Essence of Foul Play

Name: Essence of Foul Play
Brand: Recorded Books
Availability: InStock
Author: Daryl Wood Gerber
ISBN: 9798895944332

Author: Daryl Wood Gerber

Series: Aroma Wellness Mystery

Narrator: Libby McKnight

Unabridged: 9 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/25/2025

Categories: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Women Sleuths, Amateur Sleuth, Cozy

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 …

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is an Agatha Awardâ€“winning and nationally bestselling author of multiple mystery series, including the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and the Cheese Shop Mysteries (written as Avery Aames). She loves to read, cook, and golf. She has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Reviews

Goodreads review by Mallory on March 23, 2025

This was a good start to a new series. I like that it tied into the Fairy Garden Mystery series and while this one had a lot of potential I found myself a little disappointed it wasn’t in the Fairy Garden series as I think I like Courtney a little more as an amateur sleuth. In this one Emma is start......more

Goodreads review by Linda on February 12, 2025

This was a good first entry to the series. It’s always fun going to the setting of another series and having new characters be the stars. This did make me want to get back to the fairy garden series. Emma is a good main character and I hope Aroma Wellness is a success and we have many more books to......more

Goodreads review by Deborah on January 23, 2025

What an interesting start to a new series. This is definitely a different cozy. I really enjoyed the setup in Carmel, California. It is a beautiful place to visit, in real life, and in this book and makes a great backdrop for the spa, Aroma Wellness, that Emma is opening. With her cousin Sierra runn......more

Goodreads review by Tracy on December 12, 2024

In the beautiful seaside town of Carmel, California, Emma Brennan is opening her first small business. Aroma Wellness offers all kinds of natural therapies, treatments, and advice, as well as having a small café and gift shop, and she knows she's found her happy place. When a fellow spa owner is mur......more

Goodreads review by Lisa on October 07, 2024

#EssenceofFoulPlay #NetGalley is a first in a new series featuring Emma Brennan. Emma's excited about the grand opening of her new shop, hoping to bring inner peace and balanced chakras to those in need. Not everyone is as excited as Emma is, including Willow, another shop owner who believes in self......more