Essence of Foul Play - by Daryl Wood Gerber (Paperback)

About the Book

While preparing for her grand opening, spa owner Emma is accused of murdering a rival store owner with a goodwill gift and must investigate the crime herself, facing small-town gossip, skeptical police and quirky suspects to clear her name.

Book 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 . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for the Fairy Garden Mystery Series:

"A charming cozy with gardening tips, recipes, and a raft of suspects for those who don't believe in fairies." --Kirkus Reviews on A Hint of Mischief

"Lively characters and plenty of action keep the pages turning. Paranormal cozy fans will have a ball." --Publishers Weekly on A Glimmer of a Clue

"A tale of perseverance, murder, and a sprinkling of magic in California... Even readers who aren't tempted to create a fairy garden may be enticed by the recipes appended to this appealing cozy." --Kirkus Reviews on A Glimmer of a Clue

"If you believe or want to believe in magic THIS is an enjoyable read." --CrimeReads on A Glimmer of a Clue

"Anyone who remembers the Peter Pan line, 'Do you believe in fairies?' will enjoy this enchanting book that has charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem with fascinating characters." --Crimespree Magazine on A Glimmer of a Clue

"Enchanting...Cozy fans will wish upon a star for more." --Publishers Weekly on A Sprinkling of Murder

"After finishing the book fans might want to try their hand at making their own fairy garden, or taste test the delectable recipes in the back of the book. And of course, readers will already impatiently be waiting for book number two. Fans of fantasy cozy series and this author will absolutely love this bestseller-bound tale." --Mystery Scene on A Sprinkling of Murder

"Likeable characters, including several who should continue to play roles in future investigations, and an entertaining but not-too-intrusive fairy connection make this a winner." --Booklist on A Sprinkling of Murder

"Fairies flutter throughout." --Kirkus Reviews on A Sprinkling of Murder

"The addition of real fairies adds a delightful twist to your standard culinary cozy. Courtney is an engaging heroine backed by a fun, diverse cast." --Criminal Element on A Sprinkling of Murder

About the Author

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, as well as the Cheese Shop Mysteries written under the name Avery Aames. She also writes standalone suspense novels and the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense. Prior to her career as a novelist, she was an actress with roles in television shows including "Murder, She Wrote," and she wrote for the popular TV sitcom "Out of this World." Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California where she likes to cook, garden and spend time with her frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky. Visit her online at DarylWoodGerber.com.