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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940163154074 |
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| Publisher: | Beyond the Page Publishing |
| Publication date: | 11/12/2019 |
| Series: | An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense , #2 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 51,224 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Fan Mail
4.6 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
33 reviews.
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"Fan Mail" by Daryl Wood Gerber is the fabulous follow-up to "Desolate Shores", which I read and loved in 2019. Going into this book, I was hoping I'd love it as much as the first one, and I did...maybe even more. "Fan Mail" offers the reader:
1. Great characters! Aspen, our heroine, is wonderful. She simultaneously comes across as likable, intelligent, brave (but not stupidly so), and honorable. She works as a PI-in-training for her aunt's agency, and is gradually honing her investigative skills. Combined with her past career as a psychologist, Aspen has all the tools needed to effectively unravel mysteries. Love interest Nick (police detective), Max (Aspen's aunt), and Candace (Aspen's niece) are also nicely drawn and intriguing in their own right. Several of the secondary characters/suspects really shone in the story, being quite well-developed as characters so that the reader gets to know them while Aspen investigates their connection (if any) to the crimes.
2. The location! "Desolate Shores" is set in the Lake Tahoe area. The author describes the setting (and specific locations within that setting) so perfectly, I can see everything clearly in my mind's eye. I've added Lake Tahoe to the list of places I'd love to visit someday. The setting is distinctive enough to almost seem like a separate character in the story. Personally, I love it when a novel's setting is so vivid I actually remember the location after I've finished. This one will stay with me for a long time!
3. The mystery itself! This book features a serial killer who is still actively committing crimes, so the stakes are high. Aspen knows the first victim, and is drawn into the investigation further when a friend starts receiving notes believed to be from the killer. With the multiple victims, there are plenty of suspects, as well as the whole "are all of these crimes related" question. Aspen is proving to be a thorough and relentless investigator, and I find her method of looking into things very appealing.
4. Candace! Aspen's niece is a lovely girl, and it was nice to see her living with her aunt permanently in this book. I also enjoyed seeing how she's gaining confidence in herself as a person, even as she navigates the trials of middle-school life. May she find a better boyfriend in the next book....Aspen should dig up some dirt on the current one, and blackmail him out of Candace's life.
All in all, this is a wonderful book, and I can't say enough good things about it. Read it...you will NOT be disappointed. I love everything that Daryl Wood Gerber writes, and recommend that all fans of the mystery/suspense genre acquire one (or more) of her books as soon as possible.
Five out of perfect slices of provolone!
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This is book #2 of the Aspen Adams Suspense series by Daryl Wood Gerber. I did not read book number one so at first, I was a bit confused about the characters and why they did certain things. But it wasn’t hard to get into the book and learn about the characters at all. The series takes place in Lake Tahoe, Nevada with Aspen working as a private investigator. Aspen’s boyfriend Nick is a detective with the county. Aspen’s doctor is found murdered at the very beginning of the book and Aspen is beside herself as the doctor had some very important test results that Aspen was waiting on. Gloria Morning is a reporter that receives a fan letter and it indicates that the murder was done with an association to her. Then a second murder takes place and Gloria receives the same letter. With the second letter Gloria becomes frantic and petrified as to what is going on in their town. After receiving the letters Gloria then hires Aspen to discover who is sending her these letters and why are they sending them to her.
There are many twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. I love to read books where there is a woman sleuth and a difficult puzzle to solve. This is a well written suspense murder mystery that keeps you wanting to continue reading the book all in one sitting. Just when you think you have figured out a piece of the puzzle as to who was the murderer the author takes you in a completely different direction. I am going to go back and now read book #1.
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Fan Mail is the second book in the Aspen Adams Suspense series. The descriptions create a clear, vivid picture in readers’ minds of Lake Tahoe, where the story takes place. Aspen, the least experienced in an investigative capacity at her aunt’s private detective agency, takes on the responsibility of finding out who is sending her friend notes that are tied to a string of murders. With a list of probable suspects and accidents that might be related to Aspen’s investigation, will she be able to identify the real culprit? Is she in danger of suffering serious bodily injuries that could result in death?
The characters are well-developed, believable and dealing with real-life issues that readers can relate to, such as parenting a teenager and handling a romantic relationship. Aspen has taken on the guardianship of her niece which has brought its own set of challenges. Aspen’s boyfriend is a detective, who is also investigating the homicides. Does this cause a conflict of interest between Aspen and her boyfriend? Is one person or a serial killer responsible for these heinous actions?
Daryl Wood Gerber has written a gripping and exciting suspenseful murder mystery that grabs readers’ interest from the beginning. Each chapter finishes with a hook that entices readers to turn the page and find out what happens next. As the story progresses, the increasing tension and suspense culminate into a final hair-raising encounter. A number of references to events that occurred in the first book, Desolate Shores, are pertinent as to characters’ reactions to current circumstances and also piqued my interest in reading the first installment in the series.
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The series keeps getting stronger!
Life has settled down for Aspen Adams and her niece Candace. Aspen is working had learning at her aunt's private investigator firm and Candace has a boyfriend! Well, things look good except for Aspen's little personal medical issue. So when Aspen's doctor calls her first thing one morning, she thinks it must be related to test results. Sadly, it isn't. I was not sold on Aspen's need to investigate at this point, but after Gloria Morning started getting letters, Aspen's involvement felt a lot more realistic. Once over that odd start, the story picks up and things get good. The author did a great job of giving readers all the information but the murdered was still a surprise. I was also glad to get to learn more about Aspen, Candace, and the other residents of Lake Tahoe. I love feeling nostalgic about the Lake Tahoe area and the local history the author interjects throughout the story. One piece of advice for Ms. Adams? Change to Verizon! I know cell phone coverage up there is spotty, but it I've never had the problems she seems to have.
Thanks to The Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
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Intriguing
If you are a “Cozy Mystery” reader you are going to really enjoy this one. Aspin, our main character is written so well that you will be rooting for her. She and her niece Candace make an unusually unique team.
Aspin gets involved in not just one murder but several and she follows the clues until she get this right person for the crimes. She uses all of the skills she learned as a therapist and now as a detective to solve these mysteries and to help the victims survivors.
Because of the way Ms. Gerber sets up the scenes it is easy to visualize everything that is going on in the book. You will be so involved that you will read the book in one or two sittings.
Somehow I missed the first book in this series but I will be reading the first one and any that follows.
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I was super excited to receive Fan Mail (An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense Book 2) and read more about Aspen and was especially thrilled to see her niece, Candace, featured more prominently in Fan Mail. I enjoy Candace very much. She's a sensitive teenager who is an excellent side-kick to Aspen.
I like how Aspen attempts to navigate being a parent to Candace, and I chuckle at some of their typical parent-child dialogue and interactions.
Daryl Wood Gerber is crafty in setting her book's plot, which has many twists and turns that are interesting and believable. The setting in Lake Tahoe is engaging, and I love the small-town feel that it brings to the book. The story reads fast and is a well-written suspense novel with good, solid characters. I enjoy reading books that have strong feel leads. This book has a hint of romance. I love the book cover, as well.
Fan Mail is the second book in the Aspen Adams series, but it can be read as a standalone book. I would recommend reading both these books. I look forward to reading more about Aspen, Candace, Nick, and the dogs too!
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I enjoyed the story very much especially since I live near Lake Tahoe. I did guess who did it about three quarters into the story but I still enjoyed reading it to the end. The downside was that purchased this as an eBook on my Nook and had a lot of trouble with blank pages and other problems which made it hard to get through, and very frustrating. I would love to read then next book in the series but hesitate due to the problems with this one.
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I’m loving this series! The second book in the Aspen Adams suspense series is carrying on the story of former counselor Aspen Adams and her crime solving exploits in the Lake Tahoe area!
A number of seemingly unrelated deaths are taking place. Aspen’s frenemy, local newscaster Gloria, gets notes telling her the murders are to honor her!! Since one of the murders was Aspen’s gynecologist and Aspen had received two calls from her before the murder. Add in Gloria’s request that Aspen take this investigation on, well of course she’s interested.
Aspen’s niece and ward, Candace, is interested in a bit of sleuthing, then her beau Nick, who is a detective with the Sheriff’s department begins to look into these murders. A trifecta of differing opinions looking at the clues. You’ll be surprised ‘who done it’!!
Very entertaining second book in this series. A true suspense novel. I can’t wait to see what happens as this series progresses. Great characters, good pacing, excellent story.
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Fan Mail was a great read! The characters were likable and interesting. The story and plot had me guessing till the very end. I can't wait for more in this series!
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Fan Mail is an an Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense. I’ve read many books by author Daryl Wood Gerber and by her pseudonym, Avery Aames. This series is my favorite so far. The characters are complex and compelling and the mysteries are enthralling and unique. Fan Mail has suspense built in form the get-go as Aspen, a private investigator, anxiously awaits a call from her doctor on a very important medical mater. Instead, she receives a call from a local police detective. The doctor has been found dead, a victim of homicide.
Meanwhile, local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is receiving strange and disturbing notes from a deranged fan. One of the notes mentions the very doctor that has been found murdered. In fact, every person mentioned in the notes sent to Gloria meets a deadly demise. However, Gloria doesn’t understand the connection between herself and the individuals turning up dead.
Soon, Aspen and the local police are scrambling to find the serial killer. Is it a deranged fan? A scorned suitor? Gloria herself? Or someone else altogether that has managed to stay off the police’s radar?
Bring on the next in the series! I’ll be eagerly awaiting it...
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Fan mail is supposed to be a nice thing, but when it comes attached to murders it is the worst thing ever.
Aspen Adams is back in this second installment from Daryl Wood Gerber. Aspen has been hired by her friend Gloria Morning to find out who is sending her creepy fan mail. When the notes start showing up at murder scenes, the danger keeps ramping up.
As always, Daryl's characters are great. Aspen and her friends are genuine people with realistic reactions to these situations. I love that even the teenagers act like teenagers, not easy to do in an adult novel.
The plot is nice and tight. You will find yourself circling back to several suspects as the plot unfolds. There are some good red herrings to be found.
I really enjoy this new series with a more detective vibe from Daryl. It's nice to see a fresh perspective from someone who actually works for a detective agency and is learning about the business as she goes. Another great outing from Daryl.
The opinions in this review are my own.
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Fan Mail is the second in the Aspen Adams series and a nice addition. Aspen is a therapist with a college degree from Stanford but after a traumatic event is now working with her Aunt Max as a private investigator, mostly serving papers and such. Aspen is dating a sheriff detective, Nick Shaper, and the two are crazy about each other. Sometimes the two butt heads when Nick thinks that Aspen is digging where she has no business. Aspen is raising her teenage niece Candace because the mother, Aspen's sister, has a drug problem. Her friend and television anchor Gloria Morning hired her to investigate who might have sent her some letters, apparently a killer, who claims to take care of getting rid of individuals for her-not sure why he/she felt the need. Letters arrive just before someone is killed.
As the bodies pile up and letters arrive, Aspen investigates and Candace insists on helping. She actually has some good ideas. There are lots of suspects to check out, at the television station and others, and lots of clues to decipher for motive. Trying to figure out how all the victims are connected is a puzzle. Fan Mail has a great mystery to solve that kept me guessing and is an entertaining read. I am enjoying this series and hope to read more in the future.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing for a complimentary ARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
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Aspen Adams is working hard to become a PI. She certainly has the instinct and the attention to detail to become a great detective. I know that she's worried about her niece who lives with her. When Aspen is asked to find who is committing murder to honor and protect Gloria Morning, a local news anchor, she says yes. I liked how Aspen will do what's necessary to find this crazed killer. Her love for Candace, her niece, is sweet and protective. Their interaction gives a different point of view to the case. Nick Sharper, her boyfriend, is employed by the Sheriff's Department and he's working the case. The evidence doesn't give them anything definite to point to the killer. The letters to tell them that it's the same killer. What could these victims have possibly done to Gloria? This mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. The dialogue is sharp and to the point. The twists and turns were nonstop. There were numerous suspects and the clues confusing. Daryl Wood Gerber has written an action packed and suspenseful story. I could stop reading until I knew who the culprit was. I like Aspen. What a great character. I want more stories.
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Aspen Adams is a private investigator who works for her aunt's agency. She is drawn into the serial killings that are happening in Lake Tahoe when a local reporter receives letters from a "fan". The letters are saying that these murders are happening for her glory. This story was action packed from start to finish. Aspen's 14 year old niece, Candace, is spunky and smart. I loved all the main characters. They are all very well written. Even though I figured out who the murderer was, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. With the loss of Sue Grafton and Kinsey Millhone, I was worried that I would never find a female PI that I liked as much. I discovered that fear to be unfounded. I will be reading the first novel in this series to tide me over until the next book. Thank you to Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Aspen Adams is a former therapist turned private investigator who works for her aunt’s PI agency in Lake Tahoe. After getting custody of her niece, Candace, Aspen finds herself juggling the unexpected responsibilities of parenting a 14-year old young girl, her relationship with Nick who is a detective with the local police department, and her new job as a PI. After Aspen’s doctor is murdered and a local news anchor and friend of Aspen’s receives an anonymous letter saying that the killing was for her glory, Aspen is asked to investigate the disturbing letter and its murderous author. Just as Aspen is starting to dig into the investigation, another murder happens and a second letter appears, then a third murder and a third letter. When her dog and then her niece are targeted by the murderer, Aspen has to step up her game and figure out who this serial killer is before someone close to her gets hurt, or worse.
Fan Mail is the second book in Daryl Wood Gerber’s series, An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense, and just like the first one of this series, it’s a non-stop ride of mystery, suspects, red herrings, and page turning excitement! Aspen is a wonderfully developed character with flaws, insecurities, a strong sense of responsibility, and a true love for those she cares about, all of which make her very relatable.
Daryl Woods Gerber is, in my opinion, one of the finest mystery writers out there, and she is certainly one of my favorites. Whether it’s a cozy or a more suspenseful mystery like the Aspen Adams series, her writing is always outstanding…well-developed characters who could be your best friend or neighbor next door, settings so beautifully described that its like you’re right there experiencing all of the sights and sounds first hand, engaging mysteries which make you second guess what you only thought you knew from the page before, and plots completely believable and satisfying that you’ll be a bit sad when the book is finished.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second novel An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense series. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not indulged in Desolate Shores. Fan Mail is a complex novel full of twists and surprises. Aspen Adams quit her job as a therapist to work for her aunt’s detective agency. Aspen has a long way to go before she gets her license, but she is learning the ropes. Then her gynecologist is killed after leaving Aspen two messages that were cut off. A local restaurant owner is murdered soon thereafter. Gloria Manning phones Aspen because she received odd letters after each crime. Gloria is used to fan mail as a news anchor, but these notes scare her. She wants Aspen to get answers. Aspen starts questioning the numerous suspects. Unfortunately, the killer is just beginning. Fan Mail is a fast paced suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. I like that there are cozy moments tossed in. Aspen is learning to be a private investigator by working at her Aunt Maxi’s agency. I like Aunt Maxi with her no nonsense approach. She is careful to give Aspen rules (not that she always pays attention). Candace, Aspen’s niece, lives with her and is now thriving. Candace is mature for her age and provides good insights into the murders. Nick Shaper is Aspen’s boyfriend and a detective with Placer County Sheriff’s office. He has mixed emotions about Aspen’s getting involved in these crimes. He appreciates her helpful information, but Nick does not want anything to happen to her. The characters are developed and realistic. There are multiple murders along with taunting notes and other nefarious activities in Fan Mail. There are multiple suspects for Aspen to wade through, but the clues are meager. Readers will have a hard time pinning down the guilty party unless you pay close attention to the clues. It is a complex mystery that continues to evolve as the story progresses. I enjoyed all the action along with the tense atmosphere. You never knew what the perpetrator was going to do next. I like Daryl Wood Gerber’s descriptive writing which brought the story alive for me. Fan Mail is an absorbing novel with an active adolescent, multiple murders, a dashing detective, a crafty killer, and a resolute rookie investigator.
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Edge of Your Seat Action in Lake Tahoe
This is an action-filled murder mystery. This is a complete, stand-alone story that features some great characters. The plot is intense with plenty of motives and suspects. The reveal at the end is pretty spectacular. I have always enjoyed how this author can weave a story. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
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In her second Aspen Adams novel (after DESOLATE SHORES), author Daryl Wood Gerber again shows her versatility and skill in providing a deeper and darker side of life and murder from that fans of her cozy mysteries have experienced, but she continues to provide the suspense without using the extremes of language, sex, or gore often associated with the suspense genre.
In FAN MAIL, Aspen searches for the murderer of her gynecologist and others, and to determine why that killer is sending TV reporter Gloria Morning messages that indicate they have been committed because the victims somehow "hurt" her. What connects the murder victims and the reporter and the killer? Along the way, Aspen continues to receive support and guidance from her Aunt Maxine, who runs a private investigating agency; to strive to find the best way to be a "parent" to her own 14-year-old niece Candace, for whom she is now guardian; and to continue to put some rough spots of her own past behind her. And of course, there is Nick Shaper, her boyfriend who is a detective in the sheriff's department.
A gripping suspense, this one holds your attention and gives some breath-holding moments along the way.
The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts after having read an Advanced Reading Copy.
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Daryl Wood Gerber is a fantastic author who writes very successfully in different genres. This book was riveting and kept and held my attention from beginning to end. I couldn't, and didn't want to, put it down. The relationship between Aspen and her niece Candace is one of give and take, but they love and support each other. The suspense and drama was gripping and moving. I love the way the author peels away the layers of the complex characters until you see what makes them tick. When I thought the story was going in one direction, it surprised me by going a whole different way. I highly recommend this book, and this author!
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FAN MAIL by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second book in the An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense Book series. It’s the amazing and suspenseful story of a string murders that seem to all center around the local celebrity news anchor, Gloria Morning.
Aspen Adams is a former therapist turned private investigator working at her Aunt Max’s agency in Lake Tahoe. She has also become the guardian to Candance, her 14 year old niece, after her sister’s addiction to drugs and alcohol.
When gynecologist, Dr. Kristin Fisher, was the first one murdered, Aspen took it personal deciding she had to help find out who the murderer was and why they had killed the doctor. Dr. Fisher has called her twice in the very early morning hours before she was murdered, but it went to voice mail. Aspen originally thought it was about her test results, but she wondered if she had answered would things have turned out differently.
The fact that Aspen’s boyfriend, Nick Shaper, is a detective sergeant with the Placer County sheriff’s department helped and hindered her investigation. There was a certain amount of sharing of information. However, Nick, worrying about her safety and feeling it was his “job” to solve the crime, didn’t want her to get involved. Their relationship is going smooth but sometimes difficult due to Candance’s emotion baggage from her mother’s behavior and Nick’s alcoholic sister as well as their jobs demanding their time.
Aspen’s Aunt Max’s prediction that there would be more murders was right on. Every time there was a murder, Gloria would get a note saying it had been done for her. Scared but not wanting the publicity that she was sure would ruin her ratings, she turned to Aspen to help find out who was sending the notes and why. Since Aspen was determined to find out who had killed Dr. Fisher anyways, she took the case.
The murders all seemed well thought out - including weapon choice, executed quickly and with no witnesses. The clues are few – some hairs, some dirt and the notes. However, the list of suspects is long. Who did it and can they finger the right suspect before someone else is murdered? Aspen is narrowing the field, but it seems that with every suspect taken off the list another one is added. Can she find the answer before harm comes to Candance or to herself - again?
FAN MAIL is an excellent, well written suspense book that will keep you turning pages guessing and second guessing who the murderer is up to the final reveal. The author will have you loving Aspen. You will admire her for her dedication to finding justice, love her for her warmth towards Candance and her caring ways towards others, and pulling for her romance with Nick.
Daryl Wood Gerber weaves this fabulous story giving you all the needed details without making it a blood, guts and gore story which I greatly appreciated. I highly recommend FAN MAIL to anyone that loves a great, clean suspense book that will keep you entertained, loving the characters and keep you guessing. It will also have you waiting with great expectations for the next book just as I am. Although part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book in the series before reading FAN MAIL and had no trouble at all. However, after reading FAN MAIL, I will be checking out DESOLATE SHORES because I know I’m going to love it too.
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Again Daryl Wood Gerber has written a very interesting book. Aspen lives with the fact that her parents' murders were never solved so she can't stand not trying to help solve other senseless murders. So many senseless murders! And there is quite the list of suspects. I had a hard time figuring out who would want to kill these various people. But it is explained in the end and shows the connection between the killer and the victims. Well done! Thanks for another great read!
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What a captivating story full of action and mystery, set in the picturesque Lake Tahoe area! Aspen, a private investigator trying to juggle her career and her new parental role with her teenage niece, is hired by a friend to investigate some weird fan letters and finds herself investigating so much more. With multiple victims, multiple suspects, and questionable motives and alibis, Aspen tries to find the letter writer and the murderer(s). I love how this book moves at the perfect pace and kept me guessing the whole way through. I had a hard time putting it down, because I just had to know what Aspen and her sheriff boyfriend Nick would uncover next. I really like the developed characters and the interactions between Aspen and her niece Candace enrich this well-written, suspenseful mystery. I already can't wait for the next book to see what happens with Gwen, her new husband, and her restaurant!
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
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In this next book of the series Aspen and her niece are getting into a routine and all seems to be back to normal for the pair. Aspen is back to working cases at her Aunt's P.I. firm and she is happy to be dating Nick. When local news anchor Gloria Morning starts receiving some weird fan mail that seems to coincide with recent murders she asks Aspen to look into things for her. Aspen is on the job when another murder occurs and another note is sent. Aspen has little to go on and an abundance of people to look into. who could be killing all these people and what connection do they have with Gloria. Aspen realizes that she is going to have to delve deeper into the people on her suspect list to find the answers she seeks. Not one person seems to be the front runner when it comes to suspects which is making it harder for Aspen. She really wants to help her friend and doesn't like that she has been unable to come up with any real clues or suspects. Follow along as Aspen never stops in her quest to find a killer, will she do so before someone else ends up dead or find herself in danger along the way. I loved this book and was excited to read it, the characters are well developed and I already feel as if I truly know them. I hope there will be another book!!!
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3.5 stars - Aspen Adams works for the Maxine Adams Detective Agency, owned by her aunt. Her gynecologist has been murdered and Aspen was waiting for results of a recent medical test. Her lover, Detective Nick Shaper with the sheriff’s office has asked her to stay out of the investigation. When another similar murder takes place, Aspen is contacted by news anchor Gloria Morning. Gloria has received two notes from a fan alluding to their possible involvement in the murders and asks Aspen to investigate. Along with the worry about her possible medical condition and caring for her teenage niece, Aspen knows she should stay out of the case, but will she? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
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Daryl Wood Gerber's new suspense series continues with Fan Mail, the second Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense, which starts off swiftly and just keeps going! This incredibly thrilling page turner follows Aspen as she searches to discover the link between several seemingly unconnected murders and her friend, Gloria Morning. Suspects and motives are everywhere, and Aspen must use both her detecting and psychological skills to stop the murderer before they strike again. Loved it!
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