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Mental Madness Suspense #1
The Admirer's Secret
From friends … to lovers … to murder.
Haley Montgomery is chasing a dream she can’t quite catch, to become a successful screenwriter. She’d do anything to escape her family’s failing vineyard and unrequited love for her best friend Marc. Then the opportunity of a lifetime comes to her small town as renowned film producer Allen Michaels offers her a ticket to a better future…but not without a cost.
It can’t be coincidence that as Haley begins working with Allen she starts receiving strange threats. It can’t be fate that Marc at last wants something more when she’s already got one foot out the door. And it can’t be safe when Haley uncovers a bone-chilling secret about why Allen showed up in her obscure town.
When a body is found buried in Marc’s backyard, Haley doesn’t know who to believe anymore. Allen claims Marc is dangerous. Marc claims he’s been framed. All she knows is that no one can be trusted, especially not her own heart.
Haley thought she was chasing a dream, but now she’s running from a nightmare.
Haley Montgomery is chasing a dream she can’t quite catch, to become a successful screenwriter. She’d do anything to escape her family’s failing vineyard and unrequited love for her best friend Marc. Then the opportunity of a lifetime comes to her small town as renowned film producer Allen Michaels offers her a ticket to a better future…but not without a cost.
It can’t be coincidence that as Haley begins working with Allen she starts receiving strange threats. It can’t be fate that Marc at last wants something more when she’s already got one foot out the door. And it can’t be safe when Haley uncovers a bone-chilling secret about why Allen showed up in her obscure town.
When a body is found buried in Marc’s backyard, Haley doesn’t know who to believe anymore. Allen claims Marc is dangerous. Marc claims he’s been framed. All she knows is that no one can be trusted, especially not her own heart.
Haley thought she was chasing a dream, but now she’s running from a nightmare.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
451 people are currently reading
3951 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Crane
25 books793 followersTo know PAMELA CRANE, you first need to know her husband. He sleeps with one eye open. He checks the knife block to make sure none are missing. Why? It could be because they have four kids and a farm full of mischievous animals. Or it could be because she writes murder mysteries, and about the occasional woman who has lost her marbles (not based on her real-life psyche, she swears!) Don't worry—her husband is safe...for now. Her books range from witty whodunnits to psychological suspense and even humorous women’s fiction thrown in for good measure. She’s a USA TODAY bestselling author of over a dozen novels (who’s counting?), but her biggest accomplishment is keeping her zoo of animals alive…and her husband in check. Grab a free book at www.pamelacrane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 31, 2018
Well written and twisty, but too much romance for my taste. The first book I read by Pamela Crane was so good, I was excited to read this one. Just as I was really getting into the story—and thought I wouldn’t be able to put it down—the overly-sappy romance started...and I think the author may have done it intentionally, to play into the twists. The characters that I really liked at the beginning became irritating, indecisive and unbelievable. The story had potential, but lost me about halfway through. Anyone who likes Romantic Suspense will probably find it enjoyable.
Haley Montgomery has been receiving letters from a secret admirer. Someone who is obsessed with her. Along with the creepy feeling of being watched, she’s intrigued by the writing and the messages and starts to see them as somewhat romantic.
She’s bored with her small-town life and jumps at an opportunity to take a Screenwriting class—her dream job and a way out of Westfield. The class is being taught by Allen Michaels, the bigger-than-life Hollywood screenwriter. Of course, there is more to his trip to this podunk town than teaching a class. Accusations of murder were rolling through Hollywood after his wife’s disappearance...just after she filed for divorce.
This might be Haley’s chance to escape from this town and do something with her life. When Allen offers to tutor her, she sees the opportunity of a lifetime. But Allen has his own agenda. With the accusations of murder following his wife’s disappearance, he needs Haley to help him get his life and reputation back on track.
“Then the realization smacked him across his bony face: Haley was the reason he left Los Angeles, and the last few dark weeks, behind. She was the reason he taught that class. All this was finally clear to him. He hadn’t known it before now, and she would find out soon: they were meant to be. Only one thing stood between them—his little secret.”
Haley suspects the adorably handsome computer guy—Marc Vincetti—of being her admirer. The letters started just after she had him over to look at her dying computer and she hasn’t been able to get him out of her head since. He’s charming, funny...she starts to imagine a life with him. But that means giving up her dream and staying in Westfield.
“This man was dangerous, for he could disarm me with a smile. There was something familiar about Marc ... but I didn’t know what exactly.”
Everyone has secrets. Haley wants to make sure her past remains buried. Allen needs to get his reputation and life back...and he’s sure Haley can help him obtain those goals. After having his heart broken, Marc isn’t sure if he wants love or revenge.
Thank you to Pamela Crane for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Haley Montgomery has been receiving letters from a secret admirer. Someone who is obsessed with her. Along with the creepy feeling of being watched, she’s intrigued by the writing and the messages and starts to see them as somewhat romantic.
She’s bored with her small-town life and jumps at an opportunity to take a Screenwriting class—her dream job and a way out of Westfield. The class is being taught by Allen Michaels, the bigger-than-life Hollywood screenwriter. Of course, there is more to his trip to this podunk town than teaching a class. Accusations of murder were rolling through Hollywood after his wife’s disappearance...just after she filed for divorce.
This might be Haley’s chance to escape from this town and do something with her life. When Allen offers to tutor her, she sees the opportunity of a lifetime. But Allen has his own agenda. With the accusations of murder following his wife’s disappearance, he needs Haley to help him get his life and reputation back on track.
“Then the realization smacked him across his bony face: Haley was the reason he left Los Angeles, and the last few dark weeks, behind. She was the reason he taught that class. All this was finally clear to him. He hadn’t known it before now, and she would find out soon: they were meant to be. Only one thing stood between them—his little secret.”
Haley suspects the adorably handsome computer guy—Marc Vincetti—of being her admirer. The letters started just after she had him over to look at her dying computer and she hasn’t been able to get him out of her head since. He’s charming, funny...she starts to imagine a life with him. But that means giving up her dream and staying in Westfield.
“This man was dangerous, for he could disarm me with a smile. There was something familiar about Marc ... but I didn’t know what exactly.”
Everyone has secrets. Haley wants to make sure her past remains buried. Allen needs to get his reputation and life back...and he’s sure Haley can help him obtain those goals. After having his heart broken, Marc isn’t sure if he wants love or revenge.
Thank you to Pamela Crane for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2015
Certainly much more than the romantic suspense I was anticipating, Ms. Crane had the knack of keeping this reader on the edge of his seat. The author is skilled at making the prosaic appear sinister, and as I read her descriptions of bucolic suburbia I always felt a sense that something ominous was just waiting around the corner. I believe this is Ms. Crane's point, that we have no right to expect our lives to be "golden" and that at any moment we may be confronted with unexpected evil. And that evil comes in many guises--not necessarily the obvious monster, but in more nuanced forms--including our destructive selves.
As such, though most entertaining, "The Admirer's Secret" took on the significance of a modern parable by allowing us to peer into this tense fictional world Ms. Crane created--with the expectation that real life lessons may hopefully be learned. At the conclusion I felt the author's authenticity in telling us this story, and interpreted the novel as an alliterative nexus of Faust, Fatal Attraction, and Faith--a powerful triad representing the light and dark of humanity; a most provocative notion. If you wish to be both entertained and challenged, I heartily recommend this book. The Zebra Affaire
As such, though most entertaining, "The Admirer's Secret" took on the significance of a modern parable by allowing us to peer into this tense fictional world Ms. Crane created--with the expectation that real life lessons may hopefully be learned. At the conclusion I felt the author's authenticity in telling us this story, and interpreted the novel as an alliterative nexus of Faust, Fatal Attraction, and Faith--a powerful triad representing the light and dark of humanity; a most provocative notion. If you wish to be both entertained and challenged, I heartily recommend this book. The Zebra Affaire
May 4, 2014
My review for this book will be posted on Night Owl Reviews web site soon!
December 2, 2014
This review can originally be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
*Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy for review*
Romance is a genre I didn’t read a lot before I had my blog because I believed books that are solely about romance would be boring. Shouldn’t there be more action, plot twists or something in there? This is where I have to thank the blogging world, because it’s shown me that I was very wrong.
At the beginning of the book we get to know Haley, a character I quickly like because she is struggling to understand love and life. She has an important choice to make – fall in love with the man of her dreams, Marc, or go to Hollywood with a superstar and possibly achieve her life-long dream of being a screen writer. It’s a pretty hard choice to make, and I enjoyed seeing Haley turn it over in her mind and all the things that contributed to her final decision.
There was also Marc, the love interest, who seemed nice enough. He didn’t catch my attention in particular or have a certain wow factor, but he was a nice guy who was slow, gentlemanly and kind to Haley. He was nice.
I won’t give away the plot twist, but when it happened, I was very shocked. At first I spent about 25 pages near the end feeling pretty confused and almost started to dislike the book, trying to wrap my head around how the plot twist could even be possible and questioning everything that had happened so far in the book. Then I realised that the character that this happened to probably felt the same way and I FINALLY understood what the plot twist meant! It was... mind blowing. A plot twist no one can expect, that's for sure :3
There was some mention of God and forgiveness, but I wouldn’t class this book as Christian fiction because there was only a mention of it at the end, briefly.
The book is based on a real life situation, which shocked me. I learned about a new mental condition I had never heard of before, and when I read the Author’s Note it shocked me. Hopefully this is a book you will pick up and learn as much from it as I have.
*Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy for review*
Romance is a genre I didn’t read a lot before I had my blog because I believed books that are solely about romance would be boring. Shouldn’t there be more action, plot twists or something in there? This is where I have to thank the blogging world, because it’s shown me that I was very wrong.
At the beginning of the book we get to know Haley, a character I quickly like because she is struggling to understand love and life. She has an important choice to make – fall in love with the man of her dreams, Marc, or go to Hollywood with a superstar and possibly achieve her life-long dream of being a screen writer. It’s a pretty hard choice to make, and I enjoyed seeing Haley turn it over in her mind and all the things that contributed to her final decision.
There was also Marc, the love interest, who seemed nice enough. He didn’t catch my attention in particular or have a certain wow factor, but he was a nice guy who was slow, gentlemanly and kind to Haley. He was nice.
I won’t give away the plot twist, but when it happened, I was very shocked. At first I spent about 25 pages near the end feeling pretty confused and almost started to dislike the book, trying to wrap my head around how the plot twist could even be possible and questioning everything that had happened so far in the book. Then I realised that the character that this happened to probably felt the same way and I FINALLY understood what the plot twist meant! It was... mind blowing. A plot twist no one can expect, that's for sure :3
There was some mention of God and forgiveness, but I wouldn’t class this book as Christian fiction because there was only a mention of it at the end, briefly.
The book is based on a real life situation, which shocked me. I learned about a new mental condition I had never heard of before, and when I read the Author’s Note it shocked me. Hopefully this is a book you will pick up and learn as much from it as I have.
July 21, 2014
I am a little surprised that people have given 5 stars for this book. I am not sure whether it was written by an adolescent or it wasn't edited - the grammar was bad, sentences were phrased poorly, and the story was predictable. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
December 4, 2013
The Admirer's Secret by Pamela Crane
Haley Montgomery lives in a small town, with the hopes of being a successful writer. She meets two men, Allen Montgomery , A Hollywood producer who could turn her screen play into a movie. Then Marc Vincetti her tech support man, she thinks he could be the man of her dreams. But then Allen becomes obsessed with her and Marc is the target of a stalker. Soon their lives will take a new turn.
A psychological thriller, with suspense, twists, turns and secrets. Just when I thought I had it figured out a new turn of events would occur and keep me turning the pages. A must read for those who love edge of you seat suspense.
Haley Montgomery lives in a small town, with the hopes of being a successful writer. She meets two men, Allen Montgomery , A Hollywood producer who could turn her screen play into a movie. Then Marc Vincetti her tech support man, she thinks he could be the man of her dreams. But then Allen becomes obsessed with her and Marc is the target of a stalker. Soon their lives will take a new turn.
A psychological thriller, with suspense, twists, turns and secrets. Just when I thought I had it figured out a new turn of events would occur and keep me turning the pages. A must read for those who love edge of you seat suspense.
January 28, 2019
This is a great thriller! Loved the twists and turns. This is my 1st book I've read in the series, and I cant wait to dive into the next book Fatal Affair.
Grab some, tea, wrap yourself in a fuzzy blanket, and read this fantastic book
Grab some, tea, wrap yourself in a fuzzy blanket, and read this fantastic book
November 13, 2015
Wow, this book really messed with my head! I had read the prequel, A Fatal Affair, prior to reading this. It was an enjoyable thriller so I was interested in reading this novel as well. It was not at all what I expected!
I found this book to be just as well-written and engaging as the prequel was. It didn't take long for me to get into the story and to get to know the characters. Haley's a young woman with a troubled past who lives in a small town and hopes to become a Hollywood screenwriter. (I loved the setting by the lake.) And Allen, a famous screenwriter/producer, with a scandalous past moves to her small town and decides to teach a course on screenwriting at the local community college. (I already knew about him and how psycho he was from reading A Fatal Affair.) When Haley takes his class, he becomes obsessed with her, but she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. Instead, she's falling for an IT guy named Marc. So you can imagine how things might go, but then the twist in this book is magnificent.
There were some things that confused me in the beginning, but then it all started to become more clear the closer I got to the conclusion. I couldn't put the book down; I had to figure out what was going on! And once I did, I was so blown away that I then skimmed back through the book and re-read scenes through a new found perspective. It was very clever and brilliantly done. I never would have guessed it!
I highly enjoyed this story, although there were a couple things that bothered me (regarding Allen and something else that happened that I can't say without spoiling anything). I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5. Highly recommended.
I found this book to be just as well-written and engaging as the prequel was. It didn't take long for me to get into the story and to get to know the characters. Haley's a young woman with a troubled past who lives in a small town and hopes to become a Hollywood screenwriter. (I loved the setting by the lake.) And Allen, a famous screenwriter/producer, with a scandalous past moves to her small town and decides to teach a course on screenwriting at the local community college. (I already knew about him and how psycho he was from reading A Fatal Affair.) When Haley takes his class, he becomes obsessed with her, but she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. Instead, she's falling for an IT guy named Marc. So you can imagine how things might go, but then the twist in this book is magnificent.
There were some things that confused me in the beginning, but then it all started to become more clear the closer I got to the conclusion. I couldn't put the book down; I had to figure out what was going on! And once I did, I was so blown away that I then skimmed back through the book and re-read scenes through a new found perspective. It was very clever and brilliantly done. I never would have guessed it!
I highly enjoyed this story, although there were a couple things that bothered me (regarding Allen and something else that happened that I can't say without spoiling anything). I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5. Highly recommended.
December 16, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, I never read any other reviews. Other than what the author has on the book jacket, I prefer to form my own unbiased opinions.
I don't know what "The Admirer's Secret," is classified as, but I want to say this should be a psychological thriller. This book freaked me out! I normally can tell you who done it by the 1st or 2nd chapter. So, with this book, I thought I knew how this book was going to end. When I got to the who done it, I just yelled out loud, "NO FREAKING WAY!" Guess I'm not as smart as I thought I was.
About the book:
Haley, a young woman in her 20's, is struggling with relationships, love and what she wants out of life. She has a passion for writing and wants to hit it big as a screen play writer. Taking a class from the famous Allen Michaels's, she starts working on what can be her best work to date. In the meantime, Marc the computer repairman, starts to play a huge role in her life. Now she's torn between the love of her life or Hollywood. (This is all I can say!)
This book has made me want to know more about Haley and how she's doing. I was left questioning what I was reading at times. Then when I got to the climax of the book, it all started falling into place and making sense.
This was a well written book. I honestly hope Ms. Crane writes more about Haley. I really am curious about where she is at now in her life.
I don't know what "The Admirer's Secret," is classified as, but I want to say this should be a psychological thriller. This book freaked me out! I normally can tell you who done it by the 1st or 2nd chapter. So, with this book, I thought I knew how this book was going to end. When I got to the who done it, I just yelled out loud, "NO FREAKING WAY!" Guess I'm not as smart as I thought I was.
About the book:
Haley, a young woman in her 20's, is struggling with relationships, love and what she wants out of life. She has a passion for writing and wants to hit it big as a screen play writer. Taking a class from the famous Allen Michaels's, she starts working on what can be her best work to date. In the meantime, Marc the computer repairman, starts to play a huge role in her life. Now she's torn between the love of her life or Hollywood. (This is all I can say!)
This book has made me want to know more about Haley and how she's doing. I was left questioning what I was reading at times. Then when I got to the climax of the book, it all started falling into place and making sense.
This was a well written book. I honestly hope Ms. Crane writes more about Haley. I really am curious about where she is at now in her life.
February 8, 2014
Book Review: The Admirer's Secret
By: Pamela Crane
This book is filled with suspense, mystery, saddness, and pain. The author, Pamela Crane takes your mind on a whirlwind as you try to understand what is happening. Once you think you know where the story goes, believe me you don't. If you enjoy that kind of story this is the book to read. Regardless of the insanity of the story's events there is a good lesson on forgiveness and love. Some chapters confused me because it wasn't clear which character was involved which got me a bit confused with the story. But that also made the story more interesting as it unraveled.
My favorite thing about this book was when I learned why the author wrote it. Pamela opened up about a painful situation in her life involving a person with a rare mental illness. It seems writing this book was healing for her.
Review Written By: Jesenia Sanabia Inc.
By: Pamela Crane
This book is filled with suspense, mystery, saddness, and pain. The author, Pamela Crane takes your mind on a whirlwind as you try to understand what is happening. Once you think you know where the story goes, believe me you don't. If you enjoy that kind of story this is the book to read. Regardless of the insanity of the story's events there is a good lesson on forgiveness and love. Some chapters confused me because it wasn't clear which character was involved which got me a bit confused with the story. But that also made the story more interesting as it unraveled.
My favorite thing about this book was when I learned why the author wrote it. Pamela opened up about a painful situation in her life involving a person with a rare mental illness. It seems writing this book was healing for her.
Review Written By: Jesenia Sanabia Inc.
June 3, 2017
I have to say this book pleasantly surprised me. I was having a hard time getting into this book initially, but I found that by the ending I was totally pulled me into the story and nothing was what I expected at all.
October 19, 2018
Impossible to stop reading, felt gripped until I got to the end to discover what happened. Love all the books by this author.
October 14, 2021
I won this in a Goodreads Giveway, so thank you to Goodreads and Amazon for a copy of this book.
This book is told in first person with the majority of the chapters from Haley's POV, however Allen and Marc. It took me a minute what was going on and I will say this right off the bat, this wasn't my favorite. That being said it was interesting and it kept me reading. I just didn't love it. I don't always like first person especially if it has several different people because that can be confusing trying to figure out who is talking in that chapter.
Haley has a secret and someone knows her secret, and she is starting to get worried about these letters. Who knows her like this, what do they want? Allen has secrets of his own and he really likes Haley, but he is hiding from his own past. The fact that his wife is missing doesn't stop him from fixating on Haley. Haley is in love, but Marc only has eyes for Julie or so we think, or does he??
So the one spoiler I will give away is one or more of the characters is unstable and unreliable so it is hard to talk about the plot without giving things away. I don't want to give too much away because that is one of the things very enjoyable about this story. It really is a guessing game as to what is going on. Who is stalking who, or sometimes several people doing something crazy.
I found this confusing at times, but once I knew what was going on some of that is part of the plot. You are supposed to be guessing and confused. I just wasn't all that invested in the story or the characters. They were all a tad weird for me. I did like it, just don't love it.
This book is told in first person with the majority of the chapters from Haley's POV, however Allen and Marc. It took me a minute what was going on and I will say this right off the bat, this wasn't my favorite. That being said it was interesting and it kept me reading. I just didn't love it. I don't always like first person especially if it has several different people because that can be confusing trying to figure out who is talking in that chapter.
Haley has a secret and someone knows her secret, and she is starting to get worried about these letters. Who knows her like this, what do they want? Allen has secrets of his own and he really likes Haley, but he is hiding from his own past. The fact that his wife is missing doesn't stop him from fixating on Haley. Haley is in love, but Marc only has eyes for Julie or so we think, or does he??
So the one spoiler I will give away is one or more of the characters is unstable and unreliable so it is hard to talk about the plot without giving things away. I don't want to give too much away because that is one of the things very enjoyable about this story. It really is a guessing game as to what is going on. Who is stalking who, or sometimes several people doing something crazy.
I found this confusing at times, but once I knew what was going on some of that is part of the plot. You are supposed to be guessing and confused. I just wasn't all that invested in the story or the characters. They were all a tad weird for me. I did like it, just don't love it.
December 23, 2019
I wasn't as interested in this one as I thought I'd be. The synopsis suggested that there would be more of a creepy factor than there was; yet still, the overall story was okay.
The layers that authors add to psychological thrillers is what draws me to the genre. Although this one has a couple that caught me off guard, it was a bit anti-climactic. The tension just wasn't there for me. The secret from the main character's past that I was hoping would be tremendously revealing, was that... but the problem was that it was revealed in the beginning of the book. A bit of a let down. Throughout the story, I suspected what was happening, and so when it turned out I was right, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
There was a particular subplot character, who I thought would be instrumental in the big reveal at the end, but that character wasn't explored or woven into the story line with the kind of depth that would have required. His character and underlying creepiness was there... but just peripherally. I would have liked to have him more involved with the final twist. In the end, he was an obvious red herring. The secondary characters were also less dynamic that I would have liked... they felt more like filler than impact - even the one that was supposed to be the motivational history.
The best thing about this story... The dog doesn't die!
According to GoodReads.com, this author is a popular writer, and I seem to be in the minority. This was my first read of her; and I'll give her another chance; but I'm guessing this novel isn't her finest work.
The layers that authors add to psychological thrillers is what draws me to the genre. Although this one has a couple that caught me off guard, it was a bit anti-climactic. The tension just wasn't there for me. The secret from the main character's past that I was hoping would be tremendously revealing, was that... but the problem was that it was revealed in the beginning of the book. A bit of a let down. Throughout the story, I suspected what was happening, and so when it turned out I was right, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
There was a particular subplot character, who I thought would be instrumental in the big reveal at the end, but that character wasn't explored or woven into the story line with the kind of depth that would have required. His character and underlying creepiness was there... but just peripherally. I would have liked to have him more involved with the final twist. In the end, he was an obvious red herring. The secondary characters were also less dynamic that I would have liked... they felt more like filler than impact - even the one that was supposed to be the motivational history.
The best thing about this story... The dog doesn't die!
According to GoodReads.com, this author is a popular writer, and I seem to be in the minority. This was my first read of her; and I'll give her another chance; but I'm guessing this novel isn't her finest work.
June 7, 2024
horrendous
November 1, 2025
so boring when i thought it’s actually be a good little indie story about a mystery killer and anonymous notes. ugh
January 13, 2014
Free book for free review
Haley Montgomery discovered what it was like to lose those we love at a young age. First her Friend Jake then her father, at the young age of 11. One way she tries to escape from her pain is writing, this is where she escapes and tries to deal with her grief. Her dream is to be a screenwriter someday.
Many years later Haley is 27, still living in her small home town of Westfield, New York. Haley works as a secretary for a law firm and just recently started a writing class. She was over joyed to see her Allen Michaels a Hollywood screenwriter and Producer was teaching her class. Allen was swept off his feet with Haley, but Haley has eyes on one IT guy, Marc Vincetti. Allen, like Haley has a few secrets and a few skeletons in the closet.
Haley soon starts receiving letters from an a admirer, she is caught up in the haunting, passionate writing and soon starts to find the writer of these letters. Is it Marc the IT guy or Allen the Hollywood screenwriter ? This is where the story starts twisting and turning and one you will not want to put down !
I have so much I want to say about this book BUT it would spoil it for everyone. This was a fascinating read, one that I could not put down. I was caught up in the story line from page one. I loved the forgiveness aspect that was added, without forgiveness we just become bitter. Pamela did a wonderful job writing and I will be looking for more books by her!
Wende :)
Haley Montgomery discovered what it was like to lose those we love at a young age. First her Friend Jake then her father, at the young age of 11. One way she tries to escape from her pain is writing, this is where she escapes and tries to deal with her grief. Her dream is to be a screenwriter someday.
Many years later Haley is 27, still living in her small home town of Westfield, New York. Haley works as a secretary for a law firm and just recently started a writing class. She was over joyed to see her Allen Michaels a Hollywood screenwriter and Producer was teaching her class. Allen was swept off his feet with Haley, but Haley has eyes on one IT guy, Marc Vincetti. Allen, like Haley has a few secrets and a few skeletons in the closet.
Haley soon starts receiving letters from an a admirer, she is caught up in the haunting, passionate writing and soon starts to find the writer of these letters. Is it Marc the IT guy or Allen the Hollywood screenwriter ? This is where the story starts twisting and turning and one you will not want to put down !
I have so much I want to say about this book BUT it would spoil it for everyone. This was a fascinating read, one that I could not put down. I was caught up in the story line from page one. I loved the forgiveness aspect that was added, without forgiveness we just become bitter. Pamela did a wonderful job writing and I will be looking for more books by her!
Wende :)
August 24, 2021
I figured a little background for why I wrote this book might help some readers understand where the story comes from.
Several years ago I dealt with a very similar situation--a stalker who threatened my life and suffered from the same mental illness I describe in the book (yes, it's real!). Writing this was my form of therapy after it was over, and while many have asked how I can possibly write about "forgiveness" at the end, that is truly what ended the whole drama. My willingness to forgive perpetuated an internal battle within him that allowed him to finally stop the destructive behaviors and heal.
I can't take credit for "healing" him, only giving him the door to walk through that would lead to it. And many may think it's easy to forgive something like this, but trust me, it wasn't. He nearly ruined my life, traumatized me, and severed my ability to trust people for a long time. But there's a point where one just has to let go of the pain. When I finally did, I felt...restored.
So, I hope this offers readers some context for the story, for the ending, and for why forgiveness was pivotal...because it was pivotal to my life, pivotal to having hope. And if any readers out there have endured the same struggle, I'd be honored to be a listening ear, support you in any way I can, and encourage you to not let it be an eternal thorn in your side.
Several years ago I dealt with a very similar situation--a stalker who threatened my life and suffered from the same mental illness I describe in the book (yes, it's real!). Writing this was my form of therapy after it was over, and while many have asked how I can possibly write about "forgiveness" at the end, that is truly what ended the whole drama. My willingness to forgive perpetuated an internal battle within him that allowed him to finally stop the destructive behaviors and heal.
I can't take credit for "healing" him, only giving him the door to walk through that would lead to it. And many may think it's easy to forgive something like this, but trust me, it wasn't. He nearly ruined my life, traumatized me, and severed my ability to trust people for a long time. But there's a point where one just has to let go of the pain. When I finally did, I felt...restored.
So, I hope this offers readers some context for the story, for the ending, and for why forgiveness was pivotal...because it was pivotal to my life, pivotal to having hope. And if any readers out there have endured the same struggle, I'd be honored to be a listening ear, support you in any way I can, and encourage you to not let it be an eternal thorn in your side.
December 14, 2013
Where do I begin without giving anything away in my review. If you have read any of my reviews you know that I like to tell as much as I can with only giving away small spoilers, if any. It takes a lot for me to even give three stars to a book. Yes I know I am a bit of a b...um well you get the picture. In Admirer’s Secret I don’t want to give anything away. Nada. Nothing Zilch. Why you may ask? I want you to have the same experience I had while reading it. If I had read any spoilers before engaging in this book it would have taken away from the emotional roller coaster ride that was Haley Montgomery.I would be thinking I had figured out something and then BAM! I was knocked for a loop. Everything I thought I knew was totally wrong. This book was well written and did in fact keep me invested in Haley till the last page. Then long after I was done I wanted to know what Haley was doing, where she was and so on. Ms. Crane’s writing flows on the page. There was a couple typos but nothing that took away from the story at all.
February 4, 2014
**** This is A First Reads, Thank You Goodreads ******
Haley Montgomery has had her share of tragedy and loss, yet when she begins to receive letters from an admirer a new hope within begins to swell. The letters know her so deep, so well, but who could be sending something so intimate.
Her dream of being a screenwriter seems even closer when famous Hollywood screenwriter Allen Michaels comes to the small town of Westfield offering courses. Allen takes a special interest in Haley even if his intensity is a bit extreme and what sent him running to hide away in a small town is a bit darker than anyone suspects.
Haley is caught between the possibility of the career of her dreams and the man of her dreams, Marc Vincetti. Marc, who she has the most important conversations with, whose handwriting seems to match that of her admirer…
Thing about all this, sometimes not everything is as it seems. A story that not only surprises you but also has a great message (not preachy), with some nailbiting fear provoking moments this is a great thrilling novel.
Haley Montgomery has had her share of tragedy and loss, yet when she begins to receive letters from an admirer a new hope within begins to swell. The letters know her so deep, so well, but who could be sending something so intimate.
Her dream of being a screenwriter seems even closer when famous Hollywood screenwriter Allen Michaels comes to the small town of Westfield offering courses. Allen takes a special interest in Haley even if his intensity is a bit extreme and what sent him running to hide away in a small town is a bit darker than anyone suspects.
Haley is caught between the possibility of the career of her dreams and the man of her dreams, Marc Vincetti. Marc, who she has the most important conversations with, whose handwriting seems to match that of her admirer…
Thing about all this, sometimes not everything is as it seems. A story that not only surprises you but also has a great message (not preachy), with some nailbiting fear provoking moments this is a great thrilling novel.
February 3, 2014
Wow, what a thrill ride. This book is good to give you a rollcoaster ride. You think you figured something out and then it isn't what you thought. I had a feeling in the beginning about the letters and then changed my mind as I read but was correct in the beginning, nice how Crane makes you change your mind and keeps you guessing. It is hard not to give away anything, its like you just want to blurt it all out, but you don't want to ruin it for others. After I was done reading my emotions were in turmoil also. I have never had a book affect me that way. Pamela Crane did a really good job at keeping the rollercoaster going. I am hoping that she took the last letter to heart and has a happy life.
October 29, 2013
I read a lot of books and after a while, you pretty much guess the endings before the end of chapter three but you have to finish reading anyways because ...well, it's a book and you have to. I am happy to say this wasn't the case in The Admirer's Secret. Pamela Crane wrote magically. Each twist and turn was delightfully intense and kept you begging for more. It is not often you read a novel these days with such thoughtful impact without sex or profanity or both being sprinkled throughout. I am proud to see a well written novel and thriller written without either. Tantalizing, spiritual, and if you're sitting on the edge of your seat, look to be yanked off!
November 5, 2019
Fiendishly Deceptive
This book is written in both first and third person narrative which is interesting. It is set in both the protagonist’s past and present which grabs one’s attention.
The protagonist is a young woman named Haley. The author outlines her loss of her father and best friend in her childhood and teenage. She develops Haley’s person as a likable young woman who wants a husband and family of her own. One finds identifying with her , and ardently hoping for her to find true love.
The plot has multiple stories, and takes many jolting turns. The ending? is definitely a bombshell!♥️🦋😇♥️
This book is written in both first and third person narrative which is interesting. It is set in both the protagonist’s past and present which grabs one’s attention.
The protagonist is a young woman named Haley. The author outlines her loss of her father and best friend in her childhood and teenage. She develops Haley’s person as a likable young woman who wants a husband and family of her own. One finds identifying with her , and ardently hoping for her to find true love.
The plot has multiple stories, and takes many jolting turns. The ending? is definitely a bombshell!♥️🦋😇♥️
November 14, 2013
Wow, I’m still reeling from this psychological thriller. The Admirer's Secret by Pamela Crane is really good. So go, in fact, I looked up the author to get another one of her books and it appears this is a debut novel – amazing! Great pacing, complex and authentic characters and a plot that keeps twisting. I kept picturing the scenes and it would be a natural to turn this into a movie. No doubt Pamela Crane has a bright future ahead as a writer. Recommended and an easy five-stars!
February 10, 2014
WOW!! I don't know where to start. I wasn't sure if I would like this book but the more I read the more I was sucked in. I had to know what came next. Then to find out what I thought would come next was so far off the make. It kept me entertained through the whole book. I read it in one day. The plot twists and the character changes blew my mind. You want a great book that will leave you saying what?? Read this book, you will love it.
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February 23, 2014
wow. this book was definitely better than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed this book. just when you think you know what is going on it takes a dramatic turn. would definitelyrecommend this book.
August 10, 2014
I couldn't really get into this book however I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will enjoy it. I may try to reread it at a later date!!
January 17, 2021
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
Haley, the main character of this story, is an aspiring screenplay writer so when she gets a chance, she signs up for Allen Michaels’ college course. Mr. Michaels is apparently taken with Haley and tries to lead her down a road paved with his own secrets. Marc is another integral part of this story. He’s the good-looking computer guru that Haley hires to help fix her computer. Julie is also important, because what story would be complete without a little female competition? Then, there is Haley’s mom, Gabrielle, who kept Haley’s secrets hidden in order to try and protect her daughter. There came a point when she couldn’t help or hide her daughter’s troubles anymore. That is a hard realization for any parent.
Ms. Crane has an uncanny way of reaching deep inside a person’s innermost thoughts. If you are into psychological reads that are based on her own experiences, full of twists and turns you won’t expect, I highly recommend you read her books. This particular book, “The Admirer’s Secret,” explores the mind of one who is afflicted with erotomania. I applaud Ms. Crane for bringing forth some mental health issues that you usually don’t hear about. This book also brings forth how important it is to forgive those who have wronged us, not to forget the lessons learned, but to forgive in order to be able to move on. Though I have never personally experienced this sort of situation, I do know how important it is to forgive someone. You don’t do it for that person per se, you do it for yourself in order to move on.
Haley, the main character of this story, is an aspiring screenplay writer so when she gets a chance, she signs up for Allen Michaels’ college course. Mr. Michaels is apparently taken with Haley and tries to lead her down a road paved with his own secrets. Marc is another integral part of this story. He’s the good-looking computer guru that Haley hires to help fix her computer. Julie is also important, because what story would be complete without a little female competition? Then, there is Haley’s mom, Gabrielle, who kept Haley’s secrets hidden in order to try and protect her daughter. There came a point when she couldn’t help or hide her daughter’s troubles anymore. That is a hard realization for any parent.
Ms. Crane has an uncanny way of reaching deep inside a person’s innermost thoughts. If you are into psychological reads that are based on her own experiences, full of twists and turns you won’t expect, I highly recommend you read her books. This particular book, “The Admirer’s Secret,” explores the mind of one who is afflicted with erotomania. I applaud Ms. Crane for bringing forth some mental health issues that you usually don’t hear about. This book also brings forth how important it is to forgive those who have wronged us, not to forget the lessons learned, but to forgive in order to be able to move on. Though I have never personally experienced this sort of situation, I do know how important it is to forgive someone. You don’t do it for that person per se, you do it for yourself in order to move on.
November 25, 2025
I just finished The Admirer’s Secret by Pamela Crane. My brain is now a pretzel. One of those tightly twisted ones you only buy at the mall when you’re starving and make bad decisions.
This is one of those psychological thrillers where you side-eye Every Single Character because you just know somebody’s got a body buried somewhere. In this case, practically everyone has secrets, skeletons, or both. The only person who seemed remotely normal was Gabriela, and honestly, I was suspicious of her too just on principle.
Pamela Crane really leaned into the “trust no one” trope. I spent half the book thinking Character A was definitely the killer, only to be WRONG. Then I thought Character B was innocent, WRONG AGAIN. Then the plot hits you with twists involving mistaken identities, mental unraveling, and enough red herrings to start a seafood restaurant. Halfway through, I wasn’t even sure I was sane anymore.
What I can safely say without spoiling everything:
People you think are innocent? …maybe not.
People you think are guilty? …also maybe not.
Some people are straight-up unhinged, but oh boy is it entertaining.
And once the truth comes out, it’s like watching a train wreck. You can’t look away.
If you love messy characters, big twists, unreliable narrators, and that moment where you sit up in bed and go, “wait… WHAT?” this book delivers in a big way.
And now I need something light and fluffy to read because my brain is exhausted from all the betrayal.
This is one of those psychological thrillers where you side-eye Every Single Character because you just know somebody’s got a body buried somewhere. In this case, practically everyone has secrets, skeletons, or both. The only person who seemed remotely normal was Gabriela, and honestly, I was suspicious of her too just on principle.
Pamela Crane really leaned into the “trust no one” trope. I spent half the book thinking Character A was definitely the killer, only to be WRONG. Then I thought Character B was innocent, WRONG AGAIN. Then the plot hits you with twists involving mistaken identities, mental unraveling, and enough red herrings to start a seafood restaurant. Halfway through, I wasn’t even sure I was sane anymore.
What I can safely say without spoiling everything:
People you think are innocent? …maybe not.
People you think are guilty? …also maybe not.
Some people are straight-up unhinged, but oh boy is it entertaining.
And once the truth comes out, it’s like watching a train wreck. You can’t look away.
If you love messy characters, big twists, unreliable narrators, and that moment where you sit up in bed and go, “wait… WHAT?” this book delivers in a big way.
And now I need something light and fluffy to read because my brain is exhausted from all the betrayal.
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