Hayley and her elderly best friend/former roommate, Miss Gloria, were excited to welcome the Scottish baking sensations, The Scone Sisters, to Key West. The trip is to be part pleasure and part work. The sisters are hosting UK Bakes!-Key West Edition and spending time with Hayley and Gloria. Things get off to a rocky start when the bed & breakfast the sisters were supposed to stay at catches on fire. The next day, a murder occurs, which ends up being the husband of one of the contestants and the owner of the B&B. In between taping and sightseeing, Hayley and the girls search for clues. Can Hayley and her friends discover who the killer and arsonist are?

A Clue in the Crumbs was the last of the five books I snatched from Crooked Lane Books on their NetGalley page. As mentioned in previous reviews, I needed to improve in the reading department, mainly the cozy mystery department. So, I went and downloaded five books that were Read Now. The books I downloaded were different, and they varied with how much I liked them. I went from “meh” to “awesome.” A Clue in the Crumbs was on the latter end of that scale. I enjoyed reading it.

A Clue in the Crumbs is the 13th Key West Food Critic Mystery series book. Yes, you read that right; it is book 13. I winced when I noticed that (and I don’t pull them up on Goodreads before I accept them). I figured I would have difficulty keeping up with the storyline. Picking a book that is 13 books in a series made me wonder. But, surprisingly, I didn’t have that issue. Yes, the author mentioned previous books but didn’t make it a point to rehash them. So, what I am trying to say is that, yes, you could read this as a standalone. But I do suggest reading the books in order. That way, you can better grasp Hayley’s relationships with various characters in the book.

A Clue in the Crumbs is a medium-paced mystery. It took me over a day to finish it. The pacing in this book suited it. With everything going on, if the book had gone any faster, it would have taken away from the story. Also, I am notorious for getting lost or forgetting things if the book goes too fast. That didn’t happen here.

This book takes place entirely in Key West, Florida. Key West is somewhere I have been wanting to visit but haven’t had the chance. I liked that the author took real places and used them in the book. It made the book feel more authentic to me. It also made me want to visit Key West.

A Clue in the Crumbs main storyline is the mysteries Hayley and her three elderly friends are trying to solve. The first mystery is who set the fire at the bed and breakfast and why that person did that. The second mystery was who killed the bed and breakfast owner and why. I liked that the author kept the storylines separate but simultaneously similar (if that makes sense). There was some lag in the middle (right around when Bettina got attacked), but the author did a great job of getting the book back on track.

I liked Hayley. I loved that she had such a great relationship with Miss Gloria, and her caring for Gloria was the reason Gloria wasn’t in a retirement home. I also liked that Hayley was human. She made mistakes (like trusting Gloria, Violet, and Bettina not to get into trouble). I wish more background had been given on her job as a food critic in this book. It was mentioned once or twice. But I feel the author gave more attention to her profession in the previous twelve books, which means I need to read them.

Miss Gloria, Bettina, and Violet were the most fabulous old ladies I have ever read. Their shenanigans throughout the book cracked me up and made me fear for their safety. I wanted them to adopt me as a grandmother(s).

The secondary characters also made the book. Each one has a presence that adds extra depth to the book.

The mystery angle of A Clue in the Crumbs was well written. The author started with two mysteries, and she connected them at the end of the book. While I wasn’t surprised at who the arsonist/killer was, that person wasn’t at the top of my suspect list. The author did a great job of diverting my attention from the baking show (which was featured heavily in both mysteries). I did get a small laugh at how everything came together, and I was a bit sad at why that person did what they did.

The end of A Clue in the Crumbs was interesting and exciting. I liked how the author wrapped up the mystery storyline. I was a little miffed at how Miss Gloria’s sons treated her and how they treated Hayley. I also liked the recipes the author included at the end of the book. I also can’t wait to read book 14 in this series.

I recommend A Clue in the Crumbs to anyone over 16. There is mild language, violence, and no sexual situations.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Lucy Burdette for allowing me to read and review A Clue in the Crumbs. All opinions stated in this book are mine.

'A Clue in the Crumbs' is a perfectly charming and well-executed cozy that I have come to expect from Lucy Burdette and her A Key West Food Critic Mystery series. All of the characters are engaging and the mystery was suspenseful with plenty of twists and turns. I love to admit that I was surprised by the outcome. I look forward to many more in this series.

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

This review of A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette is courtesy of NetGalley. #AClueintheCrumbs #NetGalley #CulinaryMystery #CozyMystery #LucyBurdette
Rating: 4/5
Upcoming Publication Date: Aug 8, 2023

When I saw Lucy Burdette's Key West Food Critic Mystery in books available for review, I picked it up. I've read Lucy's books previously and also have some prior reviews. See https://www.netgalley.com/book/214126/review/29073 for my review of A Scone of Contention and https://www.netgalley.com/book/245963/review/29073 for my review of A Dish to Die For.

This book brings back Hayley and community along with non Key West charactes from A Scone of Contention in the form of Violet and Bettina Booth, aka the Scottish Scone Sisters. This book continues things I love in culinary mysteries and Lucy's books in particular: no illegal activities to solve the crime, some nice food descriptions, some historical knowledge gained, references to real Key West locations and restaurants and a supportive community of friends and family. What keeps it from being 5/5? There's some less appetizing sounding desserts. In the last book, it sounded like Hayley hadn't seen Lorenzo in a long time and the same occurred in this. I wonder if his part is always going to be "someone I haven't seen in ages and thus excuse to meet with for food".

Key West on Saint Patrick's Day meets the Scottish Scene Sisters who are visiting to tape a baking show. All your favorite characters are there in this lively and delicious cozy with an exceptionally knotty plot. Lots of fun with great description food and a few recipes to boot.

Review of eBook

Hayley Snow and Miss Gloria are excited to welcome sisters Violet and Bettina Booth to Key West. The Scottish Scone Sisters will host a television baking show, “The UK Bakes!,” while they are in Key West.

But things get off to a difficult start when a fire keeps the sisters from lodging at the bed and breakfast where they’d planned to stay, their agent vanished under mysterious circumstances, and some of the contestants seem rather inept.

But when the sisters become the prime suspects for the murder of someone close to the competition, can Hayley and Nathan ferret out the real murderer and save the sisters?

=========

In this, the thirteenth Key West Food Critic Mystery, all the expected, beloved characters are in place. Well-developed, nuanced characters and a strong sense of place pull readers into the telling of the tale from the outset.

Readers will find Hayley’s relationship with Miss Gloria heartwarming; the camaraderie, affection, and heartfelt concern she shows for Violet and Bettina add a layer to the friendship displayed throughout the telling of the tale. Some humor, a bit of lighthearted banter, and some delicious food descriptions [and recipes!] keep the narrative both thought-provoking and intriguing.

The plot twists and turns, taking the story in unexpected directions as it not only spins a captivating mystery but also examines the serious issues of domestic abuse and concern for the welfare of the elderly. The unfolding narrative is sure to keep readers guessing as it heads toward an unexpected denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Severn House and NetGalley
#AClueintheCrumbs #NetGalley

A Clue In the Crumbs is the 13th book in the Keyy West Food Critic Mystery series and it is enjoyable. Hayley Snow is a food critic, lives on a houseboat with her Detective husband Nathan, and her good friend Miss Gloria lives next door. In this book, the Scottish Scone Sisters (from book #11 A Scone of Contention) are visiting for a baking show. The B&B the sisters are staying at burns down and they end up staying with Miss Gloria. The B&B owner is murdered. There are problems on the set. This keeps Bagley and the 3 ladies very busy! This was an enjoyable cozy mystery that kept me guessing. #AClueInTheCrumbs #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks

I was more than thrilled at this installment of the Key West Food Critic series. This picked up characters from a precious off-site visit to Scotland and it couldn’t have been more fun. Showing the visitors Key West allowed the author to show it to us all again and get a bit of the magic that living there brings. No spoilers on the plot, but it was well constructed and had me off-balance on my guess of who-dunnit until the end. Loved it!!

The characters in A Clue in the Crumbs are well-developed and relatable. Hayley Snow is a likable protagonist who is passionate about her work and her friends. She is also a talented sleuth, and she uses her skills to track down the real killer. The supporting characters are also well-developed and add to the charm of the story.

I enjoyed the way that the author incorporated food into the story. The descriptions of the food were mouth-A

Is a well-written and enjoyable mystery. It is a perfect choice for fans of cozy mysteries and food lovers. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of humor.watering, and it made me want to go to Key West and try all of the different restaurants.

Is charming and atmospheric. Key West, Florida is a beautiful island city, and the author does a great job of bringing it to life.

Hayley, a food critic in Key West, finds herself helping with a new baking program showcasing the Scone Sisters, two older women from Scotland. The sisters are supposed to be judging the contest, but the contestants leave a lot to be desired, from using prepackaged foods to making a yeasted bread on quick bread day. Then there is an arson fire and a murder, and of course Hayley, her friend Gloria, and the sisters decide to investigate, despite warnings from Hayley's police officer husband, Nate. The Key West setting is fun, and recipes are included. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette is a marvelously witty mystery filled with fabulous food and senior hijinks.

Will Hayley keep her wards safe and out of trouble while she figures out who killed Vincent?

Haley & the Ladies
Hayley Snow is our point of view and main sleuth. Gloria, Hayley's neighbor, assisted her, along with Violet and Bettina from Scotland. I don't know if help is correct since Hayley wasn't responsible for the wrap-up. Hayley had her hands full with writing her columns, attending the taping of the television contest, keeping up with those ladies, and assisting her husband when he needed it.

I loved the energy and friendship between the Scottish ladies, Gloria and Hayley. There is genuine affection there. Hopefully, when I am their age, I will be just as agile. I think it was my favorite part.

The Mystery
A few things are happening in Key West leading up to St. Patrick's Day. First, there is a fire at a local Bed and Breakfast. Bettina and Violet's shipment with other custom-made bakeware and heirloom utensils seems lost. Then a man is murdered next to the Bed and Breakfast that was on fire. All of these things have a connection to the Scottish Sisters' baking competition that is happening in Key West.

Ms. Burdette had me guessing for most of the book. I knew the culprit; well, I guessed early on. However, I couldn't find a reasonable motive or the right opportunity.

Five Stars
My rating for A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette is five stars. I highly recommend this installment and the rest of the series. It is a great mystery, especially if you are also a foodie.

Some recipes included: Roasted Shrimp in Butter Sauce, Violet and Bettina's Cinnamon Scones, Irish Soda Bread, Chocolate Loaf Cake with Vanilla Drizzle, and Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage for Saint Patrick's Day.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of A Clue in the Crumbs by Lucy Burdette.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

Hayley and Gloria are delighted when their Scottish pals, Bettina & Violet, bring their UK Bakes! show to film in Key West. The bakers/contestants range from inept to competent to genuine star power. Of course there is a mysterious fire and a murder that is baffling and leaves the elderly ladies in grave danger as Hayley and hunky cop husband Nathan try to find the killer as the show must go on. I enjoyed this book, it did lag in the middle a bit with some running around and an odd character that made sense in the end. Once again, I was bamboozled by the killer-I was so sure I had it figured out but nope, I was wrong. Author Lucy Burdette keeps it real with her world building in Key West-the good and bad are here just like in real life; although living on a houseboat would make the sordid parts easier to handle! I did like the way she incorporated aging, respect for the elderly and choosing your friends as family. Violet and Bettina are great characters and I would read a series just about them...hint hint. 3 stars for book 13 (and the included recipes) as this fun series continues to chug along. I was given a copy and this is my own opinion. #AClueintheCrumbs #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book. Hayley, Miss Gloria, and their two Scottish friends are just a hoot and I loved following them around in their adventures, although sometimes I find it unbelievable that they have so much energy. This is my first Lucy Burdette book for this won't be the last.

Once again I got to arrive in Key West with characters who feel like friends, explore this fascinating city and solve an intriguing murder. Who could ask for more?

"A Clue in the Crumbs" by Lucy Burdette is a thrilling and charming cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows food critic Hayley Snow and her pal Miss Gloria as they welcome the Scottish Scone Sisters to Key West for a baking contest. But when the bed-and-breakfast where the sisters are staying is torched and a body is found, the trio must work together to solve the murder and clear the sisters' names.

Burdette's writing is engaging and full of personality, bringing the quirky characters and charming setting of Key West to life. Hayley Snow is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and her relationship with Miss Gloria adds an extra layer of heart to the story.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. The suspects are well-developed and each has a motive for the murder, making it difficult to guess who the real killer is until the very end. The addition of the baking contest adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the story, and the descriptions of the delicious food will leave you drooling.

What sets "Death on the Menu" apart from other cozy mysteries is the way that Burdette tackles serious issues, such as domestic abuse and aging, while still maintaining a lighthearted and charming tone. The story is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and the characters are well-rounded and nuanced.

Overall, "A Clue in the Crumbs" is a delightful read that will satisfy fans of cozy mysteries and foodies alike. Burdette has created a world full of charm, mystery, and mouth-watering food that will keep readers coming back for more. If you're looking for a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing and leave you with a smile on your face, then this book is not to be missed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much!

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS (Book 13 of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries) by Lucy Burdette in exchange for an honest review. Haley Snow and her elderly bestie Miss Gloria are delighted because their friends from Haley's honeymoon, Violet and Bettina, are coming to visit Key West for the purpose of hosting a cooking competition. When the Scottish sisters lose their rooms at a local B&B, Miss Gloria is thrilled to host them. When the bake off begins filming, the drama overflows the set. Someone connected to the show is murdered in a way that implicates Violet and Bettina, so Haley and Miss Gloria, once again, don their deerstalker caps and prepare for some serious deduction.

I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring Key West, restaurants, cooking, food, and food critic columns.

#AClueintheCrumbs #NetGalley

The Scottish sisters that we met in A Scone of Contention come to Key West to do a US version of their TV baking contest show. None of the contestants is very good, but the best one's husband is killed, and Hailey, Miss Gloria and the sisters set out to find the killer so the show can go on. Lots of red herrings in this one. I was sure I had the killer nailed, but I was wrong. Includes recipes.

"A Clue in the Crumbs" is the 13th book in the "Key West Food Critic Mystery" series by Lucy Burdette. I feel that it was able to be a stand-alone book but reading the previous books could give insight. After reading this one I will probably do exactly that, read the previous books because they're very decently written and the characters are likable.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

The charming Scottish Scone Sisters touch down in tropical Key West to film a baking contest, and soon they’re entangled in arson, murder, and baking failures. The Sisters join Hayley Snow’s merry gang of family, friends, and lovable pets as everyone pitches in to analyze clues and solve the mystery. Kitchen utensils, baking pans, disgruntled contestants, and Tiki Hut party boats all play their part.

In this latest installment of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries, author Lucy Burdette paints an enchanting picture of the quirky Key West community, so anyone familiar with Key West, or those who long to visit this fun little town will enjoy familiar local landmarks, customs, and personalities. Key West’s historic pastel conch homes, narrow cobbled streets, and appealing eateries populate the story. Reading this felt like taking a mini-Key West vacation, filled with endearing characters, mouth-watering food, sunsets, and frothy drinks. In terms of her mystery, Burdette gives us a wealth of potential suspects and plenty of twisty, suspenseful mysteries to solve, as well as a satisfying conclusion.

The story wraps up with a classic Key West finale – and yes, it has something to do with those crazy Tiki Huts. And take note: Burdette doesn’t just describe scrumptious, mouth-watering food; she includes fabulous recipes at the back of the book – thank you, Lucy Burdette!

And thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read a copy of this book in advance of its publication in return for a review.

Having met the Scone Sisters, Violet and Bettina Booth while honeymooning in Scotland, Hayley welcomes them to Key West to film their cooking competition show , The UK Bakes. When the B&B the sisters were booked in burns down, they take up residence on Miss Gloria's houseboat located next to Hayley's.
One of the contestants on the show is the the owner of the B&B along with her husband. When he is found murdered after the taping of the first show, the murder weapon is identified as a knife belonging to the sisters. Hayley, along with Miss Gloria and the sisters, begin investigating who would want the man dead. Is it tied to the competition? The sisters' missing agent? Or does it have to do with the man's business practices?
Thirteenth in the Key West series.
#AClueintheCrumbs #NetGalley