Essence of Fowl Play
An Aroma Wellness Mystery #1
By Daryl Wood Gerber
ISBN 9781496751508
darylwoodgerber.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
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 . . . (from Goodreads)
Review:
This is a delightfully intriguing start of a new series, set in a new, elegant spa in Carmel, California. The setting appealed to me, having always wanted to see Carmel in person. I honestly did not know there were so many facets to a luxury spa! Emma, a young proprietor, has attended to every detail while receiving expert guidance from Aunt Sophie, who owns and runs her highly successful spa in Sedona, Arizona.
Sierra, Emma’s cousin, is her business partner and best friend. Sierra is the chef and manager of the café at Aroma Wellness. Their grandmother, Nana Lissa, invested in their education so they could live their dreams, and provided valuable input as they planned the business. Emma is closer to Nana Lissa than to her mother, Kate, who wants Emma to get a stable teaching position.
The cousins differ in one respect. Emma wants to see and have a fairy, believing in the fascinating creatures since Nana Lissa told her about them. Sierra has the “I’ll believe it if I see it” mindset. Emma offers what some consider “woo-woo” services that other spas don’t, including sound baths, mindfulness sessions, and other healing practices. Within 24 hours, they will differ in another way. Emma will become a person of interest in a murder, while Sierra becomes her partner in crime solving.
Willow is a college friend of Emma. She owns a nearby spa, Mystic Waters, and is furious that Emma is opening hers nearby. Willow forgot that she and Emma had discussed it several times. Emma reminded Willow that their services appealed to two different types of clients. Willow left, hoping Emma’s opening will be a bust. Emma put together a “peace offering” gift basket to give Willow later. Willow had been confronted, outdoors, by her landlord, who was giving her two days to pay her overdue rent before he threw her out.
The night before the grand opening, Emma and Nana Lissa met for dinner. Lissa, who is head librarian and involved in many community groups, knew a great deal about many diners. Several people knew Emma, but refused to wish her and her spa well, especially those who didn’t like the “New-Agey” stuff. After dinner, Emma saw Willow return to her spa, weeping. Emma took the gift basket to her, which she appreciated. They chatted a bit. Willow told her of ghostly noises and hangup calls she has been getting at the spa. They parted on better terms.
Emma and her staff celebrated the customers and the joy of opening day until Emma’s mother ran to the spa, disheveled and upset. Willow had been found murdered in her spa by Indy, a woman who had criticized Willow at the restaurant. Indy told police she saw Emma in Mystic Waters with Willow last evening, then found Willow this morning when walking past again. The murder weapon was in the gift basket from Emma, so her fingerprints would be on it. Detective “By-the-Book” Summers was extraordinarily interested in Emma a suspect.
Many characters were introduced, so I did not get to know anybody well. Emma’s almost sole focus, until the murder, was opening the spa. Kate divulged personal secrets to Emma, disclosing more to her daughter than ever before. I hope to see more growth in their relationship. I appreciated the lack of romance while focusing on the spa and her relationships with family and friends. Over time, I would like to greater depth to both the characters and relationships. I greatly appreciated the list of people at the beginning of the book.
Emma took the burden of solving the murder herself after becoming the person of interest. There were several possible suspects, some with strong motives. It wasn’t a surprise to learn who really did it, despite how sure several people were that the person could not do such a thing. This mystery has elements that many will enjoy, including the setting, spa and café offerings (recipes included), and the fairies that some claim inhabit Carmel. I recommend this novel to those who appreciate those elements as well as a well-crafted cozy mystery.
