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Dancer #1
Dancer
Hilary James (`Mousie') is sixteen when she wins The Fuller Trophy jumping with her horse Dancer at the Royal Winter Fair. Her triumph is rewarded with an invitation to perform in England for Queen Elizabeth, but she has also attracted the unwanted attention of the evil Samuel Owens who plots to acquire Dancer for his niece, Sara. Thwarted in his initial attempt to purchase the horse, Owens has his hired man, Chad Smith, try to steal it. Mousie has a dream in which a beautiful blond horsewoman warns her of impending danger. She wakes to discover Chad Smith, syringe in hand, in Dancer's stall. Chad Smith is killed in the ensuing scuffle and his employer comes under suspicion. Dancer is flown to Highgrove, the country home of Prince Charles, and Mousie arrives with her mother Christine at `Clusters' -- an English manor, once the home of Arabella, the second wife of the Duke of Dewbury, now both long dead. Mousie finds an antique lady's hunting whip which she feels certain must have belonged to Arabella, and later discovers a portrait of her riding side-saddle. It is the same woman who appeared in Mousie's dreams.
196 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 1996
2 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Peterson
21 books56 followersShelley Peterson is the best-selling author of numerous young adult novels, including DANCER, ABBY MALONE, SUNDANCER, and MYSTERY AT SADDLE CREEK.
She was born in London, Ontario, and was trained in theatre arts at the Banff School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University, and the University of Western Ontario.
She works as a professional actress, and has more than 100 stage, film, and television credits to her name. Peterson has had a lifelong love of animals big and small, with particular interest in horses.
She divides her time between Toronto and Fox Ridge, a horse farm in the Caledon hills, which she shares with her husband, three children, and the family dog.
She was born in London, Ontario, and was trained in theatre arts at the Banff School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University, and the University of Western Ontario.
She works as a professional actress, and has more than 100 stage, film, and television credits to her name. Peterson has had a lifelong love of animals big and small, with particular interest in horses.
She divides her time between Toronto and Fox Ridge, a horse farm in the Caledon hills, which she shares with her husband, three children, and the family dog.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 25, 2022
Wow... I never expected this one to be a thriller but it sure was! Not only is it full of horse action but plenty of scary, dangerous thrills too ... The type that might kill you! The horse world in these pages is far more dangerous than one thinks! Otherwise the cover image gives you a very good idea what this story is about: competing in show jumping for trophies and how having the best horse matters. Unfortunately other people may want your horse.
The story involves a variety of different types of jumps under different conditions. Plus there is a ghost story too! I really enjoyed that part as it made the tale more interesting.
So I was very hooked on this one! The pages and the story just flew by. There were a few slow passages with social chitchat but then somehow that made the very intense moments that followed way more intense! There were a few times when I had thought things had been settled only for an even worse problem to emerge.
And the climax! Wow! What a real doozie! On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10 all right!
I also found it very easy to relate to Mousie (real name Hilary). We have a lot in common as she is one of those girls who doesn't fit in too well with other girls. Maybe because she is too busy with her horse. And Dancer is definitely one of those one-person-only horses. You know the kind. Wild and rearing around strangers but well behaved for his one human. Mousie has great instincts and is a natural at sensing things. That is probably why she has such a great relationship with her horse.
And Dancer really brought this story alive too. He is clever and often naughty! He definitely has a mind of his own. I can easily see a real horse acting this way and he truly is a gifted horse.
And the bad rich guy, Owens. Hated him! He is one of those special types of scum that can act all friendly & innocent while they try to rob you! And then say "It wasn't me!"
I certainly plan on reading the sequels to this too.
Beautiful story set in Canada by a Canadian author from the horse world.
The story involves a variety of different types of jumps under different conditions. Plus there is a ghost story too! I really enjoyed that part as it made the tale more interesting.
So I was very hooked on this one! The pages and the story just flew by. There were a few slow passages with social chitchat but then somehow that made the very intense moments that followed way more intense! There were a few times when I had thought things had been settled only for an even worse problem to emerge.
And the climax! Wow! What a real doozie! On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10 all right!
I also found it very easy to relate to Mousie (real name Hilary). We have a lot in common as she is one of those girls who doesn't fit in too well with other girls. Maybe because she is too busy with her horse. And Dancer is definitely one of those one-person-only horses. You know the kind. Wild and rearing around strangers but well behaved for his one human. Mousie has great instincts and is a natural at sensing things. That is probably why she has such a great relationship with her horse.
And Dancer really brought this story alive too. He is clever and often naughty! He definitely has a mind of his own. I can easily see a real horse acting this way and he truly is a gifted horse.
And the bad rich guy, Owens. Hated him! He is one of those special types of scum that can act all friendly & innocent while they try to rob you! And then say "It wasn't me!"
I certainly plan on reading the sequels to this too.
Beautiful story set in Canada by a Canadian author from the horse world.
November 27, 2020
This book immediately starts with the main character, Mousie and her horse Dancer riding in the Royal Winter Fair. There is never a dull moment from then on. We read the story from both Mousie and her mother Christine’s point of view. I liked getting to hear what it felt like for a mother to watch her daughter go through all the amazing experiences that a Mousie does.
The book covers Mousie’s life from ages 16 to 18. Lots of exciting and terrifying things happen during this time period. The antagonists are relentless in their schemes to steal Dancer.
The most exciting part of the story was the trip to England of course. I’m a big fan of the royal family, as are my mother and grandmother. So I was so excited when Mousie is invited to perform for Her Majesty. The setting of the story is mostly in Ontario, Canada though. This was very exciting for me as I am a proud Canadian and Ontarian.
And of course, how could I not talk about Dancer!? The relationship between Mousie and Dancer is beautiful. I love how they accept Dancer for who he is and don’t try to make him do anything he doesn’t want to. Dancer is a sweet, talented and very caring horse. He will do anything for his girl, Mousie. No wonder people wanted him for themselves as he is a incredible horse. But the lengths at which the people went to get him was horrifying.
I really enjoyed this and will be a firm favourite of mine for many years to come!
The book covers Mousie’s life from ages 16 to 18. Lots of exciting and terrifying things happen during this time period. The antagonists are relentless in their schemes to steal Dancer.
The most exciting part of the story was the trip to England of course. I’m a big fan of the royal family, as are my mother and grandmother. So I was so excited when Mousie is invited to perform for Her Majesty. The setting of the story is mostly in Ontario, Canada though. This was very exciting for me as I am a proud Canadian and Ontarian.
And of course, how could I not talk about Dancer!? The relationship between Mousie and Dancer is beautiful. I love how they accept Dancer for who he is and don’t try to make him do anything he doesn’t want to. Dancer is a sweet, talented and very caring horse. He will do anything for his girl, Mousie. No wonder people wanted him for themselves as he is a incredible horse. But the lengths at which the people went to get him was horrifying.
I really enjoyed this and will be a firm favourite of mine for many years to come!
May 22, 2016
It's nice to read something from a local talent. I met Shelley at a book-signing here in Ontario, and her farm is just half and hour away from where I live.
February 8, 2013
Best horse book ever! If you love horses read this book! The series is amazing!
August 5, 2014
There's nothing like a good Canadian horse story to warm the heart.
April 16, 2024
extrem viele Klischees aber voller Spannung
November 7, 2013
All time favourite book... No lie
March 9, 2015
I read this as a kid and really enjoyed it. I wanted to be an Olympic rider and Mousie getting to ride in front of the Queen was just the coolest thing ever, I thought.
June 29, 2015
Why in the world do I love this book so much? Maybe because of the casual references to British royalty. Maybe it's because it's Canadian. Nevertheless, I love this book.
August 17, 2019
This was one of my favourite books growing up and I’ve read it many many times.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews