I enjoyed this visit to Carmel with Courtney and Fiona. The mystery was solid with a victim that no one was too upset about. I loved the fairies and their interactions with the rest of the community. The story just moved a little slowly for me and dragged for a part of it. Still, I love these characters and will continue with the series.

I’m going to have to start this review by admitting that I don’t believe in fairies. Not the cute little ones who flutter around flowers in the garden type, anyway, which is the kind who feature in this series of cozy mysteries. And honestly, this struck me as a book about fairies which happened to have a mystery in it, rather than a mystery that happens to have fairies in it. By the end, I could barely recall anything about the murder victim other than that she seemed to have been an awful person and half the town seemed to have a motive to kill her.

The mystery honestly seemed fairly simple, but there was an incredible amount of filler. We got intimate descriptions of about 20 - I didn’t count exactly, but it can’t have been many less than that - fairy gardens being built, a whole separate sub-plot about a character whose daughter had joined a cult which seems to be a setup for a future book, and a great many occasions where Courtney took her cat absolutely everywhere, including to the beach. Yes, her CAT. To a beach where complete strangers had dogs off the leash. My suspension of belief failed even harder at that than all the fairy stuff, I’m afraid.

I’m afraid I found this just too twee for words. Our heroine Courtney is practically perfect in every way; she also comes across as a self-righteous busybody, dobbing in everyone she sees doing anything remotely ‘naughty’ to the police as a potential murder suspect. It’s no wonder she’s confronted several times by angry (innocent!) people telling her to keep her nose out of their business, which of course does not stop her continuing to stick her nose into everyone’s business. A large cast of characters, the vast majority of whom seemed to have alliterative names (which was a weird choice), made it difficult for me to remember who was who, even with the cast list at the front of the book - it’s hard to flip back to refer to that in an ebook.

Frankly, this was a lot of waffle and I found myself utterly bored by it. Two stars.

What I Loved:

Expansion of Fairy Backstory. My biggest gripe with the first book in the Fairy Garden Mystery series was that the fairies seemed more like an afterthought than a major plot point. It actually bothered me because why add fairies to a perfectly serviceable cozy unless you planned to use them in a major way. However, A Glimmer of A Clue really brought in some of the magical elements and backstory missing from the first book. Courtney's righteous fairy Fiona is slowly making her way back into the fairy queen's good graces, Courtney is helping her friends and neighbors see their fellow fairy friends, and Fiona and her network are able to be crucial in solving the murder. I loved the "classifications" of fairies and how each classification has a different purpose, and I love the new powers Fiona has been discovering (reading minds, calming people down, etc).

Descriptions of Fairy Gardens. Fairy gardens are not as common by me, since they are generally made from succulents or other year-round outdoor plants that are almost nonexistent with New York winters. So when I began reading the Fairy Garden Mystery series, I was intrigued and found images of fairy gardens online. In book two, my imagination didn't have to suffice - there are so many more descriptions of the fairy gardens, Courtney's greenhouse of wonders, and the delicate fairy figurines that occupy the gardens. I loved the craft involved in making the gardens, and how Courtney teaches her neighbors and customers about the energy of each garden and proper placement.

The Romance. Ah, the romance. A long lost crush, two adults now trying to navigate the waters between friendship and a relationship - Courtney and Brady the hunky divorced café owner are delightful to read. I love how organically this relationship is budding, not too quick but also progressing so Brady can tell Courtney straight out he wants to take her on a date without any of the initial awkwardness. Also, I don't know whose idea of a "not date" sitting on a beach with a picnic of wine and cheese watching the sunset is, but I want more of those in my life

What Didn't Work for Me:

The Murder. This is *slightly* inaccurate. I loved the set up of the murder (an unlikeable victim, and plain as day red herring, a sleepwalker), but felt that the conclusion was rushed, and the antagonist's motive not as concrete as it should have been. I found the murderer's actions to be irrational for someone who so calculatedly planned this murder and the suspects of same, and thought that Courtney's involvement in solving it bordered on unbelievable. It would have been more fun if Courtney got caught giving clues to the Inspector that she shouldn't know (courtesy of her fairy) and trying to explain it away. No one seems to bat an eye here.

Obsession with Exercising/Food. For some reason, Gerber always brings in the main character's obsession with exercising and watching their weight into her books. I have this issue with her Cookbook Nook series, to the point where I dropped a rating a full star based on the main character's habit of fat shaming everyone around her. While Glimmer of a Clue isn't that bad, I was still disappointed by the amount of weight each character's exercise regime was given, or Courtney's running routine. Also, pickleball. Who the hell knew pickleball was still relevant.

Welcome back to Carmel, California, complete with a quaint, small-town feel and fairies fluttering around. Business is booming at Courtney Kelly's fairy garden shop, Open Your Imagination. The popularity of her fairy gardens and classes continue to gain traction.

All is not fairy magic and pixie dust when two residents, Wanda and Lana, cause a huge scene in public. Lana, it seems, causes controversy everywhere she goes, including the next day during a fundraiser. When Lana is found dead later that evening with Wanda standing next to the body, Courtney knows Wanda didn't commit the crime. Unfortunately, all evidence points solely to her.

Courtney puts on her amateur sleuthing cap to uncover who wanted Lana dead and who might be framing Wanda and why.

This is a very unique story with unique elements. I enjoyed the fairy garden shop setting, complete with a live fairy. The characters are fun and exciting. I enjoyed Courtney's character. She's trying to remain independent from her father. Her business is successful and thriving.

Her sleuthing skills have improved dramatically in book two. I enjoyed reading her thought processes, deductions, and reasonings as she works through the clues she knows first hand and those she's researched. The author delivers several suspects with means and motive, making figuring out who-dun-it difficult. There are twists and turns and red herrings, and while I may have suspected, I never was really sure. I'm looking forward to book 3.

Courtney's friend Wanda gets into a fight with local art critic Lana. A few days later, Lana is found dead with Wanda standing over her with her hand on the murder weapon. Courtney is determined to help the local police figure out what happened, whether they want her to or not.

I don't think I connected to this book as much as I did with the first one. I don't know if it was the book or if it was me. I really enjoy the fairy gardens and the fairy characters. I'm enjoying getting to know Courtney and all of her friends. I really like the dynamics in the book, I just wanted to connect with it more. I'm excited to see what's next!

In this second book of the series Courtney is forced to stop a fight between her friend Wanda and local art critic Lana Lamar. Things go from bad to worse when Lana threatens to sue and continues to cause one problem after another. She doesn't seem to have an off button and causing issues seems to be a favorite pass time for her. When Lana is found dead having been stabbed with Courtney's letter opener, it looks as if things have gotten as a bad as they can get. Courtney soon realizes that Wanda is the main suspect so she must do everything she can to help clear her friends name. As Courtney begins to dig into Lana's life she realizes the critic had her fair share of enemies and figuring out which one is the culprit might be harder than she thought. Follow along as she makes her way through her list of suspects, will she find a killer among them or will Wanda be found guilty in the end?

A Glimmer of a Clue is the delightful follow-up to A Sprinkling of Murder, the first book in A Fairy Garden Mystery Series. Once again, we get to visit the absolutely charming setting in Carmel, CA. And, yes, I'm still ready to move there! I could spend hours on Pinterest looking at photos taken by tourists (or locals!) of Carmel-By-The-Sea. The setting is just one of many reasons to love the Fairy Garden Mystery Series.

You'll also love Courtney's shop! Courtney Kelly is the proprietress of Open Your Imagination, a charming shop where she sells everything fairy. You can learn to make a fairy garden, attend book club, have tea, take your little ones to story hour, and possibly help Courtney solve a murder by sharing gossip you've heard around town.

As amazing as the setting and shops are, the well-developed characters and their friendships are what make A Glimmer of a Clue such a wonderful book.

I love Courtney's tenacity, though Detective Summers might wish she had a little less of it when it comes to solving the murder. Thank goodness he's got a girlfriend who's encouraging him to be patient with Courtney and to listen to Courtney since she's got awesome observational skills. She gets those skills from her dad who's also not too thrilled when Courtney starts lining up suspects since she knows her BFF's mom can't be guilty.

Courtney's old friends are back and new acquaintances are introduced in A Glimmer of a Clue. She develops a deepening friendship with one character, another gains the ability to see fairies,, new fairies are introduced, and those new acquaintances may or may not be involved in the murder!

A Glimmer of a Clue is a wonderful cozy mystery book full of charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem, clues and red herrings, and lots more! You're not going to be able to put this enchanting book down, so be prepared to lose some sleep!

I highly recommend A Glimmer of a Clue for all of you cozy mystery lovers who believe in fairies. All it takes is a little faith, trust and pixie dust! "I do believe in fairies, I do, I do."~ J.M. Barrie

Happy pub day! I absolutely enjoyed this mystery. Especially since it has been so hot outside and I have stayed in reading. Getting in the garden with Courtney was so much fun.

This was a little different than usual cozy but enjoyed it. The layers of the fantasy genre intertwined in the plot were intriguing! And the sweet romance was icing on the cake.

I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars!

A Glimmer of a Clue is the second book in A Fairy Garden Mystery. Although I started with the second book, I had no problems following the storyline.

I enjoyed visiting the fictitious town of Carmel-by-the-Sea where fairies abound but only to those who believe are able to see them. This story makes you want to take a stroll to look for fairies.

Courtney Kelly, the owner of a fairy garden and tea shop, hosts Fiona, who after messing up at fairy school and on probation has to earn her wings. Fiona at times is a little imp, where she teases Pixie, Courtney's cat.

A ruckus brings Courtney to Flair Gallery which her friend Meaghan was half owner, Courtney witnesses Wanda, Meaghan's mother, in a heated scuffle with Lana Lamar, and having no other option to end it by turning the hose on Lana.

At the Beauty of Art Spectacular event where people could bid on goods, Meaghan after going to check on her mother returns in a panic calling for Courtney to come. Together they witnessed Wanda kneeling by Lana with her hand on a weapon and Lana dead. After Wanda is arrested, Courtney vows to do some digging and in turn, earns her the ire of Detective Summers, and also, puts her in harm's way.

I loved the descriptions of the fairies and Fiona's antics. She has such a big personality. I never figured out the culprit until the reveal at the end. Although I tried to guess but was wrong. Reading this book makes you want to believe in fairies!

I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley via Kensington Books and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

Any time I pick up a cozy mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber, I know I’m in for a treat. An engaging writing style, clever plotting, and likable characters are a sure thing, and all this (plus a little fairy magic) can be found in her newest book, A Glimmer of a Clue!

Courtney and her fairy garden shop immediately draw you into the story, along with the colorful cast of supporting characters (including swoony Brady). The fairies, especially Courtney’s fairy Fiona, add an element of whimsy and magical realism as well as being an effective plot device when it comes to helping Courtney snoop for clues, etc. It did get a tad bogged down at times in the whys and wherefores of the fairy world but it stays pretty natural to the story even then and provides the necessary background for readers who haven’t read book one yet. I also got a chuckle out of Fiona’s recent interest in Sherlock Holmes books and how that shows up in her sleuthing lol.

The murder mystery is full of twists and turns and possible suspects. No one liked the victim (of course) so it’s not hard to find people with a reason to kill her. But there are lots of interesting layers that make it more complex than it first appears. From the prime suspect who appears to be sleepwalking at the time of the murder to the cloaked witness who has her own set of secrets and the highly-contested pickleball championship rules, there’s definitely more going on beneath the surface in this mystery, which makes it difficult (and enjoyable) to narrow down the culprit. You may even find yourself tapping into your own inner Sherlock Holmes to help Courtney and Fiona figure out whodunit.

Bottom Line: A sleepwalking murder suspect, a mysterious woman in a cloak, a spooky gray cat, and a whole host of plausible (and intriguing) culprits – throw in the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea setting, a hint of romance, and a bit of fairy magic for good measure & you’ve got an engaging cozy mystery that will keep you turning the pages! I really enjoy this author’s writing voice and the way she crafts a plot, and A Glimmer of a Clue is no exception. I also loved the bits of magical realism, thanks to the fairy elements, and I thought the concept of Courtney’s shop sounded like lots of fun! The victim in this story said that we all need a little make-believe in our lives, and Daryl Wood Gerber does a great job giving us those moments – and a fantastic mystery – as we read A Glimmer of a Clue!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The second in Daryl Wood Gerber's Fairy Garden series, A Glimmer of a Clue, lives up to the praise for a delightful, whimsical read. The quotes at the start of each chapter set the tone as the story builds to a satisfying conclusion. "I love fairies. If you don't believe in them, your loss." Anonymous. This story was perfect for me because I do enjoy fanciful reads to escape the daily grind.
Courtney not only sees Fairies, she has one! She runs a tea shop and fairy garden store that I would love to visit. When Courtney's friend is suspected of murder, Fiona, the fairy leaps in to help out. Other believers are also able to see them I enjoyed everything about this story and I will be reaching for book one this weekend. The recipes are so enticing. I am making the Lemon Thyme Biscuits this weekend.

I requested and received a digital advanced reader copy provided by the #Kensington Publishing, through #AGlimmerofAClue #NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own--I review books I enjoy so that my friends and followers can enjoy them, too.

When a lifelong troublemaker is murdered there could be multiple suspects but at the top of the list is Courtney's friend Wanda. Wanda is found with the victim but her daughter says she was sleepwalking. Courtney, with the help of fairy-in-training Fiona , is now working to help find the real killer.

When I started this story I was excited to read another great mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber but I didn't count on being so quickly drawn into the concept of making a fairly garden. The whimsy and beauty had me researching where to buy supplies while still reading the first chapter. I look forward to more books in the Fairy Garden Mystery series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is a fun cozy mystery series with fairies. I love the unique addition of fairies and the role they play in the story. This is the second book in the series and after enjoying book 1 I was excited for book 2. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one as much as I had hoped. I think it might've been my reading mood, but the mystery in this one just didn't grip me and that made it hard to really enjoy the story. The fairy element is awesome and I enjoyed reading about the actual fairies and their personalities as well as how the main characters makes fairy gardens.

The mystery in this one didn't fully grip me sadly. There's the victim whose an unlikable women and many didn't like her or had reason to want her out of the way. There were plenty of suspects, but for some reason I just wasn't invested. The main character Courtney gets involved as the mother of her best friend is the main suspect. Courtney then tries to figure out what happened. While the mystery didn't keep my attention I did like the twist at the end.

My favorite part of this series is the fun theme with the fairies and the fairy gardens. I like the scenes where Courtney creates a fairy garden or spends time in her store. There are actual fairies as well and I liked the little bit of magical they add to the story.

To summarize: This is a fun cozy mystery series with a fairy theme. the main character makes fairy gardens and there are actual fairies too which add a touch of the magical. Unfortunately the mystery in this one didn't really grip me. There is a nice twist toward the end.

A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber is the 2nd book in A Fairy Garden Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in A Sprinkling of Murder. I thought A Glimmer of a Clue was well-written with developed, engaging characters. Courtney Kelly owns Open Your Imagination where people can create fairy gardens. The author’s vivid word imagery allows me to envision the shop, the charming fairy gardens, the town, and the characters. I especially enjoyed the various fairy gardens created. I loved the different themes and the gardens created in the teacups. It gave me some ideas for a fairy garden of my own that I am eager to try out. The mystery was entertaining. Wanda finds herself arrested for the murder of Lana Lamar. Wanda has been a second mother to Courtney and her daughter, Meaghan is Courtney’s best friend. Courtney is naturally going to investigate. She is observant and picks up on details. Courtney has help from her fairy, Fiona as well as Meaghan. Other residents plus gossip help fill in gaps. There are several good suspects since Lana was not liked (with good reason). I wish I had not been able to pinpoint the killer so early in the book (I like more of a challenge). It did not, though, detract from my enjoyment of this spellbinding cozy mystery. A Glimmer of a Clue is a fun and relaxing tale to read. There are delicious food items created throughout the book and the author kindly included recipes at the end. I like that Courtney creates her dishes with fresh herbs she grows in her kitchen. I loved the reference to one of my favorite cozy mystery series when Courtney mentions to Didi that she knows a bookbinder in San Francisco (Brooklyn Wainwright). Pickleball has become a popular sport and I thought the author provided clear explanations of the game. It is certainly a competitive game especially when Lana Lamar is playing. I am looking forward to reading A Hint of Mischief next summer. A Glimmer of a Clue is an enchanting cozy mystery with fairy garden fun, delectable delights, pickle ball play, aggressive arguments, and flitting fairies.

an entertaining book, very original story, wonderful fairy world characters fill this witty story of murder and mayhem. A fun read, a must read. I received a copy from netgalley and this is my honest review, all opinions are my own

This is one of my favorite series! When we think of fairies I believe it makes us smile which lifts the mood. Gerber's Fairy Garden mysteries always put a smile on my face. This series is amazingly written and the protagonist is like a friend to the reader. Even with the chaos that occurs you continue to carry that smile for the rest of the day!

I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.

A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber is a totally unique cozy mystery in that the sidekick of an amateur sleuth is a fairy. Fiona is a fairy in disgrace having committed a transgression that sent her back into supervised training, and little to no contact with other fairies. Not everyone can see Fiona, but to those that could, she was a constant source of amusement. Courtney had quit working for her father's landscape company to open her story Open Your Imagination, which specialized in fairy gardens of all sizes. They taught classes, sold completed fairy gardens, and sold all of the pieces necessary to make your own, as well as served delicious cups of tea. The ship was located in a courtyard of shops, all different, including an art gallery, a dog groomer, a bakery, and a gym. The shop owners were all pretty close so when things went wrong everyone knew about it, including the fight between Wanda and Lana. Lana was a self-styled art critic and was constantly belittling artists, many of whom were Wanda's clients. Courtney finally had to turn a hose on the to get them to stop. Didn't make her popular. Then just a few days later, Lana turned up dead, and Wanda was arrested.

This is a great series. Fiona is a terrific character: immature and child-like in many ways, but caring and fun, and a terrific sleuth. Courtney relied on her, which was no small thing when most of the people in her life didn't believe...in fairies. Joss worked for Courtney at the shop and is a constant source of common sense and insight. This is a thoroughly amusing book and at the same time a decent cozy mystery with all the necessary components: a cat, a reluctant detective, an enthusiastic sleuth, plenty of interaction and social events among the cast members and murderer, even a possible love interest. The plot was good and the pacing was excellent. We are getting to know the characters, with the nest book on the horizon. Wonderful writing, and clever premise. I loved it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Glimmer of a Clue by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #aglimmerofaclue

I love everything about this series. The characters are great, just like real people. The town setting and the locations of the shops. I just want to hang out there. I really want Courtney to help my make a fairy garden. These folks just have the most fun in her shop. Oh, and I’d really like a fairy of my own. How cool would that be? I can’t wait to see what Courtney, Brady, Fiona and the rest of the crew get into next time. I think you’ll enjoy them too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Not many people liked Lana, but who would want to kill her? Surely not Wanda, the mom of Courtney's BFF. Even though they had a run-in previously...and she was found standing over the body, with a knife... When the police set their eyes on Wanda, Courtney decides she had to help clear Wanda's name and bring the real murderer to justice.

Such a fun and whimsical cozy mystery. I love Courtney, her assistant Joss, all the folks living and working around her, and, of course, the fairies. I enjoyed reading how the fairies help people, especially Courtney and her sleuthing. And the descriptions of the fairy gardens!!! I want my own fairy garden...completely with fairy, of course.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

I enjoyed the first in Fairy Garden Mystery series, and I certainly enjoyed the second in the series. The victim is disliked by so many people I'm surprised that Courtney was able to narrow down the suspect list let alone find a killer. I had to Google pickleball since it is a Sport I've never heard of before. Looking forward to book three.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.