Robin M. (robinmy) - , reviewed on 12/24/2023 + 2106 more book reviews

Single mother Violet Parker wanted a new start in life. She and her kids move in with her aunt in Deadwood, South Dakota, where she takes a job with Calamity Jane Realty. Selling homes isn't as easy as she thought it would be. With no luck so far, she has three weeks to earn a commission, or she will be replaced. As Violet gets some new client who want to sell their homes, she learns that a couple of young blonde girls from the area have disappeared in the last year. This hits home since these girls fit the description of her daughter Addie. Violet decides to do a little sleuthing on the side to see if she can identify the kidnapper.

I've had this book for a while now and decided to give it a try. It was a mixed bag for me. The things I liked...there is a lot of humor in Violet's inner monologue which I found fun. I loved the setting of Deadwood, SD. The author nails the town with her descriptions of the small-town atmosphere and historical facts. And I loved Harvey, the crotchety gun-toting man who befriends Violet and her family. He steals many of the scenes.

What I didn't like...mainly Violet herself. She has no parenting skills. I cringed each time she dealt with her kids who could easily manipulate her. She puts up with an obnoxious co-worker who openly harasses her for all to hear. (Her boss does nothing about it either.) Worst of all, when she sees some suspicious behavior, she doesn't go to the police in case she is wrong, and that person would find out.

I'll probably give the next book a try to see if the series gets any better. My rating: 3 Stars.

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