Step into the sun-drenched, flavor-packed world of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries, where murder is served with a side of key lime pie! Penned by Lucy Burdette, this cozy mystery series follows Hayley Snow, a spirited food critic whose knack for uncovering culinary delights is matched only by her talent for solving crimes. Set in the vibrant, quirky island of Key West, Florida, each book blends mouth-watering dishes, eccentric locals, and clever whodunits that keep readers hungry for more.
With its tropical charm and foodie flair, this series is a delectable escape for cozy mystery fans. Whether Hayley’s sniffing out a killer or savoring a shrimp salad, the Key West Food Critic Mysteries offer a feast for the senses and a puzzle for the mind. Ready to dive into this culinary caper?
How Key West Food Critic Mysteries Began
In 2010, clinical psychologist Roberta Isleib, writing as Lucy Burdette, found inspiration for a new mystery series when an editor sought a food critic protagonist in a tropical setting. Burdette, a food enthusiast with a love for Key West’s colorful culture, crafted Hayley Snow—a relatable, food-obsessed sleuth. The series launched in 2012 with An Appetite for Murder, introducing readers to Hayley’s adventures in food journalism and amateur detective work. Burdette’s psychology background and passion for cuisine shaped a series that’s as emotionally rich as it is flavorful.
The Heart of Key West Food Critic Mysteries
The series kicks off with An Appetite for Murder, where Hayley applies for a food critic job at Key Zest magazine, only to be tangled in a murder mystery when her boss, Kristen, is poisoned by a key lime pie. In Death in Four Courses, Hayley attends a culinary conference but uncovers a deadly plot among celebrity chefs. Topped Chef sees her judging a reality TV cooking show, where a judge’s murder spices up the competition. Later, The Key Lime Crime pits Hayley against a killer in a fierce key lime pie-baking contest, blending festive chaos with high-stakes sleuthing.
Food is the star of the series, with vivid descriptions of Key West’s culinary scene—from conch fritters to Cuban sandwiches—that make readers feel like they’re dining on Duval Street. Themes of community, resilience, and personal growth weave through Hayley’s journey, as she navigates friendships, romance with detective Nathan Bransford, and her evolving career. The vibrant setting, complete with real landmarks like the Harry Truman Little White House, grounds the stories in Key West’s unique blend of history and eccentricity. Burdette’s cozy style, paired with intricate plots, keeps the series light yet gripping.
Why Key West Food Critic Mysteries Resonates
The Key West Food Critic Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for their vivid setting and relatable heroine. Fans adore Hayley’s pluck and the series’ celebration of food as a cultural cornerstone, reflected in appended recipes like lobster macaroni and cheese. Books like A Clue in the Crumbs and The Key Lime Crime have won Florida Book Awards, cementing Burdette’s reputation. The series’ blend of culinary passion, small-town charm, and clever mysteries appeals to readers seeking escapist yet heartfelt stories.
- Publication Years: 2012–present
- Number of Books: 15 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Florida Book Award medals for The Key Lime Crime and A Clue in the Crumbs
- Author: Lucy Burdette (pseudonym for Roberta Isleib)
Grab An Appetite for Murder and dive into the Key West Food Critic Mysteries’ delicious world of cozy crime-solving!