A Deadly Feast

Food critic Hayley Snow faces a personal and professional crisis when guests fall ill at a Key West restaurant during a seafood tasting. As food reviewer for Key Zest magazine, Hayley must investigate whether the incident was an accident or something more sinister. The investigation puts Hayley in a difficult position as she navigates relationships with local chefs, restaurant owners, and her upcoming wedding preparations. Her search for answers takes her through Key West's food scene and into the complex world of commercial fishing and seafood suppliers. The novel combines elements of culinary mystery with authentic Florida Keys culture and cuisine. Through Hayley's role as a food writer, the story reveals the inner workings of restaurant kitchens, food safety protocols, and the pressures faced by both critics and chefs. The book explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the balance between personal and professional ethics in a close-knit island community. It raises questions about responsibility and consequences in the interconnected worlds of food service and journalism.

Readers describe this as a lighter cozy mystery that delivers on both the culinary and mystery elements. Reviews note it works well as a standalone despite being part of a series. Readers appreciated: - Detailed Key West setting and food descriptions - Well-developed side characters - Balance of mystery and personal relationships - Inclusion of real restaurants and recipes Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly in the middle - Some find the protagonist too cautious/hesitant - Several reviewers wanted more suspense Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (583 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (185 reviews) Multiple reviewers mentioned enjoying the Thanksgiving dinner preparations and local food scene details. "The food descriptions made me hungry," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader commented that the "mystery itself wasn't particularly complex, but the characters and setting make up for it."

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien A murder mystery set in a family-owned Chinese restaurant combines culinary details with an investigation into the death of the shopping plaza's property manager.

Dying for Devil's Food by Jenn McKinlay A bakery owner turns detective when a murder occurs during her high school reunion, blending cupcake making with uncovering deadly secrets.

Death on the Menu by Lucy Burdette A Key West food critic investigates a murder at a Cuban-American conference where tensions and old rivalries surface during a special dinner event.

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis A domestic diva and party planner in Old Town Alexandria seeks the truth behind a competitor's death during the lead-up to Thanksgiving.

The Sunday Brunch Club by Juliet Ashton The murder of a renowned chef at a restaurant opening leads a food writer to investigate connections between the victim and local restaurant community.

🍽️ "A Deadly Feast" is part of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series, which follows food critic Hayley Snow as she solves crimes in the tropical paradise of Key West. 🏝️ Author Lucy Burdette (real name Roberta Isleib) has written over 15 mystery novels and is a clinical psychologist who lives part-time in Key West, lending authenticity to her descriptions of the island. 🦐 The plot revolves around a seafood walking tour gone wrong during Key West's traditional Thanksgiving celebration, incorporating real local restaurants and cuisine into the story. 📚 The book includes several authentic Key West recipes at the end, allowing readers to recreate dishes mentioned in the story. 🏆 Lucy Burdette is a past president of Sisters in Crime, a prestigious organization supporting women crime writers, and has been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for her mystery writing.