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Hattie and Moose #8
Murder at the Steeplechase: A Thrilling Southern Horse Racing Cozy Murder Mystery
Hattie is looking forward to a stylish day at the Hillshire Farms Steeplechase with her bestie and Detective Bo Beckett. Fancy outfits, horse racing, and Southern fun make it the perfect double date—until the first race ends and the stables turn into a crime scene.
A jockey and his prized horse are found dead inside a stall.
Police call it a tragic accident, since Austin Grimes had medical issues. But Hattie notices something his mouth is open, as if he swallowed something. She suspects poisoning—and that means murder.
With authorities determined to take over, Hattie quietly begins her own investigation.
Debts, insurance motives, and scandal swirl around the steeplechase grounds, and nearly everyone has something to hide.
Alongside her grumpy Chow Chow, Moose, feisty Yorkie, Mini Pearl, and crime-magnet British Shorthair, Cecil,— Hattie races to uncover the killer before someone else ends up dead.
Bonus Recipes Included!
MULTIPLE BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND THE 2025 GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL WINNER FOR A VERY STICKY MURDER.
If you enjoy clean cozy mysteries by authors like Ellery Adams, Ashley Weaver, Poppy Dennison, Jenn McKinlay, and Sophie Green, you’ll love Murder at the Steeplechase . Each book in this series reads as a satisfying standalone — no cliffhangers, no unfinished threads, just cozy charm and clever sleuthing.
A jockey and his prized horse are found dead inside a stall.
Police call it a tragic accident, since Austin Grimes had medical issues. But Hattie notices something his mouth is open, as if he swallowed something. She suspects poisoning—and that means murder.
With authorities determined to take over, Hattie quietly begins her own investigation.
Debts, insurance motives, and scandal swirl around the steeplechase grounds, and nearly everyone has something to hide.
Alongside her grumpy Chow Chow, Moose, feisty Yorkie, Mini Pearl, and crime-magnet British Shorthair, Cecil,— Hattie races to uncover the killer before someone else ends up dead.
Bonus Recipes Included!
MULTIPLE BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND THE 2025 GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL WINNER FOR A VERY STICKY MURDER.
If you enjoy clean cozy mysteries by authors like Ellery Adams, Ashley Weaver, Poppy Dennison, Jenn McKinlay, and Sophie Green, you’ll love Murder at the Steeplechase . Each book in this series reads as a satisfying standalone — no cliffhangers, no unfinished threads, just cozy charm and clever sleuthing.
- GenresCozy Mystery
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2026
Nashville Horse Races
A double date at Hillshire Farms Steeplechase turns into a race to find a killer before the wrong person is arrested.
Hattie, Bo, Gracie and Tim were expecting a fun and exciting time what they found was conflict, debts, jealousy, greed and a heartless killer.
Being a PI, Hattie was helping with the investigation.
She soon learned the jockeys had more jealousy between them than she thought.
All the evidence points to one jockey but there's something that doesn't feel right about that to Hattie.
Hattie had her hands full with suspects that she had to clear from the list.
Jockeys with attitudes, businessman who scheduled everything from meetings to conversations and thought if he wanted it he had every right to bully people until he got it, a stressed owner whose debts are piling on and being pressured from every angle.
Meanwhile, Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil are making friends with Shadow, the cattle dog. Shadow watches over the horses and cares about them.
The animals are doing their own investigating. They are coming upon more evidence than the humans would have on their own.
With the humans and the animals looking and investigating will the killer slip away before they're caught?
The love of the horses versus the love of winning, which will win out in the end?
Greta Sinclair is an amazing writer. The way she writes the characters make you feel like you are right there with them.
The animals conversations keep you hooked in the story. Seeing things from their eyes that their humans can't understand.
If you haven't checked out the Hattie and Moose series, please do, it keeps getting better.
A double date at Hillshire Farms Steeplechase turns into a race to find a killer before the wrong person is arrested.
Hattie, Bo, Gracie and Tim were expecting a fun and exciting time what they found was conflict, debts, jealousy, greed and a heartless killer.
Being a PI, Hattie was helping with the investigation.
She soon learned the jockeys had more jealousy between them than she thought.
All the evidence points to one jockey but there's something that doesn't feel right about that to Hattie.
Hattie had her hands full with suspects that she had to clear from the list.
Jockeys with attitudes, businessman who scheduled everything from meetings to conversations and thought if he wanted it he had every right to bully people until he got it, a stressed owner whose debts are piling on and being pressured from every angle.
Meanwhile, Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil are making friends with Shadow, the cattle dog. Shadow watches over the horses and cares about them.
The animals are doing their own investigating. They are coming upon more evidence than the humans would have on their own.
With the humans and the animals looking and investigating will the killer slip away before they're caught?
The love of the horses versus the love of winning, which will win out in the end?
Greta Sinclair is an amazing writer. The way she writes the characters make you feel like you are right there with them.
The animals conversations keep you hooked in the story. Seeing things from their eyes that their humans can't understand.
If you haven't checked out the Hattie and Moose series, please do, it keeps getting better.
May 21, 2026
Hattie, along with her boyfriend Detective Bo Beckett, her grumpy Chow Chow Moose, her spirited Yorkie Mini Pearl, and her crime-magnet British Shorthair Cecil, is enjoying a day at the races with her best friend Gracie and Gracie's boyfriend Tim by her side.
Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil have the delightful opportunity to meet a few new friends, including Shadow, a cattle dog, and Olive Branch, one of the horses participating in the race.
Everyone is enjoying a wonderful time at the races until Austin Grimes, a jockey, is discovered dead and his horse, Olive, is found drugged in her stall. Initially, it seemed Austin had succumbed to health issues, but upon closer examination, Hattie notices something quite different from the first impression. It appears Austin may have been poisoned.
There are numerous suspects, yet all the evidence seems to point toward one individual in particular. However, she is not the only one who had a motive against Austin or felt wronged by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed the involvement of Moose, Mini Pearl, Cecil, and Shadow in the investigation as they uncovered clues and interviewed the horses to determine whether they had witnessed or heard anything that could help solve Austin's case. Their conversations with one another were quite entertaining.
Murder at the Steeplechase is an incredibly charming and captivating tale that had me racing toward the conclusion as I attempted to uncover the truth about Austin. The story of Murder at the Steeplechase is just as much Mini Pearl, Cecil, Shadow, Olive, and Austin’s story as it is Hattie’s and Moose’s.
The world-building is absolutely splendid and ranks among the best I’ve encountered in a while. I would love to read more stories set at the racetrack and hope to see Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil take on larger roles from time to time.
Make sure to grab a copy of Murder at the Steeplechase for another engaging read, and join Hattie, Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil for a thrilling day at the races!
Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil have the delightful opportunity to meet a few new friends, including Shadow, a cattle dog, and Olive Branch, one of the horses participating in the race.
Everyone is enjoying a wonderful time at the races until Austin Grimes, a jockey, is discovered dead and his horse, Olive, is found drugged in her stall. Initially, it seemed Austin had succumbed to health issues, but upon closer examination, Hattie notices something quite different from the first impression. It appears Austin may have been poisoned.
There are numerous suspects, yet all the evidence seems to point toward one individual in particular. However, she is not the only one who had a motive against Austin or felt wronged by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed the involvement of Moose, Mini Pearl, Cecil, and Shadow in the investigation as they uncovered clues and interviewed the horses to determine whether they had witnessed or heard anything that could help solve Austin's case. Their conversations with one another were quite entertaining.
Murder at the Steeplechase is an incredibly charming and captivating tale that had me racing toward the conclusion as I attempted to uncover the truth about Austin. The story of Murder at the Steeplechase is just as much Mini Pearl, Cecil, Shadow, Olive, and Austin’s story as it is Hattie’s and Moose’s.
The world-building is absolutely splendid and ranks among the best I’ve encountered in a while. I would love to read more stories set at the racetrack and hope to see Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil take on larger roles from time to time.
Make sure to grab a copy of Murder at the Steeplechase for another engaging read, and join Hattie, Moose, Mini Pearl, and Cecil for a thrilling day at the races!
May 22, 2026
In "Murder at the Steeplechase", Greta Sinclair brings us the glam world of horseracing. And it's not so glamorous underbelly. Hattie and Detective Bo and Gracie and Tim do a double date at Hillshire Farms Steeplechase. It's all Southern derby charm, fascinators and bourbon. With a dead body thrown in!
The blurb was a tad misleading. Our author writes "A jockey and his prized horse are found dead inside a stall." Whatttt? Don't scare me like that Greta! Yes, we lose a jockey. But Olive Branch was only drugged. Whew.
And if our crime sniffing trio wasn't enough, Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil are joined by Shadow, the cattle dog. His job is the care and protection of the horsies. I must say, the conversations between the animals absolutely make the book.
{You smell great! Like the dirt but less strong. } Answered by {Glad you can appreciate a good smell} (p20)
And doesn't Miss Mini Pearl look adorable on the cover with Hattie's fascinator.
The romance between Hattie and Bo is moving along nicely. No more snail's pace. We're up to turtle speed. No kiss, a little handholding.
The story isn't all scenery, with a minute side of mystery. The plotline was great. Worldbuilding by the author shows dedicated research, or maybe an insider's view of racing. Let's dangle a few red herrings and side twists. Yum.
So much fun, a quick and absorbing read. Some very tasty sounding recipes at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb was a tad misleading. Our author writes "A jockey and his prized horse are found dead inside a stall." Whatttt? Don't scare me like that Greta! Yes, we lose a jockey. But Olive Branch was only drugged. Whew.
And if our crime sniffing trio wasn't enough, Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil are joined by Shadow, the cattle dog. His job is the care and protection of the horsies. I must say, the conversations between the animals absolutely make the book.
{You smell great! Like the dirt but less strong. } Answered by {Glad you can appreciate a good smell} (p20)
And doesn't Miss Mini Pearl look adorable on the cover with Hattie's fascinator.
The romance between Hattie and Bo is moving along nicely. No more snail's pace. We're up to turtle speed. No kiss, a little handholding.
The story isn't all scenery, with a minute side of mystery. The plotline was great. Worldbuilding by the author shows dedicated research, or maybe an insider's view of racing. Let's dangle a few red herrings and side twists. Yum.
So much fun, a quick and absorbing read. Some very tasty sounding recipes at the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
Hattie Leiper, her best friend Grace, and Detective Bo Beckett are dressed to the nines as they attend the Hillshire Farms Steeplechase.
Jockey Austin Grimes and his beloved horse, Olive Branch, are favored to win but, as the other competitors line up in the gates, Austin and Olive are nowhere to be found.
After the race, Hattie's four-legged friends - Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil- lead her to the stables where they find Austin dead and Olive heavily sedated.
The police believe the incident is a tragic accident, but Hattie believes otherwise after she finds clues that were previously missed.
Multiple scandals and secrets mean that almost everyone has something to hide.
Once again, Greta Sinclair has hit it out of the park!
This new addition to the Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery series is wonderful! The plot kept me guessing, the end was surprising and, as always, the recipes at the end were scrumptious!
I am honored to have been on the Advanced Reader team for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
Jockey Austin Grimes and his beloved horse, Olive Branch, are favored to win but, as the other competitors line up in the gates, Austin and Olive are nowhere to be found.
After the race, Hattie's four-legged friends - Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil- lead her to the stables where they find Austin dead and Olive heavily sedated.
The police believe the incident is a tragic accident, but Hattie believes otherwise after she finds clues that were previously missed.
Multiple scandals and secrets mean that almost everyone has something to hide.
Once again, Greta Sinclair has hit it out of the park!
This new addition to the Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery series is wonderful! The plot kept me guessing, the end was surprising and, as always, the recipes at the end were scrumptious!
I am honored to have been on the Advanced Reader team for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
Quite an unusual crime scene this time!
Hattie’s best friend Gracie always comes up with the best ideas and this time around is no exception because Gracie and Tim, along with Hattie and Bo are going on a double date to the races at the Steeplechase! And…believe it or not, Gracie even managed to get them VIP passes and got approval for Moose, Cecil, and Mini Pearl to go along too. This story was a bit different, even with the animals helping to solve the crime. This time around, not only do we have Hattie’s fur kids, but there’s also another dog and the horses themselves. It’s so much fun when we get to read from the animals’ point of view. Moose and Cecil always arguing and Mini Pearl always getting between them, but when it counts, they’re a team. I really, really love these Hattie and Moose Cozy Mysteries and can’t wait for the next one!
I received an advanced reader’s copy through BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Hattie’s best friend Gracie always comes up with the best ideas and this time around is no exception because Gracie and Tim, along with Hattie and Bo are going on a double date to the races at the Steeplechase! And…believe it or not, Gracie even managed to get them VIP passes and got approval for Moose, Cecil, and Mini Pearl to go along too. This story was a bit different, even with the animals helping to solve the crime. This time around, not only do we have Hattie’s fur kids, but there’s also another dog and the horses themselves. It’s so much fun when we get to read from the animals’ point of view. Moose and Cecil always arguing and Mini Pearl always getting between them, but when it counts, they’re a team. I really, really love these Hattie and Moose Cozy Mysteries and can’t wait for the next one!
I received an advanced reader’s copy through BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 21, 2026
Hattie and Bo, double-dating with Tim and Gracie, are off to enjoy a day at Hillshire Farms Steeplechase. By virtue of Hattie being present, of course…🙄
The unfortunate murder victim is a jockey, about to enter the race. Suspects line up, motivated by jealousy, greed and lack of respect for the victim.
Moose, Cecil and Mini Pear; find an ally in Shadow, a herding dog, searching for clues and ably assisting Hattie. Moose and Cecil seem to have come to a better understanding with each other: not sure how long that will last. In any case, Cecil always cooperates when it goes down to the wire.
Unearthing events behind a steeplechase might not be a go-to for your usual cozy mystery, but Greta’s writing style and understated humour hits the right notes for me, creating dynamic visual scenes you can see play out. Clearly a lot of behind-the-scenes research has gone into this.
I hope Bo and Hattie are going to continue in their quest to root out evil.☺️
The unfortunate murder victim is a jockey, about to enter the race. Suspects line up, motivated by jealousy, greed and lack of respect for the victim.
Moose, Cecil and Mini Pear; find an ally in Shadow, a herding dog, searching for clues and ably assisting Hattie. Moose and Cecil seem to have come to a better understanding with each other: not sure how long that will last. In any case, Cecil always cooperates when it goes down to the wire.
Unearthing events behind a steeplechase might not be a go-to for your usual cozy mystery, but Greta’s writing style and understated humour hits the right notes for me, creating dynamic visual scenes you can see play out. Clearly a lot of behind-the-scenes research has gone into this.
I hope Bo and Hattie are going to continue in their quest to root out evil.☺️
May 22, 2026
Murder at the Steeplechase (A Hattie and Moose Cozy Mystery 08) by Greta Sinclair has the reader going to the races, the horse races at that. Before Hattie and Detective Bo Beckett can enjoy the day at the races as only us Southern folk can do, death finds it way into the stables. A jockey is found dead. While most do not take their pets to the races, well there is also a cattle dog, Shadow, attending. Still it is a good thing Hattie does. While the animals are interviewing the racehorses, another tragedy happens. They always find a way to help with the investigation, this time with Shadow along to help at the racetrack. Secrets, problems, and scandal are discovered by Hattie with Shadow, Moose, Mini Pearl and Cecil doing their part to catch a killer before another death occurs. Love these dogs and cat, they are on the job right beside Hattie and Bo. 4.5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Murder at the Steeplechase is a Superb story and series about Hattie and her very clever sleuthing pets
Moose and Mini Pearl are dogs and Cecil is a cat and Detective Bo Beckett is her Boyfriend. They all go to Steeplechase with Gracie a Retired Vet and Podcaster and her Assistant and Boyfriend Tim. Unfortunately a Jockey was found dead and a horse was drugged. Detective Bo started to investigate with Hattie, Gracie and Tim. The pets are also doing their own search for clues with the help of Shadow a Cattle dog. There are many pieces to this puzzle. But can they discover all the pieces and uncover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Moose and Mini Pearl are dogs and Cecil is a cat and Detective Bo Beckett is her Boyfriend. They all go to Steeplechase with Gracie a Retired Vet and Podcaster and her Assistant and Boyfriend Tim. Unfortunately a Jockey was found dead and a horse was drugged. Detective Bo started to investigate with Hattie, Gracie and Tim. The pets are also doing their own search for clues with the help of Shadow a Cattle dog. There are many pieces to this puzzle. But can they discover all the pieces and uncover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
Hattie, Bo, Gracie, and Tim with all of Hattie's pets, Moose, Minnie Pearl, and Cecil are going to watch the Stepplechase Race and they have special VIP status. Front row box and a chance to meet the favorite jockey and horse. The jockey doesn't appear for the race and they find him dead in the stall and Olive Branch in bad shape. Someone had sedated her almost to death. In this story the pets with the help of Shadow, from the track, do all the leg work for Hattie to be able to solve the case. I didn't know who the bad guy was until the very end so it kept me involved till the end.
I received an arc and this is my review.
I received an arc and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hattie, Bo, Gracie, and Tim decide to spend a fun day double dating at the local horse races but there's a murder--- Of course they get involved. With the help of Moose, Minnie Pearl. and Cecil they investigate to find who killed the jockey and why. Shadow, a cattle dog who lives at the stables is a big help and becomes a good friend to the other fur babies. Several of the horses also become friends. Another good read in the series.
May 21, 2026
Ready, Set, Go! Get a taste of horse racing! Moose, Mini Pearl, Cecil, and a new friend, Shadow, feature in this story. They find clues and get Hattie to come with them to the spot—lots of buildings, lots of acreage. Hattie, of course, takes Bo with her most of the time. This is a super interesting story. You will want to read it to see all of the twists and turns and try to solve the murder first. I read an ARC of Murder at the Steeplechase.
May 21, 2026
'A jockey and his prized horse are found dead inside a stall.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complicated and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complicated and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun and interesting setting. Having to sort out all the potential bad guys is quite a job for Hattie and her crew. It seems like everyone has a bone to pick. It creates a good mystery and some exciting scenes. Thanks for another good one Ms. Sinclair!
I got to read this in advance for my honest opinion.
I got to read this in advance for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this story. It drew me in right away and kept my interest until the end. I couldn't wait to see how things turned out. I love that the animals played a bigger part in the story and loved seeing things from their point of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
À jockey la killed for an unknown reason. Who la the culprit?La il the owner or the racetrack or the man qui wants To buy Jim out? Was or someone else? Can Minnie Pearl, Moose, Cecil and Hattie solve the murder? Greta Sinclair la a very gifted author.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this Book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion or this Book.
I recieved a complimentary copy of this Book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion or this Book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Havoc at the race track.
A delightful and enjoyable cozy with Hattie, Bo and a team of clever fur babies. While Hattie and Bo are competent investigators, it's clear the fur babies are the ones who are invaluable in the investigation. Lots of suspects, with one hiding in plain sight.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
A delightful and enjoyable cozy with Hattie, Bo and a team of clever fur babies. While Hattie and Bo are competent investigators, it's clear the fur babies are the ones who are invaluable in the investigation. Lots of suspects, with one hiding in plain sight.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
May 21, 2026
It was supposed to be a date. Another wonderful cozy mystery in this series (all can be read stand-alone). I enjoy the characters and the canine/feline side-kicks in these stories so much. They make me smile while the storyline pulls me in and keeps me guessing to the end. Super fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
Hattie, Bo, Gracie, and Tim and their animals are off to the races. Planning to enjoy the day at the race track, they find a dead body. The evidence points to a specific person but something is off to Hattie. She has plenty of suspects to consider. The pets join in, finding more clues than he humans. Will Hattie find the true killer in time or will she be the next victim?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly enjoyed reading this story. Who knew there were so many interesting facets behind the scenes at a horse race. The animals' viewpoints throughout the story made this a superb read for me. Mystery with intrigue, subterfuge and animals backing up their people, who could ask for more!!!!!
May 22, 2026
This story gives an interesting peek
into the horse - racing world.
Add a murder, some treachery
and the furbaby detectives to round
out the picture.
Well done, Ms. Sinclair.
Thank you.
Readers ...
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
into the horse - racing world.
Add a murder, some treachery
and the furbaby detectives to round
out the picture.
Well done, Ms. Sinclair.
Thank you.
Readers ...
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another pretty good mystery.
May 21, 2026
I did enjoy this book, but it seems like the fur babies did most of the work and Hattie put the pieces together. Plus, I laugh at the way the animals talked about as they got clues.
May 21, 2026
Another masterpiece by Greta Sinclaire, Very interesting plot and excellent description of the horse racing world
I really enjoyed it and open my eyes to a different world
I really enjoyed it and open my eyes to a different world
May 22, 2026
I recommend the book for everyone . The Author is a talented writer I love the book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews