Jack “Rabbit” Fields knew a good thing when he saw it, whether it was a sound horse, a sure bet, or a pretty sage hen. When it came to locking horns with any curly wolves he ran into along the trail, he tended to shoot first—a notion that had saved his hide more times than he could count. But that was before he came to Deadwood. Now, someone is stealing freshly dead bodies right out of their graves, and Rabbit and his amigos are on the hunt to figure out who. And more important, why? Unfortunately, finding the answers to those questions will take plenty of Rabbit’s bullets, and maybe his blood, too. When the shooting stops and the smoke clears, he reckons there will be a whole lot more cold corpses in the Black Hills. With any luck, he won’t be one of them.
Hold onto your hats and saddle up for another action-filled adventure with the Santa Fe Sidewinders, Clementine, Hank, and the rest of the goldurn Deadwood devils!
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.
Im not a big fan of paranormal reads...but this is on my have to read as soon as a new installment releases. I love Deadwood, SD....that may be part of it. Before Covid I visited every year and can't wait to get back there. The Black Hills are special. The old fashioned language used in these books has so much charm ... I adore listening to it. It's a fast paced read that holds me tight in its grip until the last minute. Looking forward to the next one. :)
A solid 4.5 stars! Another adventure with Clem, Jack, Book, Hank and the gang. This time we got to meet a few more characters from Deadwood series and learn more of their origins. In a story filled with ghosts, ghouls, and new monsters that need to be destroyed. Meanwhile, Boone and Jack have moved full time to Deadwood and are building a hotel in between training with Clem. Boone and Clem have a “flirtation” going on and there’s some new residents in town.
The third book in the Deadwood Undertaker series is just as page turning as the first two. Things are heating up in Deadwood, Only Clementine, Boone, Jack, and Hank can fix it. With a little help from the Rogue. Page turning mystery that Ann Charles and Sam Lucky do to perfection!
Can't Ride Around It is a thrilling western novel that transports readers to the town of Deadwood. Written by acclaimed authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky, this gripping tale follows Clementine and her crew as they embark on a dangerous quest. Clementine was a formidable woman who one could say looked like an Amazon. She was a slayer and an undertaker in the town of Deadwood. However, a disturbing mystery began to unfold as dead bodies started to disappear without a trace. What could be the fate of these missing corpses? Teaming up with her allies, Jack "Rabbit,Boone, and Hank, they set off on a treacherous journey, unearthing dangers and encountering creatures along the way.
The writing style was vivid, immersive, and fast-paced, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with each turn of the page. The prose was quite taut and descriptive. The authors seamlessly weaved action sequences with quiet moments.
Clementine was my favorite character. She was a complex and well-drawn character. As a slayer and undertaker, she defied the traditional expectations of women in the Western genre, and her strength and resilience were vividly portrayed. The other characters, Rabbit, Boone, and Hank, were also given their own unique personalities and backgrounds.
One aspect I loved about this book was the western style that permeated every page, immersing the reader in the streets of Deadwood. The authors' vivid descriptions created a sense of tension and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. The western setting added a layer of authenticity to the story, transporting me back in time. The author's attention to detail in capturing the essence of the Old West made the town of Deadwood feel like a character in its own right.
Another aspect I liked about this book were the illustrations that beautifully complemented the narrative, enhancing the reader's visual experience and bringing the story to life in a unique way. The artwork added an extra layer of depth and immersion to the already captivating tale of mystery and danger. The illustrations in the book captured the essence of the western setting with precision, depicting Deadwood in a way that transported me directly into the heart of the story. Each illustration was intricately crafted, showcasing the scenes in a visually stunning manner that truly enhanced my reading experience. The illustrations not only complemented the text but also provided additional context and visual cues that enriched my understanding of the story and its characters.
This was a fantastic book that had nothing to dislike. It was also expertly edited. I wholeheartedly rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It is a must-read for fans of western fiction and adventure.
Ghouls, a ghost, some beasties, and more! Old Deadwood is heating up for our four intrepid heroes! Ann Charles and Sam Lucky has done it again! This book is full of action and laughs as this talented team of writers bring Old Deadwood to life with some old west history and a paranormal twist. You are going to love this third book in the Deadwood Undertaker series!
This installment will have you holding your breath while you race to the finish. I love the intricate way Ann and Sam add historical tidbits to these stories, makes you feel like you're there. This book definitely tied many of the characters into her Deadwood series, giving more depth. There is never a lack of excitement or romantic tension with the group. Can't wait for the next one so we can who else is pulling strings.
Another action-packed adventure set in old time Deadwood. This book brings as much, if not more, excitement than the first two books in the series. I love that some of the secondary characters are getting more time on the pages along with Clem, Boone, Rabbit, and Hank. I can't wait for more of this series!
Another amazing book by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky that finds our heroes once again battling evil. The characters continue to grow, the links to present day Deadwood get stronger, and interactions more intriguing. You can't go wrong with a visit to Deadwood!
The dynamic writing duo of Ann Charles and Sam Lucky just keeps getting better and better.
It’s wintertime in old Deadwood and Clem has more time on her hands to train Boone and Jack in preparation for ridding the Black Hills of “others”. Boone and Jack are busy settling in Deadwood and doing their best to be a help to Clem as they, along with Hank find themselves investigating grave robbers and the goings on at the Bloody Bones mine.
I love these characters and in between the suspense and tension I’m laughing out loud. A perfect blend of humor and thrills.
Golly I love this series. These characters are my best friends. I read the Deadwood series previously and fell in love with Violet and the gang but this crew might be my favorite ❤️
Can’t Ride Around It is a delightfully gritty supernatural western that balances gallows humor, heartfelt camaraderie, and ghostly thrills in the wild, wild west of 1876 Deadwood. Co-authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky continue their Deadwood Undertaker saga with this third installment, proving once again that the series is equal parts spooky, witty, and wildly entertaining. The story follows undertakers-turned-heroes Rabbit, Boone, and Clementine — an unlikely trio navigating the increasingly bizarre goings-on in a lawless town filled with more than just outlaws. There are secrets buried deep, and some of them refuse to stay dead. The trio faces everything from vanishing corpses to walking dead and shadowy enemies raising armies with dark intentions. As the threats grow stranger, the bonds between the characters become more compelling. Rabbit, the sharp-shooting wisecracker, brings much-needed levity to tense moments, while Boone offers a more thoughtful, steady presence. Clementine, the tough-as-nails female undertaker with a warrior’s edge, continues to be a standout. She isn’t just holding her own — she’s often leading the charge, wielding weapons, investigating supernatural phenomena, and dispatching danger with skill and style. What sets this series apart is its unique tone. It’s not quite horror, not fully western, and not purely fantasy — it’s a finely balanced fusion of genres. The prose is punchy and cinematic, blending old-west dialogue with modern humor. The action scenes are tightly choreographed, but what lingers most are the characters’ voices, their banter, and their unexpected moments of tenderness. The introduction of spectral Uncle Mort adds a heartfelt and humorous twist, while the escalating mystery surrounding missing bodies and necromantic forces drives the plot forward with urgency and intrigue. With references to folklore, Viking sayings, and Navajo ceremonies, the book adds cultural texture without losing its fast-paced momentum. For readers who love their westerns weird, their horror laced with humor, and their characters rich with personality, Can’t Ride Around It is a must-read. It's a rollicking, rowdy ride — full of ghostly visits, grave-digging duos, and gunfights — that reminds us the past doesn’t always stay buried.
A truly fantastic blend of supernatural horror and old school Western/action & adventure storytelling! Authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky have crafted a masterpiece western tale like no other, as longtime fans of the series get to see the characters grow and adapt to even greater threats, and even have some romance thrown into the mix for good measure.
Although I had not read the first two books in the series, I found it quite easy as a new reader to get sucked into the story and to find myself invested in these characters and their stories. Character development plays a huge role in this series, and I found myself drawn to the adventures shown with Clementine and Boone, who’s relationship is as interesting as the story itself. The deep cut into supernatural mythology was great as well, introducing a monstrous threat to the area that is not quite as well known as saying vampires or werewolves, but the authors still manage this paranormal aspect with ease as the novel still embodies that classic action/western feel and tone, crafting incredible imagery throughout the novel.
The Verdict
A heart-pounding, engaging, and evenly-paced read, authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Can’t Ride Around It” is a fantastic entry into the western series the authors have crafted together. With non-stop action and amazing character development throughout the novel, then the humorous and adventurous novel is a must-read this holiday season. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Can't Ride Around It (Deadwood Undertaker, #3) by Ann Charles I started a fair way into the series with this being my first book in the series. I do see that the story is able to be read outside the series, with enough clues and information to allow the new reader to follow the events. Although its the third book it takes more than half the book to world build this concept. The book is very detailed in character building there are times you are waiting for the action. This author spends time creating characters that you care about when you finally have them in danger. As descriptive of the supernatural creatures, between the German terminology, you have the ability as the reader to add to the fear because of the open descriptions. The build up may not be as suspenseful of the threat they are under. It humanizes the bad supernatural opponents that are hinted at but not fleshed out. I would recommend this book for readers of supernatural genre. They would have the thrill of new creatures and very descriptive characters. The Idea of hunting the supernatural has become more and more popular, as fans of the tv series or buffy the vampire killer.
When someone starts stealing dead bodies from their graves, Jack "Rabbit" Fields and his friends must figure out who is doing that and why.
In this action packed Western, readers encounter interesting characters, intrigue, and drama as they follow Rabbit and his friends hunt the enemy. Horse riding and guns are among the things that spice up the action, but it will be the author's gift for crafting wonderful characters that will keep most readers turning the pages.
You'll love the way the characters are presented. For instance, Jack "Rabbit" Fields esteems himself to be an uncomplicated man. "His reputation was shoot''em or buy'em a drink. He liked it that way." Boone is nicknamed Molasses because of his tendency to ponder endlessly on things. Wonderful dialogues fill the pages of this thriller and the setting is stunningly accomplished.
The Black Hills gold rush is a richly detailed backdrop for this series, and book 3 is filled with such a well researched and tight tapestry of historical fact/lifestyle that the weave of this and supernatural fiction is riveting. Once again we're gifted with Ann's innate ability to create such fleshed out characters that we feel they're family, and now they're living in Sam's perfected past. This is my favorite of her series' and this book is the best yet. How can we lose with a female heroine come to save the innocents, who is hiding among them as an undertaker? Whose helpers are rough and ready sharp shooters willing to take on the dead and nonhuman at her request? Read it. You'll be hooked.
The latest edition of the Deadwood Undertaker series doesn't disappoint! You might think a story with basically the same set of characters would start getting "stale" after 3 novels, but not with this husband/wife team of writers. I'm pretty sure I said the last one was the best, but Ann & Sam keep delivering and I now have a new "favorite." :)
Set in the early days of Deadwood, you get the best of the old West mixed in with a bit of Old World tales and creatures that keep you on the edge of your seat. But what makes this entire series enjoyable are the characters. The authors develop the characters where you "know" them ... you run with them and you are sad when the story comes to an end.
Clear time on your schedule to read this one - you won't want to put it down!
I always like Ann's stories since you get to know so many characters in detail. This book explores much more of the Sidewinders and ole Uncle Mort makes an appearance and offers his insights and tips. Fun surprise. Clementine has her hands full as usual with dead bodies going missing and Rogue needing help back in the Bloody Bones mine to fix a growing problem….and its Queen. For those of you who read the other series by Ann, the mention of “Prudence” and “Masterson” in this story is an interesting addition and gives a peek into some context in the other books. Speaking of Masterson--he is NOT happy so will be interesting to see how that plays out in future books.
Can't Ride Around It by Ann Charles and Sam Lucy is an amazing Western paranormal read. I love the mystery. This story is action-packed and spooky. From missing bodies to great fighting skills in the wild. It's an epic rollercoaster ride I did not want to stop. The cast is fun to follow. Plenty of humor, suspense, and twists inside this novel. I cannot believe this book was written by two writers. The book is well-written with great characterization. This is the third adventure in the series and I look forward to reading the previous two books. Deadly, dangerous, and supernatural this tale is a must read.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Ann Charles has done it again. She's written another kickass, scarier than hell book! Undertaker Clementine and her posse once again face what seems like impossible odds. The Rogue is finally named and a connection to another of Ms. Charles' series is made. And there are plenty more surprises that I won't spoil. Artwork by the author's brother is liberally sprinkled throughout and is great, as usual. It was a satisfying, fun, sometimes funny, scary adventure and I simply can't wait for the next book. Well done!
This is the 3rd book in the Undertaker series, which takes place in the 1800’s in Deadwood. Clementine is an executioner just like Violet in the current Deadwood series. This 3rd book didn’t grab me the way the first two but it was better than average. The humor of Ann Charles and Sam Lucky shine through but there was too much time spent walking through yucky things and I felt like the ending was flat. Clementine takes a bath and brings food over to the livery for the boys. It just didn’t seem as snappy as the earlier books. But I will be waiting for Book 4.
As a big Ann Charles fan, I am really enjoying this new series she has co-written with her husband. The characters are developing into much loved heroes and I am fascinated by the way they intertwine the past with the present - blending the Deadwood series with the Deadwood Undertaker series. Humor, mystery, suspense, horror, sci-fi, and a little romance all wrapped up into one little package.... err... book.
I truly enjoyed this author and her latest series is just as good as her others! I love the old timey wild west setting of this and of course learning more about Deadwood way back when and all it's mystery and supernatural beings. This series is one I eagerly await each new installment and it truly is getting better and better as it goes. Plus, the friendships are amazing and I love each characters, from the people to Fred the mule, they are just fantastic!
Ann Charles and Sam Lucky maintain the high quality of the Deadwood Undertaker series. The Rogue Slayer is more insistent than ever that Clementine must kill the 'Others' and their followers or the Rogue will do it. Clementine feels trapped between the Rogue and her employer, Masterson. If a Western with a touch of the paranormal and a very slow burn romance appeals to you, you can't go wrong with the Deadwood Undertaker series.
Clementine and the gang are back trying to keep some peace in the Black Hills but with some new monsters popping up will it ever end. If the monsters and all the trouble the dead that are going missing that pesky and troublesome Rouge is back with even more pics and vinegar. Love the work that Ann and Sam do in bringing to life the old west of Deadwood.
This was tons of fun to read!! So fun reading and learning about these new characters and how it blends in with Violets present day stories , makes for great fun reading when all thing are tied together!! Ann and Sam have a great series going!! Can hardly wait for the next book!
Still not fond of this series. The stories move too slow, There are a lot of useless scenes and dialog that don't progress the story or progress character development. Then the last couple of chapters have all the action and wrap up. I'd like more time spent on the battle with the others and less time in conversation, show don't tell.
Another fun entry to this series. Clementine, Boone, Jack, Hank and the rest back again to fight the evil beasties! I enjoyed this one as much as the first two. Ann and Sam Lucky are a good writing pair. I'm looking forward to the next in the series in 2021!
Nope. Boone and Jack can't ride around it. They are up to their eyebrows in trouble in the Black Hills as they help Clementine with her slayer duties. And is there a hint of romance in the offing? New enemies, new allies, new worries. It's business as usual in Deadwood.
Add some butt kicking slayers, a few sidewinders and some hoof kicking horses and you get an awesome team to get the Queen Bahkauv! With some paranormal creatures adding to the story, had me biting my nails, cheering on the team!