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 . . .
My Review:
Essence of Foul Play is the first book in the new Aroma Wellness Mystery series. Set in Carmel, California, Emma's dream of opening her own wellness spa is finally a reality. Prior to her opening, however, several townsfolk give Emma anything book good wishes. When her dear friend and bitter rival is found dead, Emma finds herself the only suspect. She knows she didn't do it, so that means a killer is still on the loose, and the only way to exonerate herself, it seems, is to do a little investigating herself.
There are several surprises in store for the reader. I enjoyed the location, setting, and occupation of this book. Essence of Foul Play delivers a complex mystery filled with a large assortment of suspects. Of course, we have a police officer that, while we know he's working on this case, isn't working on it fast enough for Emma. She's pulling out all the stops to figure out the motive and murderer. There is a cross-series meet-up in Essence of Foul Play and I enjoyed it very much. I love when authors bring in characters from other series' for cameos.
This is another unique story with a unique setting by this author. The characters are fun and exciting. I love meeting them. Emma is wonderful protagonist and love that she's got a grandma around that supports her. Her mother is something else. The author delivers several suspects with means and motive, and figuring out who committed the crime was difficult. There are twists and turns and red herrings, and while I may have suspected who committed the crime, I never was really sure until the end.I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not
affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own.
My Rating:
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
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I'm so happy you enjoyed this story and appreciated the crossover characters from the Fairy Garden Mysteries. It was fun to establish a "new" story, new cast but still in Carmel, one of my all-time favorite towns. Thanks for the review. Best, Daryl
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this story and can't wait for Emma's next adventure.
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