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All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery #4
A Waffle Lot of Murder
For diner owner Gia Morelli, her seasonal fall menu calls for two main ingredients—maple syrup and murder . . .
While the first hints of autumn grace Boggy Creek, Florida, Gia misses the colorful harvest traditions she left behind in New York. On a scramble to make new fall memories—and promote her irresistible pumpkin spice waffles—things take a dark turn when she gets roped into the Haunted Town Festival, a spooky celebration held on deserted farmlands. The desolate area conjures plenty of eerie vibes at night, but Gia and her best friend, Savannah, are nearly frightened to death upon the discovery of the event organizer’s body buried in the nearby woods. More alarming, the local rumor mill says the woman’s shady dealings may have egged someone into sending her to an early grave. Now, there’s no shortage of creepy clues to feast on as Gia and her pals try to stop a killer with a very scary appetite . . .
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
While the first hints of autumn grace Boggy Creek, Florida, Gia misses the colorful harvest traditions she left behind in New York. On a scramble to make new fall memories—and promote her irresistible pumpkin spice waffles—things take a dark turn when she gets roped into the Haunted Town Festival, a spooky celebration held on deserted farmlands. The desolate area conjures plenty of eerie vibes at night, but Gia and her best friend, Savannah, are nearly frightened to death upon the discovery of the event organizer’s body buried in the nearby woods. More alarming, the local rumor mill says the woman’s shady dealings may have egged someone into sending her to an early grave. Now, there’s no shortage of creepy clues to feast on as Gia and her pals try to stop a killer with a very scary appetite . . .
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
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
140 people are currently reading
1276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 4, 2024
This is a cozy mystery, and it is the 4th book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series. I really love the characters and the mystery of this book. This book takes place near Halloween, so this book talks a lot about Halloween and the local Halloween events that is happening. This book is not scary, but it is a cute cozy Halloween mystery. This book was everything I wanted from this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Lena Gregory) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 5, 2021
This is a cozy mystery, and it is the 4th book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series. I really love the characters and the mystery of this book. This book takes place near Halloween, so this book talks a lot about Halloween and the local Halloween events that is happening. This book is not scary, but it is a cute cozy Halloween mystery. This book was everything I wanted from this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Lena Gregory) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
July 7, 2021
A Waffle Lot of Murder by Lena Gregory is the fourth book in the cozy All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series. Each book in the series centers around it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so they could be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, there is some continuing character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
The All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series features Gia Morelli who is a New Yorker at heart but after going through a messy divorce Gia decided to follow her best friend down to central Florida. The small town of Boggy Creek is certainly the exact opposite of what Gia was used to but she was determined to make a success out of her new diner she’d opened, the All-Day Breakfast Café.
Somehow Gia’s life in the small town has been balanced between running her cafe, taking care of her puppy Thor and solving murders. When Gia is encouraged to get involved in the Haunted Town Festival she and her best friend, Savannah, end up finding yet another dead body. The event organizer has turned up murdered and it seems had plenty of folks that may have wanted her dead.
The All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series is another cozy series I have been following from the beginning and really do enjoy. The setting is a different side of Florida than the endless touristy beaches or the magical mouse place so it was fun to visit. The characters are all likable and nice to get to know along the way and the mysteries and always fun to unravel. This one also has my love of a humorous side so it will continue to be one I enjoy returning to again and again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series features Gia Morelli who is a New Yorker at heart but after going through a messy divorce Gia decided to follow her best friend down to central Florida. The small town of Boggy Creek is certainly the exact opposite of what Gia was used to but she was determined to make a success out of her new diner she’d opened, the All-Day Breakfast Café.
Somehow Gia’s life in the small town has been balanced between running her cafe, taking care of her puppy Thor and solving murders. When Gia is encouraged to get involved in the Haunted Town Festival she and her best friend, Savannah, end up finding yet another dead body. The event organizer has turned up murdered and it seems had plenty of folks that may have wanted her dead.
The All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery series is another cozy series I have been following from the beginning and really do enjoy. The setting is a different side of Florida than the endless touristy beaches or the magical mouse place so it was fun to visit. The characters are all likable and nice to get to know along the way and the mysteries and always fun to unravel. This one also has my love of a humorous side so it will continue to be one I enjoy returning to again and again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 10, 2021
Great, spooky Halloweentime cozy mystery!
March 27, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Fall in Florida is so different from fall in New York, but Gia is hoping to adjust. She receives an invitation to take part in the Haunted Town Festival, a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. She is unsure if she wants to get involved but her BFF Savannah twists her arm telling her it would be a great promotion for the cafe and her new pumpkin spice waffles. The event takes place outside of town where there are several abandoned houses and farmland. Gia and Savannah schedule an appointment with the woman in charge of the event to see exactly what participation entails. They arrive at the festival site but the woman doesn’t show up but they do find her phone. Turns out the organizer did arrive but she was murdered before their appointment. Will the festival be canceled? Is the killer still around? Gia and her friends soon find themselves caught up in another murder case.
All my favorite characters return in this 4th installment of the All-Day Cafe Mystery series. Savvanah and Gia take some scary risks in their endeavor to catch a killer instead of leaving the investigation in the police boyfriends’ hands. At one point they even discuss the danger –
“Not a chance.” . . . There’s a fine line between being brave and being too stupid to live, and I have no intention of crossing that line. Again”
But sometimes the adrenaline kicks in or a situation presents itself that makes it hard to walk away. Of course, being in a dark creepy woods with who knows how many men and beasts could be hiding there should be a deterrent but these characters go full speed ahead.. I did appreciate that they did try to abstain from getting too involved at first, but it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery if the characters didn’t get involved and in trouble before the story ends. I was surprised that one character was involved and that they had just a little bit of a transformation because of it. I really like Earl, he is Gia’s best customer and a true friend. Even Thor, Gia’s Bernese Mountain Dog, gets involved in the case. Ms. Gregory has created a core group of dynamic characters. They are all believable and relatable.
We also meet several new characters connected with the Haunted Town Festival. Among them is a variety of suspects. Not knowing these people well made asking them questions difficult but Gia wouldn’t give up and she may have pushed too hard. I really enjoyed each twist and that there was more going on than originally presented. The deceased had made some real enemies and I was captivated as the whole sordid tale was revealed. The author has written a tangled web, so much so, my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd guesses at the killer were all wrong.
I loved that the story took place over Halloween and that the fundraiser was to benefit the animal shelter. A wonderful cause and an exciting fundraiser idea.
I can’t get Pumpkin Spice Waffles off my mind. I am actually craving them, but because I read this book months after it was released means I am out of pumpkin spice season. Another reason not to get behind on a series. LOL, thankfully there is a recipe in the back of the book. I am hoping to get our family chef, aka my husband, to whip up a batch.
A Waffle Lot of Murder was a fabulous story filled with action, drama, and suspense. I enjoy the way Gia has made a home in Boggy Creek and has made so many friends. I have become invested in every one of them and am excited to read Whole Latte Murder when it is released next month.
Fall in Florida is so different from fall in New York, but Gia is hoping to adjust. She receives an invitation to take part in the Haunted Town Festival, a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. She is unsure if she wants to get involved but her BFF Savannah twists her arm telling her it would be a great promotion for the cafe and her new pumpkin spice waffles. The event takes place outside of town where there are several abandoned houses and farmland. Gia and Savannah schedule an appointment with the woman in charge of the event to see exactly what participation entails. They arrive at the festival site but the woman doesn’t show up but they do find her phone. Turns out the organizer did arrive but she was murdered before their appointment. Will the festival be canceled? Is the killer still around? Gia and her friends soon find themselves caught up in another murder case.
All my favorite characters return in this 4th installment of the All-Day Cafe Mystery series. Savvanah and Gia take some scary risks in their endeavor to catch a killer instead of leaving the investigation in the police boyfriends’ hands. At one point they even discuss the danger –
“Not a chance.” . . . There’s a fine line between being brave and being too stupid to live, and I have no intention of crossing that line. Again”
But sometimes the adrenaline kicks in or a situation presents itself that makes it hard to walk away. Of course, being in a dark creepy woods with who knows how many men and beasts could be hiding there should be a deterrent but these characters go full speed ahead.. I did appreciate that they did try to abstain from getting too involved at first, but it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery if the characters didn’t get involved and in trouble before the story ends. I was surprised that one character was involved and that they had just a little bit of a transformation because of it. I really like Earl, he is Gia’s best customer and a true friend. Even Thor, Gia’s Bernese Mountain Dog, gets involved in the case. Ms. Gregory has created a core group of dynamic characters. They are all believable and relatable.
We also meet several new characters connected with the Haunted Town Festival. Among them is a variety of suspects. Not knowing these people well made asking them questions difficult but Gia wouldn’t give up and she may have pushed too hard. I really enjoyed each twist and that there was more going on than originally presented. The deceased had made some real enemies and I was captivated as the whole sordid tale was revealed. The author has written a tangled web, so much so, my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd guesses at the killer were all wrong.
I loved that the story took place over Halloween and that the fundraiser was to benefit the animal shelter. A wonderful cause and an exciting fundraiser idea.
I can’t get Pumpkin Spice Waffles off my mind. I am actually craving them, but because I read this book months after it was released means I am out of pumpkin spice season. Another reason not to get behind on a series. LOL, thankfully there is a recipe in the back of the book. I am hoping to get our family chef, aka my husband, to whip up a batch.
A Waffle Lot of Murder was a fabulous story filled with action, drama, and suspense. I enjoy the way Gia has made a home in Boggy Creek and has made so many friends. I have become invested in every one of them and am excited to read Whole Latte Murder when it is released next month.
October 4, 2020
I've been enjoying some fun cozy mysteries lately and this one has leapt to the top of the pile.
Pumpkin spiced waffles do sound delicious don't they and now how about a side of murder with that?
Murder becomes the talk of the All-Day Breakfast Cafe when the owner discovers a body in the woods.
The town of Boggy Creek, Florida is awash with Halloween preparations especially when a coveted spot opens for one of the shop owners in town to decorate one of the very limited number abandoned houses in a filed every year that gets judged by the towns people and brings in revenue for the shop owners lucky enough to get one to decorate.
Diner owner Gia Morelli jumps at the chance to promote her new fall themed menu including pumpkin spiced waffles but she sure doesn't anticipate on stumbling upon a body that night.
Hold onto your dinner plates as the clues will be slung at you faster then the greasy hash browns in this entertaining holiday cozy mystery.
Expected publication: October 6th 2020 by Lyrical Underground
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Pumpkin spiced waffles do sound delicious don't they and now how about a side of murder with that?
Murder becomes the talk of the All-Day Breakfast Cafe when the owner discovers a body in the woods.
The town of Boggy Creek, Florida is awash with Halloween preparations especially when a coveted spot opens for one of the shop owners in town to decorate one of the very limited number abandoned houses in a filed every year that gets judged by the towns people and brings in revenue for the shop owners lucky enough to get one to decorate.
Diner owner Gia Morelli jumps at the chance to promote her new fall themed menu including pumpkin spiced waffles but she sure doesn't anticipate on stumbling upon a body that night.
Hold onto your dinner plates as the clues will be slung at you faster then the greasy hash browns in this entertaining holiday cozy mystery.
Expected publication: October 6th 2020 by Lyrical Underground
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 5, 2020
Another great book in the All-Day Breakfast Café series! Gia and Savannah feel like old friends you are always happy to see. The suspense is real in this autumn-themed cozy. It drips with eerie vibes and fun times.
August 20, 2020
This is the fourth book in what I find to be an enjoyable series. It's Halloween time in Boggy Creek and Gia finds out that she has been invited to participate in a Halloween fundraiser to raise money for the local animal shelter. Unfortunately, as with most things Gia becomes involved with, things don't go as planned. When Gia and Savannah go to meet with the woman in charge of setting up the haunted houses, she is a no show, but they find her phone. Later, someone finds her body, and the mystery is off to the races. I love the friendship between Gia and Savannah, and each of their romances is progressing nicely. This time around, I thought Gia was a bit more reckless than she had been in previous books and then always apologizing for her actions. I don't mind the amateur sleuth (otherwise I wouldn't read cozy mysteries) but would like to see Gia exercise a bit more caution along with her nosiness.
The mystery was fairly solid. The author did provide a couple of suspects to keep the reader guessing, but for me, I honed in on my suspect early on and didn't waver. I was correct (shockingly) but I could never pinpoint the motive for this person to commit the crimes. All was revealed rather climactically with Gia right in the center of everything.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington Books, through Netgalley.
The mystery was fairly solid. The author did provide a couple of suspects to keep the reader guessing, but for me, I honed in on my suspect early on and didn't waver. I was correct (shockingly) but I could never pinpoint the motive for this person to commit the crimes. All was revealed rather climactically with Gia right in the center of everything.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington Books, through Netgalley.
October 7, 2020
A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER is the fourth book in the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries by Lena Gregory. I read the first in the series some time ago but somehow the next two books got buried in my to-read pile… simply because “too many books, too little time”. However, when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this Halloween-themed cozy, I jumped at the chance. This book is easily read as a standalone and not once did I get lost. There’s enough backstory so I felt I knew the characters without the pacing being slowed down. Ms. Gregory captures the spookiness of the season with creepy descriptions that left me shivering as the protagonist, Gia Morelli, and her bff, Savannah, prepare for the Haunted Town Festival. (Don’t worry, the author adheres to the usual cozy mystery standards so there isn’t any horror.) I truly enjoyed the friendship between Gia and Savannah. They support each other but aren’t afraid to be honest with each other either.
With Gia dating Savannah’s law enforcement cousin, they try to not get involved in finding out who murdered the woman organizing the festival. But things turn personal when an innocent man is attacked after Gia casually questions him about suspicious characters. As owner of the All-Day Breakfast Café, Gia can’t help but have people gossip and/or confide in her about what they knew about the deceased. She finds there were numerous people who aren’t sorry that the victim is no longer around. This brings a large pool of suspects that kept me guessing as Gia follows the clues. My only irritation was how Gia put herself and Savannah in unnecessary danger instead of relying on law enforcement which was readily available. With a suspense-worthy conclusion, this newest release is highly satisfying and lives up to its spooky Halloween theme!
Running her All-day Breakfast Café, Gia serves up mouthwatering dishes. And in keeping with the theme of the title, she serves Pumpkin Spice Waffles to her patrons, and includes the recipe, along with several others, at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With Gia dating Savannah’s law enforcement cousin, they try to not get involved in finding out who murdered the woman organizing the festival. But things turn personal when an innocent man is attacked after Gia casually questions him about suspicious characters. As owner of the All-Day Breakfast Café, Gia can’t help but have people gossip and/or confide in her about what they knew about the deceased. She finds there were numerous people who aren’t sorry that the victim is no longer around. This brings a large pool of suspects that kept me guessing as Gia follows the clues. My only irritation was how Gia put herself and Savannah in unnecessary danger instead of relying on law enforcement which was readily available. With a suspense-worthy conclusion, this newest release is highly satisfying and lives up to its spooky Halloween theme!
Running her All-day Breakfast Café, Gia serves up mouthwatering dishes. And in keeping with the theme of the title, she serves Pumpkin Spice Waffles to her patrons, and includes the recipe, along with several others, at the back of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2020
A Waffle Lot of Murder is the 4th book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series.
Gia Morelli runs the 'All-Day Breakfast Café', a diner in Boggy Creek, Florida. Gia is on a mission to promote her speciality pumpkin spice waffles when she is asked to help out at the town's Haunted Town Festival for Halloween, an event held on deserted farmland. When Gia and her BFF, Savannah Mills go to the woods to meet Barbara Woodhull, one of the event organisers, Barbara doesn't show up. Then they learn that she has been found by a security guard, dead, having been clobbered over the head...
A Waffle Lot of Murder was my 1st in this series. Although it was book four, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. Gia and Savannah had a brilliant friendship and protagonist Gia was a great character who I found to be instinctive and keen. The great cast of characters, including the hilarious townsfolk, and strong friendship bonds, helped to zhoosh up this autumnal cozy as did Thor, Gia's Bernese Mountain Dog. I was sold on this Halloween themed compulsive story from the very beginning, and Lena Gregory really impressed me with her fluid writing. The details of the plot were very well-executed, the story was amusing and easy to follow, and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. The story was scattered with scrumptious food references, and clues were sprinkled throughout. As a lover of a good breakfast myself Lena Gregory's mentions of delectable sounding meals and treats were pure joy and I could almost taste the homemade Vanilla Cinnamon creamer! The killer's motive eluded me until the very end.
This was a very good cozy and I am looking forward to reading book five. If you adore a great cozy mystery, don't miss out on A Waffle Lot of Murder!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Gia Morelli runs the 'All-Day Breakfast Café', a diner in Boggy Creek, Florida. Gia is on a mission to promote her speciality pumpkin spice waffles when she is asked to help out at the town's Haunted Town Festival for Halloween, an event held on deserted farmland. When Gia and her BFF, Savannah Mills go to the woods to meet Barbara Woodhull, one of the event organisers, Barbara doesn't show up. Then they learn that she has been found by a security guard, dead, having been clobbered over the head...
A Waffle Lot of Murder was my 1st in this series. Although it was book four, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. Gia and Savannah had a brilliant friendship and protagonist Gia was a great character who I found to be instinctive and keen. The great cast of characters, including the hilarious townsfolk, and strong friendship bonds, helped to zhoosh up this autumnal cozy as did Thor, Gia's Bernese Mountain Dog. I was sold on this Halloween themed compulsive story from the very beginning, and Lena Gregory really impressed me with her fluid writing. The details of the plot were very well-executed, the story was amusing and easy to follow, and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. The story was scattered with scrumptious food references, and clues were sprinkled throughout. As a lover of a good breakfast myself Lena Gregory's mentions of delectable sounding meals and treats were pure joy and I could almost taste the homemade Vanilla Cinnamon creamer! The killer's motive eluded me until the very end.
This was a very good cozy and I am looking forward to reading book five. If you adore a great cozy mystery, don't miss out on A Waffle Lot of Murder!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 6, 2020
Once again there was a murder in the small community of Boggy Creek. Gia Morelli said she had no personal stake in this case and wasn't going to get involved this time. Of course if information came her way she'd pass it on to her boyfriend/police chief. Asking some questions wouldn't hurt either. So, you can see where this is going but then it did become personal and Gia charged full steam ahead. Apparently the victim had dirt on on pretty much everyone in Boggy Creek so the suspect list is long and secrets abound.
This story has a wide range of characters from those you love to love to those you love to hate and the plot is quite engaging. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story has a wide range of characters from those you love to love to those you love to hate and the plot is quite engaging. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 1, 2020
A Waffle Lot Of Murder" the 4th instalment in the "All Day Breakfast Cafe" Mystery series by Lean Gregory. I love this series since the beginning and was so happy to see this pop up on Netgalley.
I love this series and each book seems better than the last. The story pulled me in straight away and held my attention till the very end. There were plenty of twists and turns, and enough intrigue to keep you reading throughout and per usual with this series I read in one sitting.
I liked whole halloween theme and that it was centered around the Haunted Town Festival that raises money for the local animal shelter. Heres hoping Thor gets a companion soon...
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love this series and each book seems better than the last. The story pulled me in straight away and held my attention till the very end. There were plenty of twists and turns, and enough intrigue to keep you reading throughout and per usual with this series I read in one sitting.
I liked whole halloween theme and that it was centered around the Haunted Town Festival that raises money for the local animal shelter. Heres hoping Thor gets a companion soon...
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2020
A Waffle Lot of Murder earns 5/5 Spiced Waffles...Entertaining Fun!
Lena Gregory’s new book in her All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery is all-day entertaining. “A Waffle Lot of Murder,” fourth in the series, is fresh, fun, and full of waffle talk! It’s autumn, it’s Florida, and Gia misses the colorful nature of New York. What better way to recapture the feeling than with pumpkin-spiced waffles and a spooky Haunted Town Festival! But, the festival organizer’s body dead in the nearby woods is more than she expected. Lena’s writing style, using a third-person narrative, is entertaining, filled with descriptive language to heighten one’s senses and witty banter that does well to illustrate some fun and frustrating personalities. The murder mystery followed the traditional cozy formula of which I am a fan revisiting background and connections for newbies and creating varied personalities, a rich setting, endearing BFF dynamic, a bit of romance, and lots of food! The murder occurs relatively early in the drama, and as a rule, law enforcement is not circumvented, but when an amateur is involved unintended consequences happen and impatience can be problematic. Plenty of misdirection and motives abound along with everything Halloween can offer has background. It ended with some nail-biting delight...and Recipes from the All-Day Breakfast Café: Gia’s Pumpkin Spiced Waffles, Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Creamer, and the Original Breakfast Pie which is now a family favorite! I loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Lena Gregory’s new book in her All-Day Breakfast Café Mystery is all-day entertaining. “A Waffle Lot of Murder,” fourth in the series, is fresh, fun, and full of waffle talk! It’s autumn, it’s Florida, and Gia misses the colorful nature of New York. What better way to recapture the feeling than with pumpkin-spiced waffles and a spooky Haunted Town Festival! But, the festival organizer’s body dead in the nearby woods is more than she expected. Lena’s writing style, using a third-person narrative, is entertaining, filled with descriptive language to heighten one’s senses and witty banter that does well to illustrate some fun and frustrating personalities. The murder mystery followed the traditional cozy formula of which I am a fan revisiting background and connections for newbies and creating varied personalities, a rich setting, endearing BFF dynamic, a bit of romance, and lots of food! The murder occurs relatively early in the drama, and as a rule, law enforcement is not circumvented, but when an amateur is involved unintended consequences happen and impatience can be problematic. Plenty of misdirection and motives abound along with everything Halloween can offer has background. It ended with some nail-biting delight...and Recipes from the All-Day Breakfast Café: Gia’s Pumpkin Spiced Waffles, Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Creamer, and the Original Breakfast Pie which is now a family favorite! I loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Kensington thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 17, 2020
A Waffle Lot Of Murder
All-Day Breakfast Cafe, Book #4
Lena Gregory
5 Stars
Synopsis:
For diner owner Gia Morelli, her seasonal fall menu calls for two main ingredients—maple syrup and murder . . .
While the first hints of autumn grace Boggy Creek, Florida, Gia misses the colorful harvest traditions she left behind in New York. On a scramble to make new fall memories—and promote her irresistible pumpkin spice waffles—things take a dark turn when she gets roped into the Haunted Town Festival, a spooky celebration held on deserted farmlands. The desolate area conjures plenty of eerie vibes at night, but Gia and her best friend, Savannah, are nearly frightened to death upon the discovery of the event organizer’s body buried in the nearby woods. More alarming, the local rumor mill says the woman’s shady dealings may have egged someone into sending her to an early grave. Now, there’s no shortage of creepy clues to feast on as Gia and her pals try to stop a killer with a very scary appetite . . .
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
(Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I love the relationship between Gia and Savannah, they are more like sisters than friends. They are a dynamic duo when it comes to sleuthing, and they will have to do that to find a murderer. When they find the event organizer dead, they are on the case, much to the chagrin of their boyfriends.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether it was the descriptions of the Haunted Town Festival or the descriptions of some of Gia’s food, I was engaged throughout the entire book.
The mystery was intriguing and not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider, and I could not figure out who the culprit was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you are looking for a great read, check this book out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
All-Day Breakfast Cafe, Book #4
Lena Gregory
5 Stars
Synopsis:
For diner owner Gia Morelli, her seasonal fall menu calls for two main ingredients—maple syrup and murder . . .
While the first hints of autumn grace Boggy Creek, Florida, Gia misses the colorful harvest traditions she left behind in New York. On a scramble to make new fall memories—and promote her irresistible pumpkin spice waffles—things take a dark turn when she gets roped into the Haunted Town Festival, a spooky celebration held on deserted farmlands. The desolate area conjures plenty of eerie vibes at night, but Gia and her best friend, Savannah, are nearly frightened to death upon the discovery of the event organizer’s body buried in the nearby woods. More alarming, the local rumor mill says the woman’s shady dealings may have egged someone into sending her to an early grave. Now, there’s no shortage of creepy clues to feast on as Gia and her pals try to stop a killer with a very scary appetite . . .
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
(Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I love the relationship between Gia and Savannah, they are more like sisters than friends. They are a dynamic duo when it comes to sleuthing, and they will have to do that to find a murderer. When they find the event organizer dead, they are on the case, much to the chagrin of their boyfriends.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether it was the descriptions of the Haunted Town Festival or the descriptions of some of Gia’s food, I was engaged throughout the entire book.
The mystery was intriguing and not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider, and I could not figure out who the culprit was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you are looking for a great read, check this book out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
December 2, 2020
After nearly a year in Boggy Creek, Gia Morelli is finally considered a member of the community, or at least her café is a good place to gather and gossip. Savannah is over the moon excited when the town council asks Gia to take a table and a house at the Haunted Town Festival. Gia thinks the haunted house sounds like a lot of work, not to mention scary, but she'd be fine with a table. Savannah doesn't take no for an answer! While checking out Gia's house to come up with ideas, they're supposed to meet with Barbara Woodhull, one of the festival organizers. When Barbara fails to show up at the appointed time, Savannah calls Barbara and follows the ringtone outside and into the bushes. Still, Barbara is nowhere to be found. Barbara's fellow committee member, Genny Hart arrives on the scene along with a security guard, Jeb, who takes Barbara's phone. Before Gia and Savannah have time to call Hunt and Leo, Jeb finds Barbara's body. Hunt feels reassured that Gia and Savannah have no cause to investigate this time, RIGHT?! That doesn't stop them from talking to people and hearing gossip. It seems everyone in town had reason to hate Barbara but which one of them hated her enough to kill? With the Festival's future and the fate the animal shelter at stake, Hunt needs to solve this one ASAP, maybe with a little help from Gia, Savannah and the Boggy Creek gossip network.
I liked this plot best of all. It kept me up really late at night reading and I didn't guess who did it until just before Savannah put it together. I really appreciate that the love story here is mainly between two (platonic) best friends. It's very touching and different from the romantic love storyline. There is a romantic subplot but between Gia's busy schedule and Hunt's busy schedule, they hardly have time for each other. The focus is more on the friendship between the two women. The plot ended up being a little sad but not as dark as the previous one. I could have done without the haunted house stuff.
Like Gia, I'm a wuss and I don't do scary. I'd go for the pumpkin spice waffles, cinnamon apple ice cream and then go play with the dogs! The event is a fundraiser for the animal shelter and Savannah is bugging Gia to get another puppy. Gia is waffling on that but fully supports the shelter. I'd just rather donate directly to the shelter than be scared but thankfully the author doesn't take us completely into the festival, just the preparations, which creeped me out enough. I had to skip some of them at the end for time and to avoid bad dreams.
Gia is still a bit of a wuss when it comes to wildlife and outdoors but she's learning to appreciate nature. When someone she loves is threatened she ignores her fears and charges in. She can be abrasive but she feels guilty about it. In this investigation, Gia (mostly) tells Hunt what she's learned. It's only when she feels her loved ones threatened that she goes crazy. She's come a long way. Savannah is crazy. Savannah doesn't take no for an answer and she's eager to be Gia's Watson. The two share a special bond and have always been there for each other and always will be. Savannah is not about to let Gia get hurt and Gia tries to keep Savannah from investigating for fear Savannah will get hurt. They go round and round until Savannah does what she wants. Savannah is pretty pushy. I'm not sure I'd want her for a friend. Hunt is now Captain but he doesn't let is affect his relationship with Gia, aside from finding time to spend together. He's more level headed now. He doesn't forbid her from investigating and pretty much knows she's going to stick her nose in. He cares for her and is very sweet when they're together. Leo is kind and loving towards Savannah but neither of the men get much page time.
The recurring characters are delightful. Cole is funny. He has found retirement doesn't suit him and he enjoys working the grill much more. He gets WAY into the haunted house thing. He doesn't seem good at reading people though. He just accepts that they're doing this, it's tradition and doesn't see that Gia is a)crazy busy and doesn't have time for a personal life and b)scared. He does advise her to try retirement and see how she likes it and she doesn't think she could handle that much free time. I think she could. She might learn to enjoy her new hometown more. Earl is very kind and friendly as always. He's always there for Gia when she needs him. Willow finally acts her age and is overly enthusiastic about this haunted house thing and she also doesn't see how creeped out Gia is. I was wondering how she and her mom were doing after the revelations of the previous book and that is resolved in this book. They're very sweet together. Thor is adorable in all his doggyness. This time he has a big role to play. I didn't appreciate how that was summarized at the time. I would have preferred seeing the action unfold as it happened. He's a sweet, comforting companion.
Trevor acts like a kid at Christmas with this Haunted Town Festival. He has a dark side to him in spite of his hippie vibe and clumsiness. Harley is still homeless but making millimeter sized steps towards rejoining society. He's very loyal to Gia and wants to protect her. His unconventional relationship with Donna Mae is touching. Like Gia, I was shocked and upset by what happened to him in this book.
New characters include the victim, Barbara. Rumor has it Barbara was not a nice woman. She gleefully collected dirt on everyone to blackmail people. She planned the Haunted Town Festival not because she loves the animal shelter but for power and control. Or so the rumors say. I don't think she's that bad or else her friends wouldn't be friends. I thought for sure Genny Hart was the murderer and she did it to get control over the festival but as I got to know her, I changed my mind. Genny is a sweetheart and truly considered Barbara one of her best friends. Barbara's death has shaken Genny and Genny is emotionally a wreck. Her bff Kayla, on the other hand, is a nasty so-and-so. She's strong, forceful and incredibly rude. She claims she's trying to protect her friend but acts controlling and doesn't actually shield her friend from gossip, instead Kayla spreads rumors and untruths. I think she did it. Actually, I strongly suspect the security guard, Jeb. He was quick to arrive on the scene, rather hostile towards Gia and Savannah and eagerly confiscated Barbara's phone. I think he's up to no good. Just what he's doing, I couldn't figure out. Another strong suspect is Mike Smith, groundskeeper. He disappears after the murder and no one can trace him. It's like he doesn't exist. Hmm? I also think Ginny's husband, Preston, is a good candidate for murder. He isn't very kind or sympathetic to his grieving wife. I think he's been up to no good. One person I don't think is the murderer is Alfie, Barbara's best friend. Alfie seems like a sweetheart and not a killer. He's truly hurt by Barbara's death and once again, Hunt goes into cop mode and relies on evidence and not gut feeling. He should trust Gia more.
I hope there are more books in the series forthcoming with more delicious recipes. This one FINALLY has something I want to make. I tried but couldn't find the waffle maker anywhere in the house!
I liked this plot best of all. It kept me up really late at night reading and I didn't guess who did it until just before Savannah put it together. I really appreciate that the love story here is mainly between two (platonic) best friends. It's very touching and different from the romantic love storyline. There is a romantic subplot but between Gia's busy schedule and Hunt's busy schedule, they hardly have time for each other. The focus is more on the friendship between the two women. The plot ended up being a little sad but not as dark as the previous one. I could have done without the haunted house stuff.
Like Gia, I'm a wuss and I don't do scary. I'd go for the pumpkin spice waffles, cinnamon apple ice cream and then go play with the dogs! The event is a fundraiser for the animal shelter and Savannah is bugging Gia to get another puppy. Gia is waffling on that but fully supports the shelter. I'd just rather donate directly to the shelter than be scared but thankfully the author doesn't take us completely into the festival, just the preparations, which creeped me out enough. I had to skip some of them at the end for time and to avoid bad dreams.
Gia is still a bit of a wuss when it comes to wildlife and outdoors but she's learning to appreciate nature. When someone she loves is threatened she ignores her fears and charges in. She can be abrasive but she feels guilty about it. In this investigation, Gia (mostly) tells Hunt what she's learned. It's only when she feels her loved ones threatened that she goes crazy. She's come a long way. Savannah is crazy. Savannah doesn't take no for an answer and she's eager to be Gia's Watson. The two share a special bond and have always been there for each other and always will be. Savannah is not about to let Gia get hurt and Gia tries to keep Savannah from investigating for fear Savannah will get hurt. They go round and round until Savannah does what she wants. Savannah is pretty pushy. I'm not sure I'd want her for a friend. Hunt is now Captain but he doesn't let is affect his relationship with Gia, aside from finding time to spend together. He's more level headed now. He doesn't forbid her from investigating and pretty much knows she's going to stick her nose in. He cares for her and is very sweet when they're together. Leo is kind and loving towards Savannah but neither of the men get much page time.
The recurring characters are delightful. Cole is funny. He has found retirement doesn't suit him and he enjoys working the grill much more. He gets WAY into the haunted house thing. He doesn't seem good at reading people though. He just accepts that they're doing this, it's tradition and doesn't see that Gia is a)crazy busy and doesn't have time for a personal life and b)scared. He does advise her to try retirement and see how she likes it and she doesn't think she could handle that much free time. I think she could. She might learn to enjoy her new hometown more. Earl is very kind and friendly as always. He's always there for Gia when she needs him. Willow finally acts her age and is overly enthusiastic about this haunted house thing and she also doesn't see how creeped out Gia is. I was wondering how she and her mom were doing after the revelations of the previous book and that is resolved in this book. They're very sweet together. Thor is adorable in all his doggyness. This time he has a big role to play. I didn't appreciate how that was summarized at the time. I would have preferred seeing the action unfold as it happened. He's a sweet, comforting companion.
Trevor acts like a kid at Christmas with this Haunted Town Festival. He has a dark side to him in spite of his hippie vibe and clumsiness. Harley is still homeless but making millimeter sized steps towards rejoining society. He's very loyal to Gia and wants to protect her. His unconventional relationship with Donna Mae is touching. Like Gia, I was shocked and upset by what happened to him in this book.
New characters include the victim, Barbara. Rumor has it Barbara was not a nice woman. She gleefully collected dirt on everyone to blackmail people. She planned the Haunted Town Festival not because she loves the animal shelter but for power and control. Or so the rumors say. I don't think she's that bad or else her friends wouldn't be friends. I thought for sure Genny Hart was the murderer and she did it to get control over the festival but as I got to know her, I changed my mind. Genny is a sweetheart and truly considered Barbara one of her best friends. Barbara's death has shaken Genny and Genny is emotionally a wreck. Her bff Kayla, on the other hand, is a nasty so-and-so. She's strong, forceful and incredibly rude. She claims she's trying to protect her friend but acts controlling and doesn't actually shield her friend from gossip, instead Kayla spreads rumors and untruths. I think she did it. Actually, I strongly suspect the security guard, Jeb. He was quick to arrive on the scene, rather hostile towards Gia and Savannah and eagerly confiscated Barbara's phone. I think he's up to no good. Just what he's doing, I couldn't figure out. Another strong suspect is Mike Smith, groundskeeper. He disappears after the murder and no one can trace him. It's like he doesn't exist. Hmm? I also think Ginny's husband, Preston, is a good candidate for murder. He isn't very kind or sympathetic to his grieving wife. I think he's been up to no good. One person I don't think is the murderer is Alfie, Barbara's best friend. Alfie seems like a sweetheart and not a killer. He's truly hurt by Barbara's death and once again, Hunt goes into cop mode and relies on evidence and not gut feeling. He should trust Gia more.
I hope there are more books in the series forthcoming with more delicious recipes. This one FINALLY has something I want to make. I tried but couldn't find the waffle maker anywhere in the house!
August 18, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
Its pumpkin season time at the All-Day Breakfast Café. Gia misses the fall colors as she ends up helping out in the Haunted Town Festival. She will end up with more than just spooky ghosts to be scared of. Soon the festival organizer body will be found and rumors that she had which lead to her demise.
Once again Gia will be in the middle of things as she will find away to solve the murder. An enjoyable fourth book in the cozy series.
Its pumpkin season time at the All-Day Breakfast Café. Gia misses the fall colors as she ends up helping out in the Haunted Town Festival. She will end up with more than just spooky ghosts to be scared of. Soon the festival organizer body will be found and rumors that she had which lead to her demise.
Once again Gia will be in the middle of things as she will find away to solve the murder. An enjoyable fourth book in the cozy series.
November 17, 2020
Gia takes some getting used to. She isn’t the average character. She is emotional, loyal, and far too curious for her own good. Her cafe is busier than ever, but she finds herself missing New York in the fall. She has come to love her new home and wants to be a part of the community, no matter how reluctant she is to participate in the fall Halloween festival. All of this means she finds herself in trouble all the time and brings her best friend, Savannah, along for the ride. In A Waffle Lot Of Murder, Gia sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong, again, but this time she doesn’t need to drag Savannah with her; her best friend is insisting on leading the way.
The story has many ups and downs, twists and turns, and keeps you wondering. This book is fast-paced, well written, and filled with an emotional outburst that will have readers thinking about their best friend and what they would do to protect them. There are plenty of suspects, and it doesn’t take long for readers to figure out who the evil-doer is, but the why may have them temporarily stymied. Gia’s cafe is the center of her world and a local hub for gossip. This enables her to investigate the murder within relative safety, or so she tries to convince herself and everyone else. Fall in Florida isn’t cool and picturesque like New York, and Gia has to venture outdoors to find this killer. The critters that inhabit the wetlands terrify Gia, even when she comes face-to-face with one of the deadly variety, but nothing will stand in her way of finding a murderer.
Despite all of the problems Gia has faced in her life and how she has handled them, she is easy to like, even when you want to shake her and tell her to stop being foolish. Savannah is the friend we all wish we had, and I am glad her role continues to grow, but I have begun to believe that Savannah is the bad influence, not Gia. After some heart-stopping moments, Gia and Savannah find the killer and solve the crime. Life returns to normal in Gia’s cafe, and the fall festival continues as planned. There are some yummy sounding recipes in A Waffle Lot Of Murder, and I plan on trying at least one or two. I look forward to the next installation in this series.
The story has many ups and downs, twists and turns, and keeps you wondering. This book is fast-paced, well written, and filled with an emotional outburst that will have readers thinking about their best friend and what they would do to protect them. There are plenty of suspects, and it doesn’t take long for readers to figure out who the evil-doer is, but the why may have them temporarily stymied. Gia’s cafe is the center of her world and a local hub for gossip. This enables her to investigate the murder within relative safety, or so she tries to convince herself and everyone else. Fall in Florida isn’t cool and picturesque like New York, and Gia has to venture outdoors to find this killer. The critters that inhabit the wetlands terrify Gia, even when she comes face-to-face with one of the deadly variety, but nothing will stand in her way of finding a murderer.
Despite all of the problems Gia has faced in her life and how she has handled them, she is easy to like, even when you want to shake her and tell her to stop being foolish. Savannah is the friend we all wish we had, and I am glad her role continues to grow, but I have begun to believe that Savannah is the bad influence, not Gia. After some heart-stopping moments, Gia and Savannah find the killer and solve the crime. Life returns to normal in Gia’s cafe, and the fall festival continues as planned. There are some yummy sounding recipes in A Waffle Lot Of Murder, and I plan on trying at least one or two. I look forward to the next installation in this series.
November 27, 2020
One of the things I enjoy most about this series is the friendships that Gia has established in Boggy Creek, and this element is perhaps showcased strongest in the latest book, A Waffle Lot of Murder. Not just Gia’s friendship with her bestie Savannah or her sweet romance with Hunt or her affectionate love for her dog Troy – but also her relationships with Earl, Cole, Willow, Skylar, Trevor & Harley. It’s these friendships that cause Gia to be a bit more reckless in this book than we are used to. It’s also what gives this book its heart.
The plot was fairly complex with several twists and turns and red herrings along the way. I had the “who” figured out pretty early on but not the why & I still didn’t piece that together until the stunning “whydunnit” reveal. The added element of getting ready for the big Halloween Festival (complete with themed haunted houses & yummy food) definitely contributed to the book’s mood and gives it the perfect tone for a fall read.
Bottom Line: A Waffle Lot of Murder is a fun, well-plotted mystery with an autumn flair & a spotlight on friendship. Gia remains a very likable protagonist whom readers will root for throughout the story, and Lena Gregory’s writing voice is engaging with an easy flow that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. A wonderful story world to immerse yourself in for a few hours & a clever mystery to solve alongside the main characters!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
The plot was fairly complex with several twists and turns and red herrings along the way. I had the “who” figured out pretty early on but not the why & I still didn’t piece that together until the stunning “whydunnit” reveal. The added element of getting ready for the big Halloween Festival (complete with themed haunted houses & yummy food) definitely contributed to the book’s mood and gives it the perfect tone for a fall read.
Bottom Line: A Waffle Lot of Murder is a fun, well-plotted mystery with an autumn flair & a spotlight on friendship. Gia remains a very likable protagonist whom readers will root for throughout the story, and Lena Gregory’s writing voice is engaging with an easy flow that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. A wonderful story world to immerse yourself in for a few hours & a clever mystery to solve alongside the main characters!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
August 6, 2020
This is the 4th installment in the All Day Breakfast Café series. Gia Morelli is getting ready for autumn by serving up pumpkin spice waffles and missing the change of scenery in autumn that she had in New York. She agrees to help with the Haunted Town autumn festival that is on deserted farmland. The area is really creepy at night and when Gia and her best friend Savannah find the body of the event organizer they are pulled into solving another mystery. Of course more is learned about her and she has lots of suspects. I do like the friendship of Savannah and Gia and I do think Gia takes some serious risks to get to the truth. This is a fast paced mystery and I have not read all in the series but was able to enjoy this book just fine. Look forward to future books in this series.
March 2, 2023
I have not read any prior books in the All Day Breakfast Café mysteries but I do read a lot of cozies and this one was lacking for me. I thought the heroine was kind of a twit and made a multitude of the quintessential bad decisions one makes in a horror movie that gets that person killed, except she just kept getting lucky.
Gia Morelli, proprietor of the All Day Breakfast Café, has been hooked into hosting a table and a haunted house at Boggy Creek, Florida's annual haunted town festival. When she and her BFF Savannah go to meet the event planner, who turns up dead, Gia takes it upon herself to solve the mystery even though she has never met the deceased.
Usually the protagonists in cozies are spunky with a penchant to get into trouble. Gia is hardly spunky and looks for trouble. She cries often and to me really lacked any depth that made me want to like her. Why anyone would get heavily involved in a murder investigation where they did not know the victim and someone near and dear to their heart is not the suspect, I do not understand. The best part of this book was Thor, her dog. I finished the book but honestly it does not make me want to rush out and read the others in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader's copy. My opinions are my own.
Gia Morelli, proprietor of the All Day Breakfast Café, has been hooked into hosting a table and a haunted house at Boggy Creek, Florida's annual haunted town festival. When she and her BFF Savannah go to meet the event planner, who turns up dead, Gia takes it upon herself to solve the mystery even though she has never met the deceased.
Usually the protagonists in cozies are spunky with a penchant to get into trouble. Gia is hardly spunky and looks for trouble. She cries often and to me really lacked any depth that made me want to like her. Why anyone would get heavily involved in a murder investigation where they did not know the victim and someone near and dear to their heart is not the suspect, I do not understand. The best part of this book was Thor, her dog. I finished the book but honestly it does not make me want to rush out and read the others in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader's copy. My opinions are my own.
August 24, 2020
Gia is still getting used to Florida. It is very different from her old hme state, New York. Still, she has made great friends in her new home and business. She has also adopted a furry best friend who always has her back.
Boggy Creek, Florida is not a big town, bt toursits keep things hopping and lively, especially with gossip and during festivals. A Haunted Halloween festival is one of the biggest attractions, with proceeds helping to fund the local animal shelter. This festival has a loyal following and it is rare that an opening occurs for someone new to participate. When Gia is invited to sponsor a "house" she has no idea what she is getting herself into. Her friends agree to help and assure her that she will enjoy it.
Before she even has a chance to find out what is all involved, a body is found that jeopardizes the event. OH- I should mention that Gia and best gal pal Savannah are the ones who stumble over the tragic event.
Although warned to stay out of the investigation, it seems trouble is following Gia around.
A great cast of characters, strong friendship bonds, and intelligent, independent women drive this exciting novel. Thor, Gia's best fur friend, is also a hero.
You won't be disappointed!
Boggy Creek, Florida is not a big town, bt toursits keep things hopping and lively, especially with gossip and during festivals. A Haunted Halloween festival is one of the biggest attractions, with proceeds helping to fund the local animal shelter. This festival has a loyal following and it is rare that an opening occurs for someone new to participate. When Gia is invited to sponsor a "house" she has no idea what she is getting herself into. Her friends agree to help and assure her that she will enjoy it.
Before she even has a chance to find out what is all involved, a body is found that jeopardizes the event. OH- I should mention that Gia and best gal pal Savannah are the ones who stumble over the tragic event.
Although warned to stay out of the investigation, it seems trouble is following Gia around.
A great cast of characters, strong friendship bonds, and intelligent, independent women drive this exciting novel. Thor, Gia's best fur friend, is also a hero.
You won't be disappointed!
August 9, 2020
Ms. Gregory returns us to Boggy Creek in time for The Haunted town Festival. Gia and Savannah are excited that Gia's been invited to host a 'house' and are full of plans … until the co-ordinator doesn't meet them as planned, because she can't....meet ...anyone...ever again.
Worried about the possibility the festival could be cancelled, as it's the animal shelter's main source of income, the girls snoop, against the advice of their law enforcement boyfriends. Their inability to stay out of it endangers them and they escape...barely.
The tale has plenty of color and humor, and leads down various paths, some helpful, some not.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.
Worried about the possibility the festival could be cancelled, as it's the animal shelter's main source of income, the girls snoop, against the advice of their law enforcement boyfriends. Their inability to stay out of it endangers them and they escape...barely.
The tale has plenty of color and humor, and leads down various paths, some helpful, some not.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.
October 13, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I have been in love with this series since book one so I was more then excited to get my hands on a new one. This time we are gearing up for fall which of course means Halloween. Gia came from New York which has very distinct seasons so she is a little homesick when it comes to being in Florida. To help get her in the mood her friends convince her to take part in the annual Haunted Town Festival which is big deal there. Things take a turn though when they go to visit the grounds only to not be able to find the organizer anywhere just her phone. The security guard goes looking only to find her in a shallow grave. Gia tries to stay out it per her cop boyfriends request but quickly finds herself involved anyways. The story is full of details about the little town that really makes you feel like you are there. The clues keep you guessing while you enjoy your time keeping up with Gia along with her adorable dog Thor until the final reveal. Has an emotional moment at well that makes you feel for everyone involved. Makes for a truly fantastic cozy that you won't want to end. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I have been in love with this series since book one so I was more then excited to get my hands on a new one. This time we are gearing up for fall which of course means Halloween. Gia came from New York which has very distinct seasons so she is a little homesick when it comes to being in Florida. To help get her in the mood her friends convince her to take part in the annual Haunted Town Festival which is big deal there. Things take a turn though when they go to visit the grounds only to not be able to find the organizer anywhere just her phone. The security guard goes looking only to find her in a shallow grave. Gia tries to stay out it per her cop boyfriends request but quickly finds herself involved anyways. The story is full of details about the little town that really makes you feel like you are there. The clues keep you guessing while you enjoy your time keeping up with Gia along with her adorable dog Thor until the final reveal. Has an emotional moment at well that makes you feel for everyone involved. Makes for a truly fantastic cozy that you won't want to end. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
August 2, 2022
Era un pezzo che non leggevo un libro di questa serie e non mi ricordavo che la protagonista fosse così impulsiva... O almeno in questo libro agisce spesso senza pensare troppo prima quale possa essere l'esito delle sue azioni. A parte questo, la storia non è male e mi piacciono molto i comprimari.
December 18, 2020
Gia Morelli owns the All-Day Breakfast Café in Boggy Creek, Florida. She's been invited to participate in the annual Haunted Town Festival -- which means she'll be given a table to display her wares, and better yet, she gets a house to decorate in the spookiest fashion she can think of. She says she doesn't have the time, but when her friends and employees urge her, offering to help and even appear as part of the scares, she says yes, knowing the proceeds all go to the animal shelter.
When she and Savannah go out to the farmlands to look at their house, they're supposed to meet Barbara Woodhull, one of the organizers. But when Barbara doesn't show up, and Savannah finds Barbara's phone, they're wondering where she is. But Barbara's best friend Genevieve 'Genny' Hart meets them, she doesn't know where Barbara is. But after showing Gia her 'house', Gia and Savannah hear police sirens. It seems Barbara has been found dead in a shallow grave, and now there's a killer on the loose.
Gia vows to stay out of the investigation, not having ever met Barbara. But when one of her friends gets involved and is attacked, all bets are off. Gia tries her best to stay away, but things keep niggling at her, and even though she doesn't willingly put herself in danger, her only thought is to keep Savannah safe. But even that might be harder when things escalate, and the killer knows she's on the trail...
This is the fourth book in the series, and a very good entry as such. It takes place in the autumn, which is perfect for this time of year (I love to 'read the season' as it were), and the story line is quite interesting. I like the idea of several smaller haunted houses instead of one, and you can choose which ones you want to go to. This tale shows how far Gia's come since she moved to Florida: she's made good friends who will all go out of their way to help her when she needs it, and are even excited to be part of the festival with her.
My only complaint is that while I know Hunt is now the police chief, I don't understand why he can't spend more time with her. Police chiefs all over the country are married with families, and don't just take a moment here and there for their significant others. I'd like to see a little more progress in this area. But I digress...
The story pulls us in from the beginning, and when we start to learn more about Barbara, it seems she wasn't much of a nice woman after all. Still, it leaves the fact that she's been murdered and now the police have to figure out by whom. It doesn't help that Genny's friend Kayla is doing all she can to badmouth both the police and Barbara, and her relationship with Genny seems more of a domineering one than a friendly one. Gia wonders about this, but isn't able to get Genny alone to talk with her.
When things start heating up, Gia discovers a key clue to the murder, even as that clue brings with it something else that isn't pleasant to her. When the murderer is discovered, I knew who it was earlier in the book, but that didn't deter me at all from enjoying this mystery (I read a lot of these); and I found it intriguing how the author put everything together. The pieces fell in place naturally, and while there weren't really a lot of red herrings, it didn't matter; the story itself was taut and enjoyable.
I have to say that this is probably my favorite of all the books in this series and I look forward to the next. (There are also some delectable recipes in the back that are perfect for this time of year, if you want to try them.) Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
When she and Savannah go out to the farmlands to look at their house, they're supposed to meet Barbara Woodhull, one of the organizers. But when Barbara doesn't show up, and Savannah finds Barbara's phone, they're wondering where she is. But Barbara's best friend Genevieve 'Genny' Hart meets them, she doesn't know where Barbara is. But after showing Gia her 'house', Gia and Savannah hear police sirens. It seems Barbara has been found dead in a shallow grave, and now there's a killer on the loose.
Gia vows to stay out of the investigation, not having ever met Barbara. But when one of her friends gets involved and is attacked, all bets are off. Gia tries her best to stay away, but things keep niggling at her, and even though she doesn't willingly put herself in danger, her only thought is to keep Savannah safe. But even that might be harder when things escalate, and the killer knows she's on the trail...
This is the fourth book in the series, and a very good entry as such. It takes place in the autumn, which is perfect for this time of year (I love to 'read the season' as it were), and the story line is quite interesting. I like the idea of several smaller haunted houses instead of one, and you can choose which ones you want to go to. This tale shows how far Gia's come since she moved to Florida: she's made good friends who will all go out of their way to help her when she needs it, and are even excited to be part of the festival with her.
My only complaint is that while I know Hunt is now the police chief, I don't understand why he can't spend more time with her. Police chiefs all over the country are married with families, and don't just take a moment here and there for their significant others. I'd like to see a little more progress in this area. But I digress...
The story pulls us in from the beginning, and when we start to learn more about Barbara, it seems she wasn't much of a nice woman after all. Still, it leaves the fact that she's been murdered and now the police have to figure out by whom. It doesn't help that Genny's friend Kayla is doing all she can to badmouth both the police and Barbara, and her relationship with Genny seems more of a domineering one than a friendly one. Gia wonders about this, but isn't able to get Genny alone to talk with her.
When things start heating up, Gia discovers a key clue to the murder, even as that clue brings with it something else that isn't pleasant to her. When the murderer is discovered, I knew who it was earlier in the book, but that didn't deter me at all from enjoying this mystery (I read a lot of these); and I found it intriguing how the author put everything together. The pieces fell in place naturally, and while there weren't really a lot of red herrings, it didn't matter; the story itself was taut and enjoyable.
I have to say that this is probably my favorite of all the books in this series and I look forward to the next. (There are also some delectable recipes in the back that are perfect for this time of year, if you want to try them.) Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
September 24, 2020
I received a copy of A Waffle Lot of Murder through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Waffle Lot of Murder is the fourth installment of the All-Day Cafe Mystery series. In this Halloween themed cozy mystery, Gia Morelli finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation while embracing fall in Boggy Creek and participating in the Haunted Town Festival.
This is the first book in the series that I have read and I really did like the fall setting and the Halloween themed festival, along with the mystery. I am not a huge fan of the characters though and couldn’t really get into them. Every time I thought I was going to like Gia, she goes off and does something that puts herself at risk trying to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the town and the setting in this interesting mystery, but it was Gia and her impulsiveness that didn’t sit well with me. All in all it was a good cozy mystery, not the best I’ve read but definitely not the worst. If I get time in the future I will probably go back and read the other books in this series to see if I can connect more with the characters.
A Waffle Lot of Murder is the fourth installment of the All-Day Cafe Mystery series. In this Halloween themed cozy mystery, Gia Morelli finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation while embracing fall in Boggy Creek and participating in the Haunted Town Festival.
This is the first book in the series that I have read and I really did like the fall setting and the Halloween themed festival, along with the mystery. I am not a huge fan of the characters though and couldn’t really get into them. Every time I thought I was going to like Gia, she goes off and does something that puts herself at risk trying to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the town and the setting in this interesting mystery, but it was Gia and her impulsiveness that didn’t sit well with me. All in all it was a good cozy mystery, not the best I’ve read but definitely not the worst. If I get time in the future I will probably go back and read the other books in this series to see if I can connect more with the characters.
October 8, 2020
This is a Halloween themed cozy. Gia and Savannah are invited to participate in a haunted fundraiser for the animal shelter. And I loved the way Gia doted on her dog, Thor. The chemistry between Gia and Savannah is superb, they are a good sleuthing team, helping and protecting each other. The mystery was okay, in the sense that I figured the who-dun-it quite early, but not the motive. And I'm definitely trying out the homemade vanilla cinnamon creamer. Overall, this was quite an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.
October 5, 2020
Really fun Halloween time story, but suitable for reading any time of the year. Mouth-watering food descriptions. Really enjoy the developing relationship between Hunt and Gia.
October 19, 2020
A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER by Lena Gregory
The Fourth All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery
With the onset of autumn Gia Morelli is missing New York. Boggy Creek, Florida has it's own fall festivities, however, and Gia is persuaded by Savannah and the rest of her friends to participate in the town's haunted festival. Being in charge of a table serving her food is one thing, but Gia is not as thrilled to have her own haunted building. Things get even scarier when Gia and Savannah go to see the outbuilding they'll have to decorate and find the murdered body of the festival's organizer. At least Gia has no reason to get involved in this murder investigation. Or does she?
Friendship and community are the hallmark of this series and the cornerstone of A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER. I love how the entire community bands together to celebrate Halloween and support the local animal shelter. While Gia's friendship with Savannah is extra special, her other friends are almost as important. They gather together to support and help in practically all aspects of their lives and would do almost anything for each other. It's this aspect that can get some of our characters into trouble.
The fourth All-Day Breakfast Cafe mystery provides a complex mystery with several characters behaving suspiciously. Although fast paced there was time to promote animals adoptions, and adopting correctly and for the right reasons, which I really appreciate. Several exciting scenes had my adrenaline pumping and I'm proud of Gia for forgetting some of her fears, or at least not allowing them to get in her way.
A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER is a fast paced fun Halloween read. With friendship and community at its core this mystery will make you both smile and gasp and ultimately be thankful for your friends.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Fourth All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery
With the onset of autumn Gia Morelli is missing New York. Boggy Creek, Florida has it's own fall festivities, however, and Gia is persuaded by Savannah and the rest of her friends to participate in the town's haunted festival. Being in charge of a table serving her food is one thing, but Gia is not as thrilled to have her own haunted building. Things get even scarier when Gia and Savannah go to see the outbuilding they'll have to decorate and find the murdered body of the festival's organizer. At least Gia has no reason to get involved in this murder investigation. Or does she?
Friendship and community are the hallmark of this series and the cornerstone of A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER. I love how the entire community bands together to celebrate Halloween and support the local animal shelter. While Gia's friendship with Savannah is extra special, her other friends are almost as important. They gather together to support and help in practically all aspects of their lives and would do almost anything for each other. It's this aspect that can get some of our characters into trouble.
The fourth All-Day Breakfast Cafe mystery provides a complex mystery with several characters behaving suspiciously. Although fast paced there was time to promote animals adoptions, and adopting correctly and for the right reasons, which I really appreciate. Several exciting scenes had my adrenaline pumping and I'm proud of Gia for forgetting some of her fears, or at least not allowing them to get in her way.
A WAFFLE LOT OF MURDER is a fast paced fun Halloween read. With friendship and community at its core this mystery will make you both smile and gasp and ultimately be thankful for your friends.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
September 24, 2020
While this is the fourth book in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery series, it is the first I have read, and I did not find that to be a hindrance in my enjoyment or understanding of the book.
I was hooked from the wonderfully punny title, and A Waffle Lot of Murder had a Waffle lot of the perfect fall energy I was seeking. I'll be honest, I'm very hit or miss when it comes to cozy mysteries. I think there is a very fine line of balance required between the right amount of mystery and the right amount of that cozy town atmosphere that is often mishandled. Gregory was a breath of fresh pumpkin spice air in that regard-- the entire reading experience was enjoyable, kept me intrigued, and made me feel like I was sipping a cup of warm cider.
From the start, I was nervous to see it was set in Florida. After all, the sunny state is hardly what I think of when it comes to my beloved crisp fall mornings. Somehow, to my delight, this was not at all a problem. Between the town's haunted house excitement and the delicious fall foods at the cafe (the provided recipes at the end were a fantastic surprise), the mood was present in full. However, there was something a little surprising in the use of Florida's wildlife to create a fun and spooky atmosphere. I didn't expect it, but it actually felt really fitting.
As for the mystery itself, I thought it was well done. A murder at the scene of a haunted house festival? Fantastic. It gets even better when the list of suspects continues to grow and the tensions of the town heighten the excitement. I was fully invested in that animal shelter getting their fundraiser!
There were of course some downsides I think it's worth mentioning. Namely, there was a lack of diversity within the cast of characters that I felt was a bit unrealistic and disappointing. It is not a new problem in this particular genre, but in 2020 I expect publishers and writers alike to be paying more attention to the representation they're creating. In terms of the characters, I felt at times Gia was held back from making choices that would have heightened the excitement and spent too much time almost babying Savannah as if she wasn't a grown woman capable of making her own choices. It resulted in a few scenes falling flat, in my opinion. At times I found myself disliking her boyfriend because it felt like she was stifling her instincts just to avoid upsetting him, but then in his actual scenes he would behave quite the opposite, and it was a little confusing when that difference was never actually addressed.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. If you want a fluffy mystery that will pull you into fall, you'll definitely find it here.
I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley for review.
I was hooked from the wonderfully punny title, and A Waffle Lot of Murder had a Waffle lot of the perfect fall energy I was seeking. I'll be honest, I'm very hit or miss when it comes to cozy mysteries. I think there is a very fine line of balance required between the right amount of mystery and the right amount of that cozy town atmosphere that is often mishandled. Gregory was a breath of fresh pumpkin spice air in that regard-- the entire reading experience was enjoyable, kept me intrigued, and made me feel like I was sipping a cup of warm cider.
From the start, I was nervous to see it was set in Florida. After all, the sunny state is hardly what I think of when it comes to my beloved crisp fall mornings. Somehow, to my delight, this was not at all a problem. Between the town's haunted house excitement and the delicious fall foods at the cafe (the provided recipes at the end were a fantastic surprise), the mood was present in full. However, there was something a little surprising in the use of Florida's wildlife to create a fun and spooky atmosphere. I didn't expect it, but it actually felt really fitting.
As for the mystery itself, I thought it was well done. A murder at the scene of a haunted house festival? Fantastic. It gets even better when the list of suspects continues to grow and the tensions of the town heighten the excitement. I was fully invested in that animal shelter getting their fundraiser!
There were of course some downsides I think it's worth mentioning. Namely, there was a lack of diversity within the cast of characters that I felt was a bit unrealistic and disappointing. It is not a new problem in this particular genre, but in 2020 I expect publishers and writers alike to be paying more attention to the representation they're creating. In terms of the characters, I felt at times Gia was held back from making choices that would have heightened the excitement and spent too much time almost babying Savannah as if she wasn't a grown woman capable of making her own choices. It resulted in a few scenes falling flat, in my opinion. At times I found myself disliking her boyfriend because it felt like she was stifling her instincts just to avoid upsetting him, but then in his actual scenes he would behave quite the opposite, and it was a little confusing when that difference was never actually addressed.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. If you want a fluffy mystery that will pull you into fall, you'll definitely find it here.
I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley for review.
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