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Bluegrass Peril
WHO KILLED HER BOSS?
Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time… admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure, it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing the man—even if she had opportunity.
Then, Scott Lewis, handsome assistant manager of a nearby horse farm, entered Becky's life. Soon the amateur detectives were hot on the trail of the murderer…even as their feelings for each other deepened. And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks had the greatest stakes of life or death.
Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time… admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure, it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing the man—even if she had opportunity.
Then, Scott Lewis, handsome assistant manager of a nearby horse farm, entered Becky's life. Soon the amateur detectives were hot on the trail of the murderer…even as their feelings for each other deepened. And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks had the greatest stakes of life or death.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Smith
123 books352 followersUSA Today bestselling author Virginia Smith has written over fifty books with sales exceeding 1 million copies worldwide. Her book, Guilty Secrets, was recently produced as a movie now streaming on Lifetime. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, 27 chickens, a barn kitty, and a barky Maltese named Max. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.virginiasmith.org
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 22, 2018
An enjoyable mystery
This mystery revolves around a thoroughbred retirement farm in the bluegrass state. The plot was interesting and enlightening. It was a good tribute to the champions in the industry and to the people who provide for them when they’re past their prime.
This mystery revolves around a thoroughbred retirement farm in the bluegrass state. The plot was interesting and enlightening. It was a good tribute to the champions in the industry and to the people who provide for them when they’re past their prime.
February 9, 2018
i enjoyed reading the story, very interesting if you like suspense with some romance and you like animals, horses you need to read the book
October 24, 2024
Not a bad story, but felt unimpressed the whole way through it. Glad for it to be over, and try a different book.
December 8, 2007
I finished the book just moments ago. For once in my life, I have now read a mystery suspense that I couldn't guess what was going to happen next. This was really surprising and a welcome change of events. It has been quite a while since I have read any suspense novels because of that very reason, but this just might have influenced me to try again in that section. Virginia Smith did a very good job of keeping the reader on their toes and guessing. The words really could not become absorbed by my eyes and brain fast enough to keep going; I wanted to know just what would happen next.
This story brings in a mother of twins that from the very first a reader can sympathize with and feel her emotions clearly as their own with a relative part of her life. She has both good and bad in her life and tries to focus on the good and what's right, but just like all us, can become overwhelmed by the bad that she wants to fix. Another character from the very start is Scott Lewis, Scott has a past of a broken heart and does not want a repeat and therefore is very guarded with his life. Thrown in with the what-ifs of life and love and what shouldn't be... murder. Who committed the murder and why? When people start to get too close, others begin to get hurt and die. So many suspects... So many motives... where to turn and what to think?
This book was very realistic in some ways for a fiction novel. I can easily see the characters play out in real life in a similar fashion. The only part I do not buy is the un-authorized detective work performed by civilians. In this day and age with our law enforcement it is almost scary to think of investigating things. But perhaps, I've seen to many movies and heard too many stories and just find police officers suspicious and ready to jump on anyone that appears too interested... Too bad we cannot all be Nancy Drew. ;-)
This story brings in a mother of twins that from the very first a reader can sympathize with and feel her emotions clearly as their own with a relative part of her life. She has both good and bad in her life and tries to focus on the good and what's right, but just like all us, can become overwhelmed by the bad that she wants to fix. Another character from the very start is Scott Lewis, Scott has a past of a broken heart and does not want a repeat and therefore is very guarded with his life. Thrown in with the what-ifs of life and love and what shouldn't be... murder. Who committed the murder and why? When people start to get too close, others begin to get hurt and die. So many suspects... So many motives... where to turn and what to think?
This book was very realistic in some ways for a fiction novel. I can easily see the characters play out in real life in a similar fashion. The only part I do not buy is the un-authorized detective work performed by civilians. In this day and age with our law enforcement it is almost scary to think of investigating things. But perhaps, I've seen to many movies and heard too many stories and just find police officers suspicious and ready to jump on anyone that appears too interested... Too bad we cannot all be Nancy Drew. ;-)
February 10, 2011
I have enjoyed all I read from Virginia Smith so far, this book included.
Bluegrass Peril is packed full. Two twin boys who keep everyone on their toes, a murder or two, a unique story of retired horses, mysterious women, a tough decision for one woman over two men and much more.
Becky Dennison is a single mom of twins. Their father took off when they were 6 months old. Later Becky became a Christian. The last two months she has been working at Out to Pasture, a retirement farm for race horses. She comes in to work and finds her boss dead.
Scott Lewis works at the farm that leases the land for Out to Pasture. He receives the phone call from Becky to let his boss know Neal is dead.
There are many who seem guilty, the book keeps you on your toes and keeps leading in many directions. It is a great mystery and of course a love story.
Bluegrass Peril is packed full. Two twin boys who keep everyone on their toes, a murder or two, a unique story of retired horses, mysterious women, a tough decision for one woman over two men and much more.
Becky Dennison is a single mom of twins. Their father took off when they were 6 months old. Later Becky became a Christian. The last two months she has been working at Out to Pasture, a retirement farm for race horses. She comes in to work and finds her boss dead.
Scott Lewis works at the farm that leases the land for Out to Pasture. He receives the phone call from Becky to let his boss know Neal is dead.
There are many who seem guilty, the book keeps you on your toes and keeps leading in many directions. It is a great mystery and of course a love story.
March 9, 2008
Bluegrass Peril seemed more like a cozy mystery than a suspense, but I enjoyed it. I usually don't finish most of the LI Suspense stories I begin so this one kept my attention. It was romantic, but that part was minimal. The ex getting back into their lives definitely perked up the tension and I liked how she concluded that sometimes things seem right and people would like them to be right, but they are still wrong for you. I felt for Becky because she had a rough deal being a single (divorced) parent with two boys. I understood her situation and desire to restore her family, but was glad when she came to her senses. I also thought the breeding barn scene was LOL funny! Poor Becky was mortified, while Scott was oblivious.
May 23, 2015
First of all, don't pay attention to the description on the back of the book. It's wrong. There was never any blame cast toward Becky. I'm not sure where this came from...
After a murder happens, Becky and Scott team up to solve the crime. There are some twists to this book, and I am still shocked at who one of the bad guys were. I didn't expect that! That's what makes it so good...
The romance was a bit dull and slow, but the action in this book - along with the side story of Becky's adorable twins and rotten ex-husband - added to the interesting story.
After a murder happens, Becky and Scott team up to solve the crime. There are some twists to this book, and I am still shocked at who one of the bad guys were. I didn't expect that! That's what makes it so good...
The romance was a bit dull and slow, but the action in this book - along with the side story of Becky's adorable twins and rotten ex-husband - added to the interesting story.
July 30, 2009
Another fun mystery by Virginia Smith! This one takes place at a retirement farm for Thoroughbred Stallions. The culture of the breeders, plus the facts about the horses and their lives, were fascinating, and all tied up nicely with a romance and a murder (two, actually)! I ripped right through this book, unable to put it down once the first body was discovered and our two main characters met and were instantly attracted in Chapter One . . . that's good stuff!
October 10, 2008
Virginia Smith is a dream of an effortless writer and Bluegrass Peril is a fun, breezy read with believable, easily-identified-with characters and a compelling setting. Smith uses the right mixture of humor, suspense, and romance which really pulled me in and I couldn't put the book down. This writing is definitely above and beyond any romance novels I have read.
February 7, 2008
I really really loved this book! Not only is it based on horses, but it's full of suspense with a touch of romance! I loved it!
December 31, 2012
Bluegrass Peril was a really good cozy style mystery, which I like a lot, and held my attention until the very end. A very good surprise ending! I enjoyed that the story takes place where I live!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews