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Jackrabbit Junction #1
Dance of the Winnebagos
If Claire Morgan had known she’d be chaperoning a senior citizen sock hop, she wouldn’t have given up smoking. Yet here she was stuck in Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona, with an ornery old man, his smartass dog, and a parade of blue-haired babes. When Claire’s grandfather and his army buddies converge in the Arizona desert, 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. She’s losing her heart. Worse, if she doesn’t stop digging, she could lose her life.
394 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
467 people are currently reading
1973 people want to read
About the author
Ann Charles
65 books1,273 followersAnn Charles—Author
Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner and a 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award Winner.
*USA Today Best Selling Author,
*Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Winner Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015. 2016
*Winner of Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media,
*Winner of Southern Writers Best Covers Contest
You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll want more.
Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner and a 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award Winner.
*USA Today Best Selling Author,
*Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Winner Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015. 2016
*Winner of Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media,
*Winner of Southern Writers Best Covers Contest
You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
November 30, 2016
I really liked this! It took me a bit longer to warm up to it than it did with her Deadwood series but once I did I was all in. A fun cast of characters for sure.
March 27, 2017
Although I started this knowing it was going to be light and fluffy it quickly became far too light and not quite fluffy enough. Charles is an author who tells rather than shows. Even there her telling is weak: she describes characters with generalities, they're 'attractive' or they resemble some actor, and creates 'wacky' situations apparently using some MadLib-esque formula to achieve 'humorous incongruity.' It doesn't really work.
I have few standards for reading, but my brain vacation reads do have to meet at least a few minimal requirements.
I have few standards for reading, but my brain vacation reads do have to meet at least a few minimal requirements.
October 20, 2011
This is the first in a new series by Ann Charles! 'Dance of The Winnebagos' is a great start to a promising series. Ann is known for humor mixed with a great mystery and this was exactly that.
This cast of characters was a hoot!
Claire Morgan is a great character. She's loyal, fun, witty and frankly, too curious for her own good. No worries though, that curiosity is what makes this novel so interesting.
Harley Ford is a man on a mission. Well, if you think. 'When the trailers a rockin`, don't come a knockin`,' is a mission. *laughs* My first impression on Harley was to giggle. He's a riot, especially when you factor in his old pals and a pretty lady walking by.
I really liked Mac's character. He had a dry sense on humor and the tension between Claire and him was entertaining. *winks* He tries so hard no not think of Claire that, that's the only thing he can do. Think of Claire.
Mac has more than Clarie on his mind. He has to help his aunt sell her mines. Ruby needs money now and when Claire finds out the mines will be sold, she realizes she may loose something close to her. She tries her best to sway Mac from his job, but both sides are having a hard time getting what they want when another person factors into the picture with their own wants. Wants they'll do anything to get.
A fast paced story that will get you hooked. A great Villain, fun secondary characters, a cute dog and some fun romance. It's a story that will keep you on your nose in the book. If that sounds like your kind of mystery, then what are you waiting for? Jump in!
This cast of characters was a hoot!
Claire Morgan is a great character. She's loyal, fun, witty and frankly, too curious for her own good. No worries though, that curiosity is what makes this novel so interesting.
Harley Ford is a man on a mission. Well, if you think. 'When the trailers a rockin`, don't come a knockin`,' is a mission. *laughs* My first impression on Harley was to giggle. He's a riot, especially when you factor in his old pals and a pretty lady walking by.
I really liked Mac's character. He had a dry sense on humor and the tension between Claire and him was entertaining. *winks* He tries so hard no not think of Claire that, that's the only thing he can do. Think of Claire.
Mac has more than Clarie on his mind. He has to help his aunt sell her mines. Ruby needs money now and when Claire finds out the mines will be sold, she realizes she may loose something close to her. She tries her best to sway Mac from his job, but both sides are having a hard time getting what they want when another person factors into the picture with their own wants. Wants they'll do anything to get.
A fast paced story that will get you hooked. A great Villain, fun secondary characters, a cute dog and some fun romance. It's a story that will keep you on your nose in the book. If that sounds like your kind of mystery, then what are you waiting for? Jump in!
November 11, 2011
One of the most fun books I've read in a long time. The rich cast of characters, and their antics, had me flipping pages - at times embroiled in the deliciously romantic cozy mystery, at others to find out what hilarious stunt would happen next.
Claire is a thirty-something who still hasn't found herself. She's tagging along with her grandfather and his buddies to keep an eye on them. They have their Winnebagos parked in an RV resort where they have invited every retired floozy on the internet to meet them. It's like the AARP version of a party at the Playboy Mansion. But Claire soon finds herself involved in a mystery - and with the handsome Mac who makes her toes curl just walking in the room.
The story is filled with twists and turns on all fronts. The romances and personal intrigues had me guessing almost as much as the mystery. Everyone seems to have an agenda and no one is completely open. As the silver haired sex-pots prance around in the desert heat, dark secrets are unveiled and the danger builds for Claire and Mac even as the heat between them ignites. This one gets two thumbs up and a stand ovation for laughs, sighs, thrills, and a excellently crafted mystery.
Whatever your favorite type of mystery, this one has it all - from romance to thriller - you're gonna love Dance of the Winnebagos. I can't wait to read more from Ann Charles.
Claire is a thirty-something who still hasn't found herself. She's tagging along with her grandfather and his buddies to keep an eye on them. They have their Winnebagos parked in an RV resort where they have invited every retired floozy on the internet to meet them. It's like the AARP version of a party at the Playboy Mansion. But Claire soon finds herself involved in a mystery - and with the handsome Mac who makes her toes curl just walking in the room.
The story is filled with twists and turns on all fronts. The romances and personal intrigues had me guessing almost as much as the mystery. Everyone seems to have an agenda and no one is completely open. As the silver haired sex-pots prance around in the desert heat, dark secrets are unveiled and the danger builds for Claire and Mac even as the heat between them ignites. This one gets two thumbs up and a stand ovation for laughs, sighs, thrills, and a excellently crafted mystery.
Whatever your favorite type of mystery, this one has it all - from romance to thriller - you're gonna love Dance of the Winnebagos. I can't wait to read more from Ann Charles.
did-not-finish
December 31, 2012I found it sophmoric. Lots of junior high school level sexual inuendo. The plot was slow and not really interesting.
July 20, 2019
New series for me from a fav' author. I really like her snarky characters. A fun, suspence-filled mystery. And I don't like mysteries, unless they are Ann Charles mysteries.
October 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book!! I have read other books by Ms Charles, and this is right on par with what I expected. She has a gift for crafting towns with lots of quirky fun characters, snarky leading ladies and yummy fellas!
I love Claire and her relationship with her grandfather, hid cronies and his dog! It is so much fun to read her. I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Because she is so likeable, I was willing to forgive her too stupid to live moments. She has gumption, that's for sure.
Enter the tall dark and studly love interest, Mac. He is a serious sort of guy, but still knows how to have a little fun. The dynamic between the two is great. The banter is rather like a well played ping pong match. He is just the sort of solid thinker she needs to help her out of all the jams she is sure to fall into.
The book is a mixed narrative, giving both leads and the villain's POV. Okay, after you read her for a bit you find the villain isn't all that bad. She is kind of likeable, the killing and stealing aside. I was kinda hoping for a solution that would make things work out for everybody.
There is a but of heat in the story. Loads of chemistry and flirtation lead to some smexy scenes. More closed bedroom than detailed. Plenty of illusions to what occurred but not the down and dirty blow by blow.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lisa Larsen, who is fabulous! I loved her swift pace and all the energy she puts into the read. Great voices and smooth transitions from character to character. I will definitely be looking for more of her reads.
I adore all the supporting characters, they are hilarious!! The book flew by and I am eager to see what happens next in the series!! I hope we see more of Jackrabbit Junction!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I love Claire and her relationship with her grandfather, hid cronies and his dog! It is so much fun to read her. I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Because she is so likeable, I was willing to forgive her too stupid to live moments. She has gumption, that's for sure.
Enter the tall dark and studly love interest, Mac. He is a serious sort of guy, but still knows how to have a little fun. The dynamic between the two is great. The banter is rather like a well played ping pong match. He is just the sort of solid thinker she needs to help her out of all the jams she is sure to fall into.
The book is a mixed narrative, giving both leads and the villain's POV. Okay, after you read her for a bit you find the villain isn't all that bad. She is kind of likeable, the killing and stealing aside. I was kinda hoping for a solution that would make things work out for everybody.
There is a but of heat in the story. Loads of chemistry and flirtation lead to some smexy scenes. More closed bedroom than detailed. Plenty of illusions to what occurred but not the down and dirty blow by blow.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lisa Larsen, who is fabulous! I loved her swift pace and all the energy she puts into the read. Great voices and smooth transitions from character to character. I will definitely be looking for more of her reads.
I adore all the supporting characters, they are hilarious!! The book flew by and I am eager to see what happens next in the series!! I hope we see more of Jackrabbit Junction!!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
July 20, 2012
This book is an absolute hoot! From page one I began to laugh and pretty well kept it up till the end. With such lines as: Jess shared secrets in tabloid style & her body budded, blossomed and dangled fruit…who wouldn't get a huge kick out of the humour. So refreshing! This author's voice is different and you can just feel that she had fun writing her words. In fact, many times they made me wish I'd come up with the line.
A little about the story – Grace came to work for Ruby who owned the RV park and restaurant where her beloved old coot of a grandfather and his wacky pals were vacationing. She gets involved with helping Ruby save the legacy her husband had left her – an old mine on Rattlesnake Ridge that a mining company was after, a lot of bills and a mortgage the bank was demanding be paid. Problem is Grace's grandmother's resting place is right on the spot where the mining company would build an open pit mine. Thankfully, Mac, Ruby's nephew, shows up to help. The two stumble around constantly both wanting the same result but neither willing to share information or trust until…. Well, you'll have to find out for yourself. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Worth every penny and absolutely worth the time it took to read.
A little about the story – Grace came to work for Ruby who owned the RV park and restaurant where her beloved old coot of a grandfather and his wacky pals were vacationing. She gets involved with helping Ruby save the legacy her husband had left her – an old mine on Rattlesnake Ridge that a mining company was after, a lot of bills and a mortgage the bank was demanding be paid. Problem is Grace's grandmother's resting place is right on the spot where the mining company would build an open pit mine. Thankfully, Mac, Ruby's nephew, shows up to help. The two stumble around constantly both wanting the same result but neither willing to share information or trust until…. Well, you'll have to find out for yourself. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Worth every penny and absolutely worth the time it took to read.
January 11, 2012
What a treat to discover Ann Charles! Her books are witty, sexy and so entertaining. It's not often I laugh out loud while reading a book but Ann had me doing that many times over. I look forward to buying many more books from her!
December 12, 2011
Great book. I love the humor. I highly recommend anything by this author.
August 24, 2019
On the fence ‘bout this.
I liked this story. It was well written, and the world building didn’t need to be exhaustive to be able to picture a small country town in the middle of an arid landscape. However, the characters did frustrate me at times, especially Jess and her mini meltdowns and the way she just couldn’t keep her mouth shut to save herself. Grampa and his old mates are more than a little crude and sexist, yet for the most part they do come off as harmless old farts hanging who mouth off as a way to hold onto their reputations (and egos) of yesteryear. Sophy, on the other hand is a great antagonist. She’s driven, cunning, and looks like an old Vegas showgirl who has nothing but cotton candy between her ears. Cross her at your own peril.
Mac’s role is to be the love interest and foil for our MC. He’s okay, but I didn’t find him as engaging as Claire did. And speaking of Claire, I liked her relationship with her grandfather and the other old boys, but at times her need to stick her nose into things was frustrating. Yet, I did enjoy reading about her adventures. The treasure hunt aspect was interesting, and the race to come up with the money to save Ruby’s also helped ramp up the tension between the characters.
3 stars ⭐️
I liked this story. It was well written, and the world building didn’t need to be exhaustive to be able to picture a small country town in the middle of an arid landscape. However, the characters did frustrate me at times, especially Jess and her mini meltdowns and the way she just couldn’t keep her mouth shut to save herself. Grampa and his old mates are more than a little crude and sexist, yet for the most part they do come off as harmless old farts hanging who mouth off as a way to hold onto their reputations (and egos) of yesteryear. Sophy, on the other hand is a great antagonist. She’s driven, cunning, and looks like an old Vegas showgirl who has nothing but cotton candy between her ears. Cross her at your own peril.
Mac’s role is to be the love interest and foil for our MC. He’s okay, but I didn’t find him as engaging as Claire did. And speaking of Claire, I liked her relationship with her grandfather and the other old boys, but at times her need to stick her nose into things was frustrating. Yet, I did enjoy reading about her adventures. The treasure hunt aspect was interesting, and the race to come up with the money to save Ruby’s also helped ramp up the tension between the characters.
3 stars ⭐️
June 26, 2019
Secrets and Senior Love in Arizona.
If you ever wondered what went on at a seniors RV park, here's your chance to get the scoop. I really liked Claire, Mac, Jess and Ruby and will definitely be returning to Jackrabbit Junction for more adventures. Check out Ann Charles' Deadwood series for some paranormal hinx and laughs.
If you ever wondered what went on at a seniors RV park, here's your chance to get the scoop. I really liked Claire, Mac, Jess and Ruby and will definitely be returning to Jackrabbit Junction for more adventures. Check out Ann Charles' Deadwood series for some paranormal hinx and laughs.
October 13, 2017
The best thing about this book was the beagle on the front cover of the version I read - to be honest I only finished reading it because I needed it for a reading challenge.
January 23, 2012
Imagine if Nancy Drew had grown up in South Dakota, hid out in college for eight years without earning a degree and then accompanied her grandfather and two of his lecherous friends to an RV park in Arizona so that they could hook up with senior citizen internet floozies. Oh yeah, and imagine further that Nancy Drew looks smoking hot in a pair of Daisy Dukes and knows how to weld. You would be just scratching the surface of the highly entertaining world of Dance of the Winnebagos by Ann Charles, Corvallis Press, 2011, Amazon ASIN: B005VKQIUK.
Dance of the Winnebagos, is first and foremost a very fun read. Once you get twenty pages in, you are going to want to read it straight through. I read it over two days and was quite disappointed when it came to an end (but encouraged to learn that there will be a sequel). The narrative voice and the dialogue are loaded with witty banter, the characters are colorful and it is a mystery story in earnest that really is the adult version of a Nancy-Drew-on-steroids mystery set in an RV park.
Ann Charles shows us many signs that she is an accomplished story teller. First, she introduces us to characters like Manny and Chester who are oversexed retirees whose adolescent commentary on women and sex would make a teenage boy blush. Their vulgarity and political incorrectness makes you cringe every time either one of them contributes to dialogue. At first, it seems almost unbelievable that any self-respecting young woman like the main character, Claire, the thirty-three year old granddaughter of Harley, would even tolerate this kind of sexual commentary, much of which is directed at her, from her grandfather's friends. Her grandfather is not much better having dormitory-style rules regulating when Claire may or may not come into the Winnebago in the evenings while he is entertaining a lady friend. But over the course of the story, you find yourself not only getting used to these guys with the same good humor that Claire does, but they become kind of likable. Of course, this requires the reader to descend into the consciousness of the RV park and truly become part of the culture of Jackrabbit Junction.
Another way in which Charles shows off her story-telling prowess is by giving the reader an unlikely, but highly engaging heroine. She feeds us details of the inner workings of Claire's mind by the series of cartoon characters that appear on her heroine's tee shirts as the story unfolds and her amazing relationship to junk food. We are told that Claire has quit smoking and yet we are taunted by Claire's repeated temptation to smoke throughout the book to the point that even if you have never smoked in your life, you are left feeling like you really need a cigarette.
Of course, the author uses sexual tension between Claire and Mac, the geologist nephew of Ruby, the owner of the RV park, to propel both character development and the suspense of the story line. Their relationship develops into a raging passion that gives Dance of the Winnebagos a romance novel component that will not disappoint fans of that genre. Charles flirts with, but ultimately avoids stereotypes to give us characters that are real and lovable. We are introduced to the villain of the story early on, but come to at least appreciate her character with some empathy despite her heinous deeds. This story is not so much a "who-dunnit" as a "why'd-she-do-it" that does not compromise on suspense or action.
In some ways, Charles is reprising a less exotic version of Indiana Jones. Claire tells us that Mac even looks a bit like the young "Han Solo". The mystery unfolds as the characters explore mines that Mac's aunt Ruby is about to lose to the bank unless Claire and Mac can find a way to save them. The real mystery centers on the question of why there is a treasure in the first place, a detail that would have been overlooked if Claire had not been a fan of the television program The Antiques Roadshow. It is the presence of Louis XIV armoires in Jackrabbit Junction that gives the story its uniqueness and its many plot twists.
Ann Charles has given us some quality reading entertainment with Dance of the Winnebagos. Her portrayal of springtime in Arizona, especially the details that she provides about the birds of the area, provides as good a backdrop as any for a mystery. Regardless of your cultural orientation, you will be lured into the RV park at Jackrabbit Junction and you will want to stay for a while.
Dance of the Winnebagos, is first and foremost a very fun read. Once you get twenty pages in, you are going to want to read it straight through. I read it over two days and was quite disappointed when it came to an end (but encouraged to learn that there will be a sequel). The narrative voice and the dialogue are loaded with witty banter, the characters are colorful and it is a mystery story in earnest that really is the adult version of a Nancy-Drew-on-steroids mystery set in an RV park.
Ann Charles shows us many signs that she is an accomplished story teller. First, she introduces us to characters like Manny and Chester who are oversexed retirees whose adolescent commentary on women and sex would make a teenage boy blush. Their vulgarity and political incorrectness makes you cringe every time either one of them contributes to dialogue. At first, it seems almost unbelievable that any self-respecting young woman like the main character, Claire, the thirty-three year old granddaughter of Harley, would even tolerate this kind of sexual commentary, much of which is directed at her, from her grandfather's friends. Her grandfather is not much better having dormitory-style rules regulating when Claire may or may not come into the Winnebago in the evenings while he is entertaining a lady friend. But over the course of the story, you find yourself not only getting used to these guys with the same good humor that Claire does, but they become kind of likable. Of course, this requires the reader to descend into the consciousness of the RV park and truly become part of the culture of Jackrabbit Junction.
Another way in which Charles shows off her story-telling prowess is by giving the reader an unlikely, but highly engaging heroine. She feeds us details of the inner workings of Claire's mind by the series of cartoon characters that appear on her heroine's tee shirts as the story unfolds and her amazing relationship to junk food. We are told that Claire has quit smoking and yet we are taunted by Claire's repeated temptation to smoke throughout the book to the point that even if you have never smoked in your life, you are left feeling like you really need a cigarette.
Of course, the author uses sexual tension between Claire and Mac, the geologist nephew of Ruby, the owner of the RV park, to propel both character development and the suspense of the story line. Their relationship develops into a raging passion that gives Dance of the Winnebagos a romance novel component that will not disappoint fans of that genre. Charles flirts with, but ultimately avoids stereotypes to give us characters that are real and lovable. We are introduced to the villain of the story early on, but come to at least appreciate her character with some empathy despite her heinous deeds. This story is not so much a "who-dunnit" as a "why'd-she-do-it" that does not compromise on suspense or action.
In some ways, Charles is reprising a less exotic version of Indiana Jones. Claire tells us that Mac even looks a bit like the young "Han Solo". The mystery unfolds as the characters explore mines that Mac's aunt Ruby is about to lose to the bank unless Claire and Mac can find a way to save them. The real mystery centers on the question of why there is a treasure in the first place, a detail that would have been overlooked if Claire had not been a fan of the television program The Antiques Roadshow. It is the presence of Louis XIV armoires in Jackrabbit Junction that gives the story its uniqueness and its many plot twists.
Ann Charles has given us some quality reading entertainment with Dance of the Winnebagos. Her portrayal of springtime in Arizona, especially the details that she provides about the birds of the area, provides as good a backdrop as any for a mystery. Regardless of your cultural orientation, you will be lured into the RV park at Jackrabbit Junction and you will want to stay for a while.
June 16, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible download of this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this audiobook. To be honest, I was just happy to have one for “free.” I hadn’t heard of this author before, but I like mysteries, romance and love audiobooks. So I gave it a go.
The story has Claire and her grandfather Harley together in an RV park as a mystery unfolds around them. The author introduced an interesting cast of supporting characters. I have a soft spot for Manny, the Latin lover who is one of the two friends of Claire’s grandfather. I really enjoyed the fact that we got a story with an adult and her grandfather, which is not something I’ve often encountered.
Anne Charles did not let the reader wonder who the villain of the mystery was. There are times when it’s great to figure out along with the characters whodunit, but I liked this device of letting us know right away. It provided tension as I wondered just when the characters were going to figure it out.
As far as the narration itself, it was perfectly polished as if it had come from a major studio. The narrator had a great voice that immediately put me at ease so I knew I would enjoy spending 10 hours with her. She was deft at making the speaking of different people sound different enough so that there was never any question who might be speaking.
I will warn you that the main character of Claire is very loud. She’s louder than everyone else. That’s not a problem with the audio or production, but instead is a deliberate acting choice that seemed truly appropriate to Claire’s personality once I got to know her.
My only real criticism about the book is about the cover art, which looked very, very cheap. As a first point of contact, it doesn’t do the author any favors to get potential readers. It’s hard enough being an indie author without having a product that *looks* like it’s indie, too.
In summary, I really liked this story and these characters. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately wanted to dive into the next book and I already wonder how soon the narrator will have the book after that ready.
If anything in the summary intrigues you, give this a chance. Recommended.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this audiobook. To be honest, I was just happy to have one for “free.” I hadn’t heard of this author before, but I like mysteries, romance and love audiobooks. So I gave it a go.
The story has Claire and her grandfather Harley together in an RV park as a mystery unfolds around them. The author introduced an interesting cast of supporting characters. I have a soft spot for Manny, the Latin lover who is one of the two friends of Claire’s grandfather. I really enjoyed the fact that we got a story with an adult and her grandfather, which is not something I’ve often encountered.
Anne Charles did not let the reader wonder who the villain of the mystery was. There are times when it’s great to figure out along with the characters whodunit, but I liked this device of letting us know right away. It provided tension as I wondered just when the characters were going to figure it out.
As far as the narration itself, it was perfectly polished as if it had come from a major studio. The narrator had a great voice that immediately put me at ease so I knew I would enjoy spending 10 hours with her. She was deft at making the speaking of different people sound different enough so that there was never any question who might be speaking.
I will warn you that the main character of Claire is very loud. She’s louder than everyone else. That’s not a problem with the audio or production, but instead is a deliberate acting choice that seemed truly appropriate to Claire’s personality once I got to know her.
My only real criticism about the book is about the cover art, which looked very, very cheap. As a first point of contact, it doesn’t do the author any favors to get potential readers. It’s hard enough being an indie author without having a product that *looks* like it’s indie, too.
In summary, I really liked this story and these characters. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately wanted to dive into the next book and I already wonder how soon the narrator will have the book after that ready.
If anything in the summary intrigues you, give this a chance. Recommended.
May 12, 2013
I enjoy Ann Charles "Deadwood" series so I read this first book of another of her series. This is very similar to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I enjoyed this enough to track down the second in the series.
First paragraphs
Chapter One Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona Friday, April 9th If Claire Morgan had known she’d be chaperoning a senior citizen sock hop, she wouldn’t have given up smoking. Yet here she was, stuck in Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona, with an ornery old man, his smartass dog, and a parade of blue-haired babes. “Gramps, your dog found a bone!” Claire yelled, staring at the foot-long bone clenched in the jaws of her grandfather’s beagle. Harley Ford stepped out from behind a half-dead cottonwood tree, zipping up his faded Levi’s. “Damned prostate. I have faucets that leak more.” He shuffled towards Claire. “What’d you say?” Claire wrinkled her nose. After traveling together for three days in his well-used Winnebago Chieftain, she’d learned everything about him from the pattern of his snoring to the number of prunes he needed to maintain regularity. He’d left his modesty in Colorado, and she’d lost most of her sanity long before they had crossed the Arizona state line and pulled into the Dancing Winnebagos R.V. Park. “I said Henry found a bone.” She squatted next to Henry and examined the broken end of the white fragment hanging from his black lips. “It’s pretty chewed up already.” Gramps stood behind Henry. “Is it made of gold?” What kind of a question was that? “Of course not.” “Then why get your knickers all bunched up over it?”
Charles, Ann (2011-10-13). Dance of the Winnebagos (Jackrabbit Junction Humorous Mystery Series #1) (p. 1). Corvallis Press. Kindle Edition.
First paragraphs
Chapter One Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona Friday, April 9th If Claire Morgan had known she’d be chaperoning a senior citizen sock hop, she wouldn’t have given up smoking. Yet here she was, stuck in Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona, with an ornery old man, his smartass dog, and a parade of blue-haired babes. “Gramps, your dog found a bone!” Claire yelled, staring at the foot-long bone clenched in the jaws of her grandfather’s beagle. Harley Ford stepped out from behind a half-dead cottonwood tree, zipping up his faded Levi’s. “Damned prostate. I have faucets that leak more.” He shuffled towards Claire. “What’d you say?” Claire wrinkled her nose. After traveling together for three days in his well-used Winnebago Chieftain, she’d learned everything about him from the pattern of his snoring to the number of prunes he needed to maintain regularity. He’d left his modesty in Colorado, and she’d lost most of her sanity long before they had crossed the Arizona state line and pulled into the Dancing Winnebagos R.V. Park. “I said Henry found a bone.” She squatted next to Henry and examined the broken end of the white fragment hanging from his black lips. “It’s pretty chewed up already.” Gramps stood behind Henry. “Is it made of gold?” What kind of a question was that? “Of course not.” “Then why get your knickers all bunched up over it?”
Charles, Ann (2011-10-13). Dance of the Winnebagos (Jackrabbit Junction Humorous Mystery Series #1) (p. 1). Corvallis Press. Kindle Edition.
December 14, 2016
Sassy dialogue, interesting and well-rounded main characters complete with realistic foibles, plot interwoven with colorful location descriptions and supporting characters set in Arizona in a less than 5-star rated RV park and assorted abandoned mines harboring dark secrets sets a sweltering stage for Harley and his granddaughter. Claire, temporarily staying with her grandfather in his Winnebago (though we don't get a sense how large it is), leaves little room for any privacy, especially with her grandfather's cantankerous cohorts camped nearby. Claire meets the nephew of the park's owner, on hiatus from his Tucson business, to try and help his aunt Ruby save the park and discover the mines worth. Claire, street smart as she is, has had problems getting her life to settle down after attaining more college credits than she needed for solid employment and experienced numerous failed relationships along the way. Confronting what she feels is a real mystery worthy of extended investigation in the small town of Jackrabbit Junction, the last thing she needed was Mac to inflict another questionable relationship in her path. She falls and falls hard into another relationship while steadfastly determined to solve the mystery and save her grandmother's valley; determined to finally see to the end one successful venture. Also enjoyed were the little pencil illustrations and well as the many irreverent analogies, many of which were quite humorous. Without knowing anything about Winnebagos, Arizona, abandoned gold mines, or seniors and their sex lives, I'd wager you'd still really enjoy this book. Try it and see for yourself if I'm not right!
May 23, 2014
"Dance of the Winnebagos" is a light little romantic mystery, heavy on the heavy breathing, light on the mystery. I would have given this 3 1/2 stars if goodreads would let me.
Claire has been sent with her grandfather when he goes to Arizona to stay in an RV park with his buddies in the hopes of meeting some women. Claire's job is to keep him out of trouble. She's pretty clear that's not going to happen. But when his dog finds a human femur in the desert and Claire find the hunky nephew of the RV park owner, she's in a lot more trouble than her grandfather is.
The answer to the mystery is pretty obvious from the beginning and it's seems it's just a background for Claire and Mac to get hot and heavy together. That's ok if that's what you're looking for. I prefer a little more mystery in my mysteries but I will say that this was a fun couple of hours read. The grandfather and his friends are spicy, the RV park owner's daughter is realistic and the characters are likeable. I'm sure I'll read the next in the series just to find out how the various relationships progress. But I won't be reading them for the mystery.
Claire has been sent with her grandfather when he goes to Arizona to stay in an RV park with his buddies in the hopes of meeting some women. Claire's job is to keep him out of trouble. She's pretty clear that's not going to happen. But when his dog finds a human femur in the desert and Claire find the hunky nephew of the RV park owner, she's in a lot more trouble than her grandfather is.
The answer to the mystery is pretty obvious from the beginning and it's seems it's just a background for Claire and Mac to get hot and heavy together. That's ok if that's what you're looking for. I prefer a little more mystery in my mysteries but I will say that this was a fun couple of hours read. The grandfather and his friends are spicy, the RV park owner's daughter is realistic and the characters are likeable. I'm sure I'll read the next in the series just to find out how the various relationships progress. But I won't be reading them for the mystery.
March 9, 2012
I love Ann Charles and this is a first in a new series. Claire is a rather aimless young woman who is on a trip with her grandfather Harley in his Winnebago. He has been coming to the same campground in Arizona for many years. He and his Army buddies now use it as the dating club for older women. There she meets the woman who runs the campground along with her daughter and nephew Mac. Slowly she gets involved in a mystery that involves an old mine,and a human bone she has found. The dialogue is funny, the action is fast-paced, the characters are wonderfully drawn and Claire is easy to love. Her relationship with Mac starts and stops. The bad guy is known from the beginning, it's the why that isn't clear and must be discovered. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride and look forward to more.
September 25, 2015
Murder mines and minors
Claire comes to Jackrabbit Junction with her granddad for an old mans retreat to keep him out of trouble but things turned out a lot different from what she was expecting. Staying at the RV park Close to the mines with her grandpa and his beagle turned into more than a vacation when Henry the beagle brings in a leg bone from the desert. Ruby owns the mines and the RV park and is just a bit ahead of a foreclosure. Mac her nephew comes to appraise the mines and also finds Claire in his way. Ruby s daughter Jess is also a problem for the poor woman. There are problems with the old guys club, the mine appraisals, and finding out about the murders and who committed them.
Claire comes to Jackrabbit Junction with her granddad for an old mans retreat to keep him out of trouble but things turned out a lot different from what she was expecting. Staying at the RV park Close to the mines with her grandpa and his beagle turned into more than a vacation when Henry the beagle brings in a leg bone from the desert. Ruby owns the mines and the RV park and is just a bit ahead of a foreclosure. Mac her nephew comes to appraise the mines and also finds Claire in his way. Ruby s daughter Jess is also a problem for the poor woman. There are problems with the old guys club, the mine appraisals, and finding out about the murders and who committed them.
September 9, 2013
I have not read Ann Charles' Deadwood series but may need to start it after reading this book. Clair travels with her grandfather, Harley, to Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona. There they meet up with a couple of his Army buddies for the sole purpose of meeting women. Harley's dog, Henry Ford, discovers a human femur and tosses Clair into a chaos filled hunt. Along the way, she tries to help RV park owner, Ruby, maintain ownership of the park; starts a relationship with Ruby's nephew, Mac; and deals with Ruby's daughter, Jess. Good characters, intrigue and a smart dog. 3 stars
February 9, 2014
Ok, I have to admit--I bought this book just for the title. The fact that it turned out to be a funny and interesting read was just an unexpected bonus.
As is true of most cozies, this has an interesting cast of "supporting" characters, a mystery, and the all important interactions between the various characters.
Well worth the read, as is the second book in the series.
As is true of most cozies, this has an interesting cast of "supporting" characters, a mystery, and the all important interactions between the various characters.
Well worth the read, as is the second book in the series.
May 27, 2012
Dance of the Winnebagos is another quick, fun read from Ann Charles. I really enjoy the locations of her books and her quirky characters. I found the old men very funny, but the humor got a little tedious by the end. However, I do look forward to the next book in the series.
August 1, 2017
I really didn't like the characters in this book. I was expecting funny banter but instead I got a bunch of crude old goats who were in town for a 'flesh fiesta' *shudders* and the horny old women who were dressed like hookers. Ugh. I needed a shower after trying this one...
February 19, 2017
One Twist Leads to Another
A light, humorous mystery with lots of twists to keep you guessing. 30-year-old Claire escorts her grandfather to the RV park where he and his buddies spend a couple months playing cards and snagging 65-year-old babes in string bikinis for one night stands. Meanwhile, Claire accepts a job as the park handywoman to help the owner, Ruby, fix the place up.
Ruby has her own problems with the bank after the death of her husband leaves her struggling to keep the park going and is considering selling off part of her property to a strip mining company. Ruby's nephew, Mac, has given up his vacation to check out the old copper mines on the property to make sure the mining company if offering his aunt a decent price.
The fun begins when Gramps' beagle, Henry, digs up a human femur. Claire is determined to find out where the rest of the body is and unravel the mystery behind Ruby's husband's antiques business.
A light, humorous mystery with lots of twists to keep you guessing. 30-year-old Claire escorts her grandfather to the RV park where he and his buddies spend a couple months playing cards and snagging 65-year-old babes in string bikinis for one night stands. Meanwhile, Claire accepts a job as the park handywoman to help the owner, Ruby, fix the place up.
Ruby has her own problems with the bank after the death of her husband leaves her struggling to keep the park going and is considering selling off part of her property to a strip mining company. Ruby's nephew, Mac, has given up his vacation to check out the old copper mines on the property to make sure the mining company if offering his aunt a decent price.
The fun begins when Gramps' beagle, Henry, digs up a human femur. Claire is determined to find out where the rest of the body is and unravel the mystery behind Ruby's husband's antiques business.
May 23, 2023
Claire Morgan and her grandfather, Harley Ford, are visiting the Dancing Winnebagos RV Park in AZ where he and a couple of his army buddies have put out word online for single ladies to also visit. Claire is supposed to keep these guys in check. Ha! Lots of raunchy innuendo. Claire is a well educated (many college courses, no degree) late bloomer still trying to figure things out in her early thirties. Mac Garner, geotechnician, is using his vacation to help his aunt Ruby put a value on some old mines she needs to sell to pay debts accrued by her late husband or lose the RV park. But during his exploration he finds himself the target of someone trying to stop him. There are also side plots involving a dog-napping and the dog finding a human femur. Some good humor, lots of risque humor and an interesting mystery. Not sure if I'll pursue any future volumes.
June 23, 2022
This book is only a tic off the level of Ann Charles' Deadwood series (one of my all-time favorites) which means it is very good indeed. Set in southeastern Arizona, an area I am familiar with, we find Claire Morgan trying to chaperone her Grandfather and his cronies as they pursue geriatric beauties, while also trying to prevent her boss, Ruby, from selling the land Claire's Grandmother's ashes are scattered on to a mining company who will turn it into an open pit. Throw in a treasure hunter, a potato chip addicted beagle, and a hot mining engineer, and Claire's work is cut out for her. I really liked this book. It's an unconventional but highly entertaining mystery and a good start to another good series by Ms. Charles.
May 31, 2021
This was a fun story, one I chose because I just liked the title. A crew of elderly men are traveling and staying at a Winnebago rental park in Jackrabbit Junction, AZ. It's no ordinary crew of elderly men, but men who think they still have the sexual prowess of their youth, chasing after the elderly bunnies who are also vacationing there. Harley's granddaughter Claire and his dog Henry are also traveling with him. When Henry brings a bone to them, a femur at that, they become involved in a mystery regarding who is in the abandoned mines, and why, on Ruby's RV camp.
I will most likely read the rest of the Jackrabbit Junction series. it made me laugh,
I will most likely read the rest of the Jackrabbit Junction series. it made me laugh,
October 14, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable book, full of humour, romance and entertaining characters. If you've read any of Ann Charles novels you will know the type of humour you're going to get. For me, I love her humour and style of writing; she's witty and intelligent, with great pace and well developed characters.
Main characters in this series include Claire (cousin of Nat from the Deadwood series) who is working as a handy-woman on an RV site, while also baby-sitting her grandfather and his trouble-making friends.
Main characters in this series include Claire (cousin of Nat from the Deadwood series) who is working as a handy-woman on an RV site, while also baby-sitting her grandfather and his trouble-making friends.
August 2, 2018
If you read this knowing it is a lighthearted mixture of mystery and humor, not to be taken seriously, you will get exactly what you expected. I like reading a lot of non-fiction and let's say 'heavier' reads and this is exactly the kind of book I turn to in between to clear the mind, enjoy a laugh and move on. Charles keeps you interested enough to want to keep turning the pages, but you're not going to be thinking of quotes from this book years from now. This was entertaining, moved quickly and wasn't too far fetched to be unbelievable.
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