This book toured with Great Escapes Book Tours.
I was in the hospital on my assigned date.
Today, I am posting the review I should have posted on that day.
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 . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s almost time for the grand opening of Aroma Wellness, a dream Emma Brennan has worked hard to fulfill. Employees have been hired, shelves are stocked, therapy rooms are all equipped, the cafe is ready to serve up healthy meals, and the Courtyard of Peace has a fountain that is sure to lighten any weight you are carrying.
Emma knows there are objections from people she may be competing with, but she hopes that they will all see the differences and that there are plenty of customers for everyone.
Then one of those competitors is killed, beaten with an item from a basket Emma gave her to ease tensions. The woman was fine when Emma left, but she soon found herself at the top of the suspect list. With the murder weapon tied to Emma, a witness making accusations, and others who are not fans of the New Age sensation, Emma is going to have to find the real murderer herself. With a little help from her nana, her cousin, her Birman cat, Vivi, and from a surprising source, she hopes it doesn’t take long to get to the “essence of foul play” and get back to living her dream.
This series is a spinoff of the author’s Fairy Garden Mysteries, a series I have gotten behind on, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this story one bit. The author starts the book with the cast of characters to help readers get to know the humans, animals, and fairies.
I enjoyed meeting Emma Brennan. She has a positive drive about her life and her business, and a genuine need to help people however she can. Her interactions with everyone she meets felt sincere. There is a large cast of unique, diverse, and memorable characters. I found it very easy to get invested in Emma and all the others. They were well introduced or reintroduced and continued to grow and hold my interest from the beginning of the story until the final page.
Emma took Willow’s death hard and not just because she was the top murder suspect. They were friends, not as close as some people thought, but she still felt the pressure to get justice for the rival spa owner. There were plenty of suspects and several clues to work through. The killer wants Emma to back off and clearly makes their wishes known, but that just strengthens Emma’s resolve. The story had a great twist that came out in a suspenseful reveal that tugged my emotions in different directions.
The author’s descriptive writing style brings Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, to life along with Emma’s spa, home, and even the beach. I could easily envision every place vividly.
Essence of Foul Play is a delightful companion to the Fairy Garden Mysteries. I feel we have barely scratched the surface of Emma Brennan’s life, past and future, so I am intrigued to see what the author has in store for her as the series continues.
Be sure to check out the recipes in the back of the book. Everything from an Avocado Face Mask to Lemon Butter Cookies and more are very tempting.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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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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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.”
