DEATH ON THE MENU

Relations and history between the US and Cuba fuels the plot in this light, but well-plotted culinary mystery. While politics aren’t usually associated with amateur sleuths, author Lucy Burdette well handles the serious aspects of her eighth novel while keeping the overall tone light in Death on the Menu. And this being a culinary mystery, Burdette also includes some mouthwatering recipes. Death on the Menu delves into the vagaries of Cuban-american politics while not overwhelming the plot. Those who may not be familiar with the divisions between the two countries will get a beginner’s primer.

A tour of Key West keeps Death on the Menu grounded — from a behind the scenes look at the Little White House, Hemingway’s House and area bookstores. With all the attention on Hemingway’s writing, it’s easy to forget how wonderful his descriptions of food and drinks were. Burdette reminds us with carefully placed quotes. Readers are rewarded by Burdette’s loving descriptions of various dishes with easy to follow recipes.