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Key West Food Critic Mystery #10
The Key Lime Crime
Florida is alight with the frenzy of the holiday season—and when a fierce rivalry between key lime pie bakers leads to a pastry chef’s murder, food critic Hayley Snow is fit to be pied.
During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the year-round population of Key West, Florida, faces a tsunami of tourists and snowbirds. It doesn’t help that outrageously wealthy key lime pie aficionado David Sloan has persuaded the city to host his pie-baking contest. Every pie purveyor on the island is out to win the coveted Key Lime Key to the City and Key Zest food critic Hayley Snow is on the scene to report it.
Meanwhile, Hayley’s home life is turning more tart than sweet. Hayley’s new hubby—police detective Nathan Bransford—announces that her intimidating mother-in-law is bearing down on the island for a surprise visit. Hayley offers to escort Nathan’s crusty mom on the iconic Conch Train Tour of the island’s holiday lights, but it becomes a recipe for disaster when they find a corpse among the glittering palm trees and fantastic flamingos. The victim—Au Citron Vert’s controversial new pastry chef—was a frontrunner in Sloan’s contest.
It’s bad enough that Hayley’s too-curious mother-in-law is cooking up trouble. Now, the murderer is out to take a slice out of Hayley. Can she handle the heat of a killer’s kitchen?
During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the year-round population of Key West, Florida, faces a tsunami of tourists and snowbirds. It doesn’t help that outrageously wealthy key lime pie aficionado David Sloan has persuaded the city to host his pie-baking contest. Every pie purveyor on the island is out to win the coveted Key Lime Key to the City and Key Zest food critic Hayley Snow is on the scene to report it.
Meanwhile, Hayley’s home life is turning more tart than sweet. Hayley’s new hubby—police detective Nathan Bransford—announces that her intimidating mother-in-law is bearing down on the island for a surprise visit. Hayley offers to escort Nathan’s crusty mom on the iconic Conch Train Tour of the island’s holiday lights, but it becomes a recipe for disaster when they find a corpse among the glittering palm trees and fantastic flamingos. The victim—Au Citron Vert’s controversial new pastry chef—was a frontrunner in Sloan’s contest.
It’s bad enough that Hayley’s too-curious mother-in-law is cooking up trouble. Now, the murderer is out to take a slice out of Hayley. Can she handle the heat of a killer’s kitchen?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
274 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Burdette
24 books834 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 237 reviews
May 7, 2024
It was a fun mystery, I’d love to go to Key West someday ! There were a few things about the book I didn’t like , like her husband .I would read another one. Now I want a piece of Keylime pie. 🍰
June 5, 2020
Newest Adventure Details:
Where: Key West, Florida
Who: Hayley
I always look forward to a visit to Key West and a chance to catch up with Hayley. I’m really excited to see how newly married life is treating her. What better time to visit the Key’s then Christmas and when a city chef is hosting a Key lime PIE contest! I arrived to Hayley being in somewhat of a panic to find her new mother in law (Helen) is coming for an impromptu visit, and Nathan’s mother loved her ex daughter in law so things may get awkward. Especially since she didn’t even bother attending Hayley and Nathan’s wedding.
The pie contest turned crazy when one of the contestants smashed pie in the organizers face after being disqualified for making a key lime “pastry” and not PIE. Well that was exciting, but time to switch gears and help Hayley get ready for the arrival of Helen.
Nathan arranged for us at Helens request to see the Christmas lights of Key West (myself, Hayley, Miss Gloria, and Mrs. Bransford) by taking the conch train to see the displays around the island. The tour is going great, and for the last display the driver wants to take us by his personal favorite display. A passed out Santa w/ a bottle of booze and speakers playing “I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus” . Only in Key West! Lol. When we got back to the car...Miss Gloria asked if we could go by that display again. We drove over and parked for closer inspection. Things turned sour when we discovered the Santa on the porch is not a dummy, but a real person...a real dead person. Hayley is being questioned by Nathan when a neighbor identifies the body as a Claudette Parker...the disqualified baker from the contest. The baker that publicly humiliated the organizer key lime pie expert David Sloan...when she shoved a pie in his face. Nothing like bonding together to solve a murder...to bring mother (in-law) and daughter together!
My thoughts:
I loved it being Christmas time...it was fun to read how the Key’s do Christmas! I also really enjoyed the addition of Helen...just like the limes that go into key lime pie she started out a little sour, but she grew on me. Well really the building of their relationship grew on me.
With great characters, great setting, and great food….Lucy Burdette has put together another stellar recipe for a great who dun it! This is the tenth addition to this series, and she continues to “whip up” fantastic and engaging mysteries that will have you (if you're like me) guessing until the end!!
Can’t wait to see what she cooks up in her next book! In the meantime, I recommend you try to cook up one of Alvina’s crumb cakes!
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Lucy Burdette, and the publisher for this opportunity.
Where: Key West, Florida
Who: Hayley
I always look forward to a visit to Key West and a chance to catch up with Hayley. I’m really excited to see how newly married life is treating her. What better time to visit the Key’s then Christmas and when a city chef is hosting a Key lime PIE contest! I arrived to Hayley being in somewhat of a panic to find her new mother in law (Helen) is coming for an impromptu visit, and Nathan’s mother loved her ex daughter in law so things may get awkward. Especially since she didn’t even bother attending Hayley and Nathan’s wedding.
The pie contest turned crazy when one of the contestants smashed pie in the organizers face after being disqualified for making a key lime “pastry” and not PIE. Well that was exciting, but time to switch gears and help Hayley get ready for the arrival of Helen.
Nathan arranged for us at Helens request to see the Christmas lights of Key West (myself, Hayley, Miss Gloria, and Mrs. Bransford) by taking the conch train to see the displays around the island. The tour is going great, and for the last display the driver wants to take us by his personal favorite display. A passed out Santa w/ a bottle of booze and speakers playing “I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus” . Only in Key West! Lol. When we got back to the car...Miss Gloria asked if we could go by that display again. We drove over and parked for closer inspection. Things turned sour when we discovered the Santa on the porch is not a dummy, but a real person...a real dead person. Hayley is being questioned by Nathan when a neighbor identifies the body as a Claudette Parker...the disqualified baker from the contest. The baker that publicly humiliated the organizer key lime pie expert David Sloan...when she shoved a pie in his face. Nothing like bonding together to solve a murder...to bring mother (in-law) and daughter together!
My thoughts:
I loved it being Christmas time...it was fun to read how the Key’s do Christmas! I also really enjoyed the addition of Helen...just like the limes that go into key lime pie she started out a little sour, but she grew on me. Well really the building of their relationship grew on me.
With great characters, great setting, and great food….Lucy Burdette has put together another stellar recipe for a great who dun it! This is the tenth addition to this series, and she continues to “whip up” fantastic and engaging mysteries that will have you (if you're like me) guessing until the end!!
Can’t wait to see what she cooks up in her next book! In the meantime, I recommend you try to cook up one of Alvina’s crumb cakes!
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Lucy Burdette, and the publisher for this opportunity.
May 29, 2020
The Key Lime Crime was an action packed edition to this series. Between pies in the face, a key lime pie contest,mother-in-laws from hell and murder victims dressed as Santa. Hayley, "Key Zest" magazine food reviewer is on the lookout for a killer along side her mother-in-law, Helen who also is proving to be an excellent amateur sleuth who has a steak in finding the murderer. Hayley and Helen made a great crime fighting team. I hope to see them solving crimes in future books. Writing flowed so well.. It will easily be a favorite as it was mine. Hope to read and review future books in this series.
October 1, 2020
Lucy Burdette’s The Key Lime Crime is a decent cozy read. I like the characters, the wonderfully written setting, and the delicious food. I love this series but I really didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. The mystery is too unbelievable and I wish the plot was much better written.
Food critic Hayley Snow once again has an absolutely overflowing plate! It’s the hectic week between Christmas and New Year’s and Key West is hopping with tourists and locals alike. The huge key lime pie baking contest has every foodie in town excited. Of course, Hayley is in the middle of the action and ready to cover the event. However, her life gets even more complicated when Hayley’s mysterious mother-in-law Helen pays a surprise visit to Hayley and her new husband, detective Nathan Bransford. While showing Helen around town, the women discover the body of controversial pastry chef Claudette Parker. With the help of surprisingly nosey Helen, Hayley must solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
The mystery plot is decently paced and interesting with an abundance of viable murder suspects. However, the book has too many implausible turns and unbelievable twists. The ending is especially abrupt and unrealistic. I really wish the reveal and the villain was much better written. I also wish the murder suspects were more fully fleshed out. I definitely would have understood and enjoyed the mystery more if a few of the plot points were better developed. Also, the overall writing is sometimes choppy.
Key West is such a central character in these books. Burdette writes this beautiful setting so wonderfully and vividly that you really feel like you’re there with the characters. I also love the delicious descriptions of the food and cooking.
Hayley is a great, kind, and relatable protagonist. However, she is a bit inconsistently written in this book. I also love the recurring characters like Hayley’s octogenarian housemate the fun and eccentric Miss Gloria. I also love the sweet themes of friendship and family that run throughout the book.
I’m glad there is not much Nathan in this book because I really don’t like him. However, I am happy that his controlling and patronizing attitude towards Hayley has diminished. Instead, he seems to be trying more. I like Hayley’s chilly non-foodie (gasp!) mother-in-law Helen. I enjoyed seeing them interact with each other and I wouldn’t mind seeing her help with future cases.
The Key Lime Crime is an entertaining and quick read. The premise had potential but the mystery is muddled down with unbelievable twists. I will read more in this series but I was disappointed with this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🥧 🥧 🥧 key lime pies out of 5!
Food critic Hayley Snow once again has an absolutely overflowing plate! It’s the hectic week between Christmas and New Year’s and Key West is hopping with tourists and locals alike. The huge key lime pie baking contest has every foodie in town excited. Of course, Hayley is in the middle of the action and ready to cover the event. However, her life gets even more complicated when Hayley’s mysterious mother-in-law Helen pays a surprise visit to Hayley and her new husband, detective Nathan Bransford. While showing Helen around town, the women discover the body of controversial pastry chef Claudette Parker. With the help of surprisingly nosey Helen, Hayley must solve the case before she becomes the next victim.
The mystery plot is decently paced and interesting with an abundance of viable murder suspects. However, the book has too many implausible turns and unbelievable twists. The ending is especially abrupt and unrealistic. I really wish the reveal and the villain was much better written. I also wish the murder suspects were more fully fleshed out. I definitely would have understood and enjoyed the mystery more if a few of the plot points were better developed. Also, the overall writing is sometimes choppy.
Key West is such a central character in these books. Burdette writes this beautiful setting so wonderfully and vividly that you really feel like you’re there with the characters. I also love the delicious descriptions of the food and cooking.
Hayley is a great, kind, and relatable protagonist. However, she is a bit inconsistently written in this book. I also love the recurring characters like Hayley’s octogenarian housemate the fun and eccentric Miss Gloria. I also love the sweet themes of friendship and family that run throughout the book.
I’m glad there is not much Nathan in this book because I really don’t like him. However, I am happy that his controlling and patronizing attitude towards Hayley has diminished. Instead, he seems to be trying more. I like Hayley’s chilly non-foodie (gasp!) mother-in-law Helen. I enjoyed seeing them interact with each other and I wouldn’t mind seeing her help with future cases.
The Key Lime Crime is an entertaining and quick read. The premise had potential but the mystery is muddled down with unbelievable twists. I will read more in this series but I was disappointed with this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🥧 🥧 🥧 key lime pies out of 5!
August 12, 2020
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is proving to be very busy for Hayley Snow. In addition to her regular food related articles for local magazine Key Zest, she is also covering the key lime pie contest, which is filled with more tension than Hayley expected. Meanwhile, her new husband, cop Nathan Bransford, is working overtime due to all the visitors on the island for the holiday. So when Nathan’s mother decides to come visit, Hayley finds herself playing hostess for a woman she’s never met before. Even worse, the pair stumble upon one of the pie contestants dead. Has the contest turned deadly? Or is there another motive for murder?
I’m always happy to escape to Key West via the pages of this series, although after reading this I may skip the New Year’s time period when I get to visit in real life. It sounded a little too crowded for me. Still, I loved getting to catch up with the characters, who are always a delight. We got to know one of the regulars much better here, which I really appreciated. The mystery itself could have been stronger, although we did have some good suspects and I was engaged and kept guessing until the end. Plan ahead before you pick up this book – I had to buy a key lime pie I was craving it so much. There isn’t a recipe for the pie at the end (we’ve gotten one in an earlier book), although one of the eight recipes is for a delicious sounding key lime parfait. This is another pleasant trip to Key West that will please the series’ fans.
NOTE: I received and ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I’m always happy to escape to Key West via the pages of this series, although after reading this I may skip the New Year’s time period when I get to visit in real life. It sounded a little too crowded for me. Still, I loved getting to catch up with the characters, who are always a delight. We got to know one of the regulars much better here, which I really appreciated. The mystery itself could have been stronger, although we did have some good suspects and I was engaged and kept guessing until the end. Plan ahead before you pick up this book – I had to buy a key lime pie I was craving it so much. There isn’t a recipe for the pie at the end (we’ve gotten one in an earlier book), although one of the eight recipes is for a delicious sounding key lime parfait. This is another pleasant trip to Key West that will please the series’ fans.
NOTE: I received and ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 21, 2020
There’s nothing like curling up with Haley and Miss Gloria on a cold winter day.
This story takes the reader to Key West, to the week between Christmas and New Year. Haley and her new husband Nathan are enjoying married life, and while waiting for their own houseboat to be ready, they receive a surprise visit from his mother.
Eager to meet her mother in law, Haley is worried about the meeting, wondering if her mother in law will even like her.
Unfortunately, a murder takes place during the key lime pie event, and soon Haley is asking questions and poking her nose into police business.
A surprise partner adds some spice to Haley’s investigation, and naturally Miss Gloria and Haley’s parents join in the shenanigans.
This book will put a smile on your face as you join Haley on her hunt for the truth as well as the perfect slice of key lime pie.
This story takes the reader to Key West, to the week between Christmas and New Year. Haley and her new husband Nathan are enjoying married life, and while waiting for their own houseboat to be ready, they receive a surprise visit from his mother.
Eager to meet her mother in law, Haley is worried about the meeting, wondering if her mother in law will even like her.
Unfortunately, a murder takes place during the key lime pie event, and soon Haley is asking questions and poking her nose into police business.
A surprise partner adds some spice to Haley’s investigation, and naturally Miss Gloria and Haley’s parents join in the shenanigans.
This book will put a smile on your face as you join Haley on her hunt for the truth as well as the perfect slice of key lime pie.
September 3, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is crazy in Key West, Florida when tourists take over the area. One enterprising chef thought it was the perfect time to hold a contest to find the place serving the best Key Lime Pie. The first event to introduce the chefs participating ends with tempers flaring and pies flying. Key Zest food critic Hayley Snow was there to witness it all.
Hayley and Nathan are starting their life together. They are living with Miss Gloria waiting for their houseboat renovation to happen, Nathan is working overtime with the influx of people on the island, while Hayley is working on several articles for Key Zest. Then Nathan announces his mother is coming for a visit. With every hotel and B&B booked solid, they need to find a place for her to stay because there is no way she will appreciate sleeping on the houseboat. Nathan also explains that he is not going to have time to entertain her and apologies for putting something else on Hayley’s plate. She decides to take the woman on the Conch Train Tour to see the houses all decorated on the island and Gloria goes along for the ride. Eagle-eyed Gloria is sure she saw something at one of the houses and they went to check it out but they found much more than they bargained for . . . a dead pastry chef in a Santa suit. Her mother-in-law is intrigued and has her own ideas for investigating the death. Hayley is worried because Nathan is not going to be happy and she is afraid they may be the killer’s next victims.
I loved this story! Christmastime in Key West! What could be better?
Lucy Burdette has created such wonderful characters for this series and now she has added Helen Bransford, Nathan’s mother, and she is more than first meets the eye. She is a force no matter what character she is interacting with. I hope to see more of her in future installments because she is unique and savvy. Hayley is one busy lady but she finds time to entertain a woman she had never met, Helen didn’t attend the wedding, and who really loved Nathan’s first wife. Hayley was eager to impress and she did all she could. Miss Gloria never fails to crack me up throughout the story. Her relationship with Hayley continues to grow. They depend on each other. Thankfully, Hayley and Nathan’s houseboat is right next to Gloria. All the characters in this story are well developed and their dialogues are crisp and true to life.
Ms. Burdette was cooked up a fabulous mystery too. Plenty of suspects, plenty of twists, and plenty of turns, all leading to some great surprises. I was already totally captivated by the story when a very suspenseful part had me truly on the edge of my seat. I was also totally wrong on the guilty party too.
The setting for this series is a delight, I have loved each and every visit. I understand why snowbirds leave the cold weather as we have in Wisconsin behind to spend time at such a happening place. Hopefully without the dead bodies.
I can’t leave without the food mentioned. This time Key Lime Pie was the star and I quickly found out I didn’t know the different ways Key Lime Pie can be made. Learning something new is always a bonus.
Lucy Burdette is a fantastic storyteller who seems to keep topping herself with each book in this series. I highly recommend all 10 books. In fact, this book is one of the best cozies I have read this year earning my Paradise Rating!
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is crazy in Key West, Florida when tourists take over the area. One enterprising chef thought it was the perfect time to hold a contest to find the place serving the best Key Lime Pie. The first event to introduce the chefs participating ends with tempers flaring and pies flying. Key Zest food critic Hayley Snow was there to witness it all.
Hayley and Nathan are starting their life together. They are living with Miss Gloria waiting for their houseboat renovation to happen, Nathan is working overtime with the influx of people on the island, while Hayley is working on several articles for Key Zest. Then Nathan announces his mother is coming for a visit. With every hotel and B&B booked solid, they need to find a place for her to stay because there is no way she will appreciate sleeping on the houseboat. Nathan also explains that he is not going to have time to entertain her and apologies for putting something else on Hayley’s plate. She decides to take the woman on the Conch Train Tour to see the houses all decorated on the island and Gloria goes along for the ride. Eagle-eyed Gloria is sure she saw something at one of the houses and they went to check it out but they found much more than they bargained for . . . a dead pastry chef in a Santa suit. Her mother-in-law is intrigued and has her own ideas for investigating the death. Hayley is worried because Nathan is not going to be happy and she is afraid they may be the killer’s next victims.
I loved this story! Christmastime in Key West! What could be better?
Lucy Burdette has created such wonderful characters for this series and now she has added Helen Bransford, Nathan’s mother, and she is more than first meets the eye. She is a force no matter what character she is interacting with. I hope to see more of her in future installments because she is unique and savvy. Hayley is one busy lady but she finds time to entertain a woman she had never met, Helen didn’t attend the wedding, and who really loved Nathan’s first wife. Hayley was eager to impress and she did all she could. Miss Gloria never fails to crack me up throughout the story. Her relationship with Hayley continues to grow. They depend on each other. Thankfully, Hayley and Nathan’s houseboat is right next to Gloria. All the characters in this story are well developed and their dialogues are crisp and true to life.
Ms. Burdette was cooked up a fabulous mystery too. Plenty of suspects, plenty of twists, and plenty of turns, all leading to some great surprises. I was already totally captivated by the story when a very suspenseful part had me truly on the edge of my seat. I was also totally wrong on the guilty party too.
The setting for this series is a delight, I have loved each and every visit. I understand why snowbirds leave the cold weather as we have in Wisconsin behind to spend time at such a happening place. Hopefully without the dead bodies.
I can’t leave without the food mentioned. This time Key Lime Pie was the star and I quickly found out I didn’t know the different ways Key Lime Pie can be made. Learning something new is always a bonus.
Lucy Burdette is a fantastic storyteller who seems to keep topping herself with each book in this series. I highly recommend all 10 books. In fact, this book is one of the best cozies I have read this year earning my Paradise Rating!
February 25, 2020
Would you rather face a murderer or the mother-in-law who refused to attend your wedding? Our favorite food critic is back in action in Key West and the turmoil is really rolling now that her mother-in-law is coming to town. When the mother-in-law keeps insisting that she tag along with Haley even though she clearly isn't into food or Haley, the days just seem to keep spiraling out of control! Once again the entertainment is fabulous in this well plotted story that has our favorite reluctant sleuth back in action with a cold and disapproving mother-in-law in tow! You can literally feel Haley's pain as she navigates the interpersonal relationships that are playing out all around her. This time though, she may end up at the end of the line as a killer closes in on her! The characters are delightful and the setting divine, but the plotting will keep you turning pages! These characters just get better with each book! I can't wait to see what adventures await them in the next book!!!
August 13, 2020
I always love visiting Hayley and her friends in Key West. This took place about three weeks after she and Nathan got married. Her mom and Sam lived close by working their catering business and now that it was between Christmas and New Year's, the island was especially crowded and crazy while everyone was getting ready for the key lime pie competition as well as the new year.
Hayley had always been a little afraid of Helen, Nathan's mom, but Hayley being the good sport she was known to be, showed her around the island. Much to her surprise (and I think sort of delight) Helen took to sleuthing like a pro and even had the same types of intuitions or gut feelings that Hayley got sometimes. Helen's character made me think of a cross between Leonard's mom and Castle's mom, lol. She kind of grew on me as a character and turned out to be a good sleuthing buddy for Hayley. And I always just love Miss Gloria and get the biggest kick out of her!
I was just as surprised as Hayley and Helen when the killer was revealed. The showdown was exciting and once again showed how good Hayley was at getting out of messes. Helen was no slouch either! The wrap-up at the end was awesome as it always is in this series. I'm still not quite caught up, but I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Hayley had always been a little afraid of Helen, Nathan's mom, but Hayley being the good sport she was known to be, showed her around the island. Much to her surprise (and I think sort of delight) Helen took to sleuthing like a pro and even had the same types of intuitions or gut feelings that Hayley got sometimes. Helen's character made me think of a cross between Leonard's mom and Castle's mom, lol. She kind of grew on me as a character and turned out to be a good sleuthing buddy for Hayley. And I always just love Miss Gloria and get the biggest kick out of her!
I was just as surprised as Hayley and Helen when the killer was revealed. The showdown was exciting and once again showed how good Hayley was at getting out of messes. Helen was no slouch either! The wrap-up at the end was awesome as it always is in this series. I'm still not quite caught up, but I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
October 2, 2020
The question is what is the most stressful for newlywed Haley Snow, finding a dead body or the surprise visit of her mother-in-law, Helen. Helen declined an invitation to Haley and Nathan's wedding yet now after they stumbled across a murder she always want to tag along with Haley and instigates questioning possible suspects in the murder.
I am a long time fan of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. The characters are interesting and the setting enticing. In this story I saw growth in Hayley's character and got to understand Nathan better thanks to the addition of his mother to the cast of characters. There is a great twist near the end too.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I am a long time fan of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. The characters are interesting and the setting enticing. In this story I saw growth in Hayley's character and got to understand Nathan better thanks to the addition of his mother to the cast of characters. There is a great twist near the end too.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2020
Hayley's mother-in-law finally comes to town for an unexpected visit. Hayley's current writing assignment is to write about Key Lime pies. What started as a controversy involving the type of Key Lime pie entered for a local contest, ends with her death. Hayley's roommate on the boat spots her Claudette's body while the three of them are riding the iconic tourist Conch Train. Although Nathan and the other officers have warn them to leave the case to the police, they decide to investigate while sampling the island's key lime pies.
I honestly didn't know if I could be persuaded to read and enjoy a book centered around Key Lime pies but I really enjoyed this tenth book in the series. I've read about six and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Hayley's character is now being developed as a newly-wed and having to live the reality as a police officer's wife. At first, she is intimidated by her mother-in-law, Helen, but she learns a lot about her as the book progresses. Hayley is not afraid to expose her fears and self-doubt since Helen still has a good relationship with Nathan's ex-wife. The deceased's cat T-Bone is adopted by Gloria and provides a needed relief from the seriousness of the book. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for an ARC. My review is voluntary.
I honestly didn't know if I could be persuaded to read and enjoy a book centered around Key Lime pies but I really enjoyed this tenth book in the series. I've read about six and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Hayley's character is now being developed as a newly-wed and having to live the reality as a police officer's wife. At first, she is intimidated by her mother-in-law, Helen, but she learns a lot about her as the book progresses. Hayley is not afraid to expose her fears and self-doubt since Helen still has a good relationship with Nathan's ex-wife. The deceased's cat T-Bone is adopted by Gloria and provides a needed relief from the seriousness of the book. I look forward to reading more in this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for an ARC. My review is voluntary.
October 3, 2020
"The Key Lime Crime" the 10th instalment in the "A Key West Food Critic" Mystery series by Lucy Burdette. I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I found Nathan’s mum to be interesting and I hope she appears again in the series. The descriptions of the food or should I say key lime pies was mouth watering.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I found Nathan’s mum to be interesting and I hope she appears again in the series. The descriptions of the food or should I say key lime pies was mouth watering.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2020
For readers, when people talk about a staycation, a vacation where you take off from work and responsibilities and stay home relaxing instead of traveling to a vacation spot, it is a chance to kick back and read to your heart’s contentment. What if you could have a staycation but feel like you’ve traveled to one of the best vacation spots there is? Well, reading Lucy Burdette’s latest Key West Food Critic book, The Key Lime Crime, is a sweet walk down the streets and sights and foods of Key West, Florida. I can feel the rhythm of the island throughout every page of this book and all the others in this enchanting series. Key West time will draw you into the story and keep you swaying to the beat as Lucy Burdette brilliantly mixes murder into Paradise. Of course, Haley Snow always lands right in the middle of it, along with her amazing octogenarian friend Miss Gloria. Now being married to Nathan Bransford, Haley has the added challenge of flying under her husband’s radar to investigate a case which seems to be connected to her personally.
Haley and Nathan are still staying with Miss Gloria on her houseboat as they wait for their adjacent boat to be remodeled. With Nathan’s dog and Haley’s cat and Miss Gloria’s cat, it’s a full house. When Nathan’s mother sends word she’s coming for a visit, there’s not a bed to be had on the houseboat or at any guest housing in Key West. Haley’s mother and her stepfather come to the rescue and offer to put Mrs. Bransford up at their condo. Nathan’s mother was a no-show at the wedding, so Haley is nervous about meeting her mother-in-law for the first time, and Haley only has a day‘s notice. To add to the pressure, it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and Key West is hopping at its busiest. Haley has articles due for Key Zest, the online zine where she is food critic, and part of what she’s working on involves a contest for the best Key Lime pie in Key West. Nathan is overseeing security on the island for the week, a week that sees an influx of thousands of visitors, so his time with his mother or anyone else will be limited. And, Haley’s mother and step-father have events employing their catering business all week. This holiday week is Key West on steroids.
Nathan has bought tickets for his mother, Haley, and Miss Gloria to take a ride on the Conch Train tour of holiday lights, and Mrs. Brandsford/Helen no sooner arrives than it’s time to hurry over to the tourist train and claim the last three seats. Haley is certain that this form of entertainment isn’t to Helen’s liking, but Haley doesn’t think Helen will much like anything on the island, as rigidity seems to be her mother-in-law’s style. To make matters worse, Helen doesn’t enjoy eating, and with Haley being a foodie, it’s another barrier to a close relationship. But, things heat up after the Conch Train ride, when Miss Gloria wants to drive back over to the last holiday location the train passed. As they approach the house on foot, the blown-up drunken Santa looks a little off, and it doesn‘t take long before the women realize it‘s a dead body. After the police arrive, including Nathan, and bystanders gather, the corpse is identified as Claudette Parker, the bakery chef at the new bakery, Au Citron Vert. Haley had just seen Claudette the day before at the opening ceremony for the Key Lime Pie competition. Claudette was smearing another contestant’s pie into the face of David Sloan, Key Lime Pie expert and contest director, for disqualifying Claudette’s Key Lime Parfait because it didn’t fit the definition of a pie. And, now here Claudette lay dead. However, David Sloan isn’t the only one who had hard feelings toward the new bakery chef, especially one who had bragged that her Key Lime Parfait would make Key Lime Pie passé in its home base of Key West. It can be dangerous to attack an institution , and that pie had many people invested in its continued success.
As with any body Haley finds, and she’s found a few, Haley becomes entangled in unraveling the who and the why of the murder. She does try to respect her husband’s admonitions to steer clear of the investigation, but a completely unexpected source of encouragement to prod and pry comes her way, Haley’s mother-in-law Helen. Nathan’s mother is relentless in pushing Haley to dig deeper and deeper, and Helen even insists on being right there with Haley for the action. There are layers and twists to this murder that take the characters and readers from one suspect to another. It’s a dangerous undertaking for Haley, and she worries that those she loves may become collateral damage.
Lucy Burdette always has a great blend of fascinating characters, charming setting, and Key West flavored stories, and you can’t get any more Key West flavored than a mystery with Key Lime Pie at its center. What makes this series so appealing to me is its authenticity. The characters are a mixture of make-believe and real. Of course, the created characters seem real to us as we follow them from book to book. The setting is from the author’s own experience there. Cuban Coffee Queen, Key Lime Pie Factory, Duvall Street, Green Parrot Bar, and so many more unique and wonderfully quirky places come alive under this author’s imaging. For those of us who have visited this southern most point of the United States, it is a trip down a beautiful memory lane as we read the thrilling tales taking place there. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to take in this one of a kind atmosphere, Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic series makes you feel as if you have. The Key Lime Crime is #10 in the series, and it’s an absolute treat.
Haley and Nathan are still staying with Miss Gloria on her houseboat as they wait for their adjacent boat to be remodeled. With Nathan’s dog and Haley’s cat and Miss Gloria’s cat, it’s a full house. When Nathan’s mother sends word she’s coming for a visit, there’s not a bed to be had on the houseboat or at any guest housing in Key West. Haley’s mother and her stepfather come to the rescue and offer to put Mrs. Bransford up at their condo. Nathan’s mother was a no-show at the wedding, so Haley is nervous about meeting her mother-in-law for the first time, and Haley only has a day‘s notice. To add to the pressure, it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and Key West is hopping at its busiest. Haley has articles due for Key Zest, the online zine where she is food critic, and part of what she’s working on involves a contest for the best Key Lime pie in Key West. Nathan is overseeing security on the island for the week, a week that sees an influx of thousands of visitors, so his time with his mother or anyone else will be limited. And, Haley’s mother and step-father have events employing their catering business all week. This holiday week is Key West on steroids.
Nathan has bought tickets for his mother, Haley, and Miss Gloria to take a ride on the Conch Train tour of holiday lights, and Mrs. Brandsford/Helen no sooner arrives than it’s time to hurry over to the tourist train and claim the last three seats. Haley is certain that this form of entertainment isn’t to Helen’s liking, but Haley doesn’t think Helen will much like anything on the island, as rigidity seems to be her mother-in-law’s style. To make matters worse, Helen doesn’t enjoy eating, and with Haley being a foodie, it’s another barrier to a close relationship. But, things heat up after the Conch Train ride, when Miss Gloria wants to drive back over to the last holiday location the train passed. As they approach the house on foot, the blown-up drunken Santa looks a little off, and it doesn‘t take long before the women realize it‘s a dead body. After the police arrive, including Nathan, and bystanders gather, the corpse is identified as Claudette Parker, the bakery chef at the new bakery, Au Citron Vert. Haley had just seen Claudette the day before at the opening ceremony for the Key Lime Pie competition. Claudette was smearing another contestant’s pie into the face of David Sloan, Key Lime Pie expert and contest director, for disqualifying Claudette’s Key Lime Parfait because it didn’t fit the definition of a pie. And, now here Claudette lay dead. However, David Sloan isn’t the only one who had hard feelings toward the new bakery chef, especially one who had bragged that her Key Lime Parfait would make Key Lime Pie passé in its home base of Key West. It can be dangerous to attack an institution , and that pie had many people invested in its continued success.
As with any body Haley finds, and she’s found a few, Haley becomes entangled in unraveling the who and the why of the murder. She does try to respect her husband’s admonitions to steer clear of the investigation, but a completely unexpected source of encouragement to prod and pry comes her way, Haley’s mother-in-law Helen. Nathan’s mother is relentless in pushing Haley to dig deeper and deeper, and Helen even insists on being right there with Haley for the action. There are layers and twists to this murder that take the characters and readers from one suspect to another. It’s a dangerous undertaking for Haley, and she worries that those she loves may become collateral damage.
Lucy Burdette always has a great blend of fascinating characters, charming setting, and Key West flavored stories, and you can’t get any more Key West flavored than a mystery with Key Lime Pie at its center. What makes this series so appealing to me is its authenticity. The characters are a mixture of make-believe and real. Of course, the created characters seem real to us as we follow them from book to book. The setting is from the author’s own experience there. Cuban Coffee Queen, Key Lime Pie Factory, Duvall Street, Green Parrot Bar, and so many more unique and wonderfully quirky places come alive under this author’s imaging. For those of us who have visited this southern most point of the United States, it is a trip down a beautiful memory lane as we read the thrilling tales taking place there. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to take in this one of a kind atmosphere, Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic series makes you feel as if you have. The Key Lime Crime is #10 in the series, and it’s an absolute treat.
July 20, 2020
I am not, as a rule, fond of cozy mysteries; give me plenty of blood, life-threatening action and bang-up endings any day of the week. But I'll also say this: There's nothing like a well-written cozy to take the edge off all that gore and angst and provide an enjoyable few hours of reading.
And this is just such a book. Admittedly, I'm new to the series; this is, I've read, the 10th featuring the personable and delightfully unobnoxious Hayley Snow, a food critic in Key West, Fla. I suppose my interest initially was piqued by the setting; honestly, I've never really wanted to visit anywhere in too-hot Florida except for one spot (you guessed it). Maybe it's the Hemingway connection (one of my retired English teacher husband's favorite authors); maybe it's the six-toed cats; maybe it's the chance to be Buffeted by some of my favorite music - I can't say for sure. And I can't discount being able to indulge in one of my favorite desserts, key lime pie.
Of the latter, there's plenty to go around here (although I must admit that after reading the book I'm more enthralled by the key lime martini, for which the author provides a recipe - among others - at the end). For those wondering if they'll be lost starting with a book so far into a series, my answer is an unequivocal no; I had no trouble whatsoever understanding what is going on.
Hayley, newly married to Key West cop Nathan Bransford, is covering some of the food events being held on the island during the tourist-crowded week between Christmas and New Year's. While their houseboat is being renovated, she and Nathan are living with a somewhat kooky next-door neighbor. All that suddenly becomes complicated when Nathan's mother announces an unplanned visit - starting the very next day. She and Hayley have never met, this is Nathan's busiest time of the year and the houseboat is overcrowded as it is. Not the best time, then, for Hayley to witness a nasty incident involving one of the bakery-submitted key lime pies - and certainly not to find a dead body.
Hayley's innate curiosity kicks in, of course, aided and abetted by that of her mother-in-law and their elderly houseboat hostess. Nathan (also of course) doesn't take kindly to their intrusion into the investigation, but readers of cozies know that only serves as an incentive for the heroine to dig in her heels. Will she learn the murderer's identity without putting herself and her friends in mortal danger? Will Nathan forgive his bride for ignoring his advice? You'll just have to read the book to find out. All I'm willing to do at this point is say thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me read and review this very entertaining book.
And this is just such a book. Admittedly, I'm new to the series; this is, I've read, the 10th featuring the personable and delightfully unobnoxious Hayley Snow, a food critic in Key West, Fla. I suppose my interest initially was piqued by the setting; honestly, I've never really wanted to visit anywhere in too-hot Florida except for one spot (you guessed it). Maybe it's the Hemingway connection (one of my retired English teacher husband's favorite authors); maybe it's the six-toed cats; maybe it's the chance to be Buffeted by some of my favorite music - I can't say for sure. And I can't discount being able to indulge in one of my favorite desserts, key lime pie.
Of the latter, there's plenty to go around here (although I must admit that after reading the book I'm more enthralled by the key lime martini, for which the author provides a recipe - among others - at the end). For those wondering if they'll be lost starting with a book so far into a series, my answer is an unequivocal no; I had no trouble whatsoever understanding what is going on.
Hayley, newly married to Key West cop Nathan Bransford, is covering some of the food events being held on the island during the tourist-crowded week between Christmas and New Year's. While their houseboat is being renovated, she and Nathan are living with a somewhat kooky next-door neighbor. All that suddenly becomes complicated when Nathan's mother announces an unplanned visit - starting the very next day. She and Hayley have never met, this is Nathan's busiest time of the year and the houseboat is overcrowded as it is. Not the best time, then, for Hayley to witness a nasty incident involving one of the bakery-submitted key lime pies - and certainly not to find a dead body.
Hayley's innate curiosity kicks in, of course, aided and abetted by that of her mother-in-law and their elderly houseboat hostess. Nathan (also of course) doesn't take kindly to their intrusion into the investigation, but readers of cozies know that only serves as an incentive for the heroine to dig in her heels. Will she learn the murderer's identity without putting herself and her friends in mortal danger? Will Nathan forgive his bride for ignoring his advice? You'll just have to read the book to find out. All I'm willing to do at this point is say thank you to the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me read and review this very entertaining book.
May 12, 2020
Key West Food Critic Mystery Series #10
Back in one of my favorite places! Key West and Houseboat Row! With my favorite food critic, Haley Snow. Haley and new hubby, Nathan, are still living with Miss Gloria and the pet menagerie while the renovations plod slowly on the newlyweds very own houseboat, so it's crowded, to say the least.
With the busy time between Christmas and New Year, the town is packed with unruly tourists, enjoying all of the local food and drink. The police are stretched to their limits and Haley is participating in the Best Key Lime Pie contest, covering the event and tasting all of the entries for the local magazine.
Add into the chaos a surprise last-minute visit from her new mother in law, her parents slammed with their own catering business and deadlines due now!
Haley is hoping to entertain Nathan's Mom and still get everything done on time. But her nerves are stretched.
Local, self-appointed Key Lime Pie expert, David Sloan persuaded the city to host the event and it looks like the competition is deadly. Especially since the newest pastry chef in town is told in front of everyone that her pie is not a pie and can not be entered.
And you know there is going to be a body. And that isn't even the most surprising thing. Her mother in law turns out to be nothing like Haley imagined. She has a new partner in crime-solving.
This is one of my favorite series. In this cozy, you'll be biting your nails and drooling in the same paragraphs! The recipes are delish and her writing is so effortless. The characters are quirky and fun.
Well Done!
NetGalley/ July 7th, 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
Back in one of my favorite places! Key West and Houseboat Row! With my favorite food critic, Haley Snow. Haley and new hubby, Nathan, are still living with Miss Gloria and the pet menagerie while the renovations plod slowly on the newlyweds very own houseboat, so it's crowded, to say the least.
With the busy time between Christmas and New Year, the town is packed with unruly tourists, enjoying all of the local food and drink. The police are stretched to their limits and Haley is participating in the Best Key Lime Pie contest, covering the event and tasting all of the entries for the local magazine.
Add into the chaos a surprise last-minute visit from her new mother in law, her parents slammed with their own catering business and deadlines due now!
Haley is hoping to entertain Nathan's Mom and still get everything done on time. But her nerves are stretched.
Local, self-appointed Key Lime Pie expert, David Sloan persuaded the city to host the event and it looks like the competition is deadly. Especially since the newest pastry chef in town is told in front of everyone that her pie is not a pie and can not be entered.
And you know there is going to be a body. And that isn't even the most surprising thing. Her mother in law turns out to be nothing like Haley imagined. She has a new partner in crime-solving.
This is one of my favorite series. In this cozy, you'll be biting your nails and drooling in the same paragraphs! The recipes are delish and her writing is so effortless. The characters are quirky and fun.
Well Done!
NetGalley/ July 7th, 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
August 11, 2020
Holidays, key lime pie and murder, The Key Lime Crime is a deliciously entertaining cozy mystery.
As if life isn’t crazy enough for food critic and newlywed Hayley Snow with it being Christmas in the beautiful Key West, there is a Key Lime Pie contest that every baker in town is trying to win and she is a judge. All the while trying to finish out her articles for the remainder of the year. Toss in a surprise visit from her new mother-in-law that turns her into a tour guide that has them stumbling upon a dead body. I believe the day just got worse.
Key Lime Crime is a funny and entertaining cozy mystery. If you are not craving several slices of key lime pie by the time you’re reading then somethings just not right. Hayley is a wonderful character that readers can relate with. She smart, charming, in love and a good person. She’s still becoming comfortable in her new married life, as many readers can relate to. Hayley navigates the reader through an interesting and twisting plot that keeps you guessing. You see significant character growth within one book. As being a primary romance reader that is something I see frequently within romance but not quite so much in cozies. I definitely enjoyed that factor of the book. This is a long going series that fortunately I stumbled upon and was able to pick up at book 10 and didn’t feel like I was left out from anything of previous books. Author Lucy Burdette twisted a fantastic mystery well giving you fantastic descriptions of every possible Way of having Keylime pie. I very much enjoyed Key Lime Crime. I look forward to going back to previous books in the series and truly getting to know these characters.
As if life isn’t crazy enough for food critic and newlywed Hayley Snow with it being Christmas in the beautiful Key West, there is a Key Lime Pie contest that every baker in town is trying to win and she is a judge. All the while trying to finish out her articles for the remainder of the year. Toss in a surprise visit from her new mother-in-law that turns her into a tour guide that has them stumbling upon a dead body. I believe the day just got worse.
Key Lime Crime is a funny and entertaining cozy mystery. If you are not craving several slices of key lime pie by the time you’re reading then somethings just not right. Hayley is a wonderful character that readers can relate with. She smart, charming, in love and a good person. She’s still becoming comfortable in her new married life, as many readers can relate to. Hayley navigates the reader through an interesting and twisting plot that keeps you guessing. You see significant character growth within one book. As being a primary romance reader that is something I see frequently within romance but not quite so much in cozies. I definitely enjoyed that factor of the book. This is a long going series that fortunately I stumbled upon and was able to pick up at book 10 and didn’t feel like I was left out from anything of previous books. Author Lucy Burdette twisted a fantastic mystery well giving you fantastic descriptions of every possible Way of having Keylime pie. I very much enjoyed Key Lime Crime. I look forward to going back to previous books in the series and truly getting to know these characters.
June 15, 2020
The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette is the 10th book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series, and it was great. Hayley Snow is the food critic writer for Key Zest Magazine, which keeps her busy, and she recently married her detective boyfriend Nathan Bransford. Nathan tells Hayley's that his intimidating mother is coming for a surprise visit. On top of that it's the week between Christmas and New Year, and key west is full of tourists, and Hayley has to cover the Key Lime pie contest. While taking Nathan's mother on a Conch Train Tour to see the holiday lights, they find a women dead body, and she is wearing a santa suit. Hayley is determined to get to the truth, about the women's death, along with all the other events going on. When I read a Hayley Snow mystery it's like visiting my friends in Key West! This book does not disappoint. I strongly recommended this book/ series, to get the most out of the series you might want to read them in order.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 2, 2020
Hayley and Nathan are newly married when his mother springs a surprise visit on them. Since things are cramped at the houseboat, Hayley's mother offers to let Nathan's mother stay with her. Hayley and Miss Gloria take Nathan's mother on a tour to look at Christmas decorations. Miss Gloria wants to go back and look at one of the displays again and when the three return they find a dead body. Hayley starts investigating with the help from Nathan's mother. I enjoyed this book. I liked the arrival of Nathan's mother and how pleasing her new mother in law was so important to Hayley. As always the setting of Key West is spectacular. The mystery was well done and I enjoyed how the current mystery tied in to an old one. I can't wait to read more in the series.
August 20, 2020
This is my first book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series but it won’t be my last – and it can definitely be read as standalone. The writing voice hooks you from the beginning & the characters keep you invested all the way through. Clever plotting & several twists had me guessing what would happen next & I enjoyed the wittiness throughout. A great place to jump into the series or pick up where you left off!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
April 13, 2020
(free review copy) Yes, yes, YES! I used to read a TON of foodie cozy mysteries, and this one brought me back to just why I love the genre so much. The constant food descriptions make me salivate and the mystery kept me guessing the whole time. I adored the Key West setting and the character dynamics were just perfect. I admit to not having read any others in this series, but now I know I definitely want to in the future! Now, where can I get some Key Lime pie???
May 15, 2020
The key lime crime is an intriguing story , it take place in Jey West and will keep you eating throughout the whole story. The characters are quirky and interesting. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing then second guessing yourself.
September 21, 2020
THE KEY LIME CRIME by Lucy Burdette is the tenth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. It’s the story of Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest Magazine, as she covers the first key lime extravaganza and pie contest, the brainchild of David Sloan, self-proclaimed key lime pie aficionado.
Already an extremely busy season for Key West, Florida due to the holidays, adding this big event that brings out the rivalry between bakers all determined to win the Key Lime Key to the City adds to the crowds, tension and excitement in town. Plus there is the additional stress of Hayley’s mother-in-law, who she’s never met, paying an unexpected visit. Failing to attend the wedding of her son, Nathan Bransford, police detective and Hayley’s new husband, is causing Hayley worrisome concern about their first meeting.
Everyone needs a Miss Gloria, Hayley’s elderly friend, in their life. Although a senior citizen, she’s young at heart, full of spunk, a sounding board, mouth of reason and will go the distance to help a friend including sharing all that is hers – including her houseboat with Hayley, Nathan and their pets while theirs is being renovated.
While trying to keep Helen, Nathan’s Mom, entertained, they take her on the Christmas Conch Train Tour. Miss Gloria wanted to go back to one of the displays after the tour under the pretense of getting a closer look, but she really wanted to find the little kitty she has seen. That’s when they found that the Santa on the porch was actually a dead woman macabrely dressed as Santa. The woman turned out to be Claudette Parker, owner of the Ay Citron Vert. Claudette had recently been publicly kicked out of the key lime pie contest in the first round for not conforming to the rules. Tempers were riled and key lime pie flew. Was this connected to her untimely death?
Hayley’s not sure how to approach her new mother-in-law and is extremely thankful for her own mother’s offer of having Nancy as their houseguest while in town. Surprisingly Nancy seems to be happy following Hayley around and spending time unearthing clues to figure out who the murderer is. Hayley just can’t seem to figure Nancy out – especially when she finally learns more about her. Plus she feels that she can’t measures up to Nathan’s first wife in Nancy’s eyes. For her loving husband’s sake, she is determined to do her best to welcome Nancy into her heart and feel welcomed In reality, they may find out they have more in common than Hayley being married to her son.
When the houseboat is broken into and it seems that the murdered thinks they are getting too close, Hayley, Miss Gloria and Helen circle the wagons more determined than ever to find out who killed Claudette. However, when things seem to be getting dangerous Hayley promises her husband that she stay out of it, but it seems Helen has an agenda of her own.
Can Hayley keep her promise to her new husband? Can she find if there is room in her mother-in-law’s heart for her new daughter-in-law? Why is Helen so determined to find the murderer? Why did she really come to town? Will Helen’s persistence find the killer or make the killer find them?
Lucy Burdette has a way of having you fall in love with the characters in THE KEY LIME CRIME as you sit on the edge of your seat turning pages with the excitement over their “unofficial” investigating. The reveal was not only unexpected, but afterwards made perfect sense. Along the way we are teased with mouthwatering delights centered round the use of key limes. I was extremely happy to see many of them listed in the back of the book.
THE KEY LIME CRIME, although part of the series, can most definitely be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves a well written cozy that keeps you guessing whodunit to the very end of the book, loving the characters so much you will be checking out past books and looking forward to the next new one, or if you just love a great book.
Already an extremely busy season for Key West, Florida due to the holidays, adding this big event that brings out the rivalry between bakers all determined to win the Key Lime Key to the City adds to the crowds, tension and excitement in town. Plus there is the additional stress of Hayley’s mother-in-law, who she’s never met, paying an unexpected visit. Failing to attend the wedding of her son, Nathan Bransford, police detective and Hayley’s new husband, is causing Hayley worrisome concern about their first meeting.
Everyone needs a Miss Gloria, Hayley’s elderly friend, in their life. Although a senior citizen, she’s young at heart, full of spunk, a sounding board, mouth of reason and will go the distance to help a friend including sharing all that is hers – including her houseboat with Hayley, Nathan and their pets while theirs is being renovated.
While trying to keep Helen, Nathan’s Mom, entertained, they take her on the Christmas Conch Train Tour. Miss Gloria wanted to go back to one of the displays after the tour under the pretense of getting a closer look, but she really wanted to find the little kitty she has seen. That’s when they found that the Santa on the porch was actually a dead woman macabrely dressed as Santa. The woman turned out to be Claudette Parker, owner of the Ay Citron Vert. Claudette had recently been publicly kicked out of the key lime pie contest in the first round for not conforming to the rules. Tempers were riled and key lime pie flew. Was this connected to her untimely death?
Hayley’s not sure how to approach her new mother-in-law and is extremely thankful for her own mother’s offer of having Nancy as their houseguest while in town. Surprisingly Nancy seems to be happy following Hayley around and spending time unearthing clues to figure out who the murderer is. Hayley just can’t seem to figure Nancy out – especially when she finally learns more about her. Plus she feels that she can’t measures up to Nathan’s first wife in Nancy’s eyes. For her loving husband’s sake, she is determined to do her best to welcome Nancy into her heart and feel welcomed In reality, they may find out they have more in common than Hayley being married to her son.
When the houseboat is broken into and it seems that the murdered thinks they are getting too close, Hayley, Miss Gloria and Helen circle the wagons more determined than ever to find out who killed Claudette. However, when things seem to be getting dangerous Hayley promises her husband that she stay out of it, but it seems Helen has an agenda of her own.
Can Hayley keep her promise to her new husband? Can she find if there is room in her mother-in-law’s heart for her new daughter-in-law? Why is Helen so determined to find the murderer? Why did she really come to town? Will Helen’s persistence find the killer or make the killer find them?
Lucy Burdette has a way of having you fall in love with the characters in THE KEY LIME CRIME as you sit on the edge of your seat turning pages with the excitement over their “unofficial” investigating. The reveal was not only unexpected, but afterwards made perfect sense. Along the way we are teased with mouthwatering delights centered round the use of key limes. I was extremely happy to see many of them listed in the back of the book.
THE KEY LIME CRIME, although part of the series, can most definitely be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves a well written cozy that keeps you guessing whodunit to the very end of the book, loving the characters so much you will be checking out past books and looking forward to the next new one, or if you just love a great book.
May 7, 2020
KEY LIME CRIME, the tenth book in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette, is a delicious cozy read that captures the sweet flavors of the small island situated at the tip of Florida. Hayley Snow, newly married to Detective Nathan Bransford, is a food critic for Key Zest Magazine. She’s tasked with covering the key lime pie extravaganza arranged by super star chef and author, David Sloan, which also includes lots of taste testing of delectable key lime pies. Given what our entire world has experienced with social distancing and the “stay at home” orders, KEY LIME CRIME truly is an armchair tourist destination. I love how Ms. Burdette saturates the story with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the location, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story without detracting from the plot. Her descriptive voice brings the setting to life.
With Nathan’s mother, Helen, swooping into town to meet Hayley for the first time, Hayley finds herself stressed as she tries to juggle her workload, meet deadlines, and figure out how to thaw her frosty mother-in-law. To make matters worse, Hayley and Helen stumble upon a murdered pastry chef not long after meeting. I greatly enjoyed the introduction of Helen Bransford into the story since Nathan has mostly been on the periphery in the series with Hayley taking central stage. Ms. Burdette’s use of Nathan’s mother to bring his backstory into the theme of the mystery is quite impressive and allows the reader to feel more connected to Hayley’s new husband. It also helps the reader get a glimpse into Nathan’s personality and what makes him tick especially when Hayley gets involved in trying to solve murders. The crime itself was well plotted and the pace kept me turning pages. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the final, edge-of-your-seat reveal. Ms. Burdette is a terrific storyteller and I always look forward to escaping in the pages for a visit Key West!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With Nathan’s mother, Helen, swooping into town to meet Hayley for the first time, Hayley finds herself stressed as she tries to juggle her workload, meet deadlines, and figure out how to thaw her frosty mother-in-law. To make matters worse, Hayley and Helen stumble upon a murdered pastry chef not long after meeting. I greatly enjoyed the introduction of Helen Bransford into the story since Nathan has mostly been on the periphery in the series with Hayley taking central stage. Ms. Burdette’s use of Nathan’s mother to bring his backstory into the theme of the mystery is quite impressive and allows the reader to feel more connected to Hayley’s new husband. It also helps the reader get a glimpse into Nathan’s personality and what makes him tick especially when Hayley gets involved in trying to solve murders. The crime itself was well plotted and the pace kept me turning pages. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the final, edge-of-your-seat reveal. Ms. Burdette is a terrific storyteller and I always look forward to escaping in the pages for a visit Key West!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2020
The Key Lime Crime is the tenth in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries. Haley Snow, newlywed to Nathan Bransford, and food critic for Key Zest Magazine has been assigned to attend the Key Lime Extravaganza hosted by David Sloan. It is the week between Christmas and New Years and Key West is bulging at the seams with tourists. One unexpected visitor is Helen Bransford, Nathan's mother and Hayley's mother-in-law. Helen didn't attend Nathan and Haley's wedding so Haley is on the edge to try and put her best foot forward. While their houseboat is under construction they are living in a houseboat with Miss Gloria, a frisky dog and three cats, Hayley knows there is no room for Helen. All the Bed and Breakfasts are booked it is her mother's suggestion to have Helen stay with them in their guestroom. Nathan being a Key West detective, planned to take off a couple days while his mother is there but when Claudette Parker of the Au Citron Vert is found dead and dressed in a Santa suit on her front porch Nathan is pulled into working the investigation. Traveling around Key West on the back of Haley's scooter, Helen is pulled into helping Haley try to determine who is responsible.
Each of the characters in this book are well developed. I love Miss Gloria since she is an older individual who has a weak spot for animals and food.
Each of the characters in this book are well developed. I love Miss Gloria since she is an older individual who has a weak spot for animals and food.
November 17, 2020
The Key Lime Crime earns 5/5 Key Lime Treats...Engaging Delight!
Mother-in-laws, murder, and Key Lime Pie are just a bit of the marvelous elements in Lucy Burdette’s The Key Lime Crime. It’s the holiday season and Key West is all a buzz with eager tourists and several pastry chefs vying to win top prize in a pie-baking contest...the Key Lime Key to the City. Hayley Snow, food critic, is set to chronicle the event, but life becomes a bit strained when her mother-in-law is set for a surprise visit and while trying to win the woman over, they find one of the contestants...dead! Will this “odd couple” work well together to uncover the truth? Lucy Burdette’s writing style is delightfully engaging with a clever drama, plenty of possible suspects to ponder, rich characters, and descriptive language that touches all the senses and makes one yearn for a slice of key lime pie! The dialogue is witty and realistic as the two women, heaven forbid, bond over the murder investigation. Delightful fun, and recipes for several sweet and savory treats including David Sloan’s Key Lime Martini and Lucy Burdette’s Decadent Key Lime Parfait!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Mother-in-laws, murder, and Key Lime Pie are just a bit of the marvelous elements in Lucy Burdette’s The Key Lime Crime. It’s the holiday season and Key West is all a buzz with eager tourists and several pastry chefs vying to win top prize in a pie-baking contest...the Key Lime Key to the City. Hayley Snow, food critic, is set to chronicle the event, but life becomes a bit strained when her mother-in-law is set for a surprise visit and while trying to win the woman over, they find one of the contestants...dead! Will this “odd couple” work well together to uncover the truth? Lucy Burdette’s writing style is delightfully engaging with a clever drama, plenty of possible suspects to ponder, rich characters, and descriptive language that touches all the senses and makes one yearn for a slice of key lime pie! The dialogue is witty and realistic as the two women, heaven forbid, bond over the murder investigation. Delightful fun, and recipes for several sweet and savory treats including David Sloan’s Key Lime Martini and Lucy Burdette’s Decadent Key Lime Parfait!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Crooked Lane Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 3, 2020
New Year's in Key West is fun, outrageous and deadly! I'm a long-time fan of the series and this one didn't disappoint! When Hayley's mother-in-law, Helen, comes for a visit it turns out they have more in common than their love for Nathan. It's Hayley, Miss Gloria and Helen on the case when a rising star in the baking scene is murdered!
I am a fan of Hayley and have enjoyed seeing the character develop through the books - she is relatable, smart, funny and kind. Key Lime Crime is my favorite because Hayley comes into her own as a person and an unofficial investigator.
The book is fast-paced and has all the elements I love - mystery, friendship, humor, animals, baking and family. The descriptions of Key West are lush and inviting and Lucy Burdette creates supporting characters that are well rounded and as interesting as the main character. Miss Gloria, a sleuthing senior crime solver, is a great example!
I'm ready for another trip.to Key West!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest and fair review of this book.
I am a fan of Hayley and have enjoyed seeing the character develop through the books - she is relatable, smart, funny and kind. Key Lime Crime is my favorite because Hayley comes into her own as a person and an unofficial investigator.
The book is fast-paced and has all the elements I love - mystery, friendship, humor, animals, baking and family. The descriptions of Key West are lush and inviting and Lucy Burdette creates supporting characters that are well rounded and as interesting as the main character. Miss Gloria, a sleuthing senior crime solver, is a great example!
I'm ready for another trip.to Key West!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest and fair review of this book.
January 21, 2020
It's the height of the holiday season mania in Hailey Snow's beloved Key West, but it should be manageable. Well add in being newlyweds living in a crowded houseboat with an octogenarian, albeit a charming one, and combined households worth of pets while the renovations to their own houseboat drag on and on, and you can only imagine adding in a surprise visit from your new, and yet-to-be met mother-in-law would tip the stress scale to overload. Finding a body with her new mother-in-law was definitely not on her agenda either. Always a joy to read, this series is solidly plotted with enough red herrings to keep you guessing, lovable characters and a location that is a character in its own right. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2020
Whenever I see another book in this series, I immediately get a smile on my face and it doesn't leave me until the last page. I love how wildly imperfect the main character is, flying by the seat of her pants, but always with the best intentions. the setting, plot, and characters are all wonderfully written, making you feel you are scooting along with them in Key West. Another absolutely wonderful story in a spectacular series.
May 8, 2024
Lucy Burdette's The Key Lime Crime is a light and tasty mystery with food, cats and fun. A Key Lime Pie festival in Key West is the starting point. This series combines food writing, life with friends and murder. The victim is a pie contest contestant, bakery owner and chef. At first it looked like rivalry was the motive, but Haley Snow, the food critic, and her friend Miss Gloria realized they were wrong. The deceased had a crime-related connection to the victim. Haley ate some great food and wrote about it while solving the crime. Recipes included. The characters in this series work and play well together. Houseboat living, characters with interesting lives and careers, and pets add up to a light, fun read. Part of Burdette's success with this series probably comes from the fact that she was a psychologist in her previous career.
October 19, 2021
Another quick cozy crime read. Taking place around Christmas, there is a contest to name the best Key Lime pie. Of course, one of the contestants is murdered and Hayley tries her hardest to stay out of it. Unfortunately, her new mother in law comes to town and pushes Hayley to figure out why the pastry chef was murdered.
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