Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
by Daryl Wood Gerber
About Essence of Foul Play
Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting - California
Publisher : Kensington Cozies (March 25, 2025)
Paperback : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496751507
ISBN-13 : 978-1496751508
Digital ASIN : B0DB3SGV1Q
Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on
the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business,
Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when
she’s accused of murder . . .
Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy
rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies,
from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of
Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning
when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item
from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . .
With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything
posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own
investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her
trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to
uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .
What I Thought:
I love the the Fairy Garden Mystery series and when I saw that this series was set in the same town with some of the same characters, I knew I had to read this. In this one, Emma is getting ready to open a new spa in Carmel by the Sea. She has some opposition from some towns people, one being her friend, Willow, who is also a spa owner in Carmel. When Willow is found murdered, Emma has to help solve the crime to try to keep her spa going and to also clear her name. I love the setting of this book and even though this is a different series, I loved that there was still the mention of fairies in this one. I felt that Emma was a strong protagonist and the plot line was believable. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept it throughout the book. This was a fast read that did not take me long to finish. There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout. I did not have the mystery figured out to the end of the book. I definitely look forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
About Daryl Wood Gerber
Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of
the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries.
As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes
suspense including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen
Adams suspense novels. Recently Daryl, who loves a challenge, published a Christmas
romance, Hope for the Holidays. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She
Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been
known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her
website:
httsp://darylwoodgerber.com
I'm thrilled you enjoyed the story and Emma and the journey she is on. Writing this new series is enlightening me in ways I didn't think possible. Thanks for the review. ~ Daryl
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