Tag: Ann Charles

Chewed Up By The Jungle: A Dig Site Mystery Book 3 by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An archeologist and a photojournalist search for clues to the history of an ancient site in the Yucatan Peninsula in author Ann Charles’s “Chewed Up By The Jungle,” the third book in the Dig Site Mystery series.

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The Synopsis

Whatever lies in wait in the jungle isn’t just history … it’s hungry!

Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula sits a long forgotten, mysterious site—lost to time, swallowed by the jungle, haunted by ancient secrets.

Archaeologist Dr. Angélica Garcia is chasing clues, and she will stop at nothing to uncover the site’s history. Was it a sacred center? A place of long-forgotten rituals? Or something far more sinister?

Quint Parker, a sharp-eyed photojournalist, is chasing Angélica. He never signed up for old curses, creepy whispers in the shadows, or man-eating mosquitoes. He just wants to make sure his girlfriend makes it out of the jungle—alive.

The deeper they dig into the past, the more they must confront a deadly truth: Some places should never be disturbed!

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The Review

Filled with humor and heart, this historical and mythological adventure and suspense story does an incredible job of layering this narrative with compelling action sequences and engaging mysteries. The imagery and detail the author put into this writing really brought the heat and the textures of the jungle to life as the protagonist made their way in, delving into the history that was waiting to be discovered in this ancient site. The delivery of this imagery allowed the reader to feel the sweat-drenched humidity and the buzzing of the bugs as they traveled, creating an almost cinematic style of storytelling. 

At its heart, however, was the rich character dynamics and attention the author gave Mayan lore and history. The interconnectedness behind Ann Charles’s other series, like the Deadwood series and others, was well brought out in these characters’ arcs, especially Quint’s sister being revealed to be none other than Violet in Deadwood. His bond and relationship with Angelica, and the way it played into their encounters with both the historical and paranormal side of this adventure, were wild. I loved the respect and detail the author brought to bringing Mayan culture to life on the page, while also adding her own unique spin to the stories being told. 

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Ann Charles’s “Chewed Up By The Jungle” is an excellent entry in the Dig Site Mystery series. This must-read book does a great job of hooking new readers while also laying down some of the foundation of the first two books in the beginning, and while it is a slow-burning start, once the action picks up, the story never waivers, and readers will be hanging onto every twist and turn in the story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, award-winning books filled with humor, mystery, adventure, romance, supernatural, and more! She has a B.A. in English (creative writing) from the Univ. of Washington. When she isn’t escaping into story worlds filled with rowdy characters, she’s arm wrestling her kids, road tripping with her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.

Join Ann’s monthly newsletter for info on prize opportunities, new releases, recipes, signings, and book sales. SIGN UP on the Connect page on Ann’s website.

For more fun, follow Ann on her YouTube page (Ann Charles Author) and her Facebook page.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: For all who have tried my books, left reviews, and shared my stories with friends and family, strangers in the store, fellow drinkers at your favorite watering hole, social media pals, and long-lost enemies… THANK YOU for your kindness! ~Ann

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chewed-up-by-the-jungle-ann-charles/1148530929?ean=2940184715001

https://amzn.to/4hZCY8X

PRESS RELEASE: Nearly Departed in Deadwood BY ANN CHARLES

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press ReleasesLeave a comment

The book that started the critically acclaimed Deadwood series now out in a new special collector’s hardcover edition by USA Today Bestseller, Ann Charles!

Published by Blackstone Publishing


Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota. Fearing her daughter might be next, single mom Violet Parker is desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.

With her savings dwindling and just three weeks left to sell her first house or lose her job with Calamity Jane Realty, Violet is ecstatic when a handsome jeweler hires her to sell his centuries-old Victorian masterpiece–until she sees the dilapidated dwelling. Now, if she could somehow convince her only buyer to stop rejecting vintage homes as if they were haunted.

Short on time and long on worry, Violet refuses to give up her dream of a fresh start in Deadwood. But with a malicious co-worker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending her creepy messages, and a sexy stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, will Violet end up as one of Deadwood’s dearly departed?

Fiction / Thrillers / Supernatural

 (FIC031070) Unabridged • 

Book #j43y 

Available in ISBN-13: 

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       Libraries: libraryservices@blackstonepublishing.com

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The Deadwood Mystery Series!!!

Welcome to Deadwood—the Ann Charles version. The world Ann has created is a blend of present day and past, of fiction and non-fiction. What’s real and what isn’t is for you to determine as the series develops and the characters evolve.

One thing about this series—it’s going to run on for quite a while, and Violet Parker will have to hang on and persevere through the wild adventures planned for her.

Poor Violet. It’s a good thing she has a lot of gumption to keep her going!

Praise for the Deadwood Mystery Series:

“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

“I laughed (a lot), cried (a little), and wanted to stab a certain family member. This story brings all the feels!” —Renee George, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Watch out Stephanie Plum, because Violet Parker is coming your way.” ~Deborah Schneider, RWA Librarian of the Year 2009 & author of Promise Me

About Ann Charles:

USA Today Bestselling author, Ann Charles, writes spicy stories full of mystery, comedy, adventure, suspense, romance, and supernatural mayhem. When she’s not dabbling in fiction, she’s arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.

Website: http://www.anncharles.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnCharlesAuthorPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annwcharles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann_charles

Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/annwcharles

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AnnWCharles

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-charles

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4605878.Ann_Charles

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Charles/e/B004JLYPFW

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnCharlesAuthor

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anncharles

Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 14) by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A heist to unload 80-plus mystical clocks from a detective to evade the grim reaper turns into chaos in author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood,” the latest entry in the Deadwood Humorous Mystery series. 

The Synopsis

Violet Parker has big troubles these days—the ticking kind. To duck the Grim Reaper, she needs to get her hands on eighty-plus rare, mystical clocks locked up tight by a thick-headed detective.

The solution? Hijack the truckload of ticking time bombs out from under Johnny Law’s nose.

But no caper ever goes according to plan. What starts out as a game of clocks and robbers twists and turns into a chaos of cops and clobbers.

Will Violet beat the detective in time? Or will she spend Valentine’s Day behind bars?

The Review

What a fun and engaging supernatural meets humor thriller. The natural way the author was able to infuse the supernatural world into this series showcases the depth of world-building and mythology the author was able to layer throughout the narrative. The author’s writing style’s imagery made the reader feel transported into the story effortlessly. It gave readers the fast-paced adrenaline that this series has become synonymous with.

Of course, the highlight of this narrative was the character-driven narrative and the humor the author brought to these characters. Including deep-cut mythological figures and items such as poppets and how the author brought these items into a modern-day heist setting was fun and engaging for a reader to get lost in.

The Verdict

Memorable, witty, and entertaining author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobber in Deadwood” is a must-read supernatural thriller meets humorous heist read. The twists and turns in the story and the continuous character growth of the protagonist and her posse allow the reader to quickly hone in on the fun and charm the series banks on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun. 

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series. 

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery); 

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2); 

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books); 

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4); 

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category; 

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books); 

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

TIMEREAPING IN DEADWOOD (book 13)

Also available from Ann in her on-going Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: 

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her on-going Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Novelists, Inc. 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 a book 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 cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

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Never Say Sever in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series Book 12) by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A strange break-in at a local taxidermy brings a young woman with a bounty on her head into contact with local troublemakers in author Ann Charles’s “Never Say Sever in Deadwood”, the twelfth entry into the Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series. 

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The Synopsis

All Violet Parker wants is a day off. Better yet, just a “normal” day. But things never go as planned, especially in Deadwood.

Someone—or rather something—broke into the local taxidermy shop and took bites out of the critter displays before racing off into the dark. But this is no random crime and Violet knows it. With a bounty on her head and troublemakers zeroing in on her, she soon goes from being the hunter to the hunted.

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The Review

This was such a humorous yet action-packed paranormal mystery. The use of the supernatural in this story was perfect, as it added just enough action and suspense to the narrative to balance out the natural chemistry and wit of the characters that populated this narrative. The use of imagery in the author’s writing style helped elevate the story, as it brought this mixture of Western meets modern paranormal fiction to life in an almost cinematic way.

The characters once again dominate this series, as the protagonist’s sharp wit meets the driven mindset of the cast of characters in this town. The crisp winter setting and tension creep into the reader as the constant threat of both the bounty and the enemies she faces make themselves known quite well as the narrative progresses. The moments of warmth, romance, and hilarity brought fantastic banter and a perfect reprieve from the drama and chilling paranormal forces at work.

Treat yourself right this Masturbation May with 15% off a single item! Use Code MAYPLAY to save at goodvibes.com

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and compelling author Ann Charles’s “Never Say Never in Deadwood” is a must-read paranormal mystery thriller. The twists and turns the protagonist faces, and the shocking events that jump-start this new mystery will keep readers hooked and eager to continue in this long-running series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today bestselling author who writes award-winning mysteries that are splashed with humor, romance, paranormal, and whatever else sounds fun. A member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America for many moons, she has a BA in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. When Ann is not holed up in her writing lair working on her next book, she’s hanging out with her family and basking in the Arizona sunshine.

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TimeReaping in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 13) by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

A woman’s new role as a TimeKeeper brings her into conflict with an imp and brushes against the Grim Reaper himself in author Ann Charles’s “TimeReaping in Deadwood”, the thirteenth entry in the Deadwood Humorous Mystery series!

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The Synopsis

Time is a tricky devil. And so is that blasted imp!

Violet Parker needs to catch the little terror before it wreaks even more havoc in the Black Hills. But now that she’s saddled with this dang Timekeeper gig, she has a lot to juggle, like the real monsters wanting to tear the flesh from her bones just for fun.

If she can’t figure out how to wrangle “time” to save her family, the Grim Reaper might come swinging for them next.

But what about that danged honey-loving imp?

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The Review

This was a captivating and action-packed mystery read. The author does a great job of balancing the human aspect of this story with the supernatural aspect, in multiple ways. From the balance, the author strikes in the protagonist’s life with her work life and her after-hours, slayer time, to the antagonists the protagonist faces, from her human foes in her home and work life to the monsters she must face and the chaos imp that pushes this narrative forward.

To me, the heart of this story rested in the imagery of this paranormal romance and mystery novel with the down-to-earth, grounded character development of the story. The detail that went into the writing was truly compelling, as it allowed the reader to visualize in their mind’s eye the gritty supernatural world that lies just under the surface of our own. The way the characters interact with one another and the dialogue between them really made the characters come to life on the page and made them feel alive and relatable all at the same time.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and memorable, author Ann Charles’s “TimeReaping in Deadwood” is a must-read paranormal mystery and romance novel and a great continuation of the Deadwood Humorous Mystery series. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the heart and imagery that goes into the story, made this a truly immersive reading experience and one book you won’t want to miss out on this holiday season. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun.

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series.

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery);

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2);

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books);

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4);

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category;

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books);

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series:

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. 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 a book 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 cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

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Twisty Tortoise Tussles (A Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Book 6) by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Morgan sisters are at it again, facing criminals, men believed dead but somehow spying on them, and big danger in the small Arizona town of Jackrabbit Junction in author Ann Charles’s “Twisty Tortoise Tussles”, the sixth book in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series!

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The Synopsis

When someone is dead and buried, they’re supposed to stay that way … Aren’t they? Claire Morgan thought so, but now she suspects the dead guy whose treasures she’s been digging up is not only breathing, but spying on her, too. Crap!

When someone is divorced from a pain in the ass, they’re supposed to stay that way … At least that’s what Ronnie Morgan had hoped when she dumped her husband. But then he rolled over on some bloodthirsty criminals. With him tucked away in prison, they’ll settle for taking their revenge on her. Fudge!

When someone is temporarily insane—Kate Morgan is not crazy, dang it! A few twitches and some mad laughter aside, she has a gut feeling her family is in danger. Big danger. The kind that ends with a lot of blood. Now, it’s her job to keep them alive.

The Morgan sisters are back for another round of twisty tussles and rollicking romps!

The Review

This was another brilliant addition to the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series. The author does a wonderful job of balancing the humor and wit that the sisters exude throughout the novel with the actual mystery and suspense that the narrative tackles. The humor cuts through the tension of the plot perfectly as the mystery deepens and the sisters find themselves deeper and deeper into trouble. 

While the action and the thriller aspects of the novel come through perfectly, it was the unique blend of romance and engaging dialogue between the characters that made the story shine. The funny moments between the sisters as they worked together and argued amongst themselves highlighted that perfect sibling tension that drives this series forward, while also giving the heated moments between the women and their respective partners their space to shine brightly. The emphasis the author gives to the supporting cast as well made the small-town element of the story really come to life perfectly on the page.

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The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and memorable, author Ann Charles’s “Twisty Tortoise Tussles” is a must-read romantic comedy meets mystery read that readers will love getting lost in. The relatability of the characters and their connection to one another, as well as the small-town life, made this story both compelling and exhilarating, and readers will not be disappointed in this fantastic addition to the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun.

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series.

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery);

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2);

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books);

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4);

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category;

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books);

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series:

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. 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 a book 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 cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

http://anncharles.com/

Life at the Coffin Joint (Deadwood Undertaker Series Book One) by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An undertaker must team up with two men searching for their uncle and discover a town of cutthroats and enemies galore in authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint”, the first book in the Deadwood Undertaker series. 

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The Synopsis

Deadwood (late 1876) … A rowdy and reckless undertaker’s delight. What better place for a killer to blend in? Enter undertaker Clementine Johanssen, tall and deadly with a hot temper and short fuse, hired to clean up Deadwood’s dead … and the “other” problem. She’s hell-bent on poking, sticking, or stabbing anyone that steps out of line. But when a couple Santa Fe sidewinders ride into town searching for their missing uncle, they land neck deep in lethal gunplay, nasty cutthroats, and endless stinkin’ snow. Their search leads them to throw in with Clementine to hunt for a common enemy. What they find chills them all to the bone and sends them on an adventure they’ll never forget. From the bestselling, multiple award-winning, humorous Deadwood Mystery series comes a new herd of tales set in the same Deadwood stomping grounds, only back in the days when the Old West town was young.

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The Review

This was such a compelling blend of old-west tales meeting chilling occult horror novels. The fact that this book serves as a prequel to the author’s original Deadwood Humorous Mysteries series set in the modern day and a first in a brand new series made this even more compelling and had me eager to get into the true history of this infamous town. The powerful imagery helped bring the elements that the characters were forced to survive in and the town itself to life beautifully, underscoring the horror lurking just below the surface. 

What really stood out was on top of all of the amazing world-building and character development, the author also infused some amazing humor and romance into the narrative to make this a brilliant and well-rounded narrative. The mythos surrounding the Slayers and protagonist Clementine’s Norwegian heritage mix with the American North West mythos and occult horror aspects that the creatures and ghouls bring a sense of accomplishment and grandiose storytelling that keeps the reader invested in the journey itself, and the vast nature of Deadwood as a town and its significance historically in the series made this a thrilling ride. 

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The Verdict

Haunting, thrilling, and engaging, authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint” is a must-read western occult horror novel and the best (and first) entry into the Deadwood Undertaker series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the hilarious interactions the characters have with one another, the surprising romances, and the shocking horrors they all face will keep readers coming back, eager for more in this new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun. 

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series. 

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery); 

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2); 

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books); 

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4); 

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category; 

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books); 

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: 

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. 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 a book 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 cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

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Sam Lucky likes to build things—from Jeep engines to Old West buildings to fun stories. When he is not writing, feeding his kids, attempting to seduce his wife, or tending the goldurn cats, he is planning food-based booksigning/road trips with his wife and working on one of his many home-improvement projects.

He writes the Deadwood Undertaker Series with Ann Charles.

Jackrabbit Jingle Balls (Jackrabbit Junction Humorous Mystery) by Ann Charles Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Morgan Sisters are back at it again, taking readers on a hilarious journey during the holidays as they await their father’s return after leaving their mother in author Ann Charles’s “Jackrabbit Jingle Balls”, a short novella set within the Jackrabbit Junction Humorous Mystery series.

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The Synopsis

Holiday Recipe for Madcap Merrymaking in Jackrabbit Junction

Start with a bawdy night sprinkled with tinsel tassels and jingle balls, toss in a missing pair of underwear, and top it all off with plenty of sugary shenanigans. Serve with a side of naughty and nice.

Claire Morgan and her sisters are a tad twitchy. Their father is on his way for their first Christmas in Arizona, but the tidings of joy are few and far between. For one thing, their mother is pissed about her ex-husband flying in to play Santa. For another, their mother is just pissed. Period.

Christmas will never be the same again for the Morgan sisters.

(Note: This is volume 4.7 in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series.)

The Review

This was such a fun and humorous read! The author did an amazing job of creating the perfect balance within the atmosphere between tension and charm. The setting plays such a crucial part in the story, allowing readers to feel transported to Jackrabbit Junctions, a town and atmosphere many readers could probably relate to, as well as the holiday hijinks that family gatherings during the holidays often bring, although this book definitely ramps that feeling up to an 11. 

The characters were the focal point of this narrative to be sure. The bond and relationship each sister had not only with one another but with their frayed parents and the people closest to them in life. The rough and tumble lifestyle many of them lead and the hilarious descriptive inert actions they all have on this night of holiday hilarity was so entertaining to read and watch unfold, and the bond of this one-of-a-kind family will have readers laughing immediately.

The Verdict

A memorable, hilarious, and engaging holiday fiction, author Ann Charles’s “Jackrabbit Jingle Balls” is a must-read novella within this unique book series. The holiday setting and quick pace of the story will not only be inviting to readers of all genres, but the fans who have been with the author on this memorable journey into the Jackrabbit Junctions universe from the beginning, and it serves as the perfect companion read leading into the fifth book of the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Can’t Ride Around It Review
Interview with Ann Charles

About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Best-Selling author who writes award-winning mysteries that are splashed with humor, romance, and whatever else sounds fun.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. 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 a book 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 AnnWCharles on Twitter.

Author Interview with Ann Charles

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews3 Comments

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I started writing fiction back in 1995 after deciding that I wanted to write a story to my liking instead of reading what was available on the bookshelf. However, I didn’t publish my first book until 2011. During those fifteen or so years in between, I spent a lot of time improving my craft—from studying dialogue, narrative, and transitions to learning how to plot using scene and sequel methods and analyzing my favorite movies for setting and character building reasons. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

The Deadwood Undertaker series came about when my husband and I were discussing undertakers in the Old West and how neither of us had ever heard of any female undertakers from back then. I already had my contemporary Deadwood Mystery series well underway by that point with eight published books in that series and book nine in progress. It seemed like a natural fit to write a series that would act as a prequel and be set in the same town—Deadwood—only back when the old town was young and gold was luring all sorts of people there in droves.

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT is the third book in this western/supernatural series and continues the story of four friends as they try to rid the Black Hills in the Dakota Territory of a growing menace before it spreads too far and too wide.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That even in the darkest times, friendship and determination will see you through.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I grew up watching westerns with my dad and stepdad and loved them. Ever since I began telling stories on the page, I’ve always wanted to write a western, but the amount of research that is required to do it correctly was too daunting. Then my husband and I talked about creating a story together that would be a mix of western and supernatural, and because he was on board as a co-writer, I was excited to finally have a chance to explore the Old West on the page alongside of him. 

If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would probably choose to sit down with both Hank from the Deadwood Undertaker series and Old Man Harvey from the Deadwood Mystery series. These two are “characters” through and through and they both have long, interesting histories full of colorful anecdotes that would keep me entertained for hours.

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook has been the most helpful so far. I’ve had an account there since 2009 … maybe 2008—I can’t remember. Over the years I’ve had a lot of fun meeting readers on there and getting to know them. Facebook has provided me the opportunity to build a community of supportive readers and friends.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Perseverance is key to a long career in fiction writing. There will be high points to celebrate, and there will be low points that make you wonder why you are working so hard at this career. Don’t give up, just shift gears and keep on writing.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

My husband and I just released a Christmas novella in the Deadwood Undertaker series called CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL. Now that this story has been released, we will be working on book 4 in this series, which is titled, THE BACKSIDE OF HADES. We are hoping to release this book midway through 2021.

In addition to this story, I’ll be writing book 12 in my Deadwood Mystery series, which I hope to release in early spring of 2021. I have a couple more books planned for 2021, so it’s going to be a busy year!

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Can’t Ride Around It Review

About the Author

Ann Charles is an award-winning author whowrites mysteries that are splashed with humor, romance, and whatever else shefeels like throwing into the mix. When she is not dabbling in fiction, arm-wrestlingwith her children, attempting to seduce her husband, or arguing with her sassycat, she is daydreaming of lounging poolside at a fancy resort with a blendedmargarita in one hand and a great book in the other.

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