Key West Food Critic Mystery by Lucy Burdette
The Key West Food Critic Mystery series by Lucy Burdette is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, culinary adventures, and the vibrant charm of Key West, Florida. The series follows Hayley Snow, a food critic for Key Zest magazine, as she navigates the island’s culinary scene while solving murders that seem to follow her everywhere. With its mouthwatering descriptions of food, quirky characters, and intriguing mysteries, this series is a treat for cozy mystery fans and food lovers alike.
Publication Order of Key West Food Critic Mystery Books
- An Appetite for Murder (2012)
- Death in Four Courses (2012)
- Topped Chef (2013)
- Murder with Ganache (2014)
- Death with All the Trimmings (2014)
- Fatal Reservations (2015)
- Killer Takeout (2016)
- Death on the Menu (2018)
- A Deadly Feast (2019)
- The Key Lime Crime (2020)
- A Scone of Contention (2021)
- A Dish to Die For (2022)
- A Clue in the Crumbs (2023)
- A Poisonous Palate (2024)
- Untitled Key West Mystery #15 (2025)
An Appetite for Murder (2012)
Hayley Snow’s dream job as a food critic turns into a nightmare when her new boss, Kristen Faulkner, is found dead. To make matters worse, Kristen is the woman Hayley’s ex-boyfriend cheated on her with, and now Hayley is the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name, Hayley dives into the investigation, uncovering secrets and lies in the process. This debut sets the tone for a series filled with suspense, humor, and delicious food.
Death in Four Courses (2012)
Key West is hosting a food writing conference, and Hayley is thrilled to attend. But when a famous food critic is found dead, Hayley’s investigative instincts kick in. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the victim had plenty of enemies, and the killer might be closer than she thinks. This book offers a tantalizing mix of mystery and culinary intrigue.
Topped Chef (2013)
Hayley is roped into judging a reality TV cooking competition, but the drama takes a deadly turn when one of the contestants is murdered. With her sharp wit and keen eye for detail, Hayley must navigate the cutthroat world of competitive cooking to catch the killer. This installment is a feast for fans of food-themed mysteries.
Murder with Ganache (2014)
Hayley’s best friend’s wedding is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but things take a dark turn when her stepbrother goes missing, and his girlfriend is found dead. As Hayley juggles wedding preparations and a murder investigation, she uncovers secrets that could tear her family apart. This book is a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and suspense.
Death with All the Trimmings (2014)
The holiday season in Key West is anything but peaceful when a local chef’s restaurant is sabotaged, and a body is found in the aftermath. Hayley must unravel the mystery while juggling her food critic duties and holiday festivities. This festive installment is filled with twists, turns, and holiday cheer.
Fatal Reservations (2015)
When a local tarot card reader is accused of murder, Hayley steps in to prove her innocence. As she delves into the world of fortune-telling and island politics, she uncovers a web of secrets that leads to a shocking conclusion. This book is a captivating mix of mystery and island charm.
Killer Takeout (2016)
During Key West’s Fantasy Fest, a week-long celebration of costumes and revelry, Hayley finds herself investigating the death of a fellow reveler. With the festival in full swing, Hayley must navigate the chaos to uncover the truth. This installment captures the vibrant energy of Key West’s most famous event.
Death on the Menu (2018)
Hayley’s mother is catering a high-profile event at the Harry Truman Little White House, but when a priceless artifact goes missing and a body is found, Hayley is drawn into the investigation. This book combines history, food, and mystery in a delightful package.
A Deadly Feast (2019)
As Thanksgiving approaches, Hayley is preparing for her wedding, but a murder during a food tour threatens to derail her plans. With time running out, Hayley must solve the case before her big day. This installment is a heartwarming and suspenseful addition to the series.
The Key Lime Crime (2020)
Hayley is tasked with covering a Key lime pie contest, but when a contestant is found dead, she must sift through the clues to find the killer. This book is a sweet and tangy mystery that will leave readers craving more.
A Scone of Contention (2021)
Hayley and her husband Nathan head to Scotland for their honeymoon, but their romantic getaway is interrupted by murder. This book takes readers on a journey filled with Scottish charm, mystery, and, of course, scones.
A Dish to Die For (2022)
When a local developer is found dead, Hayley uncovers a connection to an old cookbook filled with secrets. This book is a satisfying blend of culinary history and mystery.
A Clue in the Crumbs (2023)
Hayley teams up with the Scottish Scone Sisters to solve a murder during a baking competition. This book is a delightful mix of humor, mystery, and mouthwatering treats.
A Poisonous Palate (2024)
Hayley investigates a decades-old disappearance linked to a current murder. This book weaves together past and present in a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue.
Why You’ll Love Key West Food Critic Mystery
This series is a perfect escape for cozy mystery fans. The vibrant setting of Key West, combined with Hayley’s relatable personality and the mouthwatering descriptions of food, makes each book a joy to read. The mysteries are well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Whether you’re a foodie, a mystery lover, or both, this series has something for everyone.
Books Similar to Key West Food Critic Mystery
If you enjoyed this series, you might also like:
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- A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs
- The Cupcake Bakery Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay
- The Gourmet Detective Series by Peter King
- The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle