Killer Takeout by Lucy Burdette is the seventh book in the “Key West Food Critic” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, April 2014
It’s Fantasy Fest at Key West, and food critic Hayley Snow is ready to celebrate. But a killer seems intent on crashing the party. . .
Every year, Key West’s weeklong Mardi Gras–style festival has tourists and locals alike lining up for costumed revelry and delicious eats. Key Zest magazine has assigned Hayley to write a piece on the fest’s grab-and-go food, so she’s planning on hitting up the mobile eateries while checking out the party preparations.
Hayley’s office mate, Danielle, recently elected Queen of Fantasy Fest, is also buzzing between festivities and fundraisers. But when a former royal rival gets taken out, Hayley needs to put down her party hat and her pen and figure out who served up a side of murder—before Danielle gets crowned a killer. . .
This was very enjoyable and I liked the pacing and the comfortable tone the author took to create this adventure with an upcoming hurricane takes center stage along with an annual festival. In this latest caper, Hayley is embroiled in yet another murder investigation when her co-worker becomes the prime suspects. The author did a very good job in setting up the mystery with a solid plot, a diverse cast of characters, engaging dialogue and that will they or won’t they leave and/or get married really did enhance the telling of this tale. I love watching Hayley’s growth as a person, especially as it relates to her family, friends and her work life. The appearance of her mom, step-dad and Miss Gloria rounds out this finely-tuned story and I look forward to more exciting times with Hayley and her friends.