I read this first book in the series because my best friend (who is a HUGE Key West snowbird) sent me a later one that is further along. So I thought I would start at the beginning.

Well... I am not sure I will be able to make it through all the intermediary novels, because I just..

Sorry, but Hayley just didn't click with me. She seems too oblivious, and kind of annoying, really. Plus there was a flaw in her lack of an alibi that, if she'd realized it in time, would have changed the whole situation. That bugged me a bit.

And yes, we get that it's wonderful, magical Key West (which truly is a magical place!), but after a few well-placed details (street names, etc.), maybe let it go. I believe you know your way around, Ms. Burdette. Got it. Maybe it makes for a special thrill for those who live there, but for me, it got a bit tedious.

All in all, serviceable, fun at times, but not my favorite. I doubt I will continue with the series. ( )

Hayley applies for the job of food critic for a magazine, a career she badly wants. The only drawback is that her new boss would be the woman who stole Haley’s ex-boyfriend. It gets even worse when Haley is suspect number one in that woman’s murder. It’s an intriguing mystery, and Haley wants to solve it. But it’s always dangerous to go after a murderer, something Haley finds out too late. This story is a good start to the series. The characters are interesting, and if they are not terribly well defined yet, there will be other books in which the author can further their development. ( )

Hayley Catherine Snow was a Jersey girl until she moved 5 months ago and became a conch (Key West local if you’re unfamiliar with the lingo). Who wouldn’t fall in love with a guy you met in a bookstore, especially in the “mystery and thriller” section buying an autographed novel by Mary Higgins Clark for his mother? Wouldn’t you follow that guy anywhere?

Living in luxury with Chad ended abruptly after Hayley discovered Chad in bed with Kristin Faulkner. The woman that could become Hayley’s new boss if her aspirations as a food critic writer come true.

This series opener is cozy mystery fun with all the pleasurable treasures: characters of ages and diverse socio-economic backgrounds, adorable felines named Evinrude and Sparky, friendships, and romantic twists. I guessed who had committed the cozy crime early on, but the motive, means, and reveal twists were all surprising. I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing and comparisons of all things food. This comparison is just one of my favorites –

"…news flashed faster than crème fraîche went sour in the heat."

The epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter added another culinary delight.

Just a few words of caution. Hayley not only visits numerous restaurants for her application submissions, but she cooks and bakes scrumptious dishes. All are described in mouth-watering detail, so snacking may be on your menu while reading. You may also be indulging in travel dreams for Key West to be your next vacation destination.

Recipes are provided at the end of the novel. ( )

Hayley Snow moved from New Jersey to Key West because of a man. It's not long until she finds him in bed with another woman. He left most, but not all of her belongings on the sidewalk, and she and her cat moved in with her best friend on a houseboat. Hayley is trying to recover the remainder of her possessions--especially some knives and a box of her grandmother's recipes. When Kristin Faulkner, "the other woman," turns up dead, Hayley becomes one of the leading suspects. Hayley applied for a position as food critic for a new magazine Kristin and another man are launching. For someone unemployed, Hayley spends a lot of money. She spends part of it purchasing food for her food critic writing auditions, but she wastes a lot on tarot readings. I love the cat, and I love that she cares for the neighbor's cat when the need arises. Hayley's character was weaker than that of most cozy sleuths. Although I like some characters and think the series shows promise, I won't be reading more. The frequent tarot readings are more occult than I will tolerate. ( )

Number one in a new series starring Hayley Snow, food critic wannabe in Key West, Florida. She’s moved there to be with her new love, only to find him in bed with another woman. When the position of food critic for a new magazine, Key Zest, opens up she applies. Then Hayley discovers that her potential new boss is Kristin Faulkner, the woman who stole her boyfriend. Bad luck turns to worse when Kristin dies under suspicious circumstances, and the police turn to Hayley as their prime suspect.

Sounds promising for a new cozy mystery. It certainly seems to have all the elements for success: an amateur sleuth, foodie culture, a friend who lets her bunk on her houseboat, another gay best friend, a charming elderly neighbor, a victim with plenty of enemies, a slug of an ex-boyfriend, and a potential new love interest. Not to mention the tropical paradise setting and a loveable cat.

But Hayley is irritatingly immature and just plain too stupid to live. She’s prone to histrionics and doesn’t have the sense to come in out of the rain. Oh well … It was a fairly quick read, and Burdette definitely knows something about food as the descriptions make for some delicious reading. I also enjoyed the food-related quotes that started each chapter, and the recipes included at the end.

Despite the below average rating, I won’t dismiss the series just yet. Cozy mysteries, especially food-related ones, are my reading comfort food. Pass the key lime pie …. ( )