Horse Rescue Mystery Book 2
Book Blurb:
An investigation goes from an easy trot to a full-on gallop into danger in the second Horse Rescue mystery, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Mollie Cox Bryan.
It’s business as usual when horse rescue owner Mallory Martin gets a call from Sheriff Grady Sullivan that a loose horse has been found in a popular hunting area. While trying to catch the horse, Mallory stumbles upon the body of his unfortunate rider, Hillspring’s star basketball coach, Douglas Griggs. All signs point to a tragic hunting accident.
Despite her better instincts, Mallory finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when the coach’s widow begs her to look into the case. Mrs. Griggs believes the sheriff is ignoring any evidence that doesn’t point to an accident.
But Mallory’s troubles are only beginning. As she juggles a blossoming romance, tensions with her best friend Lanie, and responsibilities at the rescue, she discovers that Coach Griggs’s enemies had ample motive to murder him. And now, Mallory may be in the killer’s sights.
My Review:
A new author to me and a new cozy mystery as well as I did not get in on the first book in the series. Still, much as I enjoy dog stories, thought I’d appreciate a horse story as they have always provided a fascination for me (witness how many episodes of Heartland we’ve watched!).
In the second of the series, protagonist Mallory Martin gets a call about a riderless horse running in a park and they need her expertise with the Hillspring Horse Rescue to corral the animal. Sure enough, he’s spooked, and in the effort to calm him, Mallory finds the rider—dead. It just doesn’t feel like an accident to her, however, and she is compelled to look deeper into the situation as she knew the man. Coach Griggs was a good influence in her life. This has become personal.
Hey, it’s a cozy mystery. Of course, the sheriff has warned her to stay out of it, but he wants to declare a hunting accident. Not gonna happen. She finds a piece of evidence overlooked by law enforcement. She has a recent nursing history and forensic experience. She can’t let this go.
Mallory is a smart character, feels real, and has great support characters who come alive in the pages, including Biscuit, the donkey and Banjo, the “goofy blue heeler.” I enjoy the knowledge imparted about the horses—there is always so much to learn about our domestic animals, particularly these magnificent creatures.
Well written, well paced (no let down in the middle of the storyline), and an atmospheric, descriptive rural setting keep the pages turning.
The evidence and her investigation lead to a satisfying conclusion, along the way side-tracked with a few twists and turns. Not a huge surprise, but certainly one that lends itself to reality.
Fun new cozy animal mystery (loved the cover—totally caught my eye) and I look forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Cozy Animal Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
ASIN: B0BVTH36MG
Print Length: 304 pages
Publication Date: November 14, 2023
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Title Link(s):
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
The Author: Amber has lived in Northwest Arkansas for twenty+ years, working as an RN at a rural hospital in the area. She has a menagerie of animals that includes dogs, cats, horses, and what has been described as the Mule from Hell, which may or may not be a slight exaggeration. Writing has always been a focus in Amber’s life, something she describes as “food for my soul.” An avid reader since grade school, she enjoys multiple genres and is always looking for new authors to add to her favorites. You can visit her on social media or at https://www.ambercampauthor.com
©2023 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 