Essentials of Death

The Aromatherapy Apothecary #2

by Kim Davis

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, especially her high school nemesis, Lacie. When Carissa finds her frenemy murdered after having a public altercation at the town's playwright conference and festival, she becomes the primary suspect. It doesn't help that the tarot cards she drew earlier in the day foretold the nature of the murder weapon. Despite her father's position as Oak Creek Valley's chief of police, the detective assigned to the case assumes she's guilty.

When tarot death cards begin turning up to taunt her, Carissa not only has to prove her innocence to keep her freedom, she has to make sure death doesn't come calling for her or those she loves. With the 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.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

314 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Kim Davis also writes as author K.A. Davis.

Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband and mini Goldendoodle, Missy. When she's not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing the puppy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

She also writes the Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series, The Board Game Chronicles middle grade series, and a suspense novel, A Game of Deceit, written under K. A. Davis, along with several children’s nature articles in a variety of magazines.

Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentials of Death is the second book in The Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series. It's been a while since I read the first installment, but the author has published books from her other book series in between. A killer strikes the frenemy of the protagonist, and once again, Carissa is in the spotlight. Two past arrests, both charges having come about from being in the wrong place at the wrong time mostly... yet it's made the police target her on multiple occasions. Thankfully, other credible suspects pop up and give readers a few angles to consider.

I enjoy the lighthearted side of these books, though one could argue murder is anything but lighthearted. Combined with a bad Tarot card reading, a few secret relationships, and an ex who can't decide between being bitter and staying away. I was amused by Carissa's relationship with her father and her new boyfriend. Given her father is the Chief of Police, he must keep clear boundaries on the case. Often he struggles because his daughter is in the line of fire. Made for some tender and some laughable moments.

I'm not familiar with aromatherapy; learning about various essential oils and products was a nice addition to the main mystery and side stories in support of the protagonist's growing business and budding new romantic relationship. Not sure I love Jasper's character yet, but it's early in the series and I'm sure there's a larger plan. Looking forward to more in the series.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10: 4 ⭐️’s

First, I want to say that while it’s not necessary to read the first book in the series, to follow along in this book, I would suggest it. Several things from book 1 are given away in book 2. I wish I had read it first, but again, not reading it didn’t take anything away from the fun I had with this one!

Carissa Carmichael is starting over in her small touristy home town of Oak Creek Valley in southern CA. It seems like an ideal place to open her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop which also does reflexology. Things seem to be going well for her, except for an old nemesis of hers that doesn’t want to let Carissa’s past stay in her past. When this nemesis ends up dead and Carissa is the one to find her, she immediately becomes a suspect. Her chief of police dad has to hand over the case to two outside detectives. One of whom I absolutely despised!

This is such a cute cozy mystery. I loved so many of the characters. There is a little bit of romance, but it’s done in a simple, cute way. But goodness the entire town is full of gossips! Still, the way the town is described, with all of its cute shops and places to eat, I wouldn’t mind a little trip there myself!

Carissa has a strong supporting cast around her while she deals with detective dirt bag and someone else out to keep her from investigating the murder. I loved how much was centered around her shop. It isn’t a fast paced mystery, but it still had me eagerly waiting to see what would happen next.

And for all of you dog lovers out there, there is an adorable little dog named Pixie who is around quite a bit. Kind of want a little Pixie for myself😊.

I will be looking out for the next in this series!! And will be looking into the other books author Kim Davis has out there.

Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for a free copy of this book to review. All thoughts are my own.

Rating and review posted: 10/3/25

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oak Creek Valley's festival was designed to attract tourists to the community by showcasing the town's artisanal feel, but instead, a murder has now become the talk of the town. Carissa Carmichael and the deceased had a history of bad blood, and she did find the body. Carissa knows that she wasn't the killer; if only she could convince the overbearing police investigator that she's being framed.

This story took many twists and turns to reach its chilling conclusion. Along the way, there were numerous shocks and reveals. I was glued to the book until the last page!

The characters are well-defined, and the action is believable and riveting. This is the second book in the series, and I've been (im)patiently waiting to hear of Carissa's new adventures. It is the perfect follow-up to Essentials of Murder.

Thank you to BookSirens and Kim Davis for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Carissa Carmichael is trying to restart her life in Oak Creek Valley by opening her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop. To gain attention for a new business, she has set up a booth at the annual Playwright Conference and Festival. She is beyond disappointed that Lacie Simmons is manning the booth next door for Jean-Luc Patisserie because its owner is ill. Carissa is very good friends with the owner, Jasper, but there is no love lost between her and Lacie. Lacie is rude, mean, and ill-tempered, and has more than one angry confrontation at the conference, including one with Carissa and another with a prominent playwright.

That evening, Carissa finds Lacie’s dead body cooling off the patisserie walk-in refrigerator. Her father, the chief of police, knows Carissa had nothing to do with the murder, but he is forced off the case and replaced by Detective Martin and Detective Raaf. They have Carissa at the top of their suspect list. She should have known there would be trouble after her quick, incomplete tarot card reading at the festival.

Knowing her dad will help her as much as he legally can, she knows it is essentially up to her to clear her name, and as quickly as possible, because the killer is leaving tarot death cards everywhere to let her know they are always close by, ready to take her as the next victim.

Ms. Davis’ charming characters shine in this story. Carissa is a smart, determined woman with a huge heart. She is surrounded by a wonderful set of supporting characters. Carissa’s relationship with her father is heartwarming. Their love for each other actually glows from the pages. Her friendship with Jasper is strong and growing into a romance so organically. Working side by side with her best friend, Ashley, is delightful; they always have each other’s backs. Dillon works for Carissa part-time but is a true friend as well. Her mentor, Mari, will always jump in to help at the shop and is ready with a tight hug and advice when needed. The core cast of this series is genuine, relatable, and all people who pull you into the story and move it along effortlessly as they continue to evolve.

The author has written a layered mystery with a tight plot and many twists and turns. Lacie ruffled a lot of feathers, and someone is truly trying to railroad Carissa, but are they the same person? Many motives, secrets, surprises, threats, and more kept the pages flying. I enjoyed following along with Carissa as she attempted to uncover the truth and identify the killer. Like Carissa, my spidey sense was flawed. She ended up in a dicey situation, but not all the clues fell into place when the killer was revealed. Some incidents still need to be explained, and by the final pages, they were.

I am enjoying the Aromatherapy theme of this series and learning more about essential oils. Like a character in this story, I am sure I would benefit and appreciate everything about a relaxing foot massage like the ones Carissa gives at the convention.

I am so happy that this series found a new home. We had to wait a bit for this second book to be published, but it was well worth the wait. Essentials of Death is an entertaining read filled with small-town charm, interesting and relatable characters, bits of romance and humor, and mysteries that aptly test both the protagonist and the reader. I hope Ms. Davis is busy writing her next Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery because I am very excited to see what she has planned for Carissa next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good whodunit. Carissa's nemesis is working the booth next to Carissa's at a conference and as usual, Lacie is using her sharp tongue to belittle Carissa. Lacie has been doing that since they were in school. You would think now that they are grown, she would let up a bit. Not going to happen. When Lacie asks Carissa for help, Carissa is leery of doing anything for her, but she kind of feels sorry for Lacie. So, she decides to help. She leaves and comes back to help, but when she comes back, she finds Lacie's dead body. One of the detectives assigned has targeted Carissa and she can't figure out why he is so hostile towards her. It's just one thing after another and Carissa needs to find the killer so she can get on with her life. Will she survive long enough to find the killer?

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentials of Death, the second book in Kim Davis' Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery Series, is a captivating continuation of the story that began with Essentials of Murder. Set against the backdrop of Oak Creek Valley's annual festival, the town’s charm quickly takes a backseat when a murder shocks the community. Carissa Carmichael, who stumbles upon the body, finds herself at the heart of the investigation. Though she’s convinced she’s being framed, her tangled past with the deceased and the overbearing and irritating police investigator make her situation even more complicated.

Davis excels in character development, with Carissa leading the charge as a smart, resourceful, yet deeply relatable protagonist. Her vulnerability and determination add complexity to her character, making her a compelling sleuth. Those around her—whether family, friends, or love interests—are equally well-crafted, each contributing in their own way to the progression of the story. Some are easy to love, others frustrating, but each plays a crucial role in moving the plot forward.

The storyline is expertly crafted, with tension building steadily through unexpected twists and reveals. Davis cleverly intertwines personal rivalries, small-town drama, and the central mystery, keeping readers on their toes. Conversations that seem casual at first often have deeper layers, with every character’s intentions coming into question. The pacing is swift, balancing moments of levity with darker themes of betrayal, secrets, and mortality.

What sets Essentials of Death apart is its focus not just on the discovering the murderer, but on the emotional aftermath. As Carissa navigates the consequences of the crime, readers are given insight into how the mystery reshapes her personal relationships and sense of self.
This second installment is a perfect follow-up to the first, blending suspense with warmth and leaving readers eager to discover what’s next for Carissa. Additionally I have a spoiled dog like Pixie. I enjoy reading about her lack of good behavior.

I received an advanced reader copy for free. The thoughts, opinions, and review are my own.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentials of Death is the second installment in Kim Davis’ Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery Series, and it builds beautifully on the foundation set in the first book. The characters feel real, layered, and just flawed enough to be relatable.

Carissa Carmichael, our returning protagonist, continues to grow as both a small-business owner and an amateur sleuth. She’s smart and resourceful, but what makes her especially engaging is the mix of vulnerability and grit she brings to every situation. The people in her orbit—family, friends, frenemies, and love interests—are given care in their development. Some are endearing, some exasperating, and some deliciously unlikable, but all feel purposeful in driving the story forward.

The storyline itself is tightly woven and full of tension, with the drama of small-town rivalries colliding against the backdrop of a festival that should be celebratory. Davis does a good job of layering interpersonal conflicts with the central mystery, making even everyday conversations crackle with underlying meaning. Without ever resorting to heavy-handed foreshadowing, she nudges readers to suspect, doubt, and second-guess each character’s intentions.

The story moves briskly, balancing lighter moments of humor and community warmth with the darker themes of betrayal, secrets, and mortality. By the time the mystery deepens, readers are fully invested not just in finding out “whodunit,” but in seeing how the aftermath reshapes Carissa’s personal relationships and sense of self.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you enjoy character-driven mysteries where the heart of the story is just as important as the puzzle, Essentials of Death will not disappoint. It’s cozy, compelling, and leaves you eager to see what lies ahead for Carissa and her circle.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series! This is the second book in the series. Carissa, owns an apothecary shop and has a knack for getting involved in murder cases to clear her name. She lives in a small town where everybody knows everything and rumors help and harm the investigation. Carissa is a kind character that is likeable. I find the secondary characters likeable and unique; lots of age ranges and different backgrounds. I would have liked to see more of Sandy. She seems lovely, but the situation with her and being largely unknown to Carissa feels odd given what happens. Although I know that can be the reality sometimes. There are a lot of storylines with the characters, which I enjoy. I would have liked to see more of Ashley in this book, outside of an employee, since she had more of a storyline in the first book. I would love to see more backstory with Carissa's mom and grandma too.
The murder case was intriguing, some interesting pieces to that. The clues were creative. Plenty of twists to keep the story entertaining and to keep the reader thinking, if you like to solve the case.
I really like how there were twists and turns and while I was able to guess the culprit, there was still more to the story that came out in the end. The ending had my heart racing a little bit; it wasn't what I was expecting, even though I knew who the culprit was. I felt like the ending was solid; not too rushed, not too simplistic. There are some arching storylines that I'm excited to see play out. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a honest review. I was already familiar with the series and enjoyed the first book too.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carissa Carmichael, owner of Aromatherapy Apothecary shop and reflexology services in the tourist town of Oak Creek Valley, is all set up at the annual festival. She was looking forward to having her baker boyfriend set up next to her, but due to a nasty “cold” he has to send his assistant, Lacey, which also happens to be her nemesis since highschool. From the moment Lacey walks into the event sparks (negative) fly, it seems like she gets along with no one.
Things take an interesting turn when Carissa finds Lacey murdered and becomes the prime suspect.
This is the 2nd book, and the first one I read, loved it .. will have to track down book 1

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the prime suspect in a murder case was not what Carissa Carmichael had in mind when she returned back to her hometown after her bad past. The murdered victim being one of her childhood classmates who was not one of her favourites makes it complicated. There is more than meets the eye and she has to find the truth before it is too late. An intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers.

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying reading this series. I love that I am learning about aromatherapy as I am trying to figure out who the murderer is. This book had me totally entertained and I never would have guessed who the killer was.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ex mean girl from Carissa's past is killed in Carissa's shop!!! When Carissa finds her she becomes a suspect, the main suspect !!

Someone is framing her at every turn. Why are they after Carissa??? Is it just a distraction? This was a highly suspenseful read start to finish. The reveal shocked me, and so did the rationale. Another gripping read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Cheri Cabot]

No matter how hard she tries, Cassie can’t seem to outrun her past. She just wants to concentrate on her Aromatherapy Apothecary business. Unfortunately, her nemesis, Lacie, who has no shortage of people she’s offended, is murdered. True, Cassie didn’t like her, but she certainly deserved to be killed in such nasty manner. But, Detective Baff, brought in from San Francisco, seems determined to find Cassie guilty of murder. And, whoever killed Lacie is also determined to frame Cassie. The Tarot cards left at Cassie’s car and house point in that direction.

Another murder isn’t the only change in Cassie’s life. Jasper is recovering from pneumonia, and without Lacie interfering, they may have romance developing. And, Cassie’s dad is also involved with a romance.

With Cassie in danger, and her work and home threatened, she is again staying with her dad and leaning on her good friends and employees to keep her safe and upbeat.

The big problem is that there seems to be no leads that don’t lead to Cassie.

With unexpected twists and turns, “Essentials of Death,” by Kim Davis is a good weekend read. I enjoyed very much and although I received an ARC, these comments are my own.

[Lola]

I received a free audio copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.

I decided to DNF this one at 57%

I enjoyed the first book, but had some issues with it, in this book it felt like those issues were still around and impeded my enjoyment of the book. There was just so much danger and threats and people being nasty, it just wasn’t the cozy read I was looking for. And again the detective on the case is being nasty to Clarissa, I am sure there is a reason behind it as that much was clear, but I just didn't really care for the dynamic and having the same vibes as in book 1.

I liked reading about the aromatherapy and the shop as well as the plot line with her and Dylan interacting and their parents who are dating. I had hoped for more of the romance in this book, but it's mostly the love itnerest being sick and the interactions weren't very fun or interesting and I didn't like how Clarissa always dismissed his opinion of Lacy as being wrong and not seeing her true self. Anyway I set this one aside once and then picked it back up for another try and it just wasn't working.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oak Creek Valley and a fresh start .Opening an Aromatherapy Apothecary shop come reflexology that’s front and centre for her,but others in this small town in SoCo are not going loco ,oh no they don’t care for Carissa Carmichael ,don’t let her forget her past regrets especially her nemesis Lacie…. This is it you see because shock horror and dread . Lacie is discovered dead and prime suspect number one is …guess who. Despite her father being the chief of police she’s read the riot act and not best pleased .Can you imagine such a thing ,no one believes nor cares . No good splitting airs or graces ,she must confront them to their faces . Find out exactly toy what is going on .Well a solid lead now is what she needs. The detective in charge is working towards a guilty verdict so time is of the essence and no mistake . Her life and livelihood is at stake . Immersive as all get out and I wanted to scream and shout so I’m in no doubt that I liked this book by Kim Davis . A breath of fresh air and suspects she had her share.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentials of Death is the second book in Kim Davis’ Aromatherapy Apothecary series. The likable characters are nicely developed, the small-town Southern California setting is charming, and the storyline is well-crafted. The mystery is intricate, with plenty of suspects, twists, and red herrings to keep readers engaged and guessing. I recommend this delightful book to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.

Carissa Carmichael returned to her home in the small town of Oak Creek Valley in Southern California, where her father, Robert Carmichael, is the Chief of Police, after a scandal in San Francisco involving her ex-boyfriend, Vincent, led to her spending time in jail for fraud, only to be proven not guilty. Carissa is ready for a fresh start and is excited about opening her aromatherapy and reflexology shop, Aromatherapy Apothecary. Carissa’s friend, Mariska “Mari” Kemp, has been her mentor as she honed her skills, knowledge, and expertise in aromatherapy and reflexology for the past ten years. Ashley is her best friend and full-time employee, and Dillon, her dad’s girlfriend’s son, is her part-time employee. She recently adopted Pixie, a sweet apricot-colored rescue dog. Her friendship with Jasper Whitby, who owns Jean-Luc Patisserie, is steadily growing.

In this installment, Carissa sets up an aromatherapy booth at Oak Creek Valley’s annual Playwright Conference and Festival. She’s initially happy to be next to Jasper’s booth, but her mood sours when Jasper falls ill and Lacie Simmons, his employee, who is her frenemy, takes over. After an unsettling tarot card reading from Madame Bonsail and a public altercation with Lacie, Carissa feels the day can’t get any worse. Later that evening, however, she’s proven wrong when she discovers Lacie’s lifeless body in the patisserie’s walk-in refrigerator. Carissa quickly finds herself as Detective Erik Raaf’s prime suspect, and it’s obvious he isn’t considering anyone else. Convinced she’s being framed and suspecting the detective has a personal vendetta against her, Carissa feels driven to start her own investigation.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carissa leads the charge as a smart, resourceful, yet deeply relatable protagonist. Her vulnerability and determination add complexity to her character, making her a compelling sleuth. Those around her—whether family, friends, or love interests—are equally well-crafted, each contributing in their own way to the progression of the story. Some are easy to love, others frustrating, but each plays a crucial role in moving the plot forward.

Set against the backdrop of Oak Creek Valley's annual festival, the town’s charm quickly takes a backseat when a murder shocks the community. Can Carissa ferret out the murderer among the many suspects that come out of the woodwork before the rest of the festival is ruined? Kim has crafted another beautiful, enthralling story with this second book in her Aromatherapy Apothecary series.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the town during the Oak Creek Valley’s annual Playwright Conference and Festival, Carissa discovers a dead body in the “Jean-Luc Patisserie” refrigerator. Unfortunately, one of the lead detectives believes Carissa is more than a witness. Finding herself embroiled in the murder investigation as a suspect, Carissa starts looking for answers.

ESSENTIALS OF DEATH is the second book in Kim Davis new series Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery series. This is a well written book filled with twists and turns. It will keep the reader guessing who the murderer is and why the evidence is pointing at Carissa.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great cozy mystery. Second in the series, but I couldn't find the first. Love that this series will deal with natural healing - something I have not encountered as of yet. In this book, Carissa encounters an old high school rival. Never on best terms, they argue in front of festival attendees, so when she discovers Lacie's body a few hours later, she becomes the prime suspect. To make matters worse, a new detective is taking on the case and seems to take joy in harassing Carissa. Evidence is piling up, and it seems all is lost, and she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and find the killer. The saving grace is that her friends and family will not give up on her - a theme that is appreciatively carried throughout the book. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of this series and it was hard to put it down once I started. Carissa finds the dead body of her high school nemesis and is immediately accused of the murder. Carissa tries to solve the murder all while dealing with several personal issues. I was unable to figure out the murderer and was surprised by the ending. By the way, the tour bus of senior citizens was hilarious. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Barbara Pucser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful mystery that kept me up reading way too late. There are so many twists and turns and characters that could have done it that i really wanted to get to the end to find out what happens. Since Carissa, the main character, owns a store that distills and sells essential oils, and i use essential oils, I found this book very interesting. It even includes some recipes. I really hope there will be more installments to this series because they are great!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I love that it is stand alone yet part of a series. I was a little lost at times with this being the second book but not lost enough that I couldn't read it. This book is very well written and keeps you guessing as to who did it until the very end. I loved it and plan to go back and read the first and anymore that is written in this series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were well formed and, even though I hadn't read the first book, I quickly became engrossed in the story and in their lives. As a matter of fact, I liked it so much, I bought the first book. I run a mystery book club and would recommend it to others in my club. Kim Davis - when is the next one coming out?

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery. It was interesting, the story moved along quickly and I learned some new facts about Aromatherapy. The main character was likeable and the murder mystery had a few twists keeping you wondering whodunit.

I received a free advance copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Meghan Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything by Kim Davis. Essentials of Death is the second book in Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries. This mystery with Carissa has me hooked from the start. I couldn't put the book down. I would recommend reading the first book first as some things will make more sense, however it can be read as a standalone. This is a perfect book to curl up to as the weather changes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essentials of Death is Book 2 Aromatherapy Apothecary by Kim Davis. I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Carissa is a wonderful character who is trying to begin a fresh start in life in her home town. Lacie is her frenemy from High School and time has not changed Lacie. I found it hard to feel sorry when Lacie murdered. The solving of the murder was surprising. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I love the protagonist Carissa with father who is the chief of police and her friends and employees Ashley and Dillon.

There is also a burgeoning romance between Jasper, a cute patissier and Carissa. All in all, this was an enchanting read with a lot of action happening.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynseygibs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of Essentials of Death.

An easy read cosy mystery, this was an enjoyable book.

[Rose Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it did not disappoint.
The story is well-written, with plenty of clues for the reader to follow and yes there are red herrings.

The main character is a sympathetic character. I immediately wanted her to solve the murder, especially since the detective wasn't interested in looking at anyone else.
I loved the supporting characters and look forward to possibly a romance coming in the future.

This is a great cozy mystery and the ending was very satisfying.
Overall I loved this book. It's a book I'll read again simply to enjoy it.

[Martha Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy the Cup Cake Catering mysteries you will definitely enjoy the Aromatherapy Apothecary series. It kept me guessing to the end of the book.