Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber

 Essence of Foul Play 

Book Summary

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 . . .

My Thoughts

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber is the first An Aroma Wellness Mystery.   It is a spin-off from A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Emma Brennan is opening Aroma Wellness, a spa, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.  There is a large cast of characters.  The author created a new group of characters for this series and included some of the characters from A Fairy Garden Mysteries (including a fairy or two).  It is challenging to keep track of all of them.   I wish more background had been provided on Emma.  There are things alluded to (a past relationship, her absentee father), but we do not get all the details.  I am sure we will learn more about Emma as the series progresses.  I loved Emma’s adorable and playful Birman cat, Vivi.    

The author provided vivid descriptions of the town along with Emma’s spa, her home, and the beach.    The mystery was underwhelming.  It was a cinch to solve (early in the book).  I was not a fan of the detective who did not appreciate Emma assistance (aka interference). During the story, I did wonder how Emma managed to accomplish so many tasks in a short span of time (interviewing five people in an hour and hire on by the end of the hour is one example—in my head, I envisioned speed interviewing with a time clock going off every ten minutes).  Essence of Foul Play is a nice story, but I wondered why there needed to be another series set in the same town (Carmel-by-the-Sea) with fairies (just curious).  Essence of Foul Play is an aromatic cozy with a gregarious Gran, calm meditations, an alarming murder, essential oils, a busy Birman, and delightful fairies. 

Essence of Foul Play is available from Amazon.  The second book A Literary Dining Mysteries is Murder by the Millions and it comes out October 28, 2025.  You can find Daryl Wood Gerber's other novels here including her delightful A Fairy Garden Mysteries.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope that you have a cheery 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.