Better Off Dead in Deadwood (52 page)

From the Multiple Award-winning, #1 Bestselling Ghost Horror and Women Sleuth Author of the DEADWOOD MYSTERY SERIES!

A short 39-page collection to entertain and add background story for more Deadwood fun!

Overview…

What do you get when you combine a chicken named Elvis, a locked diary, and a secret Violet Parker does not want share with her daughter?

Seeing Trouble is the first of many short stories involving the characters of the Deadwood Mystery series. (Bonus character interview, illustrations, and short story included.)

Haven’t read any of the Deadwood Mystery Series books yet? Don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers in this short story.

The Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series

Dance of the Winnebagos (Book 1)

Bestseller in Women Sleuth Mystery and Romantic Suspense!

“Ann Charles delivers laugh-out-loud dialogue, unforgettable characters, and pulse-pounding suspense.”

~Vicki Lewis Thompson, New York Times Bestselling Author

“…two thumbs up and a standing ovation for laughs, sighs, thrills, and an excellently crafted mystery.”

~Maxwell Cynn, Thrillers Rock Twitter Reviews and Author of The Collective

Overview…

When Claire’s grandfather and his army buddies converge in the Arizona desert to find new wives, it’s her thankless job to keep them out of trouble with the opposite sex.

But when she finds a human leg bone and partners with a reluctant geotechnician to dig up secrets from the past, trouble finds her. If she doesn’t stop digging, she could end up dead.

Jackrabbit Junction Jitters (Book 2)

Top Rated in Women Sleuth Mystery and Romantic Suspense

“Ann Charles does it again.
Jackrabbit Junction Jitters
has all my favorite things—sassy, real characters, laugh out loud dialogue, a twisty, compelling mystery, and sizzling romantic chemistry. Can’t wait for the next installment.”

~ Terri L. Austin, Author of
Diners, Dives and Dead Ends

“
Jackrabbit Junction Jitters
had me twisted in laughter and anticipation. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Ann throws in another hook. Mayhem, Mystery and Mommy Dearest moments—Ann Charles is truly the Mystery Maven of 2012!”

~Kriss Morton-Weekley, The Cabin Goddess Reviews

Overview…

Claire is back, raining trouble throughout Jackrabbit Junction in another fast-paced, fun, sexy suspense.

A burglar is on the loose! Claire wastes no time forming suspicions, but she’s sidetracked by a treasure hunt.

Even with help from her boyfriend, Claire is swirling in a whirlpool of chaos. Throw her crazy sister into the torrent, along with an angst-ridden teen, a jittery bride, and some randy old men, and Claire struggles just to keep a toehold in the current.

Then her mother arrives…

Also by Corvallis Press

First Destroy All Giant Monsters

(The World Wide Witches Research Association)

From the Author of Ridiculous and The Use (Changing Magic-Book 1)

“…Miss Carter really has some talent that just draws me right in and keeps me there til the end. I really recommend this book and I really hope she’s going to write more in this universe.”

~Emily, Amazon Reviewer

“What I will say is that this is the kind of book that had me thinking about the story and characters even when I wasn’t reading it. You know, the kind of book you find yourself daydreaming about at work because you can’t wait to get home and read some more. I highly recommend this book and all of D.L. Carter’s work!”

~Lark, Amazon Reviewer

Overview…

Amber Kemp is summoned to investigate the disappearance of her favorite aunt, the head of the World Wide Witches Research Association (and Pinochle club).

Before she can figure out where to begin her search, she receives cryptic instructions stating she has to “First Destroy All Giant Monsters.” In over her head from the start, Amber could use a little help on defining who, what, where, and most importantly … how
GIANT
are we talking, exactly!!?

Acknowledgments

This fourth book in the Deadwood Mystery series took a lot of help. In addition to my usual critique partners, advance readers, and editors, I had over two hundred fantastic beta readers who volunteered their time and knowledge to help polish this book to its final shine. In addition to all of these generous readers I want to mention:

My husband and kids and mouthy cat

Mimi “The Grammar Chick” (editor)

My brother, Charles (C.S) Kunkle (cover artist and illustrator) and Sharon Benton (cover graphic artist)

My publicists and sales help—Margo Taylor (and Dave), Janelle Andis, Judy Routt, and Wendy Gildersleeve

First and second draft crew: Beth Harris, Wendy Delaney, Marcia Britton, Mary Ida Kunkle, Paul Franklin, Jody Sherin, Renelle Wilson, Sue Stone-Douglas, Marguerite Phipps, Sharon Benton, Margo Taylor, and Cammie Hall

Terri Reid, Mary Buckham, and Kriss Morton

Jacquie Rogers, Amber Scott, Gerri Russell, and Joleen James

My coworkers at my day job

Neil McNeill

My family

Dr. Steven Fox

The fun and amazingly supportive people of the Black Hills of South Dakota and the surrounding towns and cities, including Kim Rupp from Executive Lodging of the Black Hills, the Adams Bros. Bookstore, the Homestake Visitor Center, the Lead Chamber of Commerce, Karen Everett from the Lead-Deadwood Arts Council, the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, the Pack Horse Liquor & Convenience Store and crew, the congregation of the Nemo Church, Janelle Andis from Custer Crossing Store and Campground, and Mary Abell.

Corvallis Press, my publisher

Finally, my brother, Clint Taylor (For the Black Hills dirt-bike memories—nobody crashes and burns on those dirt roads like you.)

About Ann

Ann Charles is an award-winning author who writes romantic mysteries that are splashed with humor and whatever else she feels like throwing into the mix. When she is not dabbling in fiction, arm-wrestling with her children, attempting to seduce her husband, or arguing with her sassy cat, she is daydreaming of lounging poolside at a fancy resort with a blended margarita in one hand and a great book in the other.

Contact Information

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ann.charles.author

Twitter: @DeadwoodViolet and @AnnWCharles

My Main Website:
http://www.anncharles.com

My Deadwood Website:
http://www.anncharles.com/deadwood

Copyright

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD

Copyright © 2013 by Ann Charles

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means now known or hereafter invented, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher, Corvallis Press.