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Saddled with Murder
A middle-aged saddler. An unexpected corpse. A witty old horse with a nose for murder.Downton Abbey meets Dick Francis in this cozy historical murder mystery.
Somerset, England, 1903. As a saddler, Miss Harriet Cobb knows she needs to get her hands dirty to make a living. But she never thought her latest saddlery job would lead her to a corpse.
With a leaky cottage roof and dwindling savings, middle-aged Harriet is on the prowl for new clients. A few sensible clients would be nice—but her neighbors seem to have more money than sense. When asked to repair a saddle for a séance (a very silly project indeed), Harriet winds up at Lady Chedington's estate with her horse, Bertie, a witty old fellow with some decidedly un-horsey habits.
Everyone knows that horses can be dangerous, but when one of Lady Chedington's guests turns up dead, Harriet and Bertie suspect foul play. Was it a simple horse accident or something more sinister? And how does haughty young Lord Byerley know a little too much about Harriet's dubious past?
Taking the reins of the investigation, Harriet and Bertie must discover which of their new neighbors is a murderer—and protect their own secrets while they're at it.
Escape to the Edwardian era, when women's hats were large, motorcars were unreliable, and murder methods were very imaginative. If you like cozy mysteries with humor, history, and witty animal sidekicks, you'll love Saddled with Murder. It's perfect for fans of classic whodunnits by M.C. Beaton, T E Kinsey, Karen Baugh Menuhin, and Dick Francis. Saddled with Murder is the first book in the series.
Pick up Saddled with Murder for a rollicking ride that will keep you guessing—and galloping—to the finish line.
Somerset, England, 1903. As a saddler, Miss Harriet Cobb knows she needs to get her hands dirty to make a living. But she never thought her latest saddlery job would lead her to a corpse.
With a leaky cottage roof and dwindling savings, middle-aged Harriet is on the prowl for new clients. A few sensible clients would be nice—but her neighbors seem to have more money than sense. When asked to repair a saddle for a séance (a very silly project indeed), Harriet winds up at Lady Chedington's estate with her horse, Bertie, a witty old fellow with some decidedly un-horsey habits.
Everyone knows that horses can be dangerous, but when one of Lady Chedington's guests turns up dead, Harriet and Bertie suspect foul play. Was it a simple horse accident or something more sinister? And how does haughty young Lord Byerley know a little too much about Harriet's dubious past?
Taking the reins of the investigation, Harriet and Bertie must discover which of their new neighbors is a murderer—and protect their own secrets while they're at it.
Escape to the Edwardian era, when women's hats were large, motorcars were unreliable, and murder methods were very imaginative. If you like cozy mysteries with humor, history, and witty animal sidekicks, you'll love Saddled with Murder. It's perfect for fans of classic whodunnits by M.C. Beaton, T E Kinsey, Karen Baugh Menuhin, and Dick Francis. Saddled with Murder is the first book in the series.
Pick up Saddled with Murder for a rollicking ride that will keep you guessing—and galloping—to the finish line.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 20, 2026
I admit that I was skeptical about reading a book with a talking horse but the reviews were good so I thought I’d give it a try. It turned out to be a perfect historical cozy mystery: a twisty plot, suspense, nd and great characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 18, 2026
Delightful
As a mystery reader I thought I had it figured out but I didn't. I'm not giving away any spoilers. If you love horses and well crafted cozy mysteries, this book is a must.
As a mystery reader I thought I had it figured out but I didn't. I'm not giving away any spoilers. If you love horses and well crafted cozy mysteries, this book is a must.
April 2, 2025
Throughly enjoyable romp with a horse and his human partner
Set in the era with horses and motorcars, sidesaddles and long skirts this story is an entertaining murder mystery. Kept me reading until the last page. Loved the dialog between horse and human!
Set in the era with horses and motorcars, sidesaddles and long skirts this story is an entertaining murder mystery. Kept me reading until the last page. Loved the dialog between horse and human!
April 25, 2025
It’s about time we got another talking horse series!
I mean, Mr Ed reruns are so old and grainy you can barely watch them! I grew up reading Walter R Brooks’ Freddy the Pig books (I’m a proud member of the pig’s fan club, the Friends of Freddy), and of course devotedly watching Brooks’ Mr Ed series. Because of Brooks, I’m a sucker for any book with talking animals. But other than Rita Mae Brown’s mostly talking cat-driven plots with occasional contributions from talking horses, the cozy mystery market suffers from a dearth of verbally communicative equines. That’s why I was so excited to stumble upon Philippa Lee Mors’ new Bertie and Harriet series. I was hopeful for a good read, but I’m honestly surprised — and thrilled!—at the excellent writing and delightfully twisty plotting in this first book. I tried to ration my reading of book 1 because book 2 won’t be out for several months, though I’ve already preordered it. But unfortunately, I couldn’t put it down. I’m an old equinophile from birth, so I loved Bertie immediately and loved all the horsey details too. But because the writing is so great and the plotting so intricate, I think even non-horsey mystery fans will adore this book. Now I just have to wait for the next book…. Thank you for these great characters, Philippa!
I mean, Mr Ed reruns are so old and grainy you can barely watch them! I grew up reading Walter R Brooks’ Freddy the Pig books (I’m a proud member of the pig’s fan club, the Friends of Freddy), and of course devotedly watching Brooks’ Mr Ed series. Because of Brooks, I’m a sucker for any book with talking animals. But other than Rita Mae Brown’s mostly talking cat-driven plots with occasional contributions from talking horses, the cozy mystery market suffers from a dearth of verbally communicative equines. That’s why I was so excited to stumble upon Philippa Lee Mors’ new Bertie and Harriet series. I was hopeful for a good read, but I’m honestly surprised — and thrilled!—at the excellent writing and delightfully twisty plotting in this first book. I tried to ration my reading of book 1 because book 2 won’t be out for several months, though I’ve already preordered it. But unfortunately, I couldn’t put it down. I’m an old equinophile from birth, so I loved Bertie immediately and loved all the horsey details too. But because the writing is so great and the plotting so intricate, I think even non-horsey mystery fans will adore this book. Now I just have to wait for the next book…. Thank you for these great characters, Philippa!
April 30, 2025
Wouldn't it be wonderful if your horse could talk to you (channeling Mister Ed) and help solve a murder? Well, Harriet's horse does just that! This is a nice mystery set in the early 1900s. Harriet is a woman saddler who rides astride (scandalous!) and has settled in a small village in England. A fun historical fiction that kept my interest throughout (although, I must admit, I'm not sure Bertie's facial expressions are possible for a horse). I'm looking forward to the sequel!
April 22, 2026
A delightful cosy mystery with a difference. Harriet Cobb is a plausible and deep character with a complex background, and Bertie, the horse she can speak with, is both a delight and a mystery in himself (how did he become such an accomplished sleuth? I feel that's a tail that might come out as the series grows). The murder mystery itself was well-told with plenty of suspects, and my guess was wrong! The sequel is just as enjoyable!
August 23, 2026
Mr. Ed in a new twist.
I love horses, so choosing to read about a story with one wasn't difficult. Yet, at first, I thought it was going to be a little childish. But I think fanciful is a better description. Plus, the mystery itself was well constructed and difficult enough to keep me going until the end.
I love horses, so choosing to read about a story with one wasn't difficult. Yet, at first, I thought it was going to be a little childish. But I think fanciful is a better description. Plus, the mystery itself was well constructed and difficult enough to keep me going until the end.
March 3, 2025
Horse Knowledge and Mystery
A talking horse able to help figure out many mysteries involved n this book just gives it a Five Star review! Horse lovers, especially those who truly understand horses will love this book.
A talking horse able to help figure out many mysteries involved n this book just gives it a Five Star review! Horse lovers, especially those who truly understand horses will love this book.
March 20, 2026
Enjoyable and light, perfect for relaxing with.
I didn't expect to find this so enjoyable, the characters are great, the story is engaging and we'll told. I found this to be a lovely read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I didn't expect to find this so enjoyable, the characters are great, the story is engaging and we'll told. I found this to be a lovely read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
May 7, 2026
Horse are the best of friends
Interesting period in history for women crime solvers. Fun character and animals make it an easy and entertaining read. I loved dialog of the two main characters, one being the horse Bertie. Bertie being more perceptive than his "owner".
Interesting period in history for women crime solvers. Fun character and animals make it an easy and entertaining read. I loved dialog of the two main characters, one being the horse Bertie. Bertie being more perceptive than his "owner".
March 3, 2025
Equine Mystery
This was a lovely book. Read it all in one day, well written and a most engaging topic. Would recommend it to anyone with a love or horses or mysteries.
This was a lovely book. Read it all in one day, well written and a most engaging topic. Would recommend it to anyone with a love or horses or mysteries.
March 28, 2025
Fun read
This was a very well written and fun read. I really enjoyed the Characters and the use of equestrians past as names.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
This was a very well written and fun read. I really enjoyed the Characters and the use of equestrians past as names.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 4, 2025
Very enjoyable, a saddler and her exceptional horse set out to solve a murder. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 13, 2025
No one is as they appear
Sometimes everything is not as it appears and you need to dig deeper to find the truth. Good read enjoy.
Sometimes everything is not as it appears and you need to dig deeper to find the truth. Good read enjoy.
April 18, 2025
Stalking Horse
A good mystery, with plenty of red herring. A clever woman and a clever horse are in the thick of things when a murder is described as death by horse.
A good mystery, with plenty of red herring. A clever woman and a clever horse are in the thick of things when a murder is described as death by horse.
March 24, 2026
Can't wait for more!
March 27, 2026
Great story, love the characters.
Great storyline the characters hook you in, the heroine and her sidekick. makes this story such a pleasure to read.
Great storyline the characters hook you in, the heroine and her sidekick. makes this story such a pleasure to read.
March 27, 2026
A very fun book to read.! Very well written with delightful characters! I'm looking forward to reading
the next one!!
the next one!!
April 1, 2026
A Horse is a horse
Except for Bertie! He’s an exceptional horse who solves mysteries with his partner and friend, who happens to be a saddler.
Except for Bertie! He’s an exceptional horse who solves mysteries with his partner and friend, who happens to be a saddler.
July 13, 2026
A cozy Edwardian mystery centered around an equestrian estate…just my cup of tea! Completely delightful and a fun read.
August 14, 2026
This was a cute book! Nice change from what I usually read.
March 24, 2025
THIS WAS AWESOME! LOVED IT!
I want Bertie, the old piebald gelding, and Treacle Tart to come live with me!
Glad there are more in the series!
Since it had been almost a year since I read this the first time, I wanted to read it again before the new book released. It was just as wonderful the second time around! This is one of those books that is so enjoyable you can read it once or twice a year indefinitely.
I should have said that I wanted the mule as well, in my first review!
And the picture at the end of the book was Awesome! I read to my horses as well!
On to the 2nd book of the series!
I want Bertie, the old piebald gelding, and Treacle Tart to come live with me!
Glad there are more in the series!
Since it had been almost a year since I read this the first time, I wanted to read it again before the new book released. It was just as wonderful the second time around! This is one of those books that is so enjoyable you can read it once or twice a year indefinitely.
I should have said that I wanted the mule as well, in my first review!
And the picture at the end of the book was Awesome! I read to my horses as well!
On to the 2nd book of the series!
May 23, 2026
Really enjoyed this. It's funny, unlikely (the premise that is) and I totally didn't get whodunnit pretty much until the reveal. It is really not 'golden age', reads more modern, but none the worse for that. Give it a go.
April 17, 2025
Loved every second of it! Can’t wait for more delightful adventures.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews