Death of a Nemesis
Thanks to publisher issues, it’s been a few years since I read the first book in Kim Davis’s Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries. But with a new publisher, Essentials of Death has come out, and I’m glad.
The series centers around Carissa Carmichael, who has moved back home to Oak Creek Valley in Southern California (which might bear a resemblance to Ojai) where she has opened Aromatherapy Apothecary, an essential oils store, to cater to locals and the abundant tourists that come to the small town.
As this book opens, Carissa has a booth at the welcome event for a local playwright festival. Many of the local businesses are participating, but she is disappointed to find that her neighboring book is being run by Lacie, her childhood nemesis. The two have never gotten along, but it’s only been worse since Carissa has been back in town. True to form, Lacie makes the day unpleasant for everyone who encounters her.
Later that night, Carissa finds Lacie’s dead body with some strange clues that seem to point to her as the killer. Since her father is the chief of police, he brings in some county detectives to avoid the taint of partiality on the case, but one of those detectives seems to have it out for Clarissa. Will she have to get involved to avoid being railroaded for murder?
If I remember right, I was a bit surprised that Lacie wasn’t the victim in the first book. So it wasn’t too surprising when Carissa found her in this book. I did find Carissa was a bit passive early in the book, but there was still plenty happening. The further I got into the book, the more I got caught up in the story to the point that I didn’t want to put it down. And the ending was satisfying and suspenseful.
I loved getting reacquainted with the characters. I didn’t feel it was too long before I was right at home with them, and I didn’t struggle to keep them straight. They are a warm and welcoming group, and I loved getting to spend time with them. A couple of subplots allowed us to really get to know the series regulars, and the suspects were strong as well.
This book has a couple of recipes at the end, one for an intriguing cookie and one for an essential oil.
I’m glad this series found a new home, and I’m looking forward to book three. If you want a warm, cozy series, you’ll be glad you picked up Essentials of Death.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
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