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Highland Horse Whisperer #0
The Secret Santa Mystery
A Secret Santa—with a secret!
Security expert for a British bank by day, horse trainer at night, Izzy Paterson is a multi-tasking, dressage-riding computer whizz with an addiction to strong coffee and a penchant for CSI on Netflix. So when the Secret Santa at her office Christmas party hands her a perplexing riddle, she just can't ignore the mystery.
Penned by a modern-day Robin Hood, the anonymous rhyme hints at financial misconduct that could put the future of everyone at her work in danger.
Despite herself, Izzy is drawn into solving the puzzle, delving into the furthest reaches of the internet in her quest to track down the mysterious wrongdoer. Can she solve the mystery before the company implodes, or before her adversary takes things from the virtual to the physical—and still get home to Scotland in time for Christmas?
Security expert for a British bank by day, horse trainer at night, Izzy Paterson is a multi-tasking, dressage-riding computer whizz with an addiction to strong coffee and a penchant for CSI on Netflix. So when the Secret Santa at her office Christmas party hands her a perplexing riddle, she just can't ignore the mystery.
Penned by a modern-day Robin Hood, the anonymous rhyme hints at financial misconduct that could put the future of everyone at her work in danger.
Despite herself, Izzy is drawn into solving the puzzle, delving into the furthest reaches of the internet in her quest to track down the mysterious wrongdoer. Can she solve the mystery before the company implodes, or before her adversary takes things from the virtual to the physical—and still get home to Scotland in time for Christmas?
Audiobook
First published December 14, 2019
34 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Roz Marshall
61 books75 followersUSA Today bestselling author Roz Marshall pens romantic women's fiction, contemporary fantasy, and clean small-town romance. She loves writing uplifting stories set in her native Scotland, with strong heroines and page-turning plot lines.
A software engineer turned ski instructor turned author, she spends her spare time on horseback exploring the glorious Scottish countryside, or with her hubby and their talkative cat and squirrel-obsessed Jack Russell :-)
She also writes Cozy Mystery set in the Scottish Highlands as R.B. Marshall: https://books2read.com/rl/RBMarshall
and Historical Romance telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots, as Belle McInnes: https://books2read.com/rl/MarysLadies
A software engineer turned ski instructor turned author, she spends her spare time on horseback exploring the glorious Scottish countryside, or with her hubby and their talkative cat and squirrel-obsessed Jack Russell :-)
She also writes Cozy Mystery set in the Scottish Highlands as R.B. Marshall: https://books2read.com/rl/RBMarshall
and Historical Romance telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots, as Belle McInnes: https://books2read.com/rl/MarysLadies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 3, 2022
Izzy Paterson works in IT at a British bank as her day job, and enjoys dressage competitions with her equine best buddy, Leo, on the weekends. The office Christmas party takes a mysterious turn when her secret santa includes a strange little poem in with her present. Is something illegal going on at her work? Izzy ends up pulled into a bit of cyber sleuthing to find out who is stealing company funds.
The Secret Santa Mystery is a prequel to the Highland Horse Whisperer series. I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Narrated by Angela Ness, the audio is just over 3.5 hours long. Ness does a great job of voice acting, and her lovely accent just made the story even better! :) Enjoying a "bloodless" cozy was an entertaining change -- no corpse in this tale!
I read this book as part of a cozy reading challenge on Facebook. I will definitely be reading more of this series. Very entertaining. Izzy is an interesting and fun main character. Quite curious where this series goes from here!
Nice way to kick off my reading in 2022!
The Secret Santa Mystery is a prequel to the Highland Horse Whisperer series. I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Narrated by Angela Ness, the audio is just over 3.5 hours long. Ness does a great job of voice acting, and her lovely accent just made the story even better! :) Enjoying a "bloodless" cozy was an entertaining change -- no corpse in this tale!
I read this book as part of a cozy reading challenge on Facebook. I will definitely be reading more of this series. Very entertaining. Izzy is an interesting and fun main character. Quite curious where this series goes from here!
Nice way to kick off my reading in 2022!
August 1, 2023
Izzy Paterson is a security expert at a British bank, but also loves dressage competitions with her horse, Leo, on the weekends. At the office Christmas party, after getting their "Secret Santa" gifts, she is also given an odd poem with her gift. It sounds as if someone is trying to let her know that something illegal has been going on, and when they find out they aren't getting their customary bonuses as the bank has not made much in profits, she digs into the mystery to see if she can figure out what is going on, as well as to make sure that the back stays viable. Will she find out who is stealing funds?
The Secret Santa Mystery is a prequel to the Highland Horse Whisperer series. This mystery is not a murder, but once Izzy begin to investigate, she puts herself in danger. I liked Izzy, she seems smart, friendly and loyal. Izzy figures out someone is hacking into their system, but she needs to figure out who is behind the thefts. Izzy's investigation is on a quick timeline because she needs to solve this before heading home to Scotland for Christmas. It was a nice introduction to this series and I am curious to read or listen to the first full length novel in the series to see what is next for Izzy and her friends. It is a novella and the audiobook is just 3.5 hours long, just over 2 hours at 1.5 speed. The audiobook is narrated by Angela Ness, and she does a great job with her voices and expression. Her accents were right on and I loved listening to her performance.
The Secret Santa Mystery is a prequel to the Highland Horse Whisperer series. This mystery is not a murder, but once Izzy begin to investigate, she puts herself in danger. I liked Izzy, she seems smart, friendly and loyal. Izzy figures out someone is hacking into their system, but she needs to figure out who is behind the thefts. Izzy's investigation is on a quick timeline because she needs to solve this before heading home to Scotland for Christmas. It was a nice introduction to this series and I am curious to read or listen to the first full length novel in the series to see what is next for Izzy and her friends. It is a novella and the audiobook is just 3.5 hours long, just over 2 hours at 1.5 speed. The audiobook is narrated by Angela Ness, and she does a great job with her voices and expression. Her accents were right on and I loved listening to her performance.
January 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Horse Whisperer series. I read the first in the series sometime last year and liked Izzy and Trinity's characters a lot, so it was fun to get to know them before they went to Scotland. I remember Dev in that book too and wishing there'd been a little bit more of him in it, but this look-back showed how awesome he and Izzy could sleuth together. The first book brought him in as a remote helper from what I remember.
There wasn't a murder in the prequel, but someone was definitely after Izzy once she got a clue from her Secret Santa coworker about some hinky stuff going on with the company finances, and she'd started investigating it. It was awesome how they trapped the perp(s) and everyone good got a great ending. Now I need to move on and read the second book sometime.
There wasn't a murder in the prequel, but someone was definitely after Izzy once she got a clue from her Secret Santa coworker about some hinky stuff going on with the company finances, and she'd started investigating it. It was awesome how they trapped the perp(s) and everyone good got a great ending. Now I need to move on and read the second book sometime.
March 5, 2020
A good mystery and a wonderful story about friends and change. I like how well-rounded this story is. Izzy is a security expert for a bank. She is given hints about wrong-doing with her secret Santa gift and then asked to check into some anomalies as part of her job. As she investigates the mysteries, she meets new friends and learns about old friends, all while taking care of her horse and preparing for competitions. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.
January 2, 2022
I thought this was a very cute introduction to Izzy and Trinity's cozy mystery series. I haven't read any of the other books, but it's nice to know the background of these characters. I love how Izzy has a nice group of friends who watch her back.
January 22, 2022
I loved the contrast the author set up for her main character, Izzy, in her professional life vs her private life. High tech and horses, what a great combo. I did not know there were stables in the heart of London, and the author creates the scenes so that you can visualize what it is like. The puzzle Izzy is given from her secret santa sets her on a quest to discover corruption within her company. With her love of coffee and expertize computer skills, she is on the case. Danger is right behind her, and there might even be a hint of romance in the wings. But Izzy just wants to get the mystery solved and go home to Scotland for Christmas. As a start to R.B. Marshalls series, I loved the story and am looking forward to reading more.
July 5, 2022
I really enjoyed The Secret Santa Mystery by Roz Marshall. I am a character over mystery reader and the main character drew in me quickly. I am ready to spend more time getting to know Izzy and her friends. I look forward to reading the next book in the Highland Horse Whisper series. I was glad to discover that there are two other books available now.
Izzy is an intelligent and talented woman who works internet security for an international bank. Her boss presents her with a major challenge right after she has been given a hint that all is not right with the banking system. Intrigued by the project, Izzy soon finds her safety, possibly even her life in danger and the secret project is the only reason she can imaging for the attacks on her life. The time span of the book is only a week, but in that time, we get a nice feel for her Izzy and the people around her. I would love to have spent more time with her dressage horse, but we have that to look forward to in the next book.
A few times British terms threw me out of the flow, and a couple of the times shifts jumped without transition, but when that is the worst thing about a book whose main character is from Scotland and who lives in London, that speaks pretty well for everything about the novel. The big measure of the book is the fact that I wanted to read more of the series as soon as I finished The Secret Santa Mystery.
Izzy is an intelligent and talented woman who works internet security for an international bank. Her boss presents her with a major challenge right after she has been given a hint that all is not right with the banking system. Intrigued by the project, Izzy soon finds her safety, possibly even her life in danger and the secret project is the only reason she can imaging for the attacks on her life. The time span of the book is only a week, but in that time, we get a nice feel for her Izzy and the people around her. I would love to have spent more time with her dressage horse, but we have that to look forward to in the next book.
A few times British terms threw me out of the flow, and a couple of the times shifts jumped without transition, but when that is the worst thing about a book whose main character is from Scotland and who lives in London, that speaks pretty well for everything about the novel. The big measure of the book is the fact that I wanted to read more of the series as soon as I finished The Secret Santa Mystery.
January 16, 2020
The is the prequel to a new series The Highland Horse Whisperer Mysteries. The actual first book in the series A Corpse in the Castle is due out in March of 2020. This series will be under R.B. Marshall. I am glad that I was able to read the Prequel, not because I think it was necessary before starting the series but I enjoy having that background and understanding of where the author was coming from when first starting a series. I find it helpful when I'm trying to get invested in the characters. This book isn't action packed so it doesn't move quickly, although it is an easy read and a good one. It was a little more on the slow and steady, not boring but not fast paced. It is a very good backstory, I really enjoyed the mystery, never saw it coming, but it took me a little bit longer than it should because I was able to put it down and come back to it.
However, given all of that, I really did enjoy the storyline, the plot and especially the characters. I most definitely have every intention of continuing with the series as the year comes and the books come out so I do recommend this one to get a taste for the characters that will be coming your way in future adventures. I also really enjoy the idea of someone who happens to be better with computers and horses than with people learn how to find the joy with others and solve mysteries to boot.
However, given all of that, I really did enjoy the storyline, the plot and especially the characters. I most definitely have every intention of continuing with the series as the year comes and the books come out so I do recommend this one to get a taste for the characters that will be coming your way in future adventures. I also really enjoy the idea of someone who happens to be better with computers and horses than with people learn how to find the joy with others and solve mysteries to boot.
February 2, 2021
Very enjoyable read and certainly a different premise than the usual run of cosy crimes but I'm not sure whether I will be buying more.
Reasons why I enjoyed it: firstly the heroine is unusual as she is a 'horse whisperer' although this isn't actually a factor in either the crime or her investigation; secondly the heroine is into computers, working in I.T. and also a bit of a geek; thirdly there isn't an actual murder; fourthly I love the cast of lesser characters and their interactions, and finally it's set in London.
The reason why I'm unlikely to buy the others in the series is that two of the things I enjoyed the lesser characters, I love the variety of different characters, different ethnicities and nationalities, and the location are missing. The fact that it was set in a city really made it stand out from other cosy crimes which overwhelmingly are set in the countryside, or the seaside, or small towns/villages so that eventually the settings become a bit boring or samey.
Even so I did enjoy this book and perhaps if the series had continued with it's personnel and location I would certainly have looked out for the others.
Reasons why I enjoyed it: firstly the heroine is unusual as she is a 'horse whisperer' although this isn't actually a factor in either the crime or her investigation; secondly the heroine is into computers, working in I.T. and also a bit of a geek; thirdly there isn't an actual murder; fourthly I love the cast of lesser characters and their interactions, and finally it's set in London.
The reason why I'm unlikely to buy the others in the series is that two of the things I enjoyed the lesser characters, I love the variety of different characters, different ethnicities and nationalities, and the location are missing. The fact that it was set in a city really made it stand out from other cosy crimes which overwhelmingly are set in the countryside, or the seaside, or small towns/villages so that eventually the settings become a bit boring or samey.
Even so I did enjoy this book and perhaps if the series had continued with it's personnel and location I would certainly have looked out for the others.
January 9, 2023
This is the backstory for how Izzy Paterson and her friend Trinity Allen came to leave London and become horse trainer and groom, respectively, for Lady Alice Letham in Scotland.
I actually read this prequel after I'd read the first 3 books in the Highland Horse Whisperer series. It was fun seeing how Izzy and Dev worked together at a large London Bank in the internet security office. Her first love is her horse, Leo, whom she rides and trains for dressage each day before and after work. The mix of characters from both worlds brings depth to Izzy's character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, even if you've already read other books in the series. This backstory brings richness to the books that follow. It's a fast and easy read, with just the right spice of intrigue and attempts on Izzy's well-being.
And, of course, Izzy's witty observations:
I actually read this prequel after I'd read the first 3 books in the Highland Horse Whisperer series. It was fun seeing how Izzy and Dev worked together at a large London Bank in the internet security office. Her first love is her horse, Leo, whom she rides and trains for dressage each day before and after work. The mix of characters from both worlds brings depth to Izzy's character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, even if you've already read other books in the series. This backstory brings richness to the books that follow. It's a fast and easy read, with just the right spice of intrigue and attempts on Izzy's well-being.
And, of course, Izzy's witty observations:
January 23, 2020
A delightful holiday mystery, which begins with a note in a Secret Santa gift....This is quite an intriguing start to a series full of potential...our main character, Isobel (or Izzy for short), is an IT Specialist by day at a bank in Britain. A poem she receives via a Secret Santa reveals some disconcerting information...someone(s) has plans that will place the bank and all involved in financial jeopardy. Izzy begins an intrepid investigation that places her safety at risk. There are some tricky clues and a cast of characters who may or may not be trustworthy. And to top it all off, our quirky Izzy is quite the horsewoman in her off hours with a sense of humor, a moral compass, and a kind heart. While she is mentally intelligent, she's working on her social and emotional intelligences...an interesting journey, can't wait to see her continue to grow! I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving an honest and delighted review!
March 11, 2022
I am a fan of British mysteries. This one was not what I expected.
I got to meet Izzy and Trinity. Izzy is a computer whiz and owns a horse. Trinity is a groom and teaches salsa dancing. They become roomies when Trinity has a problem with her abusive boyfriend.
I really wanted more depth. For some reason, there did not seem to be much actual introduction to either of these characters. I wanted to get to know a little bit more of their personalities and histories.
And the mystery was pretty easy to figure out. I knew the villain when first introduced. That does not make me special, I just think it was that easy.
This is an introduction to a series, and I do not believe I will pursue the next one in the series. That is just me, I was not enamored.
I
I got to meet Izzy and Trinity. Izzy is a computer whiz and owns a horse. Trinity is a groom and teaches salsa dancing. They become roomies when Trinity has a problem with her abusive boyfriend.
I really wanted more depth. For some reason, there did not seem to be much actual introduction to either of these characters. I wanted to get to know a little bit more of their personalities and histories.
And the mystery was pretty easy to figure out. I knew the villain when first introduced. That does not make me special, I just think it was that easy.
This is an introduction to a series, and I do not believe I will pursue the next one in the series. That is just me, I was not enamored.
I
January 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Isobel is a computer white hat who works for a banking corporation! On the side she is a horse woman who enters dressage competitions! She receives a mysterious poem in her secret Santa gift. Then her boss pulls her aside to ask her to work a side project. The words he uses is similar to her secret Santa poem. So she starts to investigate as both things converge. I loved the relationships she had at the stable with the other horsewomen. It seemed like she really didn’t enjoy her work but just did it to support her horse. This was a very original book. I’ve never read one before with this type of plot and pace. I recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series!
January 10, 2020
Rate it 4.5
Izzy is an IT security person for a bank and competes in horsemanship.
She gets a riddle with her Secret Santa gift. Hint follow the money and Robin H00d.
Her boss gives her a secret job to find a security threat. Are the 2 the same threat.
When she gets closer to the answer. Someone tries to hurt or kill her.
She gets her boss to get her co worker and friend Devlin to help and make sure is not alone to be hurt or worse. But she has to also not lead Devlin on in hopes for more than friends.
They find the answer but will the criminal be prosecuted?
Love her friend Trinity.
Give it 4.5 because some extra scenes included that are not needed.
Izzy is an IT security person for a bank and competes in horsemanship.
She gets a riddle with her Secret Santa gift. Hint follow the money and Robin H00d.
Her boss gives her a secret job to find a security threat. Are the 2 the same threat.
When she gets closer to the answer. Someone tries to hurt or kill her.
She gets her boss to get her co worker and friend Devlin to help and make sure is not alone to be hurt or worse. But she has to also not lead Devlin on in hopes for more than friends.
They find the answer but will the criminal be prosecuted?
Love her friend Trinity.
Give it 4.5 because some extra scenes included that are not needed.
January 11, 2020
There are so many potential places for this story to fall apart – but it never does! Izzy is established from the start as a competent savvy character – there’s no knight in shining armour in this book, and it is richer for it. Roz Marshall throws out hints, confuses the reader, adds irrelevancies – and has created a mystery to enjoy, characters that are friends by the end of the book, and, in this reader at least, a deep desire for more of Izzy and Team Leo – not to mention Dev if he’s around.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
September 5, 2020
Okay I know it is only September but I just had to read this book. It was delightful, fast paced and it kept me glued to it right to the end. I just found out if doesn't snow in London in the winter, so how come it snowed for Scrooge? Oh who cares. A couple of smart computer geeks (well okay he is) are given a task they had 'to find the ghost in the machine'. If you know any thing about computers you will understand what I mean. Read this book and find the ghost with them. Ho Ho Merry--oops sorry I'm too early.
January 20, 2020
I am a new reader to Roz Marshall because I'm not much of a romance reader but put a good mystery with great carictures and humor on the side ,you have me reading till the bad guys or galls are are found out and the good guys or galls are on thier way to the next big thing. This storey has every thing clicked. I really rather enjoyed this light hearted mystery, now i'ts your turn to aquier a copy and start enjoying the "The Secret Santa Mystery "as much as I have. 🙄☺ Kat
February 23, 2020
This is the prequel in the series. This is the first time reading this author. The main characters are Izzy and Dev. They both work for Bleubank and Izzy is asked to investigate something without telling anyone anything about it. After she starts , she realizes someone is spying on her. When she tells her boss, he tells Dev to help and protect her. Between them can they figure it out before someone gets hurt ?
September 28, 2020
The Secret Santa Mystery is surprisingly smart and fun!
I picked up this story because I saw the Christmas cover and I do like to start reading Christmas stories this time of year. I didn't even read the brief and just started right in. Imagine my surprise when the story was clever and exciting and the character were too! Just wish Izzy loved next door! Don't miss this beginning of a new series that whispers Horse Whisperer!!
I picked up this story because I saw the Christmas cover and I do like to start reading Christmas stories this time of year. I didn't even read the brief and just started right in. Imagine my surprise when the story was clever and exciting and the character were too! Just wish Izzy loved next door! Don't miss this beginning of a new series that whispers Horse Whisperer!!
January 2, 2022
Nice story
Could have used a few more words in the glossary since I'm not a Brit, but found it fun to see if I figured them out before looking at a dictionary. 😀
I enjoyed the book very much. It was the first book for a cozy mystery book club. I hope the others are as good. It was a quick read, one long evening, but satisfying. It did make me crave hot chocolate, though ... Read the book!! 🙈🙉🙊
Could have used a few more words in the glossary since I'm not a Brit, but found it fun to see if I figured them out before looking at a dictionary. 😀
I enjoyed the book very much. It was the first book for a cozy mystery book club. I hope the others are as good. It was a quick read, one long evening, but satisfying. It did make me crave hot chocolate, though ... Read the book!! 🙈🙉🙊
December 7, 2023
Cyber security expert Izzy Patterson discovers bank fraud by a top executive, but is disgusted when he is given a gold handshake and gets off in spite of the theft of millions of dollars and two attempts on her life by the thief's nephew.
It was interesting to read the back story of her career with the bank before she headed north to Scotland and began her work as a horse trainer. We also see how she begins to set up her own security business when people start asking her to "help out".
It was interesting to read the back story of her career with the bank before she headed north to Scotland and began her work as a horse trainer. We also see how she begins to set up her own security business when people start asking her to "help out".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
I liked the Izzy and Trinity and would like to see what happens with them in other books. The mystery in this book however was simple and not interesting. I felt like the story actually started to develop when it was ending-it is a prequel so I would like to explore the next book to see what happens.
February 5, 2022
Bank security expert, Izzy Paterson , is given a riddle with her secret santa gift and shortly after is given a work assignment that seems to be related. As she tries to find answers things become dangerous.
A good start to the series. I liked the characters and the storyline and look forward to reading more of this series.
A good start to the series. I liked the characters and the storyline and look forward to reading more of this series.
September 10, 2025
This is a very enjoyable mystery. There is a mystery about irregularities in the accounting department of a British bank, a dressage test coming up, and her computer genius to figure out the trouble without her geek workmates finding out! Plenty of action, good friends and a dangerous person(s) who want to stop her! A great prelude to the series! Recommended!!!
April 6, 2020
Absolutely fantastic ❣️ Must read❣️ I loved every minute of this story ❣️ I can hardly wait to read the next one🤓
What can I say🐿️ I simply love amateur sleuths and most especially cyber sleuths❣️❣️❣️
What can I say🐿️ I simply love amateur sleuths and most especially cyber sleuths❣️❣️❣️
November 28, 2020
A fun, clean, cozy mystery. Izzy is given a riddle with her secret santa gift that points to somebody stealing from the bank. Izzy silently investigates while trying to figure out who is stealing the money. Enjoy this beginning of a new mystery series.
January 15, 2020
The Secret Santa Mystery is a short story combining danger and suspense with comedy. Izzy is a modern day Nancy Drew.
Read
February 15, 2020Great story! I look forward to reading more stories from this author.
March 10, 2020
Received a free copy from author for a review. Very entertaing and interesting cozy mystery. Loved the characters and the story.
March 24, 2020
Fast, fun read to introduce a new series. Combines mystery with dressage (my favorite form of riding) so I am eagerly looking forward to more of this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews