Essence of Foul Play

An Aroma Wellness Mystery, Book 1

By: Daryl Wood Gerber

Narrated by: Libby McKnight

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 …

©2025 Daryl Wood Gerber (P)2025 Recorded Books

Wonderful & Whimsical Cozy Mystery!

Fantastic new cozy spin off of the Fairy Garden Mystery series or rather an overlayment so you see a ton of the same characters putting you in a position of already being in love with the town, the people and the businesses that are in place already while this book expands on the town and takes you to new businesses as well as well loved ones. If you haven't read the Fairy Garden series, you will still enjoy this book....but....(there's always a but, right!?!) you will get tons more enjoyment and hours more entertainment if you read the Fairy Garden series in order then start with this book as you'll already know a ton of backstories of people you meet in the book. The plot is outstanding and the suspect pool was deep with this one so you were still guessing towards the end of the book which I absolutely loved! Great twists, turns and "wow" moments kept me turning pages until way past my bedtime (that's what I get for starting a new book right before bed!) I am absolutely in love with the new characters presented in this series as well as the old ones from FGM series so I can definitely not wait to read what comes next and I can't wait for us to meet the new fairies that will surely pop up soon!