Nearly Departed in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series #1) [Kindle Edition]

Ann Charles (Author), C.S. Kunkle (Illustrator)

Book Description

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD, the Top-Rated #1 Kindle Bestseller in BOTH Women Sleuth and Ghost genres!

WINNER of the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense
WINNER of the 2011 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

Praise for NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD...
"Full of thrills and chills, a fun rollercoaster ride of a book!" ~Susan Andersen, New York Times Bestselling author of Burning Up

"Ann Charles has written an intriguing mystery laced with a wicked sense of humor. Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way." ~Deborah Schneider, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009 & author of Beneath a Silver Moon

Other 5 out of 5 star reviews...
"Nearly Departed In Deadwood was a contemporary mystery romance with a touch of paranormal that kept me enthralled with goosebump-creepiness and belly aching laughter." ***** FIVE STARS! ~Escape Between the Pages Book Reviews

"It's no wonder Ann won an award for this story. Her storytelling capabilities are tremendous." ***** FIVE STARS! ~ParaYourNormal Book Reviews

"If you like romantic mysteries with a tinge of paranormal creepiness, this one is well worth your time." ~To Publish or Not to Publish Book Reviews
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Overview of NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD...
"The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass."--Violet Parker

Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet Parker's daughter could be next. She's desperate to find the monster behind the abductions. But if she's not careful, Violet just might end up as one of Deadwood's dearly departed.
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If you laughed and cringed your way through Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, you are going to love NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD!
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Other Books in the Deadwood Mystery Series
**Don't forget to pick up the second book in the Deadwood Mystery series, Optical Delusions in Deadwood: "Hilarious, original, and genuinely wonderful!" --Hank Phillippi Ryan, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity winning author

**Also available: Dead Case in Deadwood(Book 3)..."Masterful storytelling. Masterful suspense. Masterful humor. You name it, Ms. Charles has mastered it." --Carolyn McCray, author of 30 Pieces of Silver, #1 Kindle Bestseller in Men's Adventure/War genres

**As of February 14, 2013, Better Off Dead in Deadwood(Book 4) is available: "Flirty, Frisky, Frantic and Frightening ... Better Off Dead is just plain Fun!!!!" --Terri Reid, Bestselling Author of the Mary O'Reilly Mystery Series

**For some Deadwood Mystery Series short story fun, check out Deadwood Shorts: Seeing Trouble.

Other Works
**If you were looking for Ann's Bestselling Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series full of more laughs, suspense, and romance, search for Dance of the Winnebagos...where digging up secrets from the past becomes deadly. Also, check out Jackrabbit Junction Jitters (Book 2).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This gem has a bit of everything ... mystery, romance, comedy, suspense, and even a bit of the paranormal."  ***** FIVE STARS! ~Huntress Reviews

"With colorful characters and witty dialogue, this is a book sure to please all fans of mystery, romance and the paranormal." ~The Pen & Muse Book Reviews

From the Author

Once upon a time, I thought my crush on Deadwood, South Dakota was going to be just a summer fling. Boy, was I wrong. I had fallen head-over-heels. Deadwood had gotten under my skin. Its golden history filled my mind with daydreams; its promising future spurred tales that needed to be told.

Nearly Departed in Deadwood is a contemporary mystery full of colorful characters that have been taking root inside of my noggin for almost three decades. The seed was planted when I was a young teenager sitting on the bench outside of the old Prospector Gift Shop on Main Street, waiting for my mom to get off work. Over the years, the seed sprouted as I hiked all over town, strolling around Wild Bill Hickok's and Seth Bullock's gravestones at Mount Moriah Cemetery, sitting on the steps outside the Deadwood Public Library, walking up and down Main Street, perusing the tourist shops.

As times changed, so did Deadwood. The drugstore where I used to buy candy, the clothing store where I bought my favorite Levi's, and the Prospector Gift Shop are all gone now. At first I was sad to see them go, but then I realized that Deadwood had to transform and grow in order to survive. Just like I did.

A couple of years ago, I was driving down Strawberry Hill on my way into Deadwood when an idea hit me. It was a "what if" moment that sparked the fire of a story in my head. This time, the "what if" involved a single mom, living in Deadwood, struggling to make ends meet with two kids--twins--for whom she had to provide. I had one young child and another on the way at the time, so taking care of kids was front and center in my mind (and my body).

As I drove through Deadwood that day, memories ran rampant in my mind, and the story you hold in your hands began to take shape. I could see it clearly. I'd name the heroine Violet, an old-fashioned name. I could hear her voice; see her in her favorite purple cowboy boots. I knew exactly the location of the realty office where Violet would work, the street she'd live on, and how I'd pull Deadwood's past into the story and intermingle it with the present.

Over the following month, I plotted this story. My poor husband was forced to listen to my ideas morning, noon, and night; there was no shutting me up. Then he caught the Deadwood bug, too, and he joined me in brainstorming and planning. Before I even wrote the first line, I knew that one book was not going to be enough to tell this story, but I had to start somewhere. Finally, after months of writing, I reached "The End" of Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the first book in a series, with much hooting and hollering in celebration.

Now, after several rounds of editing and a lot of polishing, I want to share Violet's story with you. If you have half as much fun reading it as I had writing it, you'll close the book when you're finished with a big grin on your face--especially since you know there is more fun to come.

Thank you for joining me in this adventure. Hold on to your hat!

Welcome to Deadwood.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 905 KB
• Print Length: 376 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0983256810
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Corvallis Press; 1 edition (January 15, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004JF4MME
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,240 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Ghosts
  • #5 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Ghosts
  • #82 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery > Women Sleuths

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 127 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! February 22, 2011

By J. Larson

Format:Paperback

I bought this on a whim for my kindle, and was so glad I did! It was an easy breezy read, the writing was good and clever and not at all lame as some of the kindle books by unknowns can be. I thought the characters were well-drawn, and the kids were too funny, kept me laughing the whole way. The main character Violet was likable and someone you wanted to root for. I am certainly going to read this author again,trust me when I say this one is a thumb's up!

65 of 72 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nearly Departed in Deadwood February 21, 2011

By Kimberly Rupp

Format:Paperback

Fast read, even with my busy schedule I finished it within a week. Even though I am not into mysteries, I started reading it as I live near Deadwood in the Black Hills. You do not need to be from the Black Hills to love this book. Great story line, made it easy to visualize Violet Parker in her adventures. Loved the mixture of mystery, love, and paranormal. Ann Charles had me sitting on the edge of my seat and I want to read more, can't wait until the next one is out. How long do I have to wait Ann Charles?

52 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So fun! February 18, 2011

By K. Williams

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

An un-put-downable book! (I kept reading when I should have been doing other things.) I loved the fun, colorful characters and snappy dialogue and I'm looking forward to many sequels.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Would be better if left as a mystery novel January 26, 2012

By Retired Reader

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

While I enjoyed the story it would have been better without the sexual insinuations/details/comments inserted into every paragraph. Skipped over several sentences as it got very tiring. Am hoping the rest of her books do not follow the same line as had already purchased them prior to reading this one.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great paranormal mystery May 2, 2011

By A.M. Harte

Format:Paperback

Who would've thought mystery could be so fun? Ann Charles makes sleuthing more entertaining, more witty, but also incredibly gripping. A great read, combining humour, romance, mystery, and the paranormal.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nearly Dead in Deadwood by Ann Charles May 3, 2011

By Heather Powers

Format:Kindle Edition

Nearly Departed in Deadwood (A Deadwood Mystery)

An exciting romping ride into Deadwood. This book makes me think of ghost towns from years past. Violet is a spunky heroine who is a single mom raising twins. She becomes involved with Deadwood's skeletons in the closet.
I enjoyed this story from the start, Ann reeling me in like a big fish gasping for air. I would recommend this book for people who like everyday people thrust into mystery.
It has enough of a paranormal twist for those seeking thrills with moments of wit and humor.
I came across some passages in the book that made me giggle sometimes inappropriately. I love books that do that :)
Can't wait to read the second installment:)
Way to go ANN!!! keep em coming:)

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars wish I could give this 10 stars March 30, 2011

By Nancy J. Oakes

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a huge reader at least 2 books week,but I have not had a book grip me in the last 3 months until this one.From the very first page which to me is a great sign, it had me.Funny,and real you won`t go wrong with this book.So true to life in the way the mother has to deal with her kids,her job,her co-worker who is a jerk of the highest order.I hope the next book is even half as good.This will keep your interest from the very first page!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous story-telling May 8, 2012

By ParaYourNormal

Format:Kindle Edition

Originally reviewed April 22, 2011
Kelli McCracken, PYN Reviewer

Nearly Departed in Deadwood by Ann Charles follows the adventures of Violet Parker, a single mom turned real-estate agent in Deadwood, South Dakota. Life should be great working as Realtor, but it's not. In fact, if Violet doesn't sell a house in three weeks, she will lose her job to the nephew of chauvinistic coworker, Ray.

Mr. Fake Tan is dead set on making Vi's life a living hell, constantly trading barbs with her about how much she sucks at being a real estate agent.

Just as things begin looking grim for Vi, enter Wolfgang Hessler, heir of the local Hessler Jewelry store. He requires her services in helping him sell his dearly departed mother's large Victorian house.

The news is just what Vi has been hoping for, until she shows up and finds the house needs more than a little cleaning. Desperate to make a sell and keep her job, she takes on the challenge of selling this dilapidating house. If only she knew the eerie little secrets contained within the walls of this once grand home, would she have been so willing to take it on? They say every person has skeletons hiding in their closet. Does the same go for houses?

As if this isn't enough of a challenge, she meets Dane 'Doc' Nyce, the handsome neighbor to the realator office she works in. On their first encounter, Doc sends Vi falling to his feet...literally. Doc hires Violet to find him a house, the second best news of the week.

It seems like life is finally through knocking Violet down. Not only does she have a house to sell, she has a potential buyer. Of course, nothing in life is ever that simple....

Among her troubles at work, there is a serial kidnapper going around snatching little girls that fit her daughter's description to a tee. Now she not only has to worry about keeping her job, she has to worry about protecting her children.

Overall, I found Nearly Departed in Deadwood a pleasure to read. Ann's characters have vivid personalities that are well drawn and at times, quite humorous. I found myself laughing loudly at Violet's thoughts. Her sarcastic sense of humor is refreshing and unlike any of the books I've read within the last year. It's no wonder Ann won an award for this story. Her storytelling capabilities are tremendous. Read more ›

More About the Author

Ann Charles is an award-winning author who writes romantic mysteries that are splashed with humor. Her book NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD won the 2010 Daphne du Maurier for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Award and the 2011 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award for Best Novel With Strong Romantic Elements.

Currently, she has several fiction books available: NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD, OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD, DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (selected as one of Suspense Magazine's BEST OF 2012 books), and BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD, which are all part of her ongoing Deadwood Mystery Series. The fifth book in this series will be out in late 2013/early 2014.

Also available from Ann are the first two books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS and JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS. The third book in this series will be out in mid-2013.

She has a couple of short stories as well--DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (a short story from her Deadwood Mystery Series) and THE OLD MAN'S BACK IN TOWN (a short story from her upcoming Goldwash Mystery Series, the first of which will be out in 2014).

She also has two non-fiction book available: NAIL IT! THE SECRET TO BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE FICTION WRITER'S PLATFORM and GROWING YOUR AUDIENCE. Both books are co-written with Jacquie Rogers.

A member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America for many moons, Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and her Kindle in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cat. Most nights, you can find her hanging out over at www.anncharles.com, on Facebook as Ann Charles, or as DeadwoodViolet on Twitter--especially around midnight when her quirky fictional world comes to life.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#11 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Horror

#57 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery

#72 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery

#11 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Horror

#57 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery

#72 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery