A deadly feast

As Key West food critic Hayley Snow prepares for Thanksgiving and her wedding, she participates in a food-tasting tour organized by her friend Analise. After one of the participants collapses and dies at the last stop on the tour, Analise and the participating chefs ask for Hayley's help in talking to the victim's family and other tour guests to determine what happened. If the food actually caused a guest to die, the restaurants and Analise could be out of business. Meanwhile, wedding preparations keep Hayley hopping, especially as her fiancé, Detective Nathan Bransford, seems to be tied up with a case, prompting Hayley to wonder how she will handle being the wife of a cop. Hayley and Nathan make an appealing pair, and the food descriptions and Key West atmosphere are equally enticing a sure bet to draw readers of foodie mysteries.--Amy Alessio Copyright 2019 Booklist

In Burdette's delicious ninth mystery featuring Key West, Fla., food critic Haley Snow (after 2018's Death on the Menu), Haley is busy preparing for her wedding to police detective Nathan Bransford. Meanwhile, she must make time to do her job, which includes participating in a seafood walking tour organized by her friend Analise Smith. The group, composed mainly of tourists, visits a series of eateries and a brewery, and gets to know each other over fish tacos and conch salad. At the last stop, one of the participants dies, apparently of food poisoning. Analise laments that this unfortunate occurrence could not only destroy her business but also ruin the reputation of every restaurant on the tour. Haley adds investigating the death to her already full plate. Recipes for many of the tantalizing dishes mentioned in the text, including Mojito Cookies and Decadent Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, appear at the end. The slight mystery element won't bother food-loving fans who have bonded with the effervescent Haley. Agent: Paige Wheeler, CMA Literary. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.