Spotlight on Kim Davis #SpotlightSunday #giveaway

KIM DAVIS: Since my next upcoming cozy mystery release, Essentials of Homicide, (September 2026) is from my Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries, and my latest book, Essentials of Death just released in audiobook, I thought I'd take you to my setting. 

(Be sure to scroll down to the end to find out how to win a copy!)

When I started writing the Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries, I knew I needed a small town or a small community feel with a cozy vibe. It was fairly easy to create and develop the characters, but I needed an original setting for them to share their stories and solve the murders. And somewhere that wouldn’t fall into the Cabot Cove trap… we don’t want to kill off the entire population of a town! I needed a place that would attract a lot of fresh bodies, err, tourists. I also wanted it based in Southern California (my first series is in Newport Beach, CA, close to where I live and used to work) and at least based on somewhere I knew well or could easily visit to get the “flavor”. I wanted a place unique enough that it could almost be its own character.

 

 

And then inspiration struck: I could base my setting on the small tourist town (population less than 8,000) I grew up in until the age of 14, when my parents moved us to an even smaller town with less than 1,500 residents (which would not make for a good setting for a murder mystery series). Ojai (pronounced OH-HIGH) is about 80 miles from Los Angeles and attracts movie and television studios for on-location filming.

 

 

The Spanish-style architecture and the mountains surrounding the town make for a gorgeous backdrop, whether for filming, weddings, or vacationing. There are wineries, spas, artists’ retreats, and outdoor attractions like golf, tennis, and horse and biking trails. In addition, the city hosts a variety of annual festivals that attract people from all over. It would give me an excellent source of victims, bah-hah-ha.

 

I’d like to say I’m a pay attention to details kind of person, but I’m not. One of the first things I did was turn Ojai into the fictional town of Oak Creek Valley. I didn’t want sharp readers to find errors in my directions or street names, and unless the sun is rising or setting, I’m not sure I know if I’m headed east or west. Forget about north or south directions…which is why I can’t drive anywhere new without my navigation system blaring directions at me.

 

 As I began developing my character, Carissa Carmichael, I added some small things that I’d experienced during my time in Ojai. I have her living in an avocado orchard, just like a couple of my friends did. Carissa and her dad spent long hours in the saddle, trail riding in the surrounding Topa Topa Mountains. I too spent a lot of afternoons horseback riding with friends.

 

I also liked that Carissa could use the bounty from the orchards and farms in the area, from avocados to olives to citrus to lavender, in her essential oils. When I revisit the area, I adore driving with the windows down to breathe in the fragrant blossoms from the trees, which also make incredibly delicious honey. 

And even better are the many wineries and tasting rooms to try out!

As I prepare for the release of Essentials of Homicide, the third book in the Aromatherapy Apothecary mysteries, it’s like taking a step back in time for me and reliving some of my childhood memories…which thankfully did NOT include murder.

 

Many thanks to my cousin and fellow former Ojai resident, Mary Karnes, for allowing me to use her photos of the locale today! I'm including a photo of the both of us at the Ojai Valley Inn enjoying lunch together a while ago. Photos of food and wine are mine... priorities you know! 

 

You can visit coastal Southern California in my Cupcake Catering Mysteries or visit Ojai, aka Oak Creek Valley in my Aromatherapy Mysteries!

Books available at most online retailers

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Apple

 

Cupcake Catering Mysteries * Essentials of Murder* Essentials of Death

 

About the Author:

Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, and the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series. She has also written several children’s nature articles published 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.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on blogs, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

Click here to sign up here for Kim’s newsletter: Newsletter

Connect with Kim: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Bluesky, Bookbub, Goodreads, TikTok, and website

 

G I V E A W A Y   T I M E !!!

I'm giving away a copy of Essentials of Death, your choice of format: print, ebook, or a Spotify audiobook.

Comment below and include your email (yourname at yourserver dot com) for a chance to win a copy of Essentials of Death. (Contest ends 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Print and ebook limited to US residents; audiobook is available for everyone on the Spotify app.)

Readers, do you have a favorite small town you enjoy visiting as a tourist?