When a very unpleasant woman is found dead and Courtney's friend is arrested, she knows she must find the killer. Everyone has something against Lana, so the list of suspects is long. Courtney and Fiona have to sift through the suspects and clues to find the killer before an innocent woman goes to prison. The police and Courtney's dad are not too happy with what they see as her interference, but Courtney will do anything to help her friend. Will they find the killer in time?

I adore this cozy series! Set in Carmel and featuring Courtney, the fairy seeing owner of Open Your Imagination, this series offers the whimsy and escapism most people look for in a cozy series. The recurring characters, including a cat and under-supervision fairy, bring friendship and continuity to the series as we get to know and love them! These are people you would like to be friends with! But of course, there is always a murder to solve and plot development does not disappoint. One victim but several potential murderers and Courtney must figure out who the bad guy is before a friend is accused of a crime they did not commit. The only way I would enjoy this series more is if I were reading it while enjoying some tea and a pastry at Courtney's lovely little shop.

A Glimmer of a Clue is the second book in the Fairy Garden Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber.

Courtney’s friend, Wanda, has a public scuffle with with another woman, Lana. Lana later ends up dead and Wanda is a suspect. Courtney and Fiona believe Wanda is innocent and begin investigating.

I really like the characters in this book and seeing how hard Fiona is working to behave and get her second set of wings. The mystery is interesting and there are plenty of viable suspects. There is a cast of characters at the beginning that is really helpful.

I can’t wait to see what happens for Courtney and Brady and Fiona in the next book.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This is the 2nd installment of the Fairy Garden mystery series. Courtney Kelly owns a fairy gardening and tea shop in Carmel California, which she has operates with a her one employee Joss and her resident fairy Fiona. Courtney is preparing a fairy garden for the upcoming charity gala for her best friends Meaghan’s mother Wanda. Courtney hears a crash and a dispute going on in the parking lot between Wanda and art critic Lana Lamar and Lana has Wanda in a stronghold by her hair. A crowd gathers but no one is doing anything and Lana will not stand down so Courtney takes a hose and sprays her down to end the altercation. Lana vows this is not over. Lana is a pickleball champion and Wanda has been helping her friend Didi at the Sports Zone Gym which they all belong to and the dispute has to do with Didi as well as Wanda’s dislike for Lana and her harsh reviews of artists represented by herself and displayed at her daughter’s gallery. Things seem to settle down, however, on the night of the gala things heat up again as Lana is in rare form picking on everyone. Wanda is tired as chair and Kip (Courtney’s Father) suggests she just lay down in the ladies room for a little break. When Meaghan and Courtney go looking for Wanda they find her over the dead body of Lana. Wanda is taken into custody and Meaghan is beside herself and Courtney knows that Wanda is not capable of murder. Courtney begins her informal investigation must to the displeasure of the local Detective Summers. Brady Cash is a local restaurant owner and friend of Courtney as they went to high school together although he was a few years older. He is concerned about her safety with her investigating and although he is skeptical of fairies he has kept an open mind. This was a great and engaging mystery and I love the involvement of the local fairies and Fiona is such a great character. Courtney’s relationship with Brady is also getting closer and I look forward to a full blown romance with those two as well as a future Fairy viewing by Brady. Loved this story and setting and cannot wait for the next installment. Highly Recommend.

Lana Lamar, local art critic and champion pickle ball player, considers herself fair-minded, objective, and gorgeous. Courtney Kelly, owner of Open Your Imagination, a fairy-themed garden shop, knows otherwise. She’s listened to Lana drone on about herself when both are working out at Sport Zone, the local athletic club. Lana is overly critical of everyone and everything, and today is no different.
Lana has gotten into an argument with Didi Dubois, owner of Sport Zone. Lana, the local pickleball champion for the past fourteen years, wants an exemption from the rules governing competing in any competitive sport. Didi intends to hold Lana to the rules. Not long after her conversation with Didi, a ruckus breaks out somewhere outside the shop. Courtney, with her fairy Fiona following along, investigates what is obviously a fight between two women.

Lana Lamar and Wanda Brownie are engaged in a fight. Lana has denigrated one of the artists at Flair, an art gallery partially owned by Wanda’s daughter Meaghan. Wanda states her opinion of Lana’s art expertise-she doesn’t have any—and also calls Lana a cheater. Wanda plans to back Didi’s plan to revoke Lana membership at the Sport Zone because Lana has violated the guidelines of the sports club and Wanda intends to see Lana gone.
When Lana’s body is discovered at an exclusive fundraiser, Wanda is kneeling over the body, her hands wrapped around the murder weapon. Wanda is taken into custody, but Courtney knows Wanda, who is like a second mother to Courtney, didn’t kill Lana. It falls on Courtney to find the real killer and clear Wanda’s name. The killer, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind killing again if it means keeping their identity a secret.


Thoughts
I wasn’t sure about this series after reading the first book, but this second book is so much better. This is a fun series, it has fairies!, and I’m glad I gave this second book in the series a chance.

This is the second book in the Fairy Garden Mystery series and it is just as delightful as the first. Courtney owns a shop that helps people create fairy gardens and serves tea. She gets a bit of help from her very own fairy, Fiona. Fiona is a bit snarky although she is trying to toe the line and be admitted back into the full realm of fairies.

Courtney's best friend's mother (and second mother to her) is accused of murder during an Extravaganza. Courtney, Fiona and a few other fairies team up to clear Wanda's name. The circumstances of the murder were intriguing to me as I have a history of sleepwalking when stressed. I understand how helpless everyone feels while trying to find the truth.

I love the town of Carmel! The shops and the townspeople come to life in the descriptions. I'm really interested to see not only where the romance with Courtney and Brady leads but also with her dad and Wanda. This all makes for a sweet side story.

The victim is disliked by so many people that it is difficult to pinpoint who actually killed her. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that kept me on my toes until the culprit is revealed.

The recipes at the end of the book are an added plus.

This series has grabbed my attention and I look forward to seeing where it leads. I will anxiously await the next book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for allowing me to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I wasn't able to put it down as it's gripping and highly entertaining.
The murder of a woman with plenty of people who hate her, an unlikely suspect and a very surprising solution.
I was happy to catch up with the characters and read about their life and the changes going on.
The setting is as lovely as usual and the characters are fleshed out.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait to read the next story, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A GLIMMER OF A CLUE by Daryl Wood Gerber
The Second Fairy Garden Mystery

Lana Lamar is not only a terror on the pickleball court, she's a nightmare to almost everyone she meets. Whether it's writing scathing reviews, demeaning her husband, or demanding attention and special privileges from the gym, Lana brings a special brand of meanness with her wherever she goes. Her reign of terror comes to a sudden end as the big charity auction turns into a crime scene. Courtney Kelly, fairy garden creator and sometimes sleuth, finds Wanda standing over a very dead Lana, murder weapon in hand. As bad as things look Courtney knows her best friend's mother isn't a murderer, but who is? Almost everyone who ever made contact with Lana had a motive. Along with the Righteous Fairy Fiona, Courtney will sort through the clues to discover just who killed the pickleball queen.

The second Fairy Garden Mystery hits its stride with the murder of a viperous woman. While her death is a relief for many people, it's also a cause of worry when the woman who has been like a mother to Courtney becomes the prime suspect. I love how the relationship between the fairy Fiona and Courtney has developed. Fiona is growing, literally earning her wings. She's more responsible while still keeping her saucy sense of play.

Relationships are the key to the story. The unsettled relationships between the victim and...everybody, the relationship between Courtney and her family and friends, including one who is becoming more than just a friend, Fiona's relationship with other fairies, and more, all come into play driving the story as well as supporting it.

Just like a fairy garden A GLIMMER OF A CLUE is a joyful mixture of fun and whimsy with surprises that appear when you least expect them.

A Glimmer of a Clue is the second instalment Daryl Wood Gerber's 'A Fairy Garden Mystery' series. I've also read a couple of the author's books from her 'Cookbook Nook Mystery series'.

In this fabulous cosy mystery, Courtney Kelly owns a magical fairy garden shop and tearoom, called Open Your Imagination, based in the small town of Carmel, California. She has been able to see the fairies from a very young age but there are some sceptics who don't have her ability. She teaches garden design and sells everything from fairy figurines to tinkling wind chimes and it's the perfect place for her book club teas. When local art critic, Lana Lamar is involved in a number of catfights and scuffles at a posh fundraiser she is later found dead with a letter opener sticking out of her. The weapon was an item in Courtney's shop.

The writing style of Daryl Wood Gerber continues to impress and even with the plethora of cast members, the story is easy to follow. Narrator Courtney is a great character and I love her determination and her singlemindedness. I also enjoyed the contributions from the righteous chief fairy, Fiona who helps to solve the case.

The whodunit aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for the most diligent of armchair detectives to play along. Every clue led to a revelation and I really liked the way things were all wrapped up. This tremendously enchanting novel was a hit for me and I am looking forward to reading book three and getting to know all of the characters to a greater degree. If you adore a fantastic cosy mystery with a strong dose of magical realism, don't miss out on A Glimmer of a Clue.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Courtney Kelly loves living in Carmel. The tranquility and beauty of the area makes it a perfect place for fairies. Courtney has Fiona. She's a righteous Fairy. Unfortunately there is one impediment to harmony. Lana Lamar is making everyone miserable. She doesn't respect others and believe rules don't apply to her. I wasn't surprised when she's found dead at the local gala, but I was surprised when Wanda Brownie was arrested for the crime. Wanda is very laid back. Courtney is sure Wanda is innocent and she's going to prove it. Fiona with her special skills is anxious to help investigate. As are other friends. Can they get to the truth and exonerate Wanda? Courtney is an interesting character. She's cares for others both people and animals especially her Ragdoll cat. She's a steadfast and loyal friend. I was happy to see that she and Brady are developing a romantic attraction. The killer, however, is just as determined to get Courtney to back off. Daryl Wood Gerber has written an engaging, fast paced cozy. There are plenty of suspects and unexpected surprises. I couldn't put down A Glimmer of a Clue. I love Fiona and the other fairies. Also, I enjoy the tips on how to create a fairy garden as well as the recipes that were included. I'm looking forward to Courtney's next crime solving caper.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

A group of active, mature adults with bold personalities, a garden shop it would be a dream to browse, some vocal public displays of discontention, and a touch of magic... what's not to love?

When a local diva dies, after having public disagreements with many, finding a murderer is more challenging than the police would like. Arresting the woman found kneeling over the body, hands on the murder weapon, doesn't satisfy anyone.

Fairies can be brilliant and joyful or mischievous There are believers and nonbelievers and many humans wishing to get a glimpse or encounter with even one . We learn much about fairy habits and rules in this book.

The characters are well developed and quite diverse. The settings detailed and exceptionally creative.
I felt an emotional attachment to many persons as the story unfolded. I even quite liked the detective.

This is a great escape read and was a lot of fun.

This is the second book in this series. I love the little fairies that aid in the story and I love the fairy garden building. Lana Lamar is setting everyone off with bad financial advice, boardroom arguments, and general animosity. When she is found dead at a fundraiser, Courtney’s friend is most likely to be the murderer. Courtney and friends try to puzzle the mystery. Courtney’s fairy Fiona becomes more helpful as she grows in the book. Loved it!

This was the perfect mystery to help reduce some of my stress. I settled down in a comfy spot, mug of tea at hand and lost myself in Carmel-by-the-Sea and the charming shop Open Your Imagination. Courtney creates fairy gardens, helps her customers create their own and sells chimes and all things fairy related. The really special part? Courtney has a fairy, Fiona, as her companion as well as a cat named Pixie. As a team, Courtney and Fiona are very good at tracking down killers.
In this, the second crime for them to solve, Lana Lamar, a not very nice local art critic, causes several very public cat fights and soon is found dead with a letter opener stuck in her. The weapon came from Courtney's shop and the nearest person to the corpse is Wanda, Courtney's close friend. With a list of people who are not shedding a tear at Lana's demise a mile long, it's time to go through Lana's life and nab the killer - fast.
The setting of Carmel-by-the-Sea would have gotten my attention regardless of the mystery theme. Courtney and Fiona are delightful and had me wanting to believe in fairies. (my guardian angel could do with the extra help with me). As for the mystery, it was complex and kept me guessing to the final reveal. I guessed wrong several times. It was reading time well spent.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Glimmer of a Clue is the second book in A Fairy Garden Mystery series, and I must say it has me wanting to make a fairy garden for myself. The fairy element is lovely and puts this cozy mystery the paranormal category. In this book we meet more fairies than in the first book and receive hints of other magical beings.
Courtney displays her unique personality and may either delight or put off the reader. Courtney believes in and sees fairies and enjoys a logical and deductive reasoning that has her harking after clues to who is behind Lana’s murder. Courtney does sometimes cause sensations of irritation in the main detective on the case and her father.
Open Your Imagination is Courtney’s store in Carmel, California. It is the setting of most the story and within you’ll find Courtney, Joss, Pixie, the cat, and Fiona, a fairy. The other characters in the story flow in and out of Open Your Imagination, bringing information, making fairy gardens or having a book club. The author manages to make a popular tourist town feel small.
There are a few references to other cozy mystery series by fellow authors. There are some yummy sounding recipes at the end.
The author plants clues which may lead the reader to the culprit ahead of Courtney. The story is a lovely blend of whimsy and mystery with a little spice of danger.
I loved it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book prior to publication.

When angry art critic, Lana, is killed in A Glimmer of a Clue, no one is surprised. She alienated half the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, after all. But fairy garden store and tea shop owner, Courtney, is determined to root out the killer—with a little help from her fairy-in-training, Fiona.

A Glimmer of a Clue is the perfect beach read! By the end of the book, you too will believe in fairies. The characters are genuine. The budding romance between Courtney and cafe owner, Brady, is evolving realistically. There are ten yummy sounding recipes too.

The mystery is fair. It has a few surprising twists and turns. Honestly, who hasn’t wanted to extinguish the confident-for-no-reason Lanas in their life—whether with a hose or a knife. 5 stars!

Thanks to Kensington Books, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this story! Every time I read a book in this series, I get enchanted with fairy gardens all over again. Great story, loved all the blossoming relationships!

Murder solved with a twist of fairy dust makes this a fun, one-of-a-kind story. Likable characters, interesting events and lots of recipes add up to a great read. Thanks to #NetGalley and #AGlimmerofaClue for an advanced digital copy.

I'd forgotten just how much I loved those little fairies Fiona and Merryweather especially when they can help with a murder case. Fiona and her fairy pipeline had another little side project going on too that resulted in a happy reunion for a couple of people. The murder of a woman no one liked was a tough case with Summers constantly on Courtney to back off, but Wanda was the accused, and she wasn't about to let her go down for something she didn't do. It was cute how Courtney's dad Kip and Wanda were together now.

I kept going back and forth on whodunit, but I was definitely on the right track! What a great showdown with everyone pitching in to help. I just love this story world. Something magical happened for Meaghan earlier in the book, and it looks like something promising might be hopefully happening for Brady and Courtney. His statement at the end was so darn sweet!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

If you don't know, you should know that there's a fairy named Fiona who helps Courtney, our heroine, solve crimes. I adore Fiona, who has had some, ahem, issues with fairyhood and who is now emulating Sherlock Holmes. And just in time because Wanda, mother of Courtney's BFF Meaghan (and love interest of her dad) has been found standing over the body of the hateful Lana. And she doesn't know if she did it. Well, Courtney, Meaghan, and Fiona know that she didn't and set out to figure out which of the several people who didn't like Lana did. This blends a good cozy mystery with a fun (upscale) small town scene. The characters are nice and the storytelling wraps you in. Thanks to Netgalley for the AC. Don't worry if you didn't read the first book - this will be fine as a standalone. AND, there are recipes for some of the treats Courtney serves.

Book 2 in A Fairy Garden Mystery. This is such a fun twist on a paranormal cozy. Yes, there are a handful of actual fairies who have main roles. The main fairy, Fiona, helps our protagonist collect clues to exonerate her bestie’s mom and help locate a missing daughter. I love the fairies. They are slightly sarcastic and like to mess with non-believers because not all of our characters can see these magical creatures fluttering around their quaint, artsy town. They are cleverly sprinkled throughout the storyline so it’s not such a stretch to accept their existence. I definitely wouldn’t mind learning a tad more about Fiona’s world and the Fairy Queen she is working so hard to impress.

I really love the settings in this series. The shops all sound fabulous and like a wonderful place to visit, relax, shop at or even take a few crafty classes. Courtney runs the cutest garden shop that specializes in teaching patrons to make their own fairy creations. I enjoyed the descriptions of all the clever ways people chose to put together their gardens - something I use to love to do with my daughter when she was younger.

The mystery was fantastic in this book. Where it takes places and who was accused, adds plenty of questions and suspects to sort through. It kept me guessing for quite some time. There’s also a sweet, light romance going on that I look forward to watching develop.

The book concludes with quite a few yummy sounding recipes.