A Long Way from Ordinary

Deadwood Undertaker #2

by Ann Charles, Sam Lucky, C.S. Kunkle (Illustrator)

“There’s gold in them there hills!” … and something deadly, too.

Danger the likes Boone McCreery has never seen is brewing in the Black Hills. Fresh in from Santa Fe, he’s returned to Deadwood to seek justice for his uncle, and maybe to see about a girl. Little did he know his search for justice would have him stumbling into a hornets’ nest beyond his worst nightmare. One thing is for certain, the trouble he and his compadres chance upon deep in the trees is a LONG way from ordinary.

Kick up your spurs and enjoy another rip-roaring, wild ride with Boone, Rabbit, Clementine, and Hank through the pages of the second book in the Deadwood Undertaker series.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Historical, Westerns, Fantasy, Humor

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2019

About the author

Ann 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.

Reviews

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing ordinary here! A gripping tale that felt like it was over way too soon. I could have spent a lot more time with Boone, Rabbit, Clementine, and Hank.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Oh the plot thickens!! Another exciting installment with Clementine, Hank, Boone, and Jack. Love the early adventures of ein scharfrichter in Deadwood. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kelly Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the second book of the series, Ann Charles and Sam Lucky have proven that they can maintain the excellent storytelling that they began with the first book. The result is a well written and fast paced adventure in the cold and unforgiving Black Hills.
In the process, three unlikely warriors emerge, alliances deepen, relationships solidify, and a mysterious rogue throws some curves into the mix.
What the reader is left with is both a satisfying read and a hunger to learn more. I await the next book eagerly.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic adventure with Clementine, Boone, Rabbit, and Hank. Excellent storytelling, fast paced, humorous, witty, the book picks up not long after the first adventure ended. Rabbit is as impetuous as ever and Boone, his long suffering brother tries to get him to cool his temper. Clementine has taken on the task of training her companions so they can fight the demons that seem to be convening on Deadwood. We get to experience their wacky adventures as they battle the others sometimes with hilarious but deadly results. A great addition to a series that keeps your laughing.

[Heather Chargualaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as it seems all has quieted down something just isn't right. More people showing up with that tattoo/mark which just means trouble for Clementine. Back from settling all of the affairs in Santa Fe Jack and Boone are getting back into Deadwood looking for their pal Hank and of course Clementine. So with the guys back that means one thing, trouble and quite a bit of it.

[Christie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another great, exciting read from Ann Charles! What will Boone, Rabbit, Hank and Clementine get into this time? A lot more than you will expect!! I know I was surprised, couldn't put the book down. Love the words used to describe everything going on in "old Deadwood."

[Sharon Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters

I love this new series. I don't want to put the book down. Always look forward to seeing who's the bad guy.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ann Charles and her Deadwood mystery series! And I love these new wacky characters that she and Sam Lucky have introduced us to in this Undertaker series.

A Long Way From Ordinary takes us back to the old west Deadwood town as we watch Clementine, Boone, Rabbit, and Hank try to figure out what their mission is and how to defeat the 'others'. Get ready for some intense scenes as well as some hilarity as the foursome become better acquainted and as they struggle to take on the the demons.

I love this series and if you are looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as well as make you laugh out loud, this is the series for you. Give it a try!

[Bernie Ideker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the easy read style of the author. A good mix of drama, action, & humor. The main characters are well developed and stay the same making a good transition from book to book in series. The story has several foreign words in it which left me confused on some of the less used characters. Also, after reading the first two books in the series, not too sure what the main character is fighting for or against. Overall, a fun easy read book.

[Kerrie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book

I very much enjoy Ann Charles books. The Deadwood Undertaker series is written with her husband, Sam Lucky. It is a good writing duo! There are really creepy, dangerous beasties causing havoc on 1876 Deadwood. Clementine, Boone, Jack and Bank are doing their best to clean out the beasties but there are evil men who are behind all the havoc that need to be eliminated also. Fun series!

[Janice George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me on the edge of my seat

Wow!!! Anyone who likes Westerns, mystery, intrique should love this. Never knew what was going to happen, adding monsters etc. Can't wait until the next one.

[Shy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long way from ordinary

I love this group of friends out fighting evil in the Deadwood area! Each character is unique and amazing. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ann and her world through the free kindle version of Book 1 in the Deadwood series. Since that time I have enjoyed each of the spin off series and novellas, even the series that have absolutely nothing to do with the Deadwood characters and friends!

I have to say though that this collaboration between Ann and Sam Lucky for a trip back to Deadwood in the 1880's is fantastic. The characters are well-written and developed. They don't hand you anything... and even though you may be up to speed on the current day Deadwood crowd nothing is easily revealed/given away. The books keep you guessing and all you know is that another demon or supernatural creature will come out the woodwork at some point and that the strings are being pulled by someone much more powerful.

Boone and Clementine are my favorites... but Hank and Rabbit are close 2nds. Start with Book 1 ... it is a series ... Also you may get more context by reading the Deadwood series 1st (at least the first 5 to 6 books). This series is quickly becoming my favorite Deadwood series!

Enjoy!

[Raelene Cowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild ride!!

Awesome series by Ann and Sam!! Early Deadwood in the days of the gold rush. With some Wiley cowboys, some paranormal, and an awesome lady, Clem.

[Laura Wollam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in Deadwood Undertaker series

Sam Lucky and Ann Charles have done it again. Another humorous paranormal mystery that will keep you highly entertained and reading well into the night or day. A great second book in a new series that you don’t want to miss.

[Gail Mathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Long Way AVery Long Way

WOW. A fantastic book and for the second one a fantastic story. Characters are so real and so filled out. The interaction between them is great. I loved this book and the history it brings to the Violet group. It was interesting to see Masterson in it. It was pure torture of you two to put in chapter one of book three I am everlasting it and all the others. If you liked book one you will love this one. There is so much suspense and thrills and it keeps you up late. You don't want to put it down and at same time you don't want it to end. You guys did great bring on the rest of book three

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone McCreery and his best friend and partner Jack "Rabbit" Fields have returned to Deadwood from Santa Fe to avenge their Uncle's death but what they find in those hills is a lot more trouble than Gold! Yep, Boone, Rabbit, Hank, and Clemintine are back and things are heating up in Historic Deadwood! This is the second installment in Ann Charles and hubby Sam Lucky's Undertaker series and It really did not disappoint!  In fact, it left me craving more! With the rich history of Deadwood, South Dakota as the backdrop, this series is full of mystery and some chilling run in's with some pretty deadly spooks. This writing team is doing such an amazing job of introducing us to this unseen world and the ghouls that inhabit it as they develop each of the characters and their relationships and bring them to life and navigate us through the unknown. More, please.

[Kathy Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Entertaining

I love this series. The characters are just that characters. I did not think I would like a book with "monsters" in it but it entertains and keeps me coming back. I love all Ann Charles books but this series is fun. A great snowy weekend read.

[Weisser · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only problem with this book.

My only problem with this book is it is just too short! Love the prequel, so to speak, of Anne Charles' earlier Deadwood series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone and Rabbit return to Deadwood to avenge their uncle's death. But do they bite off more than they can chew when they agree to help Clementine rid the area of the "others"?

I like the friendly banter of the characters and their growing relationships. Fans of Ann Charles's modern day Deadwood series will like see how Violet's world began.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ripples of the closing of The Golden Echo by Hank and Clementine were felt throughout the territory. The Gates were closed for a reason. Having miners open the mine again was not possible. Rabbit and Boon had left for Leeds and The Santa Fe Sidewinders were expected to return soon. The appearance of gold rings, with the insignia of a goat and a pig on her most recent victims, spoke of some sort of clan or cult. They also shared similar methods of murder. A Rogue Assassin, a Blade Master is accountable for the murders. The Golden Echo Mine was open again, the allure of the gold it contained could not be withheld. As the mine was open, so was what would be released below. The Bloody Bones is indicative of what is to come. Back in Deadwood, Rabbit and Boon were compelled to tag along with Clementine and her mission. Not only who, but what was Clementine? Scharfrichter? A Slayer, A Valkyre? What is the connection to Odin? Clementine showered Boon with friendly innuendo but Boon wasn’t picking it up, and Clementine wasn’t sure she wanted to bring Boon, Rabbit, and Hank into her commitments. German Mythological Creatures from German Folklore, including, a dabble of French and the author possibly making up German names. I like the series. The characters are quite interesting and varied. The plot now passes to Clementine.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite as impressed with this second outing in the Deadwood Undertaker series as I was in the first book but it was still a fun read. The characters were engaging and I enjoyed their banter but it took a while to get to the action. Once we got there it was super but it was quite late in the book. Clementine remains my series favorite and I love her enigmatic demeanor. Hank and the Santa Fe Sidewinders are a hoot and even their mule and horses have interesting personalities. I kept wondering who, if anyone, would end up warming Clementine's bed (I vote for Boone). On another positive note, C.S. Kunkle's artwork is on display and does not disappoint. I smiled each time I turned a page and discovered one of his little gems. I would really like to see a lot more in future books. Good series with lots of potential. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! Danged ol P. She's apparently always been a big old B.

[penny wardlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hated finishing this book. Arghhhh - What's next? As always with an Ann Charles' series, the ending comes too soon and leaves the door open a crack.....

The Undertaker series has me completely invested (as always with an Ann Charles' series) and I'm champing at the bit to find out what happens to the characters I've come to consider friends (as always with an Ann Charles' series). Fast paced, laced with her usual wry humor and a charged undertones of horrific 'baddies' (as always with an Ann Charles' series - and happily compounded with the addition of Sam Lucky!), this series moves the reader rapidly along the good times and pitfalls of the rough world of the late 1800's badlands complete gold fever, bad weather, bad tempers and the worst monsters! Clementine is a heroine unlike any you'll ever meet and her posse is ready to stand against enemies only known in nightmares!

A wonderfully wicked western-toned adventure that makes one glad you gotta stay home! A definite "gotta read" (as always with an Ann Charles series!)

[Autumn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Long Way from Ordinary by Ann Charles - Deadwood Undertaker, Book 2. I have a bit longer intro in my review for Book 1, Life at the Coffin Joint. I grew up in South Dakota and have spent much time out in the Black Hills so it is so fun reading all of these books, as they are loosely based in towns that exist still today.

Sam Lucky is a female undertaker with an extra set of skills. Continuing on in the Wild West days of the Black Hills in South Dakota, Lucky and her gang continue with more barroom brawls in their efforts to find and eradicate a band of cult-like folk and their otherworldly pets. We are introduced to some more intriguing characters in this book, with a storyline that’s building very well.

This book is still building the groundwork for what I think is going to be a very good series! Again, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun sequel in the saga of the executioners tracking down the ‘others’ to save the humans. The mine has reopened and something dark and evil has escaped. How many of the others’ are loose looking for human flesh? Clementine senses the need to start hunting. She has her trusty Hank and two more in training. Will Rabbit and Boone make the grade. These creatures don’t always die when shot with bullets. They need the blades and then beheading. If you have read the modern day series, you’ll love this one. Start with the first book so you get a sense of what is happening. Even better if you read the Deadwood Series with Violet and Doc.

[Sheila Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next installment of this new series rocks! This time Clementine and her helpers--the Santa Fe Sidewinders--are out to clear the area of the latest creature to cause havoc in the area. The dead bodies are stacking up in Deadwood with many of them with that same pesky caper-sus emblem showing up time and time again. This signals a deeper issue brewing. There is a surprising twist at the end with a shocking killing that doesn't match their current conquest and another executioner who is causing problems! I can't wait for the next one!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is a long way from ordinary!

Having been thoroughly entertained by this author's Deadwood series that takes place in current times, I was thrilled to delve into this one that takes place 150 years ago. Suspense and horror are served up with dollops of humor and a bit of romance that warms the belly like a jigger of good whiskey. The Amazonian undertaker is not to be taken lightly, nor are her rough and ready friends. There is danger in the hills and only some of it is human. What a great read!

[Kristopher Lee Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, each time I open one of her stories, I am swept away into the ambiance Ann so richly portrays. Each chapter finished leaves me parched and thirsting for more and when the end arrives I am both satisfied by what has happened in the story but, also, excited to find myself once again following along with the flow of words upon the page which have given life to some of the most enjoyable characters I have ever encountered.

[Lonny Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that Ann Charles is at the top of my list of favorite authors. For the Deadwood Undertaker series she has teamed with Sam Lucky to write a prequel to her Deadwood series. So far, these novels are every bit as engaging as the originals. They are more action/adventure than mystery, with a nice touch of humor thrown in as well. Highly recommended as usual, I'm off to get the next book in the series.