Stunner

What Doesn't Kill You #10

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

A nationwide tour. A popstar in the crosshairs. Touring with the band just got deadly.

After battling breast cancer, island pop singer and single mom Ava thought she could handle anything her concert tour threw her way. But when tragedy strikes her album launch party, she realizes she may have underestimated the price she’ll have to pay for fame. And the cost skyrockets when someone attempts to murder her headlining act.

Still shaken by the alarming attack, Ava has little time to process the traumatic event before she’s caught up in a scandal worthy of the tabloids. Someone in her staff is leaking secrets to the paparazzi, and the fallout is wreaking havoc on her love life. When a second pop singer is targeted, Ava doubles down on her search for clues. But with music careers and multi-million-dollar contracts on the line, she could pack a stadium with potential suspects.

Knowing her future hinges on staying in the spotlight, Ava must track down the murderous stalker before the final curtain drops.

Stunner is the second book in Ava’s trilogy within the What Doesn’t Kill You series of romantic mysteries. If you like sexy pop stars, backstage scandals, and edge-of-your-seat mysteries, then you’ll love Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ award-winning series.

Buy Stunner to go on the road with a show-stopping murder mystery today!

˃˃˃ See why Pamela’s novels have won contest after contest.
2017 WINNER Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery
2016 WINNER Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2015 WINNER Best Book Awards Cross-Genre Fiction
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Romance, Quarter-finalist

˃˃˃ Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an “up-and-coming powerhouse writer.”
If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney who splits her time between Nowheresville, Texas and the frozen north of Snowheresville, Wyoming, Pamela lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for nearly ten years. She refuses to admit to taking notes for this series during that time.

˃˃˃ The Ava reviews are in, and they’re good. Very, very good.
“Just when I think I couldn’t love another Pamela Fagan Hutchins novel more, along comes Ava. She’s smart and sassy, with a story full of juicy plot twists. I enjoyed Bombshell from cover to cover!” — Marcy McKay, author of Pennies from Burger Heaven
“To finally get a whole book of Ava’s beautiful voice and attitude was so much fun. And then to see that her outer armor was mixed with the very real insecurities and struggles that we can all relate to was magical. She personifies bombshell in every sense of word and I can’t wait to have her voice in my head again.” — Tara Scheyer, Grammy-nominated musician, Long-Distance Sisters Book Club
“Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking. Each book gets better and better and better (with a) more intricate and complex storyline.” — Ginger Copeland, power reader

˃˃˃ Catch more adventures with Ava and her friends in the What Doesn’t Kill You world.

Genres: Mystery

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2018

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).

I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:

* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.

* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.

There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:

Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...

And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.

Reviews

[Kelly Billish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! You just cant put in down. Murder, Mystery and Excitement has you sitting on the edge of your seat to see what's going to happen next. Ava is fantastic and larger than life. You think things are turning around for her with her big break, launch party and her health struggles behind her. Hang on because its a wild ride!

[Ridgely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it is like to be discovered? To be asked for your autograph? To have thousands of people chant your name over and over, and over again. In the newest book in the What Doesn’t Kill You Series, Stunner, Pamela Fagan Hutchins takes her readers on this ride with character Ava Butler. Ava quickly catapults to the pinnacle of the music industry immersed in the fast paced life of an up and coming singer.

Ava begins the story with an adrenalized playback of her entrance/arrival to the launch party on Decker Cay. A self described road weary skank with make up down her cheek wearing a green lace top, Ava captivates readers. Her story from island beginnings to rock star status mesmerizes readers- taking them down a tremulous, unpredictable path where the line blurs between reality and showtime. Ava struggles with her dream come true and what she may lose if she goes after it- Readers toil with her- wanting to help, yet perplexed as well. Throw in murder, romance, kidnapping and tons of cash… readers will not veer far from the story once they begin reading.

True to form, Stunner fits nicely in the What Doesn’t Kill You series, with Ava visiting Emily Annalisle and seeing Michelle (Going for Kona) at her show in Houston .- yet, Stunner may be read without confusion as a stand alone book. Kudos to Hutchins for her dedication to the series framework as well as to the individual novel.

Readers love Hutchins’ work- a well developed plot line, characters vividly described and detailed … and always an accurate backstory- in this case experiencing the impact a hit single generates. Readers absorb relevant facts, information, truisms- the what really goes on in the music tour circuit as Ava faces euphoria followed by face-slapping reality. Hutchins planned and articulated an inseparable bond between the reader and Ava. This connection remains. When Stunner ends, the reader wants more- what more is there to say?

[Margaret Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, but all that Ava was going through in order to attain her dream was sometimes very overwhelming. If this is what the music industry is really like, I am surprised that people don’t crash and burn. But, once again, the story was compelling, fast paced and Ava and her entourage provided entertainment and thrills throughout the book. I LOVE CHEN! I also love the way Ms Hutchins develops her characters from one book to another. You watch them grow, face trials and tribulations and deal with what life hands them. It is good to see that Ava realizes she is going to have to change her ways if she wants a long term relationship with Collin. And more importantly, she realizes her most important role in life is being a good Mother to Ginger. Another great read and cannot wait for the next book! Thank you PFH fora great series!

[Ken Oder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunner is an exciting page-turner, matching the promise of its predecessor in the series, which is no small feat, given how fast-paced and exciting Bombshell is. Ava is a fascinating protagonist of engaging contradictions, strong but endearingly insecure about balance between family and career, in love with one man but plagued with a wandering eye, and a good mother to her infant daughter but a rock-star sex-pot to the world. The tension between these goals and needs grabs you and won’t let you go. This is a power-packed plot told in the author’s unique voice and with her masterful writing-style. It’s a great read in all respects!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. The pace is fast the characters REAL. You will feel like you are on stage with Ava and feel the highs and lows of her experience in the music industry. The mystery will keep you guessing and you will be finished before you know it wanting more. What draws me and so many readers to this authors work is the depth of her characters, the scene descriptions and the plotting. You do not just read these books you experience them.
You will love this book!

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

After you read Bombshell, hurry back for this sequel following Ava's adventures and mystery. Hutchins at her best!

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava's world is so not my world! But it's a fascinating world of music, parties, and mornings after. I totally lost track of time reading Stunner, which is a rare occurrence for me. Ava isn't perfect, and she knows it, but she's trying to do her best for her family and herself. It isn't her fault that people are dying, or is it? Is being the next music sensation what she really wants? From tropical island paradise to gritty band tour buses, Stunner is an entertaining, female-empowering, totally engrossing book!

[Angie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mystery, romance, heartache and a healthy dollop of humour! This book has it all. Fast-paced and action-packed right through to the very last page. As with all Pamela's books, once started I find it near impossible to put down. I just have to know "Whodunnit"?
Stunner sees the return of Ava; Sultry, sexy island girl with a dynamite voice and the latest up and coming singing sensation.
Signing the record deal of a lifetime, Ava is making it in the big time, but unexplained events at her launch party on her beloved Caribbean island of St. Marcos sees the story twisting and turning at breakneck speed.
From the idyllic beaches of St. Marcos to the exhausting, hedonistic lifestyle of rock star on the tour circuit where nothing is as it seems, Pamela creates a well crafted story packed with lovable, larger than life characters and a plot that keeps you guessing to the end.
Stunner is Book 2 in the Ava trilogy, and Book 10 in the "What Doesn't Kill You" series.
A romantic mystery in a class of it's own. Highly recommended.

[Marcy McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Fagan Hutchins' Stunner does not disappoint. Heroine Ava is triple threat ... smart, sexy and sassy. I enjoyed watching her struggle with her rise to fame, while a few dead bodies dropped along the way. Hutchins writing is fast-pace and fun and I can't wait to read the conclusion to Ava's story.

[Linda Ackelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Fagan Hutchins does it again!! Stunner,is an edge of your seats romantic mystery. It is a must read in her "What doesn't kill you" series. You'll fall in love with the characters and find yourself drawn in at every turn. A total must read!!

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Pamela Fagan Hutchins books. This one was action-filled from the beginning to the end. I love her character Ava. She's a gutsy woman. There are so many characters I feel are so believable. I highly recommend this fun read.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as others by this author and almost gave up after several chapters of a very slow start. Perhaps it’s because I am not interested in the music scene.

Ava has become an overnight success as a Caribbean music star but her success is not quite as she imagined it would be. Everyone is out to get what they can from her. She has totally lost control of her life and she does enjoy all the unwanted attention she is receiving.

At the party to celebrate the launch of Ava’s first album, Bombshell, a security guard dies when his fishing chair is ripped off the yacht while pursuing a 16 ft marlin. Ava goes off on her first tour only to find that she is being stalked.

Collin, her cop boyfriend, tells her he has had enough and wants to break up after he sees her grinding hips on stage with a famous rockstar.

As if this were not enough, nobody is getting paid, someone has maxed out Ava‘s credit card, and no one can locate the eccentric billionaire owner of Venus productions.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is an up and coming star. She has landed a tour and she's on her way. But problems seem to pop up right from the beginning and continue. Is this bad luck or is someone out to get her?

Fantastic story telling, as fans of Pamela Fagan Hutchins have come to expect. I recommend this book for mature readers

I listened to the audio version of this book. The sound on my copy wasn't quite crisp, but the narrator did a great job. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Denise Cosper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava ain't so bad

This is the second book in the Ava Butler series.
I am so happy to read these and really "get to know " Ava. I did NOT like her in previous stories, so it is good to read about her life and backstory.
The first book, Bombshell , tells what happened to her in early years and makes her much more human to me.
I am happy she has Collin in her life to kind of ground her. She also has some truly great friendships.
I am on to the next.

[Terry Polston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, Ava can not trust anyone on her tour. In true PFH style, the main character suffers one tragic blow after another. Her friends and family from San Marcos help her piece together what is happening. Their skill sets are just crazy good. Using her own name on a character that is a real douche was surprising.

[Dian Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.

Ava acts a little dingy at times, but underneath, she is very intelligent. She has everything she thinks she wants in a recording contract and tour. Things start to go wrong on the tour, a stalker, no money, murder, accidents that are suspicious, and friends that are not true. Lots of excitement!

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

PFH, you rock adventuress Ava out! Such a satisfying genre with characters I want to hang out with. I got started somewhat in the middle of all these fascinating people, so I'll have go back to the beginning- but not until I finish with Ava!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery as usual. Ava is a single Mom who’s just battled breast cancer. She figured that was as bad as it could get. Ava was definitely wrong. Don’t miss out.

[Irene Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Ava thriller

Rising star Ava again finds herself in the middle of trouble when a stalker is threatening her and her boss disappears. Lots of twists.

[Tena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really couldn’t get into it. The changing of the Narrator messed it up for me. So I turned it on and let it play over night.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you give this book a chance you might enjoy it as the story was good. You are taking a chance because the recording wasn't the best but if you ignore that and listen to the story you will find it has lots of twist in the story and was good.
Ava and her daughter are on your promoting her new album. Being new to the music industry she is only the opening act for the main stars but has the promise of being rich and famous. But being a super star isn't all it's cracked up to be as Ava finds out when she gains the attention of a stalker and stalkers can be be dangerous. With on life taken before the tour even starts Ava is worried and the when an accident derails the tour things get really strange. With her manager ducking her calls, the band members not getting paid, secrets getting leaked to the media, fans going crazy on stage,a stalker seems to be the less of her worries.
The narrator was good and I liked her island accent but it only gets a three star rating because the recording wasn't very good, very tinny and there was random sounds at the end of a few chapters like whistling and even what sounded like a toilet being flushed. It you can get past the bad recording then give it ago.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is fast tracking her rise to fame and it is bringing the crazy out of the woodwork! She now has people who want her to have a certain presence at all times, they pick out her close, do her hair & make-up in just the right way, spin her life in just the way they want even though it conflicts with who she really is and how she wants to live, they even have the nerve to dictate what she drinks! If that isn’t bad enough she also had to sign a contract stating she will not care for her daughter when she is sick! The excitement of the stage is also making her hormones run on overdrive and she finds herself flirting with everyone constantly to Colin’s absolute frustration! Now she finds herself in the middle of a stalker, one man has died, one man has been shot and no one knows who or what they are after! This is not at all like she thought it would be!

Pamela’s steamiest story to date! There is tons of mystery and great characters! I think this was my favorite book in all of the series!

[Kierstin Marquet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look out Janet Evanovich!
Pamela Fagan Hutchins is on a roll with Stunner! Amazing characterization. Vivid descriptions that put you in the midst of the Caribbean, with plot twists a plenty. Hutchins’ dedication to portraying the local dialect (patios) is really fun. You can hear their accents in your head as you read.
The cliffhanger ending in reference to Ava’s relationship keeps me in suspense for the next book!
There were some minor police procedural type of inaccuracies, which I’m a stickler for. Most people probably wouldn’t notice them or care.
Rated R for language and sexual content--I skipped this part because I don't read sex scenes. However, it would probably be considered steamy. GREAT WRITING, but I gave it a 4 because I wish she would've kept them clean.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunner - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Book 2 in this great series by the inimitable Pamela Fagan Hutchins, tells of Ava's rise to fame and move to an expected fortune, (as promised by Kenny) by going on a US music tour. Having overcome breast cancer and determined to succeed, a murderous stalker is the last thing Ava needs as her launch party goes badly and she misses Colin and daughter Ginger.
In a cut-throat world of dog-eat-dog, where you're only as successful as your last album or tour, Ava's soon out of her depth and is in a quandary. She needs the money to help her family and set herself and Ginger up with a secure future, which is the least thing likely to happen for this Island Queen on the mainland. What will Ava do next?

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What some people go through to become a star! Ava has battled cancer and is now on her way to becoming a music star. First her album launching party doesn't go as planned, then someone tries to murder her opening act! When the tabloids get wind of a scandal involving Ava, well even some people have their limits! This is a great story filled with everything a person could want, mystery, love, humor. I enjoyed it very much! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This is my opinion of it. Can't wait for the next one!!!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava world showing the fame of a pop star, agents control her life, to her clothes, her image on stage and off. In this the other side trouble with a stalker and a missing boss. Narration was as though she read it, the plot is excellent as her books are
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Karen Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has HEART. It speaks straight to the issues that we all face as women and working mothers. If you have ever felt pigeonholed by an image of you that may or may not be who you are, you are going to whoop with triumph when Ava fights back. This is a definite reread!!!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. However, it did have sex scenes in it. So if that bothers you then you might want to pass on this. The mystery was good. I was given an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.