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Cold Backed: A Dream Horse Mystery prologue
Viola Parker can’t land a job since the famous jumper, Wastrel, crashed to his death with her aboard. She can barely afford her whipped-cream-in-a-can addiction. When she finds her mentor unconscious, she suspects foul play and wonders if her old friend, Harry, has answers. But Harry disappears with the truth, leaving behind a mysterious delivery and cryptic confession. A short story prologue to the Dream Horse Mysteries with a preview of On the Dream Horse Mystery #1. Check out the entire Dream Horse Mystery On the Buckle, Dream Horse Mystery #1 Run Out, Dream Horse Mystery #2 Wrong Lead, Dream Horse Mystery #3 or, get the entire set in the Dream Horse Mysteries Omnibus.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2018
52 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Candace Carrabus
12 books65 followersI have written stories and ridden horses–frequently simultaneously–for as long as I can remember. I grew up on Long Island and spent my formative years in the saddle–just imagining. After high school, I traveled to Ness, England and studied at a British Horse Society training school. This was an all-around amazing experience. When I left, I clutched a certification to teach riding in my hot little hand, and I enjoyed instructing riders for many years.
Who am I kidding? We know it is the horses who do the teaching. All we can do is try to remain open to what they have to say.
Now, I share a farm in Missouri with my family, but I have only one horse these days. Remi’s a Trakehner - thoroughbred - quarter horse cross, as easy a keeper and good minded as they get. We board him at a terrific place nearby.
Not surprisingly, my stories are frequently infused with the mystery and spirituality horses have brought to my life.
Who am I kidding? We know it is the horses who do the teaching. All we can do is try to remain open to what they have to say.
Now, I share a farm in Missouri with my family, but I have only one horse these days. Remi’s a Trakehner - thoroughbred - quarter horse cross, as easy a keeper and good minded as they get. We board him at a terrific place nearby.
Not surprisingly, my stories are frequently infused with the mystery and spirituality horses have brought to my life.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 18, 2019
This was a somewhat bizarre prequel to the story On the Buckle.
There was a tiny mystery to solve (who moved the blind man's trunk so that he would fall over it? No spoilers here, but you'll be glad to know that the culprit comes clean, whew!). It does tell the story of how main character Vi acquires her beautiful TB mare. It seemed to end abruptly, and the last third of the download is sample chapters from the author's other books.
However, as in her other books, the horse stuff is Spot On Accurate, and I really enjoyed the description of the hot Thoroughbred, and the horse show.
There was a tiny mystery to solve (who moved the blind man's trunk so that he would fall over it? No spoilers here, but you'll be glad to know that the culprit comes clean, whew!). It does tell the story of how main character Vi acquires her beautiful TB mare. It seemed to end abruptly, and the last third of the download is sample chapters from the author's other books.
However, as in her other books, the horse stuff is Spot On Accurate, and I really enjoyed the description of the hot Thoroughbred, and the horse show.
September 17, 2021
A prologue is just that - introducing characters, setting a scene, implying a tone for the rest of the work. So, although I have not read the next books, I think this is a great prologue to a series. Set in the American show barn scene.
There's rather more talking and showing us that the lady protagonist knows her horse training stuff, than there is action. I don't think the rider as much as jumps a fence or practices shoulder-in. Does she even ride? Don't think so. But we meet people. We meet a classy mare. We learn about situations and regrets. Small mystery, to demonstrate characters more than anything.
If you like horses, you'll have fun with this short story, and if you have enjoyed other books in this series, this will be a lovely visit with friends. Then we get the first chapter of the next book.
I downloaded a free ARC. This is an unbiased review.
There's rather more talking and showing us that the lady protagonist knows her horse training stuff, than there is action. I don't think the rider as much as jumps a fence or practices shoulder-in. Does she even ride? Don't think so. But we meet people. We meet a classy mare. We learn about situations and regrets. Small mystery, to demonstrate characters more than anything.
If you like horses, you'll have fun with this short story, and if you have enjoyed other books in this series, this will be a lovely visit with friends. Then we get the first chapter of the next book.
I downloaded a free ARC. This is an unbiased review.
June 16, 2018
Finished before it got started
It started really well but then just seemed to finish. (The page count for the actual story is only 64%) A girl down in spirits and luck sees the horse of her dreams. One she has an instant connection too (not exactly sure why or what happened to her in the past) but then she notices the rider. Her arch enemy! Going back to her haven, the man that has given her sanctuary is hurt and lying on the floor. Who moved the trunk thus causing the almost blind man to fall? Will she ever ride a horse again? Will she ever see the horse from earlier?
It started really well but then just seemed to finish. (The page count for the actual story is only 64%) A girl down in spirits and luck sees the horse of her dreams. One she has an instant connection too (not exactly sure why or what happened to her in the past) but then she notices the rider. Her arch enemy! Going back to her haven, the man that has given her sanctuary is hurt and lying on the floor. Who moved the trunk thus causing the almost blind man to fall? Will she ever ride a horse again? Will she ever see the horse from earlier?
September 4, 2018
This was a somewhat bizarre prequel to the story On the Buckle. There was a tiny mystery to solve (who moved the blind man's trunk so that he would fall over it? No spoilers here, but you'll be glad to know that the culprit comes clean, whew!). It does tell the story of how main character Vi acquires her beautiful TB mare. It seemed to end abruptly, and the last third of the download is sample chapters from the author's other books.
However, as in her other books, the horse stuff is Spot On Accurate, and I really enjoyed the description of the hot Thoroughbred, and the horse show.
However, as in her other books, the horse stuff is Spot On Accurate, and I really enjoyed the description of the hot Thoroughbred, and the horse show.
August 20, 2019
This is a lovely and gentle horse story. I'm jealous of the author, Candace Carrabus, because she not only writes about horses, but lives with them too! Cold Backed: A Dream Horse Mystery Prequel (short story) has taken me back to my life-long love of horses. When the beautiful Cali (short for Calypso) first appears in the book, like our heroine Viola, I too fell in love with this dream horse through Carrbus' marvelous description. Looking forward to reading more of this delightful author's books.
August 29, 2018
Nice introduction to Vi and Cali, looking forward to reading more about those two!
Bonus point for calling the pony Thelwell. <3
Bonus point for calling the pony Thelwell. <3
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September 7, 2020Cold Backed: A Dream Horse Mystery prologue, my first outstanding read from author Candace Carrabus and the prologue to The Dream Horse Mysteries series. Enjoyable fiction, with well-written characters & plot you can buy into. I look forward to reading more from this author! "I received an online audio copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 11, 2018
Review to follow!
August 20, 2018
A very short prequel, but it explained how Vi got Cali. And that was about it. Still, the horse show descriptions were spot-on!
November 1, 2019
Prequel
I liked this prequel to the Dream Horse Mystery series. I definitely will read more of the series. Mystery and horses, what6not to like
I liked this prequel to the Dream Horse Mystery series. I definitely will read more of the series. Mystery and horses, what6not to like
October 29, 2021
Very nice short story. I'm reading this series because I loved horses all my life and had a wonderful horse for 20 years and did everything and more with him. This story brings back memories.
October 30, 2021
Enjoyable
Viola is at her best with horses. She is good for them and understands them. She has a few loyal friends and cousin.
Viola is at her best with horses. She is good for them and understands them. She has a few loyal friends and cousin.
January 3, 2024
Awesome prologue to what is certain to be a wonderful series of audiobooks. Can’t wait!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews