Optical Delusions in Deadwood (Deadwood Mystery #2) by Ann Charles
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
In Six Words: Violet’s full of sass and snark!
Links
Ann Charles – Website | Twitter
Amazon – Paperback | Kindle
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Books in this series
1. Nearly Departed in Deadwood
2. Optical Delusions in Deadwood
3. Dead Case in Deadwood
4. Better Off Dead in Deadwood
Synopsis
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.
My Thoughts
I had no idea when I started this series that I’d enjoy it so much that I’d want to jump straight into book 2 with barely a break. But I do! And I did! And now we’re here, spending more time with Violet and her accidentally trouble making ways.
This book started off a little slower than book 1 (you can read that as “I didn’t almost snort my coffee out my nose within the first few pages as I did with the first book”) and it took a bit of time to build up to the real meat of the mystery. This wasn’t particularly bothersome since Violet’s trademark snark was present in spades. No lie Violet’s banter with all those who crossed her path was FUN. And the secondary characters… good gravy! I just love the people who are gravitating into her orbit. From her daughter’s best friend’s skeevy dad (who wants to sow some wild oats with Violet because she seems ripe for his plow — O.O) to Harvey (who says exactly what he’s thinking in the most innuendo laden way possible) to sexy Doc Nyce (*purr*) — they all make this book shine. Between the gossip, the ghosts, and the sexual exploits of Harvey as he seduces all the over-60 ladies in town, there’s something for everyone.
Probably the only thing that bothered me is the Violet/Natalie issue. While I understand why Violet is hesitant to break the news that she and Doc have definite sparks to Natalie (who dreamily swears up and down that Doc is “the one” and called dibs on him in book 1), the fact that Violet can’t keep her hands to herself or her panties on when Doc is nearby needs to be admitted to. Soon. Just open up and tell the girl, Violet. The longer you wait, the worse it will be. *taps foot* DO IT!
Highly enjoyable, highly entertaining, with the added bonus of a very nice set-up for the mystery Violet will be dealing with in book 3. I really loved that several of the threads that were laid out in book 1 (the finding of random severed body parts in places they shouldn’t be, Ray’s extra-curricular activities/business/smuggling operation/etc with the boys at the funeral parlor) were touched upon here. Seeing that sort of continuity makes me giddy.
I will likely be reading book 3 shortly so I can continue to get my fix of snark, sassy realtors, sexy financial planners, and ghosts.
Mary @ BookSwarm February 25, 2013 at 7:18 am
Oh, so it was YOU who got me started on this series! I really enjoyed the first one and have the next one waiting on my Kindle — so fun! The characters are great, love the setting and the magic and, well, everything. Thanks for suggesting it!!
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 25, 2013 at 8:07 am
YAY! I have corrupted you! I’ve read through book 3 now and I’m eyeballing book 4 *and* the other series Ann Charles writes. There’s something about this series (and her writing) that just makes me giggle!
Tara SG (25 Hour Books) February 25, 2013 at 9:54 am
OOOh the first in this series is on my kindle begging to be read!
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 25, 2013 at 10:12 am
I really liked how offbeat it was. There’s just so much SNARK and FUN! I can’t resist either of those.
Jenny February 25, 2013 at 9:55 am
“From her daughter’s best friend’s skeevy dad (who wants to sow some wild oats with Violet because she seems ripe for his plow — O.O)”
And I just died. That is perhaps the greatest sentence ever written, it just makes me happy:) I think this whole series would make me happy really. I’m with you on Violet though, she needs to tell Natalie what’s what immediately, waiting will definitely only make the situation worse.
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 25, 2013 at 10:17 am
The dad is funny because he’s so persistent. The idea that he just wants to go to town on poor Violet is ewwwww. But in a funny way.
The best friend thing makes sense in the broadest sense (Violet doesn’t want to lose her bestie over a guy) but at the same time… TELL HER! Because if she doesn’t, she’s going to lose this guy who treats her right and can’t keep his hands off her and… TELL HER!
Felicia S. (@thegeekyblogger) February 26, 2013 at 6:22 am
I am convinced more now that I need to move them up in my TBR. Who would of thunk it! These freebies might just end up being gems :)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 26, 2013 at 8:17 am
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed them. I really, really want to pick up book 4. I should quit saying that and just do it, shouldn’t I? *looks in the direction of Amazon with an acquisitive gleam in my eye*
Amy @ bookgoonie March 3, 2013 at 8:11 am
Ok. Ann Charles is on my wish list now. I’m very glad someone is finally taking care of all the itches for over-60 sisters.
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal March 3, 2013 at 9:07 am
LOLOLOL! The over-60 set needs love, too! This entire series is VERY fun!