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Deadwood #14
Cops and Clobbers in Deadwood
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 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?
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
95 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Ann Charles
66 books1,274 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 51 reviews
December 26, 2024
In this latest installment, Violet has got to get her hands on Mrs. Wolfe's magical clocks and time is running out! Unfortunately, that means grabbing them out from under the big nose of one Detective Hawke. A man that's been itching to send Vi to the slammer since day one. It's gonna take a lot of help from her usual crew of misfits, and maybe from some unexpected places too.
Will she succeed in this timely caper? And if she does, will she finally figure out how to be a Timekeeper? Will she be able to manage that on top of being a monster slayer, mom, girlfriend, misfit wrangler, and a not-so-successful real estate agent? Find out in DEADWOOD (HUMOROUS) MYSTERY book 14!
Ann Charles' Deadwood books always deliver laughs, chills, and "the feels", all in an addictive series that you never want to end! They are part comedy, mystery, romance, and thriller with supernatural & paranormal fights to the death. They are also about family, both blood and chosen, and loyalty to the end.
This heroine may not have signed up to protect people from evil but she's the only one to take up the call. She's scared but does what she must in order to protect her kids, her friends, and the innocent. All while trying to hold down a job, raise said kids, get quality time with her man, and somehow manage to stay alive.
Not only do you find yourself rooting for the heroine but all of her friends and allies too. Nobody writes quirky and lovable the way Ann does. The reader gets pulled into the lives of these zany characters & they begin to feel like real-life friends.
Her human "bad guys" are so "real" that you'll have inevitably met someone in your day to day life that reminds you of them. You end up loathing these baddies and cannot wait til they get their due! You love to hate them.
Her "other" baddies are spooky, creepy, & mysterious-usually with a lust for mayhem and a craving for flesh and blood. These monsters are sometimes humanoid and not quite so bad but usually they are looking to kill. Unfortunately, Violet and her crew are the only ones around to stop them.
Every new book is like visiting old friends but these old friends are always getting pulled into a new adventure that keeps the story fresh and exciting. I highly recommend the Deadwood Mystery Series and every other series by Ann Charles! Again, COPS AND CLOBBERS is book 14 in the series. If you are new to this author and interested in this series, book 1 is titled Nearly Departed in Deadwood.
Will she succeed in this timely caper? And if she does, will she finally figure out how to be a Timekeeper? Will she be able to manage that on top of being a monster slayer, mom, girlfriend, misfit wrangler, and a not-so-successful real estate agent? Find out in DEADWOOD (HUMOROUS) MYSTERY book 14!
Ann Charles' Deadwood books always deliver laughs, chills, and "the feels", all in an addictive series that you never want to end! They are part comedy, mystery, romance, and thriller with supernatural & paranormal fights to the death. They are also about family, both blood and chosen, and loyalty to the end.
This heroine may not have signed up to protect people from evil but she's the only one to take up the call. She's scared but does what she must in order to protect her kids, her friends, and the innocent. All while trying to hold down a job, raise said kids, get quality time with her man, and somehow manage to stay alive.
Not only do you find yourself rooting for the heroine but all of her friends and allies too. Nobody writes quirky and lovable the way Ann does. The reader gets pulled into the lives of these zany characters & they begin to feel like real-life friends.
Her human "bad guys" are so "real" that you'll have inevitably met someone in your day to day life that reminds you of them. You end up loathing these baddies and cannot wait til they get their due! You love to hate them.
Her "other" baddies are spooky, creepy, & mysterious-usually with a lust for mayhem and a craving for flesh and blood. These monsters are sometimes humanoid and not quite so bad but usually they are looking to kill. Unfortunately, Violet and her crew are the only ones around to stop them.
Every new book is like visiting old friends but these old friends are always getting pulled into a new adventure that keeps the story fresh and exciting. I highly recommend the Deadwood Mystery Series and every other series by Ann Charles! Again, COPS AND CLOBBERS is book 14 in the series. If you are new to this author and interested in this series, book 1 is titled Nearly Departed in Deadwood.
December 10, 2024
Fourteenth in the Deadwood funny cozy paranormal mystery series set in Deadwood, South Dakota, and revolving around Violet Parker, a Realtor and single mom. The focus is on those danged clocks and dodging Hawke. And, it’s been a year since Violet moved to Deadwood.
My Take
One of the cozy aspects oEspecially when Doc is already living f Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood is that gathering of friends and family at Aunt Zoe’s for assorted meals — at least they all share the cooking chores!
Phew, that Susan keeps the tension up with all the expectations Violet has about her “crooked as the devil’s backbone” sister. I’m still trying to figure out how the big fish’s will naming Violet’s kids as benefactors works in. I reckon I missed a few books in the series. I’ll have to fix that. Meanwhile, Charles seems to have come up with a reason for Susan’s nastiness.
I think Violet is deluded about her desire to keep her kids ignorant of hers and Doc's relationship, since Doc is already living with Violet in her aunt Zoe’s house. How she reconciles that with keeping her engagement secret, I don’t know.
The gang does have a thing for aliases and case naming. As for those mentions of popcorn for the various “shows” . . . lol. I hope you know your Addams Family lore.
More conflict (and tension) is Addy showing signs of following in Violet’s ancestral footsteps with Layne a monster beacon. She’s also having precognitive dreams about her mom. Seems the kids and Violet inherited this from Violet’s father. As for their sperm donor, he’s got his own devious plans about the kids and Violet. Charles offsets the dramatic tension with the kids with the funny bits from Violet’s knowledgable children.
Yet more tension comes with the bounty hunter stalking Violet and the not-visible, growing handprint on both Violet and Daisy and Madame’s possession at Carhart.
I do love Daisy’s friendship with Elvis. Wearing sweaters, painting nails, sleeping together, and palling around. Daisy herself is a conundrum and acts against her impish nature.
Cornelius’ description of Violet’s spirituality cracked me up: “sprawled in the gutter with an empty bottle of tequila next to you and gum in your hair”.
We learn all this through Charles’ use of first person protagonist point-of-view from Violet’s perspective.
There’s plenty of action with lots of plotting and whispering right along with the laughs in this silly story.
The Story
Those clocks are crucial for Violet, if only to know when the others are coming to hurt people.
Now if only Hawke weren’t such a hardcase!
The Characters
The honey-loving Violet “Sparky” Parker, a.k.a. Killer, a single mother and a Realtor with Calamity Jane Realty, is engaged and a Scharfrichter , a.k.a. the Executioner. The brainy, excitable Layne and wily Addy are her fraternal twins who are about to celebrate their tenth birthday. They’re all living with Aunt Zoe, a glass artist and the family magistra. Quint, a photojournalist, is Violet's older brother. Her parents are Blake (Zoe’s brother) and her hippie mom, Hope. (Dad has passed on his genetics for the Summoner bloodline for males while the Scharfrichter traits go to the females.) Susan is Violet's untrustworthy, duplicitous half-sister.
Daisy is the imp Addy insisted on adopting into her menagerie that includes Elvis, the chicken; Rooster the dog; The Duke, who is a gerbil; Bogart the cat; and, Buck, the stuffed pink-haired unicorn. The Arcana is a magischer Spiegal, a special mirror that can entrap.
Doc Nyce is Violet’s secret fiancé and a financial advisor who has learned he has Oracle abilities.
Old Man Harvey Willis, Cooper’s uncle, is retired and quite the ladies’ man who loves to bodyguard Violet and shock her with his tales of wooing. Bessie is his beloved shotgun. Cornelius “Spirit Miser” Curion is Violet’s inter-realm traveling pal and ghost hunter who’s buying a haunted hotel. Edith the Arbiter lives in a stone pendant. Millicent, a shaman stone, and Winifred. Cornelius’ cousin, a medium in New Orleans, had opened herself too wide.
Mr Black, an other, is Violet’s partner in Timekeeping. His middleman with Violet is Eddie Mudder, the owner of Mudder Brothers Funeral Parlor — Eddie’s been nominated for the Best Electric Organ Hip-hop Original Song.
Galena House is a boarding house with a fatal reputation and is owned by Freesia Tender — she’s interested in Cornelius ( An Ex to Grind , 5). Big Jake Tender had been Freesia’s greats-uncle. Ms Wolff had been the tenant who was murdered.
Calamity Jane Realty had been owned by Jane, who is now a ghost. It seems Jane’s office closet is actually the entrance to a Hellhole. Jerry is Jane’s jerk of an ex-husband now running the office. His latest kooky idea is hiring the sparkly Madame Olivia Contraire, Medium Extraordinaire, who in interested in psychology. Mona Hollister, Jane’s best friend, and Ben are fellow Realtors.
Detective Cooper, Uncle Willis’ nephew, is dating Natalie Beals, Violet’s best friend, and is frenemies with Violet. Cooper is supposed to be Hawke’s police partner. Reid Martin is the fire captain and trying to get back in Zoe’s good graces. Ox is Reid’s son. Natalie has cousins in Arizona: Claire, the pregnant Kate, and Ronnie Morgan.
The irritating, offensive Detective Stone Hawke ( An Ex to Grind ) is on loan from Rapid City to investigate the death of Ms Wolff — he is HIGHLY suspicious of Violet and will do anything to arrest her.
The overly critical and violent Prudence, a.k.a. Prudy, is a dead Executioner who lives in the old Carhart mansion in Lead. The current occupiers of the house are Zelda, a retired librarian who can channel Prudence, and Zeke Britton, who is a consultant. Dominick Masterson is a troublemaker. Theodore Weatherly is the town archivist.
The Timekeeper’s job is to maintain the balance between good and evil in the Black Hills. Harvey’s grandfather had named the citizens of Slagton whangdoodles . That Harvey must have inherited his whacky sense of humor from him. Rex Connor is the jerky sperm donor for Violet’s kids ( An Ex to Grind ). Wilda Hessler was in Nearly Departed in Deadwood , 1. Paranormal Realty was a three-part show about haunted real estate in Deadwood. Rosy had been the show’s camerawoman. Hooch had been the tycoon who’d married Susan under false pretenses. Ray Underhill may have a possession problem.
A redcap goblin bounty hunter can be zealous and territorial. Kyrkozz is an orange-eyed demon who wants to rip out Violet’s throat. The mardagayl is not an enemy. Lila Beaumont had been a demon-hugging loon. The Bone Cruncher. The Duzarx and the caper-sus are more of the others. I think a lidérc is a good other? Zuckerman woman. Calypso. A Juggernaut.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a collage of events with a gorgeous streaky turquoise background that frames the burl wood clock with its morphing numbers framed in carved wood, sitting on a grainy brown floor. There appears to be an imp on the right side of the clock case just above a pair of jeans-clad legs wearing bright purple cowboy boots. At the top is the title in mostly white with a “CL” in red that replaces a ghostly “R”. At the bottom is the author’s name in white with an info blurb below it in red.
The title is a rip on “cops and robbers, more likely, with Violet, to be Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood.
My Take
One of the cozy aspects oEspecially when Doc is already living f Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood is that gathering of friends and family at Aunt Zoe’s for assorted meals — at least they all share the cooking chores!
Phew, that Susan keeps the tension up with all the expectations Violet has about her “crooked as the devil’s backbone” sister. I’m still trying to figure out how the big fish’s will naming Violet’s kids as benefactors works in. I reckon I missed a few books in the series. I’ll have to fix that. Meanwhile, Charles seems to have come up with a reason for Susan’s nastiness.
I think Violet is deluded about her desire to keep her kids ignorant of hers and Doc's relationship, since Doc is already living with Violet in her aunt Zoe’s house. How she reconciles that with keeping her engagement secret, I don’t know.
The gang does have a thing for aliases and case naming. As for those mentions of popcorn for the various “shows” . . . lol. I hope you know your Addams Family lore.
More conflict (and tension) is Addy showing signs of following in Violet’s ancestral footsteps with Layne a monster beacon. She’s also having precognitive dreams about her mom. Seems the kids and Violet inherited this from Violet’s father. As for their sperm donor, he’s got his own devious plans about the kids and Violet. Charles offsets the dramatic tension with the kids with the funny bits from Violet’s knowledgable children.
Mom finally has someone to smooch on besides us.That Hawke. He does have good reason to suspect Violet, but he is in need of a LOT more information. Still it does make for a lot more tension for Violet and the gang in their quest to save the Black Hills. Oh, and Violet and her family. Admittedly, Violet did not help matters when she pretended to be a witch and put hexes on Hawke.
Yet more tension comes with the bounty hunter stalking Violet and the not-visible, growing handprint on both Violet and Daisy and Madame’s possession at Carhart.
I do love Daisy’s friendship with Elvis. Wearing sweaters, painting nails, sleeping together, and palling around. Daisy herself is a conundrum and acts against her impish nature.
Cornelius’ description of Violet’s spirituality cracked me up: “sprawled in the gutter with an empty bottle of tequila next to you and gum in your hair”.
We learn all this through Charles’ use of first person protagonist point-of-view from Violet’s perspective.
There’s plenty of action with lots of plotting and whispering right along with the laughs in this silly story.
The Story
Those clocks are crucial for Violet, if only to know when the others are coming to hurt people.
Now if only Hawke weren’t such a hardcase!
The Characters
The honey-loving Violet “Sparky” Parker, a.k.a. Killer, a single mother and a Realtor with Calamity Jane Realty, is engaged and a Scharfrichter , a.k.a. the Executioner. The brainy, excitable Layne and wily Addy are her fraternal twins who are about to celebrate their tenth birthday. They’re all living with Aunt Zoe, a glass artist and the family magistra. Quint, a photojournalist, is Violet's older brother. Her parents are Blake (Zoe’s brother) and her hippie mom, Hope. (Dad has passed on his genetics for the Summoner bloodline for males while the Scharfrichter traits go to the females.) Susan is Violet's untrustworthy, duplicitous half-sister.
Daisy is the imp Addy insisted on adopting into her menagerie that includes Elvis, the chicken; Rooster the dog; The Duke, who is a gerbil; Bogart the cat; and, Buck, the stuffed pink-haired unicorn. The Arcana is a magischer Spiegal, a special mirror that can entrap.
Doc Nyce is Violet’s secret fiancé and a financial advisor who has learned he has Oracle abilities.
Old Man Harvey Willis, Cooper’s uncle, is retired and quite the ladies’ man who loves to bodyguard Violet and shock her with his tales of wooing. Bessie is his beloved shotgun. Cornelius “Spirit Miser” Curion is Violet’s inter-realm traveling pal and ghost hunter who’s buying a haunted hotel. Edith the Arbiter lives in a stone pendant. Millicent, a shaman stone, and Winifred. Cornelius’ cousin, a medium in New Orleans, had opened herself too wide.
Mr Black, an other, is Violet’s partner in Timekeeping. His middleman with Violet is Eddie Mudder, the owner of Mudder Brothers Funeral Parlor — Eddie’s been nominated for the Best Electric Organ Hip-hop Original Song.
Galena House is a boarding house with a fatal reputation and is owned by Freesia Tender — she’s interested in Cornelius ( An Ex to Grind , 5). Big Jake Tender had been Freesia’s greats-uncle. Ms Wolff had been the tenant who was murdered.
Calamity Jane Realty had been owned by Jane, who is now a ghost. It seems Jane’s office closet is actually the entrance to a Hellhole. Jerry is Jane’s jerk of an ex-husband now running the office. His latest kooky idea is hiring the sparkly Madame Olivia Contraire, Medium Extraordinaire, who in interested in psychology. Mona Hollister, Jane’s best friend, and Ben are fellow Realtors.
Detective Cooper, Uncle Willis’ nephew, is dating Natalie Beals, Violet’s best friend, and is frenemies with Violet. Cooper is supposed to be Hawke’s police partner. Reid Martin is the fire captain and trying to get back in Zoe’s good graces. Ox is Reid’s son. Natalie has cousins in Arizona: Claire, the pregnant Kate, and Ronnie Morgan.
The irritating, offensive Detective Stone Hawke ( An Ex to Grind ) is on loan from Rapid City to investigate the death of Ms Wolff — he is HIGHLY suspicious of Violet and will do anything to arrest her.
The overly critical and violent Prudence, a.k.a. Prudy, is a dead Executioner who lives in the old Carhart mansion in Lead. The current occupiers of the house are Zelda, a retired librarian who can channel Prudence, and Zeke Britton, who is a consultant. Dominick Masterson is a troublemaker. Theodore Weatherly is the town archivist.
The Timekeeper’s job is to maintain the balance between good and evil in the Black Hills. Harvey’s grandfather had named the citizens of Slagton whangdoodles . That Harvey must have inherited his whacky sense of humor from him. Rex Connor is the jerky sperm donor for Violet’s kids ( An Ex to Grind ). Wilda Hessler was in Nearly Departed in Deadwood , 1. Paranormal Realty was a three-part show about haunted real estate in Deadwood. Rosy had been the show’s camerawoman. Hooch had been the tycoon who’d married Susan under false pretenses. Ray Underhill may have a possession problem.
A redcap goblin bounty hunter can be zealous and territorial. Kyrkozz is an orange-eyed demon who wants to rip out Violet’s throat. The mardagayl is not an enemy. Lila Beaumont had been a demon-hugging loon. The Bone Cruncher. The Duzarx and the caper-sus are more of the others. I think a lidérc is a good other? Zuckerman woman. Calypso. A Juggernaut.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a collage of events with a gorgeous streaky turquoise background that frames the burl wood clock with its morphing numbers framed in carved wood, sitting on a grainy brown floor. There appears to be an imp on the right side of the clock case just above a pair of jeans-clad legs wearing bright purple cowboy boots. At the top is the title in mostly white with a “CL” in red that replaces a ghostly “R”. At the bottom is the author’s name in white with an info blurb below it in red.
The title is a rip on “cops and robbers, more likely, with Violet, to be Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood.
December 8, 2024
An outstanding monster mash caper!
Ann Charles has penned another outstanding entry in her Deadwood series. It has mystery, excitement, crazy characters, witty banter, a complicated heist and one heck of a lot of humor. This time, Violet and her posse are hellbent on relieving the cantankerous Detective Hawke of his clock burden. Just about everyone is in on it, including one or two characters you wouldn't expect. It is a lot of fun watching the heist come together and wondering if (when?) the wheels are going to come off. There isn't a lot of monster hunting but there are tangles with plenty of other paranormal critters. In short, it's another huge win for Ms. Charles. The next entry in the series can't come soon enough for me. Finally, a tip of the Stetson to artist C.S. Kunkle for his outstanding artwork of which I would love to see more.
Ann Charles has penned another outstanding entry in her Deadwood series. It has mystery, excitement, crazy characters, witty banter, a complicated heist and one heck of a lot of humor. This time, Violet and her posse are hellbent on relieving the cantankerous Detective Hawke of his clock burden. Just about everyone is in on it, including one or two characters you wouldn't expect. It is a lot of fun watching the heist come together and wondering if (when?) the wheels are going to come off. There isn't a lot of monster hunting but there are tangles with plenty of other paranormal critters. In short, it's another huge win for Ms. Charles. The next entry in the series can't come soon enough for me. Finally, a tip of the Stetson to artist C.S. Kunkle for his outstanding artwork of which I would love to see more.
December 27, 2024
Book #14 in the Deadwood series did not disappoint. As Violet is desperate to get her hands on Ms. Wolfe’s clocks for the safety of herself and her family, she turns to her close ring of friends to pull off a monster mash of capers to remove them right out from under the watchful eye of Detective Hawke. As with anything involving Violet there is the usual mystery, laughter, and importance of friendship in handling all things involving her life as a Scharfrichter with a side of romance.
I have grown to love the characters in this series and I really enjoyed Cornelius’ part in this caper. His character just continues to grow and move up on my list of favorites. His part in this book has me laughing out loud at times. I love this series! If you have not read any of Ann Charles’ books you are really missing out. I will be anxiously awaiting book 15!
I have grown to love the characters in this series and I really enjoyed Cornelius’ part in this caper. His character just continues to grow and move up on my list of favorites. His part in this book has me laughing out loud at times. I love this series! If you have not read any of Ann Charles’ books you are really missing out. I will be anxiously awaiting book 15!
December 4, 2024
Another great Deadwood story
This has been one of my favorite series for years. I eagerly await each installment, and I am never disappointed. This book was no exception. The intertwining story lines kept me riveted until the end. Will Violet and her friends be able to retrieve the clocks without Violet being thrown in jail by Detective Hawke? What is the meaning of the mysterious hand print on Violet's face, visible only to Doc? What kind of creature left a bloody offering in the front yard? Will Violet and Doc ever make it to the altar? Full of both fun and mystery, I highly recommend this book!
This has been one of my favorite series for years. I eagerly await each installment, and I am never disappointed. This book was no exception. The intertwining story lines kept me riveted until the end. Will Violet and her friends be able to retrieve the clocks without Violet being thrown in jail by Detective Hawke? What is the meaning of the mysterious hand print on Violet's face, visible only to Doc? What kind of creature left a bloody offering in the front yard? Will Violet and Doc ever make it to the altar? Full of both fun and mystery, I highly recommend this book!
December 20, 2024
Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood, book14 in Ann Charles’ Deadwood series focuses on tying up some loose ends in the way of some very interesting and important clocks that Detective Stone Hawke has been holding hostage. Can they pull off the caper or will Hawk’s big nose get in the way again? Not only is Violet facing off against old threats but new ones look to be on the horizon! Life is never boring in Ann Charles’ Deadwood! This is a great read with all of he fun and excitement you expect from this writer and this series!
December 17, 2024
With book 14 what can we expect, some giggles and head shaking along with a few swear words to yell at Detective Hawke. Violet needs a plan to get the clocks and Harvey is just the man to get a plan together and hopefully pull it off.
December 31, 2025
Ms. Charles really outdid her self with this one. I think this is her best Violet Parker book yet!
December 2, 2024
Your best yet. I know it was about a 9 hrs read, but it felt like 2 to me. So entertaining. I want more now, but I know that you can’t write that fast. So I’ll need to be patient & wait. If you love adventure, love, friendship, family & a little woohoo, this book is for you. Ann has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life. They feel like your friends. If you’ve not read any of her books, I highly recommend starting with the first one in this series. Kudos @Ann Charles for making me happy again!!!
December 3, 2024
What an absolutely stellar book! Ann Charles has done it again with Cops and Clobbers in Deadwood, gifting us with a non-stop thrill ride adventure, with a bit of romance, a ton of humour, and all of the characters that we've come to love!
I'm starting to feel guilty enjoying Violet's misadventures so much; I should probably be feeling sorry for her. But the book is just so much fun to read!
As always, the book is well-written and fast-paced. If you haven't read this series, you are definitely missing out. Get reading! You have a lot of catching up to do!
I'm starting to feel guilty enjoying Violet's misadventures so much; I should probably be feeling sorry for her. But the book is just so much fun to read!
As always, the book is well-written and fast-paced. If you haven't read this series, you are definitely missing out. Get reading! You have a lot of catching up to do!
January 3, 2025
‘How about this for a caper name: The Timekeeper Tomfoolery’ – mystery and humor combine
Arizona author Ann Charles earned her degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Washington and is a prolific novelist specializing in fiction – a blend of romance, mystery, things bizarre, and humor. Her work has been rewarded by not only a large audience of fans, but also with recognition in such awards as The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence and the Romance writers of America Golden Heart Award among others. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is once again joined by Sam Lucky and illustrator C.S. Kunkle, a fine team indeed!
The ability to make fine mystery both suspenseful and humorous is a gift Charles and Lucky own. Back in Deadwood, South Dakota the series continues, and Charles’ wit is evident in her 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.’
The tale spun here is ‘rowdy and hair-raising’ (the authors’ overview!) and the result is a uniquely entertaining novel. For the sheer pleasure of reading this fourteenth Deadwood episode hits the target dead center. Highly recommended
Arizona author Ann Charles earned her degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Washington and is a prolific novelist specializing in fiction – a blend of romance, mystery, things bizarre, and humor. Her work has been rewarded by not only a large audience of fans, but also with recognition in such awards as The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence and the Romance writers of America Golden Heart Award among others. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is once again joined by Sam Lucky and illustrator C.S. Kunkle, a fine team indeed!
The ability to make fine mystery both suspenseful and humorous is a gift Charles and Lucky own. Back in Deadwood, South Dakota the series continues, and Charles’ wit is evident in her 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.’
The tale spun here is ‘rowdy and hair-raising’ (the authors’ overview!) and the result is a uniquely entertaining novel. For the sheer pleasure of reading this fourteenth Deadwood episode hits the target dead center. Highly recommended
January 31, 2026
Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood by Ann Charles is one of those spectacular reads that hooks me in the beginning and leaves me begging for the next grand adventure! Ann Charles never disappoints me. Her books pack humor, action, suspense, deadly scenarios, paranormal activity and creatures, crime, and romance. I love them all! In this exciting new release, Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood, by Ann Charles leaves the wonderful charming all-time and all around woman, Violet up to another impossible task. She must beat a paranormal being or else...and to do so, she needs to steal some special type of clocks right from under her number one nemesis, the detective! He's been wanting to catch and lock her up...only Violet seems to escape each time. But this time, even her help agrees that this task is a little too difficult. It's either try or lose to the Grim Reaper. Violet is pumped into action and the scenes following that make for a wonderful yet unforgettable journey. Violet is the heroine, no one can ignore. She's incredible. Ann Charles is a magical writer who writes spellbinding novels that are as addictive as coffee and chocolate. I cannot wait to read the next one. Don't miss this fun chaotic tale!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
January 10, 2025
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 easily hone in on the fun and charm the series banks on.
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 easily hone in on the fun and charm the series banks on.
October 1, 2025
Creepy but with such a vein of humor woven throughout.
I love Violet, Doc and the gang, my favourites have to be Addy and Layne, Violets twins who in this book are having a birthday and it's a biggie as they will.he turning ten. How Violet manages to give her children such a normal childhood (apart from creepy imps) while dealing with all the craziness that comes from being a monster slayer is anybody's guess. Although it has to be said without her Aunt Zoe and Doc he would probably have failed by now and she wouldn't get far dealing with Deadwoods supernatural problems without all her friends. This book starts off slowly but when it picks.up.speed it has you hooked all the way to the end.........................
I love Violet, Doc and the gang, my favourites have to be Addy and Layne, Violets twins who in this book are having a birthday and it's a biggie as they will.he turning ten. How Violet manages to give her children such a normal childhood (apart from creepy imps) while dealing with all the craziness that comes from being a monster slayer is anybody's guess. Although it has to be said without her Aunt Zoe and Doc he would probably have failed by now and she wouldn't get far dealing with Deadwoods supernatural problems without all her friends. This book starts off slowly but when it picks.up.speed it has you hooked all the way to the end.........................
December 7, 2024
I have loved this series from the beginning, and it never disappoints. In this story, Violet desperately needs to get these clocks in order to keep her and her family safe, unfortunately Detective Hawke is relentless when it comes to keeping them under lock and key. Unbeknownst to Hawke, Harvey is a mastermind when it comes to capers.
This is a great read full of fun, humor, suspense, and romance with the same wonderful characters we've come to adore. What I enjoyed more about this story was the love, warmth and friendship that each character shared. It takes a village and Violet has the best!
This is a great read full of fun, humor, suspense, and romance with the same wonderful characters we've come to adore. What I enjoyed more about this story was the love, warmth and friendship that each character shared. It takes a village and Violet has the best!
April 25, 2025
Violet's crazy food cravings and weight gain. had me suspicious that maybe there's a bun in the oven. I really hope not though because part of what I love about this series is the lack of the desire for more children. However, it can't be a coincidence that she's craving honey and carrying the same mark as Daisy.
Hopefully in the next installment we tie up some loose ends. all in all though it was another great addition to the Deadwood Mystery series. I can't wait to see where it goes next. Hopefully we get to jump over to the jungle with Quint, and to Jackrabbit Junction with Nat, Cooper, & Harvey soon too.
Hopefully in the next installment we tie up some loose ends. all in all though it was another great addition to the Deadwood Mystery series. I can't wait to see where it goes next. Hopefully we get to jump over to the jungle with Quint, and to Jackrabbit Junction with Nat, Cooper, & Harvey soon too.
December 4, 2024
It's always great fun to dive into a Deadwood book, and this one doesn't disappoint! Violet, Doc, Nat, Coop, Harvey and everyone are back, and they're trying to help Vi recover the clocks she needs to do her job as a timekeeper. What sets this book apart and makes it so special is the warm and funny interactions between all the characters we've grown to love. This book delivers in spades when it comes to an emotional punch. The theme of always showing up for those we love weaves its way through every part of this story.
December 12, 2024
She did it again! This is a great visit with old friends. If you have not read the series before this you will still enjoy the book and it will make you want to start from the start.
Vi and her crew bring many adventures and laughs. You can't help but laugh out loud at times.
The dialogue is amazing and witty, the description of the characters detailed. The paranormal elements are described with such detail that you can clearly picture everything.
It is definitely worth the read and you will love it!!!
Vi and her crew bring many adventures and laughs. You can't help but laugh out loud at times.
The dialogue is amazing and witty, the description of the characters detailed. The paranormal elements are described with such detail that you can clearly picture everything.
It is definitely worth the read and you will love it!!!
December 27, 2024
Book 14 Cops and Clobbers in Deadwood by Ann Charles is funny with lots of crazy antics while Violet hunts for how the imp got in her house. She really wants the clocks but as usual the detective insists on keeping them locked up. He doesn’t even know the power they have. So, she and the whole crew concoct a scheme to steal the clocks. It is a humorous book but not as good as earlier episodes. I thought it was too long and drug out with lots of talk but not much action. If you enjoy the series, you’ll enjoy the book but I expect Book 15 will have more action.
March 13, 2025
It took a while for the most recent installment of the Deadwood series to come out, but it was completely worth the wait. We see a little bit of resolution to the clocks situation while other issues are just now coming to light. I love the natural progression of Doc and Violet's relationship. There were lots of chuckles and some out and out laughs in this one. It's still frustrating to me when Violet gets her butt kicked but she does seem to be learning. I adore this series and can't wait for the next book to come out.
January 9, 2026
Quiet Time In Deadwood
I love the characters that live inside the Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series and every book is like visiting a friend. The other books were visits not only to discover what has been happening. But also to share in some action and adventures. This time the visit was over Valentine’s Day and the twins Birthday. Not much else was going on. Book 14 was a slow visit and everyday life just moved on. I felt like I was just watching life happen and not one the Deadwood Characters planned anything special. Hopefully, this was just a Tran
I love the characters that live inside the Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series and every book is like visiting a friend. The other books were visits not only to discover what has been happening. But also to share in some action and adventures. This time the visit was over Valentine’s Day and the twins Birthday. Not much else was going on. Book 14 was a slow visit and everyday life just moved on. I felt like I was just watching life happen and not one the Deadwood Characters planned anything special. Hopefully, this was just a Tran
December 6, 2024
Ol' bucket mouth Harvey is right. This is a caper story with secret plans, code names, and sleight of hand. A sub rosa caper. Before Violet aka Godzilla can blink, Harvey aka Gill-man has spread the word and roped in an entire gang to participate in the clock caper. Violet desperately needs the clocks Detective Hawke has under lock and key. Thus a caper is born. Lots of belly laughs in this one!
December 12, 2024
Ann Charles Cops and Clobbers
Ann Charles is a renowned author with a proven track record of best-selling publications. This latest work showcases her exceptional storytelling abilities, seamlessly blending elements of humor, romance, and the supernatural. Readers are quickly immersed in the captivating narrative, finding it difficult to disengage from the story until the very end.
Ann Charles is a renowned author with a proven track record of best-selling publications. This latest work showcases her exceptional storytelling abilities, seamlessly blending elements of humor, romance, and the supernatural. Readers are quickly immersed in the captivating narrative, finding it difficult to disengage from the story until the very end.
December 21, 2024
Adventures a plenty
Once again Violet is up to her eyeballs in trouble with Detective Hawke. He's just looking for a reason to lock her up in jail. When all the friends and part of the family get involved to move try to move the clocks from Mrs. Wolfe's apartment, maybe Violet can finally access the clocks to protect her family. Flirty fun and dangerous Others combine to keep the action going.
Another good book in the Deadwood Series.
Once again Violet is up to her eyeballs in trouble with Detective Hawke. He's just looking for a reason to lock her up in jail. When all the friends and part of the family get involved to move try to move the clocks from Mrs. Wolfe's apartment, maybe Violet can finally access the clocks to protect her family. Flirty fun and dangerous Others combine to keep the action going.
Another good book in the Deadwood Series.
March 8, 2025
Awesome!
This is by far one of the best books in this series since the first few. I had gotten a little bored with the slow moving storyline, but I'm so thrilled that I decided to give this one a shot!
Wonderful story - funny, witty, touching, and a little bit of mending relationships. This installment of Violet's life in Deadwood has truly ignited my interest, and I can hardly wait for more.
This is by far one of the best books in this series since the first few. I had gotten a little bored with the slow moving storyline, but I'm so thrilled that I decided to give this one a shot!
Wonderful story - funny, witty, touching, and a little bit of mending relationships. This installment of Violet's life in Deadwood has truly ignited my interest, and I can hardly wait for more.
October 10, 2025
This edition of the series mostly furthers the story line and sets up later books. It adds questions and unresolved dangers. That being said, I liked this one too. The series is not too heavy; it is easy to read and not overly graphic in gore. If you like to visit a world completely not real but located in a true to life locale that we all hear about when vacationing in the western US, you might like this series too.
December 17, 2024
As usual Ann Charles delivers!
There is a lot to this story, with several new twists and characters to move the story the along. Violet adds yet another nemesis and her boss concocts yet another "advertising" strategy. I like the advancement of Violet and Susan's relationship ... although like Nat, I do wonder how it will turn out.
Enjoy!
There is a lot to this story, with several new twists and characters to move the story the along. Violet adds yet another nemesis and her boss concocts yet another "advertising" strategy. I like the advancement of Violet and Susan's relationship ... although like Nat, I do wonder how it will turn out.
Enjoy!
December 19, 2024
A capper
I loved the code names Harvey gave everyone. I am a huge fan of the monsters from days passed. Poor Violet had to be in the dark for most of the plan and I loved Cornelius on his explanation of what happened to Detective Hawks. They need some time off from the cold, lets hope the next installment of this series is in warmer weather. On to the next adventure!💚💙😉
I loved the code names Harvey gave everyone. I am a huge fan of the monsters from days passed. Poor Violet had to be in the dark for most of the plan and I loved Cornelius on his explanation of what happened to Detective Hawks. They need some time off from the cold, lets hope the next installment of this series is in warmer weather. On to the next adventure!💚💙😉
December 22, 2024
I really loved this book.
It was great to catch up on all the characters.
You never know what Harvey is going to come out with next.
This time he is the instigator of the cl0ck caper.
This time Cornelius, Prudence and Susan will keep you guessing.
While the try to out wit Detective Hawke.
It really is a fantastic read you don't want to miss this one.
It was great to catch up on all the characters.
You never know what Harvey is going to come out with next.
This time he is the instigator of the cl0ck caper.
This time Cornelius, Prudence and Susan will keep you guessing.
While the try to out wit Detective Hawke.
It really is a fantastic read you don't want to miss this one.
January 4, 2025
OH boy Violet and Crew!!!
OH boy Violet and her Crew are gettin into a real PICKEL alright !!!
Poor Violet has crap coming at her from every direction but her Posse are close by with all the help she needs!
Her story just gets better and better with suspense !!
Hurry Up ANN and get the new one out!!!! 😁
OH boy Violet and her Crew are gettin into a real PICKEL alright !!!
Poor Violet has crap coming at her from every direction but her Posse are close by with all the help she needs!
Her story just gets better and better with suspense !!
Hurry Up ANN and get the new one out!!!! 😁
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