A Clue in the Crumbs - A Review

 Review

A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS by Lucy Burdette
The Thirteenth Key West Food critic Mystery 

Having met them on her honeymoon Hailey Snow is delighted to welcome the Scottish Scone Sisters to Key West. The pair is bringing their UK Bakes! to the states looking for American bakers. There's a fire at their B&B, but Miss Gloria is happy to have them bunk with her. The first day's filming goes well, until the husband of the best contestant storms in demanding his wife leave. It turns out the couple own the B&B that burned. Then the angry husband is found dead and the wife goes missing. Could the Scottish Scone Sister tour end even before it truly begins?

The Key West Food Critic Mystery series joins the world of baking competitions in its thirteenth outing. I absolutely love the Great British Baking Show for its kind competitors, savvy judges, and fantastic bakers. Here we get the funny and genial hosts in the guise of the Scottish Scone Sisters, but the competitors aren't that kind and the bakes not great. Having met the Scottish Scone Sisters in the twelfth book in the series it was great to have them back and learn more about them. They are also integral to the mystery, both in propelling the investigation and solving it!

The mystery itself was compelling. Was the fire related to the murder? Is someone sabotaging the competition? How are the Scottish Scone Sisters involved? Suspicious behavior, conflicting perceptions, and unknown motives combined to create a delightfully complex mystery.

I particularly love the vibrancy and outgoing nature of the older characters. Just because a woman is in her eighties doesn't mean she can't live life to its fullest. Seniors can start new careers and be popular, as seen with the Scottish Scone Sisters. While some may be content to sit back, no one should be put out to pasture just because they've reached a certain age. Miss Gloria, as well as the Scottish Scone Sisters, make me laugh, not only with their antics, but with their joy of life.

Part baking competition, part mystery, all fun, A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS is a delicious addition to the Key West Food Critic Mystery series.