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Key West Food Critic Mystery #5
Death with All the Trimmings
The only snow in Key West this Christmas is Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest magazine, who is not getting time off for the holiday…or time off from murder.
It may be Christmastime, but thoughts of peace on earth, good will toward men, don’t seem to extend to the restaurant biz. Hayley has been assigned to interview Edel Waugh, chef/owner of Key West’s hottest new restaurant. But off the record, Edel reveals someone’s sabotaging her kitchen and asks Hayley to investigate.
Things heat up fast when the restaurant is set on fire—and a body is discovered in the charred wreckage. Is someone out to destroy the chef’s business—or actually kill her? Amid holiday festivities like the lighted boat parade and visiting relatives who stir up mixed emotions, Hayley needs to smoke out an arsonist and a killer who may turn up the heat on her next�
Recipes included!Ìý
It may be Christmastime, but thoughts of peace on earth, good will toward men, don’t seem to extend to the restaurant biz. Hayley has been assigned to interview Edel Waugh, chef/owner of Key West’s hottest new restaurant. But off the record, Edel reveals someone’s sabotaging her kitchen and asks Hayley to investigate.
Things heat up fast when the restaurant is set on fire—and a body is discovered in the charred wreckage. Is someone out to destroy the chef’s business—or actually kill her? Amid holiday festivities like the lighted boat parade and visiting relatives who stir up mixed emotions, Hayley needs to smoke out an arsonist and a killer who may turn up the heat on her next�
Recipes included!Ìý
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
150 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Burdette
21Ìýbooks816ÌýfollowersLucy Burdette is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries. Her first thriller, UNSAFE HAVEN, is out from Severn House this month. As Roberta Isleib, she has also written the golf lovers mystery series and the advice column mysteries. Her books and stories have been nominated for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She is the president of the Friends of the Key West Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 6, 2019
It's the perfect time of year to savor and dig in to Death with all the Trimmings as it is Christmas time in Key West. Hayley, Key West's resident food critic for Key Zest Magazine is set to interview Edel Waugh, the chef/owner of a new restaurant, Bistro on the Bight. Edel is worried that someone is tampering with ingredients in her kitchen and it's sending Edel into a tailspin, with the appending opening of her restaurant and Edel knowing the credibility of Hayley in helping solve past investigations Edel asks her to help out.
Edel Waugh relocated to Key West to prove herself as a chef, open her restaurant and start a new life but when the restaurant is set on fire and a body is found in the charred wreckage Edel realizes that someone is out to get her and her restaurant. When Hayley discovers Edel is keeping secrets and she discovered who the arson victim is she is shocked but is still determined to find this killer and firestarter to save this fiery chefs reputation.
Chefs, food, restaurants and murder make for a perfect well crafted mystery. Food descriptions that jump right off the page. You can feel Hayley's love for her job as a food critic and her love of food. . My favorite part of the book would have to be when Hayley is dining with the New York Times food Critic, I wanted to eat all the food they were eating. Lucy does a great job at making you feel like you can taste the beautiful food she is describing as you are reading, that's what I love about the Key West Food Critic mysteries. I love reuniting with the characters, Hayley's family and friends. Hayley's passion for food, finding justice, and solving murders is what makes her one of my very favorite characters on the written page.
Edel Waugh relocated to Key West to prove herself as a chef, open her restaurant and start a new life but when the restaurant is set on fire and a body is found in the charred wreckage Edel realizes that someone is out to get her and her restaurant. When Hayley discovers Edel is keeping secrets and she discovered who the arson victim is she is shocked but is still determined to find this killer and firestarter to save this fiery chefs reputation.
Chefs, food, restaurants and murder make for a perfect well crafted mystery. Food descriptions that jump right off the page. You can feel Hayley's love for her job as a food critic and her love of food. . My favorite part of the book would have to be when Hayley is dining with the New York Times food Critic, I wanted to eat all the food they were eating. Lucy does a great job at making you feel like you can taste the beautiful food she is describing as you are reading, that's what I love about the Key West Food Critic mysteries. I love reuniting with the characters, Hayley's family and friends. Hayley's passion for food, finding justice, and solving murders is what makes her one of my very favorite characters on the written page.
May 5, 2024
3.5. Another enjoyable mystery. Every book in the series makes me want to hop on a plane for Key West. This time Haley is helping Edel Waugh, who has opened a new restaurant along with some serious challenges, including a fire at her new location. Unfortunately, the body of her ex-husband is in the ashes. Haley's personal life is also a mess. Her job is on the line and her love life seems to be on hold. I love these cozies and am looking forward to the next in the series.
December 13, 2014
I got off to a slow start reading this book. Life (including NaNoWrimo) got in the way and I was uncomfortable with with how little job security Haley Snow, the main character, had after four previous books in this series. It seemed unfair that she hadn't yet fully demonstrated her competence and innocence to one of the magazine's owners. But I persevered and was rewarded with a satisfying ending to the job issue as well as the murder.
As with "An appetite for murder", the last Lucy Burdette book I read, I really appreciated how she brings Key West to life. If the real Key West at Christmas is as half as fun as "Death with all the trimmings" claims, then I think a Key West Christmas might be in my future. After several other trips.
While Hayley has issues at work, she seems to have developed a great support network since the first book. All of the supporting characters feel fully fleshed out and their actions are appropriate to their characters. I wasn't sure that I was going to like Miss Gloria, but she turned out to be very charming.
One addition to the support network I found surprising, because I skipped over three books, was Hayley's mother. In book one she comes off as a well meaning flake whom Hayley seemed to enjoy only marginally more than her father the judgmental lawyer. But at some point, mother Janet moves down to Key West to be near her daughter and to work in the catering business. She is good at this and it might be the shared food connection that helps Janet connect better with Hayley. I can't know for sure till I go back and read books 2-4.
A character who is likely to be a one off that I thoroughly enjoyed was a New York Times food critic. Ms. Burdette portrayed him as a down to earth character who loved and appreciated his food nearly as much as he loved and appreciated his wife. The food critic's wife was endearing as well.
It's hard to describe the plot without too many spoilers, but I felt like the tale of restaurant sabotage gone horribly wrong to hang pretty well. Ms. Burdette does a good job of showing us Haley's reasoning her way through the various possibilities of who done it and why. Her relationships with the police are someone better than in the first book, in part a benefit of not being a suspect. Enough clues are offered throughout the book that it make senses who was behind the death.
Finally, just as in "An Appetite for Murder," Ms. Burdette does a great job of describing the various eateries and dishes available in Key West. You can totally smell the coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen and taste the Spaghetti Bolognese at Bistro on the Bight. And in case you want to taste Spaghetti Bolognese, though Janet Snow's, Ms. Burdette has included that recipe along with several others at the end of the book. While it sounds good, I don't know if I'll make the Spaghetti Bolognese, but I'm already collecting ingredients to make Cassie Burdette's Hot-Dog Casserole as it sounds like a good upgrade from "beans and wieners."
The one quibble I have with the book is that there is something that the fire department and/or the police should have found early in the novel which I feel would have definitely affected the course of the investigation. I found it surprising they were left in the dark. But it is a forgivable detail. But it does keep me from giving this book five stars.
Now I need to go back and read books 2-4 in the series, as well as keep and eye out for the next book in the series, which looks like it may have stuff to say about social media marketing as well as fine food and warm scenery.
As with "An appetite for murder", the last Lucy Burdette book I read, I really appreciated how she brings Key West to life. If the real Key West at Christmas is as half as fun as "Death with all the trimmings" claims, then I think a Key West Christmas might be in my future. After several other trips.
While Hayley has issues at work, she seems to have developed a great support network since the first book. All of the supporting characters feel fully fleshed out and their actions are appropriate to their characters. I wasn't sure that I was going to like Miss Gloria, but she turned out to be very charming.
One addition to the support network I found surprising, because I skipped over three books, was Hayley's mother. In book one she comes off as a well meaning flake whom Hayley seemed to enjoy only marginally more than her father the judgmental lawyer. But at some point, mother Janet moves down to Key West to be near her daughter and to work in the catering business. She is good at this and it might be the shared food connection that helps Janet connect better with Hayley. I can't know for sure till I go back and read books 2-4.
A character who is likely to be a one off that I thoroughly enjoyed was a New York Times food critic. Ms. Burdette portrayed him as a down to earth character who loved and appreciated his food nearly as much as he loved and appreciated his wife. The food critic's wife was endearing as well.
It's hard to describe the plot without too many spoilers, but I felt like the tale of restaurant sabotage gone horribly wrong to hang pretty well. Ms. Burdette does a good job of showing us Haley's reasoning her way through the various possibilities of who done it and why. Her relationships with the police are someone better than in the first book, in part a benefit of not being a suspect. Enough clues are offered throughout the book that it make senses who was behind the death.
Finally, just as in "An Appetite for Murder," Ms. Burdette does a great job of describing the various eateries and dishes available in Key West. You can totally smell the coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen and taste the Spaghetti Bolognese at Bistro on the Bight. And in case you want to taste Spaghetti Bolognese, though Janet Snow's, Ms. Burdette has included that recipe along with several others at the end of the book. While it sounds good, I don't know if I'll make the Spaghetti Bolognese, but I'm already collecting ingredients to make Cassie Burdette's Hot-Dog Casserole as it sounds like a good upgrade from "beans and wieners."
The one quibble I have with the book is that there is something that the fire department and/or the police should have found early in the novel which I feel would have definitely affected the course of the investigation. I found it surprising they were left in the dark. But it is a forgivable detail. But it does keep me from giving this book five stars.
Now I need to go back and read books 2-4 in the series, as well as keep and eye out for the next book in the series, which looks like it may have stuff to say about social media marketing as well as fine food and warm scenery.
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Oh I wish I was spending the holidays in Key West!! Even with Murder and Mayhem trying to ruin Christmastime for Hayley and the rest of our friends.
Lucy Burdette has created such wonderful and vibrant characters from Hayley Snow to her roommate, 80 year old Miss Gloria, to chef of the newest restauranteur in Key West. Edel Waugh is a woman that wants everything exactly perfect and she rides her staff hard to make sure everything is up to her standards. Could that be why her restaurant is in the center of all the action? Hayley is bound and determined to figure that out.
The plot continues to thicken as the story continues. Hayley’s mother gets involved and and even Miss Gloria finds herself in trouble. There is so much happening in this story. Key Zest Magazine may be faces some changes, Hayley’s significant other Wally has his hands full not only with the magazine, but his mother is facing a serious health crisis as well. Hayley is trying to help as much as she can but she meets Edel Waugh and gets wrapped up in all the drama surrounding her that she barely has any time to herself at all. Her relationship with Wally is basically at a stand-still, but it not because they want it that way. She does find time to meet with Lorenzo, the tarot card reader. He warns her there is trouble brewing but that doesn’t stop her from “investigating� the happenings at Bistro on the Bight. There are also several events taking place like the holiday lighted boat parade and the town wide decorating contest and there are tourists everywhere. You will not be able to put this book down.
Lucy’s stories are more than just mysteries. There are some serious issues stirred within the mix of the story and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter can be wise or comical.
“We must have pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of pie.� ~David Mamet, Boston Marriage
or
Revenge is like serving cold cuts. ~Tony Soprano
Lucy Burdette has topped herself with this story. I love the setting. I love these characters. I enjoyed everything about this book. I gobbled it right up and am hungry for more. Fatal Reservations: A Key West Food Critic Mystery will be out next summer.
December 13, 2014
This is book Five in the Key West Food Critic Mystery Series. In this book it's Christmas time in Key west and Hayley Snow ( our main character in the series) is interviewing the famous if not slightly terrifying Edel Waugh. Many thanks go out to Lucy from me as she used my name for the character and it was a complete honor and great fun reading what this Edel got up to. Chef Edel Waugh has just opened a restaurant in Key West but not a single thing is going as planned because at every turn we are met with one disaster after another and it feels more like Friday the 13th then the holly jolly festive season.
Someone is really trying to hurt Edel's business and Hayley feeling sorry for this hard working woman decides to help her before she meets with more disasters. These two form the most unlikely a friendship as you could ever meet but it makes for great reading. One of my favourite characters Hayley's friend and houseboat mate Gloria is back and we spend a good bit of time with this character in this book which I loved as she is a real mother figure with extra sparkle and charm. This story is just the perfect Christmas cozy mystery and I loved every minute of it. Now I am crossing my fingers that book 6 will be out soon so I can get back to my favourite characters in the beautiful Key West that Lucy describes so well.
Someone is really trying to hurt Edel's business and Hayley feeling sorry for this hard working woman decides to help her before she meets with more disasters. These two form the most unlikely a friendship as you could ever meet but it makes for great reading. One of my favourite characters Hayley's friend and houseboat mate Gloria is back and we spend a good bit of time with this character in this book which I loved as she is a real mother figure with extra sparkle and charm. This story is just the perfect Christmas cozy mystery and I loved every minute of it. Now I am crossing my fingers that book 6 will be out soon so I can get back to my favourite characters in the beautiful Key West that Lucy describes so well.
December 15, 2014
This is one of those flat out fun books, perfect for the holidays. I love the crazy Key West Christmas goings-on that Burdette captures perfectly. And, on a more serious side, the author has some insightful observations about mother/daughter relationships. And it's got great cats.
March 12, 2024
Questo libro mi è proprio piaciuto e in più ho solo parzialmente azzeccato la soluzione del mistero, che è un bonus, visto che solitamente indovino il colpevole prima della protagonista di un libro. Sono contenta di aver dato una possibilità a questa serie, sebbene abbia iniziato a leggerla diversi anni dopo il suo inizio. E sono contenta di vedere che continuano a uscire nuovi titoli.
December 7, 2020
Another good adventure in Key West! I really like Hayley and I think things are looking up for her after this installment. The story was good and kept me guessing and wanting to know what happened. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
November 20, 2014
Death With All the Trimmings is the fifth book in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series, and, thus, it is my fifth vacation to Key West via Lucy Burdette's spot-on description of this favorite paradise of mine. It was especially delicious this time, as I had just been in Key West a couple of months ago. Of course, it made me want to return for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in this quirky, loveable place. Talk about "the city that never sleeps," well, I do believe Lucy has proved to readers just which city that really is. Just as the main character Haley Snow has great affection for the crazy that is Key West, Lucy Burdette's affection shines through, too, while not glossing over certain problems in paradise. With fabulous wit and great-paced plotting, the author continues to delight readers as we follow Haley's attempts to establish her independent life amidst the stumbling blocks of her work, her family, and her uncanny ability to land right in the middle of murder.
Christmas season has arrived in Key West, and with it street parades, boat parades, twinkling lights, and high season for tourists and their love of the fun activities and tempting foods found in abundance. Amid all the joyful events, Haley finds her food critic job at the online Key Zest Magazine in real jeopardy, as Ava Faulkner, major investor in Key Zest and no friend of Haley's, wants to bring in new investors and change the magazine's focus. Haley finds both comfort and tribulation in her mother's presence on the island, her mother having decided to spend the winter in warm breezes rather than frigid winds. But, the get-togethers at her mother's house do give Haley a sense of familiarity she still values. Miss Gloria, Haley's senior citizen roommmate on the houseboat where they live definitely adds spark and humor to the story, and the image of her on the back of Haley's scooter is priceless. Haley's relationship with her boss Wally is at a stalling point, as he deals with his mother's cancer and the pressure from Ava in changing the magazine's format. So, it is with a nothing-to-lose attitude that Haley jumps into the opening of a new, highly anticipated restaurant called Bistro on the Bight anchored by chef-owner Edel Waugh, a New York transplant with plenty of favorable press. Haley's last assignment, before being put on hold in her job, was to interview Edel before her opening. Well, not surprisingly, Haley becomes head-over-heels involved when Edel and her restaurant begin to experience strange occurrences. Then, a fire at the restaurant really heats up the action and raises the stakes when a dead body is discovered in the burnt shed, where most of the damage hit. Edel seems to be relying on Haley to discover what is happening to sabotage the restaurant's opening. In spite of a tarot card reading by her favorite seer, Lorenzo, that promised trouble ahead, Haley continues to deepen her involvement with Edel and the danger of a murderer lurking around. It is indeed trouble that Haley finds, and not just her neck is on the line.
I am just so smitten with this series that I am happy to be an advocate for spreading the word to mystery lovers who enjoy a dead body in a lovely setting. Lucy Burdette has created a cast of characters that I would love to sit down with, preferably in Key West, and share a meal. There are such interesting personal stories going on around the main plot of murder and mayhem that every page provides a reading pleasure. I am completely invested in these wonderful characters, and I can't wait to see the progression of their lives and passions. And, did I mention the great food the reader encounters. I've even learned a thing or two about food and cooking, and the recipes in the back of each book are to die for. Oops, perhaps, to live for would be more appropriate.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, an early Christmas present indeed. My review reflects my honest opinion of Death With All the Trimmings. I highly recommend it as a Christmas present that will give much pleasure.
Christmas season has arrived in Key West, and with it street parades, boat parades, twinkling lights, and high season for tourists and their love of the fun activities and tempting foods found in abundance. Amid all the joyful events, Haley finds her food critic job at the online Key Zest Magazine in real jeopardy, as Ava Faulkner, major investor in Key Zest and no friend of Haley's, wants to bring in new investors and change the magazine's focus. Haley finds both comfort and tribulation in her mother's presence on the island, her mother having decided to spend the winter in warm breezes rather than frigid winds. But, the get-togethers at her mother's house do give Haley a sense of familiarity she still values. Miss Gloria, Haley's senior citizen roommmate on the houseboat where they live definitely adds spark and humor to the story, and the image of her on the back of Haley's scooter is priceless. Haley's relationship with her boss Wally is at a stalling point, as he deals with his mother's cancer and the pressure from Ava in changing the magazine's format. So, it is with a nothing-to-lose attitude that Haley jumps into the opening of a new, highly anticipated restaurant called Bistro on the Bight anchored by chef-owner Edel Waugh, a New York transplant with plenty of favorable press. Haley's last assignment, before being put on hold in her job, was to interview Edel before her opening. Well, not surprisingly, Haley becomes head-over-heels involved when Edel and her restaurant begin to experience strange occurrences. Then, a fire at the restaurant really heats up the action and raises the stakes when a dead body is discovered in the burnt shed, where most of the damage hit. Edel seems to be relying on Haley to discover what is happening to sabotage the restaurant's opening. In spite of a tarot card reading by her favorite seer, Lorenzo, that promised trouble ahead, Haley continues to deepen her involvement with Edel and the danger of a murderer lurking around. It is indeed trouble that Haley finds, and not just her neck is on the line.
I am just so smitten with this series that I am happy to be an advocate for spreading the word to mystery lovers who enjoy a dead body in a lovely setting. Lucy Burdette has created a cast of characters that I would love to sit down with, preferably in Key West, and share a meal. There are such interesting personal stories going on around the main plot of murder and mayhem that every page provides a reading pleasure. I am completely invested in these wonderful characters, and I can't wait to see the progression of their lives and passions. And, did I mention the great food the reader encounters. I've even learned a thing or two about food and cooking, and the recipes in the back of each book are to die for. Oops, perhaps, to live for would be more appropriate.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, an early Christmas present indeed. My review reflects my honest opinion of Death With All the Trimmings. I highly recommend it as a Christmas present that will give much pleasure.
December 2, 2014
It's Christmas time in Key West, Florida and all the festivities are starting, with lights around the palm trees, parades of every sort, and foods to tempt the Christmas vacationers. Hayley Snow is trying to hold onto her job as Key Zest Magazine's food writer, as well as negotiate her mom's living close by now.
Hayley is sent to interview a new restauranteur, Edel, who is opening her branch of a popular New York restaurant that she used to run with her newly divorced husband. Hayley is deliciously impressed with the spaghetti bolognese (recipe in book) amongst other things. But before the restaurant can open, there's a fire and a dead body in the back of the restaurant. Was this an accident or is someone out to sabotage the opening, or even murder the owner. Being so new in town, Edel calls upon Hayley to help her because she's Edel's only new friend there and she knows that Hayley has solved other murders before.
These Key West Food Critic Mysteries are great reads for so many reasons. I love all the recurring characters, from 80 year old feisty, Miss Gloria, to Hayley's divorced parents and their new mates, to Hayley's fellow magazine staffers, to her homeless friends, to her Tarot card reader, to even the holy terror magazine owner, amongst others. The food descriptions and recipes are delicious. I especially love all the food quotes that start every chapter: " A cook is a man with a can opener. A chef is an artist" George Auguste Escoffier is just one example. Lastly, the mysteries are always intriguing!
I got this book free from the author for my honest review. I get no recompense for doing this, except for my joy of reading.
Hayley is sent to interview a new restauranteur, Edel, who is opening her branch of a popular New York restaurant that she used to run with her newly divorced husband. Hayley is deliciously impressed with the spaghetti bolognese (recipe in book) amongst other things. But before the restaurant can open, there's a fire and a dead body in the back of the restaurant. Was this an accident or is someone out to sabotage the opening, or even murder the owner. Being so new in town, Edel calls upon Hayley to help her because she's Edel's only new friend there and she knows that Hayley has solved other murders before.
These Key West Food Critic Mysteries are great reads for so many reasons. I love all the recurring characters, from 80 year old feisty, Miss Gloria, to Hayley's divorced parents and their new mates, to Hayley's fellow magazine staffers, to her homeless friends, to her Tarot card reader, to even the holy terror magazine owner, amongst others. The food descriptions and recipes are delicious. I especially love all the food quotes that start every chapter: " A cook is a man with a can opener. A chef is an artist" George Auguste Escoffier is just one example. Lastly, the mysteries are always intriguing!
I got this book free from the author for my honest review. I get no recompense for doing this, except for my joy of reading.
December 29, 2014
There's a lot going on in Hayley's life. The Key West food critic is concerned, as always, about keeping her job, her would-be boyfriend has family concerns, her divorced mother won't commit to her bent-on-marriage beau, and she's on the verge of becoming friends with the owner of a new restaurant in town, who thinks someone is sabotaging her kitchen. There may be a little bit too much going on for this book about Christmas in Florida.
October 2, 2018
This series just keeps getting better. The characters have really fleshed out into strong personalities that you like or like to hate as you are supposed too! The personalities of the characters really enhance the layered plots of the individual stories being told as they connect to the main character and of course to the mystery. This particular book had an interesting twist in that you were not always sure who was the potential suspects or "bad guys" vs who were the innocent other than the dead and of course the main character. A very intriguing read and I can't wait to get started on the next book.
March 21, 2021
Number 5 in the series did not disappoint. I enjoy these cozy mysteries as a break between more serious reads.
April 5, 2022
3.5 - This was a fun book!
November 20, 2014
This book 5th book in the series that follows Hayley Snow a food critic. In this book she is interviewing Edel Waugh the owner of the new restaurant Bistro on the Bight. Edel has also asked Hayley to look into crazy things going on at the restaurant to find out what is going on. Everything from food tampering to arson.
Not long into that a body is discovered after the fire and Hayley is trying to nose around and find out what is going on. Also the local magazine Key Zest is having all sorts of issues, and Hayley feels like the handwriting is on the wall that her time might be running out at the paper with investors looking into pursuing the magazine with Ava deeply involved in it. With so much going on will Hayley be able to figure out who is behind all the funny business in town?
I loved this book, the writing style flowed smoothly and I love reading about Florida and the various characters Ms. Burdette creates. They add all sorts of components to the story. There were times I could really feel Hayley's emotions when it came to the magazine and all that entailed.
Such a great coming together of various tangles that I couldn't see who was the bad guy and why they were doing it? It was such a great journey to find out who was behind the restaurants issues and the fire and murder. Definitely a new fan of Hayley Snow!!
Not long into that a body is discovered after the fire and Hayley is trying to nose around and find out what is going on. Also the local magazine Key Zest is having all sorts of issues, and Hayley feels like the handwriting is on the wall that her time might be running out at the paper with investors looking into pursuing the magazine with Ava deeply involved in it. With so much going on will Hayley be able to figure out who is behind all the funny business in town?
I loved this book, the writing style flowed smoothly and I love reading about Florida and the various characters Ms. Burdette creates. They add all sorts of components to the story. There were times I could really feel Hayley's emotions when it came to the magazine and all that entailed.
Such a great coming together of various tangles that I couldn't see who was the bad guy and why they were doing it? It was such a great journey to find out who was behind the restaurants issues and the fire and murder. Definitely a new fan of Hayley Snow!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2016
For my full review, go to:
It's Christmastime in Key West, but all is not jolly for Hayley Snow, struggling food critic, and our series sleuth. Her job security is shaky at best, her mother pops down for a surprise visit with her boyfriend in tow, her love life isn't looking any brighter, and the famous chef she's assigned to interview has a boatload of issues.
Edel Waugh, the owner/chef of the hot new restaurant in Key West, is desperate for her restaurant to be a success after breaking away from her established restaurant in New York, co-owned with her philandering ex-husband. However, a series of sabotage, arson, and a dead body are threatening her livelihood. She turns to Hayley to figure out who's behind all this and save her restaurant.
It's Christmastime in Key West, but all is not jolly for Hayley Snow, struggling food critic, and our series sleuth. Her job security is shaky at best, her mother pops down for a surprise visit with her boyfriend in tow, her love life isn't looking any brighter, and the famous chef she's assigned to interview has a boatload of issues.
Edel Waugh, the owner/chef of the hot new restaurant in Key West, is desperate for her restaurant to be a success after breaking away from her established restaurant in New York, co-owned with her philandering ex-husband. However, a series of sabotage, arson, and a dead body are threatening her livelihood. She turns to Hayley to figure out who's behind all this and save her restaurant.
June 11, 2015
Hayley looks forward to writing about new Key West chef Edel Waugh in her food critic column, but things go up in smoke when a fire shuts down the restaurant. Then investigators discover a dead body inside an adjacent burnt-out shed. It’s no other than Edel’s ex-husband. Was his death an accident, or did Edel commit arson to cover up a crime? Or perhaps someone else has a grudge against the talented chef? Hayley determines to help the woman, who’s anxious to open for the holidays. But will Hayley even have a column to write when a rival threatens her job? Chaos ensues amid holiday preparations in this fun mystery. The mouth-watering food descriptions will compel you to make a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant.
September 30, 2018
I love Hayley but I think her mother is getting to be a bit much. She seemed so real in the first few books but now she's more like a caricature. And, sad to say, there is way too much grinning going on in these books. Once I noticed that it became a big distraction. I didn't actually count them but when I noticed two people grinning on one page and then one grin on the next, I thought that was overdone. Surely there are other words in the English language.. I'm not a sober sides but other than little kids I don't know anyone who goes around grinning so often.
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May 16, 2020The small local newspaper is hitting hard times and the possible new investors may be changing the style of the paper. Haley Snow, the paper’s food critic is worried about her job. At the same time, Haley is excited about a new restaurant opening�.. until the owner/chef of the restaurant asks Haley to help solve some sabotage that is going on�. When an outbuilding burns down and a body is found the fact that the body turns out to be the chef’s ex husband things start to get complicated� and Haley is right in the middle. � An OK cozy mystery.
August 1, 2019
I enjoyed this fifth in the Key West Food Critic Mysteries. I was challenged to the end trying to figure out the mystery. It was a pleasant surprise to see a character from another series enter into this one. I only wish she had played a larger role in solving the mystery. I am starting #6 in this series now.
February 21, 2015
Deliciously wonderful! I really enjoy this series and look forward to future installments. The characters continue to develop, the storyline was interesting and relevant, and the setting continues to have a life of its own. Well done, Lucy Burdette. :o)
February 14, 2016
Really enjoyed this one. I love the characters and learning a bit about Key West. The mystery was good and kept me guessing, changing my mind a few times. There's also a holiday theme with lots of fun moments. Recommend!
May 28, 2015
Each new book in this series gets better and better. The characters have matured and are more realistic that at the start. The story line was well plotted and believable. The story was fast paced and intriguing. Another great read and I am looking for the next one coming out this summer.
August 15, 2015
This was a great read! I loved the ending!
Looking forward to the next installment.
Looking forward to the next installment.
February 6, 2017
this series makes me want to visit Key West!!! :D
September 24, 2016
Just a flat out fun series! Combining Key West locale with food and restaurants ai
August 26, 2024
This is the sixth book I’ve read in this series, and it’s becoming my favorite series of all time! I love the characters, the setting, the pacing (never a lag), the food (including recipes at the end of the book), the cats, the banter and quick-paced dialogue, and of course the twists and turns that keep me guessing until the very end. In this installment, it’s Christmas in Key West, and Hayley Snow, food and restaurant critic for the local publication Key Zest, is preparing to write an article about a new restaurant, Bistro on the Bight, who’s chef/owner is the renowned NY chef, Edel Waugh. It wouldn’t be a murder mystery with lots of secrets, and there are plenty here. Unfortunately for Hayley, her love life is a mess, and her dream job is still on the line. Add to that, even her beloved roommate, 80-year-old Miss Gloria, is put in danger. I love how we continue to learn more about Hayley’s family and friends (I would love for her mom, Janet, to cook for me!!), along with those fine folks at the Key West PD. I’d write more, but after reading this book, I’m craving a Cubano sandwich.
September 27, 2024
When a new restaurant has a fire before it could even open, that is bad enough, but when a body is found inside, that is murder.
Hayley’s mom and boyfriend decide to rent a place in Key West for the winter. Hayley is delighted to spend the holiday season with her mom and Hayley also likes her mom’s boyfriend. A famous chef has also decided to come to Key West. She is bringing her New York style cooking to the Keys. What a treat to get to review this chef’s creations. But before the restaurant can even open, the dishes are sabotaged. The chef discovers that olive oil is replaced with peanut oil and signature sauces become unpalatable and bitter.
This novel also has the best polenta and roasted vegetable recipe I've had. The recipe is reviewed on my blog
This Christmas set cozy mystery isn’t over the top with the holiday, but the holiday, and spends more time focusing on the mystery and character development. The reader gets to know Hayley’s mom better, giving us a hint that she may become a more important character in this series.
Hayley’s mom and boyfriend decide to rent a place in Key West for the winter. Hayley is delighted to spend the holiday season with her mom and Hayley also likes her mom’s boyfriend. A famous chef has also decided to come to Key West. She is bringing her New York style cooking to the Keys. What a treat to get to review this chef’s creations. But before the restaurant can even open, the dishes are sabotaged. The chef discovers that olive oil is replaced with peanut oil and signature sauces become unpalatable and bitter.
This novel also has the best polenta and roasted vegetable recipe I've had. The recipe is reviewed on my blog
This Christmas set cozy mystery isn’t over the top with the holiday, but the holiday, and spends more time focusing on the mystery and character development. The reader gets to know Hayley’s mom better, giving us a hint that she may become a more important character in this series.
March 3, 2019
Closer to 2.5 stars. I feel like this series is declining and I didn't think it started off super high.
The culprit was obvious from the start, with and rather heavy-handed attempt to get rid of an obnoxious character that had run her course with the series. I felt like the connection to Ava was done because the author wanted to pursue the relationship between Hayley and Wally but realized there was no way to do it while Ava was still in charge of the magazine.
Other annoyances include the fact that the police manage to overlook Miss Gloria stuffed in the hold of her boat, again nominating the Key West police department for the "Most Incompetent Police Department Ever" award. Also, while I understand this is a foodie series, the number of times people roll their eyes and/or moan while eating is ridiculous.
The culprit was obvious from the start, with and rather heavy-handed attempt to get rid of an obnoxious character that had run her course with the series. I felt like the connection to Ava was done because the author wanted to pursue the relationship between Hayley and Wally but realized there was no way to do it while Ava was still in charge of the magazine.
Other annoyances include the fact that the police manage to overlook Miss Gloria stuffed in the hold of her boat, again nominating the Key West police department for the "Most Incompetent Police Department Ever" award. Also, while I understand this is a foodie series, the number of times people roll their eyes and/or moan while eating is ridiculous.
August 22, 2023
My daughter found this book for me as it met a requirement for a relay challenge we are working on as a team. It had to be a book with a chef in it. This definitely met the criteria as Edel Waugh is a type A, rude, thoughtless but brilliant chef who opens a new bistro in Key West, Florida. Weird things keep happening that are threatening the opening of her dream restaurant. Pranks or something more serious? Then a fire on the property and a dead body is found. Apparently, the Key West Police need help solving the crime from the town's magazine food critic, Hayley Snow.
None of the characters were likable. The story had a cute plot, but it took too long to get to the murder. The solving of the crime took too long as well. I read this novel for the challenge, but I wouldn't read another of the series. I enjoy a good cozy mystery, but this wasn't one of them.
None of the characters were likable. The story had a cute plot, but it took too long to get to the murder. The solving of the crime took too long as well. I read this novel for the challenge, but I wouldn't read another of the series. I enjoy a good cozy mystery, but this wasn't one of them.
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