National bestselling author Lucy Burdette’s tenth Key West Food Critic mystery is piping hot with pie-enthusiasts and murder suspects.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 … 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?
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The perfect escape book for tough times! Loved it.
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 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.
I love this series. It’s tasty, yummy, flavorful mystery. The mother-in-law is a terrific new character!
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.
Another delicious mystery from Lucy Burdette!
Just finished reading A Key Lime Crime in one big delightful gulp. As a long-time fan of the Key West Food Critic mysteries, I was delighted to be once again zipping around the island on Haley Snow’s moped! As always, the clever plotting means that the pages almost turn themselves, and the wonderful characters and sparkling humor never fail to charm. And just wait until you meet Haley’s fearsome new mother-in-law!
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
A fantastic addition to a wonderful series! Hayley is newly married still trying to work out the logistics for living together. With the holidays coming it just gets more stressful. then the town decides to host a pie making contest focused just on Key Lime pie. Things get interesting from the get go when one contestant is disqualified so she shoves a pie in the hosts face. Then hubby announces his mom is coming for a surprise visit the very next day and she had never met Hayley. Add the murder of the disqualified lady and things really get interesting if not somewhat stressful. Talk about a first impression. Then the MIL insists on investigating leading to a surprise twist of an ending. A well written cozy full of food (especially let lime is of course) that will leave you drooling while keeping up with all the little clues and twists. A pleasant read for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
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)
I’ve read every book in this series, so I obviously like it. I had noticed in previous books that the author is very frank about the problems of living in the Keys (especially the one featuring the hurricane) which is a departure from the usual sunny local of most cozies (despite the high murder count…kinda like Cabot Cove). It doesn’t dampen my reading experience, but seems to perk me up from my cozy complacency.
We also see life in a houseboat, especially one with 3 adults and 3 pets isn’t golden, nor is marriage, even if one of the couple isn’t the murder victim du livre.
The usual dynamic duo of Hayley and Miss Gloria becomes a trio when Nathan’s mom unexpectedly arrives. The mystery takes a second seat to page time about Hayley’s job, her strange mother in law, homeless animals and more. I felt the murder was deal with adequately, but some readers may be disappointed and feel it was a bit unrealistic. there were not enough details to make it truly seem logical/believable. Also, Hayley’s lack of knowledge about her husband’s life pre-time together also seems very strange this day in age. Her not questioning meeting his family before the wedding or the mother not attending?!?!
That said, it was still a positive read for me and kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next. However, like Helen (the MIL), I was glad to end all things key lime by the end of the book. I swear the words “key lime” must have been written a thousand times in this book.
Looking forward to the next book which sounds like it will take place on distant shores. Yes! A cozy road trip!!!
I got my copy of Key Lime Crime from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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.
I enjoyed this book. The Key West Food Critic Mystery Series is always a good time. Hayley’s relationship with her elderly roommate, Miss Gloria is a favorite part of the book for me. The mystery draws you in and we learn a little more about some of the characters at the same time.
The Key Lime Crime is book ten in the A Key West Food Critic Mystery series by Lucy Burdette.
It’s the week between Christmas and New Years and Key West is overflowing with tourists. The town is also hosting the first key lime pie contest and it’s looking some what cut throat between some of the bakers. Newlywed Haley is set to report on the contest when hubby Nathan, drops the bomb, his mother is coming to stay and meet Haley. Of course there are no rooms available and Nathan is working overtime, what to do with Helen. It’s decided she can stay with Haley’s mom. When one of the top chefs in the competition is found dead by Nathan’s mother during a Christmas tour, Haley is thrown into another investigation with not only, Miss Gloria, Helen also wants in.
There are plenty of suspects and twists and turns that have you guessing to the end. As with any great cozy the setting is great, as are the characters, there is the perfect mix of quirky. You also get humor and love of family and pets. The only problem with this book is you will be left a craving for Key Lime pie.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an honest review.
Another hit in this series.
Excellent characters and an intriguing mystery.
And why is her mother visiting now?
What does it all mean? How do all the separate bits fit together?
Expertly, in Ms. Burdette’s hands.
A fun cozy mystery set in sunny Key West, Florida! Hayley Snow is busy with writing a piece on the local key lime pie contest when her new mother-in-law arrives for a surprise visit. After a tour of local Christmas lights, Hayley, Nathan’s mother, and Miss Gloria trek back to one of the houses on the tour and discover the dead body of one of the pastry shop owners who was involved in the contest. The three ladies put on their sleuthing hats to try to figure out the killer. A fun cozy setting and I loved seeing the three women work together to sleuth. The killer came as a complete surprise to me. I really enjoyed the characters and the recipes in the book as well as the setting of Key West. I look forward to reading more of this series!
great book
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!
I admit I started this series with book 9 and am mad at myself for waiting so long to start the series. It was very easy to start with books 9 and 10 as the author does a fantastic job giving enough background to know who is who and what is what. One of my reading goals for 2021 is to get caught up on this series.
In book 10 we visit Key West the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Hayley’s mother-in-law comes to visit and excitement seems to have followed her down. The mother-in-law was a little snooty for my tastes. Her comments on food/eating were bothersome. Why make your new daughter-in-law question her food choices and eating habits? First, she just met Hayley, and second, it is Hayley’s job to enjoy food. I hope the mother-in-law softens up her hard edges before visiting again.
There are plenty of yummy recipes included and not all revolve around Key Lime. I also liked that the book quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I have found some new authors to try.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. Any opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette is a pie-licious mystery filled with insecurities, ambitions, and murder.
Will Hayley and Helen figure out who killed Claudette before they completely hate key lime pies?
Haley and Helen
Haley is in her first month of marriage to her brilliant cop husband, Nathan, when his mother calls to come and visit the week unexpectedly between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This is the busiest time for the police, not to mention Hayley’s job and her parents’ catering business. Key West is pretty crazy this time of year.
Hayley has so many questions about Nathan’s childhood, but she is very intimidated by Nathan’s mom, Helen. Helen also works in law enforcement but as a forensic scientist. Hayley learns some things about Nathan’s past that she didn’t know before. However, Helen is full of other surprises. Hayley and Helen are starting to get along, but one of the things that make them so different is that Hayley loves food, whereas Helen needs nourishment.
I like the way Ms. Burdette allows Hayley’s insecurities to play out and how we slowly see Hayley and Helen getting closer. However, I always have such a problem with Nathan and his issues with Hayley’s well-being. I try to grasp his past and how that affects his current life. Yet, there are times when he drives me crazy.
The Mystery
Claudette, the newest pastry chef in town, is murdered after throwing a pie in the face of one of the more popular citizens. Hayley, Helen, and Miss Gloria find the deceased. Then Helen and Hayley begin to investigate the crime. I totally thought it was a red herring, I even got caught up in the wrong motive.
Miss Gloria Update
Miss Gloria is a kick in the pants. She is my favorite character. In this installment, she gets another cat, a kitten named T-Bone. So let’s do a quick rundown. That’s three people, two adult cats, one dog, and now a kitten all living in a two-bedroom boathouse. Talk about tight quarters, but it is fine as Miss Gloria is already worried about how lonely she will be when Hayley and Nathan finally move on to their houseboat that’s right next door.
Honestly, it’s harder to find contractors there in Key West than it is here in Montana, and that is saying a lot.
Five Stars
I love the dynamics of Hayley, her family, Nathan, and Miss Gloria. Seriously, this book has it all, murder, cats, a dog, and food (lots of key lime pie). My rating for The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette is five stars. I recommend it to all you cozy readers out there.
Oh and don’t forget the recipes at the back:
• Cheese Puffs with Fig Jam
• Alvina’s Crumb Cake
• Cheryl’s Chai Snickerdoodles
• Knockoff Baby’s Salad with Italian Dressing a la Clemente’s Trolley Pizzeria
• Eric’s Chick and Stuffing Casserole for 160 People
• David Sloan’s Key Lime Martini
• Lucy Burdette’s Decadent Key Lime Parfait
• Caprese Salad with Grilled Flank Steak
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
This was a really enjoyable book it was worth buying. The characters are believable. The recipes are excellent looking forward to the next book.
Every single time a new Hayley Snow Key West Food Critic Mystery is published it immediately bumps to the top of my TBR pile because I just know it’s going to be fab, and The Key Lime Crime was no exception! Hayley and Nathan are recently married when his mom (and Hayley’s MIL!!!) announces she’s popping down to the island for a visit during the busiest week of the year. Nathan’s working round the clock, so it falls to Hayley to entertain Helen, and when they discover a murdered woman during their Christmas light tour of Key West, Hayley’s torn between Nathan’s adamant requests not to get involved, and Helen’s appeal to do a little digging – and since Hayley’s anxious to please her new mother-in-law you can guess who she’s listening to! With key lime pie everywhere (there’s a contest going on!), Hayley (as usual) is eating her way around the island, and author Lucy Burdette includes several delicious recipes from Hayley’s travels! 5 stars!!!