Last fall I went to a conference where I met some amazing authors who gave me all sorts of ideas on new ways to have fun with readers.

One of the intriguing discussions I sat in on was about Kickstarter campaigns and opportunities to offer cool rewards for fans.

When I came home, Mr. Lucky and I began talking about what we could offer in one of these campaigns.

An idea began to take shape–an audiobook PRE-ORDER option for fans of the Deadwood Undertaker series!

BEST OF ALL–A way to offer ownership of the actual audiobook files!

“Ownership” would allow you to load the audiobook on any device you own, no matter if it’s a product from Amazon, B&N, Apple, Samsung, or whatever. You can put it on your cell phone or your computer or wherever else you can listen to audio files.

This Kickstarter campaign would also help us to pay for a HUMAN narrator for the 5th Deadwood Undertaker book, as in JASON CULP, who narrated the previous 4 books (rather than a much cheaper AI voice version of the story).

Note–Human talent is expensive, but we feel it’s worth every penny!

HERE’S WHERE & HOW I NEED YOUR HELP…

We had to set a financial goal for the campaign ahead of time: $3000 in one month seemed like a reasonable goal.

So far, we are at 64% of this goal!

Yay!!! (Thank you to all who have stopped by and supported this new venture of ours!)

HOWEVER, if we don’t make our goal, the whole project is cancelled and we go back to zero. 

THERE ARE SOME AMAZING REWARDS AND DISCOUNTS for this project! 

Please head over to our Kickstarter campaign and consider pre-ordering the audiobook of Hip Deep in Bad Company so we can hit our goal.

Also, check out the discounted deals on other audiobooks in the Deadwood Undertaker series and in the various reward tiers.

AND consider sharing news about our Kickstarter project with any friends who you think might love listening to the Deadwood Undertaker crew on their wild adventures!

*** Check out the video below that Sam and I made for more information.***

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q1IA4drpmY

Anyway …

We’re really starting to cook here in Arizona, so it’s time to hole up in my writing cave and finish a book. YAY! Let the clackity-clacking on the keyboard begin!!

Onto this month’s lowdown …

I have some lovely stuff in store for you this month:

• PRE-ORDER the audiobook for Hip Deep in Bad Company for just $20 via our Kickstarter campaign.
• Ann’s & Sam’s schedule for Deadwood in August 2025
• A FREE Ebook from the amazing Jane Hinchey
• A chance to win one of TWO prizes this month
• And … another recipe from Moon the Cook

Happy start of summer!

Ann

Fun with Ann & Sam: Deadwood 2025 August 21st-23rd (plus August 28th Sioux Falls Event) Thursday, August 21st—Rapid City Library from 5:30-6:30pm – Join Ann for a signing and talk titled, “This Old Dog Needs to Learn New Tricks (Darn It!)” Friday, August 22nd–History on the Lawn: Ann Charles & Sam Lucky – Bring a lunch and a chair and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of rain, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC). Saturday, August 23rd–Book signing and chocolates galore at Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates (on Ann’s birthday–yay!) Thursday, August 28th–Siouxland Library in Sioux Falls, SD – Join Ann for a signing and talk on the eastern side of the state. * * * * * NOTE: “Kool Deadwood Nites” will be going on during this week in Deadwood with daily free bands in town, classic cars, and so much more.You don’t have to stay in Deadwood if hotels are hard to land. You can stay in neighboring towns and drive in for the events in Deadwood. REMEMBER: I will be back in western South Dakota at the end of September for the 2025 South Dakota Festival of Books (set in Spearfish this year). So, if August doesn’t work out for your visit, September is a beautiful time to visit the Black Hills!

Jane Hinchey Hi there! I’m Jane, crafting tales of paranormal cozy mysteries sprinkled with urban fantasy romance. Between sips of coffee and dodging my mischievous cats, I immerse myself in stories where magic meets everyday life. Once known as Zahra Stone in the world of urban fantasy, I’ve now merged those fiery tales under the Jane Hinchey banner. Off the page you’ll find me binging on true crime documentaries or sneaking in a power nap. Snuggle in to your favorite reading spot, grab a cup of something delicious and join me. Let’s escape into a world where the extraordinary is just around the corner. Jane’s Website       Win Win Win Every month, I’ll be offering chances to win great prizes.   To see the prizes and enter drawing please subscribe to my newsletter: https://anncharles.com/connect/ Congratulations to last month’s winners of the two-month’s worth of gift membership to my fun club over on Patreon (Ann’s Alpha Club). Instead of three winners, I decided to giveaway FIVE gift memberships! Yay! The MAY winners were:  Terri Shepard, Debbie Johnson, Anna Lindh, Cheryl Primeau, and Donna Legat. I forgot to mention in my last newsletter that the APRIL prize winner was: Melinda Gagnon.

June’s recipe: Key Lime Pie Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this recipe courtesy of Wheeler’s Diner (from the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series) ***** More recipes are available in my past newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you can access some of the recipes via my newsletters.

Talking to the sky, join me!

Ann Charles Cops and Clobbers in Deadwood on House of Mystery Radio Show on NBC 

Full Interview

On Alan R. Warren

I had a good time with Alex Lewczuk on today’s Midwest Drive over in the UK this morning (afternoon UK time). Alex always has great questions and keeps me chuckling through so much of the interview. Thank you, Alex, for the opportunity to talk to listeners (and readers) on the other side of the Atlantic!

I also posted this interview on my personal page: Ann Charles Post

Author Talk

Fun chat with Aimee Ravichandran, Russell Little, Valerie Sweeten and Ann Charles. We had such a great chat! A wonderful, laughter-filled Monday morning on their amazing podcast. For those who haven’t listened to Author Talk before, they are on every Monday morning and always make me laugh. You can find them on many podcast channels. Check them out. You can watch it over here: https://www.facebook.com/aimee.ravichandran/videos/1555043922557517

Find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/AbundantlySocial

Book Notions Newsletters

Q&A with Sam Lucky and Ann Charles

A fun read for inquiring minds. You can read the entire interview here: https://booknotions.com/qa-with-sam-lucky-ann-charles/

Let Fear Bounce – Tossing Nuggets of Hope Podcast

I had a fun time chatting with, Author and Podcast Host, Kim Lengling. We covered some very interesting topics. Even Loki made a guest appearance. I did have a wee bit of a teaser at the end of the interview.

Fun Classic Reads features “The Six Napoleons”

Hosts: Christie Stratos and David M Kelly

Guests: Ann Charles, Ian Lasky and Jason Shannon

Our video features an hour of storytelling time featuring Sherlock Holmes’ “The Six Napoleons” (a short story). We had so much fun!

Check it out here: Sherlock Holmes – The Six Napoleons Live Read, Fun Classic Reads Episode 6 (youtube.com)

August 6, 2024

The Douglas Coleman Show

I had a great chat with Douglas Coleman. Find out about series crossover!

~The Douglas Coleman show is a syndicated talk and music show that features fascinating and sometimes famous guests from all walks of life. From the entertainment industry including musicians, actors, film makers and authors to political and social commentators. We cover it all. The topics can range from light and fluffy to sober and serious. The Douglas Coleman show, sometimes chat, sometimes music, always entertaining.~

You can check  out his page here: http://douglascolemanshow.com

Watch the show here:

The Douglas Coleman Show VE with Ann Charles 2 (youtube.com)

August 1, 2024

House of Mystery Radio on NBC with Alan R Warren

Thank you to Alan Warren @ Facebook 

We had fun chatting about Hip Deep in Bad Company, book 5 in the Deadwood Undertaker Series.

Ann Charles – Hip Deep in Bad Company – House of Mystery Radio on NBC | Acast

July 28, 2024

Author Talk Podcast with Aimee Ravichandran

Thank you to Aimee Ravichandran at Abundantly Social https://abundantlysocial.com/ for a really fun talk. This fun interview includes Russell Little and Sandy Lawrence.

Facebook

July 15, 2024

The Worldshapers with Edward Willett

Thank you for a great time Edward!

Edward Willett
edwardwillett.com
My latest from DAW Books:  The Tangled Stars, humorous far-future space opera. My latest from Shadowpaw Press: Star Song, Aurora Award finalist, YA outer-space adventure. Host of the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers. Editor of the Shapers of Worlds, anthologies featuring stories by guests of The Worldshapers. Publisher, Shadowpaw Press

June 17, 2024

 

---

Books with Bridgetti

I had a great time talking with Bridgetti Lim Banda. Head on over and listen in as we talk about writing and life behind the scenes. Bridgetti.Live has interviewed some amazing authors over the years, so be sure to check out some of her other interviews and subscribe to her show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLs8BZLhNpA

April 24, 2024

Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem 

Another episode of the Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem Laced with Morality Podcast is coming with @ann_charles

You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or visit my website www.drkatherinehayes.com

READ MY LIPS

Join me and two other wonderful authors LIVE with host Read My Lips Radio with Akaradiored on READ MY LIPS (Cool Conversations with Creatives/The Pens of Creativity).

“Read My Lips Radio: Cool Conversations with Creatives with akaRadioRed – LIVE April 8, 2024.”

April 8th, 2024

March 14, 2024

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 authors lined up all year 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.

NOTE: TO RECEIVE THE LINK FOR THE FREE EBOOK, YOU HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER.

The star in this month’s spotlight is … Yasmine Galenorn!

April’s Wonderful Author is … Yasmine Galenorn.

Yasmine’s Bio:
I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was three years old. I learned to read early, and I actually remember that it suddenly dawned on me that people made the books that I was learning to read. I was like, “People actually make those. They don’t just appear.” Right at that moment, that’s when I knew I wanted to make books. I remember the very first story I ever told my mom was about a pair of green curtains in some shop. All the other curtains were being sold and the green curtains were green with envy because they wanted to go to a home, too. Finally, the green curtains were sold and were very happy. That was the first story I wrote. I read, continually. I would lose myself in my books. I would hide myself in my room and just read and write. I started professionally writing when I was 13, and made my first sale when I was 15. It was a poem. Right then, I was like, “Okay, I can do it! It’s just going to take time.” So, I’ve been writing ever since I could hold a pencil.

With over seventy-five books on the shelves, Yasmine wrote in traditional publishing for twenty years and now indie publishing since 2016. Make sure you don’t miss any releases by signing up for Yasmine’s newsletter,

Yasmine lives in the Seattle WA area with her husband and is the mother of four cats.

Click HERE to head over to Yasmine’s website so that you can learn more about her and her books!

SALE! In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse (Ebook only)

Grab your ebook copy of In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse (Jackrabbit Junction series Book 5)—on SALE for only .99 cents from April 22, 2024 through May 9, 2024!

(Click here to buy it from Ann’s Online Store!)

The Morgan sisters are BACK …

“This dusty corner of Arizona is about to have a replay of the O.K. Corral!”

When “Crazy” Kate Morgan learns that her sisters are the next targets on a killer’s to-do list, she’s hell-bent on chasing down trouble before it rides into Jackrabbit Junction.

The problem: The darn law dogs keep nipping at her heels, tossing her in the hoosegow, and sidetracking her hunt.

The solution: A posse—the pricklier the better.

If Kate can dodge this peck of pickles long enough to catch the killer, she can prove she’s not so “crazy” after all.

Special Guest Stars: Hanging out in Jackrabbit Junction in this book are Natalie Beals (the Morgan sisters’ cousin), Detective Cooper, and Ol’ Man Harvey from the USA Today bestselling Deadwood Mystery series. You don’t want to miss the heated hijinks happening down in the Arizona desert!

BUY LINKS:

Ann Charles Store

US
Amazon
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google
Apple

UK
Amazon
Apple
Google
Kobo

Canada
Amazon
Apple
Google
Kobo

Australia
Amazon
Apple
Google
Kobo

Sign Up to WIN WIN WIN!

(Every month, I’ll be offering a chance to win a fun-filled gift pack containing different books and goodies.)

This month, you can enter a drawing to win a Jackrabbit Junction Junction Series gift. This pack of goodies contains:

An autographed, print book Twisty Tortoise Tussles Book 6, and In Cahoots with Prickly Pear Posse Book 5 (NOTE: The ebook is on sale until May 8, 2024 – see the links in this newsletter)

Claire Morgan’s business card.

Jackrabbit Junction sticker.

Dancing Winnebagos RV Park patch.

Colorful sugar skulls dish towel. *Day of the Dead spatula.

Jackrabbit Junction Dancing Winnebagos RV Park bamboo cutting board.

To enter your name in the drawing for this gift pack: Send me an email with your full name and mailing address to AnnCharlesAuthor@gmail.com with “April Drawing” in the Subject line. The winner will be announced in the May newsletter. Drawing will be held on the last day of April.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NELSINA APLEY FROM MILLER, SOUTH DAKOTA, ON WINNING THE MARCH PRIZE PACKAGE! I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE BOOKS AND PROMO GOODIES. ~ANN

Wrap Up

Deadwood Undertakers Series Update: The fifth book in this series (Hip Deep in Bad Company) will be heading to our editor in May. Sam and I can’t wait to share it with you early this summer!

Deadwood Mystery Series Update: I’m moving along on Book 14. I’m a little slower than usual yet as I still have days when grief rears its gut-wrenching head and interferes with my ability to escape into fiction. But the words are coming.

Dig Site Mystery Series Update: I’ve been stacking up the research books for the third book in this series, and I just found another one last week at Wupatki Ruins National Monument about archaeology and grave robbing. I can’t wait to continue the Dig Site crew’s story.

Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series Update: While the Morgan sisters have this year off, there is a lot more to come with them down in southeastern Arizona, and I plan to write another novel in their series next year. I wish I could fit them in this year, too, but I’m not that fast of a writer, and I’m trying to enjoy time with my kids before they get busy with their own lives and leave home.

I hope you have been enjoying April and all that exciting weather and changes that come with this month!

Until next time,
Ann

Chapter Eleven (Midway through Scene 1)

LOCATION: The Shaft’s back patio

Grady’s lips twitched. “You two are already on a roll tonight, I see.” He held an envelope out to Ronnie. “This is for you.”

She reached for it, but he pulled it back out of reach. “But first you need to explain why my Aunt Millie is having me play delivery boy.”

“That’s from your Aunt Millie?” Ronnie stared at the envelope as if weighing the chances of it biting her fingers if she reached for it again.

“She sealed it shut and made me cross my heart that I wouldn’t open it before I gave it to you.”

Ronnie laughed.

Grady didn’t. “I’m serious. Make sure you tell her it was sealed when I handed it over so that she doesn’t have Greta put some old German gypsy curse on me again.”

“Again?” Claire asked.

He shook his head at her. “You don’t want to know. Just trust me when I tell you not to cross that crazy Hutzel.” He turned back to Ronnie, holding up the envelope between them. “Why is Aunt Millie sending you letters now?”

Ronnie’s gaze met Claire’s for several beats, making Claire wonder if Ronnie had been blabbing her mouth about one of their so-called secrets to a particular sheriff’s aunt, damn it.

“Well,” Ronnie licked her lips. Claire could practically see the gears turning behind her sister’s eyes. “Not that it’s any of your business, Sheriff, but since I don’t have an email address or cellphone, it’s one of the ways we communicate. I’m old fashioned that way.”

The lines fanning from the corners of his eyes said plenty regarding his feelings about the level of bullshit in Ronnie’s reply, but he handed her the envelope anyway.

Ronnie quickly folded it and stuffed it in her back pocket.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” he asked.

“I’ll save it for later.”

“Why?”

Her sister’s gaze darted to Claire’s, which unfortunately made Grady’s frown include her in its scope. “Because I want to focus on the task at hand,” Ronnie told him.

“Which is what?”

“Getting you to kiss me.”

Claire glanced away, grinning. Smart girl, distracting the Sheriff with her body yet again.

“In front of your sister?”

“Claire doesn’t care.”

“She’s right. I don’t care.” Out of the corner of her eye, Claire saw Ronnie catch his hand and pull him toward her.

“She knows what’s going on,” Ronnie added.

“She does?”

“I do,” Claire confirmed, focusing on Mac to give them a little privacy. He was staring out at the desert again, a frown lining his brow. She knew very well what was going on with Ronnie and Grady, but she worried her thumb over the lip of her beer bottle and wondered what was going on with Mac and that promotion.

“But Mom doesn’t know.” Ronnie said. “So unless you want her to find out, you’d better hurry up and kiss me. She stumbled off to the ladies room when you walked up.”

“But what about—” Grady started.

“Oh, for crissake!” Claire growled, glaring over at them. “Would you two hurry up and kiss so that I can ask him about Dory?”

They obliged a little too noisily. Claire made a face and went to get another beer while they had at it. A few lusty sighs from Ronnie later, Claire had stood all that she could of their public display of affection. She cleared her throat.

Ronnie sank her fingers into Grady’s hair.

Claire cleared her throat again, louder and longer this time.

A groan came from Grady. His fingers slid down Ronnie’s hips, palming her backside.

“Hello!” Claire said, wrinkling her nose as Grady squeezed her sister’s butt.

Ronnie pressed against his length, one of her legs wrapping around his thigh.

“Oh, jeez!” Claire turned. “Ann, you’re going to have to get the hose again.”

I rolled my eyes from where I sat at one of the patio tables, nursing a margarita while typing away on my keyboard. Damn it. Grady and Veronica were always steaming up the book pages when I was around. This wasn’t the first time I’d had to step in and break them up.

I joined Claire, frowning at the two love birds. “They really need to get a room.”

“Tell me about it. It’s even worse when you’re not around.” She glanced toward Butch, who was showing Jess how to flip burgers on the grill. “We need to do something before Jess notices and learns a few new tricks to try with her boyfriend. Ruby will have my hide for expanding her Sex Ed.”

“You’re right. Help me out.” I grabbed Ronnie at the waist. “Veronica,” I said, tugging Ronnie backward while Claire untangled her sister from Grady’s arms.

“Damn it, you two,” Ronnie said, pulling free.

“You were supposed to just kiss Grady,” Claire returned.

Ronnie straightened her shirt. “We were wrapping it up.”

“Looked more like you were wrapping him up to me,” Claire said with a smirk, “with your legs.”

I chuckled. “Good one.”

“Oh, cram it, both of you.” She hit us in turn with a withering squint.

I moved closer to the Sheriff, lowering my voice. “What the hell, Grady? You’re supposed to be a pillar, all steely control and banked heat.”

His focus was still locked on Ronnie. “I tried, damn it, but look at her.”

I did, taking in her flushed cheeks and swollen lips, her jeans and black sweater. She’d dressed more modestly than usual this evening, no cleavage visible. “What about her?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, he grimaced. “She knocks the wind out of me.”

“I have a feeling you two are just getting rolling, so you better learn how to keep breathing when she’s near.”

“Easier said than done.”

“You think you can get through this scene without losing control again?”

He nodded. “But I’m going to need some time off screen with her when we’re done here.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I turned back to Ronnie and Claire. “Okay, let’s start again with ‘Oh, for crissake!’”

“Oh, for crissake!” Claire growled, glaring over at them. “Would you two hurry up and kiss so that I can ask him about Dory?”

They obliged a little too noisily. Claire made a face and went to get another beer while they had at it. A few lusty sighs from Ronnie later, Claire had stood all that she could of their public display of affection. She cleared her throat.

When that didn’t separate them from their lip-lock, she poked Ronnie in the ribs. Twice. “Jeez, break it up already. This isn’t a breath freshener commercial.”

“Ouch. Damn it, Claire.” She backed out of Grady’s arms and tried to knuckle punch her again, but Claire dodged and weaved away.

Grady shook his head as if to clear away the spider webs Ronnie apparently had woven during their reenactment of a nickel peep show.

Claire gave him a moment to collect himself before asking, “Do you know Dory Hamilton? He works for Tucson Electric Power.”

The Sheriff dragged his gaze from Ronnie, who was busy dabbing her lips with some gloss she’d borrowed from Jess. “Sure. Why?” …

Chapter Twelve

LOCATION: In front of Ruby’s General Store

The quiet, steady rumble of Mabel’s engine calmed the chaos that had been whirring in Claire’s head all night at The Shaft. The rhythmic thump-thump of the tar strips lining the road weathered away the tension in her shoulders.

“Where are you sleeping tonight?” Mac asked as he drove over the bridge that led into the R.V. park.

The General Store’s porch light hailed, a beacon in a starlit desert ocean of greasewood and prickly pear. The crunch of gravel under Mabel’s tires stilled. He killed the engine. Silence filled the car, interrupted only by their breathing and the soft whispers of clothes on leather.

She stared across the front bench seat at Mac. His face was streaked with shadows, cloaking his eyes. After the noise and disruptions she had suffered through on The Shaft’s patio this evening, she’d sooner spend the night sharing a bed with her soused mother and her Don Juan loverboy than deal with the worrisome weight of this damned promotion of his.

But she’d missed Mac last night … and every night over the last week when he’d been in Tucson and she’d been here. Maybe she could come up with something that would take his mind off the promotion for one more night. “Are you up for some company?”

“Depends on the company.”

“I was thinking of it being me.” She leaned back into Mabel’s warm leather embrace. “Maybe my tool belt too.” She saw him smile in the feeble light. “Maybe a little nakedness thrown into the mix.”

“I don’t know. I was thinking of it being Chester with a can of beer, but no tool belt. And definitely no nakedness.”

Claire burst out laughing.

“Hold it!” I knocked on the driver’s side window, waiting until Mac rolled it down to say, “That’s not your next line and you know it.”

“What do you know?” Chester hollered from the shadow-filled end of the porch. “You’re just the writer.”

Reaching inside the car, I turned on the headlights. Chester, and Manny, who was parked in the chair next to him, shielded their eyes from the light. “Shut it, mouth!” I told the old buzzard and then turned back to Mac. “Now back to you. You want Chester in here with you, do ya?”

Mac grinned. “Maybe. Claire and I are old news according to Jess, and the women love Chester and his knobby knees.”

“Chester,” Claire called out her open window. “What do you think? You want to grab a six pack and crawl in between Mac and me? Apparently, he’s missed you way more than he’s mentioned on the phone.”

Chester shook his head. “I’ve seen Mac bare-chested.” He took a swig of beer. “I like my breasts with less hair on ‘em.” He pointed his thumb at Manny. “But Carrera here would probably be game for some backseat bingo with good ol’ Sweet Buns.”

Manny puffed on his cigar. Throw a sombrero on him and a bandolier of bullets slung across his shoulder and he could star in a spaghetti western. “I’m in, hombre,” he said, squinting in our direction, “but only if the tool belt is back in play.”

“Manny, you’re hopeless.” I killed the headlights.

“Hopelessly in love with you, mi amor.”

“Save it for Deborah, Romeo.” I looked back in at Claire and Mac. “Okay, you two, let’s try this again from the ‘Depends on the company.’” …

“Depends on the company.”

“I was thinking of it being me.” She leaned back into Mabel’s warm leather embrace. “Maybe my tool belt too.” She saw him smile in the feeble light. “Maybe a little nakedness thrown into the mix.”

“I like your tool belt. I like it a lot. And nakedness is always good when we’re talking about you and me alone.” He shifted slowly, his breath catching in pain as he turned his body toward her and rested back against the driver’s side door. “Will this be a one-woman show? Or do I get to be part of the act?”

“We vote for a two woman show,” Manny called from the porch.

“Make it three!” Chester piped up, snickering in the shadows. “I saw a porno years back with these blond triplets that nearly made my ticker pop.”

Manny snorted. “Better your ticker than your pecker. They make spare parts for bad hearts.”

“I thought I read something on the internet about some company that can now make artificial peck—”

“STOP! Just stop.” I threw the rest of the MoonPie I was eating in the direction of the old buzzards. “You two promised that if I let you hang out for the first part of this scene, you’d sit there quietly smoking and keep your yappers shut.”

“We’re just spicing it up.”

“Trust me,” I said, “Mac and Claire don’t need any help on spicing it up.”

“Why do you two want to see this, anyway?” Claire asked. “You always bitch when I kiss Mac in front of you.”

“We’re taking notes,” Chester answered.

I grimaced. “Manny, you’re sleeping with her mother.”

“I’m not taking notes, mi amor. I’m making sure Mac doesn’t take advantage of my step-daughter.” The sound of a shotgun being cocked came from the shadows.

Even the crickets paused to gulp.

“Did he just cock a shotgun?” Mac asked out the window.

“He’s just trying to mess with you,” I heard Claire say.

“He’s doing a fine job of it.” Mac looked out at me. “You need to do something about that.”

“Like what? I’m having trouble even keeping them out of the scene.”

“Like make sure there are no shells in it.”

“Manny,” I called, “you do remember they’ve had sex already, right? Several times even.”

“Sí, but that was different. Claire is mi familia now. Mac needs to know that I’ve got my eye on him.”

“And two shotgun barrels,” Chester added.

“Christ,” Mac muttered. “Claire, how many times have I asked you to marry me?”

“Let’s not go there,” I told him, not wanting to get Claire all out of sorts when we had an important scene to get through. “Chester and Manny, either zip it or you’re out of here. We have a scene to write.”

“Spoilsport,” Chester grumbled.

“Don’t be getting too fresh, Sweet Buns,” Manny warned, “or I’ll fill your ass with—”

“Manuel!” I took the porch steps two at a time. “Give me that damned shotgun.” I held out my hand. Manny resisted. “Don’t make me dress you in pink satin,” I threatened.

With a grunt, he gave me the shotgun. “Fine, but if they end up in bed, you’d better have him ask her to marry him again.”

“Sure, I’ll do that,” I lied, returning my attention to Mabel’s front seat. “Okay, you two. Let’s start again with ‘Will this be a one woman show?’”

“Will this be a one-woman show? Or do I get to be part of the act?”

“What about that?” She pointed at his sling. “I don’t want to hurt you.” She’d already done enough with her curiosity up in that mine.

“I’m bruised, Slugger. Not broken.”

“Yeah?” She rested her palm on his thigh. “So you’re not going to make me resort to cheesy pickup lines to get you to surrender to my whims?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I should make you work for it a little.” He caught her hand.

Because of his bruised body, she planned on doing almost all of the work tonight, but verbal foreplay was always fun. “Okay, let’s see what I can do after a couple of beers.” She thought for a second and threw out one she’d heard several times over the years. “You know what would look good on you? Me.”

“Lame. You’re obviously a novice.”

“Really, Mr. Expert? What do you have in your arsenal?”

“Hold onto your heart, Slugger, and get ready to be wooed.” He flipped her hand over and tickled her palm with his thumb. “Hey, beautiful, how about you and I go in a dark room and see what develops?”

Claire giggled and threw back, “I’m no photographer, but I can picture us together.”

“Nice one. Beat this.” He pulled her toward him, his mouth hovering over hers. “Your lips look lonely. Would they like to meet mine?”

“Definitely.” She kissed him, taking her time reacquainting herself with his mouth. When she pulled back, she inhaled the warm spicy desert scent of his cologne, everything inside her quivering with an eagerness for more. “Is your car battery dead, Mister, because I’d like to jump you?”

That made him chuckle and reach for the door handle. “I hope you know CPR, Slugger, because you’ve stopped my heart.”

Claire joined him at the base of the General Store’s porch steps. “If you were a burger at McDonalds, you’d be McGorgeous.”

His laughter rippled out over the dark desert landscape. “That was bad. This one is worse: Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast? Because you look magically delicious.”

“Hey!” Manny interrupted, “that’s my line. He stole that from me.”

“You don’t own it,” Chester said. “Besides, I’m the one who used it first on that hot little filly we met at the Tri-State rodeo championships years ago. Remember? She bet me that I couldn’t last more than eight seconds in her saddle, and I’ll be damned if she wasn’t right.”

“How long did you make it?”

“Three. That girl knew how to—”

“That’s it!” I stomped over and grabbed both of their cigars, stubbing them out on the porch railing. When they started to complain, I took them both by the arms and hauled their butts up and out of their chairs. “You two are banned from this scene and the next.”

“Ah, come on. We were just having fun reminiscing.”

“It’s not my fault Mac stole my line.”

“I’ll make sure I give you both credit when he delivers that line.” I led them down the porch steps and nudged them in the direction of their campers. “Now git!”

Chester and Manny grumbled off into the darkness.

“When you write my next love scene,” Chester hollered back at me, “I want two redheads, one brunette, and a big bottle of baby oil.”

“Dream on, buster!”

“I better read about a marriage proposal when this is all over,” Manny added from the shadows.

I ignored them. “Okay, let’s get back to business. You two ready?”

Mac smiled over at Claire. “Is this the scene where she gets naked?”

“Mostly.”

He clapped his hands together. “I’m ready then.”

“Hold on a sec.” Claire grabbed my elbow and led me to the other end of the porch. “Mac’s not going to ask me to marry him, is he?” she whispered.

“Not yet.”

“Good, because I’m nuts about him, but I’m not quite ready for that yet.”

“Trust me, we ALL know that.” I led the way back to where good old Sweet Buns waited for us. “Okay, Mac, you start again with ‘Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast?’”

Did you have Lucky Charms for breakfast? Because you look magically delicious.”

“Oh, God. Where did you hear that one?” She unlocked the door and led him inside. The single fluorescent nightlight Jess had left on for them bathed them in a harsh flickering light.

“Your stepfather and Chester were throwing their favorite lines back and forth one night during Euchre.”

She grimaced, locked up behind them, and then spun him around so he was pinned against the door. “My lips are like Skittles. Want to taste the rainbow?”

He bent down and did just that, taking his time turning her inside out …

Chapter Eighteen

Tuesday, November 13th

LOCATION: Yuccaville side street

The wind was blowing through Yuccaville’s streets this morning, dust billowing in the air like snow, making Kate hesitant to follow through with her plan.

“Maybe we should come back tomorrow,” she told Claire, who’d agreed to come along and play lookout for her.

“No, we have to do it today.” Claire parked Ruby’s old Ford opposite the Tucson Electric Power building and shut off the engine. “His truck is the one on the left.”

“How can you tell?”

“When we were following Dory yesterday, I noticed the ‘I brake for pole dancers’ bumper sticker was crooked.”

“Claire,” I warned from the back seat, looking up from my computer screen.

She met my gaze in the rearview mirror, her eyebrows raised in fake innocence. “What?”

“That’s not right and you know it.”

“It’s probably true, though, knowing Dory.”

Undoubtedly. “Try that line again.”

“How can you tell?” Kate asked.

“When we were following Dory yesterday, I noticed the ‘My other ride is your wife’ bumper sticker was crooked.”

“Ha! That was a good one, but not quite.” I took a drink of my Corona. “One more time, smartass.”

“If the Sheriff sees you with that beer, he’s going to bust us for breaking the open container law, and this time you’re going to jail with Kate, not me.”

“Why am I going to jail?” Kate asked. “I’m just an innocent passenger.”

“Because I’ll tell him about you locking up Deputy Dipshit in exchange for my freedom.” She dodged Kate’s backhand, laughing.

“First of all,” I told them both, “we’re parked, not driving, so I can drink this. Second,” I held up my index finger and gulped down the rest of the beer, burping into my shirt collar when I finished. “The bottle is empty.” I set the bottle on the floor. “Now, Claire, let’s try this again.”

“How can you tell?” Kate asked.

“When we were following Dory yesterday, I noticed the ‘I lost three days on a whiskey diet’ bumper sticker was crooked.”

“Claire Alice Morgan,” I warned. “Do you want me to call your mother and tell her you need her advice about your sex life?”

“Yikes.” Kate turned to Claire. “She wouldn’t do that, would she?”

“She would. You know how twisted Ann is when it comes to Mom and Manny’s sex-capades.”

“I definitely would, just to watch Claire squirm. Maybe I’ll mention something about Kate and Butch while I’m at it. You three could have a group therapy session. Wouldn’t that make a funny scene?” I was chuckling just imagining it.

“Ann, your evilness knows no bounds.”

“Damned tootin’” I held my fingers over the keyboard. “Now, are we doing this or what? The wind and dust are getting worse out there the longer we wait.”

Kate poked Claire in the shoulder. “Quit screwing around, bozo, and let’s get this done before I end up choking to death on the dust trying to get that damned phone back in Dory’s rig.”

“Fine, you big wiener.”

“How can you tell?” Kate asked.

“When we were following Dory yesterday, I noticed the ‘How’s my driving?’ bumper sticker was crooked.”

A blast of wind howled past, kicking a tumbleweed up the street like a soccer ball.

“It’s too dusty out today,” Kate said.

“It’s perfect. Anyone driving by will be too distracted by the wind and shit in the air to be looking around. Plus, it’ll drown out any sounds you might make.”

“What sounds do you think I’m going to make?”

“I don’t know. You have a way of getting caught lately.”

“I managed to sneak into the Sheriff’s office and lock up Deputy Dipshit without getting caught.”

“That’s true,” Claire said. “I’m just saying this weather gives us a good diversion. Nobody is going to want to go out in it if they see you sneaking around Dory’s truck.”

“Nobody is going to see me.” Kate zipped up the black windbreaker she’d borrowed from Ruby’s closet, flipping the hood up over her head. “But for the record, you’ll never be the man your mother is.”

Claire frowned, “I’ll never be the … Cut!”

“You can’t say ‘Cut’ unless you’re Ann.”

“I can say ‘Cut’ if I want to.”

“Ann,” Kate said, turning around in the seat. “Tell Claire she’s not the writer of me.”

“Claire, you’re not the writer of Kate.”

“Fine.” Claire looked back at me, too. “But tell Kate that she needs to at least make sense if she’s going to adlib.”

“If you two keep this up, I’m going to need another beer, and my eyeballs are already floating.” I frowned through the windshield. “Crap, here comes a Sheriff’s truck.”

They both slid down in their seats, out of sight in a heartbeat.

I laughed. “Just kidding. Now let’s finish this bit.”

Claire flipped me off, and Kate stuck her tongue out at me, then returned to the scene.

“Nobody is going to see me.” Kate zipped up the black windbreaker she’d borrowed from Ruby’s closet, flipping the hood up over her head. “But for the record I think my idea was better.”

She’d wanted to drop the phone in an envelope and mail it with an anonymous note saying she’d found it at Dirty Gerties.

“I disagree. We don’t want Dory asking around about it at Dirty Gerties.”

“Why not? Nobody will know anything about his phone disappearing. There’s no way to trace it back to anyone there either, so he’ll drop the subject and go on with his life.”

“Kate, I don’t want to put anyone else in danger.”

“What danger? It’s a cellphone, Claire, not those diamonds you and Ronnie took.”

Claire started to say something else but then stopped, swallowing it. “Listen, this is better, trust me,” she said with finality. “Dory will think he misplaced his phone and that’s all. Now go.”

“Easy for you to say,” Kate grumbled, tucking her hair into her hood and tying the strings tight under her chin. “You’re not the one about to inhale a shovelful of dust.”

“Quit speaking in whine-ese and get out.”

Kate slid on a pair of Ruby’s cotton gardening gloves she’d borrowed along with the coat and shoved open her door. The wind promptly slammed it shut. “You see that?” she said to Claire. “It’s a sign not to do this.”

“It’s a sign that you’re being a wuss.”

“You do remember that I’m your pregnant sister, right? Do you really think this is a good idea in my delicate condition?”

Claire pointed out the window toward the two work trucks. “Now, Kathryn Lynette!”

“You have no respect for a pregnant woman.”

“I’m teaching your unborn child morals. Now go return that damned phone.”

“You teaching morals? Oh, that’s rich.” She wrinkled her nose at Claire and then pushed her door open, keeping her back to the wind.  …

One gun + two turkeys + three Morgan sisters = One helluva Jeep ride!

It’s Thanksgiving Day in Jackrabbit Junction and the feathers are flying before the food even hits the table.

What starts out as a quick trip to pick up a turkey turns into another messy Morgan sisters’ mystery filled with hijinks and adventure.

Never has Thanksgiving been so wild!

(Note: This is volume 4.5 in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series.)

EBOOK Links:

Amazon

B&N Nook

Apple

Kobo

PRINT Links:

Amazon

B&N

Ann Charles’ Store (for an autographed copy)

It seems only fitting that I add the birth of a new book to the desert—In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse (Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series #5).

“The Morgan sisters are back in this sexy and screwball mystery series set in the Arizona desert. And for fans of Ms. Charles’ Deadwood series—a snarly detective just might make an appearance. You don’t want to miss this one!” ~Kristy McCaffrey, author of the Wings of the West series

In addition to links and quotes about the new book, you’ll find the following in this month’s newsletter:
* A call for promo team volunteers (aka “The Prickly Pear Posse”).
* New information about the happenings at this year’s Deadwood Fan Party weekend (June 27th-29th).
* Schedules for book signings this July in Sioux Falls and Northwest Ohio.
* Details on how to be a part of the Ann Charles’ 25er Club.
* Fun free stuff!
* What I’m working on next and estimated release dates.

Pull up a comfortable chair and read on …

Now available in Ebook and Print: In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse

(Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series – Book 5)

“Long-time fans of Ann Charles will be thrilled with her latest Jackrabbit Junction mystery, and new readers are sure to fall in love with the Morgan sisters, their daring exploits, and their extended family. Filled with danger, intrigue, snark, raging hormones, and twists galore, In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse is wicked, can’t-turn-the-page-fast-enough fun.”
~Julie Mulhern, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Country Club Murders and the Poppy Fields Adventures

THE MORGAN SISTERS ARE BACK!

When “Crazy” Kate Morgan learns that her sisters are the next targets on a killer’s to-do list, she’s hell-bent on chasing down trouble before it rides into Jackrabbit Junction.

The problem: The darn law dogs keep nipping at her heels, tossing her in the hoosegow, and sidetracking her hunt.

The solution: A posse—the pricklier the better.

If Kate can dodge this peck of pickles long enough to catch the killer, she can prove she’s not so “crazy” after all.

Special Guest Stars: Hanging out in Jackrabbit Junction in this book are Natalie Beals (the Morgan sisters’ cousin), Detective Cooper, and Ol’ Man Harvey from the USA Today Bestselling Deadwood Mystery series. You don’t want to miss the heated hijinks happening down in the Arizona desert!

* * *

If you like your mystery with a lot of humor and a hint of suspense, then you don’t want to miss In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse.

“I loved this book and the law dogs on the pages!” ~Francesca Garcia, Retired Phoenix Police Detective

Pick up your copy today!

EBOOK LINKS:
Amazon
Kobo
B&N Nook
Apple

PRINT BOOK at Amazon

The audio version will be out later this year.

Sign up to be part of the Prickly Pear Posse promo team

Random drawing Prickly Pear Posse winners:

Thank you for helping me to promote IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE  to the rest of the reading world.

Now for the fun stuff …

The following names were randomly drawn for the IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE prizes as a thank you for your time and generosity. Everyone who signed up to help will receive a personal, autographed Thank-You postcard and magnet by the end of August. If you didn’t win one of the prizes below, don’t despair. There will be another opportunity soon!

Camper Bottle Stopper (one each) to: Becky Humphreys, Jo Ann Reinhold, Susan Cambra

 Hot Chocolate (one each) to: Shyanna Rask, Vicki Huskey

 Poster Winners one each to: Angie Anderson, Beverly Hawkins, Cathie Burris, Claire Brezonick, Cynthia Robertson, Dawn Heje, Debbie Moore, Debbie Hawrylyshyn, Dusty Rose Ingles, Jessica Blize, Johniene Doran, June Smith, Kelly Young, Kris Meins, Lisa Black, Mark Davis, Melinda Gagnon, Michael Johnson, Scott Taylor, Sheila Fry

Moon Pie Car Coaster (one each) to: Jodi Streich, Kelley Anderson, Kim Braumann, Liz Johnston, Tami Newbold-Flynn

Metal Cutouts (one each) to: Pat Dupuy – Trailer Ornament, Gina Johnson and Yvonne Farmer – Jackrabbit, Jeanne Klinger – Metal Lizard

Skeleton coaster (one each) to: Chassity Biddix, Chelsea Zakostelecky, Christie Johnson, Deb Kasper, Gail Mathers, Jeanmarie Williams

Skeleton towel set: Raelene Cowley

Sugar skull bottle opener (one each) to: Pat Moshure and Tennille Miller

Moon Pie schooner: Rieck Eske

Moon Pie and tin (one each) to: Craig Scott and Heather Chargualaf

Sugar skull key chain (one each) to: Angie Condrey, Becky Binder, Diana Holladay, Francesca Garcia, Gaby Eppley, Hope Prentice, Sarah Sorrento, Susan Schleicher

Moon Pie key chain & bottle opener (one each) to: Dawn Marie Black, Jack Horn, Kaley Keith, Laura Wollam, Lisa Norvell, Melanie Harkless

Moon Pie magnet: Sarah German

Moon Pie playing cards: Jan Dobbins

Thank you again for your help promoting IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE, I can keep writing more stories for us all to read and laugh about together.

Until your next assignment …

Big hugs,

Ann Charles

Great jumping jackrabbits! The Morgan sisters are back in my wild and crazy new book, In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse (Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series #5).

If you’d like to join me in letting others know about the latest book, starring Claire, Ronnie, Kate, Natalie and a certain Deadwood detective, sign up to become a member of the Prickly Pear Posse by sending an email to reader@anncharles.com with your full name and mailing address with Cahoots Posse in the subject line.

(NOTE—My server can be a persnickety pain in the keister, so if it rejects your email, you can send me a message with all the information on the Ann Charles website on the Connect page. I’ll make sure you’re added to the list.)

As usual for my Prickly Pear Posse superstars, I will have a drawing for some fun prizes for those who sign on to help me get the word out about In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse the newest Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series adventure.

Detailed instructions will be emailed starting on June 24th. You don’t need to wait to start promoting In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse, and if you’ve already shared on FaceBook or another social media venue (or left us a book review), just let me know about it by emailing to reader@anncharles.com.

FREE STUFF!

To celebrate the release of In Cahoots with the. Prickly Pear Posse, the fifth book in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series, I’m giving away a free autographed bookmark.

To receive a bookmark, send your name and physical mailing address with CAHOOTS BOOKMARK in the Subject line to reader@anncharles.com (or send me an email via my Connect page with the above details).

UPDATES! 2019 Deadwood Fan Weekend

FOR FANS COMING TO DEADWOOD THIS YEAR FOR THE FAN PARTY EVENTS: In addition to my book signings and other fan-fun events during the weekend while I’m in Deadwood (see below), we are having a raffle drawing to raise funds for the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead. This building was featured in Book 4 of the Deadwood Mystery Series, Better Off Dead in Deadwood.

THE PRIZE: The original, professionally framed, 11″ x 17″ 2019 Fan Party poster drawn by C.S. Kunkle (who also creates my cover art and illustrations … and who also happens to be my brother).

(100 limited numbered prints of this poster will be available for sale by C.S. Kunkle on Saturday, June 29th, from 3-5 pm adjacent to the conference/party room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Deadwood)

You have to purchase the tickets in person at the Lead-Deadwood Art Center or from me at my signings.

2019 DEADWOOD FAN PARTY SCHEDULE:

(NOTE: No reservations are necessary for any of the following events.)

THURSDAY, June 27th

What: Casual get-together at Stampmill restaurant in Lead for dinner and drinks
When: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Stampmill, 305 W Main St, Lead, South Dakota 57754 (Ph. 605-717-0554)

FRIDAY, June 28th

What: Booksigning at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead
When: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, 160 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754 (Ph. 605-584-3110)

SATURDAY, June 29th

What: Booksigning at Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates in Deadwood
When: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates, 420 Cliff St, Deadwood, SD 57732 (Ph. 605-722-2447)

What: Fan party pre-show booksigning/art sale with Terri Reid (Bestselling author of the Mary O’Reilly Mystery series) and Chuck (C.S.) Kunkle (illustrator of all of my books)
When: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Holiday Inn Express & Suites (in the basement where the fan party will be held), 22 Lee St, Deadwood, SD 57732 (Ph. 605-578-3330)

What: DEADWOOD FAN PARTY at the Deadwood Holiday Inn Express!!! This year we’re trying something new–come dressed as one of Ann’s characters (from any of her books). You can just add a fun hat OR go all out with your costume OR don’t dress up at all (but do wear clothes, please–ha ha ha). Whatever is comfortable for you. (Ann and her husband will be dressing in costumes for the event.) Door prize drawings and the Fan Party Poster raffle drawing will be held during the party.
When: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm)
Where: The Deadwood Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 22 Lee St, Deadwood, SD 57732 (Ph. 605-578-3330)

What: Post-Party Ann Charles’ Bash at the Buffalo Bodega starring the Jade Monkey Band
When: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Where: Buffalo Bodega, 658 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 (Ph. 605-578-1162)

FUN SPECIAL GUESTS!
* Bestselling author of the Mary O’Reilly Mystery series, Terri Reid, will be joining us this year with fun ghost stories. She’ll be selling and signing some of her books before the fan party starts and giving away a great gift to those who come to meet her at the fan party!
* My illustrator and cover artist, C.S. Kunkle, will be hanging out with us on Saturday night at the fan party, too. He’ll be set up outside of the party room at the Holiday Inn Express in advance to sign/sell his artwork.
* Saturday evening after the fan party, the Jade Monkey Band will be playing hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s over at the Buffalo Bodega (restaurant/bar) to finish out the fan party fun! The show starts at 9 p.m. We’ll be ending the fan party between 8-8:30 pm so the group can move over to the Buffalo Bodega to enjoy the Jade Monkey Band along with more food and drinks.

2019 Sioux Falls and Northwest Ohio JULY Meet & Greet Events

I’ll be stopping in my travels this summer at three locations after I wrap up the weekend in Deadwood.

JULY 3rd:
Siouxland Libraries, Prairie West Branch
_Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 7 pm – 8 pm _
7630 W 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3830
PH: 605-978-6899
I’ll be selling and signing books at the library.
[Click here to REGISTER for this event]https://siouxland.libnet.info/event/1815742

JULY 8th
Defiance County Libraries, Johnson Memorial Library
Monday, July 8th at 6 pm
116 W High St, Hicksville, OH 43526
PH: 419-542-6200
http://www.defiancelibrary.org/about/johnson-memorial-library
I’ll be selling and signing books at the library.

JULY 11th
Williams County Public Library, Styker Branch
Thursday, July 11th, at 6 pm
304 South Defiance Street, Stryker, OH 43557
PH: 419-682-5081
https://www.mywcpl.org/stryker
I’ll be selling and signing books at the library.

Are you ready to join the 25er Club?

As of April 2019, I have published 25 books. (My newest book, In Cahoots with the Prickly Pear Posse, makes 26!)

To celebrate this milestone, I decided to reach out to readers who have joined me on this 25 book journey and reward them for their long hours spent hanging out with the characters from my head. Reward how (you ask)? With a fun “Ann Charles’ 25er Club” autographed magnet.

For details on how to be a member of the 25er Club and receive your free magnet, check out my blog post about the 25er Club!

Wrap Up

Don’t Let It Snow in Deadwood on Audiobook

For those of you who enjoy listening to my books while driving, walking the dog or cat, grocery shopping for the week, or balancing your checkbook, the audio version of Don’t Let It Snow in Deadwood is in the process of being recorded. The plan is to have the audiobook available in October/November, just in time for Christmas fun!

2019 South Dakota Festival of Books (October 4th-6th)

Sam Lucky and I will be heading back to Deadwood this October 4th-6th for the 2019 South Dakota Festival of Books. We hope to see some of you there at the festival for a great weekend full of authors, books, and hopefully some drinking, eating, and merriment. For more information on the other attendees, presenters, and events, check out the SD Festival’s website.

Next up from my right brain…

Book 2 from the new Deadwood Undertaker Series: A Long Way from Ordinary
My husband and I are teaming up again to write the second book in the new Deadwood Undertaker series. If you’ve ever wondered what happened in town back when Prudence, Ms. Zuckerman, Ms. Wolff, Big Jake Tender, and the other folks from Deadwood’s past were alive and kicking in Deadwood, check out this new western action/adventure series with a solid dose of supernatural excitement! We’re hoping to have this book out by late summer 2019.

Book 11 in the Deadwood Mystery Series (title to be announced later):
Violet and the crew will be back for more laughs, spooky adventures, and rocky rides. Look for this new Deadwood Mystery novel in December 2019!

Book 3 in the Dig Site Mystery Series (title to be announced later):
I keep hearing rumbles from the Maya jungle in the distance. Stay tuned for more digging in the dirt with Quint and Angélica in early 2020.

Remember, for those of you who use Amazon and Bookbub, you can sign up for release alerts on my new books when they’re available.

Thank you for hanging out with me in the land of fiction!

Ann

The post NEWSLETTERS Ann’s June News: The Morgan Sisters are BACK in Jackrabbit 5 first appeared on Ann Charles.]]> 4914 https://anncharles.com/ann-charles-puzzles/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ann-charles-puzzles https://anncharles.com/ann-charles-puzzles/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2020 01:08:47 +0000 http://anncharles.com/?p=5309 Enjoy putting these puzzles together of some of my calendar photos and CS Kunkle’s illustrations from my Deadwood Mystery Series,  Deadwood Undertaker Series and AC Silly Circus.         Nearly Departed in Deadwood   Optical Delusions in [...]

Enjoy putting these puzzles together of some of my calendar photos and CS Kunkle’s illustrations from my Deadwood Mystery Series,  Deadwood Undertaker Series and AC Silly Circus.

 

 

 

 

---

Nearly Departed in Deadwood

 

---

Optical Delusions in Deadwood

---

Dead Case in Deadwood 

---

Better Off Dead in Deadwood

---

Calendar photos

  

---

AC Silly Circus

---

Deadwood  Undertaker Series

---

Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series

The post PUZZLES Ann Charles Puzzles first appeared on Ann Charles.]]>

August is the time of year I daydream about in the middle of winter, because it means I get to walk around our house in my T-shirt equivalent of a mumu and not brush my hair for days–it’s in a long-term ponytail. It’s also my birthday month, so I always look forward to a day of doing and eating whatever I want. This year, I asked for a Dutch baby and bacon for breakfast and when I finally had room to eat again, I just wanted a good, thick-crust pizza (and molasses cookies for dessert). After gorging on all of this yummy food, I hauled my buns to bed and read a book. Man, oh man, is that exciting stuff or what? Ha ha ha!

Anyway, I hope you are staying healthy and keeping busy, as well as finding books, movies, series, outside work, and more to keep your mental and emotional spirits lifted during these crazy times.

On to this month’s newsletter … I have some fun things to share with you, including:
* The audiobook versions of DEVILS DAYS IN DEADWOOD (Deadwood Mystery Series Book 11) and FATAL TRADITIONS (Deadwood Shorts 5).
* News about an upcoming sale for THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE and more news about the Jackrabbit Junction series.
* A contest where you can win 30 Paranormal and Sci-Fi romances.
* Videos of virtual book signings, behind-the-scenes book talks, and a funny new “show” starring Robyn Peterman and me.
* And more!

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD–Available in Audio

Now you can listen to Violet’s latest wild and wonderful adventures in Deadwood…
DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” ~William Shakespeare

Violet Parker knows better than to play with devils. They always cheat, especially when lives are at stake. Deadwood’s charming, troublemaking, and soul-sucking devils are no different, and they’re biting at her heels.

But the clock is ticking and Violet has no choice—she must risk her life to save her treasured Aunt Zoe. With any luck, she might be able to trick the devils and beat the old terrors at their own game. If not, Deadwood could end up short one Executioner.

“Executioners don’t duck, they swing.” ~Violet Parker

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD is available as an ebook and print book, too. For links, check out the Deadwood Series page on my website.

TO LISTEN TO DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD, click on the link below depending on your location. (Note: It may be available in other countries via Amazon and Audible as well.):

US AMAZON
US AUDIBLE

CANADA AMAZON
CANADA AUDIBLE

UK AMAZON
UK AUDIBLE

AUSTRALIA AMAZON
AUSTRALIA AUDIBLE

FATAL TRADITIONS–Available on Audio

Fatal Traditions (Deadwood Shorts 5) is also available as an audiobook on Amazon and Audible, and coming soon to Apple. Below are links to this fun-filled story read by Lisa Larsen:

US AMAZON
US AUDIBLE

UK AMAZON
UK AUDIBLE

CANADA AMAZON
AUSTRALIA AMAZON

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE–99 Cent Ebook Sale!

I’ll be running a 99 cent sale on THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE ebook from Aug 31st-Sept 15th. That’s a $4 savings on a hilarious story filled with plenty of laughs to help you escape for lots and lots of hours!

The Morgan Sisters are back … A dust devil of mystery and mayhem pulls Claire into a storm full of rowdy sisters, ominous threats, relationship snafus, and a dangerous mine that could be a treasure trove of trouble. It’s only a matter of time before this rumble turns into an all-out calamity!

AMAZON
APPLE
KOBO
NOOK

The Morgan Sisters Are Taking a Trip for a Few Months…

AFTER SEPTEMBER 15th, I’m going to place my Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series ebooks into the Kindle Unlimited program for a few months, which means they will NOT be available anywhere EXCEPT through Amazon. If you’re a Nook, Kobo, or Apple reader and you want to escape to Southeastern Arizona for some wild and crazy times with the hilarious Morgan Sisters, grab these ebooks soon!

For links to these ebooks, go to my Jackrabbit Junction series page on my website.

NOTE: This only applies to ebooks, not print books or audiobooks.

Win a Bundle of Paranormal and Sci-Fi Romances!

If you want another out-of-this-world romance to add to your TBR pile, you can enter to win my ebook, LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN, on BookSweeps today—plus 30 exciting Paranormal & Sci-Fi Romances from a great collection of authors… AND a brand new eReader!

This contest will end September 3rd.

Here’s the link: Paranormal and Sci-Fi Romance Contest Page

Live Events on Facebook (and now YouTube) for Your Viewing Entertainment…

I’ve been busy lately shooting “live” videos and plan to have a lot more fun online this fall with those of you who want to join me.

Ann’s Online Book Signing

Online Book Signing: Earlier this month (August 15th and 16th), I tried my first “live” book signing on Facebook and it was a blast! I plan to have another online book signing in October when the third Deadwood Undertaker book is available.

How did it work? Viewers ordered an autographed print book through my Ann Charles Store on my website, they let me know what they wanted me to write and to whom, and then I signed their books online while they watched/commented, chatting back and forth with them a little while I signed.

If you’d like to see how the event went and what it’s like to sit with an author during a book signing, check out the video of Saturday’s signing!

Shooting the Sh*t with Ann & Robyn

A good friend of mine, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Robyn Peterman, and I have a blast when we are together either in person or on the phone. During one late night phone call, we decided it might be fun to hang out together online and talk about life and writing and whatever else comes to mind while “live” on Facebook to enjoy more interaction with our readers and friends. From the start, we didn’t want this to be the typical “author interview” type of show. We wanted it to be more like we’re sitting at a cafe or bar while we share stories and laughs with each other and anyone who wants to hang out with us virtually. Viewers can comment and join in the discussions if they want, or just watch and enjoy. We decided to call our show: Shooting the Sh*t with Ann and Robyn, and the first show is available to view on my YouTube page if you want to check it out.

We had a great reception to the first show and are in the midst of planning the next couple. We are thinking we’ll do a live broadcast once a month. If you are on Facebook, the next show will be shared to our author pages for those who “like” and/or “follow” us. If you’re not on Facebook, we’ll share the videos on YouTube afterward.

Behind the Scenes with Ann Charles … more to come

Back between March and early June, I did some Facebook Live “shows” for an hour or so once a week, talking with readers and answering questions about my books. I did eleven shows covering books 1-10 in the Deadwood Mystery series, and all five Deadwood Shorts.

If you need something to listen to while working on a puzzle, enjoying a cold drink in the shade, or taking a walk, you can find links to these shows on my Behind the Scenes with Ann Charles website page.

Starting in September, I’ll be doing more of these Behind the Scenes with Ann shows. The next one will be SEPTEMBER 12th at 4 pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) and focus on the first Deadwood Undertaker book, LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT. Stay tuned on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more details or check my calendar of events page on my website.