A Geat Addition to the Series

When you have a series where the overall story arc becomes more important than any individual tale, you sometimes get a weak entry that continues the narrative but is unsatisfying as a self-contained book, and unfortunately the Deadwood series has had at least one of those. But I am happy to say that that is not the case with A Wild Fright in Deadwood. This is a book that answers a lot of questions and sets things up for more revelations to come.

There is a lot happening in this book. No less than 4 murders get solved, one going back as far as Book 3. Violet is gifted a magnificent new weapon. We also get two spectacular visits from Prudence the ghost, Wilda Hessler is up to her old tricks as well as some new ones at the Old Prospector Hotel, strange things are still happening in Ms. Wolff's old apartment, and there is a new haunted location to investigate along with a new other-worldly "Other" for Violet to conquer. Along the way, she also manages some sexy time with Doc.(Let me just mention here that in addition to comic para-normal mysteries, Ann Charles can sure write a steaming hot sex scene. Yowsa!)

Caroline Shaffer does an outstanding job as narrator. All of the characters - men, women and children - have distinct, recognizable voices, which is no mean feat. I have re-listened to all of the Deadwood books many times, and the combination of Ann Charles' hilarious prose with Ms. Shaffer's voice is the reason.

The only complaint I have is that I don't understand why the audiobook version didn't get released until 8 months after the printed book came out. This delay also happened with the last book. These books are simply meant to be listened to, and my reading them aloud really doesn't take the place of a great narrator!

As with many series, the listener would be confused if they started with this book rather than working their way through it from Book 1. But series regulars will love this book.

5 people found this helpful

Too much "sex"...?

Would you try another book from Ann Charles and/or Caroline Shaffer?

Not Ann Charles. Caroline Shaffer, yes.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The setting and premise. The 'romance.'

What does Caroline Shaffer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She read well although there was at least one mispronunciation. No issues with the narration.

Do you think A Wild Fright in Deadwood needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

The book contained a number of "heavy petting" scenes between two mature adults, Including one in a bar/restaurant and a full-blown sex scene at the end. Not my thing and the book would have been a whole lot shorter without them. I would suspect the bar patrons would have been muttering, "Get a room" too. The plot (ghosts, etc) got rather confused too.

2 people found this helpful

Love it, but…

Maybe it is my issue for choosing the wrong genre, maybe this is more of a romance than mystery/thriller. For me there is too much sex and “lovey-dovey”ness. Gets to be a little much. Other than that, I am a fan.

1 person found this helpful

Oversexed In Deadwood

Not a bad concept and I’ve gone through several of the books but I’ve reached the point where I have to fast forward every time a Violet/Doc sexcapade comes up. The author has some serious issues with this or just needs filler and this is the simplest (i.e. laziest) way to do it. The book would be about 2/3 as long if you took out their hypersexed interludes. They can’t even have a normal conversation without Violets libido ridden fantasies playing out.

1 person found this helpful

Free but, still not worth it.

Cons:
Outdated pop culture references. I'm very close in age to the main character. Her references are more relevant for our parents' generation.
Violet thinks she should have the same info as the cops
Violet is very whiny and full of one liners but,, no real substance. She also freaks out easily and thinks everyone wants to date her.
MC is a horrible friend
I think Violet probably has a lot of participation trophies
The supernatural story has no focus. Even though we are multiple books in to the series.
Would care to hear more about the side characters and less of Violet.
I can't continue a series where I keep hoping the MC doesn't make it through to the end.

Pros:
The narrator

1 person found this helpful

Ok then... I will need the next book now

This was great. I am living for the paranormal side of the story. It gets better each book. Hence I will need to head over to the follow up

1 person found this helpful

Kept me coming back

I listen in the car on way to & from work. Definately made the drive go by faster.

1 person found this helpful

2 Question

1. Who was Elvis getting busy with?
2. Could Violet get a bit more confidence? You’re a badass shaufrickter[sic]. Act like it. Enjoy Violets sense of humor.

Funny, Sexy, scary!

Great series. Ann Charles can tell a great mystery story while adding a lot of humor and cringe worthy tense moments. Love Willis,Doc and Cooper! I identify with Aunt Zoe..she’s great.

funny story

love this series funny funny and entertaining story lines are different absolutely adore the storylines