Although this is the eighth book in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone novel (which I did, having never ventured into this series before). You do miss out on some backstory of the main characters, but nothing that is essential to this story.
The author's love for Key West, its people, and places comes through in her writing. You feel as though you are right there with the characters--you can almost smell the ocean and feel the breeze!

The characters are well-defined and very engaging. I look forward to getting to know them all better in the future (starting with catching up on the other seven books!)

The mystery is suspenseful, and I had no idea of the killer until very close to the reveal. I didn't even have a suspect! :)

Hayley Snow is a food critic writer for the local Key Zest Magazine in Key West, Florida, but has agreed to help her mother with catering the lavish and historic Key West/Havana conference to be held at the Harry Truman Little White House on the island. The unusual convention has been orchestrated to bring both the Cuban dignitaries and the American officials together hopefully to quiet tensions between the two countries. Hayley has been asked, politely, by her detective boyfriend (Nathan) bordering on serious suitor, to please stay out of it.

The event coordinators have invited some major guests, set up displays, and scheduled tours, including that of Ernest Hemingway's Key West home. Hemingway's Nobel Prize gold medal has been loaned especially for the momentous occasion for display which almost immediately goes missing during the first dinner at the Little White House. It is the son of one of her mother's local assistants who is an immediate POI, but then he is found stabbed in a kitchen storage room. His mother's family asks Hayley to please help with the investigation.

The author really gets you onto the surface streets to the real town, the flavor, the sights, smells, and the people. I loved her description of the architecture and the colors, the ethnic mix of people and the food. And the history--loved it--not only the stories about the Truman Little White House but Ernest Hemingway's Key West home as well. (Hemingway loved cats. Five-toed cats called polydactyls.)

But back to the plot. It's a cozy.

I've often mentioned that for me a cozy mystery seems to dawdle though this one definitely heats up following the murder. Support characters include her beloved roomie, Miss Gloria, up in years but not old. (Also recruited to help with the festivities.) Although I'm not so much into the food, I got such a mental picture of Hayley's life and surroundings, I wanted to get the fish scale scraper. And did someone say flan? I love flan! Unfortunately, everyone at the event becomes a suspect and because of the tight security, only those vetted allowed to attend. So how to narrow it down? Interview.

Bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the descriptions, and most of the writing but couldn't get into Hayley's boots or Nathan's badge. The conclusion left me just a bit flat.

I was given the download by the publisher and NetGalley for a book tour. Recommended for anyone interested in the history of chugs, Cuba/Key West relations, popular Key West tourist sites, and cozy mysteries. 4.5/5 stars

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.

This is the first Key West Food Critic mystery I've read, and I loved it! Haley funny and likeable. I especially appreciated her common sense in going to the police with her suspicions and ideas instead of deciding she was smarter than the KWPD and trying to solve the murder on her own. The supporting cast is a delight, The mystery was intriguing, and the food descriptions had me yearning for a cubano. I think she did a great job of highlighting the hardships of Cuban refugees without being preachy, too. The only downside to the book were the literary excerpts at the beginning of the chapters. They seemed superfluous to me. But definitely a book I'd recommend!

I enjoyed the rich history of Key West in this book. The author describes it so well, I felt like I was there seeing the clear blue water and hanging out at Houseboat Row. That is such a fun name and it made me laugh. Hayley is a great character and I loved that she was so involved in the community. When she is asked to help her mother cater for the prestigious conference located at the Harry Truman Little White House, I knew trouble was around the corner.
The book is filled with information about Cuba and its culture. It made me realize how people have been mistreated and that like everyone in the world want a better life for their family. The story does take on some serious issues that really enhance the book. I am impressed with how elegantly the author uses characters to highlight a culture that is rich in history.
As the conference is to begin a big ruckus breaks out. The coveted Hemingway's Noble prize gold medal has disappeared. There is a long list of suspects but one name can be marked off. Gabriel is found dead which leads his family to prove his innocence in the missing gold medal and to find out who is behind his death. Haley is going to have her hands full trying to help serve food at the event while trying to investigate a murder and missing medal. I really like the author's style of writing with details that bring readers right to the action. There is a wonderful cast of characters that will keep the story intriguing.
Haley starts to get close to who the killer is when someone else is injured. The background story of Gabriel was impressive. I loved reading about his parents and how his mother risked everything for her family so they could have a better life. The way that the murder is solved was so brilliant and I loved how the author used her knowledge of Key West and Cuba to make a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I now have a craving for Cuban food. The author has included recipes at the end which I intend to try. I was surprised at who ended up being the killer and why they did it. This is a must read for all mystery lovers.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The review is my own opinion.

Haley and her mother are catering a Cuban/Us conference that is being held in the Harry Truman Little White House. Boyfriend, detective Nathan has intel that there will be trouble and wants them to turn down the job. As the meetings progress, a prized Nobel Gold medal is stolen and a man is murdered. This is book 8 in the key West Food Critic Mystery series and this is the first I've read. I'm sure there was a lot of back story that would have filled in some of the questions I had. I really liked the houseboat setting and the fact that Nathan was willing to change his mind about where they could live. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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.

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.

One of these days I hope to visit Key West but, until then, having this series to get lost in will do just fine. This is the eighth book in the series and, while it can be read as a stand alone, the reader would be well served to at least pick up a copy of the first entry. Haley Snow gets into a lot of messes in Key West. Who knew being a local food critic could be dangerous.
Haley and her octogenarian housemate, Miss Gloria are helping Haley's mother cater a weekend Cuban-American conference but the theft of Hemingway's Nobel Prize (on loan from Cuba) and a dead body in the kitchen closet are not on the schedule of events. When the dead man's family asks Haley for help finding out who killed him, she has even more reason to snoop. Much to the displeasure of her policeman boyfriend.
Besides the great cast of characters and the awesome food description, Key West is described so well it's the next best thing to actually being there or so I've been told by friends who know the area well. So, until I can pack my bags and go to Key West, I will enjoy my virtual vacation there and not have to worry about the calories or the occasional homicide, they are virtual, too.w

Havana and Key West have had a long association with writer Ernest Hemingway. If you have been to either location, there are very visible signs of his life in both places with houses in each. In Death on the Menu by Lucy Burdette, food critic Hayley Snow is excited to be participating in a three-day conference at Harry Truman's Little White House, even if it is a a staff person for her mother's fledgling catering company. When murder intrudes, Hayley is determined to solve the case and clear her friend's brother.

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.

Initial 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.

t is always a delight to spend time in Key West. Interesting bits of history concerning Hemingway and the Cuban refugees. Sad situation for the latter and amusing details about the former. The story moves along at a good pace. Sweet ending. I hope there will be more in this charming series.

Ah, Key West, be still my heart! This is the first I have read of this series, and I am glad I have received the opportunity to venture down the the Keys with this group of entertaining folks. I wish that I had read this series from the start, as I had a hard time remembering all of the characters and I think starting with book one would have made this better. However, this book was still very fun to read with a great mystery. And the food, oh the food...I think I drooled throughout most of this book. Be sure to check out the amazing Cuban recipes in the back of the book. This book was thoroughly enjoyable with a great group of characters, fun atmosphere and authentic Key West flair. You won't be disappointed in this one!

Death on the menu is the 8th installment in this series and I am a little behind. Read the first couple of books but missed the ones in the middle. Took a little bit to get caught up on what has changed in the last several books. Hayley is a food critic and her mother is a caterer and Hayley is helping her Mom with her business as well. Overall, I thought this was a very good mystery and had a good pace. I really enjoy how the author describes the area and the Cuba/US relations. Heavy topic and handled well throughout the story. The story keeps you engaged and makes you want to finish (aka as losing sleep  ). Will go back and catch up on the series and look forward to the next one.

I had only read the first Hayley Snow book and it's been quite awhile so pretty much all these characters were new to me, but I really loved the chemistry between Hayley and Nathan! Heck I'm giving this 5 stars mainly because the author's writing and plotting is excellent and I absolutely loved the killer showdown/sting and the happy ending to the book.

I wasn't particularly interested in the premise of the Havana/Key West conference since I am not interested in politics or government especially in a cozy mystery, but I did realize that some of the history being told did have to do with the outcome of the book and finding the real killer. I am definitely going to go back and read through the first book again and start making my way through this series. I really do love Hayley, she's funny and smart, she's sometimes a train wreck waiting to happen...but she's a great daughter and a fiercely loyal friend. I want to read her journey that got her from just getting a recipe column in a small paper and ending up accused of murder, to where she is today in her career and to the point of the ending of this book, which again was so darn awesome! I am dying to tell someone but I won't, since it would spoil it for those who have read the series in order (like I usually want to do-reason follows).

I was provided a hardback copy of this book to read and review from the publisher via a review group I'm in. My opinions are my own, I didn't promise to love it but I guess it turned out that I did!

What a lovely book! I never read other instalments in the "A Key West Food Critic" series so this came as a wonderful surprise.
It was fascinating and fun to read and made me fall in love with Key West and wishing to be there to visit the locations that describes.
The plot is somewhat unusual for a cozy mystery as usually they don't mix world affair with the mystery plot, this mix was highly appreciated and it gave an insight on a part of history that isn't very well known.
The historical and political background is well researched and it helps to understand other points of view on the Cuban immigrants.
The cast of characters is very likeable, I really like both the main character and her elderly friend.
The plot is full of twists and turns and the ending came unexpected.
It took me a bit to warm up to this book and then I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for this ARC

Death on the Menu is the first book that I have read in the series and probably would have been better had I read at least the first in the series but I felt that the author did a good job of adding background information so that I wasn't lost.
Hayley Snow is a food critic who works for a local magazine, Key Zest, in Key West, Florida. Her mother, Janet, owns a catering business and Hayley helps her out when needed. Janet has scored a big job catering food for a weekend conference working on Cuban-American relations that take place at the Harry Truman Little White House that President Truman had built for a vacation place. The event is controversial because many Cubans who had to flee their homeland during Castro's regime have bitter feelings and don't want relations to improve. On display are many artifacts, some already at the museum and others sent over by the visiting group. Ernest Hemingway had ties to both countries but spent more time in Cuba and when he won the Nobel prize, he gave it to the people of Cuba. It has been in safe keeping in a convent in Cuba since. Dignitaries started meeting in the morning of the first day with heated debates that escalated when the medal goes missing. Later that day, one of the kitchen workers helping with the catering job is found dead. Tensions are very high and Hayley does a little investigating of her own even though her boyfriend Detective Nathan Bransford would like for Janet and Hayley to not do the job of catering.
This is a mystery that kept me guessing to the end and the killer was a surprise to me. The cast of characters is well developed and realistic. Key West came to life and there is a lot of history in the book along with yummy sounding food. I am going to have to find a Cuban mix (sandwich) soon with a side of black beans and rice. There are some great recipes in the back of the book that I intend to save.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts stated are mine only.

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to read this book and the special thank you for the publisher and the author, Lucy Burdette, for this amazing book. I promised an honest review so there is it.

To me this was the first book by the Lucy Burdette. Death on the Menu seems to be 8th book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series, but it doesn't matter. Or it seems that those characters feels so familiar even they were quite unknow to me. It was so great and I hope that some day I will se this book series in my hometown and country, in English or translated in Finnish, because this was so great and I want so many other people get to the same opportunity to read this wonderful book. Cover was nice and the characters were quite interesting persons and of course Hayley Snow was like a new friend with interesting job and environment where to live. I think that I learn many new things for US and Key West in the same time, when I read this book.

How have I missed this series?! Hayley is a food critic in Key West- talk about a great job. Burdette gives a good flavor of the area and even better she weaves a very classic cozy with enough twists to keep you entertained. Hayley's helping her mom cater a hugely important high profile even when there's first a theft and then Gabriel, who was accused, is found stabbed to death. Yikes. Of course Hayley is going to investigate. I wasn't particularly impressed with her love interest Nathan, who is condescending at times. AND there are recipes! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A spunky heroine, a well done plot, and nice writing make this a winner.