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Deadwood Undertaker #1
Life at the Coffin Joint
Deadwood (late 1876) ... A rowdy and reckless undertaker’s delight. What better place for a killer to blend in?
Enter undertaker Clementine Johanssen, tall and deadly with a hot temper and short fuse, hired to clean up Deadwood’s dead … and the “other” problem. She’s hell-bent on poking, sticking, or stabbing anyone that steps out of line.
But when a couple Santa Fe sidewinders ride into town searching for their missing uncle, they land neck deep in lethal gunplay, nasty cutthroats, and endless stinkin’ snow. Their search leads them to throw in with Clementine to hunt for a common enemy.
What they find chills them all to the bone and sends them on an adventure they’ll never forget.
Running Time => 9hrs. and 34mins.
©2019 Ann Charles and Sam Lucky (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing
Enter undertaker Clementine Johanssen, tall and deadly with a hot temper and short fuse, hired to clean up Deadwood’s dead … and the “other” problem. She’s hell-bent on poking, sticking, or stabbing anyone that steps out of line.
But when a couple Santa Fe sidewinders ride into town searching for their missing uncle, they land neck deep in lethal gunplay, nasty cutthroats, and endless stinkin’ snow. Their search leads them to throw in with Clementine to hunt for a common enemy.
What they find chills them all to the bone and sends them on an adventure they’ll never forget.
Running Time => 9hrs. and 34mins.
©2019 Ann Charles and Sam Lucky (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing
Audible Audio
First published March 20, 2019
378 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Ann Charles
65 books1,273 followersAnn Charles—Author
Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner and a 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award Winner.
*USA Today Best Selling Author,
*Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Winner Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015. 2016
*Winner of Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media,
*Winner of Southern Writers Best Covers Contest
You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll want more.
Nearly Departed in Deadwood, the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award Winner and a 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award Winner.
*USA Today Best Selling Author,
*Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author
*Winner Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015. 2016
*Winner of Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media,
*Winner of Southern Writers Best Covers Contest
You'll laugh. You'll cringe. You'll want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 11, 2024
I’m not much for westerns, but I love this story!
That’s a good western tail set into it, but the characters are very unique. They fit my thing into this world, but these stood out are were far from the cliché of the genre.
There’s some weird deaths going on in the town and the mortician is the first one to become a suspicious. People already win in her for being a mortician she finds it difficult to find anyone to help with her suspicions.
This is a monster tail mystery and western and I just found out it part of a serious man, hoping the rest of the books as far as this one was. I would definitely recommend this book to just about everyone.
That’s a good western tail set into it, but the characters are very unique. They fit my thing into this world, but these stood out are were far from the cliché of the genre.
There’s some weird deaths going on in the town and the mortician is the first one to become a suspicious. People already win in her for being a mortician she finds it difficult to find anyone to help with her suspicions.
This is a monster tail mystery and western and I just found out it part of a serious man, hoping the rest of the books as far as this one was. I would definitely recommend this book to just about everyone.
April 14, 2022
"Tending the dead is a booming business in the Black Hills."
This was featured in the Western section of the audiobook catalog, so I ordered a copy for the library. Being unfamiliar with this author, I did not know there would be vampires. A whole nasty pack o' vampires. And, they weren't even cowboy vampires!
I doubt this is going to play too well with the Western readers at the library, which I think consists of three gentlemen in their seventies, and me, but I found the book to be pretty entertaining. If the thought of a female undertaker kicking vampire-butt sounds appealing to you, this might be right up your alley as well.
(I kind of wanted to kick the audiobook narrator's butt, as his attempts to make the main character sound smoky and sexy really only made her sound sleepy. He did a good job with the old-timey prospector and cowpoke voices, however. Yee-haw!)
Anyway . . . a good choice if you're looking for something different.
"Deadwood is dangerous. But, you already know that."
This was featured in the Western section of the audiobook catalog, so I ordered a copy for the library. Being unfamiliar with this author, I did not know there would be vampires. A whole nasty pack o' vampires. And, they weren't even cowboy vampires!
I doubt this is going to play too well with the Western readers at the library, which I think consists of three gentlemen in their seventies, and me, but I found the book to be pretty entertaining. If the thought of a female undertaker kicking vampire-butt sounds appealing to you, this might be right up your alley as well.
(I kind of wanted to kick the audiobook narrator's butt, as his attempts to make the main character sound smoky and sexy really only made her sound sleepy. He did a good job with the old-timey prospector and cowpoke voices, however. Yee-haw!)
Anyway . . . a good choice if you're looking for something different.
"Deadwood is dangerous. But, you already know that."
March 23, 2019
I am not sure which genre this actually is but it is definitely something with a lot of paranormal elements.
It is similar to Ann Charles "Deadwood" series but is set in the old days when gold diggers were all over Deadwood.
It sucked me right in and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Definitely another winner from Ann Charles. I'm looking forward to read more about Clem, the Executioner, and the guys.
Being German, I enjoyed all the German words and phrases spread out all through the book - especially since they were spelled and used correctly. Something that isn't always the case in other books.
It is similar to Ann Charles "Deadwood" series but is set in the old days when gold diggers were all over Deadwood.
It sucked me right in and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Definitely another winner from Ann Charles. I'm looking forward to read more about Clem, the Executioner, and the guys.
Being German, I enjoyed all the German words and phrases spread out all through the book - especially since they were spelled and used correctly. Something that isn't always the case in other books.
January 4, 2020
I went into this very curious but also very cautiously because I adore the Deadwood series and I wasn't sure what to expect from this. So glad I decided to read this! Not only do we get a bunch of background info on the others but Deadwood and how it came to be the quirky little town it is. Plus, I loved the western-y feel and the characters were fantastic! I can't wait for more!
March 22, 2019
LOVE!
Ann Charles & Sam Lucky make a perfect co-writing pair! I fell in love with the 1876 version of Deadwood. As usual for Ms Charles, the story is filled with memorable characters. Can’t get enough of Clementine, Hank, Boone, and Jack Rabbit. Lots of mystery, mystery, and more mystery! This is a must read if you love the Deadwood Mystery Series.
Ann Charles & Sam Lucky make a perfect co-writing pair! I fell in love with the 1876 version of Deadwood. As usual for Ms Charles, the story is filled with memorable characters. Can’t get enough of Clementine, Hank, Boone, and Jack Rabbit. Lots of mystery, mystery, and more mystery! This is a must read if you love the Deadwood Mystery Series.
March 25, 2019
Loved it
Wow, I'm freezing just reading this one. Lots going on and mostly in the frigid fall and winter.
Loved the characters. Especially, Fred, nickel and dime. Tink is pretty amazing too.
Wow, I'm freezing just reading this one. Lots going on and mostly in the frigid fall and winter.
Loved the characters. Especially, Fred, nickel and dime. Tink is pretty amazing too.
June 13, 2020
2020 bk 199 - A paranormal western, using Norse and old Germanic myths no less. I loved the characters, Loved the plot, and definitely want the sequel. I've not read any of the other Deadwood series by this author, but am thinking I need to give them a try. A fun read!
Read
April 6, 2022This book was okay. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but not bad.
March 23, 2019
It's a wonderful day when a new book comes out by Ann Charles, but when book one of a new SERIES by Ann Charles comes out, that day ratchets up to amazing.
In answer to the burning question about historical events that lead up to Violet's (mis)adventures in Deadwood, Charles and her husband Sam Lucky bring fans the first in what promises to be a riveting series. (How one works with her husband is truly an incredible feat. I know that should I try to write with my husband, the engineer in him would spend all of the time pointing out the shortcomings of parts of the book that demand a suspension of disbelief.)
While the beginning of the book is a bit slower than Charles' usual fare, the fact that it is establishing an entirely new storyline makes that time spent essential. The book picks up fairly quickly and the reader becomes invested in the characters of Jack, Boone, Hank, and of course the strong and skilled Clementine.
You can almost feel the cold of the Deadwood winters, the fear of the characters encountering the inexplicable, and the exhilaration of battling evil, so well are the scenes described. The story is a page turner and leaves the reader wanting more.
Truly, the partnership of Charles and Lucky will prove to be a fortuitous one in the future.
In answer to the burning question about historical events that lead up to Violet's (mis)adventures in Deadwood, Charles and her husband Sam Lucky bring fans the first in what promises to be a riveting series. (How one works with her husband is truly an incredible feat. I know that should I try to write with my husband, the engineer in him would spend all of the time pointing out the shortcomings of parts of the book that demand a suspension of disbelief.)
While the beginning of the book is a bit slower than Charles' usual fare, the fact that it is establishing an entirely new storyline makes that time spent essential. The book picks up fairly quickly and the reader becomes invested in the characters of Jack, Boone, Hank, and of course the strong and skilled Clementine.
You can almost feel the cold of the Deadwood winters, the fear of the characters encountering the inexplicable, and the exhilaration of battling evil, so well are the scenes described. The story is a page turner and leaves the reader wanting more.
Truly, the partnership of Charles and Lucky will prove to be a fortuitous one in the future.
November 21, 2019
A very unusual tale. Clem isn't like other women and when Jack and Boone meet her, they are quite surprised. Jack and Boone go to Deadwood to meet their uncle and find some strange creatures. Clem is used to strange creatures and knows how to handle them.
November 13, 2024
Book Review
*Life At The Coffin Joint* by Ann Charles transports readers back to Deadwood in 1876, a gritty, wild frontier town perfect for those with a taste for danger—and for readers craving a thrilling Old West adventure with a touch of humor. Clementine Johanssen, Deadwood’s unapologetically fierce undertaker, leads the charge with a style and temperament as sharp as her tools.
Tasked with handling not just the town’s dead but also the “other” problems lurking in Deadwood’s rough and tumble streets, Clementine is a refreshing protagonist: tough, unapologetically bold, and more than willing to poke a few folks who step out of line.
The novel takes a delightful turn when two strangers from Santa Fe come into town, searching for their missing uncle. Soon, they’re pulled into Deadwood’s deadly mix of cutthroats, gunfights, and mysterious disappearances. Their partnership with Clementine adds an intriguing dynamic, and as they face blizzards and brutal outlaws, the three are drawn into an unlikely alliance that has them facing down more than just bandits. With Ann Charles’s flair for blending humor with suspense, the partnership is equal parts thrilling and laugh-out-loud funny.
Charles excels in capturing the rowdy spirit of the Old West while adding layers of suspense and a slightly supernatural chill. Deadwood itself feels like a character, with snow-covered streets and shady corners that add an extra dose of danger. The pacing keeps readers hooked, while the vivid, often amusing descriptions of characters and settings make the story come alive.
*Life At The Coffin Joint* is a rollicking read that’s equal parts mystery, action, and humor, perfect for fans of historical fiction who enjoy a touch of supernatural intrigue. Ann Charles has delivered an unforgettable adventure that stands out for its bold characters, rich setting, and a plot that’s both chilling and endlessly entertaining.
*Life At The Coffin Joint* by Ann Charles transports readers back to Deadwood in 1876, a gritty, wild frontier town perfect for those with a taste for danger—and for readers craving a thrilling Old West adventure with a touch of humor. Clementine Johanssen, Deadwood’s unapologetically fierce undertaker, leads the charge with a style and temperament as sharp as her tools.
Tasked with handling not just the town’s dead but also the “other” problems lurking in Deadwood’s rough and tumble streets, Clementine is a refreshing protagonist: tough, unapologetically bold, and more than willing to poke a few folks who step out of line.
The novel takes a delightful turn when two strangers from Santa Fe come into town, searching for their missing uncle. Soon, they’re pulled into Deadwood’s deadly mix of cutthroats, gunfights, and mysterious disappearances. Their partnership with Clementine adds an intriguing dynamic, and as they face blizzards and brutal outlaws, the three are drawn into an unlikely alliance that has them facing down more than just bandits. With Ann Charles’s flair for blending humor with suspense, the partnership is equal parts thrilling and laugh-out-loud funny.
Charles excels in capturing the rowdy spirit of the Old West while adding layers of suspense and a slightly supernatural chill. Deadwood itself feels like a character, with snow-covered streets and shady corners that add an extra dose of danger. The pacing keeps readers hooked, while the vivid, often amusing descriptions of characters and settings make the story come alive.
*Life At The Coffin Joint* is a rollicking read that’s equal parts mystery, action, and humor, perfect for fans of historical fiction who enjoy a touch of supernatural intrigue. Ann Charles has delivered an unforgettable adventure that stands out for its bold characters, rich setting, and a plot that’s both chilling and endlessly entertaining.
February 18, 2021
I normally ADORE Ann Charles' work but this one took me until Chapt 15 to get "into it".
I realize this is the first book in a series and you have to develop the characters but the chapters 1 - 14 didn't have the same zip as her other work.
I will look for #2 in the series and see how that goes.
I realize this is the first book in a series and you have to develop the characters but the chapters 1 - 14 didn't have the same zip as her other work.
I will look for #2 in the series and see how that goes.
April 18, 2019
Great start to a new series
This series is based on the early beginnings of the Deadwood Mystery Series, it's set in the late 1800s when Deadwood and other local towns were just building themselves up. Ann Charles and Sam Lucky do a wonderful job writing this story. It has lots of wit, humor, and paranormal mystery, along with many historical facts all wrapped up in one wild ride that will keep you reading well into the night. A fun read that you won't want to put down until you reach... The End ... For now.
This series is based on the early beginnings of the Deadwood Mystery Series, it's set in the late 1800s when Deadwood and other local towns were just building themselves up. Ann Charles and Sam Lucky do a wonderful job writing this story. It has lots of wit, humor, and paranormal mystery, along with many historical facts all wrapped up in one wild ride that will keep you reading well into the night. A fun read that you won't want to put down until you reach... The End ... For now.
April 16, 2019
History made entertaining.
Clementine is an Undertaker. She's also an Executioner. Undertaking is a big business in Deadwood but when Boone and Rabbit come to town looking for their uncle, Clementine finds that her position as Executioner may be picking up as well.
I really liked this book. It took me a little longer to read because I wanted to make sure I got all the characters straight. This set of books predates the Deadwood Mysteries with Violet Parker. Looking forward to the second book in the series.
Clementine is an Undertaker. She's also an Executioner. Undertaking is a big business in Deadwood but when Boone and Rabbit come to town looking for their uncle, Clementine finds that her position as Executioner may be picking up as well.
I really liked this book. It took me a little longer to read because I wanted to make sure I got all the characters straight. This set of books predates the Deadwood Mysteries with Violet Parker. Looking forward to the second book in the series.
April 10, 2019
I absolutely love Ann's Deadwood mystery series and I was so excited to hear that she and her husband were embarking on this new series, the Deadwood Undertaker Series, which is sort of a spin-off of her original series. This new series is set in Deadwood in the late 1800's and takes the reader back to the Old West.
What I love about this new series—aside from cracking up over Ann's amazing, fun sense of humor and the zany, lovable characters she creates—is that I get the background story that could, maybe, sort of, explain the craziness that Violet, Doc, Harvey, and all the rest are dealing with in present time in Ann's Deadwood series. It's so much fun to discover the connections between the two worlds.
I devoured Life at the Coffin Joint and can't wait for the new installment this summer when book #2 comes out!
What I love about this new series—aside from cracking up over Ann's amazing, fun sense of humor and the zany, lovable characters she creates—is that I get the background story that could, maybe, sort of, explain the craziness that Violet, Doc, Harvey, and all the rest are dealing with in present time in Ann's Deadwood series. It's so much fun to discover the connections between the two worlds.
I devoured Life at the Coffin Joint and can't wait for the new installment this summer when book #2 comes out!
April 7, 2019
As a long time reader of Ann, I not only embrace her new series but I eagerly await the next one! This new series takes a look back at the Deadwood that existed before Violet stepped in the picture. It's interesting to get a bit of some back story and history of the terrible menaces Violet has dealt with and perhaps a bit he own background. This story follows Clementine (the town undertaker and real live executioner) who has been sent via "contract" to Deadwood to clean things up. While she has a real job in town, she is there to serve a deeper purpose. She comes to the aid of two fellow travelers with a missing uncle and a hot mess of some unknown "people" contributing to all the deaths she is dealing with in the small town. Of course, nothing is that simple and she gets into some heap of trouble to help out some new friends. The story is set in the old West and it will not disappoint. Highly recommended!
April 10, 2019
In her newest Deadwood mystery series and her shiny new collaboration with co-author, Sam Lucky, Ann Charles takes us to rowdy, gold hungry 1876 Dakota Territory to meet a most unusual undertaker, Clementine Johanssen. People are droppin' like flies and stacking up in the snow drifts, but it ain't the cold that's killing them. May not even be human. I'll tell you what it IS, though. It's heartwarming, heart-stopping and heart...uh, eradicating. A whole new group of folks to get to know and love awaits. You've just gotta be there for the ride.
April 13, 2019
Loving Life!
I loved every page, and character, in this book! The mystery, horror, and humor are so well written it was hard to put it down. I liked that the main issue that brought them together is resolved, but the ongoing chilling predicament is yet to be solved, and we have more of this intrigue to look forward to.
I loved every page, and character, in this book! The mystery, horror, and humor are so well written it was hard to put it down. I liked that the main issue that brought them together is resolved, but the ongoing chilling predicament is yet to be solved, and we have more of this intrigue to look forward to.
April 2, 2019
This is the backstory to some of the paranormal activity that Violet encounters in her Deadwood series. This is the first book in the series that will describe the town in the truly Wild West days. This book has great plot development as well as character development. It helps us to understand so much more about the Deadwood in the Violet Parker series.
This is a serious mystery with serious plot twists and things that just don't go as expected. While I enjoyed the story very much, it is really different from the light-hearted fun of the Violet Parker series. I am determined to find Violet or at least her real estate office when I visit. If this had been the first book I read, I am pretty sure you wouldn't have been able to drag me into Deadwood. It is really pretty remarkable when a book has that much impact on your perception. How many book series are so great you are willing to build your vacation around visiting them? I can't think of a higher accolade than that.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of mystery stories. I just don't know how to summarize the story without giving way too much away. Enjoy. Waiting semi-patiently for the next one.
This is a serious mystery with serious plot twists and things that just don't go as expected. While I enjoyed the story very much, it is really different from the light-hearted fun of the Violet Parker series. I am determined to find Violet or at least her real estate office when I visit. If this had been the first book I read, I am pretty sure you wouldn't have been able to drag me into Deadwood. It is really pretty remarkable when a book has that much impact on your perception. How many book series are so great you are willing to build your vacation around visiting them? I can't think of a higher accolade than that.
I highly recommend this book for lovers of mystery stories. I just don't know how to summarize the story without giving way too much away. Enjoy. Waiting semi-patiently for the next one.
April 11, 2019
Can't put it down
Enjoy the Deadwood series, read them as soon as they're available. I'll be getting the next Deadwood Undertaker series also. Thank you for the enjoyable reads.
Enjoy the Deadwood series, read them as soon as they're available. I'll be getting the next Deadwood Undertaker series also. Thank you for the enjoyable reads.
April 7, 2019
A great start to yet another Deadwood series. Anne and her husband do a very good job of letting us get to know the lead characters. Clem, Boone, Jack Rabbit and Hank make quite a formidable team. Though more a novella than a novel it starts slow, but finishes with strong action.
As usual I’m looking forward to the next installment. I’m not sure if I prefer longer single episodes with maybe a longer interval between books or the short novellas published more frequently. But, can’t wait to see the next installment this summer.
As usual I’m looking forward to the next installment. I’m not sure if I prefer longer single episodes with maybe a longer interval between books or the short novellas published more frequently. But, can’t wait to see the next installment this summer.
April 9, 2019
Great story
What an awesome story. I really enjoy her other series and this one is really good. Looking forward to reading the next book
What an awesome story. I really enjoy her other series and this one is really good. Looking forward to reading the next book
April 7, 2019
A prequel of sorts to Ann Charles' Deadwood series. It's really interesting to see how it all began. This takes place during the good-rush days of Deadwood. I don't want to say too much to give away spoilers, but there are great characters and a page-turner plot.
March 28, 2019
This newest book by Ann Charles and her co-writer, Sam Lucky, the start to The Deadwood Undertaker series, introduces us to life in 1876 Deadwood. The gold rush is in full swing and miners are trying to strike it rich but there is something evil lurking in the Dakota Hills that must be stopped, and a woman named Clementine Johassen who is not only the town undertaker but has been raised and schooled to be The Executioner! This story has everything I could hope for as is the case with all of Ann’s stories. Great characters that you can’t help but like, a story that you can lose yourself in that is filled with great details and action that keeps you on the edge of your chair. If you have read the Deadwood series than this is a must read for you. A lot of things became clearer to me of how things got started in Deadwood and the surrounding areas. I can’t wait for the next book by this dynamic writing duo to come out! I know the “do not disturb” sign will be on my door as I devour it.
April 3, 2019
More !!!!!! Wonderful!!!!! Fun!!!!!
A dash of mystery, a little paranormal and lots of humor! I love the authors and it was fun to dive into the beginnings of Ann's Deadwood. Can't wait for the next one!
A dash of mystery, a little paranormal and lots of humor! I love the authors and it was fun to dive into the beginnings of Ann's Deadwood. Can't wait for the next one!
April 3, 2019
I am now hooked on another book series. Ann Charles and Sam Lucky had done a wonderful job bringing Deadwood to life in the old west. Love Rabbit and Boone. Trying to figure out who is kin to who in present Deadwood. Going to be interesting to read it all unfold.
April 3, 2019
Great read
Another great book by Ann Charles. Full of mystery, suspense and that old time charm. Loyalty, love, compassion and friendship makes you want more to read in this story. Can't wait for the next book!!
Another great book by Ann Charles. Full of mystery, suspense and that old time charm. Loyalty, love, compassion and friendship makes you want more to read in this story. Can't wait for the next book!!
April 3, 2019
So good!
March 28, 2019
HOW COW!! Ann Charles has done it again! Ann Charles and Sam Lucky have given us a new series set in Deadwood! Who can ever get enough of Deadwood. This Historical Fiction is set back in the early gold rush days and all the craziness that comes along with it. Clementine has become another favorite character of mine and I can tell you Life At The Coffin Joint is worth the read!
Here is a taste of what you will find
Clementine rubbed her arms, trying to warm them through her wool shirt. She doubted anyone suspected that a killer with a fetish for collecting canine teeth was hiding somewhere in the midst of it all... anyone except for her.
Here is a taste of what you will find
Clementine rubbed her arms, trying to warm them through her wool shirt. She doubted anyone suspected that a killer with a fetish for collecting canine teeth was hiding somewhere in the midst of it all... anyone except for her.
April 1, 2019
Amazeballs
Ok, so I might be a little biased, I’ve read everyone of Ann’s books, and this is a really fantastic start to a new chapter in Deadwood. Keeping them coming and I will keep reading them. Can’t wait for the next one.
Ok, so I might be a little biased, I’ve read everyone of Ann’s books, and this is a really fantastic start to a new chapter in Deadwood. Keeping them coming and I will keep reading them. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews