2026 Murder Mystery Tea

Our hugely popular Murder Mystery Tea returns in 2026 with a whole new plot–set in Key West!

The Key Lime Murder: A deliciously deadly mystery by Lucy Burdette, performed at the Key West Library

Something’s cooking at the Key West Library—and it isn’t just the pastries! Five local bakers have gathered for the island’s most mouthwatering competition, inspired by the Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook. But when front-runner Claudette Parker drops dead from a poisoned tart, the contest turns into a culinary crime scene. Who had the motive to turn buttercream into bloodshed? Join us for an afternoon of mystery, laughter, and tropical twists as the audience helps uncover whodunit!

• When? Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• Where? Key West Public Library, 700 Fleming Street
• Who?The tea is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Key West Library, the Key West Woman’s Club, and the Key West Library
• How? This event is free and open to the public, but you must have a ticket. Tickets will be available January 1, 2026. Watch this space, or sign up for our mailing list to be reminded.
• Whodunnit? That’s for you to figure out!

2025 Murder Mystery Tea

The Friends of the Key West Library hosted an afternoon of witness statements and forensic reports at our sold out mystery tea on February 1. The play, Bannocks and Blood, was written specially for libraries by Friends honored Gala guest, the mystery writer Ann Cleeves. Bannocks and Blood is based on Ann Cleeves’s novel Cold Earth, which was part of her 30th book celebration. 

An inert “body” (death by sewing scissors) greeted the more than 100 visitors who poured into the library for the event. The stellar ensemble cast of suspects was played by Betty Darst, Elena Devers, Elise Hart Kipness, and Jordan Upchurch, with Roberta Isleib moderating. The venue was a community tea in Shetland, Scotland, for which an (actual) array of suitable refreshments was served at intermission. Audience members — many dressed for the occasion — voted on whodunnit in the hope of winning a copy of Raven Black, the first book from Ann’s Shetland series. The afternoon ended with a startling “arrest” by Deputy McNalley of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

Ann Cleeves closed the afternoon with praise for libraries. “I am so lucky to have been supported by so many passionate librarians and booksellers in my 30 years as an author,” she said, “writing this murder mystery script is my small way of saying thank you!