The Key Lime Crime: A Key West Food Critic Mystery

Burdette’s toothsome 10th Key West Food Critic mystery (after 2019’s A Deadly Feast) finds food critic Hayley Snow covering a key lime pie contest for Key Zest magazine. The island is full of revelers the week between Christmas and New Year’s, which means that Hayley’s new husband, cop Nathan Bransford, barely has time to sleep. It’s the worst possible time for Nathan’s mother, Helen Bransford, to visit, especially since Hayley is left to entertain her food-averse new mother-in-law on her own. Things take a deadly turn when Hayley and Helen discover one of the pastry chef contestants, Claudette Parker, lying dead on her front porch, dressed in a Santa outfit. Nathan cautions Hayley not to get involved, but Helen has her own reasons to investigate Claudette’s murder, and turns out to have some pretty impressive sleuthing skills herself. Charming characters, an appealing setting, and mouthwatering bonus recipes make this a perfect choice for foodie cozy lovers. Agent: Paige Wheeler, CMA Literary. (July)