It’s a key lime bonanza this time for newlywed Hayley Snow. To her surprise her new mother-in-law comes for an unplanned visit after not attending her wedding and she has to entertain her because her husband is busier than ever policing the island with the new year’s shenanigans and visitor causing a ruckus. While on a Christmas light tour Hayley’s mother-in-law, call her Helen, seems to notice something untoward and after the tour is over they go back to investigate. What should they discover but a dead body trussed up as a drunk Santa. It’s a baker who was part of the key lime contest running for the week. Who wanted her dead? Was it a competitor or someone from her past? Hayley Helen set about the island to find out the truth. Hayley soon discovers Helen may know more about the dead woman than she’s telling!

I listened to this as an audiobook but it was originally sent to me as an e-ARC via NetGalley a while back. All opinions are my own and would be the same with or without the review copy.

Set between Christmas and New Year’s in Key West, Florida, you will find lots of deserts mentioned, especially Key Lime pie. There are many tourist this time of year in this town and with that comes pie contests. Hayley Snow is a food critic reporting on it.

Hayley is newly married to detective Nathan Bransford and her new mother-in-law she has never met is in town. She takes her on the local light tour while Nathan is working. While out they find a body which kicks Nathans workload up a notch, leaving Hayley more time with his mother.

While Hayley eats up the town and entertaining her, they are actively seeking answers to the same murder that Nathan asks her to stay out of. He doesn’t want her in the mix of another murder and he is worried she will get hurt. It doesn’t help that he wonders if one of his old cases may be to blame. When she tries to step back and follow his wishes, his mom decides she’s going to find the answers with or without Hayley’s help.

This was definitely a quick read. I read this as a standalone, even though this is the 10th book in the Key West Food Critic series. I was able to easily keep up with what was going on. I did have a few times where I wondered what I was missing since I hadn’t read the other books but nothing major.

I enjoyed this book well enough. I finished it rather quickly and didn’t loose interest. My favorite character was the older neighbor lady, Gloria. She was the best part of the whole book for me. Perhaps make the series focus on her instead.

I thought the mention of historical recipes was nice and would loved to have had more of that. The book was very heavy handed with mentioning Trans people who do some of the events. While I get what the author/publisher was trying to do with including them, I feel that it was worthless mentions that could have been left out. If you are going to mention something like that then perhaps actually detail scenes with those characters and form more than a passing mention. I hate when authors/publishers mention or put in a non relevant character just to seem like they are on the side of those groups. Either put them in a decent part of the book or just leave them out. Don’t just mention them for the sake of having Trans in the book a time or two. If you can’t dedicate a full scene/page it is probably best left out. That’s just my two cents worth but I’d love to know if you feel the same from the people from those selected groups. Ok, moving on.

Since that is one of my biggest pet peeve’s this book would have never gotten 5 stars from me. However, there was nothing special about this book that would have gotten it that high anyways. While I would consider reading more of this series, there is nothing her that made me think it was a must. So with that I will rate it 3 stars as it was average.

*Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC that was so kindly provided to me in exchange for my honest review.

#TheKeyLimeCrime #NetGalley

The Key Lime Crime is the tenth entry in the long running series by Lucy Burdette. The stories take place in Florida and feature Hayley and those around her.

There is to be a pie contest being held during the December holidays. It will be Hayley’s job to report on the event. When a murder occurs Hayley will have her work to do. Who killed the pastry chef and why? How will she and her police detective husband solve the case? Oh, and what about Hayley’s mother in law who was with Hayley when the victim was found?

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries and certainly those who have read other entries in the series should enjoy this one. A bonus is the recipes. I also enjoyed the quotes that began each chapter.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinons are my own.

This is the tenth book in the series but my first. I was able to enjoy this book as a stand-alone mystery. The characters are likable and entertaining. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of suspects and twists and turn leading up to a surprise. The story is wrapped up nicely at the end.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

I have since made my own key lime cheesecake and think of this title every time. I really liked Burdette's descriptions of the tour Hayley takes with her new mother in law, and how it displays such fun for the holiday. Hayley vacillates between dealing with a dead pastry chef and a force of nature mother in law. You have to read to see who 'wins'!

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

I was initially drawn to this story because it is named after my favourite dessert and yes, I like my key lime tart. The Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette is the tenth in the Key West Food Critic cozy mystery series. It was such a delight that I read it in one sitting.

First of all, I did not realize there were previous books. I did not think in any way that took away from my experience while reading this book. While I can see how some characters might have more history, I felt all important information was included in the writing and it read as a standalone.

My favourite aspect of this story was the setting! I have been to Key West several times and I could easily picture this entire story. Honestly, it felt like a mini vacation to Key West from all the accurate descriptions, places, people, and events. It also was set between the week of Christmas and New Year’s. A time that sounds like a blast down there, but I prefer to avoid the crowds.

Nathan’s mother was my favourite character. I felt the twist from the Google search was unique and it set the book in a totally different and interesting direction. I think a book series based on her skills would be a blast.

I liked the premise of the mystery, but I found the murderer pretty obvious. It did not take away from my enjoyment, but I was not wowed.

I do plan on reading the other books in the series, and I immediately requested the 11th book in the series! I think fun times in Scotland are ahead. The recipes included all sound delicious and I cannot wait to try them!

I received an eARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

Is it possible to fall in love with a place in just a few hours?

Absolutely!

That’s exactly what happened when I visited Key West while on a Carnival cruise in 2016. After shopping on Duval Street, exploring Hemmingway’s home, photographing the chickens that roam the streets, and devouring a slice of key lime pie, as well as numerous pieces of key lime fudge, I was in love with this town on the southernmost point of the continental United States.

When I returned home, I immediately started to read Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic cozy mystery series. I was hooked, which shouldn’t be a surprise considering the main character, Hayley Snow, is a food writer. She also lives on a houseboat, which she shares with a feisty-but-loving elderly woman. I zoomed through all of the editions already in print and then waited for each new edition with great anticipation and little patience.

Announcement! The newest book, The Key Lime Crime, will be released on Tuesday, August 11, 2020!

This is the 10th book in the series, and lucky me got an advance copy.

I enjoyed every page!

Set during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, when Key West, Florida explodes with tourists, Hayley is covering a key lime pie baking contest. Plus, her new mother-in-law comes for a visit—the same woman who didn’t come to the wedding a few weeks earlier. When Hayley, her elderly (and sassy) roommate, and mother-in-law discover the body of a controversial new pastry chef from the contest, the trio sets out to find the murderer, which doesn’t make her new husband and detective, Nathan, very happy.

One of the aspects of Burdette’s series I adore is her ability to describe Key West so clearly. It’s easy to feel like you’re right in the midst of the quirky town. She also includes real locations, restaurants, and people in her stories. With most of us feeling cooped up because of the coronavirus pandemic, reading this series is like taking a mini-vacation. In fact, I have a list of places from her books I plan to explore when I return for a longer visit.

Besides being an enjoyable read, the book also has recipes for many of the dishes mentioned in the story—thank goodness! So far, I’ve tested out the Chai Snickerdoodles, and they were tasty. The only change I would make would be to add a little vanilla to the cookie dough, which I’ll try out the next time. And yes, there will be a next time!

Since key lime is in the title, there are numerous references to the various pie styles found on the island, including this one from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe I posted about after my visit. The book includes key lime martini and key lime parfait recipes, both of which are on my gotta-try list.

If you’re a fan of mysteries, food, unique characters, or tropical settings, then you need to read the Key West Food Critic series.

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 the tenth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. Hayley is happy with new husband, Nathan, until she discovers that her mother-in-law is coming to visit. Hayley and her friend Miss Gloria take her mother-in-law on a harmless train tour. She has no idea that the trio will discover the body of a new controversial chef. Hayley is shocked when her mother-in-law wants to tag along on Hayley's daily outings which include investigating the murder. Miss Gloria is easily my favorite part of this book. It is an action packed book with a few bumps along the way to the end. I love the Key West setting and look forward to more in this series.

I really wanted to like The Key Lime Crime. It has all the elements of a cozy crime that I normally really enjoy, but, for me, this book just fell flat. It may be that it is the first of this series that I have read and there were a lot of references to previous books. I was just so lost. Sadly, this book was a DNF for me. There were a lot of delicious sounding foods mentioned. I’m not sure if this will ever be a series that I revisit. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really loved this book! Such a great dynamic between Hayley and her new mother-in-law, who was full of surprises. The mystery was interesting and well plotted. I missed seeing more of Nathan but I think that was by design for Hayley and her mother in law to bond.

"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.

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.



🥧 🥧 🥧 key lime pies out of 5

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Another delightful addition to Lucy Burdette’s series! I love Hayley Snow and she just gets more charming as the series progresses.


What I Liked:

The cover. So drool worthy!

The mystery was pretty good. Sometimes a cozy mystery can be a bit too light of a mystery (especially as the series gets long in the tooth) but Lucy keeps things fresh.

Nathan may be growing more on me. 🙂



Bottom line: To truly enjoy Hayley, I really think you should start with book 1. But you can read this as a standalone.

The Key Lime Crime: A Key West Food Critic Mystery
By Lucy Burdette
Crooked Lane Books
August 2020

Review by Cynthia Chow

Food critic Hayley Snow barely has time to wallow in the bliss of her newlywed state as Key West enters its busiest holiday season. Just as tourists flood the town during the week between Christmas and the New Year, Hayley and her husband Detective Nathan Bransford also must deal with the renovations on their new houseboat. It’s not the best conditions for Hayley to meet her mother-in-law for the first time, but it doesn’t look like there’s much option when Helen Bransford unexpectedly arrives, bringing along a judgmental attitude and memories of Nathan’s ex-wife. Hayley’s worries that she will be a disappointment are quickly overshadowed by the death of pastry shop owner Claudette Parker, a talented chef and contestant in David Sloan’s Key Lime Pie extravaganza. It was at an event at the Key West Library that Claudette and her bakery had their Key Lime Napoleon eliminated from the upcoming contest due to a technicality, and Hayley can’t help but wonder if that had something to do with her murder.

While Nathan strongly encourages Hayley ignore her instincts to once again delve into an investigation, a rather surprising force propels her headfirst into the case. This time it is Nathan’s own mother who leads the charge into solving the murder, and the reason why is understandable and heartbreaking. Overwhelmingly insecure and desperate to get her mother-in-law’s approval, Hayley finds herself with an unexpected partner as they question rival bakers and dive deep into the confection linked so closely with the Key West. Cream versus meringue, graham crust or pastry, the balance of topping to the custard, all are as debatable and complicated as the motives that drove someone to murder.

This series always tops the list of my favorite reads of the year, being the perfect blend of foodie lore, enviable setting, and uniquely developed characters. At first seeming to be opposites, Nathan eats to live while Hayley expresses love through food and appreciates its pleasures. That Nathan seems to have inherited this attitude from his mother has Hayley more than a little concerned that she will be seen unworthy as daughter-in-law, especially in comparison to Nathan’s ex. As the investigation progresses and Hayley learns more about Helen and the trauma the Bransford family has endured, the women bond as they share more than just love for Nathan. Humor and clever writing keep the pace moving along swiftly and are as captivating as the Key West lifestyle. Recipes from both the author and the fictional chefs are included to delight not just with their alcohol content but also with their nostalgic ties to the creators. Emotionally satisfying and entertaining from start to finish, this tenth in the series is a standout read for the holidays or any time readers need to escape to the tropics.

Key Lime Crime (Key West Food Critic Mystery #10). By Lucy Burdette. Crooked Lane Books. 2020. (ARC eBooks).

It’s the week before New Year’s and Hayley Snow has a lot on her plate. As a food critic and writer for Key Zest, she’s front and center for a key lime pie extravaganza hosted by a celebrity chef and showcasing all of Key West’s bakers and restaurateurs. She’s also navigating her new marriage to police detective Nathan Bransford, who is busy with all the craziness that arises during holidays. AND her mother-in-law Helen is arriving for a visit. Hayley and her and Nathan’s elderly friend, Gloria, decide to take Helen on a bus tour of Key West. But upon closer inspection of a Santa display, Santa is found dead. Upon closer inspection Santa turns out to be the town’s new pastry chef and a contestant of the baking contest.

While this is book 10 in the series, this installment is the first book I’ve read by Burdette. Key Lime Crime was an entertaining cozy mystery and I’m interested in reading the earlier books, particularly in order to read the full details of how Hayley and Nathan met and married and how Hayley handles a mystery more on her own (if she does; as Helen provided a lot of direction on this one).

The Key Lime Crime was a great action packed edition to this series that proves to be a very busy week between Christmas and New Year in Hayley Snow! I really enjoyed my visit to Key. West. Poor recently married Haley is going to have to host her mother-in-law. This going to be a tad awkward! Nothing like a murder to bound mother-in-law and daughter-in-law! I just reviewed

I was give a copy of the Ke Lime Crime by Netgalley for my honest opinion. If you get a chance this whole series is a great read!

The Key Lime Crime

A Dey West Food critic Mystery

By: Lucy Burdette

Crooked Lane Books

Mystery and Thrillers

Publish date July 7, 2020

#TheKeyLimeCrime

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This is the 10th book in this series. I was a little lost because I haven't read the other books but it really didn't take away from the story line. I just didn't know much about the main characters back history. Otherwise I did enjoy this book. I gave it 4 stars. The back of the book also has recipes which is a great highlight.

This story takes place in December in Key West, Florida. It is the busiest week of the year being the last week of the year and there is a lot of partying going on. Our main character is a food critic for the local magazine and she is going to all the events and making reports. She is recently married to a local police man and her mother-in-law has come for a visit. Hayley has never met her because she refused to come their wedding. Nathan her husband isn't able to spend much time with either of them because of the busy week.

One of the events Hayley goes to take place in the library which is having a contest for the best Key Lime Pie. One of the applicant's gets mad and throws a pie in the head guys face.

This applicant ends up died and they are trying to solve the murder. To Hayley's surprise her mother-in-law, Helen, is very interested in helping solve the murder. She and Hayley go around the town interviewer people in the food industry because of the articles she needs to write and they ask questions of the bakers about their pies and if they know anything about the murdered person.

What I liked about this book and how she wrote it was I couldn't guess who the murderer was. I was actually surprised who the murderer was.

I read this book in 3 days but probably could have read it one if I didn't have to work. I highly recommend that you read this book. To know who the characters are better I would highly recommend that you start from book one but you don't have to.