Calling all my cozy mystery + foodie readers! Where has Lucy Burdette been all my life? As a fan of Diane Mott Davidson's caterer detective (Goldy [Bear] Schultz) series, I was so excited to find a new foodie + mystery series, this time taking place in Key West (don't have to worry about altitude there, just humidity!). I loved meeting food critic Haley Snow, and seeing Key West through her eyes. While A Clue in the Crumbs is actually the thirteenth book in the series, I did not feel I needed to read the others to ease right into the storyline. However, I thought the characters (especially The Scottish Scone SIsters), the murder mystery itself, the pace AND the recipes were so good, I WILL be going back to read the others in the series! Such a great quick and cozy read!

A Big thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.

P.S. The recipes in the back of the novel are extremely well-written and can be well-executed if followed step by step. Anyone who loves shrimp must make the "Roasted Shrimp in Butter Sauce", as It is drop-dead easy, and reminds me of my New Orleans family recipe! Also, I cannot wait to try my hand at the Irish Soda Bread recipe (though I will be attempting it with GF flour), as the author did an incredible job of making it sound like the best thing since sliced bread!

P.P.S. - The audio version makes the book come alive! The narrator did an amazing job and I would recommend doing an immersive read if possible!

I love reading the Key West Food Critic mysteries but I usually end up raiding the kitchen for a snack due to all of the food descriptions.

This mystery was very well-written which made it very easy to read. I love mysteries that involve food and a baking competition just makes it more interesting to me. The mystery was one that kept me reading until late in the night!

Loved this. I've been on.a cozy mystery binge lately and this one fit the bill.

Will recommend to others.

Clue in the Crumbs is a delightful addition to the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. Lucy Burdette masterfully blends mouthwatering food descriptions, charming island atmosphere, and a twisty mystery that keeps you guessing. Hayley Snow is as lovable as ever, juggling her journalist instincts and personal life while trying to solve a case involving her Bahamian baker friends. The cultural threads woven into the plot—especially through food—add flavor and depth. A cozy, satisfying read perfect for fans of culinary mysteries!

Rating: 4/5

Recommended for: Cozy mystery lovers, foodies, and fans of small-town sleuths with big hearts.

A delightful cozy mystery features a captivating plot with enjoyable characters and tasty food descriptions. The story follows Hayley and Miss Gloria as they investigate mysterious events, like a fire and a murder, in Key West. Filled with suspense and humor, the narrative keeps readers guessing. "A Clue in the Crumbs" is an entertaining read, perfect for mystery fans.

Imagine this: the sun-soaked streets of Key West, the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the air, and a murder that threatens to turn the whole scene sour. In "A Clue in the Crumbs", Lucy Burdette serves up a delectable mystery that blends culinary delights with a side of suspense. Our favorite food critic, Hayley Snow, is back, and this time she's rolling out the red carpet for the Scottish Scone Sisters, Violet and Bettina Booth. They're in town to film The UK Bakes!—Key West Edition, but things go awry faster than you can say "overcooked haggis." First, their B&B goes up in flames, and then a body is discovered, pointing fingers (and perhaps a whisk or two) at our tartan-clad bakers.

Hayley, ever the intrepid investigator with a nose for news and a palate for pastries, teams up with her spunky octogenarian neighbor, Miss Gloria. Together, they dive into a batter of suspects, from disgruntled contestants to mysterious agents who seem as shady as a poorly lit soufflé. The camaraderie between Hayley and Miss Gloria is as heartwarming as a freshly baked pie, and the addition of the Scone Sisters adds a sprinkle of Scottish charm that's simply irresistible. Their witty banter and relentless determination make for a recipe that's hard to beat.

While the plot is as twisty as a pretzel, some might find the pacing a tad leisurely, like waiting for dough to rise on a humid day. However, the rich descriptions of Key West's vibrant locales and the mouthwatering culinary details more than make up for it. Burdette's knack for creating a cozy atmosphere where danger lurks just beneath the surface keeps you hooked from the first bite to the last crumb. Awarding it a solid four out of five stars, "A Clue in the Crumbs" is a savory addition to the "Key West Food Critic Mystery" series that will leave you hungry for more.

This story was nostalgic and the characters are very likeable and endearing. I spent a lovely afternoon reading this book and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this book .

Food critic Hayley Snow and her pal Miss Gloria are overjoyed to welcome Violet and Bettina Booth, aka the Scottish Scone Sisters, to Key West. The sisters will host The UK Bakes!--Key West Edition. But the same day they arrive, the bed and breakfast the sisters are staying in gets torched. Then, someone is murdered. The three elderly ladies and Hayley must search for clues to the brutal murder. But as they draw closer to the answer, the threats from a murderer grow closer too. Are they now in danger of getting baked off?
This was a very delicious cozy mystery full of wonderful eats, a delectable plot, and scrumptious characters. Haley and Miss Gloria are great amateur sleuths who are always looking for a good adventure. I love that Haley works with her police detective husband in solving the crime. My only issue with this story is that it seemed too long, like there were too many details that seemed to slow down the story. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

who doesnt love a good murder mystery that includes yummy foods?? i never really mind guessing the culprit before its revealed, i actually try my hardest to figure it out before the book reveals it. and i managed to figure it out in this book! this book was easy, enjoyable, and overall a really fun read. i enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the table (literally) lol. nothing negative to say at all, it was a great cozy read and im glad to have found it! thank you netgalley and crooked lane books for this arc in exchange for my honest review

Those readers who were miffed that Burdette moved the setting from Key West to Scotland in book 11 can rejoice.

The Scone Sisters are back, but this time they are in Key West. The sisters arrive to a typical Key West airport welcome, complete with spangled signs and citizens dancing to the sounds of Jimmy Buffett. This arrival is also marked by the acrid scent of a house fire. Daughters of a fireman, the sisters suggest a "wee look before dessert." Thus, the mystery begins. Arson? Most likely. Reason? Who knows. Will the three older women listen to Nathan and stay safe? If you know Ms. Gloria, you know the answer. However, the arson is topped when a death occurs during the filming of UK Bakes! – Key West edition. Will the production be ruined? Not if Hayley Snow can step in.

Burdette excels in character development by allowing her characters to carry things learned in previous novels into the present. No stale retreads for Hayley Snow. As a reader of mature years, I appreciate the intergenerational bond between Hayley and Ms. Gloria. I also appreciate the realism of Burdette's settings. Each novel reflects Key West accurately, down to the location of well-known and not-so-well-known landmarks. A reader doesn't need to visit the Keys in person. Burdette will take you there and also provide the right food that will enhance your tropical adventure.
Very highly recommended for mystery readers of all ages.
Full disclosure: I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

"The Clue in the Crumbs" by Lucy Burdette is a sweet addition to the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. Burdette cleverly weaves together this mystery tale and uses vivid descriptions of Key West and its culinary scene. The protagonist, Hayley Snow, is as charming and relatable as ever, making her amateur sleuthing both entertaining and believable. This book is a good fit for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a flavourful twist.

Since I enjoy watching cooking competition shows, I liked the premise of this story. The characters were engaging, especially the Scone Sisters. The mystery was well-developed, even though the suspect pool was not that large. The author also does a good job of capturing Key West.

This is such an adorable cozy mystery I can’t wait to pick up more in this series. This book follows Hayley a person in charge of a British baking competition in key west when Haley bed and breakfast gets burned down and one of the baking competitors end up dead we follow as they try to figure out what happened.

This was a cute cozy mystery it is the 13 th on the series and this is the first book I read. The characters seem really well fleshed out and I want to read some of the previous entries in this series. The writing is fun and fast paced I could use a little more humor in this cozy romance but I still really had a good time. I hope to read more from this author in the future. I would like to thank net galley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

What I liked about this book is the behind-the-scenes of how a baking contest was run, the food descriptions, and the Scone sisters were the highlight of the book for me. Now what I didn't like was the actual mystery part of the book because to me it was so predictable I had already figured out who the killer was and that was frustrating to me. Because now I have to finish a book knowing who the killer already is.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the review copy.
I received an ARC and am giving my thoughts my own..

"A Clue in the Crumbs" by Lucy Burdette is a delectable mystery that combines the savory world of Key West cuisine with a gripping murder investigation. Food critic Hayley Snow, alongside her charming friend Miss Gloria, finds herself in the midst of a culinary competition turned crime scene when the Scottish Scone Sisters' visit takes an unexpected turn.

The author skillfully weaves together the excitement of The UK Bakes!--Key West Edition with a cleverly crafted mystery. The plot unfolds with the arson of the sisters' accommodation and escalates when a murder occurs, casting suspicions on the inn owner's wife, Rayna. Burdette keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the trio of elderly ladies and Hayley navigate the challenges of a murder investigation while participating in a baking contest.

The characters are charming and well-developed, adding a delightful layer to the story. Hayley's passion for food and her determination to uncover the truth create a compelling protagonist. The Scottish Scone Sisters bring a touch of humor and warmth, balancing the tension of the murder mystery.

The pacing is excellent, with the murder mystery seamlessly integrated into the backdrop of a baking competition. Burdette skillfully sprinkles clues throughout the narrative, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters. The suspense builds steadily, and the twists keep the story engaging until the satisfying conclusion.

"A Clue in the Crumbs" is not only a feast for mystery enthusiasts but also for those who appreciate culinary delights. The descriptions of Key West cuisine and the baking competition add a flavorful dimension to the narrative, making it a delightful read for foodies.

In summary, Lucy Burdette's "A Clue in the Crumbs" is a four-star culinary mystery that combines delectable descriptions of Key West's culinary scene with a well-executed murder investigation. With a cast of endearing characters and a plot full of twists and turns, this book is a treat for readers who enjoy a perfect blend of mystery and gastronomic delights.

This series is normally a favorite, but this book fell a bit short. The mystery lacked the flow of the previous books. The cooking show with the visiting sisters was so unorganized. Real life is super messy, but I like for the fictional places I visit to not need to try so hard.

I enjoyed this mystery! I hadn't read this author before but it won't be my last one. The story kept me guessing which is something that I love in mysteries. And the characters were so much fun!

A Clue in the Crumbs is a cute cozy mystery with a cast of eclectic characters. I loved The Great British Bake Off type plot and the Scottish Scone Sisters were so much fun. The murder mystery itself was lacking for me but I enjoyed the story as a whole and would love to go back and read more of the series. This one worked fine as a standalone, so don't feel like you need to start at the beginning. I also loved the relationship between Hayley and Miss Gloria and found myself wishing I could be a part of their friend group.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I do enjoy a good cosy mystery, add in some yummy food and a great setting, Key West and a house boat and some wonderful fun characters and this one was a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me guessing. This was my first time meeting food critic Hayley Snow and her off-sider Miss Gloria and it was good to meet them.

Hayley and Miss Gloria are thrilled to be welcoming the Scottish Scone Sisters Violet and Bettina to their home town to do a new TV bake off show, Key West Edition, but things go upside down when the B & B they are supposed to be staying in goes up in flames, easily fixed they can stay on the houseboat with Miss Gloria but when the owner of the B & B is found murdered and it turns out that his wife Rayna is one of the contestants in the show, Hayley and Miss Gloria go into full investigative mode with the help of Violet and Bettina.

Will they find the fire bug and the killer before anyone is hurt, are they the same person? Will the bake off show still go ahead? I am glad I picked this one up and I look forward to getting around to reading more in this series, I do recommend this one to anyone who loves a good cosy mystery.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

Lucy Burdette has done it again in her amazing books. her characters are well written. Haley Snow with her police husband make a great team. Just like her food critic she does an amazing job trying to work and help with the scone sisters, she really was amazing. I didn't see it coming who the real killer is. An enjoyable read couldn't wait to see who wins and who is the killer.