Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis

 

Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis

 

About Essentials of Murder

 

Essentials of Murder: An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - California 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harbor Lane Books, LLC. 

(September 24, 2024) 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 283 pages

 

After a scandalous arrest in San Francisco, Carissa Carmichael has moved back to her small Southern California hometown to start over as she opens her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop and reflexology services. A tourist destination, Oak Creek Valley, seems the perfect place to put the past behind her, but it seems no one will let her forget. When she finds the man who threatened to drive her out of business murdered in her shop, Carissa becomes the primary suspect, especially when her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Despite her father’s position as Oak Creek Valley’s chief of police, most townspeople assume she’s guilty.

Refusing to run again, Carissa knows she must prove her innocence to save her shop and save her father’s career when the investigating detective turns his focus on her. With suspects acting as slippery as the essential oils she distills, it’s up to Carissa to apply pressure and sniff out the truth before it’s too late.

Includes essential oil and reflexology tips.

About Kim Davis

 

Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, and the middle-grade fantasy adventure The Board Game Chronicles series. She has also written several children’s nature articles published in a variety of magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

Author Links

Website: http://kimdavisauthor.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kim-Davis-Author-1532277473479031/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kookiesandbooks 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20202599.Kim_Davis 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimdavishb/

My Thoughts

Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis is the debut of An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries.  Carissa Carmichael has returned to her hometown after getting herself into hot water in San Francisco.  The mystery occurs early in the book.  The victim is the mean-spirited son of the candle shop proprietor.  The victim was not happy about Carissa’s aromatherapy shop opening next door to his mother’s shop and was extremely vocal about his opinions.  The detective assigned to the case considers Carissa, of course, the prime suspect.  With her father sidelined due to conflict of interest, Carissa takes matters into her own hands and begins asking questions. She is determined to clear her name and get her grand opening back on track. Carissa does need to work subtlety or she may potential customers. It was interesting learning about essential oils.  There is information on how the oils are distilled along with which essential oils can help different issues (such as stress). I am sure Carissa’s shop will be a success once the locals forget that someone was murdered in the back room. Essentials of Murder is a fragrant tale with an angry neighbor, distilling oils, cruel vandals, finding an old friend, a protective father, a determined detective, and a killer conclusion. 

Essentials of Murder is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Other Online Book Retailers.  You can find Kim Davis's other here.  Time for the GIVEAWAY!  One lucky winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (sorry, but US Only).  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment on my blog for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for popping by today. I will return on Tuesday, October 1 with Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber. I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Readera Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

September 24 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

September 24 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT 

September 24 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

September 24 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

September 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT 

September 25 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT 

September 25 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW 

September 25 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT 

September 26 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

September 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 26 – Guatemala Loves to Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST 

September 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

September 27 – Angel's Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

September 27 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

September 27 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT 

September 28 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW* 

September 28 – The Mystery of Writing – SPOTLIGHT 

September 28 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

September 29 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT 

September 29 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 

September 30 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

September 30 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

September 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW 

September 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

An Amish Christmas Match by Winnie Griggs

  An Amish Christmas Match

Book Summary

Can one Amish woman give a struggling widower with five rowdy boys a helping hand—and chance at love—this Christmas season?

 

Phoebe Kropf knows everyone thinks she’s a bit odd—and more than a little accident-prone. She doesn’t understand why they fuss over her at home rather than see her as a bright, independent Amish woman. So when a friend asks Phoebe to help care for a house full of young men in nearby Sweetbrier Creek, she leaps at the chance to prove she’s more than her shortcomings . . .

Widower Seth Beiler is in over his head with his five orphaned brieder to care for and all the Christmas orders his woodworking shop needs to fulfill. When he asked for help with some cooking and cleaning, he wasn’t expecting a housekeeper as unconventional—or lovely—as Phoebe. Yet her warm care and holiday traditions win their hearts one by one. And soon the farmhouse finally starts to feel like home again. When the Christmas season and Phoebe’s time there is nearly at an end, will Seth convince her that the greatest gift would be her staying . . . as part of their familye?

My Thoughts

An Amish Christmas Match by Winnie Griggs is a cute story.  I enjoyed getting to know Phoebe, Seth, Edna, and Seth’s brothers.  I liked that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I felt for Phoebe who is smart as a whip but feels dumb because she is unable to read.  I can just imagine what school must have been like for Phoebe.   The opportunity to work in the Beiler home will get Phoebe away from her well-meaning family and give her a chance to prove she is an independent adult.  It may help her gain some much-needed confidence as well.  Edna, Phoebe’s friend and a Beiler’s relative, is a sweet and helpful woman (she is wily as well).  I liked reading about how the Amish decorate for Christmas and celebrate the holiday. The story has humor, family, friendship, romance, faith, and joy.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Sweetbriar Creek series.  An Amish Christmas Match is a sweet story with tumbling baked goods, boisterous brothers, orders galore, mouthwatering meals, creating cards, helpful tips, and a happy holiday.

An Amish Christmas Match is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  An Amish Widow's Promise is the next book in the Sweetbriar Creek series and it will be published on April 29, 2025.  You can find Winnie Griggs other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis.  It is the first An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery. I am off to do hurricane preparedness outside (I have a couple more items to do).  It looks like a Helene will be doing damage to the west coast of Florida (and I am in the "cone").  I need to remove anything outside that could become a projectile and move the grill.  I am also downloading books to my ereaders and making sure that the ereaders are fully charged.  I am glad that I got a grocery order on Monday that included bottled water.  Please keep the residents of Florida in your prayers over the next couple of days.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner

 K-9 Ranch Protection

Book Summary

A killer on the loose.

A K-9 keeping watch.

Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

My Thoughts

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner is an engaging and suspenseful tale.  I thought the characters were developed and relatable. I enjoyed getting to know Izzy, Austin, and Neve.  Neve is an Alaskan malamute that belongs to Austin but takes an instant liking to Izzy.    Izzy is an intelligent, determined, and courageous woman. Austin is protective, caring, and smart.  I am amazed at the skills that dogs can learn.  They are clever as well as lovable. I enjoyed all the action which kept things lively.  I had a good time solving the whodunit.  Unraveling her father’s murder was emotional for Izzy plus she had to deal with her frosty sister.  I like how faith was incorporated into the story.  While K-9 Ranch Protection is the sixth book in the Crisis Rescue Team series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  K-9 Ranch Protection is an action-packed tale that will have you up late turning the pages.  

K-9 Ranch Protection is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in the Crisis Rescue Team series here.  Check out Darlene L. Turner's other stories.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on An Amish Christmas Match by Winnie Griggs.  It is the first book in the Sweetbriar Creek series.  

I have spent the last week trying to adjust to my new computer.  The hinges gave out on my last one (and I really loved that computer).  This computer has the latest technology, but I am trying to figure out a few things.  The virtual keyboard keeps popping up (I cannot get it to stop).  Somehow I managed to disable the camera which is how the computer identifies me and I cannot find the button to turn it back on (there is no button that looks like a camera).  I really miss the home and end keys.  When I learned how to use a computer, we had to know all the keyboard commands by heart and I still use a few of them (faster for me than using the mouse).  I know that I will adapt in time, but it is a little frustrating in the meantime.  Thank you for listening to rant. Don't forget to grab your copy of K-9 Ranch Protection.  I hope that you have a beautiful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

 Before We Were Us

Book Summary

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

My Thoughts

I found Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter to be a predictable story. It begins the day of Lauren’s accident.  It does not give readers a chance to get to know the characters or their history before the main event.  The story goes back and forth between the present and the months leading up to the Lauren’s accident.  I was not a fan of Lauren.  I found her attitude and behavior frustrating. Lauren was unkind to Jonah (I am being kind with my phrasing). I felt bad for Joanah who was being very patient. I liked Dr. Carson, and there was potential for this character.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinehaven Lodge and the surrounding area (sounds like a beautiful place to reside and vacation).   I wish the author had captured New Hampshire because, based on the descriptions, the lodge could have been located in any New England state.  The Christian element is light.  There are repetitive details, and the ending was rushed.   I wanted to like Before We Were Us, but I did not.  Unfortunately, Before We Were Us is a forgettable tale.  

Renovated barn for wedding venue

Before We Were Us is available from Amazon*.  While Before We Were Us did not resonate with me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it appeals to you.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am taking a little vacation next week in honor of my birthday. It is not everyday that a person turns fifty-five! I am hoping to pesuade my mother out of the house, so we can go out to dinner (I do not want to cook on my birthday). I have also been burning the candle at both ends, so I plan on relaxing (some cat naps on the couch).  I will return on Tuesday, September 24 with K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and a cheerful week.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Savannah's Amish Ties That Bind by Tracy Fredrychowski

 Savannah's Amish Ties That Bind

Book Summary

A secret Amish legacy challenges a young English woman’s faith in the shadow of a vanished husband and shattered dreams. Can she unravel the secrets of the past to forge a new life within an Old Order Amish community?

Savannah Carmicheal is uprooted from her posh Charleston, South Carolina when the sudden disappearance of her husband leads her on a journey to Northwestern Pennsylvania. As Savannah struggles with her eccentric grandmother, she discovers hidden Amish ties that connect her with a family she didn’t know existed.

Neal Zook thought he could make a life for himself elsewhere, far away from the rules and traditions of his Amish upbringing. Yet, when external forces challenge his faith, he faces a pivotal decision – to forsake all he holds dear and return to his Amish community or go against his conscience and live a lie regardless of the ties that bind him to his past.

Can this couple find common ground to bind their commitment to God, or will the clash of their worlds shatter the fragile gap between their different backgrounds?

Savannah’s Amish Ties That Bind is the inspirational sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series of women's fiction novels. If you like spiritual explorations, real-life challenges of emotional bravery, and basking in God's light, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's exploration of hope.

My Thoughts

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bindby Tracy Fredrychowski is the sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I enjoyed returning to Willow Springs, Pennsylvania where life moves at a slower pace.  I love Savannah’s grandmother, Gigi.  She is a sweet, kind woman.  In the beginning, Savannah is a smart, spunky, and creative woman who needs to work on her temper.  She also needs to address issues she has with her parents.  Neal is confused and needs to figure out his personal as well as his professional future.  

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind is a different type of Amish book.  It is a good story told from Savannah and Neal’s point of view.  Neal and Savannah have a lot to figure out.  While Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind is an interesting tale, I did not like seeing individuality discouraged.   Faith is one of the main focuses of the story along with regret, family, love, and forgiveness. Savannah's Amish Ties that Bind is a special story that will resonate with many readers.  

Savannah’s Amish Ties that Bind can be ordered from Amazon*.  You can read it for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited.  You should check out the other five books in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series (all available through Kindle Unlimited).  Ruth's Amish Words of Faith, which releases on May 6, 2025, will be the seventh book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  Tracy Fredrychowski along with Mindy Steele, Rachel J. Good, and Jennifer Beckstrand has An Amish Christmas Table publishing on October 14 (it will be available through Kindle Unlimited).  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. I am off to spray a strong peppermint mixture around my home (water with peppermint essential oil).  I am having trouble with racoons. The local racoons have decided that the food that I put out for the cats is for them as well (and they are greedy). IF they were not so greedy, I would not mind.  I have looked up natural ways to keep the racoons at bay, and it seems that there are certain scents that deter them.  I am starting with peppermint and working my way down the list (black pepper, cayenne, epsom salts, and garlic).  They also mention amonia, but I feel that is too toxic (I do not want to harm any of the animals). We shall see what (if any) work. I hope that you have an upbeat day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson

 

About the Book

Book: Tracking Tilly

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release Date: August 2024

Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

More from Janice

Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!

Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.

We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.

Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.

My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.

Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!

I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.

My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.

And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.

As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.

Thanks for reading, y’all!

My Thoughts

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson is a sweet story.  I liked that RaeLyn wanted to purchase her grandfather’s old truck, Tilly, which held so many memories for her.  RaeLyn has a great family.  I enjoyed getting to know RaeLyn, her family, friends, and townspeople.  I liked the Texas charm. From the Hadley farm to the charming small town with its friendly residents. RaeLyn gets to reconnect with Mason, an old friend, at the auction and romance blossoms.  When Tilly is stolen, RaeLyn is determined to get the truck back.  She asks questions and searches for clues.  The mystery, though, is not at the forefront of the story (it is back behind life on the farm, setting up the antique store in the barn, and getting reacquainted with Mason).  You can tell how much Tilly means to RaeLyn and the rest of the Hadley clan.  Tracking Tilly is a story that will leave you smiling.  Tracking Tilly is a feel-good tale with a family farm, an animated auction, a startling theft, tracing a truck, setting up a shop, a chance at romance, surprising secrets, and close-knit community.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!

Tracking Tilly is available from Amazon*.  The second book in The Little Red Truck Mysteries is Sabotage at Cedar Creek which will be out on February 3, 2025.  You can follow Janice Thompson on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back on Wednesday with Savannah's Amish Ties that Bind by Tracy Fredrychowski.  It is the sixth book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, September 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

The Avid Reader, September 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Lily’s Corner, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 15

Devoted To Hope, September 16

Lights in a Dark World, September 16

Book Looks by Lisa, September 17

Labor Not in Vain, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.