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Colleen McCabe #2
Murder on the Hoof
It's mid-August in the Outer Banks village of Corolla, North Carolina and Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training and spending increasingly more time with her best friend, Sheriff Bill Dorman. The wild horses have been relocated to the sanctuary, and the town is occupied with the upcoming local theatre production. All is right with the world. But when a member of the acting troupe is found dead in the dunes after an emergency training exercise and Bill's ex-fiancée arrives in town, Colleen knows trouble is back with a vengeance.A second member of the theatre company is discovered dead at the Whalehead Club, and Colleen is forced to put aside her feelings about her relationship with Bill and work with him to uncover who is murdering the thespians and why. She discovers as much drama offstage as on and quickly finds herself swept up in the intrigue of the community theatre group, and struggling to keep her men at the firehouse focused. As the danger mounts and the killer's identity becomes clearer, Bill warns her off the investigation. But despite his warning, Colleen is determined to stop the killer before he or she strikes again, to her own peril.In Murder on the Hoof, her sequel to Foal Play, Kathryn O'Sullivan delivers more laughs and mayhem with charming characters mystery readers will love getting to know.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
About the author
Kathryn O'Sullivan
10 books139 followersKathryn is a writer and professor emerita. Her latest novel, WHEN EARTH SHALL BE NO MORE, is the first in a science fiction thriller trilogy co-written with Paul Awad. The book won the 2023 IPPY Award (Bronze) for Science Fiction. Her latest films are the documentary BICENTENNIAL BONSAI: EMISSARIES OF PEACE and the crime drama A SAVAGE NATURE (Gravitas Ventures). She is winner of the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Award and author of the Colleen McCabe series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 20, 2022
Three and a half stars
In the village of Corolla, Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training. Meanwhile the local theatre company is rehearsing for a play to raise money for the wild horse sanctuary. When a member of the theatre company is found dead after an emergency training exercise changes need to be made. Only later when a second person is found dead does it raise suspicions about that first death as well. Could they both be murder?
Bill, the local sheriff, is Colleen’s close friend but when his ex fiancée arrives in town along with a movie crew, other emotions surface in Colleen. But Colleen and Bill need to put aside feelings and work together to uncover the murderer. It seems there is as much drama off stage as on it.
This is light and amusing in tone. Colleen is a strong, likeable character who cares about others and there is a range of other likeable and quirky characters, some with secrets that come to light. Pace moves along well. Not gripping but an enjoyable read.
In the village of Corolla, Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training. Meanwhile the local theatre company is rehearsing for a play to raise money for the wild horse sanctuary. When a member of the theatre company is found dead after an emergency training exercise changes need to be made. Only later when a second person is found dead does it raise suspicions about that first death as well. Could they both be murder?
Bill, the local sheriff, is Colleen’s close friend but when his ex fiancée arrives in town along with a movie crew, other emotions surface in Colleen. But Colleen and Bill need to put aside feelings and work together to uncover the murderer. It seems there is as much drama off stage as on it.
This is light and amusing in tone. Colleen is a strong, likeable character who cares about others and there is a range of other likeable and quirky characters, some with secrets that come to light. Pace moves along well. Not gripping but an enjoyable read.
October 24, 2014
Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery by Kathryn O'Sullivan is the second book in the Colleen McCabe series.
I would like to take a moment to thank the author for this review copy of her book.
Well wondering who this Colleen McCabe is?
Colleen McCabe works as the fire chief in Corolla, North Carolina, and in her first book, she solves the mystery surrounding a burnt body fished up by the bay. But in Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery book, we see a lot of horses, theater actors and an emergency drill in the Fire department. Colleen McCabe finds herself yet again amidst of another nerve-racking mystery.
This time a theater production has come to the beach town, where the fire-fighters jump to help to keep their townspeople safe, secure and away from fires! Well, the town might sound quite uninteresting to you, but think again, it is no such sleepy town. This town is fun, happy, small, and content and mysteries crop up almost all the time. This charity play is to raise money for the wild horses of this town. In the middle of an emergency drill in the beach, an actor ends up dead who was acting as a victim for the fire-fighters. Colleen, like as usual, jumps into the scene, along with her colleague, Billy, to find that victim's killer. Soon, the theater production's lead actress started snooping around a lot, who happen to be Billy's ex, and eventually another actor turns up dead. Colleen must solve the mystery as soon as possible, before...
Well, I know, you're dying to know who the killer is. But for that, you need to read this intriguing book, which will keep you hooked from its very first chapter. Well, to be honest, even with a good brain, I couldn't put the pieces of the puzzle together, Damn! Kathryn O'Sullivan is really a smart and clever author. She had even given us the hints, but still the hints were too tight to understand the identity of the killer. Yeah this book is filled with packed twists and turns, which always kept me on my edge. Loved it! This cozy mystery genre sounds really cool!! Wow, and I must say that Colleen McCabe is a pretty amazing sleuth and I so wanted her friendship with Billy to mean more than that!! Yes, Colleen like all women in the world faces those boy dramas and love issues!! But she is a solid woman, daring and confident and self-less. And the author has done a pretty amazing job by crafting out a tale in an amazing and beautiful town filled with wild horses, which is quite blissful, if you try to imagine it. So grab this book now, and devour yourself in this captivating cozy mystery!!
I would like to take a moment to thank the author for this review copy of her book.
Well wondering who this Colleen McCabe is?
Colleen McCabe works as the fire chief in Corolla, North Carolina, and in her first book, she solves the mystery surrounding a burnt body fished up by the bay. But in Murder on the Hoof: A Mystery book, we see a lot of horses, theater actors and an emergency drill in the Fire department. Colleen McCabe finds herself yet again amidst of another nerve-racking mystery.
This time a theater production has come to the beach town, where the fire-fighters jump to help to keep their townspeople safe, secure and away from fires! Well, the town might sound quite uninteresting to you, but think again, it is no such sleepy town. This town is fun, happy, small, and content and mysteries crop up almost all the time. This charity play is to raise money for the wild horses of this town. In the middle of an emergency drill in the beach, an actor ends up dead who was acting as a victim for the fire-fighters. Colleen, like as usual, jumps into the scene, along with her colleague, Billy, to find that victim's killer. Soon, the theater production's lead actress started snooping around a lot, who happen to be Billy's ex, and eventually another actor turns up dead. Colleen must solve the mystery as soon as possible, before...
Well, I know, you're dying to know who the killer is. But for that, you need to read this intriguing book, which will keep you hooked from its very first chapter. Well, to be honest, even with a good brain, I couldn't put the pieces of the puzzle together, Damn! Kathryn O'Sullivan is really a smart and clever author. She had even given us the hints, but still the hints were too tight to understand the identity of the killer. Yeah this book is filled with packed twists and turns, which always kept me on my edge. Loved it! This cozy mystery genre sounds really cool!! Wow, and I must say that Colleen McCabe is a pretty amazing sleuth and I so wanted her friendship with Billy to mean more than that!! Yes, Colleen like all women in the world faces those boy dramas and love issues!! But she is a solid woman, daring and confident and self-less. And the author has done a pretty amazing job by crafting out a tale in an amazing and beautiful town filled with wild horses, which is quite blissful, if you try to imagine it. So grab this book now, and devour yourself in this captivating cozy mystery!!
May 22, 2014
Fire chief Colleen McCabe has a stroke of bad luck when a person dies during an emergency test of her fire and EMT crew. Was it a heart attack or something more sinister?
Then a movie crew comes to town and the lead actress apparently has a history with her might-be boyfriend Bill. There's a lot of jealousy going on with Colleen for someone who's not officially involved with the man.
When another person from the acting troupe involved in the emergency test dies, it becomes a full investigation as to why people are dropping like flies.
The backdrop of all this is a charity production of a play to help save the wild horses near Corona, thus the title.
It's a solid mystery with an interesting plot and characters. I could've done without the side order of would be romance, but otherwise, it's worth reading.
Then a movie crew comes to town and the lead actress apparently has a history with her might-be boyfriend Bill. There's a lot of jealousy going on with Colleen for someone who's not officially involved with the man.
When another person from the acting troupe involved in the emergency test dies, it becomes a full investigation as to why people are dropping like flies.
The backdrop of all this is a charity production of a play to help save the wild horses near Corona, thus the title.
It's a solid mystery with an interesting plot and characters. I could've done without the side order of would be romance, but otherwise, it's worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and was not disappointed in the sequel. It was fun catching back up with the characters from the first novel and this was another mystery that kept me guessing until the final pages. I read it in one afternoon because I didn't want to put it down. Thanks Kathryn for another fun read and i will be looking forward to your next book.
September 9, 2015
I will definately read more of this author's work. Very enjoyable story. Good characters.
Read
March 11, 2018Since not many cozies involve wild horses, this is a rare book. I enjoyed the novelty of it.
The main character, Colleen, is a likable character. Even though she is the fire chief, she is not too bossy and is respectful of her men. She is strong and courageous while also remaining feminine.
The story does have a little romance in it, which I liked. And there is some humor tied in.
Overall I really like this series. I’ve read the the first and I will be reading the last.
The main character, Colleen, is a likable character. Even though she is the fire chief, she is not too bossy and is respectful of her men. She is strong and courageous while also remaining feminine.
The story does have a little romance in it, which I liked. And there is some humor tied in.
Overall I really like this series. I’ve read the the first and I will be reading the last.
March 13, 2023
Avevo letto il primo libri ,di questa serie e mi era piaciuto, ma come mi capita spesso i due volumi successivi di questa serie sono finiti in fondo alla mia TBR... Confermo che la serie mi piace e sono quasi dispiaciuta che sia finita dopo solo tre libri, anche se questo vuol dire che, se mi do una mossa, concludo un'altra serie e non sarebbe una brutta idea...
July 12, 2014
This is only #2, but I am thoroughly enjoying this series. This is one of those rare stories that is so well written and flows so well that you don't want it to end.
It’s mid-August in the Outer Banks village of Corolla in North Carolina and Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training (I am beyond amazed at the amount of respect her guys have for her) and spending increasingly more time with her best friend (developing love interest), Sheriff Bill Dorman. The wild horses have been relocated to the sanctuary, and the town is occupied with an upcoming local theatre production. All is right with the world. But when a member of the acting troupe is found dead in the dunes after an emergency training exercise and Bill’s ex-fiancée arrives in town, Colleen knows trouble is back with a vengeance.
A second member of the theatre company is discovered dead at the Whalehead Club, and Colleen is forced to put aside her feelings about her relationship with Bill and work with him to uncover who is murdering the thespians and why. She discovers as much drama offstage as on and quickly finds herself swept up in the intrigue of the community theatre group, and struggling to keep her men at the firehouse focused. As the danger mounts and the killer’s identity becomes clearer, Bill warns her off the investigation. But despite his warning, Colleen is determined to stop the killer before he or she strikes again, to her own peril.
O'Sullivan writes in a way that makes you care about ALL of her characters, even Bill's ex-fiance. Also, none of her characters are flat. They each have unique personalities, which make them memorable. This is one of those series that I hope is never developed into a film because I have a distinct impression in my mind for how each of these characters should look and talk. LOL!
It’s mid-August in the Outer Banks village of Corolla in North Carolina and Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting rookie training (I am beyond amazed at the amount of respect her guys have for her) and spending increasingly more time with her best friend (developing love interest), Sheriff Bill Dorman. The wild horses have been relocated to the sanctuary, and the town is occupied with an upcoming local theatre production. All is right with the world. But when a member of the acting troupe is found dead in the dunes after an emergency training exercise and Bill’s ex-fiancée arrives in town, Colleen knows trouble is back with a vengeance.
A second member of the theatre company is discovered dead at the Whalehead Club, and Colleen is forced to put aside her feelings about her relationship with Bill and work with him to uncover who is murdering the thespians and why. She discovers as much drama offstage as on and quickly finds herself swept up in the intrigue of the community theatre group, and struggling to keep her men at the firehouse focused. As the danger mounts and the killer’s identity becomes clearer, Bill warns her off the investigation. But despite his warning, Colleen is determined to stop the killer before he or she strikes again, to her own peril.
O'Sullivan writes in a way that makes you care about ALL of her characters, even Bill's ex-fiance. Also, none of her characters are flat. They each have unique personalities, which make them memorable. This is one of those series that I hope is never developed into a film because I have a distinct impression in my mind for how each of these characters should look and talk. LOL!
March 9, 2014
One of my favorite things is to have a new book in my hands (or on my Kindle). Considering how terribly cold and snowy it has been, I was more than excited when I received an advanced reading copy (ARC) of Kathryn O'Sullivan's sequel to FOAL PLAY. After all, the setting is once again a picturesque North Carolina beach village and it's August!
Using the Wild Horses of Corolla as a center piece, both stories feature Colleen McCabe, the Fire Chief and her budding relationship with Sheriff Bill Dorman. Throw in a host of eccentric locals (this time involved with putting on a community theater production to raise money for the horses), a famous actress in town to film a movie, a couple of unexpected deaths, and you have a delightful beach read. (The book goes on sale May 6, 2014.)
Much like the popular television program MURDER SHE WROTE, O'Sullivan's storytelling is on solving the puzzle. But while Cabot's Cove doesn't actually exist, Corolla and its horses are real. Road trip anyone?
You can read either book as a stand alone, but I suggest starting with FOAL PLAY, which was published as a result of winning the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition last year. These are quick reads and we're all going to be waiting to see what the author comes up with next!
Using the Wild Horses of Corolla as a center piece, both stories feature Colleen McCabe, the Fire Chief and her budding relationship with Sheriff Bill Dorman. Throw in a host of eccentric locals (this time involved with putting on a community theater production to raise money for the horses), a famous actress in town to film a movie, a couple of unexpected deaths, and you have a delightful beach read. (The book goes on sale May 6, 2014.)
Much like the popular television program MURDER SHE WROTE, O'Sullivan's storytelling is on solving the puzzle. But while Cabot's Cove doesn't actually exist, Corolla and its horses are real. Road trip anyone?
You can read either book as a stand alone, but I suggest starting with FOAL PLAY, which was published as a result of winning the Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition last year. These are quick reads and we're all going to be waiting to see what the author comes up with next!
June 28, 2014
This is a fun jigsaw-puzzle of a mystery that will keep you guessing until the climactic town theater production. What really makes this mystery series special is the protagonist. I love that she’s defying gender roles by heading up a fire department. She’s strong, fearless, and respected by all her employees. Yet she’s also dealing with insecurities and boy troubles that resonate with women readers. I should also mention that her sleuthing sidekick, Myrtle Crepe, is a real kick in the pants. Her antics are amusing, yet she doesn’t go over the top with the trash talking and zany shenanigans…that can get old really fast. I’m excited to see what lies in store for their next adventure. And I’m really looking forward to seeing how Bill and Colleen’s romance develops. It looks as though a dark horse named Pinky might be waiting in the wings—and I can’t wait to see how this fledgling love triangle collides!
Go to Chick Lit Café to read the full review! http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/20...
Go to Chick Lit Café to read the full review! http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/20...
July 14, 2015
Books set in the Carolinas are something especially enticing to me, so I was thrilled to get this book through the First Reads program. Murder on the Hoof begins on a late summer day on the beach in Corolla, on the Outer Banks off North Carolina. Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is conducting what should be a routine training drill with volunteers from the local theater company playing victims in the drill. When one of the volunteers ends up dead the story swings into action.
A little romance complications the finding of the killer and makes the story a delight. Loved this book!
A little romance complications the finding of the killer and makes the story a delight. Loved this book!
January 27, 2015
As with the first book in the series, I enjoyed the familiar background of Corolla, NC. This plot was an improvement over the first book in the series with a more interesting mystery. There was consistent character development and the heroine is a nice combination of independence, maturity, and sensitivity. As with the first book in the series, it was a quick, easy, and entertaining read. I believe the next book in the series is due out this summer and I plan to pick up a copy while I'm in Corolla and read it while I'm sitting on the beach.
December 31, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. It's one of the better cozies I've read. The heroine has a different job (fire chief) that gives her good reasons to be at crime scenes. She's focused on one relationship. The secondary characters are well-drawn and the plot was interesting. I'll look for more by ths author.
I thought at first it was a fictionalized version of Chincoteague but the wild horses of Corolla are real.
I thought at first it was a fictionalized version of Chincoteague but the wild horses of Corolla are real.
June 15, 2015
Bonnie, Elkton patron, June 2015, 4 stars:
Two murders leave the town of Corolla, NC, wondering who "did it." Anyone familiar (or not) with Whalehead Beach and the old Whalehead Hunt Club will enjoy this clever mystery and the characters. Fire Chief Colleen McCabe struggles with a bit of jealousy when ex-girlfriend of Sheriff Bill Dorman comes to town. Mystery grows as acting troupe rehearses (amid cast squabbles) for a benefit play. A quick and light summer read.
Two murders leave the town of Corolla, NC, wondering who "did it." Anyone familiar (or not) with Whalehead Beach and the old Whalehead Hunt Club will enjoy this clever mystery and the characters. Fire Chief Colleen McCabe struggles with a bit of jealousy when ex-girlfriend of Sheriff Bill Dorman comes to town. Mystery grows as acting troupe rehearses (amid cast squabbles) for a benefit play. A quick and light summer read.
July 3, 2014
This is the second book to feature fire chief Colleen McCabe and sheriff Bill Dorman. This time there are two murders and plenty of actors. The murders take place among a theatre group. Colleen also gets involved because of her knowledge of the people involved. The book is short and the pages just flew by. Hope there is another book featuring this group of characters.
May 26, 2014
This is the second book of this series about Colleen, the fire chief of a town in the Outer Banks. This one involves a play being put on to raise money for the Lighthouse Wild Horse Preservation Society. Of course, there are a couple of murders and danger. I like this series. I hope she hurries up and writes the next one quickly.
June 22, 2019
I am so happy that the mystery in Corolla continued on in this book! After reading the first book, I wanted to learn more about the characters and this book accomplished just that. This book also had many roads that you could have gone down and Kathryn keep you guessing. Same people but a different crime which kept it interesting! I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy!
July 21, 2016
Wonderful story in which Colleen and Bill solve a nasty murder mystery and sort out their relationship, hooray. I was a little puzzled, early on that Doris' death was handled so casually by the fire department -- I would have expected an unattended death to get more police attention than it did. And in the event it really was a crime scene. But no matter, the book was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2014
Very similar to the 'Death on Demand' Cozy Mysteries by Carolyn Hart, which I enjoy. Similar in locale as well. This is the second book in the series, but I haven't read the first yet, which I will do. Enjoyable, quick cozy. Well written and a nice main character.
June 5, 2014
If you are vacationing on the Outer Banks this would be a great beach read. The setting is Corolla and the author brings a lot of local flair into the novel. It is an easy and fun read. The kind you want to vacation with.
Thanks for selecting me to read and review your book
Thanks for selecting me to read and review your book
September 20, 2014
This was a nice read. It had enough action to keep it interesting without being totally gory...says the woman who just finished a Kathy Reichts. It was also fun because the setting was Corolla in the Outer Banks. The drive to preserve the wild horses was integral to the plot.
February 25, 2015
Well written murder mystery. I like how Kathryn O'Sullivan brings her characters to life with enjoyable dialog and descriptive scenes. The stage is set - but you'll have to read the story to find out how it ends.
September 7, 2015
I am enjoying this series. It's fun to read about places I've visited. This is a quick, fun, beach read. I like that I can't solve the mystery myself. That makes it challenging. I'm ready for the next one.
April 25, 2014
Nice cozy mystery with a lot of twists and surprises. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
June 6, 2014
enjoyed
July 4, 2014
Quick light summer reading! Love that it's based in obx. Looking forward to her next book!
July 13, 2014
Enjoyable light read mystery. Perfect for summer.
October 30, 2014
Fun, with a great North Carolina setting.
November 8, 2014
another professional woman who has a grade school relationship with her "boy"friend.
June 1, 2014
Loved it. Character development is great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews