Dear friendly readers!

It’s been a busy time and I’m late with my news! We are savoring our last few weeks in Key West for the season—these transitions always make me a little crazy. One of my jobs is to empty the freezer and fridge in case of power outages over the summer. To me that seems to mean throwing a dinner party for 12 neighbors to eat the Thanksgiving turkey we didn’t cook in November. Does that sound sane?? I’m also madly working on Key West food critic mystery #16 because I like to do research while I’m in town. All that said, I’ll hit you with the headlines to keep you in the loop…

A couple of weeks ago, I stepped down from five years as president of the Friends of the Key West Library. I adored doing this job and look forward to one more year on the board as immediate past president, and staying involved with the Friends after that. Libraries need our support more than ever.

I also got a big kick out of receiving the “Rookie of the Year” award from the Key West Woman’s Club—this was recognizing my work over the past year helping to produce the new edition of the Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook. Another labor of love!

THE MANGO MURDERS (#15) will be published on August 12—you’ll be hearing more about that. T-bone’s pretty excited as you can tell…

And now, a favor… I’m a little worried about this newest book coming out in the middle of the current financial and political crises. (There are a lot of bigger things I’m worried about, but I won’t go there now.) If you are able, please consider pre-ordering THE MANGO MURDERS. Pre-orders are the best way to let the publisher know that readers are interested! If buying the book isn’t in the cards, you could also let your local library know you’d love it if they ordered it.

If you read and review for Netgalley, The Mango Murders is available there now. Here are few of the early reviews:

"With a wonderful Key West setting, heartwarming characters and a great plot this cozy mystery is a winner."
—Librarian Susan W on Netgalley

"This is a fast-paced mystery with a great setting, wonderful main characters, lots of red herrings, and a touch of humor. I can't wait to read the next book in this highly addictive series."
—Shirley S on Netgalley

A quote from the fabulous Ann Cleeves will appear on the cover: "Full of food and sunshine and friendship." Whoo-hoo!

Finally, I can’t resist sharing this comment on Instagram from the mega-bestselling author, Laurel K Hamilton: "I’m rereading your Hayley Snow series as comfort reads right now. It’s making me homesick for the Keys."

That’s it from me this month. Enjoy the spring and please take care of yourselves with good food, good books, and good friends—and not too much news.

Love,

Lucy