurrah before marrying. There is little emphasis on Haley’s questioning of Nathan’s activities as to why a strip club and, as such, little tension arises from this storyline. Things do get heated when Nathan disappears on Thanksgiving Day, the day before their wedding.
The solution to this mystery comes about more from Haley simply driving around the island than any real detective work the reader sees getting done. Some of Nathan’s activities are central to solving this case and since the reader doesn’t have the chance to get this information until the explanation of who, what, and why, there is little opportunity to solve this puzzle just by picking up clues and avoiding red herrings. It was not difficult to know who the murderer was, even without this information.
This would be a great beach or airplane read, allowing the reader to escape to a tropical island without having to spend a great deal of time concentrating on clues and suspects. It is an easy book to put down and pick up as the reader’s schedule dictates. While it isn’t necessary to read the books in order to follow the action in this one, there are relationships and characters who seem to have been more fully developed in earlier novels within the series. As such, the reader might enjoy reading the books in order so they can watch these developments as they occur.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing and advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The characters of this series, including Haley, a food reporter and the central protagonist for the series, her police officer fiance, Nathan, her roomate, Miss Gloria and several others including parents and friends, are well written with enough information to help them develop as individuals in the reader’s mind. An added bonus are the recipes at the back of the book, several of which look enticing and may wind up in a “to be tried” recipe box belonging to more than one reader.
This is the sixth in Ms. Burdette’s Key West Food Critic mysteries and my first of the series. Haley is on a food tour for an article she is writing when one of their group drops dead at the last stop. While the story is self-contained within this book, there are hints that Haley has solved mysteries prior to this one, sometimes to the chagrin of Nathan. While she talks about staying out of this one, she keeps agreeing to check into things for one or more of her friends, all while getting ready for her wedding which is supposed to happen at the end of the week.
While Haley is drawn to question what happened to her tour companion, she is also concerned that she may make Nathan unhappy in that he has asked her to let him handle murder and other crimes in his official capacity. Haley tries to walk a fine line between discovering what happened and whether or not it was someone seeking revenge on a local chef and staying true to her promise to Nathan. To complicate matters, Nathan is on an undercover assignment that has him disappearing for most nights with little information regarding his activities. Haley is even more frustrated when she sees his rented SUV parked outside a local strip club. Is he on assignment there or is he engaged in his last hurrah before marrying. There is little emphasis on Haley’s questioning of Nathan’s activities as to why a strip club and, as such, little tension arises from this storyline. Things do get heated when Nathan disappears on Thanksgiving Day, the day before their wedding.
The solution to this mystery comes about more from Haley simply driving around the island than any real detective work the reader sees getting done. Some of Nathan’s activities are central to solving this case and since the reader doesn’t have the chance to get this information until the explanation of who, what, and why, there is little opportunity to solve this puzzle just by picking up clues and avoiding red herrings. It was not difficult to know who the murderer was, even without this information.
This would be a great beach or airplane read, allowing the reader to escape to a tropical island without having to spend a great deal of time concentrating on clues and suspects. It is an easy book to put down and pick up as the reader’s schedule dictates. While it isn’t necessary to read the books in order to follow the action in this one, there are relationships and characters who seem to have been more fully developed in earlier novels within the series. As such, the reader might enjoy reading the books in order so they can watch these developments as they occur.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing and advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 23, 2019
I received this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story and the characters relationships were really well developed. There was humor in the right places, and I loved the description of the Keys in Florida as I have never been there. Really fun book.
November 28, 2020
This book takes us south for a wedding and a holiday. I've done Christmas in Florida before but Thanksgiving in Florida was just as much a reminder of being near the water and the nice weather. The criminal aspect of this book kept our couple and their friends and families wondering if a wedding would be had. The recipes included are an awesome treat. I do like key lime pie but not enough to die for.
May 9, 2019
In this ninth outing in Key West, it is almost Thanksgiving and Hayley is also getting married to her Detective fiancé, Nathan. As usual, Hayley is super busy with her articles for Key Zest magazine, getting ready for her wedding, houseboat repairs and renovations, family drama and now a frantic phone call from her friend who needs help after someone dies during her seafood tasting tour. Annalise cannot afford to have her business shut down, and Hayley can't ignore her friend. There are many suspects that Hayley needs to investigate. With Nathan busy with a top-secret assignment, Hayley and Nathan just might not make it to the altar.
The environment of Key West and Hayley's busy life take a large portion of the story, but the mystery is interesting. There are plenty of red herrings yet I did figure out the culprit, although it was near the end. Hayley is a reluctant sleuth, yet has a hard time turning down family and friends when they ask for help. She tries to walk a fine line between discovering what happened and staying true to her promise to Nathan not to investigate any more crimes. Hayley is a great protagonist. She is smart, kind, and relatable. The other characters are well-written and interesting. Her police officer fiancé, Nathan is more likeable in this book as he is not as controlling with Hayley. Their relationship is moving forward in a positive way, very similar to the ups and downs of real life. I love Hayley's roommate, Miss Gloria. She is sweet, yet can be spunky when she needs to be. Overall the characters are written with enough information to help them develop as individuals in the reader’s mind. The setting of this series is wonderful and one of the things that attracts me to this series. I love the detailed descriptions of Key West. There were just enough references to local landmarks and streets to draw in the armchair traveler without being overwhelming or feeling like a travelogue. The delicious food leaves my mouth watering and the recipes included are a nice bonus.
Overall, A Deadly Feast is a quick and entertaining cozy in a wonderful setting. The mystery will draw the reader in, yet it is melded nicely with the life of Hayley and her family and friends. This story will have you booking a trip to Key West, or not, depending on if you are worried about the amount of murders that Hayley has solved along the way. If you enjoy a culinary cozy, with some great recipes, then pick this one up, you will enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
The environment of Key West and Hayley's busy life take a large portion of the story, but the mystery is interesting. There are plenty of red herrings yet I did figure out the culprit, although it was near the end. Hayley is a reluctant sleuth, yet has a hard time turning down family and friends when they ask for help. She tries to walk a fine line between discovering what happened and staying true to her promise to Nathan not to investigate any more crimes. Hayley is a great protagonist. She is smart, kind, and relatable. The other characters are well-written and interesting. Her police officer fiancé, Nathan is more likeable in this book as he is not as controlling with Hayley. Their relationship is moving forward in a positive way, very similar to the ups and downs of real life. I love Hayley's roommate, Miss Gloria. She is sweet, yet can be spunky when she needs to be. Overall the characters are written with enough information to help them develop as individuals in the reader’s mind. The setting of this series is wonderful and one of the things that attracts me to this series. I love the detailed descriptions of Key West. There were just enough references to local landmarks and streets to draw in the armchair traveler without being overwhelming or feeling like a travelogue. The delicious food leaves my mouth watering and the recipes included are a nice bonus.
Overall, A Deadly Feast is a quick and entertaining cozy in a wonderful setting. The mystery will draw the reader in, yet it is melded nicely with the life of Hayley and her family and friends. This story will have you booking a trip to Key West, or not, depending on if you are worried about the amount of murders that Hayley has solved along the way. If you enjoy a culinary cozy, with some great recipes, then pick this one up, you will enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 9, 2019
Hayley Snow’s wedding is just a few days away, and her list of things to do is long, as you’d expect. She’s got family coming in from out of town, Thanksgiving the day before, and contractors to get working on the houseboat she wants to move into soon after she gets married. So the last thing she needs to do is find herself embroiled in a mystery. But when a woman on a seafood tour Hayley is covering for work drops dead, Hayley is asked by the friend who owns the company to find out what happened. Can Hayley squeeze that into her busy week?
As you can see, there is plenty happening here, and I found the pages turning quickly. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery suffered as a result. It was often buried in everything else going on, and the resolution was rushed as a result. But I do love these characters, and getting to spend time with them is wonderful as always. I enjoyed getting to see a different side of a couple and have others return. Thanks to these books, I’ve fallen in love with Key West, so it was fantastic to get to visit again. It was a much-needed mini vacation. There are nine new recipes for us to try; personally, I’m most intrigued by the pumpkin pie recipe. While newcomers to the series won’t be as charmed with this outing, longtime fans will be happy to visit Hayley again here.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As you can see, there is plenty happening here, and I found the pages turning quickly. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery suffered as a result. It was often buried in everything else going on, and the resolution was rushed as a result. But I do love these characters, and getting to spend time with them is wonderful as always. I enjoyed getting to see a different side of a couple and have others return. Thanks to these books, I’ve fallen in love with Key West, so it was fantastic to get to visit again. It was a much-needed mini vacation. There are nine new recipes for us to try; personally, I’m most intrigued by the pumpkin pie recipe. While newcomers to the series won’t be as charmed with this outing, longtime fans will be happy to visit Hayley again here.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 22, 2020
2.5 Stars
I'm not sure how I feel about mixing fiction books and every day issues. I know I've said this before, but I read to ESCAPE reality. The news sites shove everything at you from every platform they can...I don't need writers to join in on it. If I pick up a cozy mystery, give me a cozy mystery! I am going to listen to the next one since I already have it checked out. If the author does the same thing, I'm done reading stuff by her.
I'm not sure how I feel about mixing fiction books and every day issues. I know I've said this before, but I read to ESCAPE reality. The news sites shove everything at you from every platform they can...I don't need writers to join in on it. If I pick up a cozy mystery, give me a cozy mystery! I am going to listen to the next one since I already have it checked out. If the author does the same thing, I'm done reading stuff by her.
June 4, 2020
2.5 stars. I so so so want to like this series but it’s so lame. The bits about Key West itself, which I LOVE, are wonderful but the heroine is boring. How does she afford Key West as a food critic for a local circulation? The mysteries are so lame, they’re like an afterthought. Just not worth it sadly.
May 18, 2019
In this next book of the series Hayley has one more story to write before it's time to spend Thanksgiving with her family. She is looking forward to the time with her family and her fiancee but when a phone call interrupts her plans she knows that she must help out a friend and put everything else on the back burner. Things aren't looking good for Analise, someone died while attending her tasting and the cops are ready to shut everything down. Hayley already has so many things going on, a wedding to get ready for, the holidays not to mention her family. With so much taking up her time she worries that she won't be able to help out her friend. What's a girl to do? Hayley knows that she must find the answers and soon so that she can get everything back on track. Follow along as Hayley delves into this mystery and starts her search for a killer. Will she be able to figure out who the murderer is before the holiday is over and her wedding day has passed or will things remain unsolved? This was a fun cozy mystery read filled with great characters, a mystery to keep you guessing, and food that will leave you hungry in the end.
April 16, 2019
With one week to go until her long-awaited wedding to Nathan, a detective on the Key West police force, Hayley decides to do some research for her next Key Zest food critic assignment. While on an organized "food tour" of some local restaurants, a tourist dies during one of the tastings. Hayley thinks there is more to the story and decides to investigate.
I've read almost all of the books in the series but this one was my favorite. It was fast-paced and had more twists and turns than the Key West Conch Train Tour. There is a lot going on, between the wedding preparations, Hayley's investigation, and an undercover assignment that keeps Nathan away from Hayley at a time when she really needs him. This can be read as a standalone, but you will miss the back story on some of the characters. I am glad this series has continued and I look forward to Hayley's next adventure!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
I've read almost all of the books in the series but this one was my favorite. It was fast-paced and had more twists and turns than the Key West Conch Train Tour. There is a lot going on, between the wedding preparations, Hayley's investigation, and an undercover assignment that keeps Nathan away from Hayley at a time when she really needs him. This can be read as a standalone, but you will miss the back story on some of the characters. I am glad this series has continued and I look forward to Hayley's next adventure!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
November 27, 2018
I love this series and this addition was fun to read.
Haley is a fun character who always brings a smile to my face.
A Deadly Feast is a fast paced story that will leave the reader guessing until the end.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Haley is a fun character who always brings a smile to my face.
A Deadly Feast is a fast paced story that will leave the reader guessing until the end.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
May 21, 2019
The long-awaited wedding of Nathan and Hayley has a pretty exciting few days prior to it. Hayley was worried sick about Nathan who was on a secret sting operation along with most of the police force in town. A woman on a foodie tour she'd attended ended up dying from a stroke, and a local chef named Martha was hiding a huge secret and feeling guilty as well. Hayley had to rely on her intuition once again, and this time it was for something even more important. Topping all of that off was the fact that their houseboat contractor had basically bailed on them, and now Hayley and Nathan wouldn't be able to move in until it was finished once she found another contractor.
These characters are like old friends to me now even though I've not read most of the beginning books--I'm still intending to do that though. Probably my favorite characters aside from Nathan and Hayley themselves would be Miss Gloria (what a hoot! I want to be like her when I'm 80!) and Steve, Nathan's fellow officer who is also an ordained minister. He always seems to have just the right thing to say to make the situation better. There are some awesome-sounding recipes at the end of the book, lots of them! Of course, I'm always partial to how the desserts sound!
These characters are like old friends to me now even though I've not read most of the beginning books--I'm still intending to do that though. Probably my favorite characters aside from Nathan and Hayley themselves would be Miss Gloria (what a hoot! I want to be like her when I'm 80!) and Steve, Nathan's fellow officer who is also an ordained minister. He always seems to have just the right thing to say to make the situation better. There are some awesome-sounding recipes at the end of the book, lots of them! Of course, I'm always partial to how the desserts sound!
November 7, 2019
This is the ninth book in the Key West Food Critic series and Hayley and Nathan are finally getting married. The book starts with Hayley, who is a food critic, on a seafood tasting tour. Towards the end of the tour, one of the group collapses and later dies. Hayley starts looking into things while doing all her pre wedding preparation. Her fiancé, Nathan, is working a top secret case and is having to skip out on pre wedding activities. With her whole family in town for the wedding, Hayley is worried about Nathan's absence. But she puts that all aside when another death occurs and focuses on investigating.
I loved that we finally get to see Hayley and Nathan get married and that her whole family is there with her. I did feel that the mystery was second the wedding festivities. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. The mystery was still well done and I liked how it all came together at the end. I hope there will be more in this series.
I loved that we finally get to see Hayley and Nathan get married and that her whole family is there with her. I did feel that the mystery was second the wedding festivities. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. The mystery was still well done and I liked how it all came together at the end. I hope there will be more in this series.
May 16, 2024
I feel like I’m done with this series. The lack of chemistry between the main character and her fiancé is dang near brutal to read at this point. I just don’t buy it at all. 🤷🏻♀️
March 24, 2019
A DEADLY FEAST, the ninth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series by Lucy Burdette, is like a tropical holiday vacation without getting on an airplane during the hectic Thanksgiving season. The author provides an amazing assortment of delectable dishes, a gathering of family, entertainment, a wedding, and …murder, all beneath the sunny skies of Key West, Florida. Protagonist Hayley Snow is preparing for her nuptials to Detective Nathan Bransford. Most brides would not be joining a seafood tour group in order to write one more article for her employer the week of Thanksgiving. And definitely not mere days before her wedding on top of trying to get her houseboat home remodeled so she and her groom have a place to live. But, Hayley is a hard worker and dedicated to her job and joins the group. Besides that, her groom is on a special case so Hayley isn’t able to spend time with him and wants her job to keep her mind off of her worries for his safety. I have so enjoyed watching Hayley’s journey and personal growth throughout the series and A DEADLY FEAST is my favorite of the bunch. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest starting at the beginning in order to enjoy the character development that occurs, as in real life, with Hayley alongside her family and friends.
When a death occurs at the end of Hayley’s seafood walking tour, her natural investigative curiosity is intrigued. When one of the chefs on the tour asks Hayley to look into the death, worried someone might have deliberately killed the woman to sabotage her restaurant, she can’t help but get involved. Except her groom has asked her to stay out of any dangerous situations because there’s some bad stuff happening in town. I admire Ms. Burdette for how she creatively manages to keep Hayley on the fine line of honoring her groom’s concern while at the same time finding out information. In past books, Hayley has put herself in danger to find the truth, but she’s learned to using her intellect with less risk. Despite that, the author manages to put plenty of excitement into the story and provide enough suspects to keep the plot moving. There was a unique twist that I didn’t see coming and the heartwarming conclusion makes me want to book a flight for Key West immediately!
A DEADLY FEAST is a drool-worthy book and Ms. Burdette provides the reader with recipes at the back of the book to make those drools a reality.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thought and opinions are my own.
When a death occurs at the end of Hayley’s seafood walking tour, her natural investigative curiosity is intrigued. When one of the chefs on the tour asks Hayley to look into the death, worried someone might have deliberately killed the woman to sabotage her restaurant, she can’t help but get involved. Except her groom has asked her to stay out of any dangerous situations because there’s some bad stuff happening in town. I admire Ms. Burdette for how she creatively manages to keep Hayley on the fine line of honoring her groom’s concern while at the same time finding out information. In past books, Hayley has put herself in danger to find the truth, but she’s learned to using her intellect with less risk. Despite that, the author manages to put plenty of excitement into the story and provide enough suspects to keep the plot moving. There was a unique twist that I didn’t see coming and the heartwarming conclusion makes me want to book a flight for Key West immediately!
A DEADLY FEAST is a drool-worthy book and Ms. Burdette provides the reader with recipes at the back of the book to make those drools a reality.
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thought and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2019
It's Thanksgiving, and in Key West, food critic Hayley Snow is working and getting ready to marry her police officer fiancé, Nathan Bransford. But before then she has to cover a food tour, which takes tourists to local restaurants to taste their fare.
On the last stop, though, one of the tour members dies. Hayley's friend Analise runs the tour, and she calls Hayley for help, because this could potentially ruin her business. Hayley agrees to help, even though she has the wedding and Thanksgiving to prepare for. Add on top of that the fact that Nathan is working undercover and is unable to tell Hayley what is going on.
That makes for a chaotic time. Can Hayley figure out why the tourist died, serve Thanksgiving dinner, and get married? She can if she can find Nathan.
It's on my bucket list to visit Key West, and every time I read one of Lucy Burdette's food critic mysteries I feel like I am there. Ms. Burdette's descriptions are wonderful, and they draw me into the story and make me feel as if I'm following along and taking part in the action.
I love the fact that Lucy and Nathan, whom I now think of as friends, are getting married. The intrigue that surrounded the wedding make it that much more enjoyable. The mystery took a back seat for me in this one, since I was more interested in the wedding, seeing Miss Gloria interact with her new friend, and watching Hayley's parents and their perfect Thanksgiving.
This is one of my favorite series, and whenever I see one advertised, I immediately wonder when I can get my hands on it. A Deadly Feast is a meal for the senses. If you have not read this series you should, and you should start from the beginning to follow Hayley and her cohorts on their wonderful journey.
On the last stop, though, one of the tour members dies. Hayley's friend Analise runs the tour, and she calls Hayley for help, because this could potentially ruin her business. Hayley agrees to help, even though she has the wedding and Thanksgiving to prepare for. Add on top of that the fact that Nathan is working undercover and is unable to tell Hayley what is going on.
That makes for a chaotic time. Can Hayley figure out why the tourist died, serve Thanksgiving dinner, and get married? She can if she can find Nathan.
It's on my bucket list to visit Key West, and every time I read one of Lucy Burdette's food critic mysteries I feel like I am there. Ms. Burdette's descriptions are wonderful, and they draw me into the story and make me feel as if I'm following along and taking part in the action.
I love the fact that Lucy and Nathan, whom I now think of as friends, are getting married. The intrigue that surrounded the wedding make it that much more enjoyable. The mystery took a back seat for me in this one, since I was more interested in the wedding, seeing Miss Gloria interact with her new friend, and watching Hayley's parents and their perfect Thanksgiving.
This is one of my favorite series, and whenever I see one advertised, I immediately wonder when I can get my hands on it. A Deadly Feast is a meal for the senses. If you have not read this series you should, and you should start from the beginning to follow Hayley and her cohorts on their wonderful journey.
January 19, 2019
It is Thanksgiving time in Key West and Hayley Snow is planning a family gathering for the day and her WEDDING to Nathan Branson the next day. Their contractor for the remodel of the houseboat is missing and it not ready for moving in it. Newstakes Seafood tour of restaurants in order to write a piece for Key Zest magazine. At the last stop one of four members collapse and shortly after, Hayley gets involved with finding an answer for her death. Nathan is extremely busy with a more case and is not answering texts and calls. Will Nathan be present for the WEDDING?
I recommend this book and series.
Recipes mentioned in the book are included
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
I recommend this book and series.
Recipes mentioned in the book are included
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2019
This is the ninth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. In my opinion, the books get better and better as the characters mature.
Hayley is getting ready for Thanksgiving and her wedding to Nathan, her policeman fiancee. She has to write one more article for Key Zest magazine first about a Key West food tour. However, when one of the members of the food tour turns up dead at one of her friend's restaurants, Hayley knows she has to investigate even though she knows it will anger her fiancee.
The plot of this book was great, it was hard to identify the killer which always a plus in a cozy mystery. I recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hayley is getting ready for Thanksgiving and her wedding to Nathan, her policeman fiancee. She has to write one more article for Key Zest magazine first about a Key West food tour. However, when one of the members of the food tour turns up dead at one of her friend's restaurants, Hayley knows she has to investigate even though she knows it will anger her fiancee.
The plot of this book was great, it was hard to identify the killer which always a plus in a cozy mystery. I recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2019
An intriguing cozy murder mystery. Fans of the genre will enjoy this one. Relaxing and fun to read. It's a cute entertaining story.
August 23, 2022
Haley Snow is planning her wedding to Nathan. Of course she can't say no to someone asking for her help. Meanwhile Nathan is MIA for the rehearsal dinner and Thanksgiving because he is on a big top secret case. The ending was unexpected and I thought out of line with this series. I have started the next book in this series and I hope things get back on track for Haley and Nathan.
May 11, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thanksgiving, food, family, a wedding, and a murder?
A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette is an intriguing mystery with lots of delectable foods. I loved the setting, characters and the intuition used to help find the clues.
Hayley Snow
Haley isn’t just our sleuth she is also a food critic and an upcoming bride. She is getting married the day after Thanksgiving. Well, if her groom isn’t MIA anyways. Hayley is trying to stay busy to keep her mind off her upcoming nuptials. So, when she is asked to look into the death of a tourist, she can’t refuse.
What I like about Hayley is her love of family, friends, and food. She is also highly intuitive and a bit tenacious. Even when her fiancé asks her to leave police business to the police. Hayley is so curious. The one thing that I didn’t like about Hayley is that she jumped to some strong judgment about Odem a friend of Miss Gloria. However, he is in prison and she was just looking out for a friend.
Mystery
This mystery kept moving, fairly fast too. It was like Hayley had the answers but they were just out of her reach. Yet, that didn’t stop Hayley from asking questions and investigating the death of the lady on the tour. Oh, and the secrets that are being kept in Key West, WOW.
4 Stars for A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette
My rating for A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette is four stars. This story is well put together and the characters are fully developed and very likable. I haven’t read any other books in this series but if I have time I will give them a look.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the recipes at the end of the book. I may do a couple of the recipes for our Thanksgiving in November. But, I still have plenty of time to plan for that one.
I recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.
Other Books in the Series
A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette is an intriguing mystery with lots of delectable foods. I loved the setting, characters and the intuition used to help find the clues.
Hayley Snow
Haley isn’t just our sleuth she is also a food critic and an upcoming bride. She is getting married the day after Thanksgiving. Well, if her groom isn’t MIA anyways. Hayley is trying to stay busy to keep her mind off her upcoming nuptials. So, when she is asked to look into the death of a tourist, she can’t refuse.
What I like about Hayley is her love of family, friends, and food. She is also highly intuitive and a bit tenacious. Even when her fiancé asks her to leave police business to the police. Hayley is so curious. The one thing that I didn’t like about Hayley is that she jumped to some strong judgment about Odem a friend of Miss Gloria. However, he is in prison and she was just looking out for a friend.
Mystery
This mystery kept moving, fairly fast too. It was like Hayley had the answers but they were just out of her reach. Yet, that didn’t stop Hayley from asking questions and investigating the death of the lady on the tour. Oh, and the secrets that are being kept in Key West, WOW.
4 Stars for A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette
My rating for A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette is four stars. This story is well put together and the characters are fully developed and very likable. I haven’t read any other books in this series but if I have time I will give them a look.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the recipes at the end of the book. I may do a couple of the recipes for our Thanksgiving in November. But, I still have plenty of time to plan for that one.
I recommend this book to all the cozy mystery readers out there.
Other Books in the Series
May 2 –
MJB Reviewers
– SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
May 2 –
Mystery Lovers Kitchen
– RECIPE, GIVEAWAY
May 3 –
My Reading Journeys
– SPOTLIGHT
May 3 –
Killer Characters
– CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
May 4 –
Lisa Ks Book Reviews
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
May 5 –
Literary Gold
– SPOTLIGHT
May 6 –
Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author
– SPOTLIGHT
May 6 –
Carla Loves To Read
– REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
May 7 –
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
– REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
May 7 –
Cozy Up With Kathy
– REVIEW
May 8 –
A Blue Million Books
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
May 8 –
I’m All About Books
– SPOTLIGHT
May 8 –
The Conscious Cat
– CHICKS ON THE CAST, GIVEAWAY
May 9 –
The Pulp and Mystery Shelf
– SPOTLIGHT
May 9 –
Carstairs Considers
– REVIEW
May 10 –
The Book’s the Thing
– REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
May 10 –
Wicked Cozy Authors
– GUEST POST
May 11 –
Baroness’ Book Trove
– REVIEW
May 11 –
LibriAmoriMiei
– REVIEW
May 12 –
Brooke Blogs
– SPOTLIGHT
May 12 –
Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
May 13 –
StoreyBook Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
May 14 –
Ruff Drafts
– SPOTLIGHT
May 14 –
Cinnamon and Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder
– RECIPE, GIVEAWAY
May 15 –
Community Bookstop
– REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
May 15 –
Babs Book Bistro
– SPOTLIGHT
May 16 –
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
– REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
May 16 –
View from the Birdhouse
– SPOTLIGHT
May 17 –
Celticlady’s Reviews
– SPOTLIGHT
May 17 –
Drinks with Reads
(Mystery Playground) – RECIPE
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Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
August 11, 2025
This was a good entry in the series. I want to get invited to Hailey’s for thanksgiving. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed the story. The ending was great.
December 8, 2021
I picked up this mystery at a used book sale, even though I had not read the previous books in the series. I’ve done this many times before and many times the book I found was enjoyable enough to search out and read the earlier stories. It didn’t work this time. Haley’s fiancé, Nathan was presented as such a jerk and incompetent police detective that I hoped and waited for her to ditch him as any sensible woman would. Perhaps he was a very charming superstar in the earlier books but, I didn’t enjoy watching her put up with him in A Deadly Feast. Not a “stand alone” mystery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
This was like a really bad fruitcake. It was stuffed with too many ingredients and not soaked long enough in brandy. Details about Key West, food, chefs, wedding plans, a woman's death, family coming for a visit, a houseboat that's not ready, contractors who don't keep their promises, Thanksgiving dinner, routes traveled on a scooter, on and on in excruciating and mostly uninteresting detail. This is only secondarily a mystery. And all we know of Nathan is that he usually glowers and has an amazing six-pack.
Since it was deftly written, I'm going to try an earlier book in the series to see if it's more interesting.
Since it was deftly written, I'm going to try an earlier book in the series to see if it's more interesting.
May 3, 2019
Hayley Snow is on overload with everything she has to do. She getting ready for a family Thanksgiving dinner, preparing for her wedding the day after the holiday, and finishing up a story for Key Zest magazine. Her latest assignment is covering a seafood tasting tour in her adopted hometown of Key West, Florida. One of the tourists participating collapses and dies on the last stop of the tour, which is a business run by one of Hayley’s friends. To help a friend, Hayley now adds an investigation into this untimely death to her already full to-do list.
This book is the ninth in the Key West Food Critic series. I’ve only read a couple of the earliest books in the series, but had no trouble catching up with the main characters. I love reading about the Key West restaurant scene which plays such a big part of this book and in the series as a whole. I am glad to see Hayley has matured since the beginning of the series and is easier to connect with. She is a likable main character who is smart, compassionate, and sometimes impulsive. I like that she has friends from all different backgrounds and generations. She is always willing to pitch in and help, but I admit that tendency becomes a little too much in this book. It was hard to accept someone who is getting married in less than a week and has no place to live after the wedding would keep agreeing to help anyone who asks. I wasn’t sure if I was more frustrated by Hayley continuing to take more and more tasks on or with her friends who kept asking her for favors.
There are a lot of side plots which come up as Haley works on her article about the restaurant tour and asks questions about the tourist’s death while gathering material for the magazine. The various subplots take away from the main story and at times, the book loses focus. Hayley does a lot for the investigation and is able to turn up some important clues, but there doesn’t seem to be much organization or a sense of urgency to her sleuthing. The solution is clever in some ways, but a bit of a let down in others, so I have mixed feelings. Overall, I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
Partially making up for the lack of intensity at the beginning of the book, the drama picks up during a case Hayley’s fiancé is working on that has unexpected connections to Hayley’s investigation. I like the way things turn out in the book, and readers who have been following the series from the beginning will especially enjoy the ending. As expected in a mystery where food plays such an important role, there are several recipes at the end of the book. It will be interesting to see what comes next in Hayley’s personal life and in her career.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Crooked Lane. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the ninth in the Key West Food Critic series. I’ve only read a couple of the earliest books in the series, but had no trouble catching up with the main characters. I love reading about the Key West restaurant scene which plays such a big part of this book and in the series as a whole. I am glad to see Hayley has matured since the beginning of the series and is easier to connect with. She is a likable main character who is smart, compassionate, and sometimes impulsive. I like that she has friends from all different backgrounds and generations. She is always willing to pitch in and help, but I admit that tendency becomes a little too much in this book. It was hard to accept someone who is getting married in less than a week and has no place to live after the wedding would keep agreeing to help anyone who asks. I wasn’t sure if I was more frustrated by Hayley continuing to take more and more tasks on or with her friends who kept asking her for favors.
There are a lot of side plots which come up as Haley works on her article about the restaurant tour and asks questions about the tourist’s death while gathering material for the magazine. The various subplots take away from the main story and at times, the book loses focus. Hayley does a lot for the investigation and is able to turn up some important clues, but there doesn’t seem to be much organization or a sense of urgency to her sleuthing. The solution is clever in some ways, but a bit of a let down in others, so I have mixed feelings. Overall, I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
Partially making up for the lack of intensity at the beginning of the book, the drama picks up during a case Hayley’s fiancé is working on that has unexpected connections to Hayley’s investigation. I like the way things turn out in the book, and readers who have been following the series from the beginning will especially enjoy the ending. As expected in a mystery where food plays such an important role, there are several recipes at the end of the book. It will be interesting to see what comes next in Hayley’s personal life and in her career.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Crooked Lane. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2019
A DEADLY FEAST by Lucy Burdette
The Ninth Key West Food Critic Mystery
Hayley Snow has a busy week ahead. Not only is Thursday Thanksgiving, but the following day is her wedding to Detective Nathan Bransford! She has one more article to write before she can concentrate on the holiday meal, the arrival of her family, and last minute wedding preparations. For her assignment Hayley joins a seafood tasting tour given by her friend, Analise. At the last stop the loud, somewhat pushy woman from the tour collapses, dying. Was it a tragic accident? Was someone trying to sabotage the tour? Or did someone want Audrey dead? Hayley is persuaded to talk to the grieving husband and ask questions at the restaurants on the tour. But will she be able to figure out what happened before her wedding bells chime?
While I don't eat seafood and don't care for the heat, I always love visiting Key West and spending time with Hayley Snow and her friends and family. This ninth adventure is extra special as it's the wedding book! After trials and tribulations, which continue here, Hayley and her detective are finally tying the knot. Featuring a wedding and Thanksgiving, this book has a focus on family. Not only blood relatives either, as A DEADLY FEAST showcases blended families and friends that become family. It also looks at marriage, and some things that help to make it work. I love how integral, not only Miss Gloria, but Lorenzo is to Hayley's life and the plot!
I really enjoyed the mystery here. We're not even sure if there is a murder, but we know people are lying. Why? I relished the puzzle and really appreciated the solution, the reasons behind how things occurred.
A DEADLY FEAST is a fast paced book centered around family with plenty of culinary treats and a mystery to die for.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Ninth Key West Food Critic Mystery
Hayley Snow has a busy week ahead. Not only is Thursday Thanksgiving, but the following day is her wedding to Detective Nathan Bransford! She has one more article to write before she can concentrate on the holiday meal, the arrival of her family, and last minute wedding preparations. For her assignment Hayley joins a seafood tasting tour given by her friend, Analise. At the last stop the loud, somewhat pushy woman from the tour collapses, dying. Was it a tragic accident? Was someone trying to sabotage the tour? Or did someone want Audrey dead? Hayley is persuaded to talk to the grieving husband and ask questions at the restaurants on the tour. But will she be able to figure out what happened before her wedding bells chime?
While I don't eat seafood and don't care for the heat, I always love visiting Key West and spending time with Hayley Snow and her friends and family. This ninth adventure is extra special as it's the wedding book! After trials and tribulations, which continue here, Hayley and her detective are finally tying the knot. Featuring a wedding and Thanksgiving, this book has a focus on family. Not only blood relatives either, as A DEADLY FEAST showcases blended families and friends that become family. It also looks at marriage, and some things that help to make it work. I love how integral, not only Miss Gloria, but Lorenzo is to Hayley's life and the plot!
I really enjoyed the mystery here. We're not even sure if there is a murder, but we know people are lying. Why? I relished the puzzle and really appreciated the solution, the reasons behind how things occurred.
A DEADLY FEAST is a fast paced book centered around family with plenty of culinary treats and a mystery to die for.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
July 31, 2023
A Deadly Feast is the ninth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series and the first one I have read. I didn't find this to be a problem though. Hayley Snow is about to be married to detective Nathan the day after Thanksgiving. They are also trying to renovate the houseboat next door to where she currently lives. In addition to all of this a death occurs while she is on a seafood tour. At first she is determined to stay out of it until her friend Analise asks her to look into things. Meanwhile Nathan is on a mysterious case of his own.
There is a lot going on in the story and in Hayley's life. Despite the constant talk about how busy she is it seems she goes around rather casually about her business. Maybe that's how the character always is. It just doesn't seem like Thanksgiving and a wedding is days away. None of the usual preparations or discussions seem to be present. Even on Thanksgiving day no one acts like it is a family holiday. It's more just like a weekend meal to everyone.
There are either typos or odd phrasing in the first half of the book. Other characters are mostly in the background and some of them act odd at times. Her friend Analise at one point doesn't want to give her the names of the people Hayley was on the food tour with, and she's the one who asks her to look into things.
Hayley is an annoying character. She's ditzy and rude at times, speaking without thinking. She even acknowledges it and does it over and over again. Her thinking into lines of investigation doesn't seem to be from someone who has solved many mysteries already. In fact she doesn't solve the mystery. What really happened ends up not feeling like the storyline's mystery at all and isn't satisfying or completely clear.
There are a lot of yummy food descriptions and living on a houseboat might be interesting. We don't see much of that though. I love the cover so I'm sad this didn't work out for me.
There is a lot going on in the story and in Hayley's life. Despite the constant talk about how busy she is it seems she goes around rather casually about her business. Maybe that's how the character always is. It just doesn't seem like Thanksgiving and a wedding is days away. None of the usual preparations or discussions seem to be present. Even on Thanksgiving day no one acts like it is a family holiday. It's more just like a weekend meal to everyone.
There are either typos or odd phrasing in the first half of the book. Other characters are mostly in the background and some of them act odd at times. Her friend Analise at one point doesn't want to give her the names of the people Hayley was on the food tour with, and she's the one who asks her to look into things.
Hayley is an annoying character. She's ditzy and rude at times, speaking without thinking. She even acknowledges it and does it over and over again. Her thinking into lines of investigation doesn't seem to be from someone who has solved many mysteries already. In fact she doesn't solve the mystery. What really happened ends up not feeling like the storyline's mystery at all and isn't satisfying or completely clear.
There are a lot of yummy food descriptions and living on a houseboat might be interesting. We don't see much of that though. I love the cover so I'm sad this didn't work out for me.
June 10, 2024
This is another series set in a location I'd love to visit soon, while I'm still able and Key West still exists.
The characters are like old friends by now, especially Hayley's friends Miss Gloria and Lorenzo and Nathan's friend Steve. They are good friends to Hayley and Nathan, which is especially important in this book, with wedding details to sort out and cases to investigate. Although I love to see houseboats anchored on Lake Erie when we visit my family, I'm not sure I would want to live on one permanently. Tiny houses and I would not get along :)
The first suspicious death was puzzling to everyone, as it was a tourist just visiting the island. During the course of that investigation, another body turned up that made a little more sense, once some of that person's connections were discovered. Then there were several possible suspects, and with so many red herrings thrown in along the way, I was never able to figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed in the book, along with the motive.
I have the next book from this series in my audiobook collection, and I hope to read it before the end of the year, as I'm eager to see how the story progresses from here.
The characters are like old friends by now, especially Hayley's friends Miss Gloria and Lorenzo and Nathan's friend Steve. They are good friends to Hayley and Nathan, which is especially important in this book, with wedding details to sort out and cases to investigate. Although I love to see houseboats anchored on Lake Erie when we visit my family, I'm not sure I would want to live on one permanently. Tiny houses and I would not get along :)
The first suspicious death was puzzling to everyone, as it was a tourist just visiting the island. During the course of that investigation, another body turned up that made a little more sense, once some of that person's connections were discovered. Then there were several possible suspects, and with so many red herrings thrown in along the way, I was never able to figure out who the culprit was until it was revealed in the book, along with the motive.
I have the next book from this series in my audiobook collection, and I hope to read it before the end of the year, as I'm eager to see how the story progresses from here.
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