Agatha Award-winning and national bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber returns with a dark new novel of suspense . . .An adoring fan and a string of murders: a demented show of love that leaves no one safe . . .Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an … anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer. Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life . . .
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Fan Mail is the second novel in the Aspen Adams Suspense series by Daryl Wood Gerber. It was published in 2019, and I previously read the first book in the series over the summer. I was introduced to Gerber’s work through a few of her cozy mystery series and wanted to read her latest release from a different genre. It’s becoming a strong series that I highly recommend.
The books takes place in Colorado and focus on Aspen, a former child psychologist who’s become a private detective. It’s a little over a year since the last book ended, and this time, Aspen has become friendly with the reporter from the previous book. So friendly that Gloria Morning begs Aspen to figure out who might be trying to kill her or protect her. You see… random notes show up about saving Gloria from certain bad people in her life, and then those people end up dead. The issue: those people haven’t hurt Gloria in any way, so she’s confused! Is she doing this to herself?
The mystery plot is strong. I changed my guess a few times in the first 50% of the book and when I finalized the guilty party, I was correct. I only realized it because of an early clue, but it is hidden well and makes perfect sense. There is a lot of backstory to come out before we truly understand the complexity of everyone’s relationships at the tv studio. The first victim, a gynecologist, has a lot in her past to unveil.
Gerber writes really well. The book reads easily and absorbs you from beginning to end. I never wanted to put it down, and it had lots of great scenes above and beyond the mystery. We get to know how Aspen and Nick’s relationship progresses, her niece’s maturity (and immaturity) since Aspen adopted her, and the growth in Aspen’s skills as a detective. I look forward to the next installment. 4.5 stars.
“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!
Fan Mail is just as good as Desolate Shores. Aspen and her niece are a good team both in the investigation of murders and as a family unit. I didn’t want to stop reading from the moment I opened the book.
Please tell me a third book is on its way soon. I can’t wait to see who gets murdered next and how it helps Aspen overcome her past.
Clean romance as a side story, very few curse words, if any, but there are triggers of physical abuse, drug abuse and of course murder.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
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!!!
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.
Creative and captivating this suspense filled book kept me on the edge of my seat. Aspen is a complex protagonist you can’t help but root for. This book had me hooked and was hard to put down.
https://cozyexperience.com/fan-mail-book-review/
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.
Fan Mail
Aspen Adams, Book #2
Daryl Woods Gerber
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber returns with a dark new novel of suspense . . .
An adoring fan and a string of murders: a demented show of love that leaves no one safe . . .
Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer.
Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life . . .
Praise for the Suspense Novels of Daryl Wood Gerber:
“This was a fast-paced action-packed drama that immediately grabbed my attention, quickly becoming a page-turner as I could not put this book down.” —Dru’s Book Musings on Desolate Shores
“This completely entertaining thriller—with taut suspense, a timely plot, devastating secrets, and a touch of romance—will have you turning pages as fast as you can. Fans of Meg Gardiner and Melinda Leigh will devour this!” —Anthony, Agatha, and Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan
“Daryl Wood Gerber has proven again to be a gifted storyteller and one to watch in this genre. An absolute must-read!” —Escape with Dollycas
“Desolate Shores is an intriguing romantic suspense with a deceased friend, a dangerous killer, shady suspects, a captivating cop, and killer clues . . .” —The Avid Reader Blog
“Desolate Shores is an absolutely amazing start to a new suspense series! This book has everything I look for in a reading experience . . .” —ChewieTellsAll blog
About the Author:
Agatha Award–winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber is the author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, the Cheese Shop Mysteries (as Avery Aames), and stand-alone suspense thrillers. Little known facts about Daryl are that she’s jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, has hitchhiked around Ireland by herself, and has appeared on an episode of Murder, She Wrote. She loves to read, cook, and golf, and has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line! (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Aspen is a new private investigator, and what she lacks in experience she makes up for enthusiasm. With the help of her aunt(for moral support) and her niece, Aspen must figure out who the deranged killer is and stop them before they kill even more.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me in from the very beginning. The author created a lot of tension and intrigue with her written word, which is not an easy thing to do. I had to use all of my sleuthing skills and I still was not sure until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted suspense mystery. I have to go back and read the first book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Beyond The Page Publishing, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
This was another great read. I loved how the interactions of Aspen, Aunt Max and Aspen’s niece Candace and the police force continue to grow. There was a lot of twists and turns as Aspen is multi-handling many things at one time. She not only discovered a lump and trying to find a doctor she is comfortable with, but also investigating the notes Gloria receives after multiply deaths. Candace has a new boyfriend, someone tries to hurt the dog, and Aspen gets attacked. Who is the murderer and why is he/she doing this? Aspen has her hands full! I enjoyed the books in this series and look forward to reading the next.
Fan Mail
An Aspen Adams Novel of Suspense
by Daryl Wood Gerber
Beyond the Page Publishing
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 12 Nov 2019
282 pages
4
Description :
Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer.
Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life .
MY REVIEW
This was a fast-paced action-packed suspenseful thriller that grabbed my attention from the very first page! The first thing that drew me to pick this novel up was the cover and the title, and then I read the blurb and was intrigued. I’m really glad I read it because now I have a new author to follow.
The characters are well developed, the plot well done and fast paced. Aspen and Candace
are such a great characters. Although Fan Mail is book 2 in the Aspen Adams series, I was able to read it and not be lost. I love a good Mystery suspense with a little romance thew in. The author done an amazing job of keeping me guessing. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley ,Daryl Wood Gerber and
Beyond the Page Publishing
for the chance to read and review this amazing read. I was not paid for this honest review !
#FanMail #NetGalley
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.
This was a great mystery from the beginning. Lots of suspects but what was the motive? Who would solve the case first, the sheriff’s office or the PI? Would the case come between Aspen and Nick?
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves mystery.
Fan Mail Is the 2nd instalment in the “An Aspen Adams” Suspense series by Daryl Wood Gerber. If you haven’t read Desolate Shores yet, you can read as a standalone.
An adoring fan and a string of murders: a demented show of love that leaves no one safe . . .
Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer.
Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life . . .
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It was entertaining, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I thought all the characters were well developed. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber is another in the Aspen Adams books although it is classified as a stand-alone. We find Aspen settling into life in Lake Tahoe. She has officially adopted her niece, Candace, who has settled into a normal life with her aunt and Nick, the police detective she had met earlier has become her boyfriend, a relationship she is very excited about. The biggest problem in her life right now is the lump Dr. Fisher had confirmed in her breast and was currently having tested. That is until she hears from Nick that Dr. Fisher has been murdered. Sad for her doctor and worried about her own test, she visits the Tavern, owned by her friend Gwen, where she shares her concerns, followed by a television interview with Dr. Fisher that her friend Gloria had done in the past. Who could have done this? Before the police could figure that out there was another murder, and another. Would the madness end?
Aspen is a good character, true to life. She was formerly a therapist but after an client killed himself, she ran…a human response, ending up in Lake Tahoe working for her aunt, Max, as a process server and very low level investigator. She is likable but full of human frailties. Her other family is Candace’s mother, a druggie with pretty loose morals who she really doesn’t care to have come around. She loves Nick but is still recovering from her divorce, and he from his, so it is a pretty simple relationship currently. She is innately curious and single-minded and doesn’t always think before she acts. She loves her niece and is very protective. Gerber has developed a good character in Aspen Adams. The plot is good too, giving no hint until the very end, using a plethora of possible suspects and a little mental illness thrown into the mix. I recommend this read if you love a mystery.
I received a free ARC of Fan Mail from Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #fanmail
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)
Disappointed. Did not live up to fawning reviews I read for this author.
This is the second book in the series, and continues to expand on the main characters relationships with each other. Aspen is still adjusting to her new “mother” role with her niece, as well as her romantic involvement with Nick. She also is searching for more substance in her work life, than just serving subpoenas or dumpster diving for divorce evidence. But in her zeal to help out when she learns her doctor was murdered, will she once again be painting a target on her own back. The story offers several viable suspects, each with their own compelling motives or connections until the final reveal at the end. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
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.
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.
I sure do like Aspen. She has such a dogged determination. Once she decides to sink her teeth into a problem, she doesn’t let go. Aspen is trying to find out who is sending a local celebrity some fan mail. The fan mail is sent after someone is murdered and claims to be protecting her. There are so many suspects and Aspen is worrying about her niece at the same time. As there are more murders, Aspen has to figure out why all of these seemingly random people are being killed. Can she do it?