The second book in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first book.
A well written murder mystery with great characterisation, fast paced and engaging. I couldn't wait to be able to pick it up and delve into an engrossing story. I look forward the the next book and seeing how the author continues the fabulous character development.

Fan Mail
Aspen Adams #2
by Daryl Wood Gerber 

ebook
Expected publication: November 12th 2019 by Beyond the Page Publishing




Goodreads synopsis:
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 . . .


***

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Aspen Adams series by Daryl Wood Gerber.

Aspen gets a message from her doctor telling her to call her back. She assumes it is because of her last appointment and suspects bad news. The bad news ends up being that her doctor has been murdered! Then a local news anchor, Gloria Morning, receives a note saying the woman was murdered in her name. Gloria then asks Aspen, a private investigator, to look into the death. Of course, this puts her at odds with boyfriend and detective, Nick who is looking into the death for the police department.

I was kind of surprised at how “in a relationship” Aspen Adams and Det. Nick Sharper were when this book started. I think they had barely gotten together at the end of the last book, DESOLATE SHORES. Her investigating kind of puts a hitch in their relationship as she goes into situations Nick asks her to stay out of.

Then another murder occurs and along with it another note. The suspect list keeps growing and with it so does the tension. I think the author does a great job of upping the suspense while also trying to keep her characters grounded. The situations feel like you are peeking into real life and not just “reading a story.”

There is a lot of actions in this and like in the last story, her niece, Candice, gets involved in the drama, much to Aspen’s dismay. Aspen’s sister also tries to get Candice back which adds to the mounting tension as it builds.

Aspen may be new to the PI biz but she is a cracker jack character that just makes you want to keep reading. We root for her and her relationships with Nick, Candice and her job.

I totally enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book three to come out.

This book can be read as a standalone even though their relationship started in book one. I would probably tell you to read book one for some backstory about characters if you get stumped about relationships at anytime while reading this. This is definitely a series you should read from book one.

If you like cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense and detective fiction, I think you would really enjoy this. Check it out!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

While I liked this book, I enjoyed the first one more. Mainly because of the characters. Aspen is a complex and still developing character. Nick, however, I found unlikable this go around and the way Aspen fell over herself to accept his lame apologies felt unlike her character. I also didn't care for how she constantly gave in to Candace. The mystery was great. Full of action with a high body count it keeps you guessing until the reveal. The aspect I like best about this series is the suspense of the cases. The author keeps you interested and questioning the mystery from beginning to end. I'm hopeful for the next story.

Fan Mail is the second novel in the Aspen Adams Suspense. It is not a cozy mystery. This is a nice departure from Ms. Gerber’s other mysteries. The story is set in Lake Tahoe, NV approximately six months after the last book.
Our protagonist is Aspen Adams, a local private investigator and previously a child psychologist. She works for her Aunt Max and is the guardian to her 14-year old niece, Candance.
A popular TV news anchor and acquaintance to Aspen, Gloria Morning asks Aspen to investigate a Lake Tahoe doctor’s murder when she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory. There are a few more deaths with a similar message sent to Gloria each time.
Aspen has her hands full trying to ferret out a connection between the murder victims.

Nick Shaper, is a detective sergeant with the Placer County sheriff’s department and Aspen’s boyfriend. There was some sharing of information. Nick, like most cops, worries about her safety. He does not want her involved in this investigation.
Their relationship is going smoothly enough but there are difficulties due to Candance’s emotion baggage from her mother’s behavior, Nick’s alcoholic sister, Aspen’s own emotional baggage, and their demanding jobs. None of the characters are flawless. I found Aspen's expectations of Nick unrealistic.

There are plenty of suspects, less clues, and lots of twists in this well-written suspense story. If you don’t’ have enough background on the characters, read Desolate Shores, the first in the series.

This entry to the series finds Aspen slowly ascending the ladder of her aunt Max's private investigation office while juggling the niece she accepted into her home in Book 1. While it may not be necessary to begin with the first book, you might glean a bit more backstory for explanation into her current lifestyle. Candace, sister Rosie's daughter, is fourteen and alternately wise and intrusive, insightful and ignorant.

Gloria Morning is a local celebrity of some note and reaches out to Aspen for help regarding the receipt of notes that have turned scary suspect when a local GYN is murdered. When a second murder occurs with another anonymous note proclaiming that it was done "for glory", Aspen kicks her investigation into high gear with the help of aunt Max.

There are a number of support characters, including the detective boyfriend Nick, a slightly contentious relationship. He doesn't take her theories very seriously. (I didn't think this was a match in Book 1 and maintain that opinion.) Although well-educated and experienced in social services, that doesn't keep her from making stupid, rooky (cozy) mystery mistakes.

This one has a high body count and numerous possible suspects which she begins to sift through. I still have a bit of a problem investing in Aspen and Candace was a little annoying; Nick just isn't there.

The well-plotted mystery moves, but not without repeating and rehashing theories, a little B&E of her own, and no license really to do more than deliver summons. She still hasn't quite grasped the role of parent to her niece, either allowing her much freedom or dragging her to interviews where she should never be allowed. I guessed the perp early and the conclusion pulled into slightly reaching territory--not sure I was buying.

I received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review and these are my own opinions. 3.5/5 stars rounded down

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?

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...

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.

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.

I liked this book. It was very fast paced and full of suspense. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books from the Author!

This is the second book in the Aspen Adams series, I haven’t read the first so these characters were all new to me. This can be read as a stand alone novel, as it is a completely new story, although there are a couple of references to the last book, or last case.

Aspen Adams is dating Nick Shaper, a Detective for the Placer County Sheriff Dept. Aspen is working as a PI for her aunt Maxine’s detective agency. Although keen, Aspen is still learning the ropes, going dumpster diving, not one of her favourite jobs, but who would enjoy rummaging through someone else’s rubbish, especially if you find nothing of use! What she really wants to do is investigate, but I think she needs to learn a little patience! After all a lot of PI’s spend a lot of time just sitting in cars watching and taking photographs.

Aspen’s gynaecologist is found dead, Aspen had had two missed calls from her that morning, but she hadn’t thought anything of it as she was awaiting some test results. It’s only when Nick calls her to say he couldn’t make dinner, that she learned what had happened, she tells Nick of the calls. He tells her not to get involved, but that is like asking her to stop breathing, she just can’t help herself.. My only problem with this bit is surely he shouldn’t be telling her anything, ok it’s a small town so I realise it would be in the news.. Later in the story Nick gets called out to a crime scene and Aspen goes with him to protect him, but he is a police detective, and we have been told he has moved there to get away from high crime rates and murders, so why would he need Aspen to protect him? Sorry but that just bugged me a little, my only gripe I promise.

Aspen is also now guardian of her 14 year old niece Candace, who is upset when she hears that the Dr is dead as she had seen her, when she first arrived, from what I can gather. Aspen is also a qualified therapist but has given that up to focus on being a PI.

Aspen had got to know Gloria Morning during her last case, at the time Gloria was a reporter, but is now a co anchor for a year old news station KINC. Gloria asks Aspen if she could look into some threatening letters she is getting, these random notes have been turning up professing to be saving Gloria from bad people in her life. The only problem being that after she receives each letter, the person mentioned turns up dead!!! But none of these people have done anything to hurt Gloria, adding to her confusion. Or is she after more attention for herself?

This is a well drawn out plot with lots of suspects to keep the reader guessing. I like Aspen and the relationship she has with Nick and want to see more of how that is going to go, Candace seems mature for her 14 years but maybe she has had to be with her mum being a drug addict.

This is a quick and easy book to read, I will go back and get the first book to see how things started. But if you are looking for a quick relaxing read, with some gorgeous descriptions of Lake Tahoe that makes you want to just get on a plane and visit. I can certainly recommend this book. For me it’s a cozy curled up in a chair with a cup of cocoa type of read. Fun, great characters, I did guess who was responsible but only from something I picked up on at a. Stage in the book.

I would like to thank #Netgalley and #beyondthepagepublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

Quick and enthralling read!! This is my first book by this author but will not be the last. Will be reading the others in this series also!!!

What a fantastic story. I loved it. A really creepy well written murder mystery. I get the sense there are more of these books featuring Aspen and I can’t wait to get my hands on them x

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N on Nov 12, 2019

Fan Mail is the second book in the Aspen Adams series, I received the book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

I found this to be a well written suspense murder mystery, it was able to keep me turning the pages. Aspen is now raising her neice, whom is featured more in this book than the previous one. Her addition to the storyline in my opinion is an added bonus. Aspen is and strong and intelligent female character, her character is complex with many layers but each story seems to allow us into her pysche a little bit more. I would certainly recommend this book to those that enjoy cozy mysteries.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written with some you love to hate. The story held my interest throughout the book with no lag. I was surprised at the ending.
My only caution is to read the first book of the series as it will give you a better understanding of the who's who.
A good read.

A solid mystery, full of suspense and entertaining.
I was happy to meet again the well written cast of characters and I loved the engrossing plot.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I really enjoyed the premise of the story. The author delivers an addicting story that has so many twists, it’s hard to keep them straight.

Fan Mail is book two in a series and it seemed like it would’ve been a good idea to read that first one to get some of the backstory of the characters. It was easy to keep up with what was going on, but it would’ve been nice to have a little bit more in-depth knowledge before reading this book.

With that said, not reading book one could’ve been part of the reason I had difficulty connecting to the characters. I felt Aspen was disrespectful to her boyfriend and his job as a detective.

She dug into his cases and crime scenes even when he asked her not to. She seemed very amateur to me and it annoyed me. I didn’t hate her. Just lost respect for her and felt no connection to her or her boyfriend at all.

In several parts of the story it just seemed like Aspen was spinning her wheels. The author went from suspect to suspect dropping bits and pieces here and there, which is what we expect from a mystery novel. However, I found myself a bit frustrated in a few sections of this book.

Overall, the story was entertaining and Gerber brought us a good plot with plenty of suspects to consider. I just needed a little bit more respect and consideration from Miss Aspen.

This series definitely needs to be on your TBR list! An intelligent, strong and stubborn female main character is surrounded by other strong, intelligent characters with realistic flaws to make them relatable. The type of characters that you would like for neighbors, friends and family to be. The plot line is strong and well written to keep you entertained and flipping pages to see what happens next. In this book, Aspen finds herself drawn into her friend's weird connection with a serial killing stalker and needs to figure it out soon or she may find herself the next victim! You could read this as a stand alone book, but I would start with the first book in the series as it will enhance your enjoyment significantly!

I lived the first book in this series and was glad for a chance to read this one. In the first one Aspen discovers her friends body and helps to find the killer. Here we are back with Aspen and her niece Cassie who is living with her. Aspen's friend tv host Gloria is receiving letters saying they are killing for her. Aspen, who works for her aunt Max as a PI sets out to help solve the mystery. Twist and turns keep you guessing. Aspen and Nick's relationship could be on tender hooks. Great read

I had missed the first in this series and thought I would give this one a try. I was expecting something more suspenseful and hard edged. While it was not as lightweight as most cozy mysteries are, it was a good combination of woman sleuth and a puzzle to solve. I did enjoy the relationship that Aspen had with her niece. It made the characters seem more real and relatable. There was a balance with providing enough action and mystery that you don't feel like it dragged. I will now be going back to find the first book in the series and reading it. I am glad that while the author referenced that one, the resolution of it was not given away in this one, so it is possible to backtrack and catch up.