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Jackrabbit Junction #2
Jackrabbit Junction Jitters
The dusty pit-stop of Jackrabbit Junction, Arizona is rampant with jitters, and not just the pre-marital kind. Claire is back, blowing in with a monsoon storm on her heels and raining trouble throughout the cactus-filled valley. A burglar is on the loose and she wastes no time forming suspicions, but her usual suspects are temporarily off the hook when a treasure hunt sidetracks her. Could the treasure be buried in the Lucky Monk mine, which someone is trying to swindle from Claire’s soon-to-be grandmother?
Forced to seek help from her boyfriend, who wants a commitment she is not ready to give, Claire is swirling in a whirlpool of chaos. Throw her guy-crazy sister into the torrent, along with an angst-ridden teen, a nervous bride, and some randy old men, and Claire struggles just to keep a toehold in the current. Then her mother arrives …
Forced to seek help from her boyfriend, who wants a commitment she is not ready to give, Claire is swirling in a whirlpool of chaos. Throw her guy-crazy sister into the torrent, along with an angst-ridden teen, a nervous bride, and some randy old men, and Claire struggles just to keep a toehold in the current. Then her mother arrives …
386 pages, Nook
First published July 3, 2012
567 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Ann Charles
58 books1,265 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 136 reviews
May 15, 2016
The Great Jackalope Stampede is the third book in the Jackrabbit Junction series, and as a third book it ups the stakes in the mystery and expands the cast of characters.
If you’ve been following along, we have the series star Claire up to her regular hijinks. Claire is one of those women who has studied a lot, but doesn’t have much to show for it in terms of actual university degrees or gainful employment. What she does have is a varied skill set that is quite useful for the mysteries she finds herself embroiled in.
The romantic subplot of book two focused on younger Morgan sister, Katie and introduced us to Deborah, the shrew of a mother to the Morgan sisters. This book brings the third Morgan sister, Veronica, and the romantic subplot shines on her. We also have a cousin by the name of Natalie.
The new mystery is yet another effect of the deceitful things Ruby’s ex-husband Joe got up to. This creates something new for Claire to obsess about, and obsess she does. She invariably finds her way into peril, but solves the mystery by the end. There are also subplots with a stolen watch, potential pregnancies, a gang of rebellious old ladies, and Ronnie (Veronica) getting over the humiliation of her marriage and divorce.
Those new to the series may wonder if starting on the 3rd book is even doable. There are some books where you can enter at any point, and I would say that this one could be like that. The basic points of the previous books are referenced so readers won’t feel lost.
Deborah was a thorn in everyone’s sides in book 2 (Jackrabbit Jitters), but she’s not actually on the page much in this book. Oddly enough, I missed her this time around. I did enjoy the twist plot with her near the end, though, especially since it was with one of my favorite male secondary characters.
Cousin Natalie was a nice addition. I had to check if she was a cross-over character with the author’s Deadwood series,but it seems she is not. If Ann Charles wants to continue this series, she could do it with a focus on Natalie returning to Jackrabbit Junction. I would suggest, though, that she try to come up with a plot other than the effects of Joe’s thieving ways.
One thing the author has done all through the series is mention country songs of various types and ages. Music plays a big part of what’s going on, and it’s a cute way to add flavor to the story.
Her other bit of flavor is how obsessed with bid euchre the main characters are. I used to play spades a lot and almost learned how to play euchre. It’s something else that provides good character setting since it’s completely realistic that people from South Dakota would play indoor card games, especially in winter, and that they’d also use this game in the hot of summer in Arizona to stay out of the heat.
For the performance of the audiobook itself, Lisa Larsen did great with this. I enjoyed what she did for the first two books, and she did not disappoint here. New characters sound different, and established characters sound the same. We don’t have moments of wondering just who is speaking. Lisa even sings a passage or two in the character of one of the drunk sisters singing Patsy Cline. (And who hasn’t ever tried a line or two of “Crazy”?) I like what she’s done here, and I’d be perfectly willing to follow Lisa into other audiobook projects she has.
In summary: Try it. You’ll like it.
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible download of this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
If you’ve been following along, we have the series star Claire up to her regular hijinks. Claire is one of those women who has studied a lot, but doesn’t have much to show for it in terms of actual university degrees or gainful employment. What she does have is a varied skill set that is quite useful for the mysteries she finds herself embroiled in.
The romantic subplot of book two focused on younger Morgan sister, Katie and introduced us to Deborah, the shrew of a mother to the Morgan sisters. This book brings the third Morgan sister, Veronica, and the romantic subplot shines on her. We also have a cousin by the name of Natalie.
The new mystery is yet another effect of the deceitful things Ruby’s ex-husband Joe got up to. This creates something new for Claire to obsess about, and obsess she does. She invariably finds her way into peril, but solves the mystery by the end. There are also subplots with a stolen watch, potential pregnancies, a gang of rebellious old ladies, and Ronnie (Veronica) getting over the humiliation of her marriage and divorce.
Those new to the series may wonder if starting on the 3rd book is even doable. There are some books where you can enter at any point, and I would say that this one could be like that. The basic points of the previous books are referenced so readers won’t feel lost.
Deborah was a thorn in everyone’s sides in book 2 (Jackrabbit Jitters), but she’s not actually on the page much in this book. Oddly enough, I missed her this time around. I did enjoy the twist plot with her near the end, though, especially since it was with one of my favorite male secondary characters.
Cousin Natalie was a nice addition. I had to check if she was a cross-over character with the author’s Deadwood series,
One thing the author has done all through the series is mention country songs of various types and ages. Music plays a big part of what’s going on, and it’s a cute way to add flavor to the story.
Her other bit of flavor is how obsessed with bid euchre the main characters are. I used to play spades a lot and almost learned how to play euchre. It’s something else that provides good character setting since it’s completely realistic that people from South Dakota would play indoor card games, especially in winter, and that they’d also use this game in the hot of summer in Arizona to stay out of the heat.
For the performance of the audiobook itself, Lisa Larsen did great with this. I enjoyed what she did for the first two books, and she did not disappoint here. New characters sound different, and established characters sound the same. We don’t have moments of wondering just who is speaking. Lisa even sings a passage or two in the character of one of the drunk sisters singing Patsy Cline. (And who hasn’t ever tried a line or two of “Crazy”?) I like what she’s done here, and I’d be perfectly willing to follow Lisa into other audiobook projects she has.
In summary: Try it. You’ll like it.
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible download of this book from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2022
Struggling to enjoy this series. So many really unlikable characters, toxic relationship dynamics, and the bad guys are so easy to spot I have started to assume they hold their pinky finger up to their mouth and are chewing their nail like Dr. Evil.
Additionally I am listening to this in audio format and when they yell at each other (which happens ALOT) the volume makes me wince.
Normally I keep going on audio series to see the character and plot developments, but I need to step away from this series.
Additionally I am listening to this in audio format and when they yell at each other (which happens ALOT) the volume makes me wince.
Normally I keep going on audio series to see the character and plot developments, but I need to step away from this series.
April 30, 2015
Although Arizona has never been my home state, it is one of my favorite states to visit and the setting for Jackrabbit Junction Jitters the second book of this series. Claire is back and knee deep in a new mystery with the break-in, her Grandpa's upcoming wedding to Ruby and her acidic mother arriving to stir everyone up until her misery is spread to one and all.
Claire finds a stick figure and sandal she is sure is an artifact, plus a human hand in Joe's hidden safe. She finds a poem about treasure ~ what does it mean? I almost forgot the gold bar with Nazi markings that was found and the dirty pictures Ruby's late husband sure left a mess!
Trouble keeps coming Ruby's was with letters from a lawyer about one of her mines; sexy boyfriend Mac (also Ruby's nephew) spends his time investigating the mining problem. Add breaking and entering, kidnapping, murder and flash flood plus, Kate, her sister manages three car wrecks. On top of this two over sexed senior guys who bird watch every female in the RV Park and boast like teenagers and a teenager that has a mind of her own and feels neglected. The comedy and action is non-stop as the zany characters work out the mysteries of this story in the Arizona desert country.
Claire finds a stick figure and sandal she is sure is an artifact, plus a human hand in Joe's hidden safe. She finds a poem about treasure ~ what does it mean? I almost forgot the gold bar with Nazi markings that was found and the dirty pictures Ruby's late husband sure left a mess!
Trouble keeps coming Ruby's was with letters from a lawyer about one of her mines; sexy boyfriend Mac (also Ruby's nephew) spends his time investigating the mining problem. Add breaking and entering, kidnapping, murder and flash flood plus, Kate, her sister manages three car wrecks. On top of this two over sexed senior guys who bird watch every female in the RV Park and boast like teenagers and a teenager that has a mind of her own and feels neglected. The comedy and action is non-stop as the zany characters work out the mysteries of this story in the Arizona desert country.
June 29, 2013
I loved this book. I love Ann Charles. I love the Deadwood series and the Jackrabbit Junction stories. There were only two problems I had with this book. First, the minor one, is that it took Claire and Joe til almost midway in the book to have a little satisfying interlude moments. And the bigger problem, this book ended.
I love the whole cast of zany characters. Claire's sister was fun from the moment we meet her and I'm sure all readers will be just as annoyed by "mom" Deborah as I was. This lady definitely needs to be put in her place a few more times.
I don't want to talk about the story because there is just so much going on. The great thing about this and the first book, is I feel like I have read four or five books, there is just so much that goes on, but it doesn't get long and boring. Lot's of excitement at the RV park.
If you haven't read either of these series, I highly recommend them. You will not want to put them down and will most certainly be annoyed that you have other things in your life you have to do...like go to work or sleep.
I love the whole cast of zany characters. Claire's sister was fun from the moment we meet her and I'm sure all readers will be just as annoyed by "mom" Deborah as I was. This lady definitely needs to be put in her place a few more times.
I don't want to talk about the story because there is just so much going on. The great thing about this and the first book, is I feel like I have read four or five books, there is just so much that goes on, but it doesn't get long and boring. Lot's of excitement at the RV park.
If you haven't read either of these series, I highly recommend them. You will not want to put them down and will most certainly be annoyed that you have other things in your life you have to do...like go to work or sleep.
July 20, 2012
Every one of her books is better than the last. I love the unforced humor, romance and the twists and turns. Keep them coming, Ann! I am saving the 5th star for your next book, because I know I will love it too. Can't wait to meet Ronnie,lol!
October 27, 2019
The Jackrabbit Junction series has become my must read series by Ann Charles. After reading all 10 of the Deadwood stories I found my self at a loss waiting to hear when the next book would be released. I first found her stories as an audio book that I purchased last year for a road trip and when I saw that the book was the first in series based on a town I was soon to visit in South Dakota I thought it would be fun to read. It was more than fun it was engrossing...! So much so that I bought the next two books as audio files and finished all three during my 6000 mile drive. I have since finished all ten books in the series which brings me to Jackrabbit Junction.
Ann certainly 'wet my whistle' when mentioning / introducing these troublesome sisters in the Deadwood stories and I have not been disappointed making the trip down to Arizona. I was concerned about this series possibly not holding my attention since one of the main aspects that I love about the Deadwood series, the supernatural aspect of the stories and Violet's 'unusual family business', is not a focus of the Jackrabbit Junction stories.
However, I was quickly captured by Claire and Kate's similarities to Violet when it comes to their ability to walk into trouble without even trying, and their unflinching drive to solve the mystery they find themselves wrapped up in. Ann's stories are rich in wit, sardonic humor, ironic catch 22's, followed throughout by twist and turns you mostly don't see coming, (plus a few that you but look forward to anyway). Rounding out the features of Ann's Jackrabbit Junction series are her trademark shenanigans and of course... heat inducing romance. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series and have begun reading some of the Shorts she has published, as well as, the first in the Undertaker series. I don't dare guess at what I will find when I get to the Dig Site & AC Silly Circus series... :-)
Ann certainly 'wet my whistle' when mentioning / introducing these troublesome sisters in the Deadwood stories and I have not been disappointed making the trip down to Arizona. I was concerned about this series possibly not holding my attention since one of the main aspects that I love about the Deadwood series, the supernatural aspect of the stories and Violet's 'unusual family business', is not a focus of the Jackrabbit Junction stories.
However, I was quickly captured by Claire and Kate's similarities to Violet when it comes to their ability to walk into trouble without even trying, and their unflinching drive to solve the mystery they find themselves wrapped up in. Ann's stories are rich in wit, sardonic humor, ironic catch 22's, followed throughout by twist and turns you mostly don't see coming, (plus a few that you but look forward to anyway). Rounding out the features of Ann's Jackrabbit Junction series are her trademark shenanigans and of course... heat inducing romance. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series and have begun reading some of the Shorts she has published, as well as, the first in the Undertaker series. I don't dare guess at what I will find when I get to the Dig Site & AC Silly Circus series... :-)
June 16, 2021
Hoo-boy. Let's see where to start with this...Claire is a hot mess. Sometimes a literal hot mess when she's stuck unclogging toilets at the RV park in 100 degree heat. She's also got her commitment-phobic pants on in a BIG way. Her sister is...also kind of a hot mess. Without some of the literal hotness that comes with sweating your way through the day. The figurative hot mess, however, is live and well with Kate.
AND MAMA MORGAN. WOW. That lady is awful. From her viper-ish attitude toward Ruby to the way she attempts to control every aspect of Claire and Kate's lives. Just no. No. She is not a fun person to be around in any way.
A few cryptic clues, people of a questionable nature, a fender bender (or two), a dead body, and a whole lot of suspicion. Claire might be a hot mess of epic proportions (sometimes), but she and Mac make a solid team when it comes to ferreting out hidden things. Of course, those hidden things often come with a heaping dose of danger, but WHAT CAN YOU DO, AMIRITE?!?!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
AND MAMA MORGAN. WOW. That lady is awful. From her viper-ish attitude toward Ruby to the way she attempts to control every aspect of Claire and Kate's lives. Just no. No. She is not a fun person to be around in any way.
A few cryptic clues, people of a questionable nature, a fender bender (or two), a dead body, and a whole lot of suspicion. Claire might be a hot mess of epic proportions (sometimes), but she and Mac make a solid team when it comes to ferreting out hidden things. Of course, those hidden things often come with a heaping dose of danger, but WHAT CAN YOU DO, AMIRITE?!?!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 22, 2022
Ann Charles hits my sweet spot, the right combination of humor and mystery. I loved her Deadwood series and so far I'm finding the Jackrabbit Junction series nearly on the same level. I do miss the paranormal component present in the Deadwood books. As an almost native of Arizona I can quibble with some of her takes on my state but that does not detract from the enjoyment I get from her books.
Meanwhile, back at the Junction, someone is still after Ruby's mines. Specifically they want the Lucky Monk where there are some traces of copper and silver. Someone also broke into Ruby's office. And, Ruby is marrying Claire's Grandpa. That's bringing Claire's sister Kate and their Mother to the Junction. Mom is determined to stop the wedding. Throw in a healthy dose of teen angst from Ruby's daughter, a prickly romance with Ruby's nephew Mac, and that darned toilet in the men's restroom that keeps overflowing and Claire has her hands full and then some. If you like Sheriff Joanna Brady but with a little more humor and a little less drama the denizens of Jackrabbit Junction may be just the crew you are looking for.
Meanwhile, back at the Junction, someone is still after Ruby's mines. Specifically they want the Lucky Monk where there are some traces of copper and silver. Someone also broke into Ruby's office. And, Ruby is marrying Claire's Grandpa. That's bringing Claire's sister Kate and their Mother to the Junction. Mom is determined to stop the wedding. Throw in a healthy dose of teen angst from Ruby's daughter, a prickly romance with Ruby's nephew Mac, and that darned toilet in the men's restroom that keeps overflowing and Claire has her hands full and then some. If you like Sheriff Joanna Brady but with a little more humor and a little less drama the denizens of Jackrabbit Junction may be just the crew you are looking for.
August 28, 2023
OK, to be perfectly honest, this was not as hard to get through as the first book in the series. The author toned it back a bit on the obnoxious comments made by the trailer park guys and didn't mention what was playing on the radio/jukebox every other page. But there was still a lot of sexual commentary between different couples that just seems like so much filler to me. Just get on with the actual mystery...still trying to figure out how Aunt Ruby can keep her business in Jackrabbit Junction without losing the mines she owns. There are still a few secrets there that some folks are willing to keep covered up so that they may act like they're helping her but are really helping themselves. I will not be moving on to the next book in the series.
February 19, 2021
Life in the desert
It was so good to meet Claire, Mac, Gramps, Ruby, Kate and Jess with Manny and Chester providing back up and no I am not forgetting the mother. It was not difficult to keep the thread of the story although it might have been easier if I had read book one first. There were quite a few 'laugh out loud' moments which along with some of the ' unbelievable' characters served to add to the enjoyment of the story. The author's description of the Arizona desert transported me right there, I who have never been to Arizona could almost feel the heat of the desert, so graphic were the descriptions. I am looking forward to book three.
It was so good to meet Claire, Mac, Gramps, Ruby, Kate and Jess with Manny and Chester providing back up and no I am not forgetting the mother. It was not difficult to keep the thread of the story although it might have been easier if I had read book one first. There were quite a few 'laugh out loud' moments which along with some of the ' unbelievable' characters served to add to the enjoyment of the story. The author's description of the Arizona desert transported me right there, I who have never been to Arizona could almost feel the heat of the desert, so graphic were the descriptions. I am looking forward to book three.
February 22, 2020
A good book to read by he pool
The book was very entertaining, I like the mystery of trying to figure what joe did with his treasure , and I also like the romance part . It gets pretty steamy ,and I also like that the characters are of all ages from the young kids all there way to seniors falling in love . It was a good read !!
The book was very entertaining, I like the mystery of trying to figure what joe did with his treasure , and I also like the romance part . It gets pretty steamy ,and I also like that the characters are of all ages from the young kids all there way to seniors falling in love . It was a good read !!
June 21, 2021
This was my second Ann Charles book and I can't wait to read more! I love this zany cast of characters in the Jackrabbit Junction series. Their lives are anything but boring. Ann weaves in a lot of detail - setting, background, clues, etc. - but the story never sags. I'm turning pages as fast as I can, but also not wanting the book to end!
October 23, 2024
The mystery/action aspect of this book doesn't start until about 1/4th of the way into the book and doesn't really get going until about 2/3rds of the way through. But that last part of the book is very good. However, I wasn't there for all the family drama and the romance aspects of the story and that is unfortunately where most of the time is spent.
June 27, 2017
Wow ,Fun fun fun
Wow , these stories are such fun reads and Clair and her family are like a train wreck of fun fun fun , along with mystery, murder and mayhem , and the writing is just fantastically great !!
Wow , these stories are such fun reads and Clair and her family are like a train wreck of fun fun fun , along with mystery, murder and mayhem , and the writing is just fantastically great !!
October 22, 2017
A great read!
A family full of "drama" that just keeps you laughing. A mystery that unfolds later by later with twists and turns. So fun with a perfect reveal and resolution of all the layers!
A family full of "drama" that just keeps you laughing. A mystery that unfolds later by later with twists and turns. So fun with a perfect reveal and resolution of all the layers!
October 29, 2019
I love Ann Charles and the Morgan sisters. This mystery was great. I had not idea "who done it" until the end. I love how Ann writes and her scenes are steamy. Jackrabbit Junction is so much fun to visit.
August 8, 2020
I've never seen any characters get in as much trouble as these characters do LOL Great read full of lots of laughs and drama and action. I bet I cussed Claire's mother 500 times while reading this book. LOL
January 20, 2021
A Book for the Ages !
I just finished reading this book for the second time and I swear it was even better this time !!
Talk about a well written, exceptionally executed and funny adventure!
An extremely talented author.
I just finished reading this book for the second time and I swear it was even better this time !!
Talk about a well written, exceptionally executed and funny adventure!
An extremely talented author.
October 20, 2021
Another great one
I love Jackrabbit Junction and all the shenanigans that go on there. Everyone is in everyone else's business and there is no privacy. Fun and annoying. Loved it.
I love Jackrabbit Junction and all the shenanigans that go on there. Everyone is in everyone else's business and there is no privacy. Fun and annoying. Loved it.
March 17, 2022
Another Awesome Story!
Charles does it again! Off the charts, suspenseful, romantic mystery. Done with #2 in the series, now I can’t wait to read #3. Thank you for such great entertainment!
Charles does it again! Off the charts, suspenseful, romantic mystery. Done with #2 in the series, now I can’t wait to read #3. Thank you for such great entertainment!
June 9, 2022
Fantastic
Wacky families are a great jumping off place for a totally entertaining, and often tongue-in-cheek, comedy. This is my first chance to read a book by Amy Charles and i t won't be my last. Thank you for such a straightforward, convoluted source of pleasure!
Wacky families are a great jumping off place for a totally entertaining, and often tongue-in-cheek, comedy. This is my first chance to read a book by Amy Charles and i t won't be my last. Thank you for such a straightforward, convoluted source of pleasure!
October 13, 2017
Not deep literature, but a fun read. Enjoy the setting - I love Arizona & the old mines.
February 21, 2018
Enjoyable, light reading. Too much descriptive sex for my taste, though.
February 28, 2018
📚📚📚📚
Very funny story. The characters are all a bit crazy, though the descriptions of the heat explain why. Great mystery.
Very funny story. The characters are all a bit crazy, though the descriptions of the heat explain why. Great mystery.
May 11, 2019
Crazy Sisters
Claire Morgan and her sister Kate are a hoot in this book. Both are sassy and a little crazy. Trouble is no stranger to them, if they aren't making it, it finds them..
Claire Morgan and her sister Kate are a hoot in this book. Both are sassy and a little crazy. Trouble is no stranger to them, if they aren't making it, it finds them..
November 28, 2020
What a fun easy exciting read. Crazy horney girls, cowboys, pickups, and hidden treasure. What's not to love?
December 2, 2020
A love story
An interesting story of a different kind of family with lots of quirks. This book has lots of humor and action and a good mystery story tied in.
An interesting story of a different kind of family with lots of quirks. This book has lots of humor and action and a good mystery story tied in.
December 3, 2020
.??
I didn’t mean to read this book it’s not my usual style. I just wanted something to read and it was surprisingly worthwhile
I didn’t mean to read this book it’s not my usual style. I just wanted something to read and it was surprisingly worthwhile
January 30, 2021
This is just amazing, what a belly laugh
Not a giggle funny but a haha. This is the funniest book that I have read this year. I must read any and all of the books in this series.
Not a giggle funny but a haha. This is the funniest book that I have read this year. I must read any and all of the books in this series.
February 28, 2021
Addicted
Second book in this series I have read. I have fallen in love with the quirky characters. I can't wait to read the next one.
Second book in this series I have read. I have fallen in love with the quirky characters. I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews