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

Synopsis

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 . . .

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Guest Post

Hi, I’m Emma Brennan. Twenty-six, single, and I own my own business—a health spa, café and gift shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Also I am the human for a gorgeous Birman cat named Vivi. Before now, I’d never had a cat because my mother said she was allergic. I’m sure she isn’t, but I didn’t have the courage back then to stand up to her. Now? You bet I can.

For those of you who don’t know about Carmel, it’s located on the coast of California near Monterey and is a lovely town, known for its creative people, charming cottages, fabulous sea air, and arced strand of pristine beach. Plus the shopping and art galleries are unique, and there are fabulous restaurants and hotels. Tourists abound.

My business partner is my grandmother. I call her Nana Lissa. Those not related to her call her Lissa Reade. She is the head librarian at Harrison Library. She adores helping people find the right book.

Like my aunt who lives in Sedona, I enjoy helping people find calm and serenity. The spa is housed in the Courtyard of Peace. There are lots of quaint courtyards in Carmel. Nana purchased this one. All three business concerns face the patio. I invited my cousin Sierra, a former sous chef at a vegetarian restaurant, to be a partner in the spa venture. She acts as the executive chef for the café. She and I are like sisters. We’re both only children.

I like to read—mainly mysteries or spiritual guides. I enjoy walks in the morning on the beach. I take Vivi with me in her cat carryall. I drink an occasional glass of wine, and I adore chocolate and coffee.  Shh. Don’t tell Sierra. She’s not a fan of caffeine.

Right now I’m coming up with all sorts of promotional ideas for the spa. In addition to offering facials and massages and mindful meditations, we have put on some group events. We’ve hosted birthday parties and retirement parties. And now, one of our regulars, Addison, wants to have a happily divorced party. She’s ending her marriage of eight years and wants the spa to give her and her friends and a few family members treatments. She wants to become her better self.

To better myself, I’m taking tai chi classes led by Zane Ashford. He’s so kind and handsome and, yes, I might be into him. I’ve had some bad relationships in the past, so I’m taking our budding friendship very slowly. He’s got a few secrets. I’d like to know the answers before I commit my heart, you know?

One of the things I hate most in life is a person who is a doomsayer. My mother can be that kind of person. She’s a professor and loves all things Jane Austen. I’ve read Austen and can quote her, so that pleases my mother. But the rest of my life? Nope. She often tells me what I’m doing wrong. She thinks the spa will fail. When she divorced my father, I knew it was a good thing. They were like oil and water. I adore Dad, but I don’t get to see him as often as I like. He’s on the road, saving the water of the world. He sends me postcards from exotic places.

After I graduated from Cal Poly, I went to Tibet to learn the art of meditation, after which I went to  Sedona and studied essential oils and other spa-oriented techniques with my aunt.

I’m a positive, upbeat person, who looks for the best in people. Am I a Pollyanna? Nope. I’m practical. But hopeful.

About the Author

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense, including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams suspense novels. Recently, Daryl, who loves a challenge, published a Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays.  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.

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