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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