Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber
About Murder in a Lavender Daze
Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Publisher : Kensington Cozies Publication
Date : April 28, 2026
Print length : 304 pages
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 . . .
About Daryl Wood Gerber
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.
Author Links
My Thoughts
Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber takes us back to Emma Brennan’s Aroma Wellness Spa (plus gift shop and café) in charming Carmel-by-the Sea, California. I always enjoy returning to Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is a lovely setting with kind residents, great shops, and delightful fairies. I enjoyed catching up with Emma and the other characters including a couple from A Fairy Garden Mysteries.
The author's vivid descriptions made the setting easy to picture. I thought having a divorce party was a wonderful idea (put the past behind you and start your next chapter with positivity). Of course, in this town, a divorce party is bound to go awry. The mystery was enjoyable, with well-placed clues. The ending left me smiling. There are recipes at the end including one for double chocolate chip cookies. Murder in a Lavender Daze can be read as a standalone. Murder in a Lavender Daze is a merry mystery with a gift shop skirmish, an uplifting facial, a murdered mother, calming lavender, a planted pillow, a cute cat, and helpful fairies.
Recipe for Banana Protein Muffins
Good for You!
All my mystery series to date include recipes. The Cheese Shop Mysteries feature a lot of cheese recipes. The French Bistro Mysteries feature French food. The Cookbook Nook Mysteries have a wide variety of choices. The Fairy Garden Mysteries tend to be tea party type recipes. The Literary Dining Mysteries feature recipes from the era that pertains to the book club book. Some of the recipes I share are good for your health and some are simply tasty.
In my
Aroma Wellness Series, the chef for the café is serious about providing food
that is beneficial for her customers. Eating the right food, according to
Sierra, is vital to one’s stamina.
I can’t disagree. I’m a cook and baker, and I’ve done a lot of research on ingredients that are used in recipes. I like to know which ones are supplying which vitamins or protein or both.
Banana Protein Muffins, a recipe included in Murder in a Lavender Daze, are delicious and good for you. According to Healthline: whey protein may help promote muscle growth, support weight loss, and manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory bowel disease, among other benefits. Protein also provides energy throughout the day. Bananas provide essential vitamins B6 and C, which support blood cell production, immunity, and the nervous system’s health.
Isn’t it nice to know you’re eating something yummy and good for you? Don’t you feel exonerated from guilt? I know I do. Enjoy!
Banana Protein Muffins
(Gluten-free version of Banana Protein Muffins)
(Yield: 10–12 muffins)
Ingredients:
2 bananas,
mashed
2 eggs
¼ cup
honey
2
tablespoons water
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
½ cup
almond flour
½ cup sweet rice flour
½ cup
protein powder, vanilla flavored
2
teaspoons baking powder
1
tablespoon whey powder
½ teaspoon
cinnamon
¼ teaspoon
salt
½ cup chocolate or carob chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners and set aside. I like to spray the liners with oil because the protein powder (or any gluten-free batter) can stick to the liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, honey, water, and vanilla extract.
Add in the almond flour, sweet rice flour, protein powder, baking powder, whey powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Stir in the chocolate chips or carob chips.
Scoop the batter into the liners, filling each about 3/4 of the way up. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes.
*If you want to make these using regular flour, simply swap out the almond flour and sweet rice flour for regular flour. Measure for measure. Enjoy!
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