An Aroma Wellness Mystery: Book 1
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
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 . . .
I enjoy reading books based on mind, body, and spirit wellness. We are so focused on medicine that we sometimes forget that we need to focus on our mind, body, and spirit, which the main protagonist does in Daryl Wood Gerber’s first book in her Aroma Wellness Mystery series, Essence of Foul Play.
Emma, the main protagonist, takes people’s wellness seriously and is willing to educate herself on alternative ways to care for themselves. Even though New Age theology was the basis of the book, it wasn’t the book’s main focal point. Emma wanted to help other people learn how to relax their minds and use an alternative form of relaxation they may never have used before.
This book was well-written, cute, and excellent. Emma was a likable character. Her Nana Lissa was the type of grandma I wished I had. She was a super cool grandma who didn’t allow herself to get “old.” Her thinking was modern. She kept up with the times and was aware of generational differences.
I liked the family unity aspect that the book promoted and the family difficulties many people have with their parents or other family members. Being able to live near your family can be important.
Essence of Foul Play is a slightly New Age-y cozy mystery set in a small town with strong familial ties that is appealing to many readers.
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.
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March 19 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
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Lori, thanks for the sweet review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the family dynamics and the overall “good” vibes of this story. All my best ~ Daryl Wood Gerber