Add the Giveaway
Cool Change delivers a refreshing twist on the cozy‑mystery formula by centering the story on Tony DeLucca, a steady, likeable former Military Police investigator navigating a new chapter of life in Flat Rock. With clean content, character‑driven storytelling, and a nostalgic thread of vinyl‑record memories woven throughout, this mystery is both comforting and engaging.
About the Book
After returning home from ten years as a Military Police investigator, Tony expects quiet. Instead, he’s pulled into a murder case when his landlord’s son is arrested for killing local musician Derek Paulson. As Tony digs deeper, he uncovers gambling debts, a missing guitarist with a violent past, and a suspiciously helpful stranger, all pointing toward secrets worth killing for.
With a preliminary hearing looming and pressure from the deputy chief to back off, Tony must trust his instincts to uncover the truth before an innocent man loses his freedom.
Book HookUp Book Review: Cool Change
What makes Cool Change stand out is Tony himself. Cozy mysteries often feature female leads, so following Tony, a calm, capable man in transition, feels fresh and grounded. He’s someone you want to follow into future installments, especially as Flat Rock begins to take shape around him.
The story leans character‑driven, with Tony’s instincts, relationships, and personal history guiding the investigation. His interactions with Mason show his compassion, while his budding connection with Brenda adds a warm, hopeful thread you’ll want more of.
The vinyl‑record element is a highlight. The music of the 1970s isn’t just decoration, it adds atmosphere, nostalgia, and emotional depth. Tony’s memories of his dad listening to CCR while working on the car bring a generational richness to the story, and if you know the albums mentioned, it’s an extra layer of enjoyment.
The pacing stays steady throughout, and while the clues guide you along a clear path, the final reveal still lands with a satisfying surprise. The resolution feels earned — the kind of ending that makes you nod and think, Ah, that fits, even if you didn’t see it coming until the last stretch.
Overall, this is an easy, entertaining read with a likeable lead, a cozy‑clean tone, and a nostalgic musical heartbeat.
Giveaway for this tour. Prize - Win one of three digital copies of Cool Change, the first full-length mystery in the Flat Rock Mysteries.
Enter here 👉👉 ENTER HERE 👈👈
The best part? Every reader who enters will also receive a FREE digital copy of Steal Away, the exclusive prequel novel to the Flat Rock Mysteries.
BookHookUp Content Note
This mystery stays comfortably within clean‑fiction boundaries. There is no profanity, and while tempers flare during tense moments, nothing becomes graphic or intense. The violence is minimal and presented in a non‑descriptive, cozy‑appropriate way. Themes of investigation, small‑town secrets, and personal conflict are handled with care, making this a safe and enjoyable read for clean‑mystery fans and readers who prefer non‑graphic content.
***
I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours with no compensation, and all opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting indie authors and this blog.
***
Similar Books You May Enjoy
The Sweet Taste of Murder by CeeCee James A gentle, clean cozy mystery with a warm community feel, light tension, and a focus on character relationships. Perfect for readers who want a mystery that stays firmly within non‑graphic boundaries.
- The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert A richly atmospheric small‑town mystery where community dynamics, local gossip, and hidden grudges shape the investigation. Readers who enjoyed Flat Rock’s “everyone knows your business” vibe will feel right at home.
- The Vinyl Detective: Written in Dead Wax by Andrew Cartmel A mystery steeped in music history, vinyl culture, and the thrill of tracking down rare records. It blends nostalgia, character quirks, and a twisty investigation — ideal for readers who loved the 1970s album references in Cool Change.
About the Author Kevin Zelena
Kevin Zelenka is an avid reader, amateur chef, and expert procrastinator. A former parenting writer and editor, he’s had an unfinished manuscript (or three) rattling around in his head for decades. Originally from Minnesota, he eventually escaped the cold and settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he lives with his wife and their twin sons. Cool Change is Book 1 in the Originally Pressed Series.
Author Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.
Instagram https://www.
Threads https://www.threads.
GoodReads https://www.
Purchase Link – Amazon