Kingfisher

by Clair M. Poulson

Rancher Kit Troxley loves the thrill of the racetrack. He is well aware that horse racing can be a perilous sport, but when ruthless jockey Sam Overmyer cheats him for the win, Kit's eyes are opened to the dark side of the competition. After accusing Sam of foul play, Kit discovers that horses don't pose the only danger on the track—Sam's fury has followed Kit back to his Utah ranch, and the man is out for vengeance. His agenda is to destroy Kit's life one piece at a time—and why not start big, with an accusation of murder? As Kit struggles to prove his innocence, he must rely on his faithful family and friends for help. But even as he stays one step ahead of Sam's wrath, Kit soon realizes that simple vindication will never be enough for his opponent. What began as a feud on the track has turned into a deadly game of cat and mouse, and Kit will be lucky if he makes it out alive.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2020

About the author

Clair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.

He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.

In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.

Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.

Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.

Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dark side of horse racing is shown in this latest suspense by Clair M. Poulson. Kit Troxler and his twin sister Paizlee manage their family's horse and cattle ranch, since their parents' death the year before. Kit is also a jockey, and races Kingfisher, one of their quarter horses. Losing a race to Sam Overmyer (who cheated) starts a series of events that threaten Kit and Kingfisher.

Wow, I didn't expect to find myself so immersed in a book about a racehorse. This is another book where we know who the bad guys/villains are and we're along for the wild ride to see what it takes to catch them, although we don't find out until the last few chapters who was responsible for the act that set the whole thing in motion.

I liked that Kit and Paizlee had a loyal foreman and found a great attorney and P.I. to help with the charges against him. I also liked that the local sheriff stood up to the crooked deputy Hodson when they were searching the Troxler's ranch. I was touched that Kit and Paizlee formed a relationship with Randall Overmyer (Sam's father), and I liked the sweet ending.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an exciting book that doesn't let up on the suspense and danger until nearly the very end. I enjoyed learning about what the bad guys would try next. Sadly, I found the bad guys very believable. I say sadly, because I know there are people out there who think like them. They're the most tragic of all. I was genuinely worried for Kingfisher, the talented horse and his people. The bad guys were relentless, and the things they did to cause trouble for Kit Troxler, his sister Paisley, and their friends had me on the edge of my seat from the get go. I listened to the CDs, and enjoyed listening for the most part. The reader represented one character's voice in a way I didn't care for. One of the female characters. I don't think Mr. Poulson intended to make her sound so bubble headed and whiney, and I don't think she would have come across that way had I read the book. Other than that one character, and aside from some dialogue that I found a little bit unnatural, mostly between the bad guys, the story was still very good. I loved the plot, and appreciated the author's knowledge of the way the legal system works, and how police and other special groups that provide security work in high stakes situations. I also have to say I quite liked the lawyer. He was a really stand up guy.

From the beginning of the story I suspected the person who was responsible for the cruel deed that set off the trouble because of various clues, (Poor, poor Sharpshooter did not deserve what happened to him!) but we're not told this for sure until toward the end. Readers aren't kept much in the dark in this story. For the most part, readers know what's going on, what the bad guys are doing, and who the bad guys are. The suspense comes from whether or not the good guys can figure out what the bad guys have planned in time to stop them.

If you enjoy clean, suspenseful fiction with characters who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (not all of them, but the main ones) you will enjoy this book.

[Ann Topham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins Kit and Paizlee inherited a ranch when their parents were killed in a plane crash. On the ranch is a beautiful black stallion,Kingfisher” who shows signs of being a winning race horse. Along with the ranch hands, they train him and enter him in races around the west. At a race in New Mexico, the jockey on another horse pushes Kit, nearly unseating him. The other jockey wins, and the officials did not see his actions.
The other jockey, Sam, gloats over his win and when confronted by someone who saw his actions, starts a bar fight. The deputy who responds to the fight is Sam’s cousin.
Later Sam’s horse is found dead in his stall. Sam is certain that Kit killed his horse and causes all kinds of trouble. The deputy from Nevada shows up at their ranch in Utah and arrested Kit for the slaying of Sam’s horse.Kit and Paizlee are forced to hire an attorney and a private investigator.
Kit ends up being shot, but not killed, and spent several days in the hospital in Nevada. How is he going to be found innocent? What will happen to Kingfisher? Will Sam get the revenge he is looking for?
A great story, with a good moral. Thanks Clair M Poulson for another great read!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingfisher was a great suspense that involved the great big world of horse racing. Right from the start, the action happens which pulls you into the story and into the struggles facing the main characters. In this novel you know right away who the bad guys are and their motivations. The suspense is never knowing what horrible things they are going to do next.

Kit and his twin sister Paizlee are very likable and you definitely root for them as they face all of the trials caused by Sam and his cousin. I also loved so many of the side characters from Lawrence the attorney, to the PI Brandon, and Randall Overmyer (Sam's father). Clearly Randall changes a lot in the story and he realizes the terrible things his son has done. The sorrow comes when certain characters see no need for redemption.

I've read many books written by this author. It ranks up there with the rest for being a great suspense filled with many surprises that keeps the action going. Clair Poulson knows this genre well and you're always in for a great read when you pick up one of his books.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Clair Poulson I have read. I thought it was a good suspense novel. It did take me a couple chapters to get into the story but once I did I wanted to keep reading. I thought he did a great job with giving us villains that we hated. I also really liked how many people loved and cared about Kit and came to his aid to prove his innocence. I also loved learning more about horse racing and what goes into getting a horse ready to race. So for me, besides being a little slow for me to get into at first, I really enjoyed the book and thought it was well written.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Clair’s books for years. He is one of my go-to authors when I’m in the mood for action-packed mysteries. And while there is violence and murder in his books, he doesn’t get gory. Kingfisher captured my attention right away, and I read it in two days. I even sat down to read it for a couple minutes last night before bed, and two hours later, it was after midnight and I was still reading! 😂 Kit was about to win a race on his horse, Kingfisher, when Sam tried to knock him off his saddle out of view of the race officials. When Sam’s racehorse is killed, he’s positive it was Kit’s doing. Kit was no where near Sam’s ranch at the time, and he’s sure Sam is framing him. Soon Kit and his twin sister Paizlee are in more danger than they realize.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, just as much as I loved his others. The story line was great! Of course the little relationships formed are the cutest. Perfect balance for me.
I was actually trying to figure out who killed Sharpshooter the whole way & I never except Vince. Probably because I was all to caught up in enjoying the book! ;) The rush it gave me just reading when Kingfisher practiced as well as raced, now that was great! The whole race I felt like I couldn’t read fast enough to find out!
Again, this book was wonderful! Highly recommend! 5 stars well deserved :)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Clair Poulson really knows how to make you despise the antagonists of his stories. Right from the start I waited for justice to be taken against Sam and Vince.

I did find this story a bit choppy at parts though, and felt like the reason for Sam’s hatred was kind of uncalled for…maybe that just goes to show how misguided and sociopathic of a young man he was?

I would have enjoyed more parts about Kit and Kingfisher and their racing before the crimes started against them - maybe I would have felt more connected to the main characters if that had been the case.

[SHERI · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really like Clair Poulson books, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as i have in the past. I found his criminals to be extremely stupid. The victim seemed to be giving the detectives direction and ideas and leading the investigation. I found the dialog VERY cheesy to the point of nauseam at times, especially the flirting. Having said this i did finish the book because i was curious. I enjoy "cozy mysteries". This was not my favorite of Clair's books.

[Kathi Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingfisher is the first book I’ve read of Clair Poulson’s and I realize I’ve been missing out. Kingfisher was filled with twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night just to see what happened next. If you like contemporary western mixed with suspense and intrigue, you should check out this story.

[Karyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winner

I have enjoyed all of Mr Poulson's books over many years. It is so gratifying that he is still writing exciting stories that never disappoint. It was difficult to believe that the two main protagonists could be so evil and wicked. It would be fun to have a sequel to follow Kingfisher's and his owner's further adventures.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good but not great book. The story seemed to drag on a bit between each crisis. It did get pretty exciting in many parts and then it would resolve for a moment and drag a bit. I was not a big fan of Kit’s character but I really liked a lot of the other characters. There were also a few eye roll moments but it was still worth the read.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clair Poulson was the author that got me reading mystery/suspense books awhile back. His books are fantastic, however I struggled a bit with this one. There were too many points of view that created a disjointed story rather than a smooth story for me. It took me a lot longer to get into the story than I like it to take. That being said, it may be a smooth story for someone else.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I wasn't a huge fan of this book. It felt kind of forced and choppy and the plot wasn't super believable. My main annoyance was that it dragged on for too long. A whole bunch of stuff happened in the first half of the book, then the final resolution dragged on and on. 

[Charity Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest of Clair M. Poulson’s would have to be one of my favorites now out of his books. It was a hard one to have to put down when work called my name. If you like horses, horse racing, and suspenseful action, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator's style made the female characters seem totally gah!, especially the main character's girlfriend. I wonder what my reaction would be to them if I just read it, where some of the gah! can be overlooked more easily than when listening.

[Lindsay Bragg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving it a generous 2, really more a 1.5. I've been reading some well-written books lately and the difference was stark. The plot was OK, but the dialogue was atrocious. I ended up speed reading the last half because I just couldn't get through it.

[Kathy]

I enjoyed this one!
good "modern" story

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good as some of His others books.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suspense, a quick read.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of good verses pure evil, the motivating power of lies and revenge.
The author weaves a tale that any horse lover would relate to.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Poulson latest books. Pretty involved. Racehorse and Bad son and cop.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading poulson’s suspense novels! This one was a little on the slower side, but still kept me reading to the end. I liked learning the facts about horse racing. That was interesting.

[Nicole Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of twists. Not one of my top novels from this author but still a good read.

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clair M. Poulson never disappoints! I enjoyed this suspense novel and the time spent exploring the world of horseracing!

[Ranee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halfway through and I’m skimming and reading ahead to see what happens, though it’s a little predictable. I like the clean thriller element but not a big fan of the writing style

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Thank you Mr. Poulson!

[Heather Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, good narration.

[lauren kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is one of the books that got me back into reading!

[Chelsie (Epic Reads & Everyday Mom Chaos) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute story! Had a suspense element to it but it felt like a young adult bully more than a terrifying suspense. There were some cheesy moments but over all was a good story.