Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am delighted to feature
Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
by Daryl Wood Gerber today!
Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
by Daryl Wood Gerber
About Murder in a Lavender Daze
Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Publisher : Kensington Cozies
Publication date : April 28, 2026
Print length : 304 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 : 1496751523
ISBN-13 : 978-1496751522
Digital
ISBN-13 : 978-1496751539
ASIN : B0FKWZ7F23
Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .
With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.
After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.
Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
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.
Welcome back to the Courtyard of Peace and Emma Brennan’s Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café. Emma’s venture has been very successful, and she is now booking private events. Spa parties, birthdays, and bridal showers at her establishment are starting to trend. Her next event is a “Happily Divorced” party. Addison Lacey is ready to celebrate her split from her husband after 8 years of marriage, who has become a man trying to totally control her life. Addison’s mother, a former model in full diva mode, Gianna, has offered to cover the entire event.
When Emma travels to see Gianna and pick up the last payment, she and Addison make an awful discovery. Gianna’s dead body is found in her bed, with the scent of lavender emanating from the area, with a pillow herbally infused she received at the party beside her. Emma detects another smell, but she can’t identify it. With Addison at home at the time of the murder, she tops the list of suspects. Emma can believe Addison killed her mother, but knows several others who should be on that list, including the man Addison is divorcing. Emma is determined to put her sense of smell to the test to catch the true killer. Her Nana, her cousin, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, are on board to help.
In this second installment of the Aroma Wellness Mystery Series, we return to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Emma’s wonderful spa. Emma learned everything she knows about wellness, essential oils, and crystals from her Aunt Sophie, who has a spa in Sedona, Arizona. Emma strives to find the same relaxing atmosphere as her staff and clients continue to grow. She is very confident in her knowledge, knowing she can reach out to her aunt whenever necessary or needs a reading of her own. She has a huge heart willing to help anyone in need.
Her cousin Sierra, Sophie’s daughter, is Emma’s partner and in charge of the café, whipping up healthy smoothies, breakfast, and lunch treats for everyone to enjoy. (Check out her recipes in the back of the book.) Their Nana, Lissa Reade, head librarian at the Harrison Library, is their not-so-silent partner who helped fund the spa, gift shop, and café. Emma’s mother, Kate, stops by the spa often to voice her displeasure about something, especially Emma finding dead bodies. Emma’s father drops by for a visit, too, which displeases her mother greatly. They are joined by a great cast of supporting characters, including some delightful fairies.
Gianna’s death was hard on everyone, and there were more than a few suspects. Detective Dylan Summers is on the case. He may be a competent detective, but Emma helped him solve the last murder, and odds are strong she will solve this one, as well. That didn’t keep him from blustering about when she shared information. I had a fantastic time spending time with all the characters during their lunches and spa treatments, but following Emma as she tries to bring all the clues together is the most fun. She keeps circling back around to make each piece fit, even when the last piece falls into place at the most inopportune time.
If you enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries, with mostly charming characters, set in an idyllic place, Murder in a Lavender Daze is perfect for you. I do encourage you to read Essence of Foul Play first, but it is not necessary to read the Fairy Garden Mysteries before this series. The author does an excellent job making this series easily read on its own. I am very excited for this series to continue.
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 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, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received Accidental Murder, The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. 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: https://darylwoodgerber.com
Author Links
WEBSITE FACEBOOK BOOKBUB YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM BLUESKY PINTEREST GOODREADS AMAZON NEWSLETTER
Purchase Links –
Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – Website
Also written by Daryl Wood Gerber
Find all of Daryl’s books HERE.
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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.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
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Lori, thanks for your lovely review and for all you do for authors. You are a blessing! ~ Daryl