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Coffee & Cream Café Mystery #2
Grounds for Murder
From author Lena Gregory comes a tasty new mystery with a killer twist...
Danika Delaney is thrilled to have taken over her uncle Jimmie's old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island and is working hard to make it her own. In an effort to increase business, Danika invites a mystery writer to the Cookies & Cream Café for a discussion and book signing. Things seem to be going well, until a guest shows up and confronts the author, accusing him of plagiarizing his work. Embarrassed by the incident, Danika goes to the inn where the writer is staying the following morning, hoping to apologize and offer him another chance to return. What she finds instead is his dead body—beside a cup of poisoned coffee! Now it's up to Danika to find out who wanted to silence the author... before the killer decides to write Danika a not-so-happy ending!
Danika Delaney is thrilled to have taken over her uncle Jimmie's old fashioned malt shop on eastern Long Island and is working hard to make it her own. In an effort to increase business, Danika invites a mystery writer to the Cookies & Cream Café for a discussion and book signing. Things seem to be going well, until a guest shows up and confronts the author, accusing him of plagiarizing his work. Embarrassed by the incident, Danika goes to the inn where the writer is staying the following morning, hoping to apologize and offer him another chance to return. What she finds instead is his dead body—beside a cup of poisoned coffee! Now it's up to Danika to find out who wanted to silence the author... before the killer decides to write Danika a not-so-happy ending!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
209 pages, ebook
Published November 21, 2023
26 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 17, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. Cozy mysteries are fun with the settings of a bookstore, coffee shop, and/or cafe. In the Coffee and Cream Cafe series, Dani has moved back to her small New York hometown to run her uncle's malt shop, selling ice cream, coffee, and pastries, in a bookstore type set up with comfy seating. Since she provides books and magazines to read, take, and return, it made sense to have an author signing at opening night. When he is murdered, she wants to find the killer.
The suspect pool is a small group of people close to him. Things get too close to Dani when someone breaks into her shop and then tries to burn it down. Is she now the target? Fun mystery with fun, likable character with a sense of humor woven throughout. Two different hunky guys in the picture top it off. Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for an honest review. These are my thoughts.
The suspect pool is a small group of people close to him. Things get too close to Dani when someone breaks into her shop and then tries to burn it down. Is she now the target? Fun mystery with fun, likable character with a sense of humor woven throughout. Two different hunky guys in the picture top it off. Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for an honest review. These are my thoughts.
November 25, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Danika Delaney's Coffee & Cream Café, formerly her Uncle Jimmie's old-fashioned malt shop is hosting author Fletcher Stone for a signing of his new book and a book discussion. She hopes the event will bring more people into the cafe and that they will return often. There were a few harried moments getting everything set up to the author and his assistant's specifications but there was a line out the door when the cafe opened. Later there was a commotion when a man in a rumpled suit announced he was the real author of the book. The man was escorted out by the author's assistant. After that, the evening went okay but Danika knew the author was upset when he walked out without even saying goodbye.
The next morning Danika goes to the B&B where the author is staying to apologize in hopes that he won't be trashing the cafe on his blog. Instead, she finds the man dead with a poisoned cup of coffee nearby. Since Danika invited the man to town she feels she needs to find out who killed him and why. She also wants everyone to know that she nor the Coffee & Cream Café had anything to do with his death.
But the killer may have other plans . . .
_____
All the wonderful characters from the first book return. Danika, Gwen, Meghan, Uncle Jimmy, Luca, Harry, and Jake, aka "Detective Delicious", all continue to develop nicely and are such a great group of friends. In Grounds for Murder, they are joined by Elijah Sinclair. He convinces Danika to hire him at the cafe and he fits right in. He also helps Danika and Gwen in their amateur sleuthing with his special talents. We also meet author Fletcher Stone and his entourage and enemies. I really enjoy how Ms. Gregory crafts her characters. They have unique personalities that helps us readers as we do a little armchair sleuthing of our own.
The murder mystery was full of drama and what turned out to be a very complicated scheme. There was a small pool of suspects and some interesting clues. One that Danika thought was key. She also found herself in dire straights more than once. Thank goodness she lives so close to the fire department. Both Danika and I must have missed a vital clue because I was surprised at the big reveal. I may have been on half of the right track but I wasn't convinced until actions were being taken in front of my eyes. Yes, Ms. Gregory's detailed descriptions pull her readers right into the scenes.
I wish Danika's Coffee & Cream Café really existed because I would probably spend a lot of time there. I am not a big coffee drinker but I could probably eat one of Gwen's sundaes pretty often while getting caught up in all the interesting things that happen there, even if it's murder.
Grounds for Murder is such a fun well-plotted story. Murder and mayhem balanced perfectly with humor, a little romance, and the ice cream make this book a must-read for cozy mystery lovers and A Perfect Escape for me. "What more could a girl ask for?"
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Double Scoop of Murder will be released on February 27, 2024.
Danika Delaney's Coffee & Cream Café, formerly her Uncle Jimmie's old-fashioned malt shop is hosting author Fletcher Stone for a signing of his new book and a book discussion. She hopes the event will bring more people into the cafe and that they will return often. There were a few harried moments getting everything set up to the author and his assistant's specifications but there was a line out the door when the cafe opened. Later there was a commotion when a man in a rumpled suit announced he was the real author of the book. The man was escorted out by the author's assistant. After that, the evening went okay but Danika knew the author was upset when he walked out without even saying goodbye.
The next morning Danika goes to the B&B where the author is staying to apologize in hopes that he won't be trashing the cafe on his blog. Instead, she finds the man dead with a poisoned cup of coffee nearby. Since Danika invited the man to town she feels she needs to find out who killed him and why. She also wants everyone to know that she nor the Coffee & Cream Café had anything to do with his death.
But the killer may have other plans . . .
_____
All the wonderful characters from the first book return. Danika, Gwen, Meghan, Uncle Jimmy, Luca, Harry, and Jake, aka "Detective Delicious", all continue to develop nicely and are such a great group of friends. In Grounds for Murder, they are joined by Elijah Sinclair. He convinces Danika to hire him at the cafe and he fits right in. He also helps Danika and Gwen in their amateur sleuthing with his special talents. We also meet author Fletcher Stone and his entourage and enemies. I really enjoy how Ms. Gregory crafts her characters. They have unique personalities that helps us readers as we do a little armchair sleuthing of our own.
The murder mystery was full of drama and what turned out to be a very complicated scheme. There was a small pool of suspects and some interesting clues. One that Danika thought was key. She also found herself in dire straights more than once. Thank goodness she lives so close to the fire department. Both Danika and I must have missed a vital clue because I was surprised at the big reveal. I may have been on half of the right track but I wasn't convinced until actions were being taken in front of my eyes. Yes, Ms. Gregory's detailed descriptions pull her readers right into the scenes.
I wish Danika's Coffee & Cream Café really existed because I would probably spend a lot of time there. I am not a big coffee drinker but I could probably eat one of Gwen's sundaes pretty often while getting caught up in all the interesting things that happen there, even if it's murder.
Grounds for Murder is such a fun well-plotted story. Murder and mayhem balanced perfectly with humor, a little romance, and the ice cream make this book a must-read for cozy mystery lovers and A Perfect Escape for me. "What more could a girl ask for?"
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Double Scoop of Murder will be released on February 27, 2024.
November 18, 2023
Danika Delaney's coffee and ice cream shop just barely opened after taking over her Uncle Jimmie's business. There is a star-studded book signing with the appearance of best-selling mystery author Fletcher Stone. Aside from a couple of logistical issues, the book signing and discussion goes off without a hitch. However, early the next morning Fletcher is found dead in his B&B room having been poisoned with a cup of coffee. Dani hopes to bring his killer to justice.
This is an enjoyable sophomore entry in the Coffee & Cream Café series. After all, what is there NOT to like about coffee or ice cream!
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
This is an enjoyable sophomore entry in the Coffee & Cream Café series. After all, what is there NOT to like about coffee or ice cream!
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
December 21, 2023
4.5 stars
I love Lena Gregory’s books and devoured her latest – Grounds for Murder – in one sitting. It was great to reconnect with all the characters I enjoyed meeting in book one, hang out at the grand opening of the Coffee and Cream Cafe, and continue trying to decide which potential love interest I prefer for Dani. FYI, I definitely developed a preference in this book, but I’ll be interested to see if I stick with it as the series progresses. The chemistry between Dani and ‘Detective Delicious’ Jake is still off the charts, y’all – it’s a good thing the firehouse shares a parking lot with the cafe because it may all go up in flames if they ever get to kissing. But…there’s also a lot to be said for your first love… so Luca could very well pull ahead again for me. For now though, I’m rooting for Jake!
Gwen and Dani are still a hilarious and formidable team, and the addition of Elijah was icing on the cake. His clumsiness – and their rolling with it – had me chuckling out loud more than once, and his boyish eagerness when it came to sleuthing (and everything else for that matter) made me smile. He’s a fabulous addition to their team, and I can’t wait to see how Gregory develops Elijah’s character (and possibly a romance with Gwen) in future books. As for Dani, she continues to be extremely likable, a wonderful cozy mystery protagonist. I really like her personality as well as her family dynamics. She and her cafe are definitely put through the wringer in this one, but her support network is strong. As evidenced by a certain scene in an ambulance that I could easily picture playing out in my head as I read it – and had me laughing out loud.
The mystery is full of surprising layers, several of which I wasn’t expecting but loved what they added to the story. When you kill off a highly dramatic character who is surrounded by highly dramatic people, you know your investigation will be … well… highly dramatic lol. And Grounds for Murder certainly doesn’t disappoint. Accusations fly left and right, along with implications and suspicions, and I had absolutely no idea who was responsible. Was it one person? Two? Three? I didn’t figure it out until the last second, and even then I didn’t have all the pieces put together.
Bottom Line: Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory is lots of fun, very entertaining, and full of heart. Dani and her friends and family will capture your affection, and you’ll find yourself wishing the cafe really existed so you could pull up a stool and share a banana split with them. The layered murder mystery packs in plenty of red herrings and misdirections along with the important clues, keeping you guessing until the end. A dash of romance, a dose of sparks, and a heaping scoop of humor lightens the mood in between all the murder and mayhem, and I cannot wait for my next visit to the Coffee and Cream Cafe!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I love Lena Gregory’s books and devoured her latest – Grounds for Murder – in one sitting. It was great to reconnect with all the characters I enjoyed meeting in book one, hang out at the grand opening of the Coffee and Cream Cafe, and continue trying to decide which potential love interest I prefer for Dani. FYI, I definitely developed a preference in this book, but I’ll be interested to see if I stick with it as the series progresses. The chemistry between Dani and ‘Detective Delicious’ Jake is still off the charts, y’all – it’s a good thing the firehouse shares a parking lot with the cafe because it may all go up in flames if they ever get to kissing. But…there’s also a lot to be said for your first love… so Luca could very well pull ahead again for me. For now though, I’m rooting for Jake!
Gwen and Dani are still a hilarious and formidable team, and the addition of Elijah was icing on the cake. His clumsiness – and their rolling with it – had me chuckling out loud more than once, and his boyish eagerness when it came to sleuthing (and everything else for that matter) made me smile. He’s a fabulous addition to their team, and I can’t wait to see how Gregory develops Elijah’s character (and possibly a romance with Gwen) in future books. As for Dani, she continues to be extremely likable, a wonderful cozy mystery protagonist. I really like her personality as well as her family dynamics. She and her cafe are definitely put through the wringer in this one, but her support network is strong. As evidenced by a certain scene in an ambulance that I could easily picture playing out in my head as I read it – and had me laughing out loud.
The mystery is full of surprising layers, several of which I wasn’t expecting but loved what they added to the story. When you kill off a highly dramatic character who is surrounded by highly dramatic people, you know your investigation will be … well… highly dramatic lol. And Grounds for Murder certainly doesn’t disappoint. Accusations fly left and right, along with implications and suspicions, and I had absolutely no idea who was responsible. Was it one person? Two? Three? I didn’t figure it out until the last second, and even then I didn’t have all the pieces put together.
Bottom Line: Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory is lots of fun, very entertaining, and full of heart. Dani and her friends and family will capture your affection, and you’ll find yourself wishing the cafe really existed so you could pull up a stool and share a banana split with them. The layered murder mystery packs in plenty of red herrings and misdirections along with the important clues, keeping you guessing until the end. A dash of romance, a dose of sparks, and a heaping scoop of humor lightens the mood in between all the murder and mayhem, and I cannot wait for my next visit to the Coffee and Cream Cafe!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 22, 2023
Grounds For Murder is a clever and interesting murder in small town! I love Dani and the rest of the recurring characters. They are so well written that I feel like I know them. The mystery is very intriguing and the murderer surprises me. Once I began reading, I did not put it down!
November 7, 2023
Great book! Characters would be fun to know. Setting of small town on Long Island where everyone knows everyone. Storylines keep your attention. Surprise ending!
October 13, 2023
I absolutely love this series. This is a page turner that kept me guessing and thoroughly entertained. Dani finds herself involved in another murder investigation. Trouble seems to find her. Luca makes some appearances and lots of interaction with a favorite detective given he's working the case. We see the addition of Eli to the amateur sleuthing group (joining Dani and Gwen) and a few appearances of Uncle Jimmy and Dani's sister Meghan.
The story reveals an intricate plot involving authors, agents, assistants, plagiarized books, break-ins and fires. But no worries, Dani lives beside the firehouse and seems to always be on the detective's radar. This is just good solid entertainment, I'm loving this series which is now on my must-read list. Can't wait for another mystery for Dani!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The story reveals an intricate plot involving authors, agents, assistants, plagiarized books, break-ins and fires. But no worries, Dani lives beside the firehouse and seems to always be on the detective's radar. This is just good solid entertainment, I'm loving this series which is now on my must-read list. Can't wait for another mystery for Dani!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 4, 2023
GROUNDS FOR MURDER by Lena Gregory is the second book in the Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series. It’s the fabulous cozy mystery centered around Danika Delany, her newly opened Coffee & Cream Café, the mysterious death of the author right after her grand opening book signing event and how Danika gets pulled in to figuring out whodunit.
Danika moved back to her hometown of Watchogue in order to take over her uncle’s faltering business. She’s turned it from a 50’s mom and pop malt shop to a cozy café for people to come eat a meal or enjoy on an ice cream treat while meeting friends, enjoying one of many books available for browsing or just a placed to relaxing. She’s thrilled to have booked Fletcher Stone, mystery writer, for a discussion time and book signing at her grand opening. She didn’t realize how hard it would be to work with such a demanding person like Fletcher’s secretary, which had her wondering if it was all worth it. However, with help from her sister, best friend and newly hired employee, they managed to pull off a great time enjoyed by all despite an intruder showing up claim Fletcher plagiarized his work.
The next morning while going to thank them for coming and to apologize for any difficulties from her part, she finds Fletcher dead in his room with a cup of coffee, a book and an open and empty safe. After calling 911 and giving her statement to Detective Jake Barlow, the handsome office she’d meet before under undesirable circumstances, although curious, she thought her participation in the investigation was over. That is, until someone broke into her store, where her apartment was up on the second level. While checking on what the noise was, she was grabbed from behind and put in a choke hold causing her to pass out. After someone called 911 and Danika comes to, it’s decided by others that a trip to the hospital is need to check her out. Although they reported she was ok to be released, the memory of the events and finding that nothing but the print outs left over from the event was missing, makes her think that the break in is connected somehow to the murder. It also now makes it personal and Danika is determined to find the guilty party.
With her past history of searching out clues and with the help of friends, can Dankia figure out what’s going on, find clues to turn over to the detective and nail the murderer without becoming a statistic herself? With the second attempt on Coffee & Cream Café, this time with a Molotov cocktail, it brings up questions of are the events connected or two separate crimes? Will having thoughts about one certain handsome detective help Dankia see that maybe it’s time to move on and concede that she and Luca will only remain friends? Could hiring Eli as part time helper be one of the best things Dankia did to help her business? Is it possible to instantly become friends with someone? Will a mistake in judgement put Dankia’s life if jeopardy? And if so, will there be anyone to come to her rescue?
GROUNDS FOR MURDER is the marvelously written cozy mystery that immediately draws you in and keeps you turning pages right to the very end. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and wish you could actually visit the Coffee & Cream Café. Until that time, one can be thrilled to be able to visit them through Lena Gregory’s Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series where each book gets even better and leaves you greatly anticipating the next one. Although part of a series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book. GROUNDS FOR MURDER is a FIVE STAR book! I highly recommend to everyone knowing they are bound to love it just as much as I did.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Danika moved back to her hometown of Watchogue in order to take over her uncle’s faltering business. She’s turned it from a 50’s mom and pop malt shop to a cozy café for people to come eat a meal or enjoy on an ice cream treat while meeting friends, enjoying one of many books available for browsing or just a placed to relaxing. She’s thrilled to have booked Fletcher Stone, mystery writer, for a discussion time and book signing at her grand opening. She didn’t realize how hard it would be to work with such a demanding person like Fletcher’s secretary, which had her wondering if it was all worth it. However, with help from her sister, best friend and newly hired employee, they managed to pull off a great time enjoyed by all despite an intruder showing up claim Fletcher plagiarized his work.
The next morning while going to thank them for coming and to apologize for any difficulties from her part, she finds Fletcher dead in his room with a cup of coffee, a book and an open and empty safe. After calling 911 and giving her statement to Detective Jake Barlow, the handsome office she’d meet before under undesirable circumstances, although curious, she thought her participation in the investigation was over. That is, until someone broke into her store, where her apartment was up on the second level. While checking on what the noise was, she was grabbed from behind and put in a choke hold causing her to pass out. After someone called 911 and Danika comes to, it’s decided by others that a trip to the hospital is need to check her out. Although they reported she was ok to be released, the memory of the events and finding that nothing but the print outs left over from the event was missing, makes her think that the break in is connected somehow to the murder. It also now makes it personal and Danika is determined to find the guilty party.
With her past history of searching out clues and with the help of friends, can Dankia figure out what’s going on, find clues to turn over to the detective and nail the murderer without becoming a statistic herself? With the second attempt on Coffee & Cream Café, this time with a Molotov cocktail, it brings up questions of are the events connected or two separate crimes? Will having thoughts about one certain handsome detective help Dankia see that maybe it’s time to move on and concede that she and Luca will only remain friends? Could hiring Eli as part time helper be one of the best things Dankia did to help her business? Is it possible to instantly become friends with someone? Will a mistake in judgement put Dankia’s life if jeopardy? And if so, will there be anyone to come to her rescue?
GROUNDS FOR MURDER is the marvelously written cozy mystery that immediately draws you in and keeps you turning pages right to the very end. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and wish you could actually visit the Coffee & Cream Café. Until that time, one can be thrilled to be able to visit them through Lena Gregory’s Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series where each book gets even better and leaves you greatly anticipating the next one. Although part of a series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book. GROUNDS FOR MURDER is a FIVE STAR book! I highly recommend to everyone knowing they are bound to love it just as much as I did.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
November 27, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory has Dani trying to reopen her cafe and start her life as a business owner being railroaded....again.
Will Dani catch the killer?
Dani Delaney
Dani Delaney has finally gotten the cafe looking a bit better than what her uncle Jimmie had. The only thing stopping her from staying open is her penchant for trying to solve a mystery once it falls in her lap. I love that about Dani, as she has a great belief system engrained in herself that she wants to find the killer. It’s probably also her love of mystery novels. Dani, this time, earnestly tried not to get involved in the mystery, but the clues were always there for her to find.
I love Dani as a character. I hope that moving back home makes her realize that she has a great support system, with her old and new friends.
The Mystery
Dani Delaney goes to the B&B to apologize to the writer she had on her reopening night to draw in customers. Instead of apologizing, Dani finds him dead. Dani ends up trying to solve the mystery because even if the author wasn’t a great man alive, that doesn’t mean he deserves to die. The mystery got me in the end. I didn’t think it was who it was. Honestly, I thought it was someone else, but it wasn’t. Now I feel bad for suspecting one of the people. Despite writing off the actual person for some insane reason. Excellent job, Ms. Gregory.
Five Stars
I am giving Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory five stars. Ms. Gregory always makes me feel like I am a part of the novel and solving the mystery with Dani. I also recommend this book to any cozy culinary mystery readers out there.
Ms. Gregory has me ready for her next read in this book.
Thank you for dropping by! What do you think of Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory?
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Dani catch the killer?
Dani Delaney
Dani Delaney has finally gotten the cafe looking a bit better than what her uncle Jimmie had. The only thing stopping her from staying open is her penchant for trying to solve a mystery once it falls in her lap. I love that about Dani, as she has a great belief system engrained in herself that she wants to find the killer. It’s probably also her love of mystery novels. Dani, this time, earnestly tried not to get involved in the mystery, but the clues were always there for her to find.
I love Dani as a character. I hope that moving back home makes her realize that she has a great support system, with her old and new friends.
The Mystery
Dani Delaney goes to the B&B to apologize to the writer she had on her reopening night to draw in customers. Instead of apologizing, Dani finds him dead. Dani ends up trying to solve the mystery because even if the author wasn’t a great man alive, that doesn’t mean he deserves to die. The mystery got me in the end. I didn’t think it was who it was. Honestly, I thought it was someone else, but it wasn’t. Now I feel bad for suspecting one of the people. Despite writing off the actual person for some insane reason. Excellent job, Ms. Gregory.
Five Stars
I am giving Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory five stars. Ms. Gregory always makes me feel like I am a part of the novel and solving the mystery with Dani. I also recommend this book to any cozy culinary mystery readers out there.
Ms. Gregory has me ready for her next read in this book.
Thank you for dropping by! What do you think of Grounds for Murder by Lena Gregory?
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
November 21, 2023
Grounds for Murder is the second book in the charming Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery series by Lena Gregory. I do suggest you read the first book, Murder A La Mode, since it gives you lots of background though you can enjoy this without having read it! It’s set in the fictional small town of Watchogue, Long Island, New York. The setting is really cozy, and the shops are filled with lots of gossip.
When Danika Delaney came home to run her uncle Jimmie’s ice cream shop, she insisted on being able to run the place how she wanted and to add or subtract items from the menu too. Since uncle Jimmie agreed, Danika has renovated and rebranded (sort of). She still serves ice cream and coffee, but she has a cozy cafe set up with comfy chairs and small seating areas. To bring business in, Danika hosts a mystery author for a book signing. He’s a total jerk and has possibly plagiarized someone else’s work, but he really doesn’t deserve to be murdered! Like any good amateur sleuth, Dani is on the case; after all, she brought him to town.
What makes Grounds for Murder so wonderful is its characters. They are so well-described that they seem real. Gwen is the perfect BFF for Dani. She’s always there when Dani needs back-up, and she knows what Dani needs even before she knows she needs it! Take for example, Eli. Dani is going to need help at the cafe, so Gwen sends Eli who is now my favorite character. I would tell you about him, but that would spoil the fun! There are a couple of possible “love” interests for Dani. I think I know who I want her to end up with, but I might change my mind as the series progresses. Uncle Jimmie and the rest of Dani’s family are great, but they’re not in this one as much as the first. Hint: read it too!
The mystery has lots of suspects and will throw you some curveballs! Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something pops up to lead you to a different suspect. I loved searching out clues with Dani (and others…not telling you who!). All in all, this was a puzzling mystery!
I highly recommend Grounds for Murder for its baffling mystery, the cozy, small town setting, and Lena Gregory’s marvelous characters! I can’t wait to see what mystery Dani and her friends get tangled up in next!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
When Danika Delaney came home to run her uncle Jimmie’s ice cream shop, she insisted on being able to run the place how she wanted and to add or subtract items from the menu too. Since uncle Jimmie agreed, Danika has renovated and rebranded (sort of). She still serves ice cream and coffee, but she has a cozy cafe set up with comfy chairs and small seating areas. To bring business in, Danika hosts a mystery author for a book signing. He’s a total jerk and has possibly plagiarized someone else’s work, but he really doesn’t deserve to be murdered! Like any good amateur sleuth, Dani is on the case; after all, she brought him to town.
What makes Grounds for Murder so wonderful is its characters. They are so well-described that they seem real. Gwen is the perfect BFF for Dani. She’s always there when Dani needs back-up, and she knows what Dani needs even before she knows she needs it! Take for example, Eli. Dani is going to need help at the cafe, so Gwen sends Eli who is now my favorite character. I would tell you about him, but that would spoil the fun! There are a couple of possible “love” interests for Dani. I think I know who I want her to end up with, but I might change my mind as the series progresses. Uncle Jimmie and the rest of Dani’s family are great, but they’re not in this one as much as the first. Hint: read it too!
The mystery has lots of suspects and will throw you some curveballs! Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something pops up to lead you to a different suspect. I loved searching out clues with Dani (and others…not telling you who!). All in all, this was a puzzling mystery!
I highly recommend Grounds for Murder for its baffling mystery, the cozy, small town setting, and Lena Gregory’s marvelous characters! I can’t wait to see what mystery Dani and her friends get tangled up in next!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 29, 2023
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/11/29/4-...
Grounds for Murder by author Lena Gregory kept me turning the pages to see whodunnit. This cozy mystery is set in Long Island, New York, with lots of small businesses, gossips, family, friends, murders, and other crimes that Dani always seems to be in the middle of helping to solve. Especially when they are personal, and she feels targeted.
This is the second book in the Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery series, and I would have benefited from reading Murder A La Mode, the book that began the series, since it was sometimes difficult to connect the dots to the present based on things that happened previously.
The relationships between friends and neighbors were strong and had a depth to them. Everyone in town seemed to know each other and where to gather for all the gossip. There were crimes other than the murders that were committed that were against Dani in her café and other places in town. She had a good support system, but they weren’t always there, or were they?
There were some laugh-out-loud moments, and I liked how she, Gwen, and Eli, her partners to help the police solve the crimes, interacted. The story was sometimes choppy as we jumped between storylines, but by the end, everything was tied together, and there was closure with solving the crimes. The whodunnit surprised me, which is always a nice touch.
Grounds for Murder is a cozy mystery set in a small town with lots of coffee and desserts that had me sleuthing right along with Dani and the others!
https://novelsalive.com/2023/11/29/4-...
Grounds for Murder by author Lena Gregory kept me turning the pages to see whodunnit. This cozy mystery is set in Long Island, New York, with lots of small businesses, gossips, family, friends, murders, and other crimes that Dani always seems to be in the middle of helping to solve. Especially when they are personal, and she feels targeted.
This is the second book in the Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery series, and I would have benefited from reading Murder A La Mode, the book that began the series, since it was sometimes difficult to connect the dots to the present based on things that happened previously.
The relationships between friends and neighbors were strong and had a depth to them. Everyone in town seemed to know each other and where to gather for all the gossip. There were crimes other than the murders that were committed that were against Dani in her café and other places in town. She had a good support system, but they weren’t always there, or were they?
There were some laugh-out-loud moments, and I liked how she, Gwen, and Eli, her partners to help the police solve the crimes, interacted. The story was sometimes choppy as we jumped between storylines, but by the end, everything was tied together, and there was closure with solving the crimes. The whodunnit surprised me, which is always a nice touch.
Grounds for Murder is a cozy mystery set in a small town with lots of coffee and desserts that had me sleuthing right along with Dani and the others!
December 3, 2023
GROUNDS FOR MURDER by Lena Gregory
The Second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery
After a few bumps in the road Danika Delaney is ready for the grand opening of her Coffee & Cream Cafe, formerly her Uncle Jimmie's ice cream shop. With an updated look, Dani decided to branch out and have best selling author, Fletcher Stone, autograph books at the opening event. Unfortunately, the mystery author brings nothing but drama. With an over exacting assistant, stalkery superfan, and a writer claiming Fletcher plagiarized his novel, the opening wasn't exactly what Dani was hoping for. Deciding to apologize for the fracas of the previous night, Dani goes to his inn only to find the author dead. With missing suspects and lots of questions Dani finds herself involved in murder once more.
There are lots of thrills and chills in the second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery-enough to make Dani decide not to investigate. That is, until she's pushed too far and becomes even more determined to get to the bottom of things. I love the simmering heat between Dani and Jake and hope she forgets about starting over with Luca and concentrates on the dishy detective. I absolutely love the addition of Eli to the series. What a great fun guy and an amazing new friend.
The mystery was complex, the danger higher than usual, but the laughs were still there in spades making a fun page turning read. Nasty characters make a great juxtaposition to our good friends and family and there is more than one surprise to be found.
With a devious mystery, wonderful friendships, and a good many laughs GROUNDS FOR MURDER is an absolute delight.
The Second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery
After a few bumps in the road Danika Delaney is ready for the grand opening of her Coffee & Cream Cafe, formerly her Uncle Jimmie's ice cream shop. With an updated look, Dani decided to branch out and have best selling author, Fletcher Stone, autograph books at the opening event. Unfortunately, the mystery author brings nothing but drama. With an over exacting assistant, stalkery superfan, and a writer claiming Fletcher plagiarized his novel, the opening wasn't exactly what Dani was hoping for. Deciding to apologize for the fracas of the previous night, Dani goes to his inn only to find the author dead. With missing suspects and lots of questions Dani finds herself involved in murder once more.
There are lots of thrills and chills in the second Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery-enough to make Dani decide not to investigate. That is, until she's pushed too far and becomes even more determined to get to the bottom of things. I love the simmering heat between Dani and Jake and hope she forgets about starting over with Luca and concentrates on the dishy detective. I absolutely love the addition of Eli to the series. What a great fun guy and an amazing new friend.
The mystery was complex, the danger higher than usual, but the laughs were still there in spades making a fun page turning read. Nasty characters make a great juxtaposition to our good friends and family and there is more than one surprise to be found.
With a devious mystery, wonderful friendships, and a good many laughs GROUNDS FOR MURDER is an absolute delight.
November 22, 2023
Coffee and Cream Cafe Mysteries is fast becoming one of my favorite series. I love Dani's voice, part snarky, part self-deprecating, and lots humorous. Grounds for Murder sparkles with humor, family love, and romance. Add a dash of murder and the story hits like a double shot of espresso.
Dani Delaney is finally opening her renovated Coffee and Cream Cafe. To draw a crowd, she arranges a book signing with a popular author at her cafe. Fletcher Stone is arrogant, demanding, and dead the next day. Dani, feeling guilty that she brought him to the town where he met his unfortunate demise, enlists her friend Gwen to help find the killer. Dani and Gwen, aka Lucy and Ethel, expose secrets and lies that peel like a flaky croissant, making suspect everyone around the murdered author. Seems many had a motive to kill the disliked writer.
The investigation puts Dani, Gwen, and new friend Eli in danger. So many suspects, so many secrets make this a layered mystery that's a fun and suspenseful page turner. Romance adds spice between Dani and Detective Hot and Delicious.
Dani Delaney is finally opening her renovated Coffee and Cream Cafe. To draw a crowd, she arranges a book signing with a popular author at her cafe. Fletcher Stone is arrogant, demanding, and dead the next day. Dani, feeling guilty that she brought him to the town where he met his unfortunate demise, enlists her friend Gwen to help find the killer. Dani and Gwen, aka Lucy and Ethel, expose secrets and lies that peel like a flaky croissant, making suspect everyone around the murdered author. Seems many had a motive to kill the disliked writer.
The investigation puts Dani, Gwen, and new friend Eli in danger. So many suspects, so many secrets make this a layered mystery that's a fun and suspenseful page turner. Romance adds spice between Dani and Detective Hot and Delicious.
December 4, 2023
Danika Delaney is settling in at the little coffee house on Long Island that was a malt shop in her family years ago. On opening night she has an author reading, and the next day the author turns up dead! Danika works to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read this mystery because I have enjoyed other cozy mysteries by Lena Gregory. This is the second book in a new series, but I was able to jump right in and enjoy it as a standalone read.
I enjoyed Grounds for Murder. Danika is a fun protagonist. She's smart and has good amateur detective instincts. The mystery was intriguing with several viable suspects. I particularly enjoyed the setting of the Coffee and Cream Cafe and the little food descriptions included in the book. I also liked Danika's friends and family, and her potential romantic interest.
I'm so happy to have discovered this new mystery series. I recommend Grounds for Murder for other fans of cozy mysteries. It was a fun read!
I wanted to read this mystery because I have enjoyed other cozy mysteries by Lena Gregory. This is the second book in a new series, but I was able to jump right in and enjoy it as a standalone read.
I enjoyed Grounds for Murder. Danika is a fun protagonist. She's smart and has good amateur detective instincts. The mystery was intriguing with several viable suspects. I particularly enjoyed the setting of the Coffee and Cream Cafe and the little food descriptions included in the book. I also liked Danika's friends and family, and her potential romantic interest.
I'm so happy to have discovered this new mystery series. I recommend Grounds for Murder for other fans of cozy mysteries. It was a fun read!
May 2, 2024
Grounds For Murder is the second book in the Coffee &.Cream Cafe Mystery series and it is great! The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. Danika (Dani) Delaney is just opening up her ice cream shop /cafe. Dani's best friend Gwen talks her into giving Eli a part-time job. Both Gwen and Eli are wonderful friends and sidekicks. Dani is hosting Author Fletcher Stone for a book signing. He and his entourage are difficult to work with, a man shows up accusing Fletcher of plagiarizing his book and one of his stalkers attends. The next day Dani finds Fletcher dead at the B&B. Detective Jake Barlow is on the case. Dani likes him but has to sort out her feelings for former boyfriend Luca who is a fireman. A lot happens when Dani, Gwen and Eli start poking around. This book was hard to put down and was very enjoyable! I got the ebook from the library. #Grounds For Murder #Coffee&CreamCafeMystery #GemmaHallidayPublishing
January 20, 2024
Danika has returned home to take over her uncle’s coffee shop. She has been working hard to make it her own and things are looking great! One of her new ideas is to have a book signing and discussion to attract new customers. In the middle of the event, a guest shows up and accuses the author of plagiarizing his book. Danika is mortified and the event is a disaster. She goes to see the author the next day to apologize and finds him dead in his room. Even worse – there is a cup of poisoned coffee next to his body! As Danika begins to investigate, she finds that her own life is in danger. Can she stay alive long enough to clear her name? I really enjoy the characters in this series. This book could also be read as a stand-alone.
November 25, 2023
Lena Gregory has a way of keeping the reader turning the pages to the very end. I enjoyed the first book in this series and was expecting another enjoyable read. Wow! I was surprised to find this story even more engrossing than the first one. Not only is there a constantly twisting plot, there are a fun group of likable characters that grab the reader, forcing us to hope they all make it to the satisfying end safely. I have enjoyed being a part of Dani and Gwen’s friendship and am so excited by the addition of Eli to this series. I look forward to reading what they get themselves into next time.
February 9, 2025
It was weaker than the first book. The case pretty boring and taking ages to solve and there were also a lot of things that didn’t make that much sense.
I still like the characters and the setting and the second book is almost always not as good as the first. I also like the love interests for Dani. I do fear though it’s going to be Luca in the end and Jack only the filler. Well, I hope I‘m wrong as Luca does nothing for me and sorry, what happened so far between them is okay for staying friends but unforgivable for a love interest.
We‘ll see.
I still like the characters and the setting and the second book is almost always not as good as the first. I also like the love interests for Dani. I do fear though it’s going to be Luca in the end and Jack only the filler. Well, I hope I‘m wrong as Luca does nothing for me and sorry, what happened so far between them is okay for staying friends but unforgivable for a love interest.
We‘ll see.
June 24, 2024
Great 2nd book in the series
I enjoyed this book as much as the 1st one.
This one seemed to have more of Dani's friendship with Gwen which I liked. She now has her partner in crime. Plus we meet Eli, love him! So I guess it is more like the three amigos.
There was so much going on with the Murder and so many suspects! The murder was a shock. I didn't even see the ending coming.
Really enjoying this series!
I enjoyed this book as much as the 1st one.
This one seemed to have more of Dani's friendship with Gwen which I liked. She now has her partner in crime. Plus we meet Eli, love him! So I guess it is more like the three amigos.
There was so much going on with the Murder and so many suspects! The murder was a shock. I didn't even see the ending coming.
Really enjoying this series!
October 14, 2023
A fun series about a Café that was formerly an ice cream parlor. This book has a complicated murder plot, arson, and terrific detective work. Add to that funny little details about small town living, friends, and a book signing at the café. I loved the characters and the complicated plot. It's a fun book and I look forward to reading more of the series.
November 23, 2023
I received a copy from the publisher.
Danika (Dani) is getting in the groove at her ice cream/malt/pastry shop and decides to host a book signing. Things go somewhat OK until she finds the author dead the next day, but what happened. Well, she's going to find out. Love this series. I swear I can hear the NY accents as I read it. Dani is just one of the great characters. Highly recommend.
Danika (Dani) is getting in the groove at her ice cream/malt/pastry shop and decides to host a book signing. Things go somewhat OK until she finds the author dead the next day, but what happened. Well, she's going to find out. Love this series. I swear I can hear the NY accents as I read it. Dani is just one of the great characters. Highly recommend.
March 23, 2024
New Friends, New Business & Murder
Dani has her hands full re-branding her Uncle's shop as her own. To kick things off she invited a special guest to her opening. After that things go horribly wrong. Great writing and characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one.
Dani has her hands full re-branding her Uncle's shop as her own. To kick things off she invited a special guest to her opening. After that things go horribly wrong. Great writing and characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one.
August 2, 2024
Another great read
I have to say I almost wish this book was longer. It's plot and characters hooked me from the beginning. New favorite series for sure. I loved how we focus more on the delicious detective than on Dani's old boyfriend, Luca. Even our George and Bess(Joe Hardy) Gwen and Eli are just great additions to our Nancy Drew team. Not much uncle Jimmy this time but still you ge
I have to say I almost wish this book was longer. It's plot and characters hooked me from the beginning. New favorite series for sure. I loved how we focus more on the delicious detective than on Dani's old boyfriend, Luca. Even our George and Bess(Joe Hardy) Gwen and Eli are just great additions to our Nancy Drew team. Not much uncle Jimmy this time but still you ge
September 17, 2024
Interesting mystery with a complicated solution, something that you can kind of figure out but not completely. The characters are growing on me a little but I have a difficult time with MCs who don’t actually work; she spends more time eating ice cream than actually selling it. A quick and easy read.
July 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. This is my first by this author. I won the ebook. I will definitely go back and start with book 1! I enjoyed the characters and the coffee shop setting with a murder and mystery.
September 20, 2023
So very good. This series is just so fun to read. The humor is every bit as good as the mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 18, 2023
Grounds for Murder is the second book in the Coffee & Cream Cafe Mystery series. It is fast becoming one of my favorite series due to the interesting characters and intriguing plot lines.
March 8, 2024
Just as Good as the First
Love the characters and the descriptions! I was never 100% sure how everything was going to end and it turned out perfectly. Can't wait for the next one!
Love the characters and the descriptions! I was never 100% sure how everything was going to end and it turned out perfectly. Can't wait for the next one!
August 25, 2024
Audio booked! Nice light read.
February 9, 2025
Grounds for Murder is second book in the Coffee & Cream Café Mystery series.
Lena Gregory has dished up another winner with Grounds for Murder. A cleverly crafted mystery, delightful characters, and a fun small town with the infamous busybodies. I loved being back in this world.
The murder mystery was well-developed and the author provided a large number of potential suspects in the death of the mystery writer. There are many twists and turns, and every time I thought I solved the murder, the arc shifted and we were chasing down someone else.
I loved every single page of this book from the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's writing style. I found myself totally immersed in every facet of Grounds for Murder. The pacing was perfect and once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down.
Lena Gregory has dished up another winner with Grounds for Murder. A cleverly crafted mystery, delightful characters, and a fun small town with the infamous busybodies. I loved being back in this world.
The murder mystery was well-developed and the author provided a large number of potential suspects in the death of the mystery writer. There are many twists and turns, and every time I thought I solved the murder, the arc shifted and we were chasing down someone else.
I loved every single page of this book from the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's writing style. I found myself totally immersed in every facet of Grounds for Murder. The pacing was perfect and once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down.
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