Murder’s on the menu at a Florida diner in this “fast-paced mystery that will leave you hungering for more!” (J. C. Eaton, author of the Sophie Kimball Mysteries). When Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, she knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town, and she doesn’t want to be there when they decide to take revenge. On the … to take revenge. On the spur of the moment, she follows her best friend to a small town in Central Florida, where she braves snakes, bears, and giant spiders to open a cheery little diner called the All-Day Breakfast Café. Owning a restaurant has been her lifelong dream, but it turns into a nightmare the morning she opens her dumpster and finds her ex-husband crammed inside. As the suspect du jour, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before a killer orders another cup of murder . . .
Praise for Lena Gregory
“Family secrets, old mansions, and a growing list of murder victims—these elements and more blend together to make an intriguing as well as entertaining cozy mystery.” —RT Book Reviews on Occult and Battery
“As breezy and salty as a gust of wind off the chilly bay waters.” —Juliet Blackwell, New York Times–bestselling author of the Witchcraft Mysteries on Death at First Sight
“An intriguing opening to a fun new series.” —E. J. Copperman, national bestselling author of the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries on Death at First Sight
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Lena Gregory’s first All-Day Breakfast Cafe mystery has knocked it out of the park! The main character, Gia, is one tough, determined protagonist. Florida, with its snakes and bugs and bears, is not exactly New York, as Gia soon finds out. Despite mounting setbacks, she shoves away her fears one by one instead of giving up her dream of making her cafe a success. A budding romance added a sprinkle of spice to the mystery. I am so looking forward to reading the second installment in this delicious new cozy series.
Scone Cold Killer
All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery, Book #1
Lena Gregory
5 Stars
Synopsis:
For Florida diner owner Gia Morelli, there’s no such thing as too much breakfast—unless it kills you . . .
When Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, she knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town, and she doesn’t want to be there when they decide to take revenge. On the spur of the moment, she follows her best friend to a small town in Central Florida, where she braves snakes, bears, and giant spiders to open a cheery little diner called the All-Day Breakfast Café. Owning a restaurant has been her lifelong dream, but it turns into a nightmare the morning she opens her dumpster and finds her ex-husband crammed inside. As the suspect du jour, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before a killer orders another cup of murder . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed meeting Gia and her friend Savannah. Gia has had a tough time of it lately, learning of the terrible crimes that her husband has committed. She leaves New York to try to start over, but trouble seems to follow her. Savannah has stayed by her side, helping her get her diner up and running and trying to help her get her life back. I enjoyed reading the interactions between Gia and Savannah, you can tell they really care about each other.I really enjoyed Gia’s fears of snakes and spiders, it made her seem more human to me. The secondary characters added a lot to the story. And Thor, the puppy that Gia gets, sounds just adorable and I wanted to play with him.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story, I felt like I was right there, watching the action take place and eavesdropping in on conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is also very talented in creating a homey setting and I enjoyed how everyone was quick to help Gia and welcomed her.
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a nice pace. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through and it was not easily solved. I had narrowed it down to two likely candidates and I had a fifty-fifty chance of being right, which I was, for once.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am going to check out this author’s other series, Bay Island Psychic Mystery, because I like her writing style so much.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
I enjoyed reading this light cozy mystery. Gia has left NYC to move to rural Florida to escape a bad marriage and open an All Day Breakfast Cafe. Her ex husband winds up dead behind the cafe and she is the next target. I liked the town, the characters and the restaurant background. The mystery was very light and there were not a lot of suspects. The solution just happens without a lot of investigation. The main character Gia does a lot stupid things. I liked her best friend Savannah better. Her cousin Hunt, a police officer is a possible romantic interest for Gia. I was more intrigued by Savannah’s back story than Gia’s. I hope it is explored more in future books. The book is a very quick easy read and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Incredible start to a brand new series that now has me hooked moaning the fact that I have to wait for the next one. Meet Gia as she moves to Florida, where her best friend lives, to escape the chaos of her life in New York after her ex-husband is convicted of financial illegal activities. She is hoping that she left that all behind as she opens her new cafe. On opening day she finds the ex dead in her dumpster and despite the fact that she may be the only person to not wish him dead she of course is the main suspect. What follows is a fascinating story with lots of twists that drew me further and further into the story with lots of heartwarming moments to balance the murders. I especially love the puppy named after Thor from the movie (which is my favorite of the superhero movies) as he is just too cute for words. I like how this story has a different set up from the other cozies I read and The quirks in Gia are a hoot. The hint of romance was sweet plus it was nice to have a supportive detective instead of one convinced of their guilt. If you enjoy very well written culinary cozy mysteries you really have to read this one at it will just make your day. I absolutely loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
A sweet diversion with a murder of the main character’s rotten indicted ex. Not the best way to attract new customers for her new breakfast cafe! She decides to investigate to figure out what her ex was after and why he was killed and dumped in the dumpster behind her new business. Add a great chemistry to the investigating detective, who it turns out is a cousin of her best friend! Loved this book!
Enjoyed the book
Fun, easy read
Enjoyed it
Scone Cold Killer. The storyline was very well written. Through the whole book the author is building the characters and the environment. Adding twists along the way that lead you to believe the killer is this person and in the end it is not. Love the book. Can’t wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed the book so much, I bought book 2. It has great female characters who can think for themselves although sometime do stupid things. Definitely worth the read.
This was a very good cozy (nothing graphic) with interesting characters and a cute puppy. The main character moves to Florida after her husband turns out to be a criminal. She opens a cafe and tries to make it work while solving murders at the same time.
Don’t forget to add this fast-paced, fun mystery to your summer time cozy reading list! Moving to Florida from New York wasn’t in the long term plans for Gia Morrelli, but after her ex-husband was found guilty of fraud, she needed a fresh start! The All-Day Breakfast Cafe was the start of something wonderful, but will it end just as quickly as it begins when a dead body is found in the dumpster out back. Join Gia in opening her new cafe – come in and meet all of the friendly folks that live in Boggy Creek, find out who you can trust in this new town, all while enjoying a wonderful breakfast of eggs, home fries, and grits. You will love meeting new puppy Thor and laugh out loud when Gia encounters her nemesis AKA the spider! Thank goodness Gia has Savannah and Hunt in her corner to help her solve this murder and get through a tough beginning to her new life in Florida!
Everything in here sounded very much like Florida. It was easy to see the town of Boggy Creek. I’m so excited for the next book.
Moving from NYC to Ocala, I could totally relate to Gia. I laughed at her bug/critter fears but that’s ok because I wasn’t there with her. I have the same fears and react the same way to most of them. The book kept me on the edge of my seat. I love that she found a new “family” and that the locals mostly warmed up to her (All won’t, just because of where she comes from). It’s hard being a “Yankee” (as the people first called me when I moved to Ocala) and blending in to a totally different life. Great characters, great setting, great mystery. Can’t wait to read more in this series.
Fantastic book! Gia Morelli leaves behind her life in New York to start over in Florida and opens the All-Day Breakfast Cafe. Of course a murder occurs and she and her friend Savannah investigate. This was a great book with characters easy to relate to. Also, love the all-day breakfast! Looking forward to the next book and hopefully seeing Gia and Hunt slowly develop a relationship as well as Savannah and Leo.
Very good first in series, looking forward to reading the next one!
Gia moved from New York City to Florida. Sounds like a dream for those weary of snow and ice. It was a nightmare of a bitter divorce, criminal charges against her ex-husband, and all of the girlfriends she wasn’t aware of, and thankfully not being charged with those same offenses all while dealing with death threats that propelled her to the Sunshine State.
Going to Boggy Creek has its good points. Savannah, her best friend, has coordinated almost everything for the little house she is purchasing, as well as getting her dream of the All-Day Breakfast Cafe ready to open. Yes, after working many years in a deli in New York and loving everything about it, something good would come from the years she saved what she could.
Opening day had its happy moments, such as a full house and a great waitress. The last to leave, Gia goes out the back door with the last of the trash and finds an arm hanging out of the dumpster. The detective, Hunt, did not have good news for her. It was her ex-husband. No matter how the man hated Florida, he was there. Dead. And she was the only suspect. Savannah’s arrival brought relief, as she is Hunt’s cousin, and fiercely protective of her BFF. Without evidence, they couldn’t arrest her, especially not with Savannah’s character witness.
Boggy Creek begins to seem like a miniature Big Apple when one of her ex’s mistresses shows up. She wants whatever the man left with Gia for her. Just wish she knew what it was, as this woman was about to bring the next death threat. Her house was broken into. There were few customers in the cafe when the police let her re-open. At least Savannah and she had a chance to go to the animal shelter to get an adorable little pup – Thor – who would grow into a big protector and loyal friend. Thor already proves his weight in kibble as Gia, who never had a pet before, fell in love with the fur baby. Somehow, Gia needs to get free of being a suspect, especially when a dead body is then found in her yard. And somehow, get rid of anyone threatening her for the ex’s deceit.
Gia and Savannah are described well through their actions and heartwarming dialog. They are what being, and having, a BFF is all about. Other characters are described as their roles require. Hunt is an enigma, but he does welcome Gia into Savannah’s and his family. It is hard to figure out if the mistress is working alone, or has help, and most of the people she meets seem too…normal.
I was excited to start this new series. Even though I am not a cook or baker, I do enjoy the descriptions – and in this case, the adorable pup on the cover had my attention (and some of the blog posts I read). Sometimes one can tell a book by its cover! As I am looking forward to getting the next book in the series. This is a story that grabbed my attention in the first chapter, and each plot twist cemented that attention through to the end. There are surprises at the end, one of which was a biggie for me. All in all, I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and highly recommend it to those who enjoy good recipes and cozy mysteries built around good friends, pets, and cafes and other fine breakfast establishments.
Relatively straight-forward mystery sometimes moved forward with inexplicable actions of the lead character. It’s entertaining however. Not a book to put down for long
Good characters
Scone Cold Killer is the first All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery, and the first Lena Gregory book I’ve read. Well-written, lots of suspects (I kept going back and forth!!!), and lots of room for more books in the series. A+
Totally enjoyable read