Cozy Up With Kathy: Murder in a Lavender Daze

Review

MURDER IN A LAVENDER DAZE by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Second Aroma Wellness Mystery

Emma Brennan's Aroma Wellness Spa is doing well, even with Mah's struggles with the telephone at reception. Always looking to branch out Emma is hosting a Happily Divorced party for spa regular Addison Lacey. Becoming friends with the woman Emma is invited to dinner with Addison and her family only to witness contentious bickering with Gianna, Addison's mother, lambasting her daughter. When Emma goes to their house the following morning to pick up payment for the party, she and Addison find Gianna dead. With Addison under suspicion Emma decides to try to solve the murder.

While the Happily Divorced party is for Addison and her soon to be ex-husband Wyatt, the second Aroma Wellness Mystery has more than its share of unhappy marriages-Addison's parents, her aunt and uncle, and even Emma's already divorced parents. There's even a fiancée with cold feet. No wonder Emma isn't in a rush to get involved in a romantic relationship, although we do see a possible contender. There may be romance for her cousin Sierra too.

I love the whole vibe of the Aroma Wellness Spa, with the café and gift shop. While I may not desire a facial or mani pedi, I would love a sound bath or other meditative session. I can also see myself splurging in the gift shop and enjoying some snacks created by Sienna. The peaceful ambiance makes a striking contrast to the murders Emma encounters as well as the dangers she faces while shaky alibis and various motives contributed to this interesting puzzle.

A delicious mystery wrapped in unhappy relationships and soothing vibrations makes MURDER IN A LAVENDER DAZE a delightful read. I was happy to return to the Aroma Wellness Spa and look forward to my next visit!

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Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) 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