Scone Cold Killer

By Lena Gregory

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 . . .
 
Praise for Lena Gregory
 
“Hold on to your plates for this fast-paced mystery that will leave you hungering for more!”—J.C. Eaton, author of the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, on Scone Cold Killer
 
“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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyrical Press
• Release date: Jan 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781516104628

Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mystery series, which takes place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, and the All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series, which is set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest.Lena Grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she still lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and five dogs, and works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Book preview

Cover copy

To save her cozy Florida diner, Gia Morelli must choke down a heaping helping of murder . . .

New York native Gia Morelli is just getting used to life in Florida when she gets word that the town government wants to shut down her pride and joy: the charming little diner known as the All-Day Breakfast Café. A forgotten zoning regulation means that the café was opened illegally, and hardboiled council president Marcia Steers refuses to budge. Gia is considering hanging up her apron and going back to New York, but before she gives up on her dream, she discovers something shocking in the local swamp: Marcia Steers, dead in the water. There’s a secret buried in the books at town hall, and someone killed to keep it hidden. To save her café and bring a killer to justice, Gia and her friends will have to figure out a killer’s recipe for murder . . .

SCONE COLD KILLER

An All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery

Lena Gregory

LYRICAL PRESS

Kensington Publishing Corp.

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Copyright © 2018 by Lena Gregory

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First Electronic Edition: January 2018

eISBN-13: 978-1-5161-0462-8

eISBN-10: 1-5161-0462-5

First Print Edition: January 2018

ISBN-13: 978-1-5161-0465-9

ISBN-10: 1-5161-0465-X

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

Elaina, thank you so much for all your support, encouragement, and help. I love you, and I’m so proud of the young woman you’ve become!

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my husband, Greg. We’ve built a wonderful life together, and I can’t wait to see where our journey will lead next. I’d like to say a big thank you to my children, Elaina, Nicky, and Logan, and to my son-in-law, Steve, for their understanding and help while I spent long nights at the computer. My husband and children are truly the loves of my life.

I also have to thank my best friend, Renee, for all her support, long conversations, and reading many rough drafts. I still wouldn’t know how to use Word without her help. I’d like to thank my sister, Debby, and my dad, Tony, who are probably my biggest fans and have read every word I’ve ever written. To my agent, Dawn Dowdle, thank you for believing in me and for being there in the middle of the night every time I have a question. Words cannot express my gratitude to Martin Biro for giving me this opportunity and for his wonderful advice and assistance in polishing this manuscript.

Chapter 1

I’m just surprised you got out of New York without killing that son of a—

Savannah! The harsh sentiment hurled with all of Savanah’s sweet, easy-going, southern-girl charm caught Gia Morelli off-guard, and she stared at her best friend.

What? Feigning innocence, Savannah propped a long, hot pink nail beneath Gia’s chin and shoved her mouth closed. It’s September in Florida, honey. You keep that open too long, you’re bound to get a mouthful of lovebugs.

What’s a lov— Gia waved her off. Never mind. It doesn’t matter.

All that matters is that you’re here now. Savannah hefted Gia’s overnight bag from the back seat of the cab she’d taken from the airport while Gia paid the driver. As the cab pulled away, Savannah slung her free arm around Gia’s waist. The four inch heels on her sandals only brought her to Gia’s chin. I’m just glad it’s over.

If that wasn’t the understatement of the year…

Gia wrapped her arm around Savannah’s shoulders and squeezed. Me too.

The two of them stood together on the sidewalk, staring up at the glossy new sign above the shop—Gia’s shop—door. All-Day Breakfast Café. A Grand Opening banner hung limp in the humidity beneath it.

Gia’s gut cramped. The hot Florida sun threatened to melt the makeup right off her face. The long skirt, light sweater, and knee-high leather boots that had left her slightly chilly in the brisk, early-morning, fall air in New York a few hours ago, were practically suffocating her now. She wiped her forehead, ignoring the flutter in her stomach and the fact that her nerves, rather than the stifling heat, were probably making her sweat.

Enough of that. Come on. Let me show you what I’ve done with the place since you were here last. Savannah’s growing excitement was contagious.

The knot of tension loosened a little.

I was just making sure everything was ready when the taxi pulled up. She grinned and started forward. I thought you weren’t coming in until tonight?

Gia shrugged, not yet ready to explain her need to escape sooner. She forced a smile. Last-minute change of plans.

Well, I’m glad you’re here to stay this time. Savannah weaved her fingers through Gia’s and squeezed her hand. But you should have called me. I’d have picked you up at the airport.

Gia glanced at her, trying to hide the pain and fear she knew her friend would see anyway. Thanks, Savannah. I know you would have, but I needed to do it myself.

A brief flicker of pity softened Savannah’s expression, but then a smile emerged. She tugged on Gia’s hand, then released her and started toward the front door. Well, you’re home now. And wait until you see the finishing touches I’ve made to the shop. You’re going to love them.

Gia took another moment to admire the historical, two-story building that housed the shop. Her shop. The pale yellow paint with white trim had been a great color choice. Standing proudly on one corner, it fit nicely with the other shops along Main Street in the small, artsy, tourist town of Boggy Creek. Nestled a bit south of Central Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the town was known for its festivals, art and craft shows, and seasonal fairs. Her breakfast café would be the perfect addition. She hoped.

Shaking off another attack of nerves, she caught up to Savannah where she’d waited on the walkway.

I can’t believe you’re finally here to stay this time, Savannah said.

Me neither. The past year, since she’d found out about her husband’s—ex-husband’s—illicit and illegal activities, had flown by in a blur of confusion and betrayal. Savannah had been her rock, the one person who’d steadied her and helped her move toward a future. Flying down for a day or two at a time wasn’t easy.

No, it wasn’t, but you did it, Savannah reminded her, then gestured toward the café. And just look what you’ve got to show for it.

Pride surged. You’re right.

Do you like the sign? A small wooden sign with hand-painted lettering hung in the front window framed by blue and white gingham curtains, proclaiming the café, Closed. I picked it up at the fair last weekend.

I love it. She turned to her friend. Thank you, Savannah. For everything. I never would have been able to get the shop set up or the house or anything without your help.

Savannah shrugged it off, as she always did. You’re very welcome. But the truth is, you’re a strong woman, and you would have managed, even without my help. She grinned. I just made it a little easier. Now, come on. Enough dwelling on the past. It’s time to take your first step toward the future.

You’re right. Taking a deep breath, Gia scrubbed the tears from her cheeks and headed up the walkway to the door. She had a lot to accomplish if she was going to open the next day. And she was definitely going to open the next day, no matter what.

Savannah held the door open.

Gia paused. Despite the intense heat, a chill raced through her, raising goose bumps. She glanced over her shoulder. People walked along the sidewalk, a few kids on bicycles headed toward the park at the end of Main Street, and cars crept through the crowded town. No one seemed to be paying any attention to her, and yet…

The sensation had become all too familiar since word of her husband’s scam had been made public. But that was in New York. And she was no longer in New York.

Are you sure you want to open tomorrow? Leaning against the open door as if she had all day, Savannah waited, eyes closed, face tilted up toward the warm sun.

I’m sure. It’s time to move on. Leaving the past behind her, Gia strode through the doorway and tried to see the shop as a customer would for the first time. She’d been hoping to create the cozy feel of home. With Savannah’s help, she’d nailed it.

Savannah let the door fall closed. We could take a trip down south, maybe head to the Keys for a week or so. Lie on the beach, paddleboard, enjoy the night life…

As appealing as that sounds, I need to jump right in. It’ll be easier for me if I’m busy.

Savannah shrugged, accepting Gia’s answer, even if she couldn’t understand it. She spread her arms wide and turned in a circle. So, what do you think?

Before Gia had left a few weeks ago, she’d ordered the tables and chairs. Now, round tables of varying sizes dotted the room, covered in navy blue cloths. Light-colored, wood chairs with homemade cushions, surrounded them. Savannah had always been amazing at anything craft related. A skill Gia didn’t share, but admired immensely. Did you make these?

I did. I got the fabric months ago at a craft fair. She untied a cushion from one of the chairs and turned it over. See, there’s a zipper in the back of each one, so you can take them off and throw them in the wash. There are stacks of them in the storage closet in the back by your office.

My office?

Yup. Come on back.

Gia followed her through the shop, her footsteps echoing off the distressed bamboo flooring.

Since she’d been there last, Savannah had added some beautiful finishing touches, including paintings of local scenery—at least, Gia assumed it was local. It seemed like it, but she hadn’t had time to see much on her visits. Most, well, pretty much all, of her time had been spent setting up the shop. She hadn’t even seen her new house yet, though Savannah had sent tons of pictures, and it looked beautiful.

Savannah pushed open a swinging door at the back of the dining room, but instead of turning left and heading into the kitchen, she let the door swing shut behind Gia and opened a door on the right.

Gia stepped into the small office space. A desk and chair took up most of the room. Not just any desk, but Savannah’s desk. The same desk she’d crammed into the closet of a bedroom they’d shared when the two of them had been roommates in New York. For years she’d skirted around that desk, stubbing her toes more often than not on her way past. But Savannah would never get rid of it, said her Pa had made it, and it had sentimental value. That’s your desk.

Savannah smiled. I’m not using it right now, anyway, so I took it out of the spare bedroom and put it in here. Just for now, mind you. You can give it back once you get on your feet and get your own.

Gia swallowed back tears and surveyed the rest of the small room. A battered file cabinet sat in one corner behind the desk, and a set of wooden bookshelves lined one wall. Oh, my gosh, Savannah. I don’t know what to say.

I figured you’d need quiet space now and then to place orders and stuff.

It’s perfect. Gia turned in a circle as she tried to recall the layout of the back rooms. Wasn’t this part of the storage closet?

Yup. I had my brother, Joey, extend the closet to the back wall, so you didn’t even lose that much storage space. I figured you’d want your office to be right by the door, though, so you can still hear what’s going on in the kitchen and the café if you leave the door open.

It’s amazing, thank you. She threw her arms around her friend’s neck. You’ve done so much for me, Savannah.

That’s what friends are for. Savannah hugged her, then stepped back. I’m just glad you’re out of there now. I was worried sick every time you went back.

I know. I’m sorry.

Don’t be silly. It wasn’t your fault. She lowered her gaze, but Gia didn’t miss the flash of anger in her eyes. I’m just glad you’re here and ready to start over.

Gia just nodded. There was really nothing to say. Her divorce had been a bitter disaster, played out in the media for the whole world to see. Everywhere she’d gone, she’d been hounded by reporters—when she was lucky. On the worst days, her husband’s victims had been pounding on her door and blowing up her phone.

The only respite she’d had through the entire ordeal had been the weekend escapes during which she’d managed to set up her shop. Thankfully, she’d been smart enough to keep working throughout her marriage, despite Bradley’s insistence that she quit. Between that nest egg and the meager divorce settlement that was left after the lawyers and victims had been compensated, she’d been left with just enough to put a down payment on the beautiful building that housed the café and upstairs apartment and to buy a small house. She’d thought about living in the apartment for a while, and had stayed there on her brief visits, but she really wanted a place to go home to separate from the café. Of course, she wished she’d seen the house first, but beggars can’t be choosers, and it was pretty much all she could afford anyway.

A loud crash from outside the back door startled her. She jumped and whirled toward the sound. A tremor shook her. Sweat sprang out on her forehead and trickled down the side of her face.

Something squeezed her shoulder.

Gia practically jumped out of her skin.

Savannah jerked her hand back and frowned. Are you all right?

How could she explain the panic attacks she’d suffered this past year? How could she reveal the paranoia, the prickling sensation at the back of her neck that would come over her at random moments, the absolute conviction that someone was watching her? How could she tell Savannah about the death threats she’d received without making her worry even more? Easy, she couldn’t. I’m sorry. I’m fine. You just startled me. She forced a laugh. What was that noise, anyway?

Savannah’s eyes narrowed, and she stared at Gia for a moment longer, then, thankfully, she let the matter drop. Sounded like the dumpster in the parking lot out back.

Desperate to escape the claustrophobia threatening to suffocate her, as well as Savannah’s far too observant gaze, Gia shoved open the back door.

The instant she emerged from the air-conditioned shop, the humidity slammed into her chest. Her breath shot from her lungs as if she’d gotten punched.

Savannah’s laughter helped shake the last of the paranoia that had gripped her. Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.

I’m not so sure.

Trust me. It won’t take long before you’re looking for a jacket when the temperature falls below seventy.

Somehow, I doubt— She stopped short, not sure what exactly she was looking at. A man, clad in dirty, threadbare jeans, hung from the dumpster.

Harley? Is that you, Harley? Savannah strode toward the dumpster, then stopped and propped her hands on her hips. You get down from there right now. What has Trevor told you about taking stuff out of dumpsters?

The man pulled his upper body out and swung himself down to the concrete. His cheeks flushed, though whether from the intense heat or embarrassment, Gia had no clue. He lowered his gaze to the ground and smoothed a hand over his scruffy, more-gray-than-blond beard. Sorry, ma’am.

Savannah’s tone softened. Don’t be sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong, but you’re going to get sick if you eat stuff out of dumpsters. She reached as if to put a hand on his arm.

He lurched back.

It’s okay, Harley. But if you’re hungry, just ask. You know that.

He nodded, glanced longingly at the dumpster once more, then headed off across the parking lot, slowed by a bad limp.

Harley? Gia called after him.

He stopped and turned but didn’t make eye contact.

I’m opening tomorrow, and if you come in, I’ll treat you to breakfast on the house.

He nodded and started away again.

Savannah leaned close, pitching her voice low. He won’t come inside.

She didn’t know his story, but something about him touched her. Perhaps the lost look hovering just below the surface in his bright blue eyes. She yelled after him. I’ll leave a bag out back, right beside the door.

He waved over his shoulder but kept walking.

Gia stared after him, as he shuffled across the remainder of the parking lot, his gait steady but stilted, and disappeared into a bunch of trees bordering the lakefront park. What’s up with him?

Don’t worry about Harley. He’s harmless. Everyone around here… She gestured toward the row of shops behind them. Well, they sort of take care of him.

He’s homeless?

Savannah shook her head. I don’t really know, but he won’t even go inside a building, so I assume so.

Where does he live?

Wherever he can find somewhere to hang out.

What about when it rains? Weird how she’d walked past dozens of homeless people every day back home, without ever really seeing them as individuals, but this one man touched her in a way they hadn’t. She wished she could go back and take notice, see each of them as a unique person with their own story, their own tragedy.

The park has picnic areas and other sheltered spaces without walls. Technically, he’s not allowed to be there, but no one chases him away. Now, come on.

Huh? Come on where? She shook off her concern. She’d leave something for him to eat when she closed tomorrow. Hopefully, he’d take it. Where are we going?

To see your new house, silly. I’m so happy you got here in daylight.

A small thrill coursed through her. Her very own house.

And I assume you’ll want to come back to the café afterward.…

Gia nodded as she held the door for Savannah to reenter the shop, then hurried through after her. I want to make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow. I’ll probably do a lot of the prep tonight.

So we should swing by the shelter on the way to the house.

Shelter? The glass-domed cake dishes lining the counter distracted her from whatever Savannah was going on about. They’d be perfect to display quiche and breakfast pies, a variety of muffins, and scones. A row of stools allowed for counter seating, which would give her room for an extra ten or twelve customers. She started counting the stools.

Yeah. Can you believe they just shut down a pet store last week? The animal shelter is overloaded with puppies.

Her concentration faltered, and she lost count. Puppies?

Yeah. Savannah grinned.

You’re getting a puppy?

No, you are.

Why in the world would I do that? The thought of a pet was appealing. She’d never had one before, not even as a kid, and the company would be nice, but she’d

Reviews for Scone Cold Killer

[cyderry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gia Morelli has fled New York City and her scambag ex-husband (awaiting sentencing for investment fraud) and takes refuge in a small Florida town with her best friend. Opening up her own Breakfast cafe, the first day wasn't perfect (she didn't have grits and the newly hired cook was worthless) but it gets worse when she discovers her ex dead in her own dumpster.Apparently, some people were not happy with him and now they're after Gia believing that she has something they want.I loved the setting, characters and the special little somethings that were added. This was a great first book in a new series.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Scone Cold Killer by Lena Gregory is the first book in An All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series. Gia Morelli has relocated from New York to Boggy Creek, Florida. Her ex-husband was an investor who stole millions from his clients and Gia needs to escape the upset investors. Gia purchased two properties and is turning one of them into the All-Day Breakfast Café. The other property (which she purchased sight unseen) will be her new home. Her best friend, Savannah helped her get the café ready for customers and she has hired two employees (she failed to look at their applications or check references). Gia opens her café the next day and it is a hit with the customers. The only drawback is her new cook, Maybelle who can only cook one meal at a time and lacks social skills (in other words, lazy and rude). At the end of a long day, Gia goes outside to put the trash in the dumpster and sees an arm sticking out. Gia recognizes the ring on the hand as well as the expensive manicure and realizes that her ex-husband’s crimes have finally caught up with him. Later that night when Gia arrives home, she discovers that someone has broken in. They are looking for something, but what? Gia then finds a threatening note in her mailbox. The killer believes she has something of her ex-husbands and they are willing to kill to get it. Gia needs to discover what it is they want before she ends up the next victim.Scone Cold Killer has a good pace with plenty of activity. I felt, though, that the characters and town lacked development. We are told very little about the Boggy Creek. I was not fond of the main character, Gia Morelli. She is an emotional mess who should not be running a business. She jumps at every little noise. She starts shaking, sweating, etc. She is nervous thanks to the investors that have been harassing her in New York (someone needs to find her a good therapist). Gia is also afraid of spider, snakes (I can relate to this one), wild animals and so much more. Gia had a complete meltdown when she was confronted by a spider (it was just ridiculous). It seems that Gia did not do her research on her new town (unaware that wild animals were nearby). Would you hire someone without looking at their application or checking with past employers? Gia did! Would you open a restaurant without checking to see what locals like to eat? Gia seemed oblivious that Southerners like grits (I do not get the fascination, but my Father loved them). She is also scatter brained and a dreamer (her attention drifts in the middle of conversations). I can see how Bradley was able to take advantage of Gia. Gia came across as annoying and off-putting. Drama surrounding Gia and her anxiety took up a good portion of the book. Savannah, on the other hand, was a character I liked. She has a great attitude and personality. It is a shame she is not the main character. There is a love interest for Gia in the form of Detective Hunter Quinn. We know that he is handsome, well built, sexy, and manly (we are told this quite a few times). I never felt the connection between the two characters (no spark). The dialogue between them is lackluster. If I was Hunter, I would run (not walk) away from the anxious and whiny Gia. I was hoping that the mystery would be compelling to make up for the rest of the book, but I was once again disappointed. One tiny clue (if you need it) gives it away. Scone Cold Killer was not a good fit for me.

[dokfintong · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I love "Florida crazy", especially in mysteries and thrillers. My shelves are filled with John McDonald, Elmore Leonard, Robert Lane, and other writers who use the Florida as a backdrop for crime fiction. I do not usually choose cozy mysteries, but decided to ask for Scone Cold Murder because the publisher's blurb suggested that Ms Gregory would be able to pull off a successful fusion of cozy and crazy.Well, she doesn't.The protagonist complains about the heat. She finds one spider. She sees a family of bears and one ordinary snake. Sounds like summer anywhere in the USA. The only other "Florida" component of the book is grits, which Ms Gregory seems never to have heard of in New York City and which is actually is less a staple food in Florida than in the rest of the south.Even if we don't look for authentic Florida, Scone Cold Murder is rather lame overall. Boggy Creek is supposed to be a bustling "arts" town but we don't meet any artists or any bustle. The story has loose ends all over the place, not the least of which is how the villains ever met, given that they are from entirely different backgrounds. It's hard to go into detail without revealing too much, but people touch each other too much and too early in their relationships. Professionals don't act like professionals. Ms Gregory spends too much time setting up later books.The puppy is ok though, although it is so very convenient that the police have dismantled a puppy mill so the pound just happens to be full of exotic purebred pooches. Never mind.I received a review copy of "Scone Cold Killer" by Lena Gregory (Lyrical Underground) through NetGalley.com.

[joannefm2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Gia Morelli's life has fallen apart. Her ex-husband was convicted of swindling people out of millions, and everyone thought she knew about it, hounding her constantly. So she moved to Florida to be near her best friend Savannah and open a breakfast cafe. She hoped that she'd be far enough away that no one would have ever heard of Bradley Remington.But on her first days' opening, she she finds something in the dumpster...her ex-husband. After calling the police, she not only discovers that her past has followed her, but that the detective in charge of the case, Hunter Quinn, is Savannah's cousin. Shaken and demoralized, she reluctantly accepts the help of those around her, but then things start to escalate. Both her garage and cafe are broken into, and a mysterious woman confronts her about Bradley. It seems people are after something Bradley left with her, but she hasn't a clue as to what they're talking about. She left with only what she could take, and a paltry settlement from her divorce. Yet someone wants something, and they'll stop at nothing to get it, even if it costs Gia her life...This is a wonderful beginning to a new series. Gia is a delightful character - she's tough yet vulnerable, and it shows in her thoughts and actions. She's torn at the thought of her attraction to Hunt and yet not trusting men. Her friendship with Savannah is strong, and she's torn at keeping her near or wanting to see her safe. She's wary of anyone she meets but doesn't know if she'll ever be free of her past. She's complex; but who wouldn't be, having gone through what she has?The mystery was extremely well done, the characters well drawn. Each one had a definite personality and it was very nice to see some backstory involved - a bit of history to all so that we can truly understand who they are. I took an immediate liking to most of them, which is a very good thing in a book.While I also wanted to know what it was that Bradley left with her, I defied my curiosity and carried through to the end of the book instead of peeking at it. It made the story more enjoyable to discover along with Gia what everyone was looking for, and gave a nice bit of tension to the tale. I believe that Ms. Gregory has found her niche with this new series. The characters are animated, the scenery vivid, the mystery believable. When we come to the end and the killer is revealed, it was both satisfying and convincing. I only wish the sequel was at hand, since I didn't want it to end. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

[lisaksbookreviews · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author Lena Gregory has served up a wonderful first course in her All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series.I was hungry for this series the moment I heard about it! I mean, an All-Day Breakfast Café? That’s my kind of place to eat! So, I had very high hopes going into SCONE COLD KILLER. I wasn’t disappointed.I enjoyed the setting, and could vividly picture the café in my mind. The eclectic cast of characters made for an interesting read. I enjoyed most of them. There is one character that I’m still unsure about, but am withholding judgment until the next book in the series. I look forward to seeing how all the characters grow, and how author Gregory fleshes them out.An easy, flowing read, I flew through this tale quickly in one setting. The mystery was tight, and well done. I thought I had it figured out, only to find I had missed an important clue, and guessed wrong. So, that made for a surprising ending for me. SCONE COLD KILLER is story cozy fans are sure to love. And the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries will certainly be on your must read list!

[arthistorychick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Scone Cold Killer by Lena GregoryBook #1: All-Day Breakfast Café MysterySource: NetgalleyMy Rating: 4/5 starsGia Morelli’s ex-husband is a slimy rat bastard who lies, steals, cheats, and has zero remorse for his actions. What’s more, Gia knew nothing of his antics and shenanigans until they all came to light in open court and the victims of his crime began verbally attacking her. Getting free of her ex was of the utmost importance, and her new life and new career in Florida, far, far away from New York was meant to be a fresh start/clean break post-divorce. Unfortunately, the rat bastard has turned up dead in her newly opened café’s dumpster. Can’t a girl catch a break?As it turns out, no! Just a day after her new café opens, Gia must shut down her café thanks to her rat bastard ex being dead in the dumpster. What’s more, she already needs a new cook and she has no idea what the hell a grit is or how to make one. As luck would have it, a new, perfectly qualified and skilled cook shows up just as Gia is getting truly desperate. As a bonus, he knows exactly what a grit is and how to properly prepare them. With the cook situation sorted, Gia just has to hope local residents will be willing to overlook the tiny issue of the murder victim and give her café a chance. Of course, it would be just like Gia’s ex to tank her hopes and dreams even after he’s dead ☹ As fate would have it, only Gia’s best friend a few loyal locals are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Gia’s past, and more importantly, her ex-past has come a callin’ and Gia just hasn’t had enough time to establish her own reputation in her new home. With the café lagging, Gia has time to sort out the mess her ex has brought to her front doorstep (or back dumpster as the case may be) and what she digs up is as disturbing as his previous activities. Despite the hot detective’s warnings against becoming more involved and putting herself in danger, Gia continues with dogged determination to clear her name and solve the mystery of her wretched ex and his plots and schemes. The Bottom Line: Quite frankly, I was going to read any book that involves an all-day breakfast café, it’s just a bonus that the plot and characters were quite good too. Gia is simply at her whit’s end when she arrives in Florida. She is beyond ready for the past to be well and truly in the past and to start her new life as a successful single woman. When her past shows up in a most unpleasant way, Gia realizes she won’t be done with the past until she closes the book herself. She digs and dives into every lead despite her fear which makes her all the more interesting. Her best-friend is a fiery delight, “her” hot detective is going to be a mountain of sexy fun in the future, and the café is going to be a wonderful hub for all Gia’s future sleuthing.

[annarellix-322425 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
This is a first instalment in a new series and it is a good book. Well written, good plot, interesting mystery and a charming cast of characters.
I surely recommend it.

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lena Gregory has written an engaging mystery with likable characters. A Scone Cold Killer is the debut book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series, and it doesn’t disappoint. New York native Gia Morelli is starting over in Florida after a nasty divorce from a scoundrel. He not only cheated on her, but he cheated many people who want to get even. As Gia is starting a new business, her ex shows up dead in the dumpster behind her new diner. She is immediately suspected by many of the locals and her business is about to go bust. Not only that, but she is being threatened for some reason and she does not know what is going on.

I enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting. I loved the characters in Boggy Creek, especially her best friend Savannah and local fisherman Earl. Gia is a great character. She is so real (has reasonable fears of things like spiders), is kind to the homeless man Harley, is spunky and smart as well as being a great cook. The ending was well done and although I was suspicious of someone all along, the reveal confirmed those suspicions and explained the motive. With the case officially solved and Gia deciding she will stay in Boggy Creek with her dog, Thor, and possible male relationship with Hunter, police detective and Savannah's cousin, I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes. A nice debut in a new series that I recommend to those who enjoy a culinary cozy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[ginduperre · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, and no believe her when she tells them she had no idea her husband was a lying, cheating, scumbag. She knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town. She has become their target for revenge, and she can’t take any more.

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 after she opens when she finds her ex-husband crammed inside her dumpster. As the main suspect, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before the killer strike again, and she becomes the body in the dumpster.

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Series: All-Day Breakfast Cafe - Book 1
Author: Lena Gregory
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Culinary/Lyrical Underground

Author Lena Gregory has created a wonderfully fun entertaining story with believable characters and interesting scenarios. Scone Cold Killer will have the reader laughing happily and a bit concerned for Gia’s future but will also keep them turning the page and cheering her on.

Gia is a woman who is desperate for some peace in her life. Finding out that the man you loved, married and spent many years believing in was nothing more than a cheating con artist isn’t easy. Add in death threats, revenge of all manner and the “yeah, sure you didn’t know” game, puts Gia in the path of people who want revenge no matter what the cost. She’s a good person trying to stay one. Trying to start over isn’t easy and being the suspect in your husband's murder doesn’t make things any better.

Savannah and Hunt are fantastic characters who help Gia even when she doesn’t want them too. Hunt may be a cop, but he is on her side, and even if she were guilty, he would still treat her with respect and care. Savannah is Gia’s best friend, but while trying to clear her name, she learns that she doesn’t know as much about her friend as she thought she did. Everything they go through makes their friendship stronger, and even though Gia doesn’t want to get involved with a man again, she can’t keep from liking Hunt and maybe more.

A small Florida town with forest views to die for and decent, hard-working people are the perfect setting for murder and intrigue. The town holds festivals, art shows and is filled with crafters. It is a dream come true for most people who have ideas and dreams and just want peace.

Scone Cold Killer is well written, filled with action and lovable characters. Readers will quickly fall for these characters and the town and will want to see everything turn out right for Gia. Overall this is a great first book in a new series and is extremely recommended to readers of cozies with a culinary and pet bent that is intricate to the plot and development of the characters.