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A Midlife Psychic Medium #4
Unexpected Outcomes
USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson brings true life to fiction in her latest installment of the Angela Panther Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Unexpected Outcomes.“Aspenson makes all her characters come to life. The dialogue is genuine, and the relationships feel like they could hop right into my life.” — Amazon Reviewer"Ghost Whisperer meets Stephanie Plum!" — ReviewerTalking to the dead is tricky. Most of the time, the spirits just show up and tell me what they need, but sometimes, things can get complicated.
Like when a ghost decides to play their death like a movie in my dreams and make me the star.
I want to help her cross over, but I can’t find her, and the cops don’t even think she’s dead. Now, to catch her killer, I’ve got to first find her body, and then her spirit.
Before her killer catches me.
Like when a ghost decides to play their death like a movie in my dreams and make me the star.
I want to help her cross over, but I can’t find her, and the cops don’t even think she’s dead. Now, to catch her killer, I’ve got to first find her body, and then her spirit.
Before her killer catches me.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2017
183 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
147 books543 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.
Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 13, 2018
This is a 3.5 star read.
This novella was offered as a free download from the author via Instafreebie. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
The first book I've read by this author as well as the first of her Angela Panther Mystery Series, I found it an absolute blast. Great characters and lots of snarky, sassy repartee between them as well as a ghost Mum/Grandma offering hints to help - just my type of fun book! I'd hesitate to call it a cosy mystery though. While the writing style and characters lend itself to that genre, I found the plot and descriptions a little too dark and graphic for it to be considered a light hearted cosy mystery. (Incest, child rape and molestation, as well as one scene where Angela is viciously assaulted by kicking does not a cosy mystery make!)
I don't know whether it was just the Instafreebie print of the novella or not, but there were WAY too many booboos to gloss over. Missing letters and words, duplicated words in a sentence (as in "the house was house was) and some sentences that just didn't make sense halted the otherwise smooth flow of the story. If not for the volume of typos etc I would have easily added another 1/2 to 1 star.
The series does read like a laugh a minute so I'm going to check out the Amazon versions and I have already downloaded a freebie Angela Panther short story after subscribing to the author's newsletter.
This novella was offered as a free download from the author via Instafreebie. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
The first book I've read by this author as well as the first of her Angela Panther Mystery Series, I found it an absolute blast. Great characters and lots of snarky, sassy repartee between them as well as a ghost Mum/Grandma offering hints to help - just my type of fun book! I'd hesitate to call it a cosy mystery though. While the writing style and characters lend itself to that genre, I found the plot and descriptions a little too dark and graphic for it to be considered a light hearted cosy mystery. (Incest, child rape and molestation, as well as one scene where Angela is viciously assaulted by kicking does not a cosy mystery make!)
I don't know whether it was just the Instafreebie print of the novella or not, but there were WAY too many booboos to gloss over. Missing letters and words, duplicated words in a sentence (as in "the house was house was) and some sentences that just didn't make sense halted the otherwise smooth flow of the story. If not for the volume of typos etc I would have easily added another 1/2 to 1 star.
The series does read like a laugh a minute so I'm going to check out the Amazon versions and I have already downloaded a freebie Angela Panther short story after subscribing to the author's newsletter.
February 18, 2020
I am so sad! Unexpected Outcomes is the last book of the Angela Panther series! I haven't read the novellas yet but they are on my TBR list. It has been a great journey and mostly a fun one. I was happy to see that Carolyn Ridder Aspension has a newer series with another psychic medium and have already ordered the first one with the hopes that I will enjoy it as much as this addictive series.
Watching relationships shift and develop and watching the kids mature has been a fun experience. I think Angela even matured some. I will miss all of the recurring characters. Thank you Ms. Aspenson for the enjoyment I got from reading Angela Panther 1-4!
Watching relationships shift and develop and watching the kids mature has been a fun experience. I think Angela even matured some. I will miss all of the recurring characters. Thank you Ms. Aspenson for the enjoyment I got from reading Angela Panther 1-4!
August 25, 2019
Angela and Mel have a lot going on in their lives with teen angst, financial woes, romantic/boss entanglements that overlap, ghosts popping in and out and now a random 911 caller in distress with shots fired, but no one knows where the call took place nor who the caller is. Enter Angela and her unique ability and her trusty sidekick Mel! Lots of laughter ensues, but they may have hit the end of the line with this one as the gals may not make it through without joining the ghostly ranks. Excellent character development enhances an intriguing plot to keep you entertained for hours. Seriously, if you haven't started reading this series yet, you absolutely should as you are missing out!
December 16, 2018
Wow, what an amazing mystery story this was.
The characters were magnificent! I loved Angela, Mel and my favorite was Frances. These characters really made the story so much fun to read!!
The story-line was phenomenal. I loved the flow and how fast paced it was. It's a remarkable story that kept me turning pages and guessing right along with the mystery that unfolded the more I read it. I had absolutely NO idea who the killer was until the author was ready to reveal them. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!
The characters were magnificent! I loved Angela, Mel and my favorite was Frances. These characters really made the story so much fun to read!!
The story-line was phenomenal. I loved the flow and how fast paced it was. It's a remarkable story that kept me turning pages and guessing right along with the mystery that unfolded the more I read it. I had absolutely NO idea who the killer was until the author was ready to reveal them. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!
March 22, 2025
Finally caught them
Angela had to work for this one. Poor Fran getting grounded that was sad. And Mel and Aaron good for them.
Angela had to work for this one. Poor Fran getting grounded that was sad. And Mel and Aaron good for them.
August 20, 2020
The story’s subject matter is a darker than usual for this series.
I love Angela’s compassion for lost souls looking to find their way home. I wish she had the good sense to take better care of herself and learn from past experiences when she tries to help people out of sticky and even dangerous situations. In recognition of their help in closing a few cases, Aaron gifts Angela and Mel with Special Investigator IDs which thrills them both. Unfortunately, it also ramps up their enthusiasm in pursuing leads that are probably best left to the professionals trained to deal with threatening situations. Even after receiving, and disregarding, stern warnings from Aaron and family, Angela runs into one dangerous situation to another without advance planning. When Fran, her mother and guardian angel, is unavailable to protect her in at least one instance, Angela’s actions prove to be hazardous to her health.
There are a few instances when I wanted to just laugh out loud at some of Fran’s antics and the new language that Mel is creating in an attempt to stop swearing. There are instances when I am touched by the depth of Angela and Mel’s friendship. The loving relationship that Angela and Jake share is simply amazing. The relationships Angela has with her children is relatable. Teens will be teens.
The murder mystery to be solved has some dark elements. The evil in some people is horrifying to read about, but unfortunately is a reality in some homes in our world today.
I am a big fan of Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. I especially enjoy the lighter cozy mystery stories in the Lily Sprayberry, Chantilly Adair, and Pooch Party Cozy Mystery series.
This is the seventh story I have read in this series (including short stories). I have immensely enjoyed the other stories that I have read in this series; but this story with its dark subject and Angela’s self-belief that she is invincible led me to rate this as a 4-star read. When I finish a book and reflect back on the story, I want those reflections to be of a positive nature; not casting dark or negative shade. Brushing those feelings aside, I am anxious to begin reading the next book in the series, a short story entitled, “The Event”.
I love Angela’s compassion for lost souls looking to find their way home. I wish she had the good sense to take better care of herself and learn from past experiences when she tries to help people out of sticky and even dangerous situations. In recognition of their help in closing a few cases, Aaron gifts Angela and Mel with Special Investigator IDs which thrills them both. Unfortunately, it also ramps up their enthusiasm in pursuing leads that are probably best left to the professionals trained to deal with threatening situations. Even after receiving, and disregarding, stern warnings from Aaron and family, Angela runs into one dangerous situation to another without advance planning. When Fran, her mother and guardian angel, is unavailable to protect her in at least one instance, Angela’s actions prove to be hazardous to her health.
There are a few instances when I wanted to just laugh out loud at some of Fran’s antics and the new language that Mel is creating in an attempt to stop swearing. There are instances when I am touched by the depth of Angela and Mel’s friendship. The loving relationship that Angela and Jake share is simply amazing. The relationships Angela has with her children is relatable. Teens will be teens.
The murder mystery to be solved has some dark elements. The evil in some people is horrifying to read about, but unfortunately is a reality in some homes in our world today.
I am a big fan of Carolyn Ridder Aspenson. I especially enjoy the lighter cozy mystery stories in the Lily Sprayberry, Chantilly Adair, and Pooch Party Cozy Mystery series.
This is the seventh story I have read in this series (including short stories). I have immensely enjoyed the other stories that I have read in this series; but this story with its dark subject and Angela’s self-belief that she is invincible led me to rate this as a 4-star read. When I finish a book and reflect back on the story, I want those reflections to be of a positive nature; not casting dark or negative shade. Brushing those feelings aside, I am anxious to begin reading the next book in the series, a short story entitled, “The Event”.
February 16, 2020
Unexpected Outcomes is a good mystery filled with lots of suspense from page one. Both Angela and her best friend Mel have the same dream of shooting the other. When her detective friend Aaron, shares they have had a 911 call with the same scenario, Angela is on the case. With help from her deceased mother, Fran, Angela tries to track down what has happened to Sarah and her husband. Both are missing and their two children are with relatives. Trouble is, one set of relatives are really not very nice and Angela fears for the little girl. As the tension builds with the case, so does the tension at home with Angela's daughter Emily. Then Emily runs away and Fran seems to have been put in time out by the Universe and Angela is in danger. Lots of suspense and action, with a dose of humor. Really good read.
March 16, 2018
This is a tough book to review. It is a very good mystery and I love the psychic aspects of the story. The plot is great and the characters interesting. I really disliked all the in-between writing. The conversations with her best friend were frustrating because they added nothing to the story. They were simply best friend nonsense. It wasn't funny and it didn't contribute to knowing the characters. It was just filler. The other frustrating part for me was the editing. There are lots of missing words and wrong words. There are so many people in this world willing to be ARC readers who would happily alert the author to these errors for free. I did find the mystery interesting enough that I finished the book.
January 30, 2020
This book was tremendously fun to read. The characters are well defined and the story is fast paced. Angela Panther is the intelligent and feisty main character, with a well developed sense of humor. She doesn't act stupid or irritating. She's interesting and I loved that she is a mature woman in a successful marriage. The dialogue is well written and I could hear some of the characters' Georgia twang in my head. I enjoyed two of the main characters' creative cussing, substituting "flock of seagulls" for an often overused swear word. The book had a nice twist at the end. I'll definitely recommend this book to my friends that like paranormal mysteries. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series! I received an ARC of this book and this review is my personal opinion.
September 10, 2017
Better than Entire Box of Thin Mints!!
Fasten your seat belts! Angela Panther is back. She can see & talk to ghosts which allows her to assist the police department solve murders working in tandem with best fiend Mel & Mel's bf Detective Aaron. She also helps the dead get messages to their love ones & pass on to that bright light in the sky. All of Aspenson's characters just seep into my soul. They're well developed & relatable! The plot was quite a roller coaster ride with just the right blend of action, emotion, & edge, with a dash of romance. A winning combination of ghosts & murder!!
Fasten your seat belts! Angela Panther is back. She can see & talk to ghosts which allows her to assist the police department solve murders working in tandem with best fiend Mel & Mel's bf Detective Aaron. She also helps the dead get messages to their love ones & pass on to that bright light in the sky. All of Aspenson's characters just seep into my soul. They're well developed & relatable! The plot was quite a roller coaster ride with just the right blend of action, emotion, & edge, with a dash of romance. A winning combination of ghosts & murder!!
April 19, 2023
Angela, her ma, and her daughter Emily are not the only mothers and daughters working through their drama and issues
Emily is more than a little spoiled and sheltered, despite some teen issues, and she thankfully has very little notion of the horrors some children suffer.
involvement in a missing persons case gets messy and dangerous quickly, especially as the mother bears in Mel, Angela and her mother roar, and so badly want to stand and act for girls who were not protected from the worst of terrors
Family is tricky.
a poignant and dramatic book that leaves you aching to hug your mom or babies.
Emily is more than a little spoiled and sheltered, despite some teen issues, and she thankfully has very little notion of the horrors some children suffer.
involvement in a missing persons case gets messy and dangerous quickly, especially as the mother bears in Mel, Angela and her mother roar, and so badly want to stand and act for girls who were not protected from the worst of terrors
Family is tricky.
a poignant and dramatic book that leaves you aching to hug your mom or babies.
September 2, 2023
Enjoyed this but needs editing
This is the 4th book I have read in this series. I became attached to the characters early on and that is a big part of the reason that I have read this far. The stories are original and they make me think about mortality and life and family. I really like these people! I have been enjoying this series but the editing seems to be getting worse with each one. Missing and mis-spelled words are becomimg pretty frequent and pretty jarring. If you don't mind the messiness of the need for a good edit, these are pretty entertaining books. If they were edited better then they all would rate 4 to 5 stars from me.
This is the 4th book I have read in this series. I became attached to the characters early on and that is a big part of the reason that I have read this far. The stories are original and they make me think about mortality and life and family. I really like these people! I have been enjoying this series but the editing seems to be getting worse with each one. Missing and mis-spelled words are becomimg pretty frequent and pretty jarring. If you don't mind the messiness of the need for a good edit, these are pretty entertaining books. If they were edited better then they all would rate 4 to 5 stars from me.
September 19, 2017
Angela and Mel have their Special Investigators badges and they're raring to use them. This story is more complex and emotional than previous ones in the series. It addresses some serious issues in a well written and compassionate way. The plot is intriguing and full of twists. Don't despair, with Fran in the mix this trio of ladies give out plenty of the humor fans have come to know and love! With a surprise ending you won't see coming, this latest edition to the Angela Panther series is Carolyn Ridder Aspenson at her best.
October 4, 2017
For all you who are looking for a title with the first letter “U” this is a series of 4 books about Angela Panther a woman who talks to ghosts and helps them pass over and in the meantime she gets getting involved in murder mysteries. Definitely a cozy mystery without the over-the-top snarky caricatures, rather the supporting characters are well developed with their own back stories. I enjoyed reading this series the pages just flew by.
March 9, 2018
The premise of this book looked interesting, but I gave up without finishing it. The joshing, the family disputes, the unnecessary innuendos, and the ridiculous over-reaction to spiders' webs (while trying to follow a ghost, who was not unnaturally put off by shrieking special investigators ...).
I see from the other reviews that readers loved the banter, and loved the characters, so I am not saying that you shouldn't read it. But it didn't work for me.
I see from the other reviews that readers loved the banter, and loved the characters, so I am not saying that you shouldn't read it. But it didn't work for me.
July 5, 2019
This is such a great series, with wonderful characters, and very entertaining! It is definitely a different, unique type of mystery. Angela Panther and her best friend, Mel, dream about a murder that really happened, and the recording of the actual 911 call was identical to both of their dreams. They work together with her friend detective, whose romance with Mel is heating up! A page turner for sure as they uncover the truth of the terrifying 911 call/dream.
August 12, 2020
Fantastic series!!!!!!!!!
I'm a reader, not a writer, but this is one of the best series I've read in a while. Carolyn hits all the right marks with the paranormal, friendships and laugh out loud humor. Can't wait for the next installment. I'm honestly surprised I liked the series so much since I'm more of a Shayne Silvers, Kevin Hearne, et al type of urban fantasy but Fran, Angela and Mel are da bomb.
I'm a reader, not a writer, but this is one of the best series I've read in a while. Carolyn hits all the right marks with the paranormal, friendships and laugh out loud humor. Can't wait for the next installment. I'm honestly surprised I liked the series so much since I'm more of a Shayne Silvers, Kevin Hearne, et al type of urban fantasy but Fran, Angela and Mel are da bomb.
November 1, 2018
Loved it!
The Angela Panther series is one of my faves. I pretty much read each book non stop once I get it. All the characters have depth and life to them, even Fran (Ma) haha. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the Universe has to say about grounding Fran. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s books are all a must read for anyone that likes cozy mysteries.
The Angela Panther series is one of my faves. I pretty much read each book non stop once I get it. All the characters have depth and life to them, even Fran (Ma) haha. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the Universe has to say about grounding Fran. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s books are all a must read for anyone that likes cozy mysteries.
March 9, 2022
Where are Mel's children?
I thought this would never end. I've been annoyed by the author telling us Mel has children but she never takes care of them. We don't know their names or even how many there are. Are they boys or girls? Mel just leaves her house to meet Angela all the time, apparently with no regard or care for her children. Sorry, Author, but this is SO ANNOYING!
I thought this would never end. I've been annoyed by the author telling us Mel has children but she never takes care of them. We don't know their names or even how many there are. Are they boys or girls? Mel just leaves her house to meet Angela all the time, apparently with no regard or care for her children. Sorry, Author, but this is SO ANNOYING!
May 30, 2022
Liars and killers and ghosts, oh my!
This is one book I could not figure who did what, which is good. Mel,Aaron, Jake and Angela share a frienfship/love that makes trust go to a new level. Secrets and family struggles continue on.
Fran and Buddy are becoming ghost super sleuths. And the the outcome finally pops out!
Gotta love these guys!
This is one book I could not figure who did what, which is good. Mel,Aaron, Jake and Angela share a frienfship/love that makes trust go to a new level. Secrets and family struggles continue on.
Fran and Buddy are becoming ghost super sleuths. And the the outcome finally pops out!
Gotta love these guys!
November 13, 2017
Fran and Angela are terrific
Aspenson makes all her characters come to life. The dialogue is genuine, and the relationships feel like they could hop right into my life. I highly recommend all the books in the series. Aspenson just gets better with each story.
Aspenson makes all her characters come to life. The dialogue is genuine, and the relationships feel like they could hop right into my life. I highly recommend all the books in the series. Aspenson just gets better with each story.
March 2, 2018
Good unusual plot with a twist of murder, and humor. She has a sixth sense, she knows when murder is murder, e en though nothing is clear about where. With her mother and Mel to help,makes this a delightful read.
March 25, 2018
2.5 star
I need to remember not to download these, even when I'm running low on books. Every time she acts like an idiot--which is often--a ghost steps in to help her. The constant deus ex machina tricks are boring. She never learns anything.
I need to remember not to download these, even when I'm running low on books. Every time she acts like an idiot--which is often--a ghost steps in to help her. The constant deus ex machina tricks are boring. She never learns anything.
May 8, 2018
I enjoyed reading there are many different feelings that I felt, love, paranormal, murder, suspense, and friendship. I really liked the characters in this story, they were fleshed out. I will certainly read more by this author.
May 11, 2018
Well flock of seagulls
I love Carolyn's Angela Panther series and have since the first book. She is able to weave together mystery, humor, parenting and the unbreakable bond (see what I did there?) between mother's and daughters. Can't wait to read more!
I love Carolyn's Angela Panther series and have since the first book. She is able to weave together mystery, humor, parenting and the unbreakable bond (see what I did there?) between mother's and daughters. Can't wait to read more!
August 9, 2018
Oh my she’s done it again!!!
I honestly could not stop reading this book!! I’ve never been surprised by story lines before and Carolyn Ridder Asperson has done it again!! I loved every twist and turn and can’t wait to read the next installment of The Angela Panther series!!!
I honestly could not stop reading this book!! I’ve never been surprised by story lines before and Carolyn Ridder Asperson has done it again!! I loved every twist and turn and can’t wait to read the next installment of The Angela Panther series!!!
July 17, 2019
Unexpectedly, good
This is not the outcome you'd expect from a meddling ghosting a mother. Not when her daughter's life and that of her best friend are constantly protected. Need I say more? No then good, read the series from the beginning and stay with it!
This is not the outcome you'd expect from a meddling ghosting a mother. Not when her daughter's life and that of her best friend are constantly protected. Need I say more? No then good, read the series from the beginning and stay with it!
October 16, 2019
This series just keeps getting better. I don't often pay more than $0.99 for an e-book but after reading the first 3 books in this series in a boxset, I immediately went looking for the rest of the series and bought this one.
November 14, 2023
meh
— Really drawn out and cringy main mystery
— Lack of character growth: Still has terrible relationships with her children.
— Unsatisfactory resolution of huge cliffhanger from previous book.
— Really drawn out and cringy main mystery
— Lack of character growth: Still has terrible relationships with her children.
— Unsatisfactory resolution of huge cliffhanger from previous book.
December 3, 2023
Must read.
I am getting ready to read the next book in this series. This book was so good. Packed with mystery and the help of celestial beings. I laughed and cried. Carolyn is gifted. I enjoy her books.
I am getting ready to read the next book in this series. This book was so good. Packed with mystery and the help of celestial beings. I laughed and cried. Carolyn is gifted. I enjoy her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews