I always enjoy escaping to Key West with this series and this book doesn't disappoint. There is an awful lot happening this time around too .... won't give away spoilers but we learn more about some of our favorite characters putting them at risk in the case of this title --- this book was a quick read and involved a few storylines that tied together nicely in the end.
Can't wait to read the next one because this story ends with lots of excitement!!
Well done Lucy :)

When Hayley's career and her mother's catering business are both threatened by an act of sabotage, she is ready to investigate. With a wonderful Zey West setting, heartwarming characters and a great plot this cozy mystery is a winner.

Would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery that keeps you guessing till the end.

Thank you to Lucy Burdette, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book

The Mango Murders is the fifteenth book in Lucy Burdette’s Key West Food Critic Mystery series. A sunset cruise hosted by Key Zest takes a deadly turn when an explosion on board leads to a death investigation. Meanwhile, Hadley Snow juggles solving the mystery while hosting family and friends who have traveled to Key West for Miss Gloria’s birthday celebration.

I’ve been reading the Key West Food Critic Mystery series since An Appetite for Murder was published, and it remains one of my favorites. Even before reading The Mango Murders, I knew I would recommend it simply because of how much I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series.

Another entertaining addition to the series. It is well written with a plot that will keep you guessing until the end.

It all starts with a grand fun birthday party catered by Hayley's mother that literally explodes! Local detective Bransford wants to keep everyone safe, but Hayley, her mother and others with family/friend interests are all trying to find out: who was responsible, who is missing, and who was the target. Fast paced and even with situational humor, banter, and lots of wit. Loved this addition to the series!
For those new to the series: Hayley Snow is a food critic, and her husband Nathan Bransford is a local police detective. Whenever the occasion arises, she winds up sharing the sleuthing with her fantastic octogenarian neighbor, Miss Gloria. This installment is quite stand alone, though.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-file from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 12, 2025
#TheMangoMurders by @lucyburdette #KeyWestFoodCriticMysteriesBk15 @crookedlanebooks
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Lucy Burdette has written another fun edition of the Key West Food Critic murder mystery. Book 15 is a fresh as book 1. Hayley Snow has worked hard to help her boss arrange a publicity dinner on a replica Hemingway boat but before they can even clear the harbor, the boat explodes. Hayley and almost every one else escapes with minor injuries, but an unidentified body is found in the hold of the boat. As always, Hayley is deep in the investigation even though her husband Nathan is not happy with her involvement. To complicate things, Miss Gloria’s 85th birthday is coming up and a simple celebration has turned into a major event. As always, while accompanying Hayley around town on her adventures, we are shown snippets of Key West that always makes me want to visit again! I was delighted when NetGalley offered me an Advanced Reader a copy but the opinion is my own.

While on the cruise Hayley Snow is worried if she is able to make a big impact with her article or she will be stuck writing recipes and local food gossip. Soon, Hayley discovers that luxurious cruise that is filled with delicious is also filled with murders and conspiracies.

The writing itself is not captivating as other thriller book tend to be, but the fast pacing of the story makes up for it.

The description of the foods of the food made my mouth water so much.

As it was first time reading this author's work, I feel that the author did a good job introducing characters and their dynamics.

Now, for Mystery genre it is important for me not to be able to guess who is behind all of this, but also it is important that this person didn't appear out of thin air and the author did a pretty good job with that.

Five stars, I genuinely believe that this book is underrated and I can see these series as a Netflix show that I will enjoy watching.

Lucy Burdette’s THE MANGO MURDERS
Jamaican children sing of mamas turning the cookpots over and sending them out to eat mangos when ripe, so plentiful and for only a short time. In Key West, mango season is celebrated, with menus and recipes and parties, celebrating the fresh, delicious fruits. Why would anyone want to spoil the joy? Why indeed — Hayley and family/friends use all their collective wits to try to find the why and by whom of an “accident” that took a life and threatens livelihoods and peace of mind.
Meanwhile, celebration of Miss Gloria’s 85th involves multiple events, bringing together those who love her . . . and her family, still determined to move her to (shudder, brrrr) Michigan. I loved exploring Key West by car, foot, and scooter, enjoying the descriptions of places, people, and food — I could almost taste the delectable offerings, and there are recipes!
Villains are on a par with Iago, but there are also pleasant events and a surprise I wouldn’t dare spoil but kinda saw coming. ;-)
Coming Aug. 12, plenty of time to catch up on earlier books in the Key West series, should you wish to.

Another great installment in this cozy series. Love the Key West setting, the character development and an interesting mystery. Following Hailey around Key West as she explores the many restaurants, parks and sights, is part of this charming story. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

#TheMangoMurders #NetGalley is another fantastic addition to this cozy mystery series.
Hayley is such a fun character, and this story includes the 85th birthday of her dear friend Miss Gloria.
While on a boat for a work event, someone sneaks on and causes an explosion that sends everyone into the water, including Hayley.
Stunned and shocked, Hayley does her best to help other injured guests, and she finds herself involved in another murder investigation.
The investigation stalls until a positive identification is made, but that doesn't stop Hayley from asking questions.
While all this is going on, she is also preparing for Miss Gloria's birthday celebration, and she is going all out for her favorite octogenarian.
The ending had me cheering and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

A sunset cruise around Key West and some of it's surrounding islets sounds like the perfect way to increase business for Key Zest Magazine and Janet Snow's catering business until the boat explodes throwing all the esteemed guests into the water. Hayley's boss, Palamina, editor of Key Zest comes up with the idea with Hayley and coworker Danielle in charge of checking in guests. One or two unexpected guests manage to get onboard in the last minute boarding rush. When one of them is found below deck dead during the investigation of the explosion, Hayley goes into detective mode, even though she and her family are involved in a huge celebration of Miss Gloria's 85th birthday. Of course Miss Gloria's sons and their wives are in attendance, once again determined to move her back to Michigan. How to find the person responsible for the explosion, clearing her mother's name without completely aggravating her chief police deputy husband, Nathan and ensure Miss Gloria has a birthday celebration worthy of this delightful and much loved friend is driving Hayley a bit over the edge.
This series is such a delightful read. The location descriptions always give me a deep desire to visit Key West and take in all the sights and tasty treats. The characters are people I would love to hang out with, though unlike Hayley's stepmother and mother0in-law, I'm not sure I want to delve into the crimes and mishaps! I do think a visit with Lorenzo would be tons of fun and maybe a bit unnerving and the Cuban coffee sounds delicious and maybe calling my name right now! Most of the supporting characters of previous books in the series make an appearance in this one and it was such a treat to see them all again.
The plot built throughout and looking back there were some clues to "who done it", but I was surprised when all was revealed. Another surprise occurs that I did see coming, but it was entertaining to watch it play out and I loved the way things ended.
Many thanks to Lucy Burdette for such a wonderful book and great series. I look forward to every new book in this series with much anticipation. Thanks also to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy to enjoy in exchange for my honest review of the book.