A Poisonous Palate - (Key West Food Critic Mystery) by Lucy Burdette

Book Synopsis

The heat is turned up for Hayley Snow and her friends in the next installment of the Key West Food Critic mystery series by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.

When food critic Hayley Snow receives an intriguing email about a mysterious, decades-old disappearance, her curiosity is piqued. Writer Catherine Davitt has returned to the Keys to research a book about Hemingway's wives, but she's also on the hunt for the truth about her missing friend. Hayley quickly agrees to help investigate and they hit the road to see what clues they might find.

Back in the late 1970s, Catherine and her friend Veronica were part of a group of lost souls camping in the mangroves of Big Pine Key, until Veronica vanished, and the sheriff's office cleared out the camp. Catherine and Hayley begin interviewing Big Pine Key residents who were around at the time of Veronica's disappearance but uncover more questions than answers.

Catherine and Hayley stop to speak with a motel owner who frequented the fringes of the commune, but they find him stabbed to death. Then Catherine also goes missing, and signs point to a connection between the old case and the new murder. It's up to Hayley to unravel the knot of secrets and lies before time runs out.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Poisonous Palate

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

"A fascinating mix of Hemingway lore, flashbacks to the 1970s, and appended recipes."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Burdette knows what she's doing."
--Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

"[A] delightful series set in Key West."
--Florida Weekly, Naples Edition

"A welcome addition to Lucy Burdette's smorgasbord of culinary crime capers."
--Criminal Element

"A humdinger of a mystery that will keep readers guessing."
--The Big Thrill

"Burdette wins another round."
--HubPages

"This is the 14th book in the series, and it's another good one."
--Red Carpet Crash

"The fast pace and surprising conclusion will satisfy mystery readers, while foodies will appreciate recipes and delicious descriptions of Hayley's meals."
--Kings River Life

"A complicated mystery with endearing characters, and plenty of humor."
--Escape with Dollycas

Praise for A Dish to Die For
"Culinary cozy fans are in for a treat."
--Publishers Weekly

"A satisfying entry in Burdette's highly entertaining cozy series."
--Shelf Awareness

"Burdette takes the time to develop each character and this makes the book feel like you are right at home in a small town."
--Seattle Book Review

"A tasty treat for readers . . . Burdette offers a dash of sweet and a dollop of sinister."
--Criminal Element

"A terrific series . . . Highly recommended."
--Suspense Magazine

"Lucy Burdette is an exemplary master of the cozy mystery genre."
--Midwest Book Review

Praise for The Key West Food Critic Mysteries:
"A charming series."
--Diane Mott Davidson, New York Times bestselling author

"Hayley Snow is one of my favorite amateur sleuths."
--Jenn McKinlay, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"Food, fun, and felonies. What more could a reader ask for?"
―Lorna Barrett, New York Times bestselling author

"Burdette skillfully balances a well-crafted plot with a vivid portrayal of Key West."
--Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author

"[Lucy Burdette has] revitalized my love of cozy mysteries."
--Laurell K. Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author

"A lush, tropical setting, a mysterious murder, and plenty of quirky characters."
―Julie Hyzy, national bestselling author

"A love letter to Key West."
--Barbara Ross, author of the Maine Clambake mysteries

About the Author

New Jersey-born clinical psychologist Lucy Burdette, a.k.a. Roberta Isleib, is the author of twenty-two mysteries, including A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS, the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow (Crooked Lane Books). The tenth book in her Key West food critic mystery series, THE KEY LIME CRIME, won the Florida Book Award's bronze medal for popular fiction. Her first thriller, UNSAFE HAVEN, was published by Severn House in 2021. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. She's a past president of Sisters in Crime and is currently serving as president of the Friends of the Key West Library.