Murder on the Hoof

by Gayle Carline

Willie Adams is at the L.A. Equestrian Center shopping for her first horse. A young widow struggling with the idea of dating again, she never expected that a gorgeous trainer like Tyler Ransome would notice her. But he did. He wasn't the only one, either. Bobby Fermino is not as handsome, nor as pleasant. After attacking Willie he ends up dead in her tack room, leaving her the most likely suspect. Willie has to convince Detective Lucas Macy that she's innocent, but her physical attraction to him isn't making the task easy. With growing evidence pointing to her, and two famous actors drawing attention to the investigation, Willie decides to take the reins. She must find the murderer before they find her, but will she survive opening her heart to someone new?

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2014

About the author

Gayle (G.S.) Carline has been an artist, a software engineer, and an author, mostly because she believes in reincarnation while you're still alive to learn a lesson or two. She loves to write mysteries, fantasies, and humor--and sometimes all together.
Currently, she lives in sunny southern California with her husband and a sassy Corgi. She also has a son and two horses, all of whom she enjoys even if they don't live with her.

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story line. It was developed well so it kept my interest. Horses don't mean that much to me personally, I liked the murder aspect of the book. The characters are good, some of the things weren't "quite thought out enough" but they are easy to overlook. All in all a nice romance/murder story with horses thrown in. I was given a copy of this book by Reading Deals. The review is done voluntarily and of my own opinion.

[Joy Pixley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, fun mystery, and I learned about horses, too!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.

This book has it all: the suspense, the romance, the intrigue. It was written in a compelling way that made me just keep on reading to figure out what was going to happen. There is no lack of material for a gripping plot, and the backdrop of the horse show provides an interesting setting to place the story.

Protagonist Willie is independent and strong, and just overall likable as a character. I have to admit, however, her budding relationship with the detective is actually what bothered me; it just seemed so ludicrous in the face of being suspected for murder. And naturally, some type of sparks fly between her and handsome Tyler Ransome, so in this sense, the romance almost feels forced in. Despite the inopportune timing of the romance, author Carline does a great job in actually writing dialogue and interactions between Willie and the two men. She gives a very realistic account of how Willie feels, and handles the timing decently, since Willie does generally recognize the urgency of the situation.

In short, I recommend the book to any fans of mystery, romance, or horses. I personally don't know much about equestrian affairs, but found that aspect of the book interesting and it actually served as a hook to keep me reading, since I was curious.

Best aspect: Whodunnit?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willie(Wilhelmina)Adams is at a AQHA horse show to compete and buy a horse. Her trainer and best friend Emily Jungers introduces her to Tyler Ransome who has a horse for sale. Willes is very uncomfortable around Tyler because he is extremely handsome. Looking for Tyler's tack room Willie goes into Bobby Ferminos by mistake. Bobby finds her there and tries to force himself on her, she fights back and gets away. Hours later Bobby is found dead in Emily and Willies tack room. Detectives Gimple and Macy are sure Willie is innocent but she keeps getting involved in the investigation, she and Detective Macy are drawn to each other. Will she get involved with Detective Macy and what about Tyler? Will she get caught snooping? There are a few tense moments when she goes to far. The end of the mystery is a surprise who did it and which man will she chose. This was a fun read and easy to follow the event. Goodreads first read.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accurate representation of the AQHA regional show scene and personalities. If you are interested or participate in horse shows you will enjoy the book.

[Donna Lear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery and this book met all of my expectations. Great story and interesting characters. What more could you ask for?