Killer Takeout

By Diane Johnson

Lucy Burdette’s latest murder mystery Killer Takeout is a delightful read full of fun and suspense featuring heroine Hayley Snow, the Key West food critic and amateur detective.

Hayley lives in a houseboat on Tarpon Pier with Miss Gloria, her eighty something friend and sleuthing partner. Hayley works for Key Zest a marketing rag featuring restaurant reviews, news and local happenings. Fantasy Fest is in full motion with the selection of the King and Queen at the Coronation Ball. Danielle, a fellow Key Zest employee, is crowned Queen but the event is not without drama. Caryn Druckman, another contestant for Queen is the epitome of a bad loser who has treated Danielle badly during the entire competition. Insult is added to injury when Caryn is murdered during the Zombie Bike Ride and Danielle comes under suspicion. Unfortunately, the recently deceased Druckman was not well liked, so the list of suspects is not short, and the police don’t seem to be interested in looking at anyone else besides Danielle. Hayley’s loyalty to her friend and coworker spurs her to investigate and find out who the real murderer is.

In the meantime, Hayley’s Mom Janet is in town with her fiancé Sam to plan a wedding on the beach at Fort Zachary. There’s tons of planning to do from weather contingencies to food, despite the fact they want a small simple celebration. Lieutenant Steve Torrance, Key West policeman and pastor has agreed to perform the ceremony. Key West police detective Bransford, Hayley’s boyfriend is up to his eyeballs in drunks and drug overdoses, as tourists stream onto the island to celebrate Fantasy Fest. He has little time for romance and Hayley misses him, misunderstanding his absence for a desire to end their relationship.

Despite her personal challenges, Hayley has a job to do. As a food critic she is working on 4 different articles for Key Zest and is under deadlines to deliver copy. Her boss Palamina is a micro manager and stereotype New Yorker who’s management style is aggressive and in your face. Tension at the office is growing quickly as Palamina shows no appreciation or understanding of the murder investigation and its impact on her staff.

The suspense continues to build when a tropical storm in the Caribbean turns into a hurricane and heads toward the Florida Keys. What to do about the wedding plan ? Should Hayley and Miss Gloria evacuate ? Killer Takeout is an easy read, perfect for the pool or beach. Warning: do not read this book if you are hungry. The recipes in the back and the food prepared and eaten as part of the story will make you salivate.

Join author Lucy Burdette for a book signing on April 7 at Key West Island Books from 5 – 7. Island Books is located at 513 Fleming St. Perhaps, some characters in the book will be in attendance.

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