Click on book to visit Amazon
ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY is the first book in the brand-new Aroma Wellness Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. Set in the charming town of Carmel, California, I was delighted to find out that this new series is a spinoff from the author’s Fairy Garden Mysteries, with some overlapping secondary characters. While you don’t need to first read the Fairy Garden Mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the new protagonist, Emma Brennan, with characters I already know and love as well as new characters introduced. (The author has thoughtfully included a list of characters at the beginning of the book to assist the reader.) Carmel, on its own, is a tempting setting, but paired with Emma’s new Aroma Wellness Spa, the setting becomes downright seductive. I was ready to book a trip within the first ten minutes of starting the book. Ms. Gerber’s strong descriptive skills bring it to life and I loved her relaxing mentions of spa treatments (some new to me and oh so intriguing) along with the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes incorporated.
While all should be relaxation and mindfulness, trouble hits the new spa owner when her rival is found murdered and Emma becomes the only suspect. The author does an admirable job in setting up the conflict and making the reader feel invested in what happens. There are twists and turns in Emma’s desire to clear her name, and the story moves at a fast pace. I also liked that Emma’s cousin (who is also the new spa’s chef) and her grandmother help to find out information. With a bit of magical fairy dust sprinkled in, delightful characters, an adorable Birman cat, and a puzzling mystery to solve, this first book in a new series is sure to charm readers!
As with most of Daryl Wood Gerber’s books, you can count on some delicious recipes at the back of the book. Some recipes are decadent and other recipes are a healthful spin on what might be served at a spa. When I came across the recipe for Oatmeal Honey Chocolate Cookies, I just had to try them… and while they don’t contain processed white sugar, I found they were every bit as delicious as regular oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. (Okay, I might have added a few more chocolate chips than called for, lol). The addition of honey, applesauce, golden raisins, and the aforementioned chocolate chips makes these sweet enough and perfect for a delicious after-school snack or tea time pick-me-up.
Amazon Synopsis
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 . . .
A special thanks to Daryl Wood Gerber for offering a print copy of ESSENCE OF FOUL PLAY to one lucky winner! Contest ends March 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
From Emma:
My grandmother loves to make cookies. As a girl, I loved to help her. And Papa loved eating them. I remember him roaming the kitchen, hovering around the oven until the timer went off. He'd even turn on the light in the oven to watch the cookies bake. How he made me laugh.
(Yield: 24 cookies)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1-1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup white flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup applesauce, no sugar added
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or carob chips
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
-
In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave, about 30 seconds, and set aside. If you do not have a microwave, put the butter in a small saucepan and melt on low heat. This might take a minute to do.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, cooled butter, egg, vanilla, and honey. Whisk until blended. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. This is going to be a very wet and sticky dough.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips (or carob chips) and raisins. Place mixture in the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour and up to 3 days.
-
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough on the baking sheet. They don't spread so it's all right to have 12 cookies per sheet. If you want, slightly flatten the cookies, but it's not necessary.
-
Bake the cookies 10 to 11 minutes, until they are golden around the edges. Cool the cookies for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Pin to Pinterest:
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Those look so good and healthy using honey on them
Linda, they are good and I love the chewiness. As Emma and her cousin Sierra would say, sugar in moderation. Honey is a great choice. ~ Daryl
YAY! A new series by a great author! LOVE the kitty on the cover! And….that is my favorite cookie – chocolate chip oatmeal! Can’t wait to try it with the honey!
Dawn, enjoy! Love your enthusiasm. ~ Daryl
Kim, thanks so much for the review and the lovely recipe post. You do such a nice job recreating them for me! Love it. I hope your fans enjoy. ~ Daryl