This is the tenth in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. It is set between Christmas and New Years. Haley meets her mother-in-law who has unexpectedly come for a visit. Haley’s parents graciously host Helen Bransford as the boat cannot hold everyone.

Miss Gloria wanted to return to a stop along theisland tour for a better look. There they find a dead body and a kitten. Helen is interested in tagging along with Haley as she does her job errands after they stumble upon a dead body.

They try to find information about the victim and her past life to see why someone would want to kill her. In the process, Haley has a few articles due – one on Key Lime Pie. They use the Key Lime Pie search as method to gain information on the victim.

Lots of twist and turns and a few surprises. We learn more about Nathan and Helen Bransford, and Miss Gloria.

Loved the book.

I received an advanced copy. Bonus- recipes included. I am not required to leave a positive review.

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.

Newest Adventure Details:

Where: Key West, Florida

Who: Hayley


I always look forward to a visit to Key West and a chance to catch up with Hayley. I’m really excited to see how newly married life is treating her. What better time to visit the Key’s then Christmas and when a city chef is hosting a Key lime PIE contest! I arrived to Hayley being in somewhat of a panic to find her new mother in law (Helen) is coming for an impromptu visit, and Nathan’s mother loved her ex daughter in law so things may get awkward. Especially since she didn’t even bother attending Hayley and Nathan’s wedding.

The pie contest turned crazy when one of the contestants smashed pie in the organizers face after being disqualified for making a key lime “pastry” and not PIE. Well that was exciting, but time to switch gears and help Hayley get ready for the arrival of Helen.

Nathan arranged for us at Helens request to see the Christmas lights of Key West (myself, Hayley, Miss Gloria, and Mrs. Bransford) by taking the conch train to see the displays around the island. The tour is going great, and for the last display the driver wants to take us by his personal favorite display. A passed out Santa w/ a bottle of booze and speakers playing “I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus” . Only in Key West! Lol. When we got back to the car...Miss Gloria asked if we could go by that display again. We drove over and parked for closer inspection. Things turned sour when we discovered the Santa on the porch is not a dummy, but a real person...a real dead person. Hayley is being questioned by Nathan when a neighbor identifies the body as a Claudette Parker...the disqualified baker from the contest. The baker that publicly humiliated the organizer key lime pie expert David Sloan...when she shoved a pie in his face. Nothing like bonding together to solve a murder...to bring mother (in-law) and daughter together!





My thoughts:

I loved it being Christmas time...it was fun to read how the Key’s do Christmas! I also really enjoyed the addition of Helen...just like the limes that go into key lime pie she started out a little sour, but she grew on me. Well really the building of their relationship grew on me.

With great characters, great setting, and great food….Lucy Burdette has put together another stellar recipe for a great who dun it! This is the tenth addition to this series, and she continues to “whip up” fantastic and engaging mysteries that will have you (if you're like me) guessing until the end!!

Can’t wait to see what she cooks up in her next book! In the meantime, I recommend you try to cook up one of Alvina’s crumb cakes!


For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Lucy Burdette, and the publisher for this opportunity.

Burdette's Key lime Crime takes us to the ultimate pie adventure for Hayley Snow. The books opens with Hayley under stress. A morning spat with Nathan followed by a traffic citation. Our girl is feeling grouchy. She, Nathan, Miss Gloria, along with 3 pets have been living in very close quarters for too long. Overcrowding is not only part of their personal space. This time of year, between Christmas and New Years, is the height of the tourist season. The streets are filled with revelers., The hotels are booked, you might say overbooked, Her articles for Key Zest are due, The cherry on her stress sundae? Her mother-in-law will arrive for a visit. Tomorrow. If all this doesn't call for a helping of pie, nothing would. One of the island's best known self promoters, David Sloan has chosen this week to stage a Key Lime Pie Event.. The plans state that the event will end with the 'crowning' of the Queen or King of Key Lime Pie, i. e. the creator of best pie in Key West. Hayley watches, wide eyed as the kick off introducing the participants turns slap stick; one chef flings a pie into Sloan's face. Might the tosser, Claudette, be more than an entitled "Karen'? Sadly yes. Her next appearance is as the corpse. It is not just Hayley who discovers the body. Helen, her new mother in law, has a sense that something is wrong. They discover Claudette sprawled among Christmas lights, wearing a Santa suit. Miss Gloria notices a poignant part of the crime scene. Hidden next door is an abandoned kitten, once owned by Claudette. The kitten, the corpse, and the key lime pies flow together forming an entertaining mystery.. All the suspects have plausible motivations. Hayley's journalistic curiosity takes over abetted by Helen's eagerness to find the perpetrator. Who is Helen, really? Why is she in Key West? One of Burdette's strengths as a writer is to incorporate real settings and real people into Hayley's life. In the Key Lime Crime, many of the restaurants are part of Key West. A reader can search online and find images of the pies. But this is not needed. Burdette's descriptions are enough to entice. After all, there is no such thing as too much pie.

Highly recommended for cozy mystery readers and lovers of Florida fiction.

Hayley's mother-in-law finally comes to town for an unexpected visit. Hayley's current writing assignment is to write about Key Lime pies. What started as a controversy involving the type of Key Lime pie entered for a local contest, ends with her death. Hayley's roommate on the boat spots her Claudette's body while the three of them are riding the iconic tourist Conch Train. Although Nathan and the other officers have warn them to leave the case to the police, they decide to investigate while sampling the island's key lime pies.

I honestly didn't know if I could be persuaded to read and enjoy a book centered around Key Lime pies but I really enjoyed this tenth book in the series. I've read about six and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Hayley's character is now being developed as a newly-wed and having to live the reality as a police officer's wife. At first, she is intimidated by her mother-in-law, Helen, but she learns a lot about her as the book progresses. Hayley is not afraid to expose her fears and self-doubt since Helen still has a good relationship with Nathan's ex-wife. The deceased's cat T-Bone is adopted by Gloria and provides a needed relief from the seriousness of the book. I look forward to reading more in this series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for an ARC. My review is voluntary.

This tasty cozy mystery is one of my favorite series. The title would have drawn me in even if I didn't already love the series. Haley is such a fun character, bubbly and fun. She has her hands full in this one dealing with her cantankerous Mother in law. The pie baking contest, the scenery and the well written mystery keeps you turning the page to a satisfying ending. Look forward to more in this series.

This action-packed and fast-paced drama had me devouring every little detail in this appetizing tale. Mother-in-law, pies and murder don’t mix but that’s what you get with Hayley in her latest adventure. The author knows how to tell a story with a comfortable tone and a solid mystery that kept me engaged throughout. In her pursuit of solving this murder, Hayley gets a surprise partner and I enjoyed how they played off each other. I really enjoyed the essence of Key West through the eyes of Hayley and her friends as the scamper off after clues. I also liked how the author showed us the adjustments Hayley has to make with a new husband and meeting her mother-in-law. This character-driven whodunit is a delight and I can’t wait for the next book in this endearing series.

The key lime crime is an intriguing story , it take place in Jey West and will keep you eating throughout the whole story. The characters are quirky and interesting. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing then second guessing yourself.

This was a fun cozy. I don't think I have read others in this series, but I would like to. Hayley is a food critic and writes for a local foodie magazine in the Florida Keys. She has been asked to cover the an event to find the best Key Lime Pie in their community. On top of this, it is the week between Christmas and New Years and the little island is full to overflowing with tourists and her new mother-in-law decides to come for a visit. Talk about stress. To add to all this, one of the competitors at the Key Lime event is murdered.

This story makes me want to visit Key West. Also the characters are fun. Imagine living on a small houseboat with you new husband, your 80-year-old roommate, 2 cats, and a dog. Lots of suspects, and mystery within a mystery. What's not to love.

Key West Food Critic Mystery Series #10

Back in one of my favorite places! Key West and Houseboat Row! With my favorite food critic, Haley Snow. Haley and new hubby, Nathan, are still living with Miss Gloria and the pet menagerie while the renovations plod slowly on the newlyweds very own houseboat, so it's crowded, to say the least.

With the busy time between Christmas and New Year, the town is packed with unruly tourists, enjoying all of the local food and drink. The police are stretched to their limits and Haley is participating in the Best Key Lime Pie contest, covering the event and tasting all of the entries for the local magazine.

Add into the chaos a surprise last-minute visit from her new mother in law, her parents slammed with their own catering business and deadlines due now!

Haley is hoping to entertain Nathan's Mom and still get everything done on time. But her nerves are stretched.

Local, self-appointed Key Lime Pie expert, David Sloan persuaded the city to host the event and it looks like the competition is deadly. Especially since the newest pastry chef in town is told in front of everyone that her pie is not a pie and can not be entered.

And you know there is going to be a body. And that isn't even the most surprising thing. Her mother in law turns out to be nothing like Haley imagined. She has a new partner in crime-solving.

This is one of my favorite series. In this cozy, you'll be biting your nails and drooling in the same paragraphs! The recipes are delish and her writing is so effortless. The characters are quirky and fun.

Well Done!

NetGalley/ July 7th, 2020 by Crooked Lane Books

The key Line Crime had me at the Title and the cover. This is the tenth book in this series but I each book gets better and better. The mystery is satisfying and the characters are well developed. I really enjoyed this cozy culinary mystery.

KEY LIME CRIME, the tenth book in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries by Lucy Burdette, is a delicious cozy read that captures the sweet flavors of the small island situated at the tip of Florida. Hayley Snow, newly married to Detective Nathan Bransford, is a food critic for Key Zest Magazine. She’s tasked with covering the key lime pie extravaganza arranged by super star chef and author, David Sloan, which also includes lots of taste testing of delectable key lime pies. Given what our entire world has experienced with social distancing and the “stay at home” orders, KEY LIME CRIME truly is an armchair tourist destination. I love how Ms. Burdette saturates the story with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the location, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story without detracting from the plot. Her descriptive voice brings the setting to life.

With Nathan’s mother, Helen, swooping into town to meet Hayley for the first time, Hayley finds herself stressed as she tries to juggle her workload, meet deadlines, and figure out how to thaw her frosty mother-in-law. To make matters worse, Hayley and Helen stumble upon a murdered pastry chef not long after meeting. I greatly enjoyed the introduction of Helen Bransford into the story since Nathan has mostly been on the periphery in the series with Hayley taking central stage. Ms. Burdette’s use of Nathan’s mother to bring his backstory into the theme of the mystery is quite impressive and allows the reader to feel more connected to Hayley’s new husband. It also helps the reader get a glimpse into Nathan’s personality and what makes him tick especially when Hayley gets involved in trying to solve murders. The crime itself was well plotted and the pace kept me turning pages. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the final, edge-of-your-seat reveal. Ms. Burdette is a terrific storyteller and I always look forward to escaping in the pages for a visit Key West!

This is Lucy Burdette's 10th Key West Food Critic Mystery. She continues to produce a fresh mystery and great writing.
For a bit of background, it is the week after Christmas leading up to New Year's. Of course, it is a peak time for Hayley Snow's new husband Nathan. Nathan is a police detective with the Key West Police Department. Suddenly, his mother ( who had not attended their wedding ) announces she is visiting. Hayley is forced to spend the whole week with her new prickly mother in law, Helen. Hayley must also spend the week trying all of the different Key Lime Pies in the town trying to find the best one for her job. Miss Gloria is a great source of sweetness and comedy.
The writing is engaging. Lucy Burdette writes about Key West with her first hand knowledge. I feel like I am on Key West. It is definitely a place for my bucket list.
The plot was engaging. I will admit that while I was not completely surprised by the reveal of the bad guy; I had kind of ignored this person. When an author surprises me like that it is a sign of a good book! I highly recommend this book. If I could give half stars, I would give it 4 and a half stars.
Thank You to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Book for the free galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 10th book in the Key West Food Critic mystery series. Over the years, the characters have grown and gotten more interesting. It's a pleasure to read a tightly constructed mystery with characters you know well. I recommend this book as well as the entire series.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange 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.

Wonderful as always! I loved seeing glimpses into Key West life. I enjoyed how the author includes quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

This is the newest book in the Hayley Snow Bransford series. We get to meet Hayley's new mother in law who is tall and willowy.

The story takes place between Christmas and New Years!

Why do I love cozy mystery books? Because they are a glorious game of clue every time you open your book and nearly everyone is a suspect. I’m happy to report The Key Lime Crime doesn’t disappoint... A fun pager turner with a never ending list of possible suspects.

Although this is the first book I’ve read in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series it didn’t take me long to figure out our protagonist Hayley Snow is no stranger to getting herself mixed up in troubling situations. This time while covering David Sloan’s key lime extravaganza and pie contest for Key Zest Magazine she finds the real question isn’t who makes the best key lime pie, but who murdered Claudette Parker. Will Haley, the incredible Miss. Gloria, and Haley’s new mother-in-law (who made an unexpected visit) solve the mystery or will the murder take a slice out of them?

Oh man you guys, I don’t even think I have anything negative to say about this book. The characters are endearing, (or completely unlikely but in a fun way), real, and relatable. The narrative is well paced and fun. AND there are recipes from dishes served in the book at the end, what could be better (Other than the character making the dish and serving it to me that is). The story is everything you want out of a cozy. I honestly cannot wait to start reading my way through this series from the beginning. If you haven’t read a cozy this is a great place to start.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Burdette, and Crooked Lane Books for the free ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Any book that involves Key Lime pies has got to be good, right? This one was very enjoyable and I loved traveling around Key West with Hayley and her new mother-in-law. The mystery was well-done and had the twists and turns that kept me reading.

I'm looking forward to reading more of this series and the relationships continue to grow.

I love the deft way in which Lucy Burdette handles very serious subjects with a touch of humor. This to me is what makes a great cozy, and 'The Key Lime Crime' fits that bill perfectly. Hayley's intimidating mother-in-law comes to the Keys for a surprise visit between Christmas and New Year's and it takes all Hayley has to keep it together as together they stumble upon a murder victim. Nate is on the case which leaves him little time to spend entertaining his mother. I was completely surprised by who was responsible for the murder, and why it made any difference to Nate's mom. Learning more of Nate's backstory was enlightening. There is a lovely sense of family in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series, and I can't wait for more to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own,

Another installment in the Key West Food Critic.
Back to the fun of sunny Key West 🌞. Haley's new mother inlaw comes for a surprise visit. Haley's very nervous about meeting her. Because Nate is working on murder case they have to spend time bonding.
Turns out they bond over crime solving.
Lovely cozy mystery.