Red Grade

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

A thrilling romantic Western mystery set in the rugged Wyoming mountains

When the star of a successful polo team falls dead from his horse during a match in Big Horn, Wyoming, the rich and famous are soon reeling under accusations of underground betting and illegal horse drugging. The stakes are high, so the inexperienced county attorney brings in former prosecutor Jenn Herrington to assist. But as evidence mounts against her veterinarian husband Aaron, a horrified Jenn has to ask herself whether she really knows the man she married... and whether she should risk her legal career to uncover the truth.A former attorney, Pamela runs an off-the-grid lodge on the face of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, living out the adventures in her books with her husband, sled dogs, and enormous horses.

Bonus for fans of other PFH watch for strong appearances by crossover characters from What Doesn't Kill You, Detective Delaney Pace, and Patrick Flint.

What readers are saying about Pamela's

"Unputdownable."
“Fair clear your calendar before you pick it up because you won't be able to put it down.”
“Hutchins is a master of tension.”
“Intriguing mystery . . . captivating romance.”
“Everything the plot, the characters and the writing. Readers are in for a real treat.”

“Immediately hooked."

"Spellbinding."
"Fast-paced mystery."
"Can't put it down."
“Entertaining, complex, and thought-provoking."
“Murder has never been so much fun!”
"You’re guaranteed to love the ride!"

Buy RED GRADE for a fast-paced, thrilling Wyoming mystery full of adventure and suspense!

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2025

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).

I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:

* Detective Delaney Pace (coming soon!): Her Silent Bones, Her HIdden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Her Burning Lies, and Her Cold Heart.

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, and Skin & Bones. #9 coming in 2026.

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, and RED GRADE coming in 2026.

* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.
Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/maili...

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.

There are many ways: My website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:

Website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pamela_fagan...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...

And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.

Reviews

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pamela Fagan Hutchins and Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review this book!

As an avid horse lover and also lover of a good mystery, when I saw the blurb for this book, I just knew it would be right up my alley. Consider this my introduction to Pamela’s writing, and I have to say that I am a fan! I can definitely see myself going back and picking up the first two books in this series, based on this one. There were a lot of moving parts in this story, but Pamela did an excellent job of weaving them all together without making it confusing or detracting from the plot. This book was really fast-paced, which I really appreciated as it kept me doing the “just one more chapter” thing. I can confidently say that I did not see the twists and turns coming, and I love a good mystery that takes me by surprise. Overall, I think this was an excellent book, and I look forward to reading more of Pamela’s writing.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series. Attorney Jenn Herrington and her husband veterinarian Aaron seem to be doing well adjusting to life in Wyoming despite several issues, including the sudden appearance of Aaron’s “daughter” Casey. Attending a polo match match of one of Aaron’s wealthy
Clients goes wild when one of the polo players appears to have an issues resulting in tragedy.

Local prosecutor Ollie, has Aaron arrested for murder. A group of guest in town for pre wedding festivities, goes into action, investigating and defending Aaron. Also assisting in the investigation is Jenn’s coworker Kid. Even Jenn suffers repercussions, when she is attacked

Lots of issues are skillfully dealt interwoven in the plot, including lies, deceit, gambling,stolen drugs and unfaithful partners

Who is out to frame Aaron? Will Jenn stay safe?

Thank you to the author and BookSprout for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn Harrington and her husband are very happy with each other, and very much in love. When a gifted Polo player slumps in his saddle and then dies horrifically, no one would have imagined that one of the large animal vets in town will be charged with murder.

Jenn and Aaron have a lodge and it's full of guests arriving for a pre-wedding get-away. Delightfully for me, I know these guests. They were characters in books previously written by author and read by me. As the book progresses, we learn how lucky Jenn and Aaron are to have these guests with all the special skills they have.

The story is very interesting, but also complex, with so many twists and turns. I loved the story and the characters are wonderful. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how things worked out, but I also didn't want it to end. And there were some more "Easter Eggs" at the end for readers of the previous books in this series.

[Desiree (Filly) Fillner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Montana girl who spends a lot of time in Wyoming, the Jenn Herrington series is worth the read. Book 3: Red Grade is the latest of these books. You really get that living in Wyoming feel, the characters give that authentic feeling. This is the best book so far in this series. Jenn has become a well developed character and she continues to grow throughout each book.

I love how the mystery/murder keeps you guessing with a lot of twists and turns. You really feel like you’re sitting watching a Polo match, watching everything unfold. Jenn and her husband Aaron are put through a tough test, and Jenn has her co-worker Kid who will not stop until they figure out who the real murderer is. I don’t want to give anything away!

There are many twists and turns, and PFH has incorporated characters from all books, and series. Do yourself a favor and get this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine attending a polo match, and one of the teams’ star players dies right in front of you. Imagine someone you love is arrested for the player’s death, and your hands are tied because you can’t defend him as his attorney. So goes Book Three of the popular Jenn Harrington Wyoming Mystery series, RED GRADE. This is a fast paced mystery that has some interesting elements that I was not expecting. It literally will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Jenn on this crazy hunt to figure out who is the real killer. Then a twist in the story takes you off in another direction as the clues take you deeper into the storyline. What Jenn and her friends have to do to keep their goals straight and what they uncover is amazing. Great book that I had a hard time putting down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ran on high octane right out of the gate!
I felt like I was the punted ball in a polo match barely keeping out from underneath the ponies’ hooves as I raced through each chapter.
So much goes on in a span of nine days: an arrest, a couple of murders, attacks, stealing, and secrets that are unearthed at the wrong time!
There are a couple of really poisonous pill characters that I wish could be left out for bait but to offset them are a carousel of caring new friends who invoke the Mystery Machine and become the meddling investigators with the malamutes doing better than even Scooby could have!
I love the crossover with the Delaney Pace and Flint characters!
It’s a great Jenn Herrington #3 and I need all the follow up books!
Thanks Pamela Fagan Hutchins and Booksprout for the advance copy.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Fagan Hutchins gives a piercing insight into the cut-throat world of illegal betting, with its corruptive influence.
Red Grade sees a deadly outcome, when a rider pays with his life, and attorney Jenn Harrington and her veterinarian husband Aaron are sucked into an insidious evil.
The consequences of events in their own lives puts a chill down the reader's spine, as past deeds come to light at a turning point in their relationship. Unputdownable and shocking at times, Red Grade's believable characters and relationships will resonate for some time to come!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Pamela Fagan Hutchins book and it won't be my last! While the cast of characters was broad at first, the storytelling throughout helped me to keep track of who everyone was. The only odd thing for me was that most of the book is in third person but then some chapters are in first person. Not sure if that has something to do with previous books or what, but just threw me a bit at first. All in all, I enjoyed the mystery, characters and overall storytelling of this book and I look forward to diving into more by this author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murder, A Theft and Revenge

Red Grade, a Polo Pony ranch in Wyoming is the setting that provokes the murder of a star Polo player. From here Pamela Fagan Hutchins writes a mystery filled with revenge. The question is who stole the Xyloxine from Aaron Herrington’s veterinary clinic? The story starts with a household filled with guests when Aaron is arrested for murder, and it finishes with a breathtaking race to identify the thieve and murderer.
I have read each of Pamela’ books; I especially love this series as I keep learning things I never knew before like who knew there were Polo pony ranches in Wyoming?
Highly recommended, lots of fun.

[Caren]

The East has come to Wyoming! Polo has arrived! Reading this book was like attending a polo match (without having to stomp divots). Fast paced, back and forth, who’s got the ball!
Loved the action; the courtroom scenes are accurately described and provided a little humor. And it brings in much loved characters from other PFH books. It was great to see everyone in one place, working together, and reminded me why I love these characters (who seem like real people).
Can’t wait for more!

[Marta Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one was just what I needed! I love all of PFH’s books. This one got me out of a reading slump that included a messy holiday season and a bout with COVID! But enough about me, this book has it all - strong main characters, many from previous series, a stunning landscape, a very tangled plot and people with too much money and evil in their hearts. It will keep you reading long into the night! Thank you PFH!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story about polo in Wyoming. Never thought about it being played in the United States. I enjoyed the mystery. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous ones. I never really cared all that much about the characters. Nothing bad about the book, just nothing to rave about either. Thanks to Booksprout for providing copy. My review is voluntary.

[Renee Calderaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love crossover books, and this one didn't disappoint and couldn't put it down once I started reading. I am so glad that Jenn decided to stay working with Kid and still don't like Casey one bit. Aaron needs to really keep an eye on her and stop giving her chances she doesn't deserve.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn and Aaron are at a polo match where the best player on one team died in a terrible accident. Aaron in accused of killing him. There also might be underground betting going on. What will happen? I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LoisBow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Grade is a great addition to the Jenn Herrington mysteries. I could not put it down without finishing the book.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think of Wyoming, you probably think cowboys. When you think Polo, you probably don't think Wyoming. But Polo really exists in Wyoming and they author carefully crafts a story around Polo gone bad.

Jenn and Aaron moved to Wyoming to have a new life removed from the drivers of their previous driven existence, but they get thrust front and center when things go bad in a Polo match. Things become personal from their professional lives. The author has woven a story around the prime characters. Friends are brought in for a happy occasion and are diverted into the ugly underpinnings when divergent forces hit Jenn and Aaron.

It seems that there are divergent storylines but the author carefully weaves them into a coherent mystery leaving the reader wonder who next and what next? Will this tear them apart or make them realize how much they mean to each other?

Aaron acknowledges "First of all, you’re a badass." But the story leaves you on the edge as they struggle to this point. You will feel part of this story. You will be caught in the reader's conundrum: The story is so good I don't want it to end; So much has happened that I need to reach the end so I know how it turns out!.

If you like mystery, action and familial heroes, these book is for you. The emotions which draw them together will seal the deal.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ Red Grade is a testament to her ability to weave a story that’s truly a masterpiece. The plot is gripping, and every question is answered. The clever use of characters from her other series adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Aaron and Jen are portrayed as relatable characters grappling with real emotions and challenges. Characterization is key to the story’s success. The setting is rugged and vividly described, drawing readers into the narrative. The tension builds as they work to solve the murder, with more lives at risk. Readers will be captivated by the buildup and the satisfying resolution as each clue is uncovered and the killer is finally caught. I’m eagerly anticipating what the next book in the series will bring to readers.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A page turner you won't want to put down. Twists you won't see coming. Characters from Pamela's other books{series} play major roles in this story. Murder, drugs, betrayal, revenge and secrets all rolled into one. Although this book is part of a series can definitely be read as a standalone. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.