Nearly Departed in Deadwood: A Mystical Journey Into the Heart of a Haunted Home
As a reader who finds solace in stories steeped in quirky charm and supernatural intrigue, Ann Charles’s Nearly Departed in Deadwood was an unexpected delight. The premise alone—little girls vanishing amidst the dusty streets of Deadwood, South Dakota—grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. What ensued was an enchanting blend of mystery, humor, and a touch of the paranormal that kept me on my toes all the way to the end.
The story revolves around Violet Parker, a single mother of twins who is trying to get her fledgling real estate career off the ground while navigating the chaos of her children’s lives. With just three weeks to sell a house or face job termination, Violet’s determination was both relatable and inspiring. She’s not just a real estate agent; she’s a mom facing deadlines and demons—both real and metaphorical.
Charles expertly crafts Violet’s character, giving her a plucky resilience that made her incredibly endearing. I appreciated her straightforward humor and strength in the face of adversity, making her a refreshing protagonist in the cozy mystery genre. The supporting cast, particularly the elderly, shotgun-toting Harvey, provides a wonderful balance to the dark undertones—weaving laughter into a narrative filled with tension and suspense. Their banter often had me chuckling, making the characters feel like friends I’d want to root for.
The pacing of Nearly Departed in Deadwood was, at times, a little uneven. Some scenes felt rushed, and I found myself wishing for deeper character exploration during critical moments—the unveiling of secrets and romantic tensions left a little to be desired. Nonetheless, Charles’s writing style kept me engaged. Her vivid descriptions transported me into the dilapidated Victorian house, where I could practically hear the floorboards creaking under the weight of its history.
Being a lover of twisty mysteries, I was thoroughly impressed with how Charles kept me guessing until the very end. The shocking revelations regarding the abductions were disturbing yet compelling, pulling me further into the depths of Deadwood’s chilling past. Violet’s relentless pursuit of the truth added not just a layer of suspense but also a poignant reminder of a mother’s love and determination.
Charles doesn’t shy away from the darker themes that permeate our world, yet she balances them with humor and warmth. The result is a cozy mystery that stands apart from its contemporaries. I found myself often laughing out loud at Harvey’s anecdotes while also feeling the chilling tension that accompanied Violet’s search for answers.
In closing, I wholeheartedly recommend Nearly Departed in Deadwood to fans of cozy mysteries with a twist. If you’re someone who enjoys a quirky heroine, a mix of humor and suspense, and a touch of the supernatural, this first installment in the Deadwood Mystery series is sure to charm you. Ann Charles has created a world I can’t wait to revisit, and I look forward to uncovering more mysteries—and perhaps even more ghostly encounters—in future books. This read not only entertained me but also left a lingering itch for more, reminding me of why I admire the genre so much. Happy reading!
You can find Nearly Departed in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 1 here >>