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Horseshoer Mystery #3
Forging Fire
Days before her wedding, Rainy Dale jumps at a chance to visit the fabled Black Bluff bull sale down in California, but things go awry when she is assaulted and her truck is stolen.
In this twist on the “locked-room” form, more than one mystery is hidden on the ranch where Rainy and her dog, Charlie, end up. Everyone—the owners, ranch hands, angry neighbors, and perhaps even the deliveryman who brings coke coal for the ranch’s old-fashioned forge—is harboring a damaging secret. When Rainy realizes that even her dog knows a grisly hidden truth, the stakes are raised as high as life and death.
In this twist on the “locked-room” form, more than one mystery is hidden on the ranch where Rainy and her dog, Charlie, end up. Everyone—the owners, ranch hands, angry neighbors, and perhaps even the deliveryman who brings coke coal for the ranch’s old-fashioned forge—is harboring a damaging secret. When Rainy realizes that even her dog knows a grisly hidden truth, the stakes are raised as high as life and death.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
60 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Preston
21 books101 followersLisa Preston (1964- ) turned to writing after careers as a fire department paramedic and a city police officer. Experience in her earlier professions enhance the medical and legal passages of her fiction and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, Orchids and Stone, was released by Thomas & Mercer in April 2016, and has been described both as a thriller and as domestic noir.
Her published work includes non-fiction books and articles on animals, particularly the care and training of dogs and horses.
Away from her desk, she spends hours on backcountry trails as a runner and rider, sometimes combining her two outdoor pursuits via the obscure sport of Ride and Tie.
She lives with her husband and Malinois on Washington State's vast Olympic Peninsula.
Her debut novel, Orchids and Stone, was released by Thomas & Mercer in April 2016, and has been described both as a thriller and as domestic noir.
Her published work includes non-fiction books and articles on animals, particularly the care and training of dogs and horses.
Away from her desk, she spends hours on backcountry trails as a runner and rider, sometimes combining her two outdoor pursuits via the obscure sport of Ride and Tie.
She lives with her husband and Malinois on Washington State's vast Olympic Peninsula.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 5, 2020
Forging Fire by Lisa Preston
Horseshoer Mystery Series #3
Rainy Day is back to solve another murder mystery. Thinking she can do a favor for a friend she heads off to the Black Bluff bull sales hoping to see the place and check off one item on her bucket list. Little does she know that she will face losing more than time on the road and away from home.
What I liked:
* Rainy: strong, independent, horseshoer working in what is usually considered a man’s jobtrade. Willing to help others, eager to solve mysteries, loves her Guy, and adores Charley, her herding dog. Sometimes I did question her choices, though.
* Guy: Rainy’s fiancé doesn’t get much page time but is devoted to Rainy. He is more than capable in the kitchen and ready to do what it takes to keep Rainy safe.
* Charley: rescued at the side of the road a couple years before, loves Rainy, is friendly, and loves to herd animals (and humans?). More of his backstory comes out in this book.
* The plot and writing.
* That I did not know who the culprits were till very near the end.
* Being reminded that good people can also have a darker side.
* Knowing that there is a book four to look forward to.
* Also…going off to search for a “shoeless Joe” definition and finding myself reading about donkeys, mules, various hybrids and crosses and all the names they are given as well as how they vary.
What I did not like:
* The bad guys and just how bad they were
* Having to say goodbye to the characters till the next book is ready to be read.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Horseshoer Mystery Series #3
Rainy Day is back to solve another murder mystery. Thinking she can do a favor for a friend she heads off to the Black Bluff bull sales hoping to see the place and check off one item on her bucket list. Little does she know that she will face losing more than time on the road and away from home.
What I liked:
* Rainy: strong, independent, horseshoer working in what is usually considered a man’s jobtrade. Willing to help others, eager to solve mysteries, loves her Guy, and adores Charley, her herding dog. Sometimes I did question her choices, though.
* Guy: Rainy’s fiancé doesn’t get much page time but is devoted to Rainy. He is more than capable in the kitchen and ready to do what it takes to keep Rainy safe.
* Charley: rescued at the side of the road a couple years before, loves Rainy, is friendly, and loves to herd animals (and humans?). More of his backstory comes out in this book.
* The plot and writing.
* That I did not know who the culprits were till very near the end.
* Being reminded that good people can also have a darker side.
* Knowing that there is a book four to look forward to.
* Also…going off to search for a “shoeless Joe” definition and finding myself reading about donkeys, mules, various hybrids and crosses and all the names they are given as well as how they vary.
What I did not like:
* The bad guys and just how bad they were
* Having to say goodbye to the characters till the next book is ready to be read.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
March 11, 2021
An entertaining mystery that is a top notch story too, double for your money. A great back story set in a community of characters that fit together well, most of them anyway. As this young woman is preparing for her wedding day, she makes a last minute trip to a famous bull sale, she's always wanted to attend one, when she is attacked and her truck and gear stolen. But worse, they took her dog! We all know this means war.....
This may be the 3rd in the Horseshoer Mystery series, but it was an excellent stand alone read. Full of give and take among the characters that will leave you surprised when the reveal exposes one of the last people you'd suspect and a determined, well rounded main character, this series is a winner.
This may be the 3rd in the Horseshoer Mystery series, but it was an excellent stand alone read. Full of give and take among the characters that will leave you surprised when the reveal exposes one of the last people you'd suspect and a determined, well rounded main character, this series is a winner.
April 11, 2022
This is a great series! It’s about horses but NOT about horse racing. Also very funny.
September 16, 2020
Horseshoer Rainy Dale jumped at the chance to visit the Black Bluff bull sale along with herding dog Charley. Rainy is attacked and her truck and forge tools stolen. When they are found on a local ranch her truck is disabled to stop her leaving. Charley will find his previous owner murdered but this is not the only mystery hidden on this ranch. The characters and setting keep you interested. Rainy holds her own as a horseshoer in a male world but sticks to her guns when trying to do right by Charley’s previous owner. I was given an arc of this book by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
Another outstanding book by Lisa Preston.
Rainy Dale has become one of my most favorite characters to read. She’s my kind of girl.
Dry sense of humor, which keeps me laughing throughout the entire book.
She knows more about horses, their footwear, and disposition, than she knows about her fiancée.
Charley, her faithful canine companion, understands her better than others, that’s the way she likes it.
If conversation isn’t about shoeing horses, she’s pretty much tapped out of the conversation.
When she hauls a corrupt bull to a sale for two of her clients, she never expected to get assaulted. On top of that Ol Blue, her horseshoeing tools, and Charley are stolen.
She’s fit to be tied and will not stand by and wait, she takes matters into her own hands and goes looking for Charley.
Absolutely a fun, funny, and exhilarating book.
Rainy Dale has become one of my most favorite characters to read. She’s my kind of girl.
Dry sense of humor, which keeps me laughing throughout the entire book.
She knows more about horses, their footwear, and disposition, than she knows about her fiancée.
Charley, her faithful canine companion, understands her better than others, that’s the way she likes it.
If conversation isn’t about shoeing horses, she’s pretty much tapped out of the conversation.
When she hauls a corrupt bull to a sale for two of her clients, she never expected to get assaulted. On top of that Ol Blue, her horseshoeing tools, and Charley are stolen.
She’s fit to be tied and will not stand by and wait, she takes matters into her own hands and goes looking for Charley.
Absolutely a fun, funny, and exhilarating book.
August 4, 2020
I didn't like this 3rd in the series as well as I liked the first 2 books.....I felt it was a bit clustered with characters & I kind of had a hard time with the 'believe-ability' of the story. I thought the 1st books allowed for more realistic happenings(?), & that with this one.....I just wasn't feeling the same vibes?! She does continue to show that she knows her way around a ranch/rural setting, in description & jargon, & I like that aspect. I will continue to watch for her 4th in the series, which she advertised at the end of this one......so I'd think that offers some positivity!
I received this e-ARC from Skyhorse Publishing/Arcade Crimewise via NetGalley, in return for offering to read it & post my own fair & honest review. These opinions are truly my own.
I received this e-ARC from Skyhorse Publishing/Arcade Crimewise via NetGalley, in return for offering to read it & post my own fair & honest review. These opinions are truly my own.
September 4, 2020
I gotta love a mystery where Charlie the dog knows the answer to the question of who stole Rainy's truck and assaulted her. This should be a happy time for her- she's getting married, her business as a horseshoer is going well, and she's at an event she's wanted to attend. Someone doesn't want her there, though, and trouble lies ahead. No spoilers from me but this one isn't too complicated so you might figure out the solution- but keep reading for the characters and setting. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is the third in a series but it was fine as a standalone.and now I'm going to look for the next one.
September 30, 2020
I'm happy I read this ARC because I discovered a new interesting series.
It's a gripping and highly entertaining story that kept me hooked.
I loved the fleshed out and likable characters and the setting.
The mystery was solid and I enjoyed it even I was able to guess the culprit.
I will surely read the rest of the series, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a gripping and highly entertaining story that kept me hooked.
I loved the fleshed out and likable characters and the setting.
The mystery was solid and I enjoyed it even I was able to guess the culprit.
I will surely read the rest of the series, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 29, 2020
Book three of Rainey Dale's sleuthing by accident did not disappoint. I like how this author has formed Rainey's story and adds to it with each book. You could read each on it's own but it's so much more enriching if you start with the first one and continue.
This one takes place in CA right before her wedding to Guy. There are lots of twists and turns and for quite while I wasn't sure who/where/what. The characters are believeable and for those of you who are familiar with horses, dogs and weekend ranching you will find this very relateable.
There's a fourth book coming soon!
This one takes place in CA right before her wedding to Guy. There are lots of twists and turns and for quite while I wasn't sure who/where/what. The characters are believeable and for those of you who are familiar with horses, dogs and weekend ranching you will find this very relateable.
There's a fourth book coming soon!
September 24, 2021
I loved little Rainey but really wanted to give her a good shaking for her crazy decisions. And I loved that her dog and horse were her best friends. Her communication with Charley was magical. She seemed smart enough but I couldn’t help wondering if she was on the spectrum. She really made some counter productive calls. It was a fun book with lots of twists and turns and hard riding. Great characters. I could have used a little more fleshing out at the end.
March 12, 2024
This is another strong Rainy Dale mystery . This time Rainy is in California taking a bull to an auction. She is attacked and tools and her dog are stolen. Rainy keeps her wits about her as she sleuths at a ranch with many suspects. The writer keeps the reader on his/her toes as the story continues to twist as Rainy can't get away from the ranch and the stakes get higher. The story has a nice ending that ends with Rainy's wedding to Guy.
October 29, 2020
If the writer had put as much work into her writing as she did making sure the reader knew the main character was "jest a good ol' country gal", this book might have had a chance. Somewhere about 10 pages in, the MC, talking about a man who made a pass at her, said such things just "didn't sugar her grits". A-a-a-n-n-n-d that was it for me. Too much cornpone. I quit.
August 11, 2020
Like the last book, it's a little slow in the middle, but I like this book a lot. I love the language (there are some funny misunderstandings at the police station), and the characters seem very real.
November 2, 2020
Great! Another entertaining story as Rainy stumbles into a mystery she didn’t know she played a small part in on her way to her new life in Oregon. Great characters and intrigue. Looking forward to the next book.
August 2, 2022
Fantastic series!! I can't believe I stumbled on this author by accident.
Fast moving, intricate plots, great characters, sneaky humor and great relationships with horses, dogs, one cat and a mule thrown in for good measure. I can hardly wait for Book 4!!
Fast moving, intricate plots, great characters, sneaky humor and great relationships with horses, dogs, one cat and a mule thrown in for good measure. I can hardly wait for Book 4!!
April 20, 2023
I must admit to being a little disappointed in this book, although I loved the first two. This one took place in northern California and had too many things happening, too many characters, and too many complications in plot. Rainy's personality didn't shine through as clearly.
November 21, 2023
Love how Lisa Preston develops the character of Rainy Dale! This time the mystery widens to include her dog Charley. I did wonder, though, at Rainey's lack of key knowledge about Charley - she knows more about animals than people, so this bit of ignorance doesn't fit her character.
July 8, 2020
Loved it as much as the first two in the series.
August 24, 2020
Mystery and murder mix in this tale set in the ranching world. The best character was the dog. An easy read.
Want to read
September 3, 2020Review for NetGally to follow soon
September 13, 2020
Nice story about something I didn’t knew anything about. A horseshoer gets involved in a bigger scheme than she expected. Nice paced, with characters that keep you on your toes.
January 8, 2021
Animal instincts
This is a very good read .I loved the story line and the added humor in it.I also love the animals parts in it.Look forward to reading more of this series.
This is a very good read .I loved the story line and the added humor in it.I also love the animals parts in it.Look forward to reading more of this series.
April 23, 2021
Twists and turns
Loved the story. You have pay close attention to how she solves the crime this time. So many false starts but it was very enjoyable.
Loved the story. You have pay close attention to how she solves the crime this time. So many false starts but it was very enjoyable.
November 22, 2020
Serial mystery story featuring Rainy Dale, a woman horseshoer gets better with each book! And, I can't wait for book #4, titled Tap & Die. There was a teaser first chapter at the end of this book #3, so I hope there's not a long wait!
September 23, 2024
Forging Fire by Lisa Preston is an intriguing mystery starring amateur sleuth and horseshoer Rainy Dale.
With her wedding just days a way, Rainy Dale makes the impetuous decision to haul a tempestuous bull to the Black Bluff bull sale in California. Upon her arrival, she is able to check an item off her bucket list but everything goes downhill from there. Rainy is unexpectedly the victim of a crime and even worse, her beloved dog, Charley is missing. She finds herself on a nearby ranch and accepts the hospitality that is offered by ranch owner Ivy Beaumont. Rainy eventually finds Charley and she also ends up solving the mystery of a ranch hand who disappeared two years ago.
Rainy is determined to make it back to her safe harbor, fiancé Guy Kittredge in time for their wedding. But a mild concussion and a stunning discovery mean she must remain on the Beaumont Ranch. She likes ranch owner Ivy and they easily bond over their love of dogs. Rainy also meets housekeeper Eliana who makes meals that rival anything Guy whips up at his restaurant and their home kitchen. Ranch hands Gabe, Stuckey and Oscar round out her new acquaintances. Rainy also runs into neighboring ranch owner Reese Trenton who bears appears to bear a grudge against his neighbors.
Since Rainy is unable to leave just yet, she cannot resist trying to understand what happened on the ranch two years ago. She stumbles across one clue after another but it takes a while to put the pieces together in the right order. Rainy is also trying to discover who is responsible for the series of events that brought her to the ranch.
Forging Fire is an absorbing mystery with a plainspoken, independent and honest to a fault lead protagonist who will do anything to find her beloved dog. The other happenings on the ranch are interesting and the final reveal is rather shocking. Lisa Preston keeps the Horseshoer Mystery Series fresh by putting Rainey in a new location and surrounding her with strangers. Fans of the genre will enjoy this engaging mystery.
With her wedding just days a way, Rainy Dale makes the impetuous decision to haul a tempestuous bull to the Black Bluff bull sale in California. Upon her arrival, she is able to check an item off her bucket list but everything goes downhill from there. Rainy is unexpectedly the victim of a crime and even worse, her beloved dog, Charley is missing. She finds herself on a nearby ranch and accepts the hospitality that is offered by ranch owner Ivy Beaumont. Rainy eventually finds Charley and she also ends up solving the mystery of a ranch hand who disappeared two years ago.
Rainy is determined to make it back to her safe harbor, fiancé Guy Kittredge in time for their wedding. But a mild concussion and a stunning discovery mean she must remain on the Beaumont Ranch. She likes ranch owner Ivy and they easily bond over their love of dogs. Rainy also meets housekeeper Eliana who makes meals that rival anything Guy whips up at his restaurant and their home kitchen. Ranch hands Gabe, Stuckey and Oscar round out her new acquaintances. Rainy also runs into neighboring ranch owner Reese Trenton who bears appears to bear a grudge against his neighbors.
Since Rainy is unable to leave just yet, she cannot resist trying to understand what happened on the ranch two years ago. She stumbles across one clue after another but it takes a while to put the pieces together in the right order. Rainy is also trying to discover who is responsible for the series of events that brought her to the ranch.
Forging Fire is an absorbing mystery with a plainspoken, independent and honest to a fault lead protagonist who will do anything to find her beloved dog. The other happenings on the ranch are interesting and the final reveal is rather shocking. Lisa Preston keeps the Horseshoer Mystery Series fresh by putting Rainey in a new location and surrounding her with strangers. Fans of the genre will enjoy this engaging mystery.
October 30, 2020
Love this author and her heroine.
February 22, 2021
I really like this series, I like horses too, and the author's knowledge shows in the books, for me that's a bonus. The main character felt a bit unpleasant at times in the first book, but I'm getting her quirky thinking with each new book. Some points in the plot of this book were quite unbeliavable, but the mistery was entertaining, so I passed over them, and it has a funny scene that made me laugh.
What I don't get is the publishing house pricing, come on, 17$ for the ebook version of a mistery novel? I've bought the ebooks when they have run discounts on Bookbub, I would not have known of this author otherwise, and I doubt they will sell any ebook at the regular price. They are losing clients with that fixation on pushing people to the hardcover edition, I wish the author would selfpublish her books, I'm sure she would get more fans with a more sensible pricing.
What I don't get is the publishing house pricing, come on, 17$ for the ebook version of a mistery novel? I've bought the ebooks when they have run discounts on Bookbub, I would not have known of this author otherwise, and I doubt they will sell any ebook at the regular price. They are losing clients with that fixation on pushing people to the hardcover edition, I wish the author would selfpublish her books, I'm sure she would get more fans with a more sensible pricing.
December 20, 2020
Forging Fire by Lisa Preston
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is actually the third installment in this mystery series! I'm definitely reading 1 & 2 InshaAllah
There were lots of characters but they were well explained. The setting, mystery figuring out who the killer was, was amazing. I loved the detective vibe and how Rainy was soo eager to solve the mystery. The other characters also kinda complimented her in a way. I highly recommend this to mystery lovers.
Thank you Netgalley, Skyhorse publishing and Lisa Preston for this ARC copy
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is actually the third installment in this mystery series! I'm definitely reading 1 & 2 InshaAllah
There were lots of characters but they were well explained. The setting, mystery figuring out who the killer was, was amazing. I loved the detective vibe and how Rainy was soo eager to solve the mystery. The other characters also kinda complimented her in a way. I highly recommend this to mystery lovers.
Thank you Netgalley, Skyhorse publishing and Lisa Preston for this ARC copy
December 21, 2023
Love the series and this latest book was no exception! Rainy Dale is a unique and unexpected protagonist who has taught me a bit about horses and shoeing as the plot unfolds in unexpected ways. Thank you Lisa Preston for another entertaining foray into the heart, mind & life of a remarkable young woman!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews