For the past 14 years, Aspen and her sister Rosie have wondered what really happened the night of their parent's murder. Was it robbery gone wrong or intended murder? After a drunken call from Rosie, Aspen decides to return to their home town and put her budding investigative skills to work. I liked getting to go back to learn more about Aspen before the series started and the people and events who helped form her character. It was good to get some closure on the past so that Aspen, Rosie, and Candace can move forward. I liked the multiple suspects and no easy answers. But I, like Aspen, didn't like being away from Tahoe for most of the book. The setting is one of my main draws to the series and somehow Silicon Valley doesn't have the same appeal. But that is a mark of good writing: the reader feels the same comfort the characters feel about being home!

This well written mystery kept me guessing until the end. The complexity of the relationships is a dynamic that I enjoy. Aspen and her sister have such a tumultuous relationship but they finally get answers to their family tragedy. Aspen refuses to give up and her investigation is interesting and full of action and suspense. My only complaint is the same one I had in book 2. Nick. I keep trying to warm up to him but it just ain't happening. Aspen is facing her parents murder case and being threatened. Yet, once again something is more important and Nick leaves her to deal with it all alone. Twice. Other than that aspect these books are excellent mysteries with a fantastic female lead character.

A great mystery. I was glad to see Aspen investigate her parent's death. She knows it has been 14 years, but she has to try. Her sister, Rosie, is off the rails and feels like if they knew the truth about who killed their parents, she would be able to get her life together. Aspen just wants to know the truth. For so long she let it go, but now she is ready to find the truth. Nick is going to help her, but then he has a family emergency, so Aspen is on her own. People are dying and Aspen doesn't want to be one of them, but she knows she is close to finding out the truth. Can she find it before another person dies?

This was a fast-paced drama that immediately grabbed my attention as I had to know how this was going to end. This well-written story boasted a tightly woven and solid plot, a well-defined mystery that kept me both intrigued and in suspense as our heroine sought answers in a cold case that was very personal. From the beginning the author planted suspects here and there and clues that when exposed led to more clues until that final moment came crashing down on Aspen when the truth was reveal. I liked how this tale was staged with trepidation and uncertainty, but it was dogged determination that prevail. There were a few mixed messages and occurrences that were put in place to keep me off my game which enhanced how well this story was being told and my reading pleasure. With a likable cast of characters, engaging dialogue and a setting that added to the allure of this drama, this is the best book in the series and I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for Aspen and her friends.

'Cold Conviction' was absolute perfection, from the first page through the suspenseful conclusion. Aspen's investigation of her parent's murder at the behest of her drug addicted sister was a painful and revealing journey. There were so many twists and turns, such intrigue and mystery involving Aspen's family history that the book was completely compelling. I just can't say enough good about it, and the entire series. I highly recommend it all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Good mystery, well rounded characters, some likable, some not at all. This is the third with the character Aspen as the lead, I had not read the previous books and can say this is definitely readable as a stand alone. Well written tightly woven story as Aspen attempts to solve her parents murders after 14 years as a cold case. Lots of suspects, lots of suspicious activity going on around her, it was hard to put down wanting it solved. Recieved an ARC for a voluntary review.

Aspen Adams’ parents were murdered years ago and the case has never been solved. She is working as a private investigator for her Aunt Max when her sister, Rosie, begs her to reopen the case. The deaths of their parents sent Rosie on a course of self-destruction and Aspen has been raising Rosie’s teen daughter. Aspen’s lover, Nick Shafer, a detective with the Placer County sheriff’s department, agrees to go along as she reviews the case with the detective who was in charge. Little by little Aspen uncovers evidence that will lead her to not only the murderer, but to the “family treasure” that the murderer may have been after. The shocking conclusion to the murders will put Aspen in danger. Will she live long enough to find justice for her parents? An intricate mystery and an ending that I did not see coming. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Cold Conviction, the third in the Aspen Adams series, is a great addition to the series. As Aspen has worked to solve other mysteries in the prior stories, the case of her parents' murder has been in the background of the other stories. Her sister Rosie has had problems with addiction over the years and now has begged Aspen to open the cold case of their parents' murders so that she can get closure and maybe get drug free, so that they all will have closure. Rosie has some guilt with the case even though she didn't kill them. Things are foggy to her. Aspen and boyfriend, Nick, detective with the Placer County Sheriff's Department, leave Lake Tahoe to travel to Atherton, California, to find answers. Nick is called back to Lake Tahoe but Aspen refuses to leave without answers. As she revisits the case and talks to people questioned during the investigation, things happen that show that she is getting close to answers. This is a complicated, layered mystery to unravel and is fun to read and go along with Aspen's own investigation. I did not really have this figured out although I was close. But finally Aspen and her family gets closure and she has the start of a new life...exciting news. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and revisiting the characters.
I received a complimentary ARC from Beyond the Page Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Cold Conviction brings the case of Aspen's parents to a close. Aspen is finally able to solve the murder of her parents. Combing the back clues and stories brought many twists and turns. It made it hard to put the book down to sleep. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Cold Conviction is no doubt a solid mystery.

Aspen Adams, a PI at Lake Tahoe, receives a call in the middle of the night from her drug-addict sister, asking her to look into her parents' murder.

Fourteen years too late, Aspen wants closure too. Her parents' murderer was never found nor was the murder weapon. But Rosie believes the weapon might be the one in Hope Chest - which is currently with Aspen. Finding a gun in the chest sends Aspen to the city where her parents were murdered. Aspen has to get in touch with all those involved in the case back then. The killer realizes Aspen is onto them and tries to threaten her.

This is a well-written mystery and keeps the readers guessing till the end. The identity of the killer was a huge shocker. Well-portrayed characters too. A twist as the story ends was totally unexpected. I am eager to seeing how this aforementioned twist is going to change Aspen and her family's lives.

A highly recommended read from me!

4.5/5

We’re back with PI Aspen Adams. This time the case she takes on is personal. The case that has never been solved. Her parent’s murder.

Fourteen years ago, her parents were murdered in their own home. Aspen was away at college but her sister Rosie found the bodies and was looked at as a suspect for a while. Rosie is an addict. She’s stolen from them before, but why kill them?

Rosie is not my favorite person. Aspen is also raising Rosie’s daughter. So when Rosie calls and begs her to find out who did this, she does. She goes home and starts asking questions. People begin to act strangely and she has quite a few possible suspects.

But in the end, will she live to prove who was really guilty?

I loved this one. It was a twisty, confusing, and action-packed all the way to the end. And no, the one person responsible wasn’t even on my radar! So, good job!

NetGalley/ October 27th, 2020 by Beyond the Page

Suspenseful, intriguing and downright addicting! I enjoyed Cold Conviction. from the first sentence to the very last sentence, I adored the crackerjack cast of characters, the fluid dialogue and the clever plot.

This is a fast moving mystery with many twists and turns. Aspen has decided she must solve the mystery of her parents deaths. The main characters are easy to like and very realistic. I had no idea who had committed the murder until it was revealed in the book. Don’t miss this suspenseful book by Ms Gerber! I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

COLD CONVICTION, the third book in the Aspen Adams suspense novels by Daryl Wood Gerber, is another terrific addition to an intriguing series. In the former two books, there are hints at the tragedy that befell Aspen’s parents many years before. In this newest release, Aspen is plunged head first into solving the cold case surrounding their brutal murder. When her deeply flawed sister begs her to find the truth and in doing so, help her recover from deep-seated guilt, Aspen has no choice. But can she face the truth if it implicates her only sister? From the calming wilderness of Lake Tahoe to the hustle and bustle of the Bay area, Ms. Gerber captures the vibes of the setting and makes them come alive. Aspen is a well-developed and sympathetic protagonist and I can’t help but admire how she’s stepped in to singlehandedly raise her sister’s young teen daughter. This adds a layers of emotional involvement for the reader. I also enjoy the relationship Aspen has, not only with her niece, but also with her private investigator elderly aunt. She’s a good sounding board and resource for Aspen’s investigation.

As Aspen begins her methodical investigation she finds her father may have made enemies as an attorney. The reader is taken for a ride as clues are uncovered and progress is made in uncovering the killer. With plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing, I appreciated the “murder board” Aspen set up to help me keep track of them. Thrown into the mix is a tale of a long ago gambling debt, a hidden treasure, and some romance. With a few unexpected twists and an edge-of-your-seat reveal that had me turning pages faster and faster, I hope to see more of Aspen Adams in future books!

Cold conviction is a mystery that you'll enjoy as finally solves the murder of Aspen's parents. Rosie, her sister wants the murders solved. After the case went cold fourteen years ago. You'll enjoy see the clues developed and the case solved.

Aspen Adams lost her parents when she was a freshman in college, victims of a murder that was never solved by the police. When Aspen’s sister Rosie shares some new details with her, she agrees it’s time to begin her own investigation into the case. Back in the Bay Area memories and emotions come flooding back and Aspen is hoping to find that one missing clue that will help her solve the case so that she and Rosie can move forward.

This series has been solid since the first book was published and yet manages to get better with each and every knew book that is published. The author is very talented and I read all of her other series as well. You will not be disappointed with any book by Daryl Wood Gerber, so dig on it and enjoy the other offerings she has as well.

Aspen Adams enjoys working as a private detective for her Aunt Max’s agency in Lake Tahoe. However, this time the case she is working on is a personal one. Fourteen years ago, Aspen’s parents were murdered in their home and the case has remained unsolved. Her sister Rosie was troubled even then, but her life has spiraled into addiction since then because of guilt she has felt all this time. Rosie begs Aspen to look into the cold case in hopes that the answers she finds may help her get her life back on track. Aspen has always wanted answers, too, so she goes over all the old evidence and won’t back down, even when her questions could put her own life in danger.

“Cold Conviction” is the third book in this suspense series. I have read both of the prior books and although the story in this book does stand alone, I would recommend reading the prior books first so get to know the characters better. Aspen is able to get more information now that her parents’ case is cold since people are willing to admit things they wouldn’t before. Aspen’s boyfriend Nick is a detective and her aunt is a private investigator. However, Aspen is on her own for most of the book and I missed the interplay between her and those most important to her. I haven’t been completely on board with Aspen and Nick as a couple, but he definitely looks like a prince compared to Aspen’s ex-husband who makes an unwelcome reappearance in Aspen’s life as she is conducting her investigation. Rosie is a more sympathetic character in this book, but because I’ve read the first two books and have seen how she has treated her daughter, it’s hard for me to feel much pity for her.

The investigation is interesting and Aspen doesn’t overlook anything when reexamining the old evidence. One of the suspects she questions insists money is owed to him by her parents’ estate and claims they had a hidden treasure. Aspen doesn’t know what he’s talking about but as she investigating the murder, she keeps her eyes open for any clues that point to the existence of something valuable that one of her parents may have hidden. I enjoyed the resolution to that subplot at the end of the book.

Although there were a few different suspects in the murder of Lily and James Adams, I thought the evidence clearly led in one direction and guessed many of the answers before Aspen. Aspen is able to find closure on a few important things in her life, although a couple of things in the final chapter remain ambiguous. I don’t know for sure, but I’m wondering if this could be the end of this series. Many things are wrapped up, but we don’t know for sure how things will work out for Aspen, Nick, Rosie, and Rosie’s daughter Candace.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Aspen Adam's is a pi who wants to delve into the murder of her parents fourteen years ago. Her drug addicti sister found the parents murdered. Aspen tries to interview all the individuals who were questioned. This book had many twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end.

This was a first for me from this author and trust me it will not be my last. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the other two in the series. The writing itself is top notch and with enough suspense that keeps the reader guessing until the very last chapter. I thought I had it figured out whodunit, but I was wrong. I loved all the twists and turns expertly woven throughout the story. Highly recommend, can’t give it enough praise!

I have only known Darryl Wood Gerber as a cozy mystery writer so I was delighted to read Cold Conviction. I have not read the first two books in the series, but it was relatively easy to pick up with Aspen and her life. She is determined To solve the mystery of her parents' murder. The take is chock full of suspects, unanswered questions, and detective work. I liked Nick and thought Damien was a sap. I liked Antoine because he was exploring a better life and had a good attitude. I thought I had zeroed in on the early on, but I was close. Satisfying read.