A Glimmer of a Clue
A Fairy Garden Mystery
by Daryl Wood Gerber
About A Glimmer of a Clue
A Glimmer of a Clue (A Fairy Garden Mystery)
Courtney Kelly has a shop full of delights, a cat named Pixie, a green thumb—and a magical touch when it comes to garden design. But in Carmel-by-the-Sea, things aren’t all sweetness and fairy lights . . .
When Courtney’s friend Wanda gets into a ponytail-pulling wrestling match in public with a nasty local art critic, Courtney stops the fight with the help of a garden hose. But Lana Lamar has a talent for escalating things and creating tension, which she succeeds in doing by threatening a lawsuit, getting into yet another scuffle—in the midst of an elegant fundraiser, no less—and lobbing insults around like pickleballs.
Next thing Courtney knows, Lana is on the floor, stabbed with a decorative letter opener from one of Courtney's fairy gardens, and Wanda is standing by asking “What have I done?” But the answer may not be as obvious as it seems, since Wanda is prone to sleepwalking and appears to be in a daze. Could she have risen from her nap and committed murder while unconscious? Or is the guilty party someone else Lana’s ticked off, like her long-suffering husband? To find out, Courtney will have to dig up some dirt . . .
About Daryl Wood Gerber
Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, and the French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen Adams novels of suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, fairy garden, and read, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line!
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My Thoughts
A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber is the 2nd book in A Fairy Garden Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in A Sprinkling of Murder. I thought A Glimmer of a Clue was well-written with developed, engaging characters. Courtney Kelly owns Open Your Imagination where people can create fairy gardens. The author’s vivid word imagery allows me to envision the shop, the charming fairy gardens, the town, and the characters. I especially enjoyed the various fairy gardens created. I loved the different themes and the gardens created in the teacups. It gave me some ideas for a fairy garden of my own that I am eager to try out. The mystery was entertaining. Wanda finds herself arrested for the murder of Lana Lamar. Wanda has been a second mother to Courtney and her daughter, Meaghan is Courtney’s best friend. Courtney is naturally going to investigate. She is observant and picks up on details. Courtney has help from her fairy, Fiona as well as Meaghan. Other residents plus gossip help fill in gaps. There are several good suspects since Lana was not liked (with good reason). I wish I had not been able to pinpoint the killer so early in the book (I like more of a challenge). It did not, though, detract from my enjoyment of this spellbinding cozy mystery. A Glimmer of a Clue is a fun and relaxing tale to read. There are delicious food items created throughout the book and the author kindly included recipes at the end. I like that Courtney creates her dishes with fresh herbs she grows in her kitchen. I loved the reference to one of my favorite cozy mystery series when Courtney mentions to Didi that she knows a bookbinder in San Francisco (Brooklyn Wainwright). Pickleball has become a popular sport and I thought the author provided clear explanations of the game. It is certainly a competitive game especially when Lana Lamar is playing. I am looking forward to reading A Hint of Mischief next summer. A Glimmer of a Clue is an enchanting cozy mystery with fairy garden fun, delectable delights, pickle ball play, aggressive arguments, and flitting fairies.
Kris
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writes the nationally bestselling 
featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California. As 
, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling 
featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.
