A Scoop of Deceit by Lena Gregory

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I’m thrilled to welcome Lena Gregory, who also writes inspirational romantic suspense as Deena Alexander, back to Salty Inspirations! Lena balances multiple series, pen names, freelance editing, and the business of being an author, all while enjoying the Florida sunshine. Her newest release, the Coffee & Cream Café Mystery, A Scoop of Deceit, delivers another delightful cozy mystery for fans to savor. We sat down with Lena to talk about her writing process, juggling genres, and staying creative and motivated.

Interview with Lena Gregory

1. Welcome, Lena! Can you tell us a little about your new book and what readers can expect?
   Hi & thank you so much for having me! In my newest Coffee & Cream Café mystery, A Scoop of Deceit, winter has finally released its icy grip on Watchogue, and spring has sprung. Dani is getting ready to enjoy the season while planting with her mom, but an accident at the garden center cuts their plans short. When the guy who backed into them decides to sue her mother, Dani heads off to his mansion for a heart to heart only to find him dead, stabbed in the back by someone other than her mother. With her mother’s reputation on the line, she has no choice but to jump in and investigate.
2. Lena, you write under at least two pen names…do you have a writing schedule?
   It is definitely not easy! Lol. My schedule basically involves just sitting down and writing whenever I have time, or whenever a looming deadline demands it. I take a spiral notebook everywhere I go to jot down ideas and outline my next story. But I enjoy writing in different genres. It keeps things interesting. Unfortunately, my writing schedule is now dictated by my contracts. When I sign a new contract, I have a deadline to turn in each book. So, whatever is due next is what I work on.
3. Every cozy mystery has a list of suspects, red herrings, and twists…
   It’s actually very rare for me to know the ending when I start writing. I usually don’t know who the killer is until the very end of the story, after I’ve written everything else and gone back to do a read through. Other than that, I usually plan out a few chapters at a time, leaving enough clues that anyone could be the killer. I used to just sit down and write whatever came to mind, but I wrote my characters into a corner I couldn’t find a way out of one day, so I changed my way of doing things.
4. Editing can be just as time-consuming as writing…
   Yes! Editing can be so time consuming. But the first round of edits in my stories is usually my favorite part of writing process. The basic story is there, so now I can have some fun with it. It’s definitely easier editing my own work, though, because I already know where the story is headed and have a list of things I need to correct or look for. When I edit for someone else, I’m starting with no real knowledge of the story. And sometimes, if a story is really good, I get lost in the story and forget I’m supposed to be correcting things and have to back up.
5. Being a professional author means wearing many hats…
   When I sit down to write, I usually have music playing quietly in the background, often an instrumental version of Lord of the Rings music. Then I just close out everything else and immerse myself in the story. If things are going well, I can lose myself that way for hours. When I’m doing things like marketing, newsletters, and managing contracts, it’s all business. I have a list of what I need to do, and I check things off as I go. When I’m on social media, I just try to enjoy myself. I like talking to people and readers, so that part of it is fun.
6. Florida sunshine and cozy beaches are a big contrast to Long Island winters…
   It’s funny you should ask that, because it actually does. I just finished writing a story that takes place in the mountains in the dead of winter with a blizzard, ice, and feet of snow. Writing that while sitting in eighty-degree weather, with the sun shining, is kind of difficult. Thankfully, I still remember what that icy-cold feels like. But, overall, I’m more creative in better weather. I often walk on the trails here, and I find a lot of my inspiration while walking outside.
7. What’s one unexpected challenge you’ve faced running two author brands simultaneously?
   My most unexpected challenge came recently, when I somehow ended up with two releases on the same day, one from Lena Gregory and the other from Deena Alexander. I had two blog tours running simultaneously, and I literally could not keep track of who I was. I keep separate profiles on my computer for each of my pen names to avoid confusion, but let me tell you, it did not work. I found myself answering and commenting from the wrong pen name or using the wrong title more than once. Moving forward, I will not be releasing two books at the same time again. I’m apparently just not equipped for that.
8. You have a lot of loyal readers across different genres…
   I’m sorry to say, it has become more difficult. I used to enjoy doing huge Facebook parties and hanging out with my readers all the time. And I truly love and value those relationships. Unfortunately, between writing full time and everything that goes along with it, homeschooling my youngest son, and various medical problems in my family lately, I just haven’t had as much time as I’d like to connect. I will get back to it more often, though, because I truly miss it.
9. For aspiring authors, what’s your best advice for balancing multiple projects, pen names, or genres?
   I think keeping on task is the biggest thing. If you let yourself fall behind, everything coming up has to get pushed as well. And that just makes things difficult. I truly enjoy writing in different genres, though, and I feel like that keeps the joy of writing alive. For me, it keeps things new and fun switching from one genre to another and one series to another. Oh, and never, ever release more than one book from more than one pen name on the same day!
10. Finally, what do you hope readers take away from this latest adventure in the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries?
    I really hope readers have fun with my newest story and the entire series. Reading has gotten me through some very difficult times in my life, especially a long running series where the characters feel like old friends I’m catching up with. I hope I can bring that same joy and comfort to someone else.

Thank you so much for having me! I’ve enjoyed our visit.

I have loved our visit! We have so much in common. It was wonderful getting to know you. -Michelle

A Scoop of Deceit (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

About A Scoop of Deceit

A Scoop of Deceit (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 7th in Series Setting – New York Publisher : Gemma Halliday Publishing Publication date : March 10, 2026 Digital ASIN : B0GHZMWLBV

From author Lena Gregory comes another decadently delightful cozy mystery …

Spring has finally sprung on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York, and Danika Delaney is ready to take a break from running her old-fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, to help her mom start planting for the season. With visions of colorful tulips and delicate daffodils in mind, Danika and her mother browse through the local garden center, where they can’t help but notice a confrontation between out-of-towner Sebastian Krane and the local cashier. Unfortunately, as Krane storms off, aggravated and not paying attention, he hops into his BMW, and crashes right into Mrs. Delaney as she’s backing up in her borrowed pickup truck. As if that weren’t enough to put a damper on her sunny mood, Krane then has the nerve to file a lawsuit against her. But when Dani shows up at his mansion to try to straighten things out, she finds him dead, with a knife in his back. Apparently, someone had it out for Sebastian. Someone other than her mother. A fact Dani sets out to prove with the help of her sidekicks, Gwen and Eli, wading through a slew of shady suspects from the victim’s stormy past. Can Dani clear her mother’s name and find the truth behind Krane’s murder? Or will Dani be in danger of pushing up daisies herself this spring?

About Lena Gregory

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York. Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

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Tour Participants

March 9 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW
March 9 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 10 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
March 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
March 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 12 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 12 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
March 13 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
March 13 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST
March 14 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
March 14 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 15 – Sarandipity’s – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 15 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 16 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 18 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
March 18 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
March 19 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 20 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
March 21 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
March 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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Excerpt from A Scoop of Deceit

When I began writing A Scoop of Deceit, I was inspired by the idea that even the sweetest places can hide the darkest secrets. I wanted to create a cozy seaside atmosphere filled with warmth, humor, and close-knit friendships—but also a mystery that would challenge my main character, Danika Delaney, in new and unexpected ways. As I wrote this story, I enjoyed peeling back the layers of Watchogue and revealing the tension simmering beneath its charming surface. In this excerpt, you’ll see the moment when the sense of small-town comfort begins to shift.

From A Scoop of Deceit

“Well, will you look at that.” Sally propped her hands on ample hips and stared toward the checkout counter.

I’m ashamed to admit my first thought went to, What did Aunt Miriam get herself into? But in all fairness, the thought wasn’t unwarranted.

Instead of finding Aunt Miriam, though, I spotted a man I’d never seen before. His cream-colored slacks and jacket paired with a green shirt and Doce & Gabbana loafers certainly drew attention, but it was his attitude that kept it.

I kept pace with Sally as she moved closer. No way would Sally miss whatever was about to go down.

The guy shifted Versace sunglasses to the back of his head (a look I’d never understand) and tucked them into a dark-colored fade held in place with enough hairspray to pop another hole in the ozone layer. He scowled at Kendall, the young girl behind the checkout counter.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have anyone available to make a delivery today.” The girl gestured at the crowd waiting by the register and blew her strawberry blonde bangs off her forehead. “As you can see, we’re swamped.”

I leaned back against a nearby counter, folded my arms, and watched the drama unfold. There was no sense pretending I wasn’t paying attention since pretty much everyone in the place was fully focused on the interaction. Some rolled their eyes, others tsk-tsked or spoke in hushed whispers—not out of courtesy for the man involved, but because no one wanted to miss anything. Plus, whenever a young woman was being harassed you could count on the citizens of Watchogue to step in.

“Look, young lady, I don’t care how swamped you are. I just spent a small fortune for plants, and my landscaper will be at my house early tomorrow morning, and I need my purchases delivered before that.”

“Look, Mr. Krane, as I’ve already told you…”

I had to give the girl props for courtesy. She maintained her even tone and forced smile no matter how loud and obnoxious the customer got.

She met his stare with a cool one of her own. “The best I can do is come in and open early tomorrow morning so you or your landscaper can pick up the plants.”

“Ha!” The man scoffed. “You expect me to pick up my own plants? Then what am I paying you for?”

“You’re paying for the plants you purchased. But if you’d like to pick them up yourself, I’ll be happy to refund your delivery fee.” Her smile never faltered, but her right eye twitched a few times.

I straightened when Mom moved onto the line behind him.

Aunt Miriam gave him a quick up and down then turned her attention elsewhere. Good for her.

Mom cleared her throat, and I took a few steps closer. “Excuse me, Kendall.”

Kendall turned away from him and shot her a grateful smile. “Yes, Mrs. Delaney. I’m sorry. How can I help you?”

“I’d like to pay, please.”

I braced for the coming argument from the entitled a—uh… gentleman, because no way would I let him speak to my mom with anything less than respect, and moved to stand next to her.

When he whirled on her, Mom met his confrontational gaze with one of her own, the one that said I ain’t takin’ none of your nonsense, buddy. The same one she’d always pinned my sister, Meghan, and me with whenever we’d acted up. His gaze skipped from her, to me, to Aunt Miriam (then did a double take. Not that I could blame him.). When he returned his attention to Mom, he opened his mouth, seemed to think better of the idea as the three of us stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, then snapped it shut, and turned back to the cashier. “Fine. I will expect a delivery tomorrow, though, as soon as possible.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Krane.” She offered her thousand-watt smile. “You have a nice day now.”

He muttered something unintelligible as he stalked away.

Kendall blew out another breath, her shoulders slumping. “Is summer almost over yet?”

I laughed. Summer and fall on Long Island’s east end brought flocks of tourists to the beaches and farmstands, giving local businesses a much-needed financial boost, my own included. Unfortunately, not all of the visitors were friendly. And a few, like Mr. Krane, were downright nasty and entitled and thought the whole world owed them something. “Sorry to say, but not by a long shot.”

I stuck by Mom while she paid for her purchases, lest Mr. Krane decide to make another appearance, then hauled them to Uncle Jimmie’s truck and loaded it up. As I squeezed back in behind Aunt Miriam, I noticed Mr. Krane just climbing into a fancy, black Beamer (no surprise), cell phone pressed against his ear, arms gesturing wildly. Sympathy for whoever was on the other end of the line flared.

“I wonder what he’s all in a state about.” Apparently, he’d drawn Aunt Mirima’s attention as well.

“Who knows?” Mom glanced in the rearview mirror, then shifted into reverse, and waited for the Harts to haul their weeping cherry past. “Some people are just nasty for no reason.”

“Well, it seems to me it’s just as easy to be kind.” Aunt Miriam turned back to Mom. “So, what are you making for dinner tomorrow night?”

Sunday dinners were a huge deal in the Delaney household when the entire clan met up at Mom’s to eat, drink, and catch up on current events.

“I don’t know. I was thinking a barbeque might be nice…” With one more look around for stragglers, Mom glanced in the rearview mirror again, then turned to look over her shoulder, and backed out of her spot. “But I’m not sure the weather will cooperate.”

“Oh, hold on. I know.” Aunt Miriam started to rummage through a bag the size of a suitcase. “I have one of those weather apps on my phone.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught movement as Mr. Krane’s BMW accelerated at rocket speed.

“Mo—”

The crash came before I could finish my warning, hard, fast, and loud, knocking me to the side. My head slammed against the passenger-side window, and the contents of Aunt Miriam’s purse scattered across the interior. Stars circled my head like in the old-fashioned cartoons Meghan and I used to look forward to on Saturday mornings, before streaming services allowed round the clock access to whatever you might like to watch. I contemplated why that’s where my thoughts might have gone, wondered briefly if I might have a concussion, then plucked a red thong I seriously hoped hadn’t been worn yet from my lap with two fingertips and set it aside on the backseat.

My gaze bounced from Mom to Aunt Miriam and back again, but before I could assess either of their conditions, the screaming started.

More from Lena Gregory & Deena Alexander on Salty Inspirations

Home Fries And Alibis by Lena Gregory
Rocky Road to Murder (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory
Missing at Christmas by Deena Alexander
Exposing Lethal Secrets by Deena Alexander

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Thank you so much to Lena Gregory for sharing her insights with us! Be sure to add A Scoop of Deceit to your TBR and explore her other cozy mysteries and inspirational suspense novels. Feel free to browse the blog for more author interviews, cozy reads, and behind-the-scenes fun.

As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!—Michelle❤️