Blue Smoke

by Dorothy Lyons

"BOTH HORSE LOVERS AND MYSTERY FANS WILL LIKE THIS NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF 'DARK SUNSHINE' AND OTHER STORIES."-NEW YOUR TIMES BOOK REVIEW

Genres: Horses, Animals

Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another stunning ranch story from Lyons, which packs in a hundred different angles (her friendship with Pops, Blue-the-racehorse, Blue-the-cutting-horse, the struggling "dude" aspect of the ranch and her friendship with long-term guest Jay, and never forget the constant mystery of where Blue's papers might be and whether Pops' son will show up to whisk him away in the absence of a will) yet always has a clear driving narrative. Blue Smoke is my latest favorite in her string of horse stars, Andy's a real dear, and I couldn't have been happier to be curled up and transported to a simpler, more cheerful past while reading this.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I'm on eBay, as you do, and discovered hardback copies of Blue Smoke going from $45 - $90 (US).

Has everyone gone out of their minds?!?!

When I was 16, I got a discarded library edition for about two cents. It wasn't worth what I paid. Nearly 40 years later, I remember absolutely nothing about this book. It made zero impression on me. The positive reviews I've seen for it on Goodreads are baffling. Did they read the same yawner I did?

Now, I don't remember anything of the book, but I do remember how bored I was reading it. Dorothy Lyons was no Walter Farley. Heck, she wasn't even Joanna Campbell.

The only good thing about the book are the illustrations by the late great Wesley Dennis. If you are into Wesley Dennis, I can see plunking down serious cash for Blue Smoke. Otherwise, give this a hard pass.

[Naomi Bigelow]

Every horse story she ever published was a joy to read and this one was no different.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: B-

[Ginny]

I wanted to read this, but I can't find the book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduced me to Dorothy Lyons. I loved her books.