4.3 (3,685 ratings)

Nearly Departed in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 1

Name: Nearly Departed in Deadwood: Deadwood Mystery, Book 1
Rating: 4.3 (3685 reviews)
Author: Ann Charles
ISBN: B00F4IHINU

by Ann Charles

ghosts

About this book

Single mom Violet Parker is desperate for a fresh start, but Deadwood, South Dakota, is proving to be anything but peaceful. With her realtor career hanging by a thread and a deadline looming, she lands a high-stakes listing for a crumbling Victorian estate. However, the house is more than just a fixer-upper; it is a gateway to the town’s dark, restless history. As little girls begin to vanish, Violet finds herself entangled in a sinister mystery that threatens the safety of her own daughter.

This gripping series opener masterfully blends suspense with a touch of the supernatural. While the genre leans into paranormal mystery, the narrative is anchored by witty, relatable characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning pages deep into the night. You will enjoy the classic historical tropes woven into the modern-day chaos, from the atmospheric, haunted-feeling architecture to the lingering spirits of the Old West that refuse to stay buried.

Between a malicious coworker, a creepy secret admirer, and a dangerously attractive client with hidden skeletons, Violet must decide who to trust before she becomes the next ghost story. If you are looking for an addictive read that balances heart-pounding tension with humor, this is your next obsession.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B00F4IHINU

Reader Reviews

Suspenseful and Fun

July 7, 2020

This author came on my radar as a featured author in Uncaged Book Reviews. This series seemed right up my alley, so I gave the first book a try. This is a mystery, and it’s not hard core paranormal, but it has unforgettable characters, sass, humor, romance and a few twists and turns I never expected. It’s a fun series set in Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet is trying to bring up her twin kids on her own. The cast of characters that Violet manages to pick up are a great and original supporting...

otally loved Nearly Departed in Deadwood! Can't wait to continue the series!

November 18, 2013

Read/Listened for Fun (Kindle/Audible) Overall Rating: 4.50 Story Rating: 4.75 Character Rating: 4.25 Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating) First Thought when Finished: Nearly Departed in Deadwood is a seriously fun cozy mystery that had me giggling, gasping, and growling (in a good way)! Story Thoughts: They mystery is strong in Nearly Departed in Deadwood, grasshoppers! Ann Charles knows how to write a twisty mystery that will keep you guessing. In true Jessica Fletcher style...

Awesome little read!!

April 27, 2013

So I guess I can say I really and truly loved this book! I ended up reading in a few hours and of course part of that time was when I should have been sleeping. Every time I got to a new chapter I told myself I would put it down but I didn't and then 2 am comes around and I finally finished it with a WTF! I was completely taken back with the way everything came out. Talk about a page turn, there were so many twists and turns in this book it kept you guessing who was the actual killer. Violet...

Mystery, Ghosts, Paranormal Stuff served with a side of humor.... yes please!

April 2, 2016

I am so glad I found this series. I waited to write a review until I had read several of the books in the series. Sometimes the first book is Amazing with a capital A... and then the rest of the books take a downhill turn... they just never live up to the first book. That is definitely NOT the case here. The books are written in such a way that you feel like you know these people... when you aren't reading you wonder what they are up to... hmmm... I wonder what so and so is doing... I should...

I think I was just in the wrong mood for this and most folks will enjoy it more than I did

February 1, 2013

Book Info: Genre: Humorous Mystery [with paranormal aspects (hide spoiler)] Reading Level: Adult Recommended for: Fans of mystery series with \"spunky\" heroines who have zany adventures Trigger Warnings: Really big jerk co-worker (sexist, smarmy butthead), missing children, child murder My Thoughts: I moved this series into my review queue based upon Kriss Morton's enthusiastic recommendation. I had picked up each of these books as they went on promotion through KDP prior to these...