I love videos on social media where someone is looking for the best this or the best that. That is what Hayley is doing in this novel. She is looking for the best Key Lime Pie in Key West. For a simple dish, there are many variations. I wish I could try them all! Unfortunately for Hayley, her visiting mother-in-law does not have a sweet tooth and is not impressed with what Key West has to offer.
This is book #10 of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series. Hayley finds herself investigating another murder and the true motives of her new mother-in-law. Could Helen be as cold to everyone as she is to Hayley?
Key Lime Crime by Lucy Burdette
Cheese Puffs with Fig Jam or Hot Pepper Jelly
from a cozy mystery:
Key Lime Crime
by Lucy Burdette
Book Outline and Tone:
When I think of Key West, I think of limes, pies, and Cuban coffee. This installment of Lucy Burdette features all of these and a murder. What more could a cozy mystery ask for? How about a cold fish mother-in-law. Hayley and Nathan have been married for just a month when Nathan’s mom, who did not attend their wedding, gives them a one-day notice of her visit. Of course to increase the conflict level even more, Nathan is called into work to help keep the peace of a crazy New Year’s week, so the burden of entertaining Helen falls on Hayley.
One of the strengths of this series are the likable and realistic characters. Hayley is a hard working protagonist who is easy to cheer for. Miss Gloria and Hayley’s parents are also likable to the point where it would be easy to wish you were a part of the family too. It is because of these affable characters that the introduction of Helen, a cold, stiff, and seemingly judgmental woman, who doesn’t like to eat is a great introduction. By book #10 the reader is protective of Hayley and we want only the best for her, but it does not seem to be what Helen wants. This book does a great job of interweaving the murder mystery and character development of all of our favorites.
The Best Quote:
“And your Hayley’s like a mad hummingbird,” said Helen. “She flits around the island, barely stopping to sip a bit of nectar.” I laughed. “I never pass up nectar.”
Point of View:
The novel is told in first person from Hayley’s perspective.
The Author: Lucy Burdette
Like so many cozy mystery authors, Lucy Burdette is a pen name for Roberta Isleib; she is a clinical psychologist and author of three book series. She has written 12 books in the Key West Food Critic series and book 13 is due to be released in 2023. She is also the author of a Golf Mystery Series and the Advice Column Mysteries. Many of her books have been on the short lists for awards and The Key Lime Crime won a bronze medal in the Florida Book Awards. She is active on many social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. She also has an active Pinterest account. On Goodreads, she does a great job answering questions. Be sure to reach out to her on some platform to let her know you enjoyed her book.
What is not to like?:
Unfortunately, I have to say the same thing I said in my last review of this series. I need more Nathan! Why does Hayley love him? I hope the next few books in this series grows their relationship for the reader.
The verdict:
It is a must read! Lucy Burdette knows how to pace novels to keep your interest and how to add just the right recipes to try!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Cheese Puff with Fig Jam or Hot Pepper Jelly
Assemble the Ingredients
These puffs are super-easy and always a big hit at parties. You may need to tell guests they are appetizers made of cheese, not cookies!
Preheat the oven to 400.
Mix the butter, flour, and cheese
thoroughly in a food processor or by hand. I used a food processor.
Cover and chill ½ hour.
Roll into small balls and place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment.
Bake for five minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and make a depression in the top of each puff with the back of a spoon.
Fill each depression with fig jam or hot pepper jelly.
Continue baking until golden, about five more minutes.
Cheese Puffs with Fig Jam or Hot Pepper Jelly f
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- ½ pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, unsalted
- 1 cup flour
- Fig Jam and/or Hot Pepper Jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400.
- Mix the first three ingredients thoroughly in a food processor or by hand.
- Chill ½ hour.
- Roll into small balls and place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment.
- Bake for five minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and make a depression in the top of each puff with the back of a spoon.
- Fill each depression with fig jam and continue baking until golden, about five more minutes.
What would I do differently next time?
These are a great treat! I loved them. However, it would be interesting to see how pepper jack cheese would work with the hot pepper jelly.
Summer Corn Casserole from Death of a Cookbook Author by Lee Hollis
Lemon Cornbread from Stake & Eggs by Laura Childs
Asiago, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Dip from Death of a Wedding Cake Baker by Lee Hollis
Cheesy Polenta with Vegetables from Death with all the Trimmings by Lucy Burdette
