LUCY BURDETTE: Greetings, mystery lovers kitchen readers! I love this blog with all its delicious food and the wonderful cooks and writers and readers who are a part of it. So it’s always fun for me to be in the spotlight! The last time I had a special day here, I told you the whole story of my development as a writer. (Think Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, lots of bad golf, my love of eating, and reading about food, and how that all coalesced into this career. It was a wild ride!)
So I won’t repeat that, but I’d love to tell you more about the Key West Food Critic series. A Clue in the Crumbs arrived in bookstores last month and I am positively thrilled that it hit the USA today Bestseller list on August 16! I’ve published 23 books and this is the first time for that honor so I was astonished and delighted. However, lest I get too much of a big head, my characters insisted that they have some questions for me today. I could not refuse them.
Hayley Snow (food critic main character): What were your bona fides when you set about writing a series about a food critic? Did you have any experience in restaurant criticism?
Lucy: well, to be honest, the answer is no. But I like to tell people that I come from a big family so I know how to get to the front of the buffet line. And I love to eat and talk and write about food. And my husband says I’ve become a much better cook since I’ve been writing your stories. He and I both thank you for that. Not to be rude, but you didn’t have any experience either when you landed that job at Key Zest (AN APPETITE FOR MURDER.) That is one of the best parts of writing a long-running mystery series— I have the privilege of watching people grow and change!
Miss Gloria (Hayley’s next door neighbor on Houseboat Row): who is your favorite character? Never mind, let me answer that for you, it’s obviously me. Who else has had shout-outs like this in reviews: “I want to be Miss Gloria when I get old! I love her spunk and vitality!“ Or how about “Miss Gloria is my idol and I want to be her when I grow older…she’s spunky and the perfect sidekick for Hayley.” And I don’t like to brag, but in A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS, it’s Violet, Bettina, and moi who actually solve the mystery. Hayley herself goes home to rest—errr, work—on the houseboat.
Lucy: I’m speechless for once. Careful though, I can cut your part back in the next book.
Janet Snow (Hayley’s mom): Thank you for including me in the series. Although I was not in the first book and I did appear to be meddling and insecure in the second. (DEATH IN FOUR COURSES)
Lucy: Is there a question coming?
Janet: We love the sense of community you’ve built around us in the Key West mysteries. Could you talk about that and why it’s important to you in a cozy mystery?
Lucy: thank you for that question. Community, family, is everything don’t you think? It can be the family we’re born into or the family that we choose to collect around us and build a life with. Often the vehicle for that is eating together, cooking together, planning meals together.
Janet: that is so sweet, it makes me feel a little weepy. Do you mind if I give you a hug?
Lucy: not at all. I adore seeing your relationship with Hayley grow and blossom and deepen as your lives change. And you cook like a dream!
Nathan (Hayley’s hunky husband): Is there a way you could write these books without always putting my wife in danger?
Lucy: I really try, but she’s a very curious and caring woman. In fact, hate to say it but I’m writing a scary scene for Hayley this week. I think people expect an exciting dénouement in a mystery, don’t you?
Lorenzo (Haleys tarot card reading friend): I see more adventures in Key West in the cards. And lots of book sales too. But just to be kind, maybe you should give one away today.
Lucy: you’ve read my mind! Readers, please post a comment about your favorite character, or leave a question for a character to be entered in the drawing for a hardcover copy of Death on the Menu!
https://facebook.com/LucyBurdette
www.instagram.com/LucyBurdette
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucy-burdette
Will be seeing if the library has your books. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteMiss Gloria is my favorite. suefoster109 at gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone!
DeleteI love Miss Gloria, she's a hoot. The mysteries are interesting. Than k you so much for this chnce. pgenest57 @ aol dot com
ReplyDeleteshe thanks you:)
Deletemiss gloria is my favorite in this series. and yes i want to be her when i get old. i also like lorenzo for the quirky twist he brings
ReplyDeletefruitcrmble AT comcast DOT net
I'm glad you like Lorenzo, he's a wonderful (real) person, as well as a good character!
DeleteI love Miss Gloria and Hayley! All the characters are fantastic and I love this series!
ReplyDeletethanks Heather!
DeleteI love that your characters butted into your Spotlight! Your Key West series is one of my most favorite. Now I just need to get myself to Key West one of these winters.
ReplyDeletewe'll be glad to show you around!
DeleteMiss Gloria favorite and thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteJess
Maceoindo(at)yahoo(com)
I have read and enjoyed many of your books - especially the Key West series. Miss Gloria is my favorite character with Hayley as a close second!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
thanks Nancy!
DeleteHayley is my favorite. I think she's funny and witty and I love restaurant critics. I also love how she handles herself in the office. Thank you for the chance to win. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteShe will love to hear that April!
DeleteI love Hayley because she is spunky, compassionate and a great cook & baker.
ReplyDeleteMalloryd041@gmail.com
thanks so much!
DeleteAfter reading this post, I am anxious to meet these characters! Thanks for the chance to win this cozy mystery! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteJust dropping in to thank you, Lucy/Roberta, for sharing more with us about your terrific, long-running Key West Food Critic mystery series and all your wonderful characters. Big congrats on A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS making the USA bestseller list, too. Well deserved! xoxo
ReplyDeletethank you Cleo xoox
DeleteAnother Hayley fan! I love her personality and her love for cooking and baking!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you for the chance to win! Lorenzo and Miss Gloria are my favorites - with Hayley rounding out the top three. Since Hayley is married does Lorenzo have a character to partner with? madamhawk at gmail dot com
ReplyDeletethat is a very good question. He's very private but I'll try to find out!
DeleteHaley, how have your learned to go with the flow so to speak? You seem to ride all the mysteries, murders and things that literally pop up never becoming unraveled just like your houseboat – taking the tides and waves all in stride all while staying balanced and upright.
ReplyDeleteHowever you do what you do, please keep the mystery and excitement coming so that Lucy Burdette can keep writing about them. As a reader (and speaking for everyone here), we LOVE reading the books you’re in and wait anxiously to see what the next one will hold.
Thank you for the chance! I would LOVE to be the extremely fortunately one selected to receive a hardcover copy of DEATH ON THE MENU to read, review and add to my personal library!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
What a lovely comment Kay, I'll pass it along to Hayley!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS on your latest Hayley Snow mystery, A CLUE IN THE CRUMBS! My favorite character? I love them all,( except for the criminals) but if I have to select one (and hope none of my other favorite characters don't read this blog), I have to opt for Lorenzo...He is fun, and funny, and he moves in such different circles than I do, so that makes for learning things about tarot cards that I would not otherwise research. Great job with character development and plot unraveling, dear Lucy! It was such a privilege to have you visit our book club this summer! We are still talking about you, and how fun our visit was. To receive a signed copy of any of your books would be such a treasure. May the best reader win! Thank you again for sending us into your world (Key West) and letting us latch on to our friends and help solve murders. Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, and I adored meeting your book club!
DeleteI absolutely love Miss Gloria . I’ve vacationed in Key West since 2005 and she just personifies the laid back , life I see and love . She lives each day full of life and adventures.
ReplyDeleteMiss Gloria is pleased as punch about all the lovely comments she's receiving!
DeleteCongratulations on the new book! My favorite is Miss Gloria. She's wonderful! ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI love the insight. Nice to know that someone else's characters talk to them, too. Huge congrats on making the USA Today Best Seller List!
ReplyDeletethank you Valerie, these characters are so fresh!
DeleteLorenzo sounds like a hoot thank you for the chance deborahortega229@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove this, Lucy! And my favorite character would have to be the spunky Haley (even though every time I hear that word I think of Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show: "I hate spunk." Ha!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it to the USA Today bestseller list--so well deserved!
That's an all-time great line! thanks Leslie!
DeleteI love this series. My favorite characters are the pets, of course. I love Hayley because she's a Jersey girl. :) Thank you for this chance. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletewe JG have to stick together!
DeleteYou have such great supporting characters, like Lorenzo and Miss Gloria. Have you ever thought of doing a spinoff for one of them, even for one book?
ReplyDeletekozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com
thanks Alicia. I can only imagine all the things that Lorenzo would see at Mallory Square during the sunset celebration!
DeleteAll the characters are special. I enjoy reading your stories. Lorenzo is wonderful and Haley is as well. I love the escape your books give me. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletethank you, so glad they provide an escape!
DeleteLove the interview format.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the best seller list! Well deserved.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
thanks for your support Libby!
DeleteHow can you not love each character for his or her own unique characteristics? I think we all want Miss Gloria's spunk and Hayley's intelligence, and gosh, how can you not love the setting, too! It's such a great series so thank you, thank you! <3 sharonrizzo@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletethanks a million for reading!
DeleteI need a diagram of Haley's houseboat! I assumed it's a single "story" but your houseboats pictured are all two "story" jobs.
ReplyDeleteNathan comes across as a reserved person yet he managed a romantic proposal, bought a houseboat in a crowded community, and entertained a crowd on the honeymoon. Has he changed or just kept those qualities under wraps?
patdupuy@yahoo.com
DeleteHe is so reserved! he deserves a medal I think for his willingness to grow and change, though it's because he loves Hayley so much and she helps him open up:)
Deleteand ps, I will find a pic of the original house boat that sparked this idea, and also try to draw a diagram. Both Hayley and Miss Gloria's houseboats are one story.
DeleteI love the entire series! I’m not 100% sure of which character is my favorite in these Key West Food Critic books. I would adore living next to Miss Gloria! I feel inspired to “ remain young “ as I read the delightful and detailed descriptions of her active life! And then, I read about Lorenzo and wish that there was someone like that near me-what a powerful and believable link to the spiritual mystique…plus, my grandmother read Tarot cards….a wonderful connection to Lorenzo.
ReplyDeleteI love reading as each character grows and develops in the engage story lines..Keep writing, please!!
Thank you Jamey, I absolutely love the connection to your grandmother!
DeleteI have loved these books for many years now, and I especially like the character development over the series, especially Janet and Miss Gloria. We didn’t get to see Eric in this book, and I like him, too. I was glad to see the dinner at Salute, one of my favorite places.
ReplyDeleteLove this comment, thank you! It's hard to fit all the characters in at once as they jostle for page time. Never fear, Eric will appear in book 14!
DeleteThis is brilliant, Lucy! Thanks for the chuckles.
ReplyDeletethanks Molly!
DeleteI love Haley! I love her spanking! Looking forward to reading the newest book.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
S/B spunk! Stupid phone.
DeleteThis sounds like another great book.
ReplyDeleteClearly you cannot cut Miss Gloria's part back; there would be an uprising. We love them all, but Gloria is special, now that those boys have stopped trying to make her leave. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved that Dianne corrected that spanking auto(in)correct word. ;-)
I haven’t had the opportunity to read this series yet so no favorite. But I look forward to meeting them.
ReplyDeleteWskwared(at)yahoo(dot)com
It is so hard to pick a favorite. I love characteristics of each of them. Ms Gloria's spunky attitude, Hayley's caring and persistence, Janet's openness to change and creativity in the kitchen, Nathan's deep concern for those he loves, Lorenzo for his free spirit and living his truth, Steve Torrance is a loyal, caring friend to so many. Such a wonderful community you have created! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you know them so well! And Steve will be honored at his mention!
DeleteOops, that indecisive character was me. makennedyinaz at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have not met these characters yet.🥰 But, definitely want too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful giveaway and the chance to win!!
Sherry Brown
ozdot4@sbcglobal.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like all the characters, from Haley and her desire for fairness and justice, Miss Gloria and her spunk, Janet & Sam for their balanced approach, Lorenzo for his ability to help Haley see what she needs to see, and even Nathan for his tough cop exterior and ability (these days) to appreciate Haely's insights. tracy.condie at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteoh how fun. I love the character Nathan. He sounds like he really cares what happens to his wife. there is a lot that goes on behind that one. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteMy favorite character is Hayley, who is one of the most likable and sensible protagonists in all the many cozy mysteries I read.
ReplyDeletethank you so much!
DeleteI like that you have Hayley and Nathan worried about one another when odd things happen.
ReplyDeleteI like Ms. Gloria from your books that I have read so far. I think she is spunky. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMiss Gloria is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteLamonicaks(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteOf course of love all your characters and can’t choose, but I feel the Key West is a character in itself, I’ve been coming there for over 40 years and I love how you make the island come to life through these characters!
ReplyDeleteI meant of course I love instead of course of love!
Deletethanks so much Lori!!
DeleteWhat a fun idea, to be interviewed by your characters! I enjoyed the post and will share it. ~Maya
ReplyDeleteI stumbled onto this series after reading so much about from online groups and individuals. There is just so much to love and enjoy. The pairing of Haley and Miss Gloria, the way Janet has blossomed and found her soulmate in Sam an a career as a caterer. The complex personality of Nathan and the relationship he and Haley continue to nurture. The beautiful setting and delicious food and recipes. My favorite character is Lorenzo, the tarot card reader. He is kind and intuitive and always there for Haley and friends. He’s a mysterious man I want to know better. This series is easily one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing the gift of your writing.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for that lovely comment! xo
DeleteMiss Gloria is my favorite lkish77123 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making the USA Today bestsellers list. That's amazing. I'm not all the way through the series yet, so all the characters are my favorite. LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win.
barbiefan(@)Comcast(.)net
Ann, your name was drawn as the winner of Death on the Menu--congrats!
DeleteYay!!! Thank you so much. I can't wait to read it
DeleteI am so grateful for all your lovely comments--it makes me and the characters want to try harder and harder! xoxo Lucy
ReplyDeleteHayley is she ever having a baby? Donakutska7@gmail.com
ReplyDelete