What is the big deal with reviews?

Over the years, I have been a fortunate author-pirate.

Many kind readers have taken the time to write reviews for my books on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.

These reviews have lured new-to-me readers to give my books a try, which in turn makes each new release more exciting and keeps me typing away at my keyboard while new stories flow onto the pages.

It’s a wonderful circle and I am so appreciative that I can keep telling stories about my characters’ adventures year after year.

What is a Review Crew?

I decided to change things up on my author-pirate ship this year.

Instead of sharing the rewards of my adventures with those who help holler to the world about my books, I thought I’d focus on sharing pieces-of-eight treasures (aka “author swag”) with my fellow book-page travelers who leave reviews sprinkled here and there on the digital landscape (in both old lands and new worlds),

In short, if you leave a review for one of my books somewhere, I’ll throw your pirate hat into the ring to win a prize via a random drawing.

For CHEWED UP BY THE JUNGLE (Dig Site Mystery Book 3–released October 22, 2025), after you share a review I will mail you a book swag gift and add your name to the prize drawing. (Note: One book swag gift per person.)

This review crew reward drawing may happen monthly, quarterly, or whenever a new book is released.

I will update this page regularly with the latest prize drawing, so be sure to bookmark it and/or revisit it regularly.

CHEWED UP THE JUNGLE prizes:

How does this all work?

1. For this first time, review the newly released book, CHEWED UP BY THE JUNGLE.
2. Email me a link to your review (or send a copy of it) and your mailing address. Be sure to let me know where you left the review (Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo, the local newspaper, a truckstop bathroom stall door, mass fliers dropped from an airplane, etc–you get the picture). Send it to: AnnCharlesAuthor@gmail.com with BOOK REVIEW in the Subject line.
3. Go out and share the review on another platform and send me that information, too. You can throw your pirate hat into the ring multiple times for the drawing, matey.

Note: Periodically, I might use your reviews in quotes about your favorite book to share with other readers sailing the high seas of fiction.

What is in this for you?

Besides my humble gratitude for helping me reach new readers, you will get some fun author swag plunder and more page-turners to keep you entertained during rough seas and smooth sailing adventures.

October Newsletter PART 2 … a new book for you!

When I was prepping to write the third book in the Dig Site Mystery series, I thought I’d try to write a shorter book than usual.

(My usual is about 120,000 words.)

Yeah. Right. Sometimes I think that I sniffed too much paint as a kid.

(That would certainly help explain these character voices in my head that like to weave together multiple plotlines while telling their stories.)

It turned out that I did NOT write a shorter book. In fact, this latest in the Dig Site Mystery series is one of my longer tales, and I added some fun extras that I haven’t included before in my other books.

(Experimenting with different story elements and styles is what keeps writing exciting for me.)

You’ll see what I mean when you read Chewed Up by the Jungle.

Another book down … and a lot more to come!

Can you believe I’m almost 40-books-old in author age?

(Actually, if you count the other books I wrote prior to publishing my first, I’m over 40, but those were all practice runs.)

For a girl who didn’t want to be an archaeologist because there was too much writing involved, I seem to enjoy pecking away at a keyboard.

(Although these days, I am trying to spend more time with my family, too.)

I also enjoy drinking beverages while I write. For my birthday, I often line up various drinks to have throughout the day.

(This has become such a thing that my daughter made me a cool wooden drink carrier for Mother’s Day this year so that I can carry 4 drinks to my office at once. FOUR. Ha! I love the way her gift-making mind works.)

I’m always looking for fun new drinks

(Especially non-alcoholic ones so that I can write coherently while sipping, LOL.) 

When you finish reading through this short newsletter, I’d love it if you replied and let me know some drinks you enjoy (alcoholic or not).

(I learned about several new candy mixes after the last newsletter. Thank you to ALL who wrote to me and shared your favorites.)

Okay, enough from these two voices rambling on in my head.

(Yeah! On to the exciting stuff!)

In this newsletter …

**FINALLY! The brand-freaking-new ebook version of Chewed Up by the Jungle (Dig Site #3) is available to order from my store!

**REMEMBER … In case you haven’t bought the first ebook in the Dig Site series yet, Look What the Wind Blew In (Dig Site #1) is on sale THIS MONTH ONLY over on Amazon for US and Canadian folks.

**It’s 2026 calendar voting time over on my website!

Raise a glass of your favorite October drink with me to celebrate another new book!

Ann

AVAILABLE Now! “Quint and Angélica are back in another archaeology adventure! Don’t miss this spooky romp through the jungle with Ann Charles’ unique blend of humor, adventure, romance, and edge-of-your-seat excitement!”  ~Kristy McCaffrey, Award-winning Author of the Pathway Adventure Series Available NOW in Ann’s Store!  Buy Link for Ann’s Store: Chewed Up by the Jungle  Whatever lies in wait in the jungle isn’t just history … it’s hungry! Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula sits a long forgotten, mysterious site—lost to time, swallowed by the jungle, haunted by ancient secrets. Archaeologist Dr. Angélica García is chasing clues, and she will stop at nothing to uncover the site’s history. Was it a sacred center? A place of long-forgotten rituals? Or something far more sinister? Quint Parker, a sharp-eyed photojournalist, is chasing Angélica. He never signed up for old curses, creepy whispers in the shadows, or man-eating mosquitoes. He just wants to make sure his girlfriend makes it out of the jungle—alive. The deeper they dig into the past, the more they must confront a deadly truth: Some places should never be disturbed! OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE IN ALL RETAILERS: October 22, 2025 B&N pre-order KOBO: pre-order! Apple pre-order: COMING SOON! Amazon pre-order! Google: pre-order! BUY the Ebook from me NOW!

Help me pick out photos for my 2026 Traveling with Ann Calendar Head over to my website to vote for which of my photos will be included in my 2026 Traveling with Ann Calendar. You can choose TWO photos and leave the corresponding numbers of those photos in the comments for me to tally later. Click the button below to vote! GO VOTE!

One Liners …

Hip Deep in Bad Company (Deadwood Undertaker #5) is now available as an audiobook …

Purchase the audiobook via our Ann Charles online store and escape to the Old West for another exciting adventure narrated by Jason Culp.

Don’t forget I have a free ebook link in each month this year in my newsletter. from This month’s spotlight was author, Louisa West …

Click here to sign up for the monthy newsletter.

Ann’s Alpha Club on Patreon is growing…

Come on over to Patreon (you can join for FREE or as a PAYING member) as I keep finding different ways to entertain you at Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon,

Stay tuned for one more batch of treats to come this month, including October’s yummy recipe and my monthly prize drawing offer (prize drawing information available through newsletter only)!

Ann

“What now, Ann?” you ask yet again.

Well, it all started last year when I began getting frustrated because I couldn’t reach those on Facebook and Instagram who’d signed up to “Follow” me there or hit “Like” on my author page. I’d write and share a post, but then behind the scenes, I’d receive a message from the Facebook “gods” that they had allowed only 50 of my “Followers” to see the post. HOWEVER, if I’d pay $100, $200, sometimes even $300 to “boost” the post, then they would show it to another 500 followers, maybe even 1000 of them.

Grrrr.

On top of that baloney sandwich, pile on the messages from the Facebook overlord saying things like, “Good job, Ann! You have been putting up quality posts. We’re going to reward you by showing the posts to another 50 of your followers for FREE!”

Double grrrr!

Then, about a month ago, news came out that Facebook had paid a book pirating site for millions of already stolen books, wanting to use them to build their AI model. They had decided that paying authors would cost too much. Now, I know there isn’t much you can do to stop the AI monster these days, but…

Triple grrrr!!!

The final pickle on the top of this crap sandwich? They want me to start using their little AI “Purple Pal” robot as a moderator in my groups to answer any questions readers/followers ask me and to interact more than I do. It will be my helper buddy, using the AI they built off stolen books.

Enough!

Now you know why I suddenly began building more on my Ann Charles YouTube channel. But I wanted to interact with those who were interested in more than just watching videos, so I started building over on Patreon, creating Ann’s Alpha Club. This will be a place where I can post fun stuff for fans of my books without having a middleman (aka Facebook, Instagram, etc) and their algorithm bouncers blocking the posts.

Below is a video (click to watch it) explaining a little more for those interested in joining me in Ann’s Alpha Club on Patreon, which you can access from your computer, tablet, or phone. There are different tiers available there–you can join for free and interact on general posts, like how Facebook used to be. Or, you can join one of the paid tier levels, which cost either $5/month or $7/month. In the paid tiers, I’ll be sharing things from behind the scenes, like my books before they are published and more. I’m not out to get rich here, just build a place where I have more control.

To join: Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon

Welcome video: Welcome to Ann Charles Patreon

April Must-Have Prickly Pear Posse Glass Drink from this beautiful glass while reading/listening to Ann’s Jackrabbit Junction books. (Art by CS Kunkle) $17.00 US Buy at Ann’s Zazzle Store

This month’s recipe: Margarita Bars Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.

Oh boy, good ol’ February is over halfway done. Sheesh. Have I been writing? Yes. Have I been writing as much as I’d planned at the beginning of the month? (Ann snorts, then guffaws, and then groans and shakes her head.)

There is a good reason behind not getting as much written as I’d hoped: this old dog has to put a lot of energy into learning how to create and run ads on various digital platforms in 2025 (which is sort of a yearly goal, but not, because my right brain didn’t want to make any goals this year… unfortunately, my left brain made some anyway). Below is an example of an ad that’s now out there trying to entice some new readers. Click the red button to see it for yourself on YouTube. **NOTE: If you see any of Sam or my ads in your social media wanderings, please help us out by clicking the Like/Love option and/or leaving a kind comment to encourage other readers to try our books.**

WARNING!  Get ready to LAUGH! New Audiobook!!! Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood  Official release date is: February 25, 2025

Nearly Departed in Deadwood: HARDCOVER Collector’s Edition

This comes with a cool unique bookmark crafted by Ann herself.

BUNDLE 1: The Deadwood Undertaker Series Books 1-5 plus the Catawampus Christmas novella $90 $120 Deadwood Undertaker Bundle

BUNDLE 2: The Jackrabbit Junction Series Books 1-6 plus the Thanksgiving and Christmas novellas $110 $155 Jackrabbit Junction Bundle

BUNDLE 3: The Deadwood Mystery Series Books 1-14 plus the five Deadwood Shorts books $245 $330 Deadwood Mystery Bundle

Sign  up for the newsletter to claim your free book: https://anncharles.com/connect/

This month’s recipe: Lasagna Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.

Enjoy this recipe offered by Old Man Harvey from the Deadwood Mystery series. ***** More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you have access to some of the fun recipes via my monthly newsletters.

Wrap Up 

And on the writing front …

I’m sweating and swatting at trouble deep in the Mexican jungle now in Dig Site Mystery #3 (the working title at this time: Chewed Up by the Jungle). As I get closer to the middle of the book, I’ll be setting up a pre-order button for this puppy, so stay tuned to future newsletters, social media, and my website for more of the Dig Site crew and all of their jungle mayhem

Sam is still working on the 6th book in the Deadwood Undertaker series along with making great videos and images for digital ads. We’ll set up a pre-order button for that as we get closer to the finish line.

Back to work for me. I hope your February doesn’t feel like it lasts three LONGGGG years as my January did.

Happy February!
Ann

FIND OUT ALL THE SECRETS DURING INTERVIEWS WITH ANN CHARLES…

Garden of Thought E.293 Deadwood Mysteries with Jeff Lipman

May 19, 2025 · 1h 13m 31s

Ann Charles is the author of several series’ and co-creates other works with her husband. Her 14 book series takes place in Deadwood. Yes, the site of my favorite TV show. So, we had to meet. We have a wide ranging conversation about her works, Deadwood, cartography, and the usual unusual landscape that is the Garden.

From Stephen King to the Chorus, we’re talking about it.

The Tell Not Show

The Tell Not Show: The Writing Journey with J & K

Author Interviews with Julia JK Allen and Kirsha Fox, two authors explore the writing journey because there’s more than one way up the mountain! New pod!

Thank you, Kirsha, for a great time sharing writing life stories!

April 11, 2025

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Musings of an Author

The blog of author Peni Jo Renner

Website: https://authorpenijorenner.wordpress.com/

Author Ann Charles Has A New Hardcover Collector’s Edition!

Something special for fans of Ann Charles’s Deadwood Mystery series; Nearly Departed in Deadwood has been released in a special collector’s hardcover edition!

1. Congratulations on the release of this special edition of Nearly Departed! Will other books in the Deadwood series follow suit? I love that idea, but the truth is, we have to see how well this first book goes over with readers and retailers. With thirteen more books currently in this series and many more to come, putting all of the books in hardcover would be a big endeavor. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed this edition is popular with readers.

2. What inspired this blend of fiction/ non-fiction, past/present you create in your novels? I honestly don’t know. When I first started writing, I wrote a romantic fiction story. The second book included history—a romantic fiction story set at a fictional Maya archaeological dig site on the Yucatan Peninsula. The third book was set on multiple real archaeological sites in Mexico and was a blend of romance, history, and mystery. By the eighth book, I added supernatural elements, which opened up so many more opportunities for history, folklore, mythology, and more. And so it went—each book blending in more genre elements, exploring various themes, including bits of true history along with fiction to make the stories richer and the characters seem more real. This storytelling journey keeps shifting slightly with each story, and I think this is what keeps me writing. I’m excited to see what comes next!

3. Tell me about your protagonist Violet Parker.  What drives her? First and foremost, Violet is a single mother. She loves her children and needs to provide for them and protect them. In Nearly Departed in Deadwood, someone is kidnapping little girls in the small town of Deadwood, where she has recently settled with her two kids. When she finds out that her daughter fits the victims’ profiles to a T, she starts out just like any parent—nervous, worried, watchful for anything that seems suspicious. But as the story continues, Violet’s concern turns into curiosity, and she becomes entangled in the mystery with the hope of finding whoever is nabbing little girls before her own daughter goes missing.

4. Where will your readers find  Violet Parker next? Well, book 14 in Violet’s Deadwood Mystery Series was released at the end of 2024. I have a few books from other series to release this year, but Violet will be back in 2026 in book 15, an another wild and exciting story full of hilarity and chills. Stay tuned via my website and social media pages for more information about upcoming releases and more.

Escape With a Writer

Great stories, interesting writers and more!

PRAISE FOR NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD Hardback version

Para OR Normal Guys / Crafting Magic and Mayhem with Ann Charles

An enchanting and thrilling episode interviewing two incredible authors: Tricia Copeland and Ann Charles. First, we dive into the world of young adult fiction with Tricia Copeland, an award-winning author who believes magic is woven into every corner of our lives. From urban fantasy and paranormal tales to inspiring romances and dystopian sci-fi. Discover how she infuses her books—available at ⁠www.triciacopeland.com⁠ —with captivating and inspiring characters and storylines.

Then, we turn up the heat with USA Today Best-Selling author Ann Charles, the genius behind the spicy, award-winning “Deadwood,” “Jackrabbit Junction,” and “Dig Site Mystery Series.” Known for blending mayhem, adventure, comedy, and suspense, Ann’s Deadwood series has not only won over fans but also earned prestigious honors like the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

Listen as Tricia and Ann share their creative journeys, the secrets behind their unforgettable characters, and what it takes to craft stories that leave readers spellbound. Whether you’re a fan of magical possibilities or heart-pounding mysteries, this episode has something for everyone!

Watch here: Para OR Normal Guyz

March 5, 2025

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The Kino Issac Podcast

One of the coolest things about being an author is getting to meet amazing interview hosts from all over the world. Kino Isaac is one of these hosts. We laughed and talked about the many uplifting parts of being a creative (in the music and writing industry). If you are looking for something to watch and listen to that will NOT raise your blood pressure, check out our interview and some Kino’s other interviews on his channel on Spotify and YouTube. (As always, Like/Subscribe if you want to hear more from his show in the future.)

Thank you, Kino, for a wonderful break from writing!

Sally Barrilla – Detective Writer

About Sally Barrilla – True crime fanatic! Published author of psychological thriller novel, “The Doctor: The Toxic Combination of Love, Hatred, and Revenge is Served!”

Para OR Normal Guyz – Between the Pages and Beyond the Lakes:  A Double Dose of Mystery

Have a listen for an exciting episode where we delve into the worlds of mystery, the supernatural, and the unknown,  a journey through the realms of literature and the supernatural, where we’ll explore the creative process of writing compelling mysteries and the thrill of chasing the unknown in the dark corners of our world.

Here on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/live/BbbcSnmFTzs

1/15/2025

Happy December!

How many Christmas movies do you think I can watch until my brain turns into sticky toffee pudding? I just might find out this holiday season.

Random life events happening here:

Our cat, Loki, had to have a bunch of his teeth pulled. Now he will probably gnaw us to death in our sleep.

Our daughter wrote an essay for Government on James Monroe, and one of things he’s known for is being President during a time in US history called the “Era of Good Feelings.” I’d like to live through a time called the “Era of Free Cake & Candy.” Or maybe the “Era of Fresh Baked Bread for All.”

My knees sometimes ache a little now when my legs get cold under my desk. This must be the reason why retiring in Phoenix or Tucson is so popular instead of up here in the mountains. But I’m still not ready to move south and take up residence one block from the sun for half of the year. Those Phoenicians are crazy tough.

Speaking of bread, Sam has been perfecting his sourdough bread recipe. Holy moly this man has my number! I just want to cuddle up on the couch with him and a whole loaf of his sourdough rosemary bread slathered in butter, maybe even use the bread as an edible pillow to nuzzle and nibble on while watching holiday movies until my brain morphs into that sticky toffee pudding.

Onto this month’s lowdown …

There is a lot of good news in store for you below:

Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood is AVAILABLE in ebook & print

HARDCOVER version of Nearly Departed in Deadwood is AVAILABLE

Last chance to sign up to be a Deadwood Deputy (& win fun prizes)

2025 Traveling with Ann Calendars BUY links

A FREE ebook from Dakota Cassidy

A chance to win a “Proof” version of Violet’s latest print book

And Peanut Butter Blossoms cookie recipe in time for the holidays!

Thank you for your kindness and friendship throughout 2024!

Ann

Hang onto your hats… “Yet another great book! So many laugh out loud moments.” ~E. Boudreaux (Deadwood Mystery Series)  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? Highjack the truckload of ticking time bombs out from under Johnny Law’s nose… You can buy the ebook and/or print book from my online store OR at your favorite book retailer! Find buy links on Ann Charles Website Violet and her friends are back! “And she’s done it again—AWESOME book, Ann! Absolutely loved it!!! ~D. Herzog (Book 14) …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? Grab this rowdy clock caper and escape from the holiday havoc! (Audiobook in Spring 2025) Pre-Order and autographed print book from Ann’s store.

AVAILABLE NOW! Nearly Departed in Deadwood: HARDCOVER Collector’s Edition Grab the perfect gift for yourself or someone you really, REALLY like! For the first time, Nearly Departed in Deadwood is available as a hardback book. “The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass.” ~Violet Parker The award-winning story has been polished to a fine shine. Plus, there’s a bonus “deleted scene” to enjoy at the end. You’re going to love the gorgeous new hardback cover! This book is for sale through my online store (where I can autograph it for you and throw in some fun swag) with a delivery date of mid-January. You can also purchase it through the usual book retail locations, including some international stores, too. Pre-Order from Ann’s Online Store today!

LAST CHANCE to join Ann’s promo team until the next book! I need your help getting through the noise of the holidays to let other Violet fans (and maybe some new ones, too) know about my newest book. If you have a spare minute this month and want to help me, sign up to be a Deadwood Deputy. THERE ARE PRIZES TO BE WON! How do you sign up? Send an email to DeadwoodDeputy@gmail.com with your name and mailing address (CC Deputy in the Subject line); or send a message with your info via my website. Detailed instructions on ways to help will be emailed within a day or so after we receive your email. The last day to sign up is December 15, 2024. ***If you’ve already shared on social media or left a book review or dropped fliers about this release from an airplane, let me know!*** EMAIL Ann to join her Deadwood Deputies

2025 Traveling with Ann Calendar Votes have been tallied and we’ve made new 2025 desk and wall calendars for those of you who enjoy my photography. You can either buy the 2025 AC Desk Calendar from my online store, or head over to Zazzle to grab a 2025 AC Wall Calendar. AC Zazzle 2025 Desk Calendar: $17 (includes shipping–but not the cat) Buy the 2025 AC Desk Calendar

Author Star Spotlight for December 2024 Dakota Cassidy USA Today Bestselling author Dakota Cassidy lives for a good laugh in her life and in her writing. She writes humorous cozy mysteries along with both paranormal and contemporary romance. Her goals are simple: banish the color yellow forever, create world peace via hot rollers and Aqua Net, and nab every tiara in the land by competing in the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss World pageants. And of course, write really funny, romantic, mysterious books! Dakota lives in Texas with her dogs and her husband, who puts the heroes in her books to shame. She loves, loves, loves to connect with readers, so visit her on Facebook Dakota Cassidy’s Website

This month’s recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this family-favorite cookie recipe from Mark Davis. YUMMMMM! More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but now you have access to some of the great recipes via my monthly newsletters. Monthly Newsletters

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Number 6

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Wrap Up 

And on the writing front …

More books in all series coming your way as fast as I can write them, fingers and brain willing. You keep reading and I’ll keep writing, cold knees and all.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Ann

It’s been a long, hard month here full of edits, edits, and more edits. Ugh!

In between the editing extravaganza, I’ve been doing a whole lot of research for the next Dig Site book. Here’s a few fun facts about the Maya civilization that I’ve gleaned while my head has been buried in the Central American jungle:

1. Currently, it is estimated there were 15 million people eating, breathing, working, and celebrating life during the height of the Maya Civilization.

2. The Maya understood the concept of zero by 400 CE (Current Era–or  AD, as we used to call it), which put them 400 years AHEAD of the Europeans, who didn’t grasp that concept until 800 CE.

3. Maya temples often served a dual purpose as both funeral monuments and to keep track of time.

4. Jade was the most valuable object in trading, but cacao beans were also used as currency, which was fermented and turned into a cocoa bean. (NOTE: I would always be poor because I’d be turning those cacao beans into cocoa and eating them … “Ann, did you eat our savings again?”)

One of the many interesting (and often sad) books I’ve read in my research is about treasure hunting and grave robbing. One of the main questions repeated throughout the book is: Who owns the past? 

Should items found in the ground leftover from long ago civilizations be left where they are (graves and grave goods especially); placed in a museum (which are often overcrowded now with storage rooms full of past pieces nobody gets to see); given to the culture who shares a history with the “treasure” to teach those who will come after them; kept by those who found them (or paid enough to have them found); or retained by those who own the land (in the US, in particular, the law somewhat allows this)?

This question has stuck with me as I continue to research archaeological digs and learn about the Maya and what is being found that the jungle canopy has kept secret for centuries.

Onto this month’s newsletter …

There is a lot of holiday fun stuff in store for you below:

A new Deadwood Mystery series book

The chance to vote for the 2025 calendar pics (and win a desk calendar)

A FREE ebook from DeborahWilde

A Holiday Bundle of Books to win

And more!

Have a Happy November!

Ann

Hang onto your hats…Violet is loose again!

Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood (Deadwood Mystery Book 14) “Yet another great book! So many laugh out loud moments.”  ~E. Boudreaux ~~~ Violet is back in a wild and crazy clock caper just in time for you to enjoy an escape from the holiday havoc! ~~~ 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? Highjack 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? ~~~ “Wow! Just when I think Violet’s world can’t get any crazier, Ann comes up with more goodies for her and the gang to handle.”  ~D. Smithwick ~~~ How can you get your copy of Violet’s latest wild ride? **Official EBOOK Release Date: November 29, 2024** Psst—GOOD NEWS! If you don’t want to wait for the official NOVEMBER 29th release date for Violet’s new Deadwood ebook, YOU CAN GET THE EBOOK NOW in my online store ON SALE for $6.49 (US$). But HURRY, because this sale lasts only through Nov 28th! Start off your holidays with laughter! EBOOK: Available at my online store NOW or you can PRE-ORDER at the usual retailers (go to my website for links to pre-order the ebook). PRINT: Available by December 10th AUDIOBOOK: Available in Spring 2025

Find LINKS on Ann’s Website

CONGRATULATIONS to the October Prize winners! The Deadwood book pack winners were: Thomas Woodward from Phoenix, AZ and Carol Hughes from Chehalis WA. I hope you enjoyed the goodies. ~Ann

*Subscribe to the newsletter to enter prize drawing and receive the download for the free books: https://anncharles.com/connect/

Coming next month! Nearly Departed in Deadwood A New Collector’s Edition This December, grab the perfect gift for yourself or someone you really, REALLY like! For the first time, Nearly Departed in Deadwood will be available as a hardback book! Original story with minor updates! Fun extras! Cool new hardback cover! This will be for sale through my online store, as well as the usual retail locations. Stay tuned for more details! Check out Ann’s online store for books, ebooks, and audiobooks

2025 Calendar Pics Voting Time It’s that time of year when I need your help choosing calendar pictures. Head over to my website I wasn’t able to travel as much in 2024, but I captured some fun shots along the way. https://anncharles.com/2025-traveling-with-ann-calendar-contest/ Choose TWO of your favorite pics Write the number of your favorite pics in the comments ON MY WEBSITE.

Join Ann’s DEADWOOD DEPUTY promo team! There are fun prizes to be won! Help me tell everyone about my newest book by signing up to be a Deadwood Deputy. Either send an email  DeadwoodDeputy@gmail.com with your name and mailing address (CC Deputy in the Subject line); or send a message with your info via my website. Detailed instructions will be emailed by December 6th. **Don’t wait until the 6th to start promoting. If you’ve already shared on social media or left a book review, let me know!** EMAIL Ann to join her Deadwood Deputies

This month’s recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Pie Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this yummy recipe from Claire Morgan who stars in the Jackrabbit Junction Mysteries. More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but now you have access to some of the great recipes via my monthly newsletters.

Wrap Up  And on the writing front … Dig Site Mystery Series 3—Oh my molies! So much reading and research has been going on in my office, in our kitchen, in the vehicle while waiting to pick up a kid from school, in front of the television screen, while chatting with my neighbors, while wiping the dust off our pig-pen cats. I have a cast and a site location for this next book in the Dig Site series, which is currently called Chewed Up by the Jungle. This week I’ll be plotting the story at a high level, and then we’re off on another trek into the steamy jungle for another wild adventure with Quint and Angélica! (Aiming for a Spring 2025 release) Undertaker Mystery Series 6—Sam and I had to pause for a moment this month in order to get Violet’s latest Deadwood Mystery Series book out into the world, but very soon we’ll be back to building the next book in this rip-roaring, rough and tumble series. (Aiming for a Spring 2025 release) Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series 7—I can’t wait to head back down to the warm desert sunshine and the rowdy Morgan sisters! From what I hear, Natalie, Cooper, and Ol’ Man Harvey will be joining the Jackrabbit crew once again in this next book, so it’s sure to be an even crazier ride through the pages. (Aiming for a Fall 2025 release) More to come—I’ll be working on Deadwood Mystery Series 15 in late 2025, so there is more from Violet coming, but first I need to visit the jungle, “old” Deadwood, and the Arizona desert. Happy November! Ann Ann Charles, Author

Well, I’ve made it to the top of the mountain. No, I didn’t actually physically go out and climb a mountain. I respect my 50+ year old knees too much for that, not to mention that I prefer to snuggle under a blanket when it gets below 45 degrees. What I did climb was another BOOK mountain. This one is called Mt. Deadwood Mystery 14, and I am currently enjoying the view from high on the peak. Climbing a mountain is what I feel like I’m doing when writing a book. Many people believe reaching a mountain’s peak is the end of the climb, but that is far from true. In the real mountaineering world, making it to the top is only the halfway point. To claim success, a climber has to make it back to base camp ALIVE. Here’s the tricky thing about mountain climbing—people usually have great motivation to make it to the top and they will give that goal every bit of energy they have. Unfortunately, they often burn through too much of their stamina and resources, leaving them with wobbly legs and very little endurance to make the climb down. That is where the danger lies. This is why the majority of mountain climbing accidents and deaths happen on the way down. Climbers are tired, get sloppy, and fall. Sitting here at the peak of this book mountain, I’m thinking about the descent to base camp. What does climbing down a book mountain entail for me? Ugh!—That’s what. Now the editing process kicks into high gear, and that becomes grueling pretty quickly. The joy of creating the story was like a warm ray of sunshine in the fresh mountain air compared to the frigid, toe-freezing, body-aching editing and marketing phase. (I chuckled as I wrote that, but seriously, sometimes being edited feels like being pecked to death by wonderfully, intelligent, sharp-beaked, eagle-eyed birds.) I truly appreciate the editing help, but that doesn’t mean it’s a fun party. In addition to the editing woes, I also now have to put the time and energy into preparing to market the book. (Back cover copy, promotional social media copy, ad copy, etc.) This task involves different writing muscles than those used for story creation. By the time I return to base camp, I’ll be ready for a week of staring blankly at the clouds with a warm drink in my hand. I’ll definitely want some cake, too. But I can’t sit there too long or my writing muscles will suffer from apathy. I also need to make sure my lounge chair faces the next book mountain, so that I can be planning how to ascend to that peak. I’ll be considering things like: What will be the next story question to answer? How will I show character growth? What plotlines will I follow? How will the story advance the overall series’ plotline? And most importantly, do I have the gumption to gear up and write another 100,000+ word story? But back to the here and now… While I’m sitting here on the top of Mt. Deadwood Mystery 14, I’m feeling pretty cocky. I think I have this. I’m pretty sure I can make the descent without falling off the mountain. Once I’m back down to base camp, I’ll rest for a week or two, and then I’ll pack up what I need for the next and start climbing again. What mountain comes after this one? Check out the end of my newsletter and you’ll see what book mountains I’m planning to climb during the next year. In the meantime, enjoy this month’s newsletter, which include a 99 cent sale, a free ebook, a peek at the cover of the upcoming collector’s version of Nearly Departed in Deadwood (in HARDBACK), a new prize for two lu cky winners, and a delicious recipe! Happy October! Ann SALE! SALE!  SALE! OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (Book 2 in the Deadwood Mystery Series) ~~~ Someone is spreading rumors around Deadwood that Violet Parker likes to chat with dead folks. With her reputation endangered, her bank account on the verge of extinction, and her career at risk of going up in flames, Violet is desperate. When the opportunity to sell another vintage home materializes, she grabs it, even though this “haunted” house was recently the stage for a two-act, murder-suicide tragedy. Ghost or no ghost, Violet knows this can’t be as bad as the last house of horrors she tried to sell, but sexy Doc Nyce has serious doubts. Her only hope of hanging on to her job is to prove that the so-called, ghostly sightings are merely the eccentric owner’s optical delusions. But someone—or something—in the house wants Violet stopped… dead. On sale until the end of November 2024 for just $.99! CLICK TO BUY THE EBOOK

AUTHOR STAR SPOTLIGHT: FREE Ebook Every Month!!! Each month in 2024 I’m going to showcase an author friend who I think is quite wonderful. I’m going to tell you a little about her, in case you haven’t heard of this particular author yet, and then I’m going to include a special link in my monthly newsletter where you can go to get a FREE ebook from her. There are already 12 authors lined up for this fun monthly treat for you newsletter subscribers, and they are each ready to share a FREE ebook to give you a chance to escape on the virtual pages with some of their favorite characters. This month’s FREE ebook was from Mandy Roth. Don’t Stop Bewitching  (Bewitchingly Ever After Series Book #1) Coming Soon! Nearly Departed in Deadwood A New Collector’s Edition HARDBACK   This December, grab the perfect gift for yourself or someone you really, REALLY like! For the first time, Nearly Departed in Deadwood will be available as a hardback book! The original book has gone through some minor updating, but don’t worry, the story is the same one that you love. In addition, there are some fun extras in this hardback edition to make it even more special. The new hardback version will be for sale through my website, as well as the usual retail locations. I’ll have more details on how to get your hands on a copy of it as we move closer to the December 3rd release date. Monthly prize to WIN WIN WIN! Every month, I’ll be offering a chance to win a fun-filled gift pack or two containing different books and goodies. PRIZE 1: Autographed copy of Devil Days in Deadwood (Book 11) Autographed copy of the Deadwood Reader Notebook (for help keeping track of what happens through the series) A Peace, Love, & Hippie-ness letter opener thanks to Violet’s mom Day of the Dead tea towel One full set of autographed Deadwood Mystery Series book magnets PRIZE 2: Autographed copy of Never Say Sever in Deadwood (Book 12) Autographed copy of the Deadwood Reader Notebook (for help keeping track of what happens through the series) A Peace, Love, & Hippie-ness letter opener thanks to Violet’s mom Day of the Dead tea towel One full set of autographed Deadwood Mystery Series book magnets   CONGRATULATIONS to the September Prize winner! The Deadwood Book pack winner was: Laura Stockman from Douglasville, GA. I hope you enjoyed the goodies. ~Ann This month’s recipe: Breakfast Burrito   Here is another yummy recipe from the out-of-print 2020 Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, which Mark and Michelle Davis helped put together. This month, Mark, Michelle and I decided to share a Breakfast Burrito recipe from María Cruz, who is part of the Dig Site Mystery series crew.

Wrap Up 

And on the writing front …

Mt. Deadwood Mystery 14—Here’s what has to happen yet on my climb down from the peak…

Deadwood Mystery series Book 14, Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood, will spend a month going through a rigorous editing process, while CS Kunkle finishes with the cover art and draws the illustrations. Sam Lucky, my husband, will be working on taking the cover art original pieces and creating a cover using graphic art software. Sam will also be formating the ebook and the print book for release. As soon as the final edits are finished, the book will be sent to the audiobook publisher to start that project.

I have no idea when I’ll have a Pre-order button ready, an actual release date for the ebook and print book, or the release date for the audiobook. Stay tuned, and you’ll know as soon as I know. (I’m really looking forward to my week at base camp after this book mountain!)

Mt. Dig Site 3—I’ve been eyeing the 3rd mountain in the Dig Site series for years! It’s a crazy difficult climb with a lot of places for possible falls along the way, but I’m finally ready to go for it. I’ll start preparing for this book climb in November, researching the landscape and planning the route. My hope is to reach the peak by sometime in March. Wish me luck and stay tuned for news on my progress on my way up.

Mt. Undertaker 6—Sam and I are in the early stages of climbing this 6th book mountain in the Deadwood Undertaker series. We’re already at the first camp and slowly making our way up. We don’t have a set release date for this book, but we hope to reach the peak by mid-spring and then we’ll know more.

Mt. Jackrabbit Junction 7—From my view up here on the top of Mt. Deadwood Mystery 14, I can clearly see the 7th book mountain in the Jackrabbit series through my binoculars. It’s a big, burly mountain, and it appears to be a stormy mess all the way up to the peak. I can already tell that the next Morgan sisters book mountain is going to be an ass kicker, requiring the need for some additional climbing equipment, along with extra food and plenty of liquor to celebrate at each camp along the way. It will be a rough and rowdy adventure, but isn’t that always the case with the Morgan sisters? I don’t know when I’ll reach the peak on this book, but I would love to have it out in Fall 2025.

And all those other mountains in the distance—There are many more book mountains to climb, but let’s focus on those listed above for the time being.

“Getting to the top is optional, getting down is mandatory.” 

~Ed Viesturs

(A mountaineer who summited the tallest mountains in the world and made it back down each time to tell the tale.)

Happy Climbing!
Ann