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.
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.
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!
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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.)
