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A Carson Stables Mystery #3
Unbridled Murder
-A winner right out of the gate!- --Fern Michaels, #1 New York Times bestselling author
After horse trainer and rancher Annie Carson visits a feedlot in eastern Washington, she is determined to save as many horses from slaughter as possible before hightailing it back home--until she discovers the sleazy owner seemingly trampled in his corral. With the fate of the feedlot herd in her hands, Annie must navigate unfamiliar territory while trying to track down a killer and solve an increasingly tangled mystery. But unfortunately for Annie, returning to the Olympic Peninsula alive will be trickier than she ever imagined.
After horse trainer and rancher Annie Carson visits a feedlot in eastern Washington, she is determined to save as many horses from slaughter as possible before hightailing it back home--until she discovers the sleazy owner seemingly trampled in his corral. With the fate of the feedlot herd in her hands, Annie must navigate unfamiliar territory while trying to track down a killer and solve an increasingly tangled mystery. But unfortunately for Annie, returning to the Olympic Peninsula alive will be trickier than she ever imagined.
331 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2018
About the author
Leigh Hearon
4 books60 followersLeigh Hearon began her own P.I. agency, Leigh Hearon Investigative Services, in 1992. Her cases have appeared on In the Dead of Night, Forensic Files, 48 Hours, Court TV, City Confidential, Unsolved Mysteries, America's Most Wanted, and CBS Evening News with Connie Chung.
Hearon was an avid rider of horses throughout her childhood. She currently has a Saddlebred mare, Jolie Jeune Femme, and enjoys watching Jolie and two rescue mares cavort on a fifty-five-acre farm she shares with her husband.
Hearon was an avid rider of horses throughout her childhood. She currently has a Saddlebred mare, Jolie Jeune Femme, and enjoys watching Jolie and two rescue mares cavort on a fifty-five-acre farm she shares with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 27, 2017
Unbridled Murder is the third in Leigh Hearon’s Carson Stables cozy murder mystery series. Now, I love horses and I love thrillers, so this kind of cozy mystery should be right up my alley - more than the endless cat and dog-themed ones which seem to be the majority of cozies.
The problem is, I think, that I’ve come at this one without reading the earlier books in the series, which would probably have established the personality of Annie, the protagonist, rather better. As it was I really struggled to warm to her, even though as a horse-lover she’s probably someone I’d really like if I met her in real life.
The mystery part of the book was well executed, unsurprisingly since the author is a professional private investigator, and based as it is around the rescue of horses destined for slaughter, is sure to appeal to horse lovers everywhere, and undoubtedly readers of earlier books in the series will thoroughly enjoy Annie’s continuing adventures. I just felt as though I didn’t quite get to know her, and because of this, I have to knock the book down to four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
The problem is, I think, that I’ve come at this one without reading the earlier books in the series, which would probably have established the personality of Annie, the protagonist, rather better. As it was I really struggled to warm to her, even though as a horse-lover she’s probably someone I’d really like if I met her in real life.
The mystery part of the book was well executed, unsurprisingly since the author is a professional private investigator, and based as it is around the rescue of horses destined for slaughter, is sure to appeal to horse lovers everywhere, and undoubtedly readers of earlier books in the series will thoroughly enjoy Annie’s continuing adventures. I just felt as though I didn’t quite get to know her, and because of this, I have to knock the book down to four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
January 15, 2018
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January 16, 2018
Unbridled Murders its the third in the Carson Stables series, an excellent cozy series full of thrills, twists, horse lore and an engaging set of characters. Annie Carson is on a mission to save 4 horses from a feedlot after her friend Tony is killed. The conditions at the feedlot are appalling, the small town locals are unfriendly at best and another death has Annie under suspicion. Highly recommended.
Thanks to netgalley the publisher for the opportunity read to an opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley the publisher for the opportunity read to an opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2017
This is the third book in the Carson Stables series, and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Annie Carson runs Carson Stables. She and her friend Tony are on the board of a non profit organization that involves horses. When Tony hears of a feedlot that is going to send horses to a slaughter house he goes to purchase some of the horses for the organization. He buys four horses. However, on his way back from the feedlot the plane he is on crashes in the mountains, killing him and the pilot, Danny Trevor. What seems like a tragic accident turns into murder when it is discovered that the crash wasn't an accident. Annie goes to pick up the horses that Tony had purchased only to find one of the owners dead and herself the prime suspect. Now if Annie wants to leave with the horses that she came to get, she is going to have to clear her name.
I loved this book. I read book two previously and enjoyed it enough that I wanted to continue the series, and this book did not disappoint. I love that the book is centered around horses, and horse ranches. The characters are well developed and people I would like to be friends with. I liked the relationship between Annie and Marcus. They are so cute together. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
I received this book from net galley for review.
I loved this book. I read book two previously and enjoyed it enough that I wanted to continue the series, and this book did not disappoint. I love that the book is centered around horses, and horse ranches. The characters are well developed and people I would like to be friends with. I liked the relationship between Annie and Marcus. They are so cute together. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
I received this book from net galley for review.
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January 9, 2018Tour review January 12th, 2018
April 15, 2018
Synopsis:
-A winner right out of the gate!- --Fern Michaels, #1 New York Times bestselling author
After horse trainer and rancher Annie Carson visits a feedlot in eastern Washington, she is determined to save as many horses from slaughter as possible before hightailing it back home--until she discovers the sleazy owner seemingly trampled in his corral. With the fate of the feedlot herd in her hands, Annie must navigate unfamiliar territory while trying to track down a killer and solve an increasingly tangled mystery. But unfortunately for Annie, returning to the Olympic Peninsula alive will be trickier than she ever imagined. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Annie is no-nonsense type of woman and you know where you stand with her. She knows a lot about horses, she loves horses and she is an advocate for horses. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Annie and find out what is going on in her life. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. You can tell that the author has a lot of knowledge of horses, it come through in the pages that she writes.
The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through with a few twists and turns and red herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes.
The subject matter of this book was a little difficult to read about. It was heartbreaking at times to read about how the animals were treated. This was a grittier cozy than most, and at times I found it difficult to read about. I am sure this a real problem and something needs to be done about it, but I just was not expecting the cruelness to show up in my reading. That is only my opinion and others may not feel the same way.
I would recommend this book to any one who enjoys a well crafted mystery. I have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them and I will definitely read the next book when it is released. I just hope the subject matter is a little lighter.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
-A winner right out of the gate!- --Fern Michaels, #1 New York Times bestselling author
After horse trainer and rancher Annie Carson visits a feedlot in eastern Washington, she is determined to save as many horses from slaughter as possible before hightailing it back home--until she discovers the sleazy owner seemingly trampled in his corral. With the fate of the feedlot herd in her hands, Annie must navigate unfamiliar territory while trying to track down a killer and solve an increasingly tangled mystery. But unfortunately for Annie, returning to the Olympic Peninsula alive will be trickier than she ever imagined. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Annie is no-nonsense type of woman and you know where you stand with her. She knows a lot about horses, she loves horses and she is an advocate for horses. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Annie and find out what is going on in her life. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening in on conversations. You can tell that the author has a lot of knowledge of horses, it come through in the pages that she writes.
The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through with a few twists and turns and red herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes.
The subject matter of this book was a little difficult to read about. It was heartbreaking at times to read about how the animals were treated. This was a grittier cozy than most, and at times I found it difficult to read about. I am sure this a real problem and something needs to be done about it, but I just was not expecting the cruelness to show up in my reading. That is only my opinion and others may not feel the same way.
I would recommend this book to any one who enjoys a well crafted mystery. I have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them and I will definitely read the next book when it is released. I just hope the subject matter is a little lighter.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
December 21, 2017
Unbridled Murder by Leigh Heron
A Carson Stables Mystery #3
This series has it all: mystery, murder, great characters and romance.
I have been lucky enough to read the first two books in this series so was happy to find out book three had been written. I love that Annie Carson is in her forties and not a young thing that is perfect in every way. She is someone I can relate to and would like to have as a friend. Her romantic interest is worthy of her and worthy of anyone…I mean…gorgeous, wealthy and dedicated to making her happy…what’s not to like?
In this story the focus is again on horses and murder and solving “who done it”. Annie has recently lost a friend, Tony, when the story begins. Tony originally went to a feedlot to rescue some horses for an NGO program he, Annie and others had undertaken. When he was unable to pick up the horses Annie took up the responsibility and drove to the feedlot to do so. Little did she know going in that she would end up staying longer, be a suspect in a murder, have hoodlums disrupt her stay and become so immersed in the fate of over fifty horses that did not deserve the fate awaiting them.
There were characters easy to love.
There were characters easy to hate.
There was information imparted.
There was heartache for the lot of many horses and their fates.
There was joy for horses that are rescued from that fate.
There were new friends made.
There were old friends to catch up with.
There was a murderer to find.
There was romance.
And…there was a wish left for book four in the series to be written soon.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
A Carson Stables Mystery #3
This series has it all: mystery, murder, great characters and romance.
I have been lucky enough to read the first two books in this series so was happy to find out book three had been written. I love that Annie Carson is in her forties and not a young thing that is perfect in every way. She is someone I can relate to and would like to have as a friend. Her romantic interest is worthy of her and worthy of anyone…I mean…gorgeous, wealthy and dedicated to making her happy…what’s not to like?
In this story the focus is again on horses and murder and solving “who done it”. Annie has recently lost a friend, Tony, when the story begins. Tony originally went to a feedlot to rescue some horses for an NGO program he, Annie and others had undertaken. When he was unable to pick up the horses Annie took up the responsibility and drove to the feedlot to do so. Little did she know going in that she would end up staying longer, be a suspect in a murder, have hoodlums disrupt her stay and become so immersed in the fate of over fifty horses that did not deserve the fate awaiting them.
There were characters easy to love.
There were characters easy to hate.
There was information imparted.
There was heartache for the lot of many horses and their fates.
There was joy for horses that are rescued from that fate.
There were new friends made.
There were old friends to catch up with.
There was a murderer to find.
There was romance.
And…there was a wish left for book four in the series to be written soon.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
December 23, 2017
This was my first time coming upon this author or series. I didn't know it was the third book in the series at the time but seeing that it combined horses and a mystery I really wanted to read it. I really enjoyed it!
Annie is a horse trainer and rancher and if that isn't enough, is on the board for a non-profit. When she comes across a feedlot that sells horses to slaughterhouses she knows she has to rescue as many as she possibly can. But things keep delaying her and it looks like she may even be a suspect in a murder investigation with unfriendly locals making things even worse.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
Annie is a horse trainer and rancher and if that isn't enough, is on the board for a non-profit. When she comes across a feedlot that sells horses to slaughterhouses she knows she has to rescue as many as she possibly can. But things keep delaying her and it looks like she may even be a suspect in a murder investigation with unfriendly locals making things even worse.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
December 18, 2017
Growing up with horses I have a deep love for them and follow several rescues that go out and payees to keep these amazing creatures from not only becoming food, but also to save them from heartless abuse. So, when I noticed this book on NetGalley I jumped on it.
The story offers great characters, story development, description of the settings and some huge surprises along the way. I really liked Annie’s voice and how she related to the entanglement she was placed in and look forward to reading more of Annie’s adventures. For you romance readers out there, you’ll love Annie’s boyfriend Marcus, which is very prominent in the story.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because of repetitious and a few slow parts, but it wasn’t a lot of either one.
I recommend this to not only cozy mystery lovers out there, but also to romance lovers that love mysteries and horse. This is a totally standalone book, I never felt like I was missing much at all.
The story offers great characters, story development, description of the settings and some huge surprises along the way. I really liked Annie’s voice and how she related to the entanglement she was placed in and look forward to reading more of Annie’s adventures. For you romance readers out there, you’ll love Annie’s boyfriend Marcus, which is very prominent in the story.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because of repetitious and a few slow parts, but it wasn’t a lot of either one.
I recommend this to not only cozy mystery lovers out there, but also to romance lovers that love mysteries and horse. This is a totally standalone book, I never felt like I was missing much at all.
January 18, 2018
Yay! This 3rd entry (in what has quickly become one of my favorite series), is the best, yet! The writing is tighter, and more sure-footed. The first two were pretty tight, but you can appreciate the confidence. The mystery is solid, if not a jaw dropper, but this is a cozy mystery (kind of), so that’s not the focus, anyway. You pick up a cozy mystery for the great and beloved characters who become like family, and the wonderful settings, which is exactly what you get, here. The main character, Annie Carson, remains someone I wish I knew in real life, and the supporting characters (including the new ones) are interesting and well-written. There’s a plot development involving one of the regular characters that actually IS a jaw dropper, and I won’t spoil it, but wow. Wasn’t expecting that! That was tough, but certainly a brave writing choice. As always, I learned something new about horses. In this case it was something that just breaks my heart, as I assume this is based on real practices going on, today. I continue to marvel that I wasn’t one of those “horse” girls, growing up. I feel like I really missed out on something. Ironically, I grew up in horse country, so I really missed an opportunity, there. I have to say, I really appreciate the grit and self-reliance of this awesome, female character. She reminds me...and the timing couldn’t be any more poignant...of Kinsey Millhone, the beloved protagonist of the Alphabet series from Sue Grafton, one of my favorite writers. Learning of her death a few days ago has really upset me, but it’s nice to know I have a strong, resourceful, independent, female character/role model in Annie Carson to fill the void. Definitely some big shoes to fill, but I’m feeling pretty confident in Ms. Hearon. Patiently looking forward to number 4, which I understand is coming out on June 26th, so that’s excellent news. >>>>Btw, Ms. Hearon, if you happen to be reading this, a wholesale women’s clothing company (www.onlyfu.com) has hijacked the link to your website, as of 8am on 1-18-18. Go get ‘em! :-)
January 8, 2018
3rd in the series.
I love Annie and her passion for saving horses. The story-line kept me hooked from the beginning. This series isn't quite as "cozy" as some of the other series I read, it's a little darker, and seems to be a lot focused on shining a light on some of the not so nice things that go on in the horse world. But I think that's what I like about it.
I love that Annie is a strong, independent female lead. That said, I also love that she's learning after years of hard work on her own, that needing help isn't always a bad thing. I also liked that we got to see more of her with Marcus.
I really hope we get to see more of Annie in the future!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
I love Annie and her passion for saving horses. The story-line kept me hooked from the beginning. This series isn't quite as "cozy" as some of the other series I read, it's a little darker, and seems to be a lot focused on shining a light on some of the not so nice things that go on in the horse world. But I think that's what I like about it.
I love that Annie is a strong, independent female lead. That said, I also love that she's learning after years of hard work on her own, that needing help isn't always a bad thing. I also liked that we got to see more of her with Marcus.
I really hope we get to see more of Annie in the future!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
March 14, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Annie Carson wants to save as many horses as possible after she visits a feedlot located in Eastern Washington. She’s set to take home a handful, thus saving them from slaughter, when a murder on the feedlot throws a wrench into her plans. All she wants to do is take her horses and go home, but the mystery just keeps becoming more and more complicated. Now she must focus on staying alive on top of solving the mysteries surrounding her if she wants to make it home.
I didn’t necessarily dislike this book. I think is just really wasn’t for me. I requested it because I wanted to try something a little different, and I haven’t read too many mystery books. This is also the third book in a series, and having not read the first two, that may have made it harder for me to connect with the characters.
I did enjoy the mystery of the book. There were a lot of good twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. That said, I did feel like the book was drug out a little too much. There was a lot of little extra details thrown in that felt unnecessary that really bogged down the book and made it seem to drag on. Again, this may have been more because this book just really wasn’t for me than anything.
I give it 3/5 stars.
Unbridled Murder was released December 26, 2017.
Annie Carson wants to save as many horses as possible after she visits a feedlot located in Eastern Washington. She’s set to take home a handful, thus saving them from slaughter, when a murder on the feedlot throws a wrench into her plans. All she wants to do is take her horses and go home, but the mystery just keeps becoming more and more complicated. Now she must focus on staying alive on top of solving the mysteries surrounding her if she wants to make it home.
I didn’t necessarily dislike this book. I think is just really wasn’t for me. I requested it because I wanted to try something a little different, and I haven’t read too many mystery books. This is also the third book in a series, and having not read the first two, that may have made it harder for me to connect with the characters.
I did enjoy the mystery of the book. There were a lot of good twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. That said, I did feel like the book was drug out a little too much. There was a lot of little extra details thrown in that felt unnecessary that really bogged down the book and made it seem to drag on. Again, this may have been more because this book just really wasn’t for me than anything.
I give it 3/5 stars.
Unbridled Murder was released December 26, 2017.
October 2, 2018
Heart wrenching, heart warming, amazing. Unbridled Murder may be the best book in the series so far. This outstanding and hope filled tale introduces Annie to the realities of the horses for meat industry. Even though the US does not allow the slaughter of horses for human consumption, there is no control on the sale of horses for any reason. I have long been aware of the results of people casually adopting or purchasing dogs and then loosing interest as expense increase or as the animal becomes inconvenient and I and know for some time that wild mustangs are sold by the Land Management Bureau, a department of the federal government, but I was not aware of the number of horses badly treated before they are sold to businesses in other countries for meat. Annie's shock and tears, and anger match my own and she struggles to save a few and to discover the reason a friend died. The magic of the new friends who struggle against this industry kept the story from taking me down too far but it still made its point.
March 22, 2018
I was given this book as a gift. Mystery is not my go-to genre but I totally enjoyed this one. The plot was well executed and although I thought I knew the murderer early on I was wrong. I liked the main characters, Annie and Marcus (I loved Marcus – he was almost too good to be true.) All the prominent characters were well defined.
As interesting as the mystery was, it wasn’t what I found compelling about the book. What really grabbed hold and wouldn’t let go was the back drop for the story. It’s all about the horses, as the title suggests. I didn’t know and I doubt many people outside the horse community would know, but the author paints a harrowing picture of feedlots and the sale of throw-away (and wild) horses for sale to Canada, France, and countries that eat horse. It wasn’t just where these beautiful animals end up; it was the horror of the process. It was heart wrenching. Highly recommended, especially for horse lovers. Prepare to be emotional.
As interesting as the mystery was, it wasn’t what I found compelling about the book. What really grabbed hold and wouldn’t let go was the back drop for the story. It’s all about the horses, as the title suggests. I didn’t know and I doubt many people outside the horse community would know, but the author paints a harrowing picture of feedlots and the sale of throw-away (and wild) horses for sale to Canada, France, and countries that eat horse. It wasn’t just where these beautiful animals end up; it was the horror of the process. It was heart wrenching. Highly recommended, especially for horse lovers. Prepare to be emotional.
November 21, 2017
Not only is this series set near where I live, it is also deeply rooted in the horse world, of which I am a part of. For those reasons this series is special to me. I love reading little bits about the area I live in and I enjoy all of the horses that are included in the story. That being said, this book was a little bit hard to read at parts. The story centers around two feedlot owners and an attempt to rescue horses from slaughter. I generally read cozy mysteries to escape reality and this was a little too real for me. That being said, it was still a really good book. The premise of the feed lot allowed for a new setting and new characters that fit into the series nicely. I enjoyed the plot and the new characters. The mystery was interesting though I didn’t really agree with some of the characters motivations. Overall I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
December 17, 2017
Best birthday present! No spoilers but Marcus, well, he's my new hero. This third outing for Annie Carson can easily be read as a standalone. It's meant to be a cozy but for me, it's all about the horses. Annie is trying to rescue horses when things go horribly wrong for both her friend Tony, who is killed in a plane crash, and for herself when she arrives at the feedlot in time to see a murder. Of course the Sheriff suspects her, even though she's not at all a logical candidate, but keeping her in town allows Annie to interact with some very interesting characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is well written, highly entertaining, and it's got relatable, terrific people (and animals such as Wolf the dog and Eddie the horse.). Try this one if you like animals and are looking for a good read with an excellent mystery.
January 16, 2018
In some ways this was an easy one for me. In more ways it was hard.
The whole plot of the horses going to feedlots just hit me where it hurts.
I was super excited for the chance to read this Cozy since it was about horses.
I loved getting to know the characters.
The story was emotional for me but I loved it anyway! I loved that Annie was such an advocate for the horses. I could relate to her.
Unbridled Murder is book 3 in the series but it is written as a stand alone.
The cover may take you back to Trixie Belden (it did me) or the latter horse series books. It is an adult version and worthy the read.
I enjoyed Unbrideled Murder and look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
The whole plot of the horses going to feedlots just hit me where it hurts.
I was super excited for the chance to read this Cozy since it was about horses.
I loved getting to know the characters.
The story was emotional for me but I loved it anyway! I loved that Annie was such an advocate for the horses. I could relate to her.
Unbridled Murder is book 3 in the series but it is written as a stand alone.
The cover may take you back to Trixie Belden (it did me) or the latter horse series books. It is an adult version and worthy the read.
I enjoyed Unbrideled Murder and look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
July 6, 2022
As a horse lover I was really looking forward to this one and started out really well with the stress of the feedlot and then the murder but dragged a little in the middle section (too much complaining ab out the heat and law enforcement instead of moving on with the story) and setting up an IUD in the middle of a road trusting that nobody else would stop and remove it let alone that you could blow up a particular horse van with it? (not to mention the fact that the killer allowed a boy on a horse to ride close enough to throw a spear when he had a rifle in his hands kind of ruined it for me) The ending didn't really make sense. Good concept and raising awareness of conditions in feedlot but as a mystery not quite there yet.
February 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this Clean mystery. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. This heroine loved horses. This whole story pretty much evolved around horses. Between horses and murder, this story kept pulling at me till I stayed up late to finish it. If you care about horses, it'll pull at your heart strings. I'll be looking for more from this author.
July 7, 2018
Basically it was overall a good book. I would have like it if the author had stretch our more about the feeling one has when they watch wild horses and how free spirted they are. It stretch out a little bit too much in some places. I honestly enjoyed both Books 1 and 2 in the series and a little bit more than this one. I am hoping that Book 4 in the Carson Stables does not disappoint me.
January 6, 2019
Three and a half stars....a cut above the usual cozy mysteries I've read of late and a new-to-me author. The characters are believable and likeable brought to life in the complex world of horses and horse lovers. Definitely a series to keep track of and catch up on the previous books.
August 5, 2019
Set in Washington state, a horse trainer and rancher is on a mission to save horses headed for the slaughterhouse. She also wants to know hwy a close friend died in a plane crash while on the same mission.
Interesting character, interesting plot. Recommend this book.
Interesting character, interesting plot. Recommend this book.
August 6, 2018
1.5 stars
January 15, 2019
This is decent book, not the best cozy mystery I have ever read but pretty good.
April 15, 2019
She's a bit judging but over all it's a good book.
December 29, 2019
Interesting story about feedlot horses.
April 21, 2024
A safe wish fulfillment story for a lady and her dusty life. Characters are one note with no depth. This story made me not like horses anymore.
May 13, 2021
Read my whole review at https://novelsalive.com/2021/05/13/4-...
January 12, 2018
3.5 Stars
Annie Carson is a horse trainer on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. Annie loves horses and hears about numerous horses being held on a feedlot in Eastern Washington waiting to be sold for slaughter. She is able to make arrangements to rescue four of the horses. When she arrives at her destination, she is shocked by the conditions in which the horses are being kept and is saddened by the fact that she isn’t able to save more of the horses destined to be killed. While visiting the feedlot, she discovers the dead body of one of the lot’s owners, trampled in his own corral. However, there is more to the story, and Annie becomes local law enforcement’s prime suspect for murder. She is determined to do what it takes to find the real killer and clear her name, while helping as many horses as she can.
I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but it’s easy to get to know the important characters. Annie Carson is the main character and her passion for horses is contagious. Her generous and charming boyfriend, Marcus Colbert, is likeable and comes through for Annie when she needs help. Both are independent, busy people, but have good chemistry when they are together. There are other side characters that also play important roles in the story, but the real stars are the horses – the horses on Annie’s ranch, Eddie and the other unfortunate horses on the feedlot, and the wild horses running free on Native American land. Animal lovers and horse lovers in particular will enjoy the book. I like horses but don’t have much experience with them, but enjoyed learning more about them, as well as about the lives of horse owners. I wasn’t aware horses in the U.S. were sold to slaughterhouses outside the country, so that part of the book was eye-opening and very sad. The emphasis on horses as part of the story was a fresh take on the cozy mystery and I applaud the author for giving readers something different.
Annie is determined to get to the truth of the murder and is very effective at continuing to dig until she gets to the facts of the case. I like her persistence, but the investigation is the weak part of the book. Annie goes in circles for a while and the pace of the book slows to a point that I was starting to lose interest. Luckily, things pick up and the book concludes with a satisfying and unexpected ending. In fact, things wrap up so neatly that considering all the challenges Annie faces in trying to help the feedlot horses and solve the case, the ending is a bit too pat. However, if given the choice between tragedy and something uplifting, I’ll take the happy ending any time.
~ Christine
Annie Carson is a horse trainer on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. Annie loves horses and hears about numerous horses being held on a feedlot in Eastern Washington waiting to be sold for slaughter. She is able to make arrangements to rescue four of the horses. When she arrives at her destination, she is shocked by the conditions in which the horses are being kept and is saddened by the fact that she isn’t able to save more of the horses destined to be killed. While visiting the feedlot, she discovers the dead body of one of the lot’s owners, trampled in his own corral. However, there is more to the story, and Annie becomes local law enforcement’s prime suspect for murder. She is determined to do what it takes to find the real killer and clear her name, while helping as many horses as she can.
I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but it’s easy to get to know the important characters. Annie Carson is the main character and her passion for horses is contagious. Her generous and charming boyfriend, Marcus Colbert, is likeable and comes through for Annie when she needs help. Both are independent, busy people, but have good chemistry when they are together. There are other side characters that also play important roles in the story, but the real stars are the horses – the horses on Annie’s ranch, Eddie and the other unfortunate horses on the feedlot, and the wild horses running free on Native American land. Animal lovers and horse lovers in particular will enjoy the book. I like horses but don’t have much experience with them, but enjoyed learning more about them, as well as about the lives of horse owners. I wasn’t aware horses in the U.S. were sold to slaughterhouses outside the country, so that part of the book was eye-opening and very sad. The emphasis on horses as part of the story was a fresh take on the cozy mystery and I applaud the author for giving readers something different.
Annie is determined to get to the truth of the murder and is very effective at continuing to dig until she gets to the facts of the case. I like her persistence, but the investigation is the weak part of the book. Annie goes in circles for a while and the pace of the book slows to a point that I was starting to lose interest. Luckily, things pick up and the book concludes with a satisfying and unexpected ending. In fact, things wrap up so neatly that considering all the challenges Annie faces in trying to help the feedlot horses and solve the case, the ending is a bit too pat. However, if given the choice between tragedy and something uplifting, I’ll take the happy ending any time.
~ Christine
January 27, 2018
I haven’t found a horse series to enjoy since The Black Stallion and The Saddle Club.Now as you can guess its been awhile since I reader those horse series, and I am not a disappointed reader with this series. The author has created a marvelous character in Annie, and a passion for readers to dig their spurs into.
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