Cool Change: A Tony DeLucca Mystery

by Kevin Zelenka

COMING 2026

After ten years as a Military Police investigator, Tony DeLucca thought coming home would mean peace and quiet. He was wrong.

Days after returning, Tony finds himself at the center of a murder investigation—not as an investigator, but as the last hope for his new landlord's son. When local musician Derek Paulson is found dead, and Ryan White is arrested for the crime, Tony can't shake the feeling that the wrong man is behind bars.
What starts as a favor to a desperate father quickly unravels into something darker. Gambling debts, a missing guitarist with a violent past, and someone who seems just a little too helpful all point to secrets worth killing for.
With Ryan's preliminary hearing looming and the deputy chief determined to shut him down, Tony must navigate a tangled web of lies, grudges, and secrets. The evidence points one way, but his instincts say another. Trusting the wrong one could cost an innocent man his freedom.

In a town where everyone knows your business and the past never stays buried, Tony will discover that some people will do anything to protect their secrets. And in Flat Rock, the cost of the truth might be higher than anyone expected.

A small-town mystery where solving a murder becomes more than a case, it's the beginning of everything Tony didn't know he was looking for.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

I write cozy mysteries set in northern Minnesota, where music and mystery collide.

My series follows Tony DeLucca, a former Army MP who traded investigations for running a record store—but trouble has a way of finding him. Each book comes with its own soundtrack because in Tony's world, there's always a song playing.

Steal Away, the prequel to the series, is available free on BookFunnel.

Find me at https://kevinzelenka.com/

Reviews

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a mystery girl but this book might have changed that for me. I was pulled in by the small town romance but stayed for the complexity of the familial and friendship relationships, the charm of the former military MC, and the twists and turns of the “wrong person” murder. I was hooked within the first chapter and genuinely had fun unraveling the case. Highly recommend if you’re into small town stories, music, and mystery.

[Joni Iaquinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Steal Away, the prequel to Cool Change, and being introduced to Tony Delucca as the main character, protagonist, and narrator of Zelenka's cozy mystery series, I was left wondering how Delucca would return to Flat Rock, a small Minnesota town, and fit in. Zelenka very creatively solves that problem in Cool Change. The side stories of this murder mystery are relatable and easy to imagine. The mystery itself keeps you wondering who could've done it to the very end. A simply entertaining read. I encourage you to get cozy outdoors this summer and enjoy!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from new to me author, Kevin Zelenka.
He writes an easy to read, straightforward story that has great characters and a good storyline that flowed well.
Tony Delucca, a former military investigator for the Army, has come back home, his service completed.
He is asked to look into the death of a lead singer by the father of the man arrested for it. Since that father is his new landlord, he says he will. But where will the trail lead, and who is opposed to him finding the truth?
I understood exactly what the references were, being a music lover, and think the title fit quite well.
I would definitely recommend this book!

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short but fast-paced “wrong man” mystery. As the first book in a new series, it pulled me in right away and kept me invested from the very beginning. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to stay engaged and eager to see what would happen next.

Tony Deluca, a former Army military investigator, returns home and is asked to look into the death of a lead singer after someone has been arrested for the crime. I loved following Tony as he began uncovering the truth and questioning whether the right person had been accused.

This was a strong start to the series, and I’m definitely curious to see where Tony’s journey takes him next.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, quick read that kept going at a pace that didn’t leave you bored. Tony is back in a small town after a stint in the military. As a side plot, part of what brought him back to town was a budding relationship with Brenda. This was completely overshadowed by his chance to look into a murder. It well written and gives you just enough without overpowering the plot. I have to add though… I knew that guy at least knew what had happened! Haha

[Frank Priegue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book through word of mouth. Tony Delucca, a military police investigator, returns home to Flat Rock, Minnesota, and is asked to look into a murder. The reader follows Tony as he follows lead after lead in search of the murderer. Author Kevin Zelenka crafts interesting characters and a small-town setting that is an additional character. This book is well-paced and entertaining. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony DeLucca is a fantastic protagonist a former MP investigator who can't turn off his instincts just because he's off the clock.
It's a fast paced, "wrong man" mystery that perfectly balances a gritty investigation with the personal journey of a veteran finding his footing back home.
If you like Jack Reacher or Bosch, you'll fly through this one. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Lisa Gerardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the Flat Rock universe. The characters are so real that I'm ready to get on a plane and hang out with them. I haven't been this addicted to a series in a long time.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had relatable characters and an interesting plot. It kept me wanting to read to find out what was going to happen. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story about life in a small town complete with music and mystery. The characters are well developed with their own personal quirks. I enjoyed this fast moving read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from new to me author, Kevin Zelenka.
He writes an easy to read, straightforward story that has great characters and a good storyline that flowed well.
Tony Delucca, a former military investigator for the Army, has come back home, his service completed.
He is asked to look into the death of a lead singer by the father of the man arrested for it. Since that father is his new landlord, he says he will. But where will the trail lead, and who is opposed to him finding the truth?
I understood exactly what the references were, being a music lover, and think the title fit quite well.
I would definitely recommend this book!

[Susan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, and I went in without knowing anything about the book, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I can see where the series is going and I think it will be a lot of fun. I was captured within the first few pages and when I was over halfway through the book I was totally invested in knowing what had happened and could even envision some spin-offs down the road. If you like ex-military, cozy mystery, music, and a spot of romance then this is the series for you. It will be interesting to see where Tony goes and how his life changes after getting out of the military and moving back home.