Worst Hand Wins in Deadwood by Lynn Donovan plunges readers into a whirlwind of mystery, betrayal, and uncanny occurrences, all set against the rugged backdrop of late 19th-century Deadwood, a notorious town known for its lawlessness and gold rush fever. The novel intertwines historical authenticity with a compelling supernatural twist, delivering an engaging reading experience that both historical fiction and paranormal aficionados will appreciate.

The story opens as Jack McCollough, a down-on-his-luck gambler with a mysterious past, arrives in Deadwood, clutching the last of his fortunes and a deeply buried secret. His knack for poker has always been his lifeline, but Deadwood presents a game far deadlier than he's ever played. Here, Jack doesn't just gamble with money but with his life, as he gets entangled with key historical figures and ghostly apparitions that still haunt the saloons and dank alleyways of the town.

Donovan's writing flourishes when portraying the vibrant yet volatile atmosphere of Deadwood. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, the setting becomes a character on its own, ensnaring the heroine and reader alike. Streets lined with the desperate, the hopeful, and the sinister are depicted so richly that one can almost hear the creak of the saloon doors and the distant echo of miners' picks against rock. The gambling scenes are particularly exhilarating, filled with tense moments that capture the essence of a town where fortunes are made and lost with the flip of a card.

However, it's not just the setting that intrigues but also the characters that Donovan crafts with a careful blend of historical facts and creative liberty. Jack, as the protagonist, is complex and well-developed. His interactions with real-life figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane add a layer of authenticity and thrill to the narrative, bridging the gap between the earthly and the spectral. The secondary characters, too, are not mere backdrops but have their motives and depths, particularly the enigmatic Lily, whose ties with the supernatural are slowly unraveled through the plot.

The supernatural element of Worst Hand Wins in Deadwood is arguably what sets this novel apart from typical historical narratives. Donovan introduces this layer with a subtlety that complements rather than overpowers the historical context. The hauntings and eerie premonitions blend seamlessly with the gritty realities of Deadwood, enhancing the suspense without resorting to clichés. This spectral ambiance is not merely for thrills but also acts as a metaphor for the hidden greeds and fears gnawing at the hearts of Deadwood’s denizens.

A crucial piece of the narrative puzzle is the theme of redemption that courses through the novel. Jack’s journey is not just a fight for survival but a quest for redemption from his past sins. The poker games in Deadwood offer more than financial salvation; they are a conduit for Jack's personal salvation, making each game a poignant reflection of his internal battles. This thematic depth adds a rich layer of meaning to the plot, inviting readers to ponder the moral dimensions of luck, fate, and redemption.

Despite these strengths, the novel does occasionally suffer from pacing issues. The middle sections, laden with multiple subplots involving minor characters, sometimes divert from the central narrative and dilute the tension built in the early chapters. However, Donovan skillfully steers the story back on track, propelling it toward a climax that is both unexpected and satisfying.

Moreover, the dialogue, while capturing the vernacular of the time, occasionally feels anachronistic, which might momentarily pull the reader from the immersive experience. Yet, these are minor quibbles in a novel that largely succeeds in delivering a compelling blend of historical drama and supernatural intrigue.

In conclusion, Worst Hand Wins in Deadwood by Lynn Donovan is a commendable novel that offers a rich tapestry of characters and settings, all while weaving a thrilling narrative of risk and resolution. Fans of historical fiction looking for a touch of the paranormal will find this book a delightful read. The novel is not just a journey through the dusty, ghost-laden streets of Deadwood but also a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring themes of greed, power, and redemption. It’s a bold, imaginative work that both entertains and provokes thought, proving that sometimes the worst hand might just lead to the highest stakes.