Step into the quirky, spine-tingling world of the Deadwood Mysteries, where single mom Violet Parker juggles real estate deals, ghostly rumors, and deadly secrets in South Dakota’s historic Deadwood. Written by Ann Charles, this series blends cozy mystery, paranormal chills, and laugh-out-loud humor, making it a hidden gem for fans craving a unique adventure. With Violet’s purple boots leading the way, each book delivers suspense and heart in a town where the past haunts the present.
From vanishing girls to haunted houses, the Deadwood Mysteries pull readers into a rollercoaster of thrills, romance, and small-town charm. Whether you’re a mystery buff or just love a sassy heroine, this series promises a wild ride through Deadwood’s shadowy streets.
How Deadwood Mysteries Began
Ann Charles, a USA Today bestselling author, dreamed up the Deadwood Mysteries while visiting her mother near Deadwood, South Dakota. Pregnant with her second child, Charles imagined a single mom navigating the town’s rough-and-tumble vibe and haunted history. Violet Parker, a plucky real estate agent with a knack for stumbling into trouble, was born. Charles, armed with a B.A. in English from the University of Washington, wove her love for Deadwood’s gold-rush past and ghostly lore into a series that debuted in 2011 with Nearly Departed in Deadwood, which snagged the Daphne du Maurier Award and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.
The Heart of Deadwood Mysteries
The series kicks off with Nearly Departed in Deadwood, where Violet, desperate to protect her twins and save her job at Calamity Jane Realty, investigates missing girls while selling a dilapidated Victorian. Optical Delusions in Deadwood ups the ante as Violet tackles a haunted house tied to a murder-suicide, dodging ghostly threats. Dead Case in Deadwood sees her unravel a body-part theft ring at a funeral parlor, while An Ex to Grind in Deadwood throws mysterious calls and ticking clocks into the mix. Each book layers suspense with Violet’s chaotic personal life—think meddling exes, quirky sidekicks like Old Man Harvey, and a slow-burn romance with the enigmatic Doc Nyce.
Deadwood itself is a character, its historic streets and eerie vibes grounding the series’ blend of mystery, paranormal, and humor. Themes of resilience, family, and facing fears shine through Violet’s journey as a single mom in a town where danger lurks. Charles’s witty dialogue and fast-paced plots keep readers hooked, while the supernatural hints—ghostly sightings, creepy calls—add goosebumps without overwhelming the cozy mystery core. The series’ South Dakota setting, rich with gold-rush history, makes every adventure feel like a step back in time.
Why Deadwood Mysteries Resonates
The Deadwood Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning a loyal fanbase for their fresh take on suspense and character-driven storytelling. Readers rave about Violet’s relatable struggles and the colorful cast, from her precocious twins to the grumpy detective Cooper. The series’ mix of humor, heart, and paranormal thrills has inspired fan notebooks for tracking “Harvey-isms” and plot theories, showing its immersive appeal. Its awards and glowing reviews highlight Charles’s knack for balancing spooky and funny, making it a standout for readers seeking more than a standard whodunit.
As of 2025, with 14 books and counting, the series continues to grow, with fans eagerly awaiting Violet’s next adventure. Its impact lies in proving that a small-town setting and a gutsy heroine can deliver big-time thrills, cementing Deadwood Mysteries as a must-read for mystery lovers.
- First book published: 2011
- Total books: 14 (plus novellas)
- Awards: Daphne du Maurier (2010), RWA Golden Heart (2011)
- Setting: Deadwood, South Dakota
Grab Nearly Departed in Deadwood and dive into a world of mystery, laughs, and ghostly chills—Violet Parker’s purple boots are waiting to lead you through Deadwood’s wild streets!