Picture a storyteller who swapped a therapist’s couch for a sun-soaked Key West kitchen, dishing out mysteries as flavorful as a key lime pie—meet Lucy Burdette! Writing under the pseudonym of clinical psychologist Roberta Isleib, Burdette crafts cozy culinary mysteries that blend mouthwatering dishes with clever whodunits. Her Key West Food Critic Mystery series, starring the plucky Hayley Snow, has hooked readers with its tropical charm and psychological depth, earning national bestseller status and Florida Book Awards.
From her roots in New Jersey to her vibrant tales of murder and mangoes, Burdette’s journey is as captivating as her novels. With a knack for weaving food, psychology, and suspense, she’s become a beloved voice in the cozy mystery genre, inviting readers to savor both her stories and the recipes tucked within.
The Making of Lucy Burdette
Born in New Jersey, Roberta Isleib trained as a clinical psychologist, a career that honed her insight into human behavior—a skill she later poured into her characters. After years of helping clients untangle their minds, she found herself drawn to a different kind of puzzle: mystery novels. Writing initially as a hobby during her free time, Isleib published her first book, Six Strokes Under, in 2002 under her real name, launching the Golf Lover’s Mystery series. Her passion for storytelling soon led to a full-time writing career, and she adopted the pen name Lucy Burdette—her grandmother’s name—for her cozier Key West series, a nod to her new creative chapter.
Lucy Burdette’s Unforgettable Stories
Burdette’s Key West Food Critic Mystery series, starting with An Appetite for Murder in 2012, follows Hayley Snow, a food critic turned amateur sleuth who navigates love, life, and lethal recipes in Key West, Florida. With 14 books, including standouts like The Key Lime Crime and A Clue in the Crumbs, the series pairs vivid settings with culinary delights, earning bronze and gold Florida Book Awards. Burdette’s alter-ego, Roberta Isleib, also penned the Advice Column and Golf Lover’s Mystery series, showcasing her versatility with psychologist and golfer protagonists.
Her writing style is a feast of sensory details—think sizzling seafood and steamy tropical nights—infused with psychological nuance from her clinical background. Food isn’t just a backdrop; it reveals character and drives suspense, as seen when Hayley uncovers clues in a poisoned pie. Burdette’s cozy mysteries balance lighthearted charm with knotty plots, making them perfect for readers who crave intrigue with a side of humor. She also shares recipes in her books, letting fans whip up Hayley’s dishes at home.
Beyond the series, Burdette ventured into suspense with Unsafe Haven in 2021 and women’s fiction with The Ingredients of Happiness in 2023, proving her range. Her stories, often set against Key West’s quirky backdrop, celebrate community, resilience, and the joy of a good meal, resonating with fans and critics alike.
Why Lucy Burdette Matters
Lucy Burdette has carved a unique niche in the cozy mystery genre, blending culinary arts with psychological insight to create stories that feel like a warm hug and a thrilling ride. Her Key West series captures the island’s vibrant culture, from its food trucks to its houseboat communities, preserving its spirit for readers worldwide. As a past president of Sisters in Crime and current president of the Friends of the Key West Library, she champions emerging writers and literacy, leaving a lasting mark on the literary world.
Her ability to make food a narrative cornerstone has inspired a wave of culinary mysteries, while her authentic characters—rooted in her psychology expertise—offer depth that keeps readers returning. Burdette’s work reminds us that even in the face of murder, there’s room for connection, laughter, and a slice of pie.
- Pen Name: Lucy Burdette (Roberta Isleib)
- Key Works: Key West Food Critic Mystery series, Unsafe Haven, The Ingredients of Happiness
- Awards: Florida Book Awards (Gold for A Clue in the Crumbs, Bronze for The Key Lime Crime and A Dish to Die For)
- Fun Fact: She blogs at Jungle Red Writers and Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen, sharing recipes and cozy mystery insights.
Snag An Appetite for Murder and dive into Lucy Burdette’s deliciously cozy world—your taste buds and sleuthing skills will thank you!