View from the Birdhouse: Book Review and Giveaway - Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

My Review

Emma Brennan owns the Aroma Wellness spa in Carmel, California. She's planning a "Happily Divorced" party for a customer when that woman's mother is mysteriously murdered. Emma works as an amateur detective to solve the mystery - even though this puts her in personal danger.

I wanted to read Murder in a Lavender Daze because I love cozy mysteries. The Carmel setting and spa details sounded interesting.

I have read a number of Daryl Wood Gerber's mysteries, but somehow missed the first book in this series. That said, I had no problem at all enjoying this mystery as a standalone read. I was happy to see some familiar characters from the Fairy Garden series make brief appearances!

Emma is an interesting protagonist. She's very dedicated to her work at the spa, providing wellness, mindful meditation, and calming techniques to her customers. At the same time she has a talent for solving mysteries! I like her detecting style, which includes constructing a murder board.

I enjoyed the other characters as well, including Emma's co-workers, her cousin Sierra, and her parents. (And, of course, Emma's lovable cat Vivi!)

The mystery kept me guessing and Emma solved it before I could. I liked the pacing of the book, with relatively short chapters and a good deal of dialogue. The Halloween setting was a fun touch.

I recommend Murder in a Lavender Daze for other cozy mystery readers. It's a fresh, clever mystery with a unique spa setting.

Book Synopsis

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 . . .

Author Bio

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