Title: Optical Delusions in Deadwood
Author: Ann Charles
First published May 8, 2011
414 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780983256830 (ISBN10: 0983256837)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
The warlocks protecting Britain are being killed one by one, threatening the peace between Great Britain and the USSR. Two siblings, once subjects of a twisted Nazi experiment, escape from behind the Iron Curtain and seek refuge in England.
Former spy Raybould Marsh is the only one who can help them, but in doing so, he is drawn into the dark underworld of Milkweed. As he fights to protect his country, Marsh realizes that Britain’s darkest secrets from the war are still haunting them.
In The Coldest War, Ian Tregillis weaves a tale of espionage, betrayal, and sacrifice that forces Marsh to confront the true cost of victory.
About the Author
Meet Ann Charles, an accomplished author with an impressive list of accolades. Her book, Nearly Departed in Deadwood, won the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2010 and the RWA Golden Heart Award in 2011.
Ann is a USA Today Best Selling Author, as well as an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Author. Her writing has earned her several awards, including the Suspense Magazine Best of 2012, 2015, and 2016, the Paranormal Grand Prize from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media, and the Southern Writers Best Covers Contest.
If you pick up one of Ann’s books, be ready to experience a range of emotions. Her writing will make you laugh, cringe, and leave you wanting more.
Editoral Review
Ann Charles’ “Optical Delusions in Deadwood” is a thrilling, humorous tale that takes readers on an adventure they won’t forget. The book was first published on May 8, 2011, is part of the Deadwood Mystery series and has established Charles as one of the prominent writers in the field.
The genre is a blend of mystery, thriller, and romance, which engages the readers and attracts a wide range of audiences. The novel is set in the infamous town of Deadwood, South Dakota, where the protagonist, Violet Parker, joins a realty company.
However, before she could even establish herself, she finds herself in the middle of a series of unexplained murders that take place in the town. With the help of her family and a mysterious stranger, she sets out to solve the crimes and find the culprit before they could strike again.
But as Violet delves deeper into the case, she realizes that the situation is much more complicated than she originally thought. Optical Delusions in Deadwood is a well-written novel that combines compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and witty humor.
The main character, Violet, is relatable and likable, with a strong sense of justice and determination that allows her to overcome any obstacle. The supporting characters, including her family and the love interest, are also well-developed and contribute to the overall feel of the story.
The pacing of the book is also spot-on, with the action-packed scenes and moments of introspection perfectly balanced, keeping the readers engaged throughout. Despite being a mystery, the book doesn’t shy away from incorporating romance and humor, providing a refreshing change to the typical genre conventions.
The author also explores various themes throughout the novel, including trust, loyalty, and betrayal, which are relevant even to this day. Charles takes historical events and incorporates them into the present-day story, giving it a unique twist that makes it an enjoyable read.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some of the characters seem underdeveloped, and the resolution of the mystery could’ve been more satisfying.
However, these minor issues do not detract from the overall story, and the strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. In conclusion, “Optical Delusions in Deadwood” is a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling mystery with a touch of humor and romance.
The book offers a unique and engaging story that will keep the readers entertained until the very end. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 for its compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and witty humor.