Looking at the cover and description, I was expecting more of a thriller.  To my delight, this is a lovely cozy mystery!  I do love both genres, however there is just something special about a cozy mystery!  

This was my first read by Daryl Wood Gerber but I definitely can't wait to read more!  My only criticism would be that I guessed the killer quite quickly, however that did not detract from the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Daryl Wood Gerber, has written another hit. The drawing into the story is from word one. The story keeps you into the book, until the end. You have to read the book to get the story. The good story is one you will never forget!

Daryl Wood Gerber, a veteran award winning author, who not only writes cozy mysteries, but also thrillers, is the author of Fan Mail, which is the second installment of the Aspen Adams Suspense series. Aspen’s friend, Gloria works as a celebrity newscaster at the small television station in Lake Tahoe, and often receives fan mail for her work. However, when she starts to receive mail that is related to several murders that are ongoing in the small town, she gets Aspen involved in finding the culprit who is writing the notes. 

Although Gerber does a fair job of developing her characters, they seem flat; none are really likeable, and readers may find that they don’t really care about them, and that they don’t really care who the murderer is. Gerber is generally a good storyteller, judging from her previous novels, but this one just doesn’t grab or even generate much interest. 

This series is not up to Gerber’s previous excellent writing standards. Having read several of her previous novels, and having certain expectations for this novel, I was very disappointed. Even excellent writers can’t write five-star novels every time, and this is a rare one that doesn’t measure up. Of course big fans of Daryl Wood Gerber will want to read this novel and make their own determination as to whether it is good and whether to read the remaining books in the series.

Daryl Wood Gerber has written so many other excellent novels, it would probably be a good idea to pick up some of her other works and leave this one by the wayside.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

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.

What an amazing start to a very promising series!  I loved the main character and fell in love with her life and the town itself. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

I am not sure why I was so scared to read this one. I love the authors cozy mystery series but was more hesitant due to this one being classified as a thriller. BUT I was so wrong. This book was intriguing, captivating and kept me guessing until the end. I cannot wait to until  Aspen investigates again.

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

A great plot, a celebrity's fan goes too far in a quest to get her attention and it's up to our PI and her team to stop him before the celebrity becomes the next victim.  Daryl Wood Gerber has a long running series in the Cookbook Nook mysteries and has now started a new one.  This is the second book in the series but serves well as a stand alone.  Once finished, you'll think twice about the strangers who live on the edge of your life.

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.

I did not read the first book in this series. It was still easy to follow the story. If anything, I'm inspired to check out the first book. Interesting characters and storyline.

I enjoyed this story.  You will find lots of suspense and plenty of suspects to choose from.  This story is well-written and worth investing time in.

A very enjoyable book with plenty of twists and turns.  I never read the first book in the Aspen Adams novels, not that it mattered.  Nor had i read any previous novels by Daryl Wood Gerber, but judging by this book, i am keen to read more.  This book certainly kept me in suspense.  Every time i thought it had it figured out, so there was another twist.  Recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers.  This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given. 

(Waiting upon Amazon to publish my review).

Fan Mail is a engaging mystery with interesting twists and turns. The characters are interesting and the storyline is entertaining.

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.

I enjoy Ms. Gerber’s The Cookbook Nook Mystery Series and was looking forward to a new series by her.  I was disappointed by Fan Mail (Aspen Adams #2) a book about a television newscaster who has become the focus of a fan who kills for her.

The mystery itself was mediocre though the conclusion was somewhat exciting.  What I really disliked about this book was it felt like she recycled her character from the Cookbook Nook Mysteries.  Both main characters work for their aunt.  Both have boyfriends who they seem to pass in the night.  Then there’s the style each used for solving the murders.  Aspen did the same as Jenna does by asking herself, is it possible so and so could have done this because of that.  Even though I love the Cookbook Nook Mystery Series, I didn’t want to read another series that recycles the characters and narratives.  Disappointing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Daryl Wood Gerber for the opportunity to read and review this 3 star book.

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.

Good one. Not quite a cozy and not quit a thriller. 
People keep getting killed but what’s the common denominator ?

Awesome book!  This book kept me guessing ann the way through.  It started out a bit slow, but hang in there, you will enjoy it.

Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second novel in the Aspen Adams suspense novel series. I enjoyed Desolate Shores, the first novel in this series, and I was looking forward to reading Fan Mail. Fan Mail did not disappoint and I've become a huge fan of the series. Aspen Adams, the main character, is a family therapist who has relocated to Lake Tahoe to work as a process server with her aunt who is a private investigator. Since the last book, she has started a relationship with Nick, a detective with the sheriff's office, and gained custody of her teenage niece, Candace. The novel begins with Aspen receiving a strange call from her gynecologist. Her doctor then turns up dead and Gloria Morning, a local news celebrity, receives a letter saying that the murder was done for her. This starts a rash of murders done for Gloria and she asks Aspen to try to solve the mystery. I'm a fan of a good suspense novel and this book kept me enthralled until the end. I love the character of Aspen and the addition of Nick and Candace added more nuances to her. Nick pretends that he doesn't want Aspen involved in solving the crimes but he values her insight. Even Candace gets involved with helping solve the crime. The other characters in the book are interesting and there were multiple suspects to consider. Also, the setting of Lake Tahoe adds interest to the story. I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next one. (

My first book in the series and an interesting story overall. 
As I haven’t read the first book, it was a bit hard to connect with the main characters but as it’s a suspenseful story, every now and then the author will leave a clue to what’s happening and where this story goes on. Many twists, many characters, some very interesting, some just to fill up the plot in my opinion, but an engaging story overall .