Optical Delusions in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series #2) [Kindle Edition]

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

Book Description

For a limited time, book 1 in the award-winning Deadwood Mystery Series, NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD, is on sale; and book 3, DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD is priced low. Grab all three books in the ongoing Deadwood Mystery series now! 

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Praise for OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD...
"What a voice! Hilarious, original, and genuinely wonderful. This fresh and feisty mystery will instantly win your heart. Loved it!" ~HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity winning author

Other 5 out of 5 star reviews...
"Romance, sex, ghosts, and mystery: everything you loved about Nearly Departed is back in Optical Delusions, and they brought friends." ~To Publish or Not To Reviews

Overview of OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD...
With her reputation endangered, her bank account on the verge of extinction, and her career at risk of going up in flames, Violet Parker is desperate. When the opportunity to sell another vintage home materializes, she grabs it, even though this "haunted" house was recently the stage for a two-act, murder-suicide tragedy. But someone--or something--in the house wants Violet stopped...dead.

More Praise...
"Ann Charles writes a top-notch mystery that is fast-paced, complex, and laugh out loud funny!" ~MARY BUCKHAM, award-winning Romantic Suspense author

"A smart, sassy, sexy and wonderfully resourceful heroine. Move over Stephanie Plum--Vi Parker is here!" ~JOHN KLAWITTER, author of the award-winning Hollywood Havoc action thriller novels

"One part Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, one part ghostbusters, and one part Nancy Drew, sexy, spunky Violet Parker will blow you away." ~Lucy Burdette, author of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series

If you laughed and cringed your way through Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, you are going to love the Deadwood Mystery Series.

Other Books in the Deadwood Mystery Series
**Check out Ann's Top-Rated #1 Kindle Bestseller in BOTH Women Sleuth and Ghost genres, the award winning, Nearly Departed in Deadwood (book 1): "Full of thrills and chills, a fun rollercoaster ride of a book!" ~Susan Andersen, New York Times Bestselling author of Burning Up

**Dead Case in Deadwood (Book 3)..."Masterful. That is the only word I could think of to adequately describe Ann Charles' writing. 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

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 the hilarious second book in this series, Jackrabbit Junction Jitters.

Optical Delusions in Deadwood Cover Art by C.S. Kunkle, Cover Design and Graphic Design by Mona Weiss

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... mystery, humor, romance, and fun all wrapped up in a great book." ~BooksRUs Reviews

From the Author

Dear Reader,
 
I have an itchy case of gold fever. I came down with it decades ago when I first traveled through the Deadwood area. I'm not talking about a hunger for shiny treasures, rather a need to know all about the people and places from which the shiny pieces are unearthed.

When it comes to the Black Hills, one town reaches out to scratch my gold-fever itch--the city of Lead (pronounced Leed). While Deadwood was busy leaving its mark on the history books with tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Seth Bullock, Lead was busy staking its claim on the land. The Open Cut mine in the middle of Lead brings its industrious past front and center.

The Open Cut has always fascinated me. I have studied "before" and "after" pictures, read all about its creation (at the Black Hills Mining Museum), and stared at the geological timeline in its walls through the Homestake Visitor Center's chain-link fence. Why am I so fascinated with a big hole in the ground? Because it reveals a history full of hard work, spent lives, and change. It intrigues me how people adapt to these changes.

Over the years, I've met several Homestake miners. I've listened to their stories of what it was like to work deep inside the Earth. At the butcher in King's Grocery, I stood in line with their wives and kids. These days, Homestake is no longer an operating gold mine; most of the drifts and shafts below the town are filled with water rather than men. But Lead's industrious spirit is still alive, its down-to-earth hardiness still apparent.

I'd always planned to incorporate Lead into the Deadwood Mystery series. The two towns are like sisters, each enchanting with separate but entangled histories. Before I began writing this second book, I cruised the back streets of Lead, along Sunnyhill Road, from East Summit Street to West, and down Gold Street, searching to see how life off the main drag had changed since Homestake stopped digging for gold. I took my kids to the little park on Miners Avenue and the big park next to the Open Cut. I climbed the steep hill on Mill Street, retracing the going-to-work route of many miners. I located the exact piece of land next to the Open Cut where I'd place the house that would play center stage in the story--the Carhart house.

I hope you get a kick out of reading Optical Delusions in Deadwood. While I enjoyed introducing Violet and her friends in the first book of the series, Nearly Departed in Deadwood, this second book allowed me to shed light on the kaleidoscope of colorful characters and historical settings.

Most of you reading this have already dipped a toe into Violet's world. Thank you for returning for more Deadwood fun.

Grab your boots, because the water is getting deeper.
 
Welcome back to Deadwood ... and Lead.
 
Ann Charles
Award-winning author of the Deadwood Mystery Series
anncharles.com/deadwood

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 1231 KB
• Print Length: 432 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Corvallis Press (May 8, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005007HQ0
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,927 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #13 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Ghosts
  • #14 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Ghosts

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ann Charles does it again with Book 2 In the Deadwood Series May 9, 2011

By Heather Powers

Format:Kindle Edition

Optical Delusions in Deadwood (Deadwood Mystery Series)

An exciting trip back to Deadwood to visit with Violet-real-estate extraordinaire/part-time sleuth. This time with ghostly encounters in the mix. I liked how the story started just a short time after the first book ends. A rollicking romp through the streets of Deadwood sprinkled with sexual innuendo from Harvey,Violet's cantankerous friend to the steamy romance scenes between Doc & Violet. It all mixes together like lemons and sugar to make an inventive lemonade. I absolutely love Violet's eccentric kids. They remind me of some of the shenanigans of my children:)
The sexual tension between Doc & Violet left me with the desire to shake the two of them and say get with it and get together:)
The ghostly twist whet my appetite, wondering what other experiences are waiting in the wings for Violet and will she finally become a believer?
Another fun read that left me smiling. The ending left me anxiously awaiting book 3.
Bravo, Ann Charles for your wit and humor. Your masterful storytelling makes this a gem to read.
I recommend this book to readers who like mysteries, romance, with a dash of paranormal.

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Totally Hooked!!!! May 20, 2011

By Tiki

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Loved the first book and wondered if this second book could be as good. It is!! I'm totally hooked...love love love this series! Guess there's no question how I feel! Highly recommend for a fast paced mystery with lots of humor and the right amount of romance!! The writing seems effortless it flows so well. Outstanding! I just want to go hang out with Violet, Doc, Harvey and the rest of the crazies in Deadwood. Can't wait to see what happens next in bk3... Hurry please!!

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FUUUNNN READ September 5, 2011

By L. Anderson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I met the author at a waterfront book festival a few weeks ago. What attracted me to her books was the book jacket. So many new writers tend to have jackets that look like a toss away from a B movie. Jacket was professional and well done.

The book is fun..fun and smart. First of all the main character is not a 20 yr old ," I'm so pretty and misunderstood...and so pretty..and ...um angry...and I have POWERS!!!". This chick was 35..single Mom of two intense kids. She is working as a real estate agent with a villian as a co worker..I loved the character because she was able to brush things off , as she wasn't a 20 yr old nymphette..and her insecurities were honest and hyyyysterical!! The Man..was good looking..all the stuff we gals like to read..but he had his own bag of oddness to make him less than perfect. It's refreshing as the babe in these books tend to have it all together while the hero swoops in and saves the heroine in some fancy ensemble (L Hamilton- hear my plea..thigh high boots?? STOPPPPP!!!)

This has something for everyone..you like mystery, humor and a little gore (serial killers terrify me...give me a monster anytime). The main characters dialogue was hysterical and honest. I downloaded the 2nd book immediately and it was just as great if not better.

I am ready for the 3rd...I was ready for the 3rd after the 2nd but I supposse I will just have to wait. :)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Violet - you've done it again November 19, 2011

By Sandra

Format:Paperback

This time - (thank goodness) I wasn't on a plane when I read the next installment of the indomitable Violet via her conduit Ann Charles. I'm not a huge reader of first person, mystery or even humor but this book like the first has me hooked! Ms Charles weaves a great story with unforgettable characters, it has it all including paranormal and romance. I really am enjoying this series and I can't wait for the next book. (to tide me over I've just purchased Dance of the Winnebagos I think that title says it all - LOL)
My only disappointment it wasn't long enough. Can't wait to find out what trouble Violet gets into next and what happens between her and Doc.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a great ride...and it goes on! May 27, 2011

By ClieQueen

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am really liking this series. The stories have a good mystery line as well as humor that is developing nicely as the series matures. I like that we have two hero's for our heroine ......reminds me of Stephanie Plum and her two galant suitors:-) Also that brings some FUN into the main story of Vi's life. This is a great book, just give the sample a spin and see for yourself!...freaking skeptics, can't tell them a bloddy thing.....oh "bloody"?...haha, I made a funny! ...read it and see why....;)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars wow again! May 10, 2011

By kittyb

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

that thoroughly kept my nose in the story. waiting for book 3 is going to be very painful! HURRY!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another show stopping adventure with Violet and her purple cowboy boots! January 8, 2012

By CabinGoddess

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

An exciting second in the Deadwood series! I am completely hooked and am on baited breath for the third book. This installment into Violet's life is even better then the first. As a single mom trying to make it in the real estate world, despite the machinations of a misogynistic co-worker, Violet works hard to ilk out a living and still be the best mom she can be. This can prove to be a challenge with a pair of twins who create a whirlwind of interesting adventures on their own. Her ability to attract trouble and ghosts works for and against her leaving me wanting more after each page!

Violet is a believable and real person. She does not have long flowing hair and legs up to her arm pits, she struggles with the baby weight she has had since the twins were born, is short, has unruly, wild hair and real financial issues. Even the most despicable characters in the novel are likeable simply because of the fact they are real, fleshed out individuals, be it her Aunt or the chicken. With each page they embroil themselves into your life, especially Elvis the chicken!!

If you have any doubts, just do a test read, I guarantee you will be hooked and reading them in no time!

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

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

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

#11 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Horror

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

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