When I started this book yesterday, I was looking for the usual light, fun read. I was also very happy to go on a trip to Scotland with Hayley and some of her crew. I enjoy the stories set in Key West, but a change of venue could add a bit of spice.

Ultimately, I was disappointed with the slow pace. At one point I was shocked to see I was at 34%, it seemed like the book had been going on forever. Understandably, there were a lot of new characters introduced and a lot of time sent on the setting and the Bransford family's personal issues which detracted from the mystery. Despite all the famous Scottish sites mentioned, the book didn't transport me to the location like the books set in Key West do.

The book has a lot of minor, non-lethal mysteries for Hayley to try and figure out, as well as the lethal mystery. I thought the lethal one was fairly easy to figure out though. Nathan and Ms. Gloria provide additional mysteries of their own. Nathan might as well have not come on his honeymoon and I don't want to give spoilers about Ms. Gloria.

I was able to finish the book, but even as a long time reader of the series, I can't really even give this an OK rating. Even if this is to serve as a possible transition book (Hayley going in a new direction as a married woman and/or Nathan's family playing a bigger role in future books), it just left me unsatisfied in most areas.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another favorite by a great author. The plot of the story was very well written. The author really draws the reader in as you read. I cannot wait to read another book.

I loved going to Scotland with Hayley, Nathan and Miss Gloria. The descriptions of the countryside were enchanting, there was a delightful spiritual quality to it and the murder mystery was sharp and engaging. I loved 'A Scone of Contention' from start to finish, especially the recipes. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

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

Newly married Hayley is off on a delayed honeymoon to Scotland with her husband, elderly best friend and, surprise, her new mother-in-law. Of course, they are staying with more inlaws, who have separate activities planned for the couple. Tensions are running high even before an attempted poisoning and a possible murder. Great descriptions of food and scenery. Fun throughout.

Thank you Netgallery for an ARC of A Scone of Contention.

3.5 stars. I am a fan of this cozy series set in Key West. I can't believe that this is already #11. While I was hoping for another escape read in the warmth of sunny Florida, this one only starts and finishes there. The novel describes Haley's honeymoon in Scotland with Ms. Gloria, some of Nathan's family and new friends. There are two mysteries to follow which adds to the depth of the story. This is also a very descriptive postcard of the many sites in Scotland that they journey to on this trip. It also includes a tantalizing menu of local fare - with much mention of scones - and recipes to follow. While I appreciate trying out a new setting, I look forward to the next one being back 'home'.

It is always a treat to visit with Hayley and her besties! This time was very special because they were in Scotland for the honeymoon of Hayley and Nathan, with Miss Gloria along just because. Naturally there was a lot of amazing food, especially scones. Recipes are included which makes the book even more wonderful! There was even a murder that Hayley couldn't resist trying to solve and an almost murder to someone dear to her. Thank you, Netgalley.

A honeymoon with extras is the start to this latest installment. Flying away from key west for a honeymoon, family, and sightseeing with work thrown in, our favorite food reviewer cannot help but be thrown head first into a mystery. Past and present collide to make this a humorous read you will not be able to put down!

Haley and Nathan are finally taking a honeymoon going to Scotland. Miss Gloria and Nathan's mother are joining them. Not exactly a dream honeymoon.
They will be visiting Nathan's sister and brother in law as well as seeing some sites.
What is not expected is to get caught up in a murder.
Old friends, secrets and descriptions of beautiful historical and mystical places in Scotland let me travel with out leaving my chair.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Another great adventure. The double mystery, Scotland and Key West, was an interesting bonus.
I'm longing to travel to Scotland now!
I was drooling the whole time from the delicious food references.
The recipes offered are wonderful.

A honeymoon with a older feisty neighbor and a mother in law. That is reality for Haley and Nathan as they visit his sister in Scotland. During the visit a friend of Nathan’s sister is murdered. The sleuthing Haley can’t help herself.
A fun mystery full of surprises!
#ASconeofContention #NetGalley

A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette
Bringing one’s octogenarian neighbor on one’s honeymoon might not sound ideal, but it’s perfect for Nathan and Hayley. Miss Gloria is fun, tough, lively, a bit too sensitive to “thin places” and echoes from the past, but she bounces back after a little nap.
Bringing one’s mother-in-law? Maybe a bit tougher, especially with the addition of other family and business relationship snarls, strained to the point of . . . ah, but that would be telling. Just know that it’s not all scones and tartans and festivals, and there are hazards beyond the golf course.
The pacing of the book, the twists and turns of plot, and the magnificent descriptions made this a terrific vicarious travel experience, pushing aside all other activities as I read on. I wondered why I was feeling worn out after, but then I thought back through the itinerary, and it made perfect sense. Now I’m missing Scotland, as these people, places, and menus replay in my mind. I will be looking up some of the places online, but I really want to see, smell, and taste, for real (once we can), but not with goggles, no matter how well programed.
* Pub date 8/10, ample time to read/refresh previous books in the Key West series if you wish.

This book brings you along on Hayley and Nathan’s honeymoon, which is the most unconventional honeymoon. Because Miss Gloria and Nathan’s mother join the two of them along with a host of characters in Scotland connected to Nathan’s sister Vera. While the author didn’t let me escape to the warmth of Key West for very long, she took me on a tour of Scotland that reminds me of why it’s on my list of places to visit. And the food??? My stomach is growling and I’m so happy there are recipes at the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the arc.

The 11th book in the series and we have a lot going on. Off to Scotland for a honeymoon, meeting several new characters with their own backstories. I get lost in the details.

Just a little bit at a time.

I really like this series but had a very hard time locking into this installment. There were so many characters introduced together - many with their own plot lines - and I didn't follow along very well.

Hayley, Nathan, Miss Gloria and Nathan's mother are off to Scotland to visit Nathan's sister. It's a honeymoon of sorts, but when murder makes an appearance, it becomes more of a sleuthing adventure!

I enjoyed the descriptions of Scotland and it's history. The mystery was complicated and fun with twists and turns galore. I learned more about Nathan and his sister Vera that explained some of Nathan's personality. A side story involving Connie and Ray kept the reader bouncing between Key West and Scotland. Harley and Miss Gloria found themselves the target of a deranged killer and were very clever in bringing the person to justice. Of course, the descriptions of food kept me snacking!

Another winner in the series!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Scotland Beckons.....
The eleventh Key West Food Critic mystery and Hayley Snow is on another adventure, this time to Scotland along with Nathan for a delayed honeymoon. Needless to say, nothing goes quite to plan. With wonderfully developed characters the plot is well populated and always fun. Wholly escapist reading and a worthy addition to the series.

Hayley and her new husband Nathan go to Scotland for their honeymoon and take along their neighbor and close friend Miss Gloria, who is elderly. While that on the surface seems strange and might be a pain, Miss Gloria is very spunky and a dear friend to them. While in Scotland they will be staying with Nathan's sister Vera and somehow Nathan’s mother ends up coming along. It’s like a mini tour group! Nathan and his brother-in-law William are involved in a golfing tournament while the women in the group tour some of Scotland’s mystic places as Vera is involved in writing a book about the “thin places” of Scotland. I found the characters interesting and the story was well-written. There a few mysteries going on that need to be solved: why is Vera tense and stressed, who poisoned someone at a dinner party they attended when they first got to Scotland, who was the man who fell at Falkirk Wheel, and what is going on with Haley’s friend Ray back in Key West?

I was nervous about reading the 11th book in a series when I haven’t read the previous 10, but Lucy Burdette put in enough history of the characters in this book that it didn’t seem like a disadvantage. This book will leave you wanting to travel to Scotland for the beauty and the food given her descriptions of each. I especially liked that recipes were included in the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The latest book in the Key West cozy mysteries is another winner! I voluntarily reviewed A SCONE OF CONTENTION and my review is honest.

Hayley and Nathan are on their honeymoon visiting Scotland. Though it's an honeymoon, Miss Gloria and Nathan's mom Helen join them on the journey to Scotland. Nathan's sister Vera lives in Scotland with her husband William. Just before the newlyweds leave for Scotland, Hayley's dear friend Connie is dealing with the mystery of why Ray has a gun.

Vera is putting together a book with the help of her college friends, Ainsley and Glenda. There is another mystery regarding Vera and why Vera seems to be distant from her college friends.

The characters were wonderful, except for a few who were horrid. We get to know the characters pretty well throughout the book. The plotting was superb. I could guess who the killer was and I was right. I loved the setting of Scotland.

There is closure to both mysteries at the end of the book.

Favorite things: I loved the food descriptions in the book.

This is a great series if your a foodie and love cozy mysteries! The main story line is based in key west and the characteristic are charming and fun. There is always new and interesting recipes that go along with the story line. The author herself is fun and keeps the reader interested in the storyline. The characters in the story are very relatable and may remind you of people you know.

A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette is a lighthearted mystery that will keep you on your toes. Hayley and Nathan take their long awaited honeymoon to Scotland, only to be joined by friends and family. With twists and turns along the way you won’t want to put this one down because you won’t know what is going to happen next.