Fan Mail

by Joseph Lewis

A barrage of threatening letters, a car bomb, and a heart attack rip apart what was once a close-knit family of adopted brothers.

Randy and Bobby, along with fellow band member and best friend, Danny, receive fan mail that turns menacing. They ignore it, but to their detriment. The sender turns up the heat. Violence upends their world. It rocks the relationship between the boys and ripples through their family, nearly killing their dad.

As these boys turn on each other, adopted brother Brian flashes back to that event in Arizona where he nearly lost his life saving his brothers. The scars on his face and arms healed, but not his heart. Would he once again have to put himself in harm's way to save them? And, if faced with that choice, will he?

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2023

About the author

I am a reviewer and published author in the thriller-crime-mystery genre. I've won approximately 20 awards. You can find my work on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

When I started this book I thought after the first chapter that maybe it was from a series and I had missed a few things. Because when we meet the family they’re all coming together due to the fact the dad Jeremy had a heart incident and the mom immediately wanted to talk about what happened the night before and then they mentioned the letters and I felt as if I was wrong footed and should have read another book before this one but as you continue reading you learn these boys are adopted and Dickie and Jeremy are their adoptive parents Jeff is Jeremy‘s best friend he’s an author and his son Danny is also in a band with some of the adopted children whoever is writing the letters once Danny and Bobby to quit the band but as this is already in ongoing subject you almost feel as if you had missed something. I haven’t even mentioned the bombing at the soccer game the month before. In any event here we are Jeremy just had a hard incident the cops and the FBI are on the letter situation Besides the outside drama we also have family drama that all center around Brian the oldest and first adopted by Jeremih. He is bisexual and his head a relationship with his brother Bobby who he loves and Jeremy is also worried because eighth grader who’s name Michael but the family calls him “two “ he and Brian are very affectionate with each other and Jeremy was worried about what that meant for Michael’s future. I found this book very good and I like the way everyone was so supportive of the boys but I did find it weird that an eighth grader would sit on the sofa and love up test 10th grade brother while watching TV. I could see if he was in the fifth grade or the fourth but eighth grade seems a bit old to be that affectionate with your brother who’s only a few years older than you. No having said that I also thought it was weird that Vickie was A-OK with Brian and Bobby having a relationship that was sexual despite them raising them as brothers. They also have other incidents further in the book that seems like it could’ve been a book on its own. I did like Brian‘s integrity and his want to do the right thing and we’re so sad with the events that take place surrounding him towards the end. Not having said all that I will say I would definitely recommend this book. It is engrossing interesting and they book you think about long after you have closed it. I received this book from NetGalley and black rose writing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review. Also forgive me if I got some of the boys names wrong as they had a lot of boys and the names were all similar like Billy Bobby Brian ET see.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fan Mail is more than a thrilling novel. While I thoroughly enjoyed that part of the book (I do love my thriller books), I also enjoyed that this book also included themes of acceptance, love, parenthood, sexuality, and adoption. There are so many emotions throughout the book from love, to hate, fear, sadness and beyond. It is very rare to see a book with mainly male characters where each of them is so open and honest about their feelings; expressing them in ways that you do not expect teenage boys to be expressing their feelings. While the family comes together through adoption of the children, and friendship, the strength of the familial bonds was so great that it makes you want to be apart of this family. Not to say that the family is perfect, but that even with its faults, it’s still a great, loving environment. Then of course there is the thrill factor in this book. Letters that arrive that start out not so threatening and then become increasingly more threatening. The curiosity as to who is behind the letters and the why. I never did figure out the who until it was revealed. Factor in all that with easy writing and short chapters, this book has it all. Oh, and don’t forget a tissue because you may shed a tear by the end!

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Tour Review Fan Mail by Joseph Lewis
I was given a copy to review for a book tour. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #FanMail #JosephLewis #ZooLoosBookTours #BookTourReview #Thriller #ZooLoo #BookReview #gifted #ad

Fan Mail is an interesting thriller novel by Joseph Lewis that combines the twists and turns of a good thriller but pairs these with deeper messages of love, family, acceptance and understanding. The cast of characters is rather large for a thriller and diverse despite being a family of adopted brothers. Randy and Bobby, along with fellow band member and friend, Danny receive fan mail that soon turns menacing. At first they ignore it but the sender begins to turn up the heat and violence begins to turn the world upside down, nearly killing their dad. Slowly the once loving family begin to turn on each other. Adopted brother Brian begins to remember events in Arizona where he nearly lost his life saving his brothers and he cannot help but wonder if he will have to do the same again but more the point given the choice would he.

I really enjoyed this one once it got going but I have to say the first few chapters threw me a bit for a loop. We start the novel in media rez as it were which made me wonder if this was a sequel. While it added to the confusion I began to wonder who all these people were and what events I had missed since it took a short while to be brought up to speed. This made me need a little bit of time to actually get engrossed in the story, which is amazing, because I was often going back to see if I missed something.

That said once I did realise I hadn’t missed anything and got caught up with everything I was back on course. The novel itself is great in that it melds an almost slice of life narrative with troubled family relationships, understanding, acceptance etc melded with the growing threat of the thriller element. I enjoyed the varied and large cast although it did take a little while, again, to get used to who was related either by blood or adoption and who wasn’t. I did enjoy that each character had their own distinct personality and how that helped or hindered the narrative. Brian was probably my favourite character and I would argue this novel was partly his coming of age story more than anything else.

The writing style was easy to follow and shorter chapters meant I was able to read this one quickly, but fall into the just one more chapter trap. The plot and pacing of the novel matched the genres perfectly I think. I particularly liked the ending, no spoilers, and seeing Brian’s story truly start with his own acceptance of himself and his family’s acceptance of him. In short this one is an interesting thriller that has all the suspense and twists you’d expect along side a brilliant coming of age story with family, acceptance and love at it’s core.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was heartbreaking and gutwrenching and filled with a myriad of emotions. I would hope that when/if one decides to adopt they already have a huge loving heart. But should adults be able to accept all spectrums of the lgbtq+ ?? We are not perfect as humans . We make mistakes and Jeremy's was a whopper in my eyes. He later made amends as much as he could . I empathized with each of these adopted kids and their friends , because they had gone through enough with just the aadoptions. They had a rough life in the school of hard knocks. The evil things going on at school and the escalation broke me to my core. I cried buckets that things got that extreme and out of control. Brian is a true hero for so many reasons, and I admired his integrity. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

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[Claudia J Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

This book is actually from a series of books starting with the Taking Lives Trilogy. Each book may stand alone but I would highly recommend reading all of them. They start with young boys being kidnapped or forced by people they know into sex slave rings. Then follows them through their lives. As difficult as that is to read or comprehend, it is scary, but beautiful and touching watching a group of these boys grow over the years. I would say Joseph Lewis is my favorite author, and his books are so well written he is up there with authors like John Grisham.

[Nimalee Ravi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan Mail is part of a series of books following the stories of all brothers. You can definitely read this book as a stand-alone. This is my first read by Lewis, and I have fallen in love with his writing style. I will definitely be reading the other books by him.

The book starts off fast and will take you some time to grasp it, but after a few chapters, you will definitely be hooked. I enjoyed the interaction between the brothers, and Brian is definitely a character to remember.

Fan Mail is definitely a nail-biting, fast-paced thriller, and it'll have you hooked from the very first page. Highly recommend Fan Mail.

[Sharon Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Lewis has another great book with this gritty coming-of-age story laced with family tensions and every parent’s greatest worries about their children. Joe’s background as a school counselor shines through as he delves into difficult issues without flinching. I could not put it down.

[Kay Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Once again the storyline did not disappoint. I have read all of the books in this series and look forward to many more.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely did not know what to expect from this book as I often don't read the blurbs - going off the cover I assumed a romance with a twist maybe? - it looked a little dark, but what I got was a super gritty and dark thriller.

This is actually part of a series of books following the lives of the brothers - this is the first book I've read in this series and indeed by this author - and it worked pretty well as a standalone read.
Although, I feel that the character development would have been more meaningful had I read the other books in the series first.

I was slightly confused at the start as we jump straight into the action, but once I was a few chapters in, I was completely hooked.

The writing was full of action and I found the storyline pretty intense with a fair amount of violence - but this totally fitted the plot perfectly.

I loved our characters. The brothers, both biological and adopted had such a huge loyalty to each other. I loved how they bickered too which gave them a perfect authenticity.

I'd love to go back and read this series as a whole just to make more sense of the journey and development of the characters. But overall this was a great intense read.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fan Mail by Joseph Lewis.
A barrage of threatening letters, a car bomb, and a heart attack rip apart what was once a close-knit family of adopted brothers.
This was a good read. It did start of slow but once I was a few chapters in I did start to enjoy it. Too many Characters for me to have a favourite. Gripping and twisty with a touch of romance. 4*.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family of Jeremy, his wife, and his 7 sons is threatened to break apart when fan mail drops in the mailbox. Two of the brothers are a part of a band called ‘bits and pieces.’ They receive threats through fan mail asking them to leave the band. The web of secrets is unraveled when Jeremy discovers perilous truths about his 5 adopted sons. Brian, one of the adopted sons, revisits the time the boys experienced an explosion before, linking it to the crisis faced by the family now. Is someone on a quest to destroy the family, a family bonded not only by blood but also by love?

Fan Mail by Joseph Lewis is a story of modern-age love, revenge, and everything in between. The author takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout the book. Though packed with details and subsequent events, the distinct, descriptive writing style kept me interested. The technical aspect of writing was well-researched and accurate. Short-length chapters and simple language helped in the readability of the novel. The suspense drama keeps building up while providing some space for comfort scenes. It made the storyline candid and meaningful.

The involvement of a wide age range of the main characters in a situation adds to the realism of the setting. Enumerable characters added diversity in characterization but also complicated the central thread of the plotline. The focus on multiple characters takes away the attention from the actual events on the timeline.

Fan Mail is a thrilling and suspenseful family mystery novel. The themes of sexuality, adoption, and parenthood are well-woven with the edgy nature of the narration. The author successfully manages to make fiction feel real. The ending will fill you with the sweet and sour taste of walking with an extraordinary family throughout their journey. It is a page-turning mystery touching different parts of your heart at each turn.

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately, I was drawn into this read. “Fan Mail” had such a strong opening. The juxtaposition Lewis played with between “The Lord of the Flies” discussion occurring within, and Brian’s real life was exemplar, and the perfect kick-off to this book. It immediately showcased the author’s talented writing while drawing the reader in with a classic discussion surrounding a classic novel. This also served to set the stage and scene as it firmly rooted us in the high school setting, because who has made it out of high school without being assigned a “Lord of the Flies” reading?

“Fan Mail” at its heart is a coming-of-age novel, housed amongst a scary development of escalating mail scare tactics. Two of Brian’s brothers are in a popular band, receiving increasingly threatening mail asking them to quit and stand down for other talent to shine. This amid their own family scare as their dad suffers a heart episode. As the reader circles the case with both the detectives’ point of view and the brothers’ view, we are led through a tangled maze of family drama, high school life, and teenage angst.

Author Joseph Lewis recently did a podcast episode with The Author’s Spot. In this interview he discussed how he pulls from his own experiences, cautionary tales, and work to pen thrilling stories that are both relatable and crime driven. Through his work as a counselor, teacher, coach and even administrator over the years he has many stories, experiences, and content in which to draw from. But one thing he is clear about, a theme that is evident throughout every page of this book, the importance of family and those you love. Lewis is able to pull from real life to spread the significance of letting those around you know they are loved through the actions and sequence of events that take place throughout “Fan Mail.” With a leading family that is comprised of seven brothers, all living under one roof, with various genetic makeup and origin stories, the love they have for each other is real.

Lewis takes after authors such as C.J. Box, James Patterson, and David Baldacci, as he immerses readers in his characters by having them in reoccurring roles and appearing throughout each of his books. This Includes the detectives as well as the families present within, like that of Jeff and his son Danny, and Jeremy and his seven sons. This strategy lends well to the page as it was easy to feel an attachment to the characters after reading just one of his books. In fact, while “Fan Mail” primarily focused on Brian, I cannot wait to go back and see the roles Brian may have played in Lewis’ other eight books as he is such an enjoyable character that stoked tears, cheers, and empathy throughout this read.

As a reader, this leading family was easy to immediately connect to. While the characters have definitely forged relationships previously and been through many trials and celebrations together, this still felt like an excellent jumping off point to Lewis’ writing. Brian was the perfect character to ease into this fictional world with. His heart, his passion, his loyalty, and his kindness radiated off the pages and pulled the reader in. Thus, despite the varied backgrounds, and clear history between the members, the writing and stories the brothers shared throughout this book made me instantly feel like I’d missed nothing by picking up this author’s ninth book.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan Mail is a coming of age story centered around the lives of seven brothers – two biological, and five adopted – in the Evans family. Several of the boys are sophomores at WIsconsin’s Waukesha North High School, where a car bomb wreaks havoc in the school parking lot.

Meanwhile, two of the Evans boys are in a contemporary country music band that is rapidly gaining momentum (Tim McGraw is putting three of their songs on his next album). But they get a taste of the dark side of fame as they are receiving menacing fan mail (fans of Lewis’ Blaze In, Blaze Out – while technically not a prequel to Fan Mail – may recall the storyline beginning there).

The FBI believes the sender is someone they know. Most likely, a classmate. Could the sender also be capable of violence?

Among the numerous compelling individual storylines is that of Brian, who believes he is the cause of their father’s heart attack. Before the incident, the boys’ father seemed to be upset that Brian – who is bisexual – and adopted brother Two were “hanging on each other.” In addition, Jeremy may have discovered Brian’s search history, which included research into how to become an emancipated minor. As a consequence of these and other influences, Brian fears that his father may even regret adopting him.

Investigations into both the car bombing and threatening fan mail simmer throughout the first half of the book, gathering steam en route to an explosive climax toward the end. Meanwhile, author Joseph Lewis reminds us throughout the story that adolescent dreams, desires and traumas often loom larger in the minds of young men than external threats. As usual, Lewis explores all of the above thoroughly, while leaving himself just the right number of loose ends to tackle elsewhere.

Given all the focus on the Evans family, Lewis also fleshes out their surrounding community of friends like never before, which is both narratively important as well as essential for some of the book’s hardest-hitting scenes. In one of our favorites, close family friend Jeff – whose car was completely destroyed in the school bombing – visits Jeremy’s hospital room and gives him some straight talk about his approach to parenting Brian.

Fan Mail works reasonably well as a stand alone book, and newcomers to the Evans family saga will find themselves immediately engrossed in Lewis’ complex, high-drama narrative. With that said, we recommend readers binge Lewis’ earlier books (especially Betrayed and Blaze In, Blaze Out) in order to get the most out of the references to earlier experiences and storylines.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fan Mail" by Joseph Lewis is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that delves into the dark and dangerous world of obsession, threats, and violence. Lewis weaves a complex and chilling narrative that explores the devastating impact of menacing fan mail on a once close-knit family of adopted brothers.

The story primarily focuses on Randy, Bobby, and Danny, three friends and band members who initially dismiss the fan mail as mere nuisances. However, the situation escalates dramatically, leading to a series of violent and life-altering events that ultimately tear apart their close relationships. The author effectively builds tension throughout the narrative, making it a riveting and suspenseful read.

Lewis skillfully explores the psychological trauma and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters as they are subjected to these threatening letters, a car bomb, and a heart attack. The impact of these incidents not only affects the central characters but also ripples through their family, straining the relationships and pushing the characters to their limits.

One of the strengths of "Fan Mail" is the depth and complexity of the characters. Each of the adopted brothers has a distinct personality, history, and set of issues that add layers to the story. Brian's flashback to a previous life-threatening event in Arizona is particularly poignant and adds depth to his character. Lewis masterfully portrays the emotional scars that linger even when physical wounds heal.

The writing is engaging, and the narrative is well-structured. The author effectively builds suspense and keeps readers guessing about the identity of the menacing sender of the fan mail. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

"Fan Mail" is not just a thrilling suspense novel; it also delves into themes of loyalty, family, and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to protect their loved ones. The story prompts readers to ponder what they might do in similar circumstances, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

In conclusion, "Fan Mail" is a compelling and suspenseful thriller that captivates readers with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Joseph Lewis skillfully explores the consequences of obsession and violence on a close-knit family, making this book an engrossing and emotionally charged read. Fans of thrilling and suspenseful novels will find "Fan Mail" to be a gripping and satisfying addition to the genre.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEWER -OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE MS

BOOK:-FAN MAIL BY JOSEPH LEWIS

I Received an gift copy from blackrosewriting

A high school sports prose fiction about relations between students and past students now coaches.In the story fan mail is discussed from diverse view points such as the call by the boys and students and Jeremy of Micheal Two Feathers, the name Two as Fan mail;principals moving from being students to principals as fan mail pronounced me ail with "me" for "do " in ikwerre language in Nigeria ;fan mail poetically as fern mail or male or fair-earn-male;nodding in affirmation or in decline as fan mail;Randy fair nod,trying not to be judgemental of Bri use of porn as fan mail;the probability of receiving desirable or favourable and undesirable mails and letters as fan mail;being gay and the struggle between feelings for girls and guys as fan mail; the search of kids mail by O'Connor (owe-core no for presence of depth core in Igbo language in Nigeria) in which he found only junks and bills as fan mail(fa-earn-mail);Nadi's letters to Randy ,Evans,Bobby,McGovern and Danny as fan mail;apology letters or letters of apology (le-ta's of ah-paw-law-gi with Le for "see" or "look at" in ikwerre language in Nigeria or ah for the opening sound or operation earning and paw for the hand and go for hold pronounced hi in ikwerre language in Nigeria)as fan mail;the jubilation and feeling of defeat on the other side of football team players as fan mail; Brad as a fan mail(fan-male) that impacted Brian's parents during his life and whose death affected and changed them;the decision of a bad cop and cop routine by the three cops Graff,Gruff, and O'Connor as fan mail;Keeping each other informed between Tony,Brian and Brett as fan mail; amongst others.It raises questions whether integrity deters one from breaking rules; whether a leader must have followers;whether speaking truth and integrity made one strong;whether one should only tell the truth when it won't hurt;etc

[Joseph Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Rating: 5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite
The recent events seemed too much for Jeremy, a counselor at Waukesha North High School, Milwaukee, to handle, causing him to suffer a heart attack and be hospitalized. Two of his seven sons were receiving threats through the mail, demanding that they quit a music band they had joined called Bits and Pieces. He also discovers secrets about five of his adopted sons that threaten to break his family apart. Jeremy and his wife had involved the local detectives to investigate the threats. The detectives find three leads during their inquiries, all involving Danny, the leader of Bits and Pieces, and his father Jeff, a successful author. Previously, the boys had survived an explosion after a soccer match at a local stadium in Milwaukee. The results of the investigations show that the explosion had targeted Jeff. Did all this have anything to do with the author and will the detectives solve the mystery? Find out more in Fan Mail by Joseph Lewis.

Joseph Lewis hatches an engrossing plot in this enthralling read. He anchors the storyline on a tale of teenage drama, family, relationships, love, passion, envy, and secrets. The cast’s conflicts are built on real-life themes, ranging from parenthood to sexual orientation. Fan Mail is like a mirror held up to contemporary society, brilliantly reflecting and portraying our lives, struggles, troubles, delicate relationships, and so much more. His vivid depictions excited my imagination and made the reading entrancing. Lewis kept me on edge with suspense and drama. His brilliant way of bringing out the characters’ qualities made the reading experience feel like being on a rollercoaster of intense emotions. This made it easy for me to connect, empathize with, and experience the individual lives of the large cast. Some of the scenes left me hurt, while others made my heart melt with joy.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.08

Storyline & Concept = 3.75
Writing & Delivery = 3.75
Editorial = 4.75

In Joseph Lewis' latest crime thriller called Fan Mail, Randy and Bobby face trouble when they and their close friend, Danny, begin receiving fan mail that quickly becomes anything but complimentary. As the boys grapple with this mystery, police also investigate an explosion from a car bomb, as well as the sudden heart attack of someone close to them all. Adding another layer to the storyline is a family drama concerning Brian - Jeremy's adoptive son who faces challenges in both his relationships at home and among peers while struggling with issues related to sexuality. With danger mounting around every corner, the reader wonders what is coming next for these families.

In his latest work, Joseph Lewis confronts difficult issues within the LGBTQ+ community through a heartfelt lens. From depictions of abuse and drug use, to healing and love shared between brothers-in-arms, this novel explores it all with a slow buildup that focuses more intensely on relationships leading up to the novel’s climax. An array of characters, both new and old, can be confusing for the reader if not paying close attention. While this book stands alone in its own right, it contains allusions that will be best understood when read alongside other novels written by Lewis - making for an even more compelling experience.

Sublime line: “Fan Mail masterfully explores brotherhood and healing while delivering a compelling crime thriller in this latest from Joseph Lewis.”

[Emmaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review:
"Fan Mail"
by Joseph Lewis
5 outof 5 🌟
Joseph Lewis has woven a suspenseful masterpiece that left me on the edge of my seat! "Fan Mail" is an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions that delves deep into the dynamics of a family torn apart by menacing fan mail.From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the intricate web of relationships he built between adopted brothers Randy, Bobby, and their close friend, Danny. The way Lewis immerses readers into their lives is reminiscent of my favorite authors - C.J. Box, James Patterson, and David Baldacci.The plot is a relentless whirlwind of action, including a car bomb and heart-stopping moments, that forces the characters to confront their deepest fears and secrets. The pages practically turn themselves as the suspense ramps up.But what sets "Fan Mail" apart is the emotional depth. Lewis explores the impact of violence on a family, delving into the complex interplay of love, loyalty, and betrayal. As the brothers turn on each other, adopted brother Brian's character truly shines, wrestling with a traumatic past and the possibility of putting himself in harm's way once more.This book is a relentless thrill ride, and I couldn't put it down. It left me questioning the limits of loyalty and the lengths we'd go to protect the ones we love. Lewis's writing is both vivid and evocative, painting a picture of family bonds pushed to the brink.

[Pierrebleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynical or Emotional ?

Whilst reading this book I experienced cynicism and emotional moments.

I will start with the cynical. The Evan’s family apologised to each other more times in just a few days than ten families do in a lifetime. The Evan’s family have three men from the police and FBI on full time duty investigating a series of potentially threatening letters. Not only that those same men seem to act like the Evan’s private chauffeurs. The bad person was quite easily identified early in the story. Each son in the Evan’s family is a superstar with fantastic skills be it at music, sport or both. How does the Evan’s family afford seven sons, most adopted. Where do the Evan’s boys get their money as nobody seems to have a job, nor do they have the time for one as their school activities take up all their time.

Does all that spoil the story? Definitely not.

The intricate personalities of the seven “brothers” in the Evan’s family all unfold during the story, setting out their own personal journey from horror to a family that snipe at each other and sulk and blank each other. But more than anything they’ve found a family that loves them and has their back. There are many heart warming emotional experiences in the book and then there’s the actual underlying story of who is sending g the letters? It’s quite engaging and keeps you wanting to get to the end to see if you’ve identified the right culprit.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching thriller? What? Joseph Lewis knocks his latest “coming of age” novel out of the park by bringing back familiar characters and instantly thrusting them into physical and emotional jeopardy. Fan Mail is a gripping and intense thriller that follows the story of Randy, Bobby, and Danny—family, friends, and bandmates—who receive threatening letters from a devotee. The situation escalates quickly, leading to a car bomb and a heart attack that shakes their family of adopted brothers to its core. As the violence continues to escalate, the relationships between the boys become strained, with Brian flashing back to a previous incident where he almost lost his life, saving his brothers. With suspenseful and heart-pumping action, Fan Mail delves into the bonds of brotherhood, the challenges of unconventional love, the cost of loyalty, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. A must-read!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! A great coming of age story about seven brothers, some are adopted and some biological. The story starts with there father having a heart attack and I was slightly confused with the beginning of the story, I felt like I had missed something but the more I read the more it began to make sense. It touches on quite a few issues such as sexuality and mental health. Once the story gets going and I understood more I really enjoyed reading it. Between the heart attack, car bomb and stalker it makes a thrilling read. The characters once you get to know them are all superbly crafted and all have there own distinct personalities. I loved the close relationships between the brothers, they fight but they also support and love. If you're after a physcological thriller that is a bit different but just as exciting you can't go past Fan Mail!

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan Mail, by Joseph Lewis, is a gritty coming-of-age mystery thriller. The main plot, which explodes into view at the very beginning of the book, surrounds a series of threatening letters and a car bombing. As investigators try to source the stalker, and the bombing, we find ourselves immersed in the lives of several young men who are connected either through family or friends, and who have secrets they have been hiding about their lives - secrets, which in the course of the book, start to emerge. The culmination, takes the reader to the very top of this mountain of bizarre events, moreover, the dramatic ending when the stalker is finally revealed. An intense emotional rollercoaster ride, written with immense detail to feelings and dialogue, with a constant thread of mystery that holds you to the end to find out what happens. Excellent writing.

[Mark Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Read

One aspect of the world that I despair over is the suffering many young men and women endure. Not because they have been mean but because our culture is oriented towards biting and devouring those who cannot protect themselves.

Bullies show up in preschool and the names seldom change. There is a typically a reason they are bullies and they might or might not be able to change. Even if they try to change once someone is labeled in our culture the label may never go away so the behavior doesn’t go away either.

Fan Mail is about a group of brothers and friends who have suffered at the hands of monster humans and continue to suffer at the hands of disturbed children their own age.

It’s a heart breaking story but ends very well.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Randy, Bobby and Danny all receive threatening fan mail, at first they ignore it, but soon the threats lead to a lot more and their relationship is at risk; not just their lives.

This novel explores themes such as sexuality and adoption. This novel is written with descriptions to take you into a narrative that will have you full of emotions and invested in these characters. I had so much emotion for the character of Brian I could not put this book down.

Although this can be read as a stand-alone I found out that this is part of a series and series I will be looking into.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan Mail is one of those classic mysteries where you get very involved in the lives of the characters, all the while trying to figure out whodunnit! A compelling, page-turning thriller with a satisfying core that explores the bonds of family and the challenges of growing up. Highly recommended for the sensitive and compassionate writing style and the well-developed characters. 5 Stars!

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining and enjoyable read. I appreciated the author's care in developing the characters into well-rounded and realistic figures, and found the dialogue engrossing. The plot moved at a good pace, and kept you engaged. Highly recommend for fans of crime thrillers and mysteries.

[Rapheal Hemsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the story mixes suspense with family drama. The brothers’ bonds feel tested in every chapter and The car bomb scene is terrifyingly realistic. Lewis doesn’t hold back on showing the dangers the brothers face.

[Mailmanr5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too melodramatic. A good soap opera. An unrealistic bunch to end up in one family.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is sending this mail and why??? It's a good thing that Brian has such good friends, isn't it??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Alex Norgard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the fan mail turned deadly, I felt my heart racing. The tension between Randy, Bobby, and Danny is palpable.