Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier, national bestseller Lucy Burdette’s eighth Key West Food Critic mystery sees the return of fan-favorite food critic Hayley Snow, who must once again get to the bottom of a bitter murder. When a killer strikes just before flan time, beloved food critic Hayley Snow is forced to sniff out the killer before someone else bites the dust.Hayley Snow, … dust.
Hayley Snow, fiery food critic for Key Zest magazine, has just landed a ticket to one of the most prestigious events in Key West: a high-brow three-day conference at the Harry Truman Little White House. Even though she’ll be working the event helping her mother’s fledgling catering business, there’s plenty of spicy gossip to go around. But just before her mother’s decadent flan is put to the test, Key West’s most prized possession, Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal for The Old Man and the Sea, is discovered stolen from its case.
Unsavory suspicions point to Gabriel, a family friend and one of the new busboys working the event, who mysteriously goes missing moments later. Anxious to clear his name, Gabriel’s family enlists Hayley to help find him, but right as they begin their search, his body is found stabbed to death in the storeroom.
Hayley has no shortage of suspects to interrogate and very little time before the killer adds another victim to the menu in national bestselling author Lucy Burdette’s delectable eighth Key West Food Critic mystery, Death on the Menu.
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In this 8th book in the series food critic Haley Snow is helping her mom with a catering gig at an important event. The event is to bring together Key West and Cuba. But when an important artifact goes missing and there is a murder on the first night of the event, the catering gig may be a bust. Of course Nathan Haley’s hunky detective boyfriend warns her to stay away from the investigation. But when the family of the deceased ask for help, Haley can’t resist.
This is the first book in this series I have read. I think as a reader I should have read the books before it. I felt like it would have helped me with getting to know the characters better, gave them more depth. I especially would have loved to know the whole story behind how Haley came to be in Key West.
I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. It had a little bit of everything in it. It had danger, mystery, love, friendship and family. This book had tons of interesting and highly entertaining characters. It was a steady paced read that will keep you guessing till the end. The only thing I really did not like was the political aspect of the story. I find that story line a tad boring and overkill. But the book did have a lot of interesting history behind it to make up for it. The ending was wonderful and I even cried a bit. Yes I cried! I am such a baby.
Overall this book was a great cozy read. It includes some really good recipes in the back of the book, that I must try. Yummy!!! I would love to read more of these books and get to know Haley and the gang a bit more. So if you like Jimmy Buffet and a good dose of who done it, then this book is for you. Pick it up today.
Hailey has received a ticket to a very illustrious event and she can’t wait to get started. She really wants to help her mother’s catering business and an event like this moves things in the right direction. What could go possibly go wrong? Things at the event are going well that is until Hemingway’s Noble Prize gold metal is discovered missing from it’s case. Who would have had the gall to steal such a prize and why? When new hire and family friend Gabriel has the finger pointed at him and is nowhere to be found, Hailey knows she must help to find the truth. The only problem, more questions and suspects than you can count and not enough answers to be had. Hailey knows she must figure out what happened to Gabriel and find out who the perpetrator is before something else bad happens. Follow along as Hailey questions suspects, follows clues, and tries to stay out of harms way. This is a fun foodie series that will have your mouth watering while you try to solve the mystery that each book holds. Can’t wait to see what Hailey gets into next.
Key West is hosting a conference with some leading dignitaries from Cuba, and Hayley Snow’s mom has landed the plumb catering gig, with Hayley among those helping out. The conference is being greeted with protests, and tensions are high. They only get worse when an artifact on loan from Cuba, is stolen. Then a man helping Hayley’s mom is murdered. Are the two events connected?
I have missed this series, and it was so fantastic to be back. This book has now added two more must visit locations on my bucket list trip to Key West, Harry Truman’s Little White House and Hemingway’s house. The politics of the US Cuban relationship is front and center and handled in a mostly even-handed manner. The politics and the drama around the conference to tend to overshadow the mystery at times, especially in the first half. Things do build to a great climax, however. And it was great to see Hayley and her friends again. Fans will be interested to see the latest in Hayley’s complicated love life, and we get to see plenty of Miss Gloria. This truly was a fun visit.
Jumping into this series at book number 8 and I cannot believe I haven’t been a fan from day 1. How am I just finding this absolute treasure?! A PERFECT book to read in the humid heat of summer, I was whisked away on thoughts of houseboats and ocean breezes and dropped into an incredible mystery. I cannot even begin to choose what I loved most. The characters are fantastic and you can tell from one book that they remain true to themselves and don’t evolve for the simplicity of the story. I haven’t tried any recipe from the book but I can’t wait to. I’m on vacation right now though, so sadly, wait is what I’ll have to do. Hayley is a heroine made for the screen. I sincerely hope her stories get picked up and shared with a televised audience. Her love interest doesn’t play a huge role in the book but their relationship still manages to grow in depth throughout it. Being a lover of history, I felt that the information about Hemingway, Truman, and the cultural relations between the U.S. and Cuba added an authenticity to the story that made it even more engaging for me. I truly recommend this book and can’t wait to find more of Lucy Burdette’s books to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Lucy Burdette for the chance to read this book and share my thoughts and opinions with others.
It’s back! I’ve waited quite impatiently to see where Hayley’s adventures would take her next and I was not disappointed!
This is such a fun series. It is one where the author paints such vivid imagery of the setting that I’ve added Key West to my “Places to Visit” list. This book is entertaining, fast paced, and gives you an appreciation for Cuba and the heritage of individuals who have immigrated to the United States from Cuba. Great book and I can’t wait to see where Hayley’s adventures take her next!
I thought I was up to date on Key West stories by Lucy Burdette and then I saw this one. Somehow I’d missed it.
So glad I found it. It’s an important part of the overall story line that I’d missed. The series is written well enough that I hadn’t realized this important part was missing. (Don’t want to spoil things by being more specific.
As always, a great story, solid characters, (we would all be blessed to know a Miss Gloria!), and an intruguing mystery.
Plus cameos by high profile people! (Great fun!)
I enjoyed the other book I read from this series and was looking forward to another trip to Key West, FL. However, this one was a disappointment. I felt like it was nothing but a political argument which I get enough of in my everyday life. I don’t want to spend my escape time reading about a political disagreement. And then you factor in that the main character’s mother has managed to be hired to cater a huge catering event, and it becomes completely unbelievable.
I do love the primary characters, especially Hayley’s roommate, Miss Gloria. The relationships developing were entertaining and the quirky characters kept you chuckling.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Lucy Burdette delights with this wonderful mystery that delves into Key West and Cuban culture, cuisine, and murder. The setting is a KeyWest-Cuban conference designed to bring the cultures together being held at the Harry Truman Little White House in Key West. When Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize Medal (on loan from Cuba) goes missing and one of the waitstaff is murdered, accusations go flying and the conference is jeopardized. Hailey feels drawn to investigate, not only to save the reputation of the Little White House but also to help the family of the murder victim, which puts her at odds with her boyfriend, Nathan, a Key West Police detective. Will Hailey sit on the sidelines, or will her love for Key West and her friends make her determined to solve the murder?
Death on the Menu transported me to Key West, immersed me in its culture and cuisine, and kept me on the edge of my seat as Hailey works behind the scenes to help salvage the conference. My mouth was watering at the descriptions of all of the delicious food, and I was so happy that the recipes were included! Hailey and friends and family do not disappoint, and I highly recommend this much-awaited addition to the Key West Food Critic series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
DEATH ON THE MENU by Lucy Burdette is the 8th book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series.
It’s the story of Hayley Snow who works as a food critic for KEY WEST magazine. Her Mom, Janet, has landed the prestigious catering job for the big Havana/Key West conference which is hoped to begin to bridge the gap between the two countries. Although she has many stories to get turned in, Hayley and Miss Gloria, Hayley’s octogenarian roommate who she adores, are up to their elbows assisting in all aspects of the catering job.
On the first day of the 3 day event at the Truman Little White House, one of Hemingway’s prized possession, the Nobel gold medal for “The Old Man and the Sea”, comes up missing. That evening there’s a vast array of entertainment both on stage and off from Jimmy Buffett, Barack Obama and Diana Nyad on stage and off stage the discovery of the missing employee whose been murdered with none other than one of Janet’s knives.
Hayley is enlisted by Gabriel’s family to please help them find out who murdered their loved one so that he’s not just another “brown skin” to be swept under the rug and forgotten. Hayley not only wants to help find the murderer but she wants to keep them safe when the victim’s sister goes missing as well. At the same time, the police are desperate to solve the case and to find the missing medal before the conference is over. Maybe they can work together be it all not planned?
I loved the way the author wrote such a masterful mystery and was still able to weave true facts and history into the story. You can tell she did vast research into everything from the local and celebration foods to the little details of the Truman Little White House. She was able to bring in facts about Hemmingway, Barack Obama and even fun knowledge of the Jimmy Buffett Parrothead. Lucy kept us entertained and turning pages. She made us hungry with delicious food details and then gave us the recipes to satisfy our hunger.
This book can be read as a standalone even though it’s in a series. It’s very easy to figure out who is who and keep up with the wonderful story. I for one, can’t wait for the next installment in this wonderful series and will be checking out other books as well. Recommend this to anyone that loves a GREAT cozy mystery that will have you guessing and second guessing along the way!
I requested this one off of Netgally out of a whim and I am glad I did, I really enjoyed the story.
Let me start off saying I have never read anything from this author and this should also tell you I have never read any other books in the series so I was amazed that I never really felt as if I needed to start with the previous books. I do love hitting standalone in series.
I enjoyed the characters, mystery, and the bit of politics that was added into the mix. The author puts your imagination to work as you about a treasured Cuban award come up missing during the event. The author also gives you quite a few Cuban recipes in the back of the book for you to try.
I recommend this one to anyone that likes a good Cuba/US relations mystery.
Really enjoy reading about Hayley’s adventures, the recipes and the sense I know more about Key West for our next visit. Thanks, Lucy Burdette!
Lucy Burdette brings you right into the region she’s writing about. In this Key West series, you’re in Florida, eating Cuban food. (I’ve never been to Florida, other than in books.) This book also touches on immigration issues, very timely.
A delightful cozy mystery set in Key West is by veteran writer Lucy Burdette (the pen name for Roberta Isleib). “Death on the Menu” (Crooked Lane Books August 2018) is the eight book and the newest contribution to Burdette’s Key West food critic series. In the series, Hayley Snow is a spunky, curious and impetuous food critic for Key Zest, a local magazine, and an amateur, even accidental, sleuth into murders and mayhem on the key.
In the beginning of “Death on the Menu,” Hayley’s boyfriend, a local police detective, asks Hayley and her mother to withdraw from a prized catering job at a three-day Cuban/American conference because of rumors of danger and trouble. But the catering job is important for her mother’s fledgling business, and Hayley and her mom decide to stick with it.
Violence does erupt at the conference. The gathering was seeking to build bridges between Cuban and Key West/American interests, but conflicting ideas bring out sign-waving, shouting protesters on multiple issues. A prized Cuban medal on loan from Cuba for the conference goes missing. A Cuban man working for Hayley’s Mom at the conference is the initial suspect, but then he turns up dead in a closet, cut by one of Hayley’s mother’s knives. The dead man’s family does not trust the police and ask Hayley to help find the man’s killer. Hayley agrees, knowing it not only puts her in jeopardy, but also increases the tension between her and over-protective policeman boyfriend.
The twisting/turning plot features dashes of sly humor, excellent world-building, suspense, romance, and plenty of references to mouth-watering food. All in all, Roberta Isleib, aka Lucy Burdette, is an excellent writer, with a wonderful sense of what makes a cozy novel work.
Each chapter begins with a food or tasting inspired quote. I am not as much a foodie as some but I did find these passages interesting.
Haley Snow is a food critic as well as a really good cook. She has an inquisitive mind which helps when she becomes involved in investigations. She is also good with people and loyal to those she cares about. This diplomatic event her mother is catering can make or break the catering business.
It seems it can also make or break some other careers and relations between the Key Community at large, the United States and Cuba. This event, and Haley’s participation in it, will also have far reaching effects on her romantic relationship.
Because of the circumstances surrounding everything that happens, the police have limited time to figure out who committed the crimes before any evidence and all the suspects scatter.
While she claims she doesn’t want to investigate, for various reasons, Haley is in position to discover information and motives no one else has access to.
While the plot seems food centric, there is a lot of information on the area and the famous author Hemingway. There is something in the book for any reader. The problems and crimes are definitely not simple to solve.
DEATH ON THE MENU by Lucy Burdette
The Eighth Key West Food Critic Mystery
Key West is abuzz with excitement as the Harry S. Truman Little White House hosts a Havana/Key West Conference. Hayley Snow is thrilled to help her mom whose newly founded catering company was chosen to cater the event. Unfortunately, the buzz is not all positive and the island is on high alert with increased security. Hayley is determined to help her mom succeed despite warnings from her boyfriend, Detective Nathan Bransford to stay away from the conference. As the conference begins tensions that are already running high spike when Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize medal goes missing. Will the delicious food calm the crowd or is death on the menu?
I’m delighted to be back in Key West. Lucy Burdette’s evocative prose makes me feel that I am actually on the key and part of the action. I can sense the tension, feel the ocean air, and see the sights. If only I could taste the food!
In DEATH ON THE MENU Lucy Burdette looks into the difficult reality of US relations with Cuba, illustrating various opinions and beliefs without judgement. The cultural and political issues are a part of the mystery and add substance to the plot without detracting from it. The other prime component that truly adds depth is character development and relationships. As the series progresses we see the characters change and grow. This eighth Key West Food Critic has Hayley pursuing serious introspection as she tries to mirror her own relationship to those of her family and friends.
DEATH ON THE MENU is a delicious addition to the Key West Food Critic Mystery series filled with cultural relevance and delectable food.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Key West is a place steeped with history. Whether it be the Harry Truman Little White House or the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, both are huge tourist attractions. We visit just in time for a conference bringing a Cuban delegation to Key West to celebrate the similarities and differences hoping to forge a path of working together. Hemingway’s Nobel prize medal has been brought to town to be put on display with other treasures during the conference. Hayley’s mother has been hired to cater the food for the event. Hayley and Miss Gloria have been recruited to help serve. Hayley’s boyfriend Nathan would like the ladies to stay away from the conference. His intel says they may be trouble with all the protestors. But Hayley assures him that security is tight and they will be safe. Then the Nobel prize is stolen and one of her mother’s employees is missing. An all out search doesn’t find the medal but the employee is found in a storeroom, stabbed with a kitchen knife. Someone that passed through security has to be the killer, which means everyone. With suspects galore Hayley dives right in to find the murderer and hoping when she does she will find Hemingway’s prize too and ease the tension with the guests from Cuba.
This story has a slow build as the author introduces all the history and reasons for the conference. Hayley is still working on stories for Key Zest but isn’t in the office much. She spends most of her time with her mother getting food ready and serving. I missed the interaction with the other people at Key Zest. That being said there was so really cool guests to the conference. Jimmy Buffett and Barack Obama surprised the attendees with their appearances. I enjoyed Hayley supporting her mom and going above and beyond to make the event a success. Miss Gloria is always entertaining. I wish I had her energy.
After the body is found the pace picks up as both the police and Hayley need to catch the killer before the conference ends. For Hayley, that means being in the right place at the right time and keeping her ears open. With several twists and a keen insight, Hayley makes a discovery that blows the whole case wide open. I really enjoyed tagging along for this one.
After the killer is caught and the characters get back to their Key West lives the story ends in a way that had me smiling ear to ear and very excited for the next book in this series. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
By the time you reach the 8th book in a series, the characters and the place have evolved in so many ways. To really enjoy this story I recommend reading the prior books first. Miss Burdette does provide some background details because of the publisher change, but to really know Hayley Snow, you need to start at the beginning.
Love the Lucy Burdette Key West Food Critic books! Always anxious for the next one to come out. Love the characters and settings – can’t go wrong with Key West!
Death on the Menu is quite possibly my favorite book in Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. Cultures are merging as a delegation from Havana meets with a delegation from Key West at the famed Harry Truman Little White House. Hayley Snow is helping her mother cater the event, and on the first evening one of their staff is murdered and Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize is stolen! Hayley’s up to her eyeballs, as usual, in all the happenings as she tries to determine who killed Gabriel, and keep herself and her roommate Miss Gloria safe at the same time. Very cozy, very well written, and very yummy recipes are included, plus a nice surprise twist at the end. A+++
Death on the Menu by Lucy Burdette is the 8th book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. I had only read the 1st in the series but Burdette does a great job of catching you up if you have not read any of the others in the series. She takes you to Key West and you will feel as if you are there.
The protagonist, Haley, is a food writer for Key Zest, a local magazine. She has been enlisted, along with her 80something roommate to help, her mother cater the 3 day Cuban American conference. Haley’s boyfriend, a detective on the KWPD, is worried due to tensions surrounding the conference and wants Haley to keep her distance.
When one of the catering helpers, Gabriel, the main suspect of a theft of a priceless medal, is murdered, Haley is drawn into the investigation.
Burdette has a great cast of characters. I especially like Haley’s feisty roommate, Gloria.
There is humor, history, romance, and plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. You will even learn a little about Cuba and Key West.
There are recipes that all sound yummy and will have you craving Cuban food.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an honest review.
Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest magazine, is helping her mother cater a very prestigious event between American and Cuban officials in Key West, a three-day conference at the Harry Truman Little White House. Things are going swimmingly, even through protests on both sides of the fence, until Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel prize gold medal for The Old Man and the Sea, is discovered stolen from its case.
Unsavory suspicions point to Gabriel, a family friend and one of the new busboys working the event, who mysteriously goes missing moments later. Anxious to clear his name, Gabriel’s family enlists Hayley to help find him, but right as they begin their search, his body is found stabbed to death in the storeroom.
It’s up to Hayley to figure out whodunit, despite disapproval from her boyfriend Nathan, before the killer claims another victim.
This is the eighth Key West Food Critic mystery, and I, for one, am thankful to Crooked Lane books for rescuing this series. I have always wanted to go to Key West, and Lucy Burdette’s series lets me visit every once in a while. I enjoyed seeing real world characters woven into the story. I was thrilled to see my favorite characters return, especially Lorenzo. He adds a great deal to the story in my eyes. The only character I don’t care for, and I may be in the minority, is Hayley’s boyfriend Nathan. For some reason he doesn’t seem supportive to me, and I found myself yelling at my ereader when he was on the page.
This book centers on real world issues, and I enjoyed watching it unfold through Hayley’s eyes. Ms. Burdette does a wonderful job of painting both the conference and the people who populate Key West. Her descriptions add a great deal to the story, and make it come to life. The mystery kept me turning the pages, and the many different suspects kept me guessing.
Death on the Menu was a delicious addition to the Key West Food Critic series, and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.