Picture a Seattle storyteller who traded technical manuals for tales of mystery and mayhem—meet Ann Charles! This USA Today Bestselling author has captivated readers with her blend of humor, suspense, and supernatural twists, most notably through her award-winning Deadwood Mystery series. With a knack for crafting quirky characters and thrilling plots, Charles has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre, all while juggling life as a devoted mom and wife.
The Making of Ann Charles
Ann Charles grew up with a passion for storytelling, a spark that led her to earn a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. For over a decade, she honed her skills in the structured world of technical writing for a software company. But her heart belonged to fiction, where she could unleash her imagination. In 2011, she took the leap, debuting with Nearly Departed in Deadwood, a novel that won the 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award and the 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award, marking her arrival as a mystery maestro.
Ann Charles’s Unforgettable Stories
Charles’s Deadwood Mystery series, set in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota, follows Violet Parker, a feisty single mom and realtor navigating kidnappings, ghosts, and quirky locals. Nearly Departed in Deadwood kicks off the series with Violet racing to solve child abductions while dodging a creepy admirer and a haunted house sale. The series, now spanning over a dozen books, blends paranormal elements, romance, and laugh-out-loud humor. Her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series, starring Claire Morgan, brings similar wit to Arizona’s dusty landscapes, with titles like Jackrabbit Junction Jitters unraveling treasure hunts and family chaos. Charles also explores archaeology in her Dig Site Mystery series, featuring Quint Parker, Violet’s brother, in jungle-set adventures like Look What the Wind Blew In. Her style—vivid, humorous, and suspenseful—draws comparisons to Janet Evanovich, but Charles’s supernatural flair and richly drawn settings make her voice distinct.
Short stories like Deadwood Shorts: Seeing Trouble and novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series showcase her versatility, while her Deadwood Undertaker series, co-written with Sam Lucky, dives into western paranormal tales. Each work reflects Charles’s love for complex characters and her ability to weave humor into high-stakes mysteries.
Why Ann Charles Matters
Ann Charles has redefined cozy mysteries by infusing them with paranormal intrigue and irreverent humor, earning her a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. Her ability to balance motherhood and a prolific writing career resonates with readers, while her vivid portrayal of Deadwood’s history brings the town to life. As a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America, she inspires aspiring authors, proving that passion and persistence can turn dreams into bestsellers. Her stories remind us that even in chaos, humor and heart can shine through.
- Born: Details unavailable, but based in Seattle.
- Key Works: Nearly Departed in Deadwood, Jackrabbit Junction Jitters, Look What the Wind Blew In.
- Awards: 2010 Daphne du Maurier Award, 2011 RWA Golden Heart Award, Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015, 2016.
Ready for a wild ride through Deadwood’s haunted streets? Snag Nearly Departed in Deadwood and dive into Ann Charles’s thrilling, laugh-out-loud mysteries!