The Aromatherapy Apothecary Mystery Series

Essentials of Murder Book Cover
Book 1

Essentials of Murder

Recovering from a scandal that chased her from San Francisco, Carissa Carmichael struggles to find acceptance in her small Southern California hometown as she opens her aromatherapy and reflexology shop.

When she finds a man murdered in her distilling room, Carissa becomes the main 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—including the new leading detective.

Refusing to run again, Carissa knows she must prove her innocence to save her shop and her family’s reputation. 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.

Praise for Essentials of Murder

“Author Kim Davis creates a riveting and daunting crime scene investigation that kept me guessing as to whodunnit the entire story!” ~ Linda Langford, Chatting About Cozies
“Essentials of Murder is a fun debut. I already can’t wait to go back and visit my new friends again. Don’t miss it.” ~ Mark Baker, Carstairs Considers
“Davis proves once again that she knows how to write cozy mysteries.” ~ Kim Heniadis, Certified Aromatherapist
“This book has all the qualities of a top notch cozy mystery.” ~ Karen Kenyon, Goodreads Reviewer
“Great setting and a strong mystery pulled me in and I finished it in a day and a half. Highly recommend, and I’m looking forward to book two!” ~ Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books
“There’s more to ESSENTIALS OF MURDER than meets the eye making it a solid start to an enjoyable new series.” ~ Cozy Up With Kathy
“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.” ~ The Avid Reader
“This series is off to a marvelous start with Essentials for Murder. I can’t wait for book #2.” ~ Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
“5 stars! The story wastes no time getting to the murder, from there, it’s constant action.” ~ Boys’ Mom Reads!
Essentials of Death Book Cover
Book 2

Essentials of Death

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.

Praise for Essentials of Death

“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.” ~ Faith, Goodreads Reviewer
“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.” ~ Estelle B., Goodreads Reviewer
“4 Stars — 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.” ~ Carstairs Considers
“5 Stars — 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 is well plotted and it is not easily solved. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well rounded cozy mystery. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did.” ~ MJB Reviewers
“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.” ~ Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
“More than one malevolent character brings on the drama in ESSENTIALS OF DEATH, making for a heart-pounding suspenseful mystery.” ~ Cozy Up With Kathy