Through the books, readers have been wondering how Violet is able to do what she does, experience the spooky and come through. Finally, we are getting some answers but not all. Things are coming together to give the reader more information and more meat on the bones of the stories in the series.

Because this is a series, the book ended on a cliffhanger and to be honest I wanted to start the next book right away (so I did).

Several new characters made an appearance in this installment of Deadwood Mysteries that warrant a mention. First is Freesia, who Violet had an immediate connection with as the owner of a rooming house and possible client. Second, I should mention Stone Hawk (what a moniker huh?) who is a smarmy law enforcement officer who has a not-so-great history with Coop. Lastly we meet Violet's sperm donor who elicits an immediate reaction of revulsion and wondering WTH Violet was thinking in the first place.

Violet's children play a part in this storyline but it's more peripheral than other books so far. Something tells me that won't be the case for long as a picture of Violet's son is found in a murder victim’s home.

I love this series! Each book gets better and better. Every plotline is fresh and exciting. Filled with ghosts, demons, murders and other unexplainable phenomenon, every book so far in this series surpassed the previous one.

Recommend?

I recommend this series of books to everyone....I will admit I have become a bit of a fan-girl for Ms. Charles' characters and this series.

This review appeared on my website.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was asked to review this book from the author's publicist, but I received the digital book via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library or Houston Public systems. It was read as a Kindle Book.

I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.” ( )

An Ex to Grind in Deadwood is the 5th book in Ann Charles' Deadwood cozy mystery series. I have been reading these books since the beginning, and each time I enjoy returning to the world of Violet Parker in her small, South Dakota town. These are cozy mysteries with a twist - a supernatural element. Up until this book, I thought the paranormal aspect of the book was not always the main focus, but in this one the occult aspect is really ramped up.

Violet receives a mysterious phone call from an elderly woman. When Violet goes to her home, she finds the woman recently dead. And with a shrunken head! There is a strange supernatural vibe about the murder, which only increases when Violet finds out that the building where the woman lived was the site of a similar murder years before. Soon, Violet and her boyfriend Doc are searching for clues along with their friend Harvey and assorted other characters from previous novels. There is a pretty interesting seance half way through the book that is very creepy.

Solving the mystery is not the only excitement in Violet's life. Her obnoxious ex husband has arrived in town and intends to find an apartment there. Her boss at the real estate office has made a deal with a tv show for them to follow Violet around as she sells "haunted" houses. And she is dealing with being a single mom to two children. Violet has a pretty busy life.

I really enjoy this series. Reading these books is always a fun way to spend an evening. The books are not too serious, and have a dash of humor. The characters are interesting and quirky, and most of them are likable. This is one series that I recommend you start at the beginning and read the series in order. It is becoming more and more apparent that the supernatural elements of each case are connected and it feels like the books are building towards some big event. The very last pages really shocked me and I think big changes are coming. I am very excited to read the next installment in the Deadwood series.

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Deadwood, historical town of the West, is the setting for this mystery, suspense and ghost tale.

Violet’s problems keep multiplying, now her ex-sperm donor arrives threatening her and her children, while Ray, the dickhead of Calamity Realty is still trying to get her fired and the ghosts of the town are clamoring for her to help them. Lucky she has Doc Nyce who tries to protect her from all of the above.

I love this series and it just keeps getting better. I recommend you read and get caught up in the mystery, romance and paranormal events that are happening in Deadwood. ( )

An Ex to Grind is the perfect title to the newest book in the Violet Vs Deadwood Ghost saga. Because out of the blue in walks the two timing, good for nothing Rex Conner into her office looking for her special services. Not only does Violet get to go several rounds with her ex, she got her every day typical ghost issues that just don’t seem to go away. Add some Cooper, Harvey, Doc and the latest and greatest addition Stone Hawke-Coop’s ex-partner and by far the most annoying law enforcement officer Violet has had to face yet.
This story is the best in the series yet! It was far more than I expected and I literally devoured it. Ann Charles has a knack for writing in a way that makes it so hard to put the books down, and An Ex to Grind did not disappoint!
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