Foal Me Once

Mysteries of Aspen Falls #1

by Elizabeth Penney

Veterinarian Ashley Hart moves to Aspen Falls, Colorado, and one of her first cases leads to a murder mystery at a horse stable.

Veterinarian Dr. Ashley Hart relocates from Ohio to Aspen Falls, Colorado, with her Dalmatian, Max, and is quickly welcomed by well-wishers who reassure Ashley that Aspen Falls is a wonderful place to call home. One of Ashley’s first calls is to Canterbury Stables to treat an Andalusian foal exhibiting symptoms of poisoning. She makes an even more horrifying discovery the next day when she stumbles across horse trainer Bruce Peterson in the tack room with a fatal head wound. Who could have wished the amiable horseman dead?

Unfortunately, there are motives aplenty, from unrequited love to corporate treachery, and as a newcomer to Aspen Falls, Ashley can’t be sure which locals she can trust. Will the plucky veterinarian unmask the menace in time, or will someone else in Aspen Falls be put out to pasture—permanently?

This clever whodunit from Annie’s Mysteries of Aspen Falls series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, animals, and female friendships.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2025

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.

Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another series from Annie’s fiction. I liked the previous series I read so much that I was hesitant to jump into another one, but I am glad I did.

[Mildly Mad Hatter(Semi Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good sweet mystery, I guessed some of the twists but not all of them so that made it even better!

[Victoria Marie Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foal Me Once by Elizabeth Penney is part of the clever Mysteries of Aspen Falls series. In this story, Ashley Hart is the new veterinarian in the town of Aspen Falls, Colorado. She is the amateur sleuth in this series. Hart is always in the thick of things. But the author doesn’t just offer a good whodunnit. She shares knowledge, through her protagonist, about animal breeds and behaviors, about animal care and any dangers to wildlife. I learn a lot here.

In Foal Me Once, Hart is called upon to tend to a sick foal at Canterbury Stables. What she finds in addition to a sick foal is a dead body. The mysterious happenings increase in this fun cozy. The author isn’t afraid to bring up social issues in this story, like the pros and cons to “wind farms” in picturesque locations and their affect on livestock. Or family farming woes.

I find it interesting in today’s cozies that the authors include backstory for characters and more introspection than in the classic whodunnits. This adds to the reader’s enjoyment, I think. If you’re looking to learn something about animals or impact on society regarding certain issues, then Foal Me Once by Elizabeth Penney is the novel for you. Enjoy!

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick cozy read that takes place in Aspen Falls, Colorado. Ashley has started her own Vet practice in this small town. She is very busy and soon gets drawn into the local controversy, while making new friends.

[[f vasquez] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever Annie’s book or mystery novel and I wasn’t sure what to expect. My mom picked it out for me at the bookstore and I got it because well… it had a horse on the front cover.

This book (and series) is cozy mystery, and yeah it’s kinda cheesy and there’s definitely some cringey lines/quotes. But it gets 4 stars for simply being clean, very entertaining, and nostalgic:) aaannnddd another star because of Cole 🫣

Man oh man, this book gripped me from the start, even as a 12 year old girl! I loved every second of it, trying to solve the mystery along with Ashley and reading about all the adorable animals. As a horse girl and bookworm, I’m super nit picky about horse books and absolutely LOATHE books with inaccurate horse information and facts. This book didn’t stray at all! The horse related information was accurate and realistic and man, that made my little equestrian heart happy!

[Shirley J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

While I enjoyed this story, it would have been better if the author had done her homework about horses. Horses do not vomit, if they do, then you have a dead horse. Also a vet needs to be on the premises for a technician to do anything, including vaccinations, for a client’s animal. Otherwise they are practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Rabies vaccinations must be done by a licensed veterinarian. Good story though.

[Jennifer Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder mystery lite. This is an enjoyable summertime escape... I thought of it as a Hallmark Murder & Mysteries tale. :) Ashley and her Dalmatian, Max, have recently moved to Aspen Falls, Colorado, where she is setting up private practice as the town's veterinarian. Mayhem ensues! Murder... threats... controversy! Who done it?!

[:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok. readable, good grammar and okay characters, the villain was a litte bit unexpected (wasn't THAT obvious, at least), but i enjoyed it. if you're a soccer mom/country grandmother, this book is great for you

[Lauren. H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cheesy mystery book. Definitely felt like I was in a Hallmark movie! It was definitely a nice quick read, haven’t read one with a dog in it yet, most of the cheesy mystery usually have a cat as the main animal companion.

[Amber]

First in a series Ashley's new vet practice in a small Colorado town has her dealing with poisoned horses and a dead trainer.

[Kellene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. Not bad but not my cup of tea....

[Kristen Tarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a way to meet Dr. Hart! If this level of mayhem is to be expected in her new hometown, this series will keep the reader guessing! From poison, threats and murder… what’s around the next turn.