Murder in a Lavender Daze

by Daryl Wood Gerber

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Literary Dining Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries.

In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.

She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.

Reviews

[Devonte Spinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. The author paints the setting with such vivid detail that I could practically smell the lavender fields rolling across every scene. The central mystery is clever and unpredictable, with each clue delivered at just the right moment. I loved the emotional depth woven into the protagonist’s journey, giving the suspense real heart. The writing is elegant, the atmosphere rich, and the ending is both shocking and perfectly earned. “Murder in a Lavender Daze” is an absolute gem of modern mystery fiction.

[Liz Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!
Emma has befriended a customer who is in the process of celebrating her impending divorce. Things seem to be going well until Emma, her cousin and their grandmother attend a dinner at the customer’s home. Addison’s soon-to-be ex makes an appearance, and Addison’s mother gets particularly prickly. When the mother is found dead, by Addison and Emma, in her own bed, Emma needs to clear Addison for her new friend’s sake as well as the sake of her business.
Emma explores the dynamics of the relationships among Addison and her friends, her family, and her almost ex.
I enjoyed the writing and the story itself. There is some crossover with the author’s Fairy Garden mysteries, but it is minimal and flows naturally in the story. There’s even a hint of a new relationship on the horizon, maybe.
This is the second book in this series, I hope there will be many more.

[Alicia Kozak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in this spinoff from the Fairy Garden series. We see a little more of the fairies than in the first book. Although not necessary- this series could stand on its own- we might get to learn more about the fairy realm that wasn't covered in the original series. I don't know anything about spa treatments or crystal readings but the author describes everything nicely and it fits in easily.
Some new characters are introduced. Not sure whether they'll become reoccurring or not, but you get to know them quickly and hope everything works out for all of them. The mystery has a lot of potential suspects with a unique clue that Emma is particularly suited to unravel.
Recipes are included that I want to try, especially the double chocolate chip cookies and the pumpkin muffins.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this second in the series book. I think I liked it more than the first because the characters are developing so nicely! I have never been to a wellness spa but it seems like Aroma Wellness is growing to be a very good place to go to learn relaxation and find some peace. Unless you are the one finding the body, then it might take a few extra visits to the spa. It's nice to have characters from the Fairy Garden series be a part of this series also. It's pretty cool the way the author is bringing the characters together. I look forward to reading more about the group of wonderful people that are in these series!

[Prof. Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a stunning achievement in atmospheric mystery writing. The author’s command of mood is evident on every page, using the lavender haze to create tension, nostalgia, and unease all at once. The mystery is tightly constructed, with clues that feel organic and characters who are fully realized. I admired the protagonist’s inner struggles and how they tied into the investigation’s larger themes. The final reveal was both surprising and emotionally satisfying. “Murder in a Lavender Daze” is a beautifully crafted, deeply engaging mystery I couldn’t put down.

[Jennifer Moriarity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I loved it! This is a wonderful continuation of the Aroma Wellness series. It is the second in the series so far and I enjoyed getting back to Carmel. Emma is a fun character and I enjoy seeing her grow as a character. The book is well written and the story flows smoothly. While I prefer to read books in order, you do not have to read the first one to follow the story in this one. If you like cozy mysteries, this is a wonderful book and series to read as well as her Fairy Garden series also set in Carmel.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book in a phenomenal series. Emma has always been through situations that have made her observant and alert. Circumstances always throw her into the thick of things whether she wants to be or not. She has a wonderful cat, and a great support system who are behind her 100%. This story kept me engaged from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book and this series. I can't wait for the next installment of this series!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Brennan, owner of Aroma Wellness Spa, is starting to offer new services, and one of them is a divorce party.
Addison Lacey is thrilled to be having a "Happily Divorced " party, until her mother winds up dead and she's the top suspect.
Emma once again starts asking questions, she is determined to uncover the real suspect.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. I loved the family dynamics, I loved reading about the spa treatments, I loved the mystery. My only dislike (and it's minor) is I felt Emma was annoying as a sleuth. She came off as nosy and blunt in several instances. I look forward to the next book in the series, though!