A Sprinkling of Murder is an enchanting cozy mystery. It’s the first in the new A Fairy Garden Mystery series where Courtney Kelly runs Open Your Imagination in Carmel, CA. I absolutely love the setting of this story. Courtney’s house and her neighborhood seem like the perfect place to live. The downtown area is charming with lovely shops. I’m ready to move! If you’ve never looked at photos of Carmel, look them up! You’re going to want to move too.

I love both the main characters and secondary characters in A Sprinkling of Murder. For a first book, they’re very well-developed. Courtney and Joss work perfectly together at Open Your Imagination, Courtney’s store. They not only sell whimsical items to create your own fairy garden, they hold classes on how to make fairy gardens, host a book club, serve lots of yummy teas and more.

But, murder puts a damper on things, especially since Courtney is on the suspect list. She obviously knows she didn’t do it, so she snoops around for clues to “help” the police solve the crime. Since there are several possible suspects, you’ll be guessing right along with Courtney.

This book leaves lots of possible story lines open for future books, and I can’t wait to see what Courtney and her friends get involved in next! I think you’ll love A Sprinkling of Murder as much as I did!

I’ve never been into fairies, not even when young. But my son is a believer. We have a bunch of toadstools in our yard he refuses to let me remove, just in case fairies live underneath. So it’s something I endure for his sake. Because it’s hubris. Why would fairies make it their lives’ purpose to help out humans? I think I like them to be wild and lawless, and unconcerned with human lives. Also, I found it hilarious that this book’s main character says unironically that fairies bring good luck to a place, when someone has just gotten conked on their head in her fairy garden shop, where Fiona resides.

This is a mixed bag for me. And so the review is mixed up as well. A fairy garden is something I’m genuinely interested in, and would have done this year with my son had it not been for the coronavirus. As it was, I loved everything about the miniature gardens. On the other hand, Courtney’s brand of investigating is the kind I hate. It depends other people being honest and decent enough to not hurl things at you when you calmly accuse them of murder. She has a bit of help from the fairies so people confess to her, but honestly this has all the makings of I’ve told you now I have to kill you. I’m also very wary about the way she (with the help of the fairy) manipulates people into revealing things unwittingly - it’s a form of mind control and very icky.

And from there it’s a short stretch to - do cops/lawyers have their own fairies? How does that work with the rights of yes, even criminals? And any inadvertent person caught in their crosshairs? This is a cozy mystery and as such I wouldn’t have bothered with analyzing closely, but the mystery didn’t hold my interest and I spent more time gazing into space than reading. I won’t abandon the series, and will read the second one, but I hope that there’s less fairy magic and more gardens in the next one.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A Sprinkle of Murder
Fairies, fairy gardens, jealously, murder, revenge…a little bit of magic with a dose of reality. Welcome to A Sprinkle of Murder by Darly Wood Gerber.
Courtney Kelly is the owner of a fairy garden store that has in residence its very own fairy that only true believers can see. I must admit that it took a little while for me to come to terms with the magical aspect of this novel. However, by the second chapter, Fiona, the fairy, was just another character who helps Courtney solve the murder. Courtney is a reluctant detective which makes her that much more endearing and believable. She has no interest in sleuthing but since the murder took place in her shop and she doesn’t have a strong alibi, she finds she owes it to herself to see what she can discover.
Reading A Sprinkle of Murder by Darly Wood Gerber had me wanting to build my own fairy garden in the hopes of attracting, if not a fairy, at least a little bit of whimsical to my own garden. The author hit the right balance between magic and realism. A very interesting premise and I look forward to reading more in this series.

A Sprinkling of Murder is the first book in Daryl Wood Gerber's "A Fairy Garden Mystery" series. This is such a charming delightful read ! Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

The author has created a wonderful series that captured pure magic and joy for her readers. This is set in charming Carmel By The Sea and as someone who lives near Carmel I can attest she perfectly captured the unique charm of Carmel and its atmosphere. The location is written to perfection .

We are introduced to our protagonist Courtney Kelly and her garden shop " Open Your Imagination:. The shop is new venture for Courtney who has left her Father's business much to his chagrin to open her shop. The theme of the shop is fairy gardens which Courtney shared a love of with her Mother who has passed away. Courtney has a talent for creating fairy gardens and holds classes that are popular with the community. Courtney has a darling kitten Pixie that she carries to work with her and her own fairy Fiona who watches over her. Her fairy acts as a protector and adviser. I loved the addition of Fiona and she brought wimsey and fun to the story. Fiona has been tasked to watch over Courtney and her job as a advisor and protector she takes very seriously.

When a murder occurs in her garden shop of a contentious neighboring business owner Courtney falls under suspicion and is determined to assist in the investigation to find the real suspect. Fiona helps with the investigation and Courtney proves to be a savvy investigator . Her instinct soon leads her to the right suspect and may put her in danger. In the meantime she faces pressure from her Father to give up her business and his disbelief of her success . Courtney has the community behind her and she has many devoted friends that stand with her and support her. Her fairy garden classes are well loved and attended. Courtney is determined to help solve the case to move on with her business. Charming Carmel is a wonderful location for this series as the Fairy gardens fit in perfect in Carmel.

I love this new series ! The author has the perfect blend of wimsey and fun , a wonderful crafted sleuth and delightful charcters. I look forward to the next in series. This is a new cozy series that I hope will continue for many years to come. Very well done to the author.

A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber is the debut of A Fairy Garden Mystery series. Courtney Kelly owns Open Your Imagination, a fairy garden and tea shop, in Carmel-by-the-Sea. She has a sweet cat named Pixie who comes to work with her. Open Your Imagination has its own resident fairy named Fiona. Only those who truly believe can see her. Courtney is awakened during the night by Fiona about danger at the shop. She arrives to find Mick Watkins, owner of Wizard of Paws, dead by the fountain on her patio. Detective Dylan Summers considers Courtney a person of interest since her alibi of being online in the Fairy Garden Girls Dig It chat room cannot be confirmed. Courtney, with help from Fiona and a few friends, digs into the case to prove her innocence and find the guilty party. A Sprinkling of Murder is an enchanting cozy mystery. I thought the story was well-written with delightful characters. I enjoyed the descriptions of Carmel-by-the-Sea with the cute cottages and variety of shops. It really is a fairy tale town and perfect for a shop featuring fairy gardens. I liked that this series has the unique concept of fairy gardens. I just loved the vivid descriptions of these diminutive, creative creations and cannot wait to create one in my front yard. Courtney Kelly is a friendly character with a rich imagination and a green thumb. She is also smart and determined. Courtney is a good sleuth because she pays attention to details and is good at deduction. She comes up with some good theories regarding the crime. Her cat, Pixie is a adorable, but my favorite character is Fiona, a righteous fairy. Fiona is one spunky fairy who adds humor and whimsy to the story with her antics. I hope we learn more about fairies and their world in future books. The mystery was well thought out with a variety of suspects. Courtney asked good questions and kept Detective Summers in the loop (though he did not appreciate her theorizing). I enjoyed reading A sprinkling of Murder and I am looking forward to devouring future books in A Fairy Garden Mystery series. There are recipes at the end including one for the caramel blondies featured in the story (there is a gluten free recipe too). A Sprinkling of Murder is a whimsical cozy mystery with a fierce fairy, a cute cat, fun fairy gardens, a murdered Mick, a defensive dad, and a prying planter.

Courtney Kelly is finally doing what she loves. She's the owner of her dream shop, Open Your Imagination. Here she has all things Fairy. I love how she tries to get people to believe in magic. She knows that it's real. After all she has her own personal Fairy. Fiona. She's a righteous fairy who too often finds trouble. Courtney loves living in Carmel-by-the Sea. It's a special place. She has great friends here, but she has her fair share of detractors. Not everyone believes in what they can't see. When Mick Watkins who owns a nearby pet grooming salon is murdered in her shop, Courtney becomes the prime suspect. I liked how she along with Fiona decide to assist the Police. Detective Dylan Summers isn't pleased with her help. Courtney has spunk. She won't let herself be a victim. I liked that. However, there are plenty of suspects and unexpected surprises. She needs all her fairy's help to find the truth. I enjoyed A Sprinkling of Murder. The fairies gave this cozy a magical twist that pulled me into a special world. Now I'm interested in Fairies. I can't wait for more of Fiona's magic. Plus I want my own Fairy Garden so that I can experience the peace and beauty.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

A Sprinkling of Murder is the first in the new Fairy Garden mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber and, as a fan of her previous mysteries, that was all I need to know. I didn't hesitate to get a copy. These days magic and fairies are very much needed in our lives, to believe in them. Courtney believed in them when she was ten but lost her connection to them when her mother died. Now, at thirty, she has reconnected and now her sidekick is an impish fairy named Fiona. She is what is known as a righteous fairy and, to be kind, she is a bit of a work in progress. She has been booted out of fairy school by the fairy queen. Courtney can now see fairies since taking a chance and opening her fairy garden and tea room shop in the lovely Carmel-by-the sea. She learned gardening and landscaping from the family business but now is the time to spread her wings. Fate has other plans in the form of the dead body of her gruff neighbor - found on her patio. He was the owner of the pet grooming business and, at one time, had tried to expand his business into the space that Courtney now has. The police put Courtney at the top of their list of suspects and that forces her to investigate to clear her name and save her business.
The list of suspects is long enough to keep the reader guessing and Courtney manages to investigate without getting way out of line. The mystery is complex and I guessed wrong several times. Don't be put off by the large cast of characters. They set the stage for future entries in the series and there is a very helpful list of characters at the beginning to keep everyone straight. I'm adding this series to my TBR list. I might even try my hand at creating a fairy garden while I wait for the next entry in this delightful series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this first book in a new series. It's a great cozy mystery with a strong cast of characters. The mystery takes several turns that kept me guessing. The way fairies are placed into the story is a unique twist. I admit I was quite taken with all the descriptions of the fairy gardens. I'm inspired to create my own. I look forward to more of this series. Courtney and Fiona are a great team.

Fairies and fairy gardens. I would love to have my own personal fairy. What a fun business to be in sharing with other folks and showing them how to build their own fairy garden. Do you believe? I think Fiona and Courtney make a great team. Hang with them as they figure out what happened to their neighbor. I really enjoyed the story line and the characters in this book. I think you will too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Courtney left her father's landscaping business to create her dream: a fairy garden business in Carmel. So far she's doing well enough to hire an employee, elfin Joss. She also offers classes on how to make your own fairy garden as well as others. Her business is thriving and so is she. One morning her neighboring business owner Mich Watkins enters, and she's afraid he's going to start trouble, but he doesn't; in fact, it seems as if he's looking for someone. But he tells her that their landlord is on the warpath and wanting the tenants out because he wants to sell their shops to a developer -- and Courtney wonders if it's true.

But Courtney has a secret of her own -- she has her very own fairy, Fiona. Fiona, unfortunately, is on probation for some unnamed act and hasn't earned her full set of wings. Fiona is also a righteous fairy (there are four different types), which means she needs to bring resolution to embattled souls. What this means Courtney has no idea, but she's grateful for Fiona's help -- that is, until Fiona tells her early the next morning that she needs to get to her shop right away. Courtney finds the body of Mick in her garden, dead.

After calling the police she figures out how Mick got in, but not why. What's worse is that Courtney is now a suspect in the murder, and the detective on the case doesn't think her alibi is strong enough. So with Fiona's help, and that of her friends Joss and Meghan, Courtney is on the trail of a killer...

This is the first in a new series and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I will say upfront that I don't read books about witches and such; I'm just not interested enough to invest my time. But this book had a beautiful cover (yes, I am sometimes swayed by them), so I decided to take a chance and am glad that I did.

The concept of one having their own personal fairy is a new idea for a book, and quite an intriguing one. Also the fact that the fairy is quite adept at helping solve a murder without going against her own rules. I found the mystery was done nicely, with a few clues here and there, but also giving Courtney the chance to seek them on her own.

I do like Courtney's character. She never puts herself in harms' way. and she's more concerned with getting herself off the hot seat than putting someone else in it. She's not going around accusing every person she meets of murder, and that's a good thing.

The descriptions of fairy gardens were done well enough that it is explained what they are; and perhaps someone who reads the book might want to create one of their own. While this book was peopled with many characters throughout, it wasn't difficult to keep them straight, and there were a few red herrings thrown in for us to sift through. While I had figured out the murderer early on (I read a lot of mysteries) it was still fun getting through the journey until we got to the end of it and Courtney, with help of course, figured it out and put everything together.

In the end, it all came together nicely and while there was no nail-biting climax, it was still done well enough that I want to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.

This is the first in new series and is set in Carmel at a fairy garden shop. When the owner of the shop next door is murdered, there’s a lot going on. This is a solid first book. I love the fairy garden and the characters. The mystery is top-notch with many suspects including Courtney owner of the fairy garden shop. I look forward to more in this series.

A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber is the first in a new series, Fairy Garden Mystery series, featuring Courtney Kelly, a landscaper turned fairy garden aficionado and proprietor of Open Your Imagination, a fairy gardener's dream-come-true. Courtney's store is one of several in a small courtyard of shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's a full store: besides customers she has her cat, Pixie; her employee, Joss' and her resident fairy, Fiona, a righteous fairy. All is going well until a rumor starts that her landlord is planning to sell the building and that seems to be backed up with an argument Courtney sees him having with another tenant, Mick Watkins, owner of Wizard of Paws, pet grooming studio. Other tenants seem to have heard the rumor was well. Panic ensues when Mick turns up murdered.

This is going to be a terrific series. Let's start with the requirements for a cozy: female of owner of a small business...check; a pet, ideally a cat...check PLUS we have a fairy; police officers who are not thrilled with the assistance...check; a small cadre of friends and business associates...check; an over-protective parent. Yup, it's a cozy mystery and it's going to be a good one. Plus, the cover is beyond gorgeous. The fairy is a fabulous touch and add that she's earning her way out of disgrace makes it even better. Few of Courtney's customers believe, but a lot of children come through the shop and they are more likely to. Pixie sees her and plays with her, and Joss sees her. What more do we need? Fiona helps solve the crime since she can be places and not be noticed. She makes the perfect spy. This book is soooo much fun, even if someone is murdered. It has all the elements and is being written by a master. The personalities are strong and the setting is ideal. This is going to be a strong cast of characters and a terrific series. Can't wait! I recommend it!

I was invited to read an ARC of A Sprinkling of Murder by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #asprinklingofmurder

Do you believe in fairies? If you do - or want to believe - fly into the world of Fairies, Fairy Gardens, and a fun new cozy mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber. With every page of A Sprinkling of Murder, I found myself enchanted.

Set in Carmel, we meet Courtney Kelly who owns a shop - Open Your Imagination - a fairy garden and tea shop. In addition to her lovely staff, she also has Fiona. A fairy that only a few can see.

The Mystery begins when a neighboring shop owner is found dead on the patio of Open Your Imagination and Courtney is the prime suspect! Knowing she needs to prove her innocence, Courtney - along with Fiona - investigate. With lots of little twists, the plot kept the intrigue going to the very end.

This book had everything I love about cozy mysteries including a solid mystery and characters I enjoy getting to know. The bonus, of course, was all the information on how to create fairy gardens as well as some delicious recipes.

The only drawback for me was I wanted to read the *next* one and stay in Courtney and Fiona's world. And get to know all the other characters better- like her high school friend Brady who runs a local restaurant and Courtney's father.

If you are looking for the perfect escape from the craziness of the world and want to be charmed along the way, you can't miss with this whimsical new series. Oh, and you may want to try your hand at your very own fairy garden, too.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest review. This is my first Daryl Wood Gerber book and I loved every minute of it. Fairy gardens allow you to have a little magic in your life and when you have your own fairies you may have more than magic, according to Fiona (Courtney's fairy). This is an amazing read and a great beginning to a new series. I'm looking forward to many, many more books. Enjoy! 📚

This is a very cute, entertaining, magical intro to a new cozy mystery series starring a fairy!

The mystery is well-plotted and quite intriguing. Mick doesn’t exactly start the novel as the most sympathetic of victims. He’s ornery, a touch aggressive and tries to make out that Courtney has it out for him. However, as the plot unfolds, we realize he wasn’t so bad after all and his demise could be the result of quite a few factors. The element that keeps the readers guessing in this one is the constant shifting of alibis. The key suspects all seem to have one but their veracity and robustness are constantly called into question. Lots of clues and red herrings are dropped at regular intervals but a couple are repeated unnecessarily. The big reveal isn’t overly dramatic or suspenseful but I think it worked perfectly with the characters and scene that had been set.

The main heroine is Courtney, a former landscape artist who has embarked on the solopreneur business of making and selling fairy gardens. She’s surprisingly logical and organized for someone so in tune with the fairies! As a suspect in Mick’s murder she has great incentive for getting involved in the investigation. She’s a touch pushy but in an understandable way; and while the lead detective doesn’t want her involved, he’s quite competent and remarkably patient with Courtney’s antics.

The fairy garden component is charming. I’d never really heard about them before and I love the creativity behind it. Several gardens are created throughout the course of the story, of different sizes and with different themes. While I did enjoy reading the process behind the first one and even the second, by the fourth I started skimming those descriptions. But, if you need a how to, this book would make a good start.

Then there’s Fiona, the fairy who accompanies Courtney. That element is written in a very interesting way. Only those who truly believe can see Fiona. In this case, the extraordinary element still has to operate within the confines of the ordinary. Fiona’s magic also can’t really help solve the mystery but she is able to provide some useful assistance. She has some particularly hilarious scare tactics. Like descriptions of the fairy gardens, there are some descriptive asides to help explain the world in which the fairies operate.

Overall, this was a good intro to the A Fairy Garden Mystery series. I am definitely interested in seeing how these characters and storylines further develop.

A Sprinkling of Murder is an enchanting beginning to the magical new Fairy Garden Mystery.

Open Your Imagination is Courtney Kelly’s wonderfully popular fairy garden shop. A place that allows one to believe. Courtney is a charming woman who is creative and a bit nosy. With an ex cop for a father, a fairy on probation on her shoulder and a ragdoll cat in tow, Courtney will make you a believer in fairies without even trying. When a neighboring business owner is found dead In Courtney’s shop, she finds herself at the top of the suspect list and a non stop determination to find out who the real killer is. Maybe a little fairy magic is just what she needs.

A Sprinkling of Murder is a fun and whimsical cozy that will keep you thinking. The plot is a puzzle that seems like the pieces change as they are trying to fit in place. Courtney is a very likable character and I love that she carries her cat, Pixie, with her as if she were a dog. I love the way her mind thinks up scenarios and she tries to figure out if they are feasible or not. Courtney’s persistence never falters even though she’s a prime suspect. The mystery is just one of the great elements of the story. The setting is cozy and has plenty of charm. The love that we learn about the fairies as Courtney does. I love that there’s just enough paranormal to make you think but not so overwhelming that you can’t believe it.

Daryl Wood Gerber has a unique and entertaining beginning to her Fairy Garden Mystery series with A Sprinkling of Murder. I can’t want for the next magical mystery.

As a fan of Ms. Gerber’s other mysteries, I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Murder, mayhem, and Fairies. Very much a ‘cozy mystery’.

As book one in a brand-new series, it must develop the backstory. I found this a bit ponderous. We were introduced to so many inhabitants of Carmel California, seemingly all at once. Some were suspects, some were townspeople, some were owners of other businesses, and some were officers investigating the murder. Add in the canines and felines, and I felt overwhelmed. I did enjoy the story once I found my center.

Courtney Kelly has branched off from her father’s landscaping business and is now running a shop where people can make Fairy Gardens. Courtney was able to see and communicate with fairies as a child, losing the ability when her mother died, and found it again as an adult. She now feels compelled to show others this magical world. Her father, a retired police officer and now landscaper, isn’t happy with her choice. He is not a believer.

Alerted to a dead man, another tenant in the complex, in her place of business by Fiona, her resident fairy, Courtney becomes a person of interest in his murder. She knows she’s not guilty, but who is? ‘Helping’ the police chase down suspect after suspect and finally exonerating herself, the fact remains that the murderer is still out there! Numerous suspects seem to be the guilty party. Racing to the end of the book, we finally find out who done it! Some things are not as they seem.

This was a fun, easy, cozy read. If you like animals, you’ll like this book. It seems everyone in Carmel has a pet and many of them have more than one! Grab some tea, a couple of cookies, and enjoy this book.

Fairies fly free in the delightful new paranormal cozy mystery, A Sprinkling of Murder, the first in a new series.

Courtney left the safety of working in the family business to start her own business. She owns Open Your Imagination in the beautiful coastal California city (that is real), Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her store specializes in teaching people to create their own fairy gardens. It’s very appropriate since Courtney has her own personal fairy, Fiona, who is a black sheep in the fairy world.

When a neighboring shop owner is killed, Courtney is the number one suspect. What can Courtney, with help from Fiona, do but find the killer to clear Courtney’s name?

Every since watching HBO’s True Blood, I haven’t had the same affection with fairies that I had as a child. However, Fiona might make me believe in fairies all over again! She is fierce and feisty. The mystery was also a challenge with basically the whole town with a motive for murdering the victim. If you like fairies and Agatha Christie type mysteries, you should check out A Sprinkling of Murder. 4 stars!

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Daryl Wood Gerber’s enchanting new series, takes a refreshing turn in the cozy mystery genre. I was immensely pleased as I read, A Sprinkling of Murder, with its main character, Courtney Kelly, the owner of At Open Your Imagination, a unique shop that combines her love of all things fairy, gardening, and the Sweet Treats, tea shop. From the very beginning we are swept into the fairy world as we meet Courtney’s own fairy, Fiona, a “Righteous” fairy, as well as her adorable ragdoll cat, Pixie. With a loveable cast of characters, and some not so loveable, we become immersed in the story as we enjoy the quaint backdrop of Carmel By the Sea. With Ms. Gerber’s wonderful descriptions, I could picture myself as a part of the story. Clues are sprinkled throughout the book leaving the quest to find the killer challenging for the arm chair sleuth. This delightful first in series, with its magical draw, has me anxiously awaiting the next. I received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Kensington Books, Netgalley, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review.

What an original set of characters and story! I love this new series, and the uniqueness is provided! Can’t wait to read the next book!