Essentials Of Murder
Kim Davis
5 Stars

Synopsis:

After a scandalous arrest in San Francisco, Carissa Carmichael has moved back to her small Southern California hometown to start over as she opens her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop and reflexology services. A tourist destination, Oak Creek Valley, seems the perfect place to put the past behind her, but it seems no one will let her forget. When she finds the man who threatened to drive her out of business murdered in her shop, Carissa becomes the primary suspect, especially when her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Despite her father’s position as Oak Creek Valley’s chief of police, most townspeople assume she’s guilty.
Refusing to run again, Carissa knows she must prove her innocence to save her shop and save her father’s career when the investigating detective turns his focus on her. With suspects acting as slippery as the essential oils she distills, it’s up to Carissa to apply pressure and sniff out the truth before it’s too late.
Includes essential oil and reflexology tips. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Carissa is trying to manage her Aromatherapy Apothecary that has just opened up. When she finds someone murdered in her shop she has to find out who the killer is and why he killed someone.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. It was not easy to solve this mystery.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am sorry to say that now I have to wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Harbor Lane Books LLC, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Essentials of Murder is a delightful and sharply crafted cozy mystery that blends small-town charm, personal redemption, and aromatic intrigue into one irresistible page-turner. Carissa Carmichael is a breath of fresh lavender-scented air—strong-willed, resourceful, and determined to start anew after a public scandal left her reputation in tatters. But murder, like a stubborn essential oil stain, refuses to be easily scrubbed from her life.

Now back in Oak Creek Valley, a picturesque Southern California tourist haven, Carissa’s dreams of serenity and self-employment through her Aromatherapy Apothecary are instantly shattered when a man bent on ruining her business ends up dead—right in her shop, no less. Worse? Her fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and not even her father’s role as chief of police can shield her from suspicion.

Carissa is a heroine you root for from the first chapter. She’s got grit, brains, and just the right amount of sass, refusing to run from her past—or the murder accusations dogging her heels. Her knowledge of aromatherapy and reflexology isn’t just charming window dressing; it’s woven smartly into the mystery, making the clues feel organic (pun intended) and her investigative process feel uniquely hers.

The town of Oak Creek Valley sparkles with personality, from nosy neighbors and judgmental townsfolk to the quirky local clientele of her apothecary. The setting is so vivid you can practically smell the eucalyptus and hear the wind chimes. And the murder mystery? It’s as twisty as a strand of jasmine vine. With red herrings galore and motives bubbling beneath the surface, every suspect is as slippery as the oils Carissa distills, and each clue brings her closer to danger—and a truth no one saw coming.

The stakes are personal and high, not just for Carissa’s freedom but for her future. With her father’s job hanging in the balance and her business teetering on collapse, Carissa has no choice but to dig deep, follow the scent trail, and outwit the killer before she becomes the next ingredient in their deadly blend.

Essentials of Murder is perfect for fans of Diane Mott Davidson, Leslie Meier, or Kate Carlisle. It’s an aromatic blend of heart, humor, and homicide—with a side of peppermint oil and a dash of Southern California sunshine.

An original and entertaining start of a cosy series. I enjoyed the aromateraphy setting and liked the characters. Solid plot, entertaining.
Can't wait to read other novels in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis is the 1st in the new Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries. Following twenty something Carissa Carmichael as she returns to her small southern California town for a fresh start. She was bamboozled by an sleazy ex in San Francisco that got her in some legal hot water and ruined her reputation. Trying to put that behind her she returns home to open a aromatherapy and reflexology shop.
Unfortunately, she is in overwhelmed with set up activities and is not helped when she discovers a murder in her soon to open shop. Her police chief father can't help her either as he is too close to the prime suspect, Carissa! He is taken off the investigation.
Lots of amatuer sluething ensues, putting Carissa in dangerous situations and finally leading to the truth. There's some romance along the way as well. I enjoyed the book enough to want to read book two in the series.

A great first book in a potentially addictive new cosy crime series.

There were a few hiccups, and the like... but I was reading an ARC and expected seeing some "first book in a series" jitters. I've made a note of the series and Ms Davis to ensure I don't miss any further books. Well paced, engaging, likable characters, good balance of mystery, and so on.

Definitely would recommend to lovers of small town America cosy crimes.

I enjoyed this new cozy about a aromatherapy shop in a small town in California. The main protagnist Carissa is starting over after her police detective Father got her out of a difficultl arrest in her former city of San Francisco. She is a bit inmature and needs a lot of growth before she seems truly like a worthy adult owning a business and rebuilding her life. Its not likable how she depended on her family and did not take blame for her previous actions but she is beginning to mature here. When a nemisis is murdered in her shop she is suspect number one and once again in hot water with the local police. I was able to figure out the suspect but enjoyed the well crafted sleuth and supporting characters. The small town is atmospheric and enjoyable to read. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. The aromatherapy and reflexology is a fun part of this series for all readers.

This was my first time reading a Kim Davis book.

The synopsis of the story is true to its actual plot.
I did enjoy the mystery and the drama around the small town. But the town gossip, I was living for that!
Also, recipes at the end of the book: *chef's kiss*
I will definitely be trying some of these. I love it when books have those!

However, I did not like our main character much. She put her nose where it doesn't belong, and being a detective's daughter, I thought she would know better.
My favorite character was her friend though. And I did appreciate how she and her small family was treated by our main character and her father.
But I did feel like the story lagged a little and was longer than it should have been.

I did not DNF this book because I was honestly invested and really wanted to know who-dun-it.
And that is the main reason this book gets 3 glowing stars.

I definitely did not hate the book, but I did not love it either.
You should still give it a try.

Essentials of Murder by Kim Davis is the debut of An Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries. Carissa Carmichael is twenty-seven, but she has the maturity level, at times, of a teenager. She has returned to her hometown after getting herself into hot water in San Francisco. Carissa is lucky to have a police chief for a father who is willing to go out on a limb to help his daughter. Carissa acts naïve and gullible, which I found odd considering her age (and her father’s profession). I thought Carissa’s father would have prepared her for dealing with men especially the charming, unscrupulous type. The mystery is straightforward and occurs early in the book. The victim is the mean-spirited son of the candle shop proprietor. The victim was not happy about Carissa’s aromatherapy shop opening next door to his mother’s shop and was extremely vocal about his opinions. The detective assigned to the case considers Carissa, of course, the prime suspect. With her father sidelined due to conflict of interest, Carissa takes matters into her own hands and begins asking questions. Carissa needs to learn subtlety, or she will alienate the whole town before her grand opening. The whodunit can easily be solved. The author did everything except hire a skywriter. I wish there had been less repetition of key details (her father is off the case, the victim was not a nice guy, Carissa’s mentor is a sweetheart). The story is a little heavy on romance which surprised me. I would think Carissa would want to avoid romantic entanglements for a spell. It was interesting learning about essential oils. There is information on how the oils are distilled along with which essential oils can help different issues (such as stress). I am sure Carissa’s shop will be a success once the locals forget that someone was murdered in the back room. Essentials of Murder is a fragrant tale with an angry neighbor, distilling oils, cruel vandals, finding an old friend, a protective father, a determined detective, and a killer conclusion.

Carissa returns home to open her special shop but things go frrom a little bump to problem after problem. Interesting characters in this book and lovable. You enjoy each page and of course there is one character you would love to punch. This is a good cozy mystery that holds your where you can't put the book down

Loved reading this book and new series. If you haven't read it I suggest doing so. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series

I wanted to like this book. I thought the aromatherapy shop was an intriguing premise and something different in the cozy genre. I also very much like Ms. Davis' cupcake catering mysteries. This book, however, missed the mark for me. The protagonist is 27 going on 6 with her constant "Daaaaaaaad" like she is some kind of overdramatic teenager instead of a grown woman with a business. She goes about her investigation in the most obnoxious way and there is very little to endear her to the reader. Her dad being the chief of police and letting her get away with things just makes it extra silly.

I thought the Cupcake Catering mysteries were quite good but I feel like all of Davis' prior knowledge of police procedure went out the window. I realize that authors tend to take liberties but often times they try to stick to real life and there were so many basic errors one could even get from watching an episode or two of Law and Order or CSI, it was so off-putting as a reader.

Why did I give the book three stars? Because I cared enough to finish it and see exactly whodunit and why. There is no sympathy for the victim either, he sounds like a real trash can of a human being. I didn't really like any of the characters except for Ashley. At this time the thought of reading another book in the series is doubtful but perhaps with the right plot line in the next book, it might be better. I have seen sophomore offerings that leave the first in the series in the dust, maybe that will happen.

The plot is basic in that the main character is opening her aromatherapy shop next to a candle store in a small town and the candle store owner, who appears friendly at first, her son doesn't want the aromatherapy shop to open and is nasty to the proprietor. He winds up dead in her shop and she is the main suspect because her fingerprints are on the murder weapon (yeah, it belongs to her?!). The main detective on the case is brought in for conflict of interest due to her being the chief's daughter and he seems to be a real jerk too.

My thanks to Netgalley and Harbor Lane Books for this ARC in exchange only for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this first book in a new series! The characters are engaging and likeable. The story moves along smoothly. Loads of great red herrings. Looking forward to the next book! Thanks #Netgalley and #HarborLaneBooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Carissa finds a dead man in her soon-to-open-aromatherapy-shop. And who's the main suspect? Yest, right. This is the first book in this series and the first book I've read by the author and I don't regret it at all. The story moves along smoothly and ... wraps up everything neatly by the end of the book. It's entertaining, easy to read and suspenseful. a new author I have to keep an eye on for future books.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Harper Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Essentials of Murder is a debut cozy mystery by Kim Davis and it is great beginning. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. Carissa had big problems with an ex-boyfriend and moved back to the town she grew up in. She is opening up an essential oils and reflexology shop. Her dad is the Chief of Police and Detective Miller is new. Carissa has a crush on Jasper who owns the bakery nearby. The store next door is a candle shop, owned by Victoria and she and Carissa are supporting each other with complimentary product lines. Victoria's son Russ is a big problem and no one is surprised when he ends up dead. Unfortunately Detective Miller is focusing his investigation on Carissa so she needs to clear her name. The book moves at a good pace and there are quite a few things going on to keep the story interesting. Carissa's dad, her new employees, Jasper, and her frenemy Lacie all add warmth, compassion, humor, and empathy to the story. The ending was good but not overly drawn out. This was a very enjoyable new book and I am looking forward to more. #EssentialsOfMurder #HarborLaneBooks #NetGalley

As a first book in a new series I thought this was well done. I enjoyed the aromatherapy aspect of this as I have a friend that is a certified aromatherapist and has her own line of bath products. The book had a good pace and enjoyable characters. I liked the tips about aromatherapy that were included throughout the story. This has good potential for a series that I will come back to read with each new book.

I enjoyed this book, the story is solid, the pacing is smooth & fast. I enjoyed learning more about the oils. I think the characters are well done. #EssentialsofMurder #NetGalley

Moving back home after a scandal should have been Carissa Carmichael's chance for a fresh start, but her new life in Oak Creek Valley takes a dark turn when she discovers a dead body in her aromatherapy shop. As the prime suspect with her fingerprints on the murder weapon, Carissa has no choice but to clear her name. The small town may seem like the perfect getaway, but its residents have long memories and quick judgments, especially when it comes to a former city girl with a scandalous past. With an intriguing blend of small-town charm, essential oils, and reflexology, this cozy mystery keeps you guessing as Carissa navigates a web of secrets and suspects. The tension between her and the local detective adds another layer to this engaging whodunit, making for an entertaining and aromatic read.

"There's a new way to a man's heart. Margaritas and murder."

This book is ESSENTIAL for cozy mystery fans!!

Were there some issues I had with it? Of course. How did you NOT know your grade-school best friend had a kid...do they not have social media? And some of the chapter cut-offs were pretty weird.

But that doesn't take away from the strengths of this cozy mystery I loved how it wasn't your typical restaurant/coffee shop small town mystery; all of the descriptions of aromas heightened the prose. Carissa was a unique character, with a little self-loathing and a lot of gumption. She felt like a real person, and I would want to be her friend. I also really appreciated the knowledge of essential oils and reflexology throughout; it is clear the author did research, and I want to give some of the oils and scent combinations a try. If anyone does give them a try, let me know :)

Thank you to NetGalley, Harbor Lane Books, and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Essentials of Murder: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings: death of a family member, scandal, history of arrest

After a scandalous arrest, Carissa returns home to start up her own Aromatherapy Shop with reflexology services. However, things are not off to a good start as Carissa finds her neighbor’s son, someone who has threatened her business, murdered in her shop prior to her store opening. When Carissa becomes the target and main suspect she starts investigating the murder on her own, determined to clear her name. The more she digs, the more details come to light, and the more suspects who wanted him dead.

This was a cute cozy mystery with an aromatherapy/essential oil twist that I enjoyed. The author writes like she really is passionate about essentials oils and I liked the tips and tricks and uses that were shared. The story had a surprising twist and I enjoyed how systematically Carissa went about solving the murder, no doubt because of the influence of her chief of police dad. As this is the first book in the series, it was very much a character and relationship building book, as we are introduced to many different characters and all the ways they interact with the main character, Carissa.

As a clinical aromatherapist, I grabbed this book the second I saw it. Aromatherapy AND a cozy? Be still my aromatic loving heart! The author did not disappoint! I can’t wait for the next entry in this series.