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Colleen McCabe #3
Neighing with Fire
PACIFIC BOOK AWARDS FINALIST IN SUSPENSE, 2015 LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA LITERARY AWARD NOMINEE
Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is enjoying a quiet summer in the Outer Banks and a budding romance with Sheriff Bill Dorman. However, her peaceful start to the tourist season is shattered when a tropical storm blows through Corolla and unearths a body buried under a vacation home boardwalk. When callous land developer Denny Custis dies in a suspicious fire, Colleen has a hunch the two deaths are linked.
As she and Bill investigate, they discover that virtually everyone has had a beef or run-in with Denny and a motive for murder. When Pinky Salvatore becomes the primary suspect, Colleen is determined to clear his name. Despite his and Denny’s well-documented housing development rivalry, Colleen is convinced that the real killer is still out there.
While digging through an ever-widening list of suspects, Bill and Colleen become embroiled in a vicious battle between those committed to saving Corolla’s wild horses, those protecting the endangered piping plover shore bird, and a greedy tour company who would destroy their habitats.
Neighing with Fire is the third entry in Kathryn O’Sullivan’s cozy series known for its colorful characters, strong setting and thoroughly charming humor.
Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is enjoying a quiet summer in the Outer Banks and a budding romance with Sheriff Bill Dorman. However, her peaceful start to the tourist season is shattered when a tropical storm blows through Corolla and unearths a body buried under a vacation home boardwalk. When callous land developer Denny Custis dies in a suspicious fire, Colleen has a hunch the two deaths are linked.
As she and Bill investigate, they discover that virtually everyone has had a beef or run-in with Denny and a motive for murder. When Pinky Salvatore becomes the primary suspect, Colleen is determined to clear his name. Despite his and Denny’s well-documented housing development rivalry, Colleen is convinced that the real killer is still out there.
While digging through an ever-widening list of suspects, Bill and Colleen become embroiled in a vicious battle between those committed to saving Corolla’s wild horses, those protecting the endangered piping plover shore bird, and a greedy tour company who would destroy their habitats.
Neighing with Fire is the third entry in Kathryn O’Sullivan’s cozy series known for its colorful characters, strong setting and thoroughly charming humor.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
7 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn O'Sullivan
11 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 4, 2015
Neighing with Fire by Kathryn O’Sullivan is the third book in the Colleen McCabe series. Colleen McCabe is the Fire Chief for Corolla Fire and Rescue. She is currently dating Bill Dorman who is the Currituck County Sheriff. They are both adjusting to going from colleagues to friends to dating (Colleen finds the term boyfriend and girlfriend juvenile and cannot think of another term). Tropical Storm Ana recently came through the Outer Banks village of Corolla. It disturbed the beaches and exposed a crime.
Colleen is talking to Denny Custis, the construction mogul, trying to find out if his employees are bothering the horses (she is trying to be subtle). Myrtle Crepe put her up to it. Myrtle is the head of the Lighthouse Wild Horse Preservation Society. Denny is Antonio “Pinky” Salvatore’s rival (another construction mogul). Colleen hears screams nearby and rushes to the scene. A tourist couple found a body in the sand at their vacation rental. The storm had disturbed the sand and exposed the body. Sheriff Bill Dorman quickly arrives at the scene. Who killed this poor man and who is he? It is not anyone Colleen nor Bill know or have seen around the area. Michael Hector Fuentes is the man found buried in the sand. He was strangled, and he worked for Denny Custis.
Colleen is also busy with a string of arsons hitting the area. Someone is deliberately setting fire to abandoned homes. Special Agent Joe Morgan is the lead investigator on the case and he is very quirky. The next day Colleen and the crew are called to a fire and they find a dead body in the house. Colleen wonders if it is the work of the arsonist. The body is identified as Denny Custis. Denny was not a pleasant man and was not well-liked. Is it the work of the arsonist or was the fire set to cover up the murder? Bill and Colleen set out to solve the crimes while they navigate their way through their new relationship.
There is also a wedding taking place soon. Chip, a firefighter, is marrying Fawn (you can tell from the name that she is into crystals and auras). Fawn has asked Colleen to be in her wedding party (Colleen really tried to get out of it, but she ended up agreeing). Each guest is also asked to bring a love quote to read at the wedding. They are getting married at sunrise on the beach. Bobby Crepe, Myrtle’s son, is on an exercise regimen and people are no longer called him Big Bobby. He is turning out to be a very good firefighter. However, the guys love to tease Bobby about his overprotective mother. Myrtle is up to her usual shenanigans causing trouble for Colleen.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Neighing with Fire. I give Neighing with Fire 5 out of 5 stars. It has a good mystery (medium level mystery), romance, and humor. Neighing with Fire was a pleasure to read. I eagerly await the next book in the Colleen McCabe series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Colleen is talking to Denny Custis, the construction mogul, trying to find out if his employees are bothering the horses (she is trying to be subtle). Myrtle Crepe put her up to it. Myrtle is the head of the Lighthouse Wild Horse Preservation Society. Denny is Antonio “Pinky” Salvatore’s rival (another construction mogul). Colleen hears screams nearby and rushes to the scene. A tourist couple found a body in the sand at their vacation rental. The storm had disturbed the sand and exposed the body. Sheriff Bill Dorman quickly arrives at the scene. Who killed this poor man and who is he? It is not anyone Colleen nor Bill know or have seen around the area. Michael Hector Fuentes is the man found buried in the sand. He was strangled, and he worked for Denny Custis.
Colleen is also busy with a string of arsons hitting the area. Someone is deliberately setting fire to abandoned homes. Special Agent Joe Morgan is the lead investigator on the case and he is very quirky. The next day Colleen and the crew are called to a fire and they find a dead body in the house. Colleen wonders if it is the work of the arsonist. The body is identified as Denny Custis. Denny was not a pleasant man and was not well-liked. Is it the work of the arsonist or was the fire set to cover up the murder? Bill and Colleen set out to solve the crimes while they navigate their way through their new relationship.
There is also a wedding taking place soon. Chip, a firefighter, is marrying Fawn (you can tell from the name that she is into crystals and auras). Fawn has asked Colleen to be in her wedding party (Colleen really tried to get out of it, but she ended up agreeing). Each guest is also asked to bring a love quote to read at the wedding. They are getting married at sunrise on the beach. Bobby Crepe, Myrtle’s son, is on an exercise regimen and people are no longer called him Big Bobby. He is turning out to be a very good firefighter. However, the guys love to tease Bobby about his overprotective mother. Myrtle is up to her usual shenanigans causing trouble for Colleen.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Neighing with Fire. I give Neighing with Fire 5 out of 5 stars. It has a good mystery (medium level mystery), romance, and humor. Neighing with Fire was a pleasure to read. I eagerly await the next book in the Colleen McCabe series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
June 30, 2021
I wouldn't say this book in itself is a strong 4 stars because I feel like it's a pretty simple mystery book. BUT what made me read it is the fact that it takes place in the Outer Banks Corolla/Duck NC area and we have been going on vacation there for years! She does a great job of bringing all the local stores and restaurants into her series and I love that! I really enjoyed it!
April 25, 2023
Sono un po' dispiaciuta che questa serie sia finita, proprio ora che la protagonista (capo dei vigili del fuoco) e lo sceriffo (ora boyfriend: finalmente!) avevano imparato a collaborare nelle indagini... Non sono stata sorpresa di scoprire chi fosse il colpevole, sebbene avrei preferito che fosse un'altra persona perché alla fin fine l'omicidio è stato un incidente, secondo me.
October 29, 2018
Very good. I really enjoy the references to the wild horses on the outer banks.
March 29, 2015
Endorse "Neighing with Fire" by Kathryn O'Sullivan 3rd book in the Colleen McCabe Series Release Date May 5, 2015
I'm thankful for the opportunity to review this book before the official release. Kathryn O'Sullivan brings us mysteries with a new flair but true to the tradition of Agatha Christie - great plots with engaging dialog.
Firefighting Chief Collen McCabe shows how well a woman performs in positions of authority and leadership. Chief McCabe not only fights fire but crime as well and still finds time to nurture a budding romance.
The story begins with the author, Kathryn O'Sullivan, breathing life into a piece of plastic sheeting from a construction site. The plastic carries the reader into the story in a kind of ballet as the sheeting takes us to a long buried crime scene. The body found is just the start of the mystery that Colleen and her friend, Sheriff Bill Dorman, work to solve as the story unfolds.
There's drama in the North Carolina's Outer Banks community between those that support the Wild horse habitat and the piping plover shore birds as well as those that would see all habitat taken up with new construction. Colleen has a fight with Denny Custis, a ruthless land developer about these subject not long before he turns up dead at one of Chief McCabe's fire scenes.
There's too many that have issues with Denny and the battle over land for wild habitat versus resorts to make solving the case easy but Colleen has a hunch that the long buried body and Denny's death are connected now all she has to find out is how.
This excerpt from"Neighing with Fire" demonstrates the compassion Chief McCabe feels for her firefighters:
"….She [McCabe] was anxious to find out how her men were doing - particularly Chip and Kenny, who had been inside the burning structure. …"
Chief McCabe shows how capable a woman is when making life and death decisions without hesitation. I hope strong women both young and old read the Colleen McCabe Series as an inspiration to aspire to the jobs that are in their heart to pursue.
Another great part of the story is the beautifully written scene depicting the picturesque setting of the Outer Banks Village of Corolla, where wild horses still roam free and fire fighters enforce no feeding laws as well as putting out engine fires for cars unfamiliar with driving on Carova Beach.
The message I take from the Colleen McCabe Series is follow your dreams, listen to the message of inner truth and strive to be the best you can be.
I'm looking forward to reading more books from the Colleen McCabe Series. I enjoy mysteries that have a message similar to the one underlying Elizabeth Peters work, highlighting Amelia Peabody's* books, women don't need a man to succeed they just need to believe in themselves. These books are also very well written with emphasis on the mystery.
I'm hopeful the writing of Kathryn O'Sullivan continues with many more rewarding reading experiences.
Where to find out more about the books and the author on GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Author's web page here:
www.kathrynosullivan.com
I'm thankful for the opportunity to review this book before the official release. Kathryn O'Sullivan brings us mysteries with a new flair but true to the tradition of Agatha Christie - great plots with engaging dialog.
Firefighting Chief Collen McCabe shows how well a woman performs in positions of authority and leadership. Chief McCabe not only fights fire but crime as well and still finds time to nurture a budding romance.
The story begins with the author, Kathryn O'Sullivan, breathing life into a piece of plastic sheeting from a construction site. The plastic carries the reader into the story in a kind of ballet as the sheeting takes us to a long buried crime scene. The body found is just the start of the mystery that Colleen and her friend, Sheriff Bill Dorman, work to solve as the story unfolds.
There's drama in the North Carolina's Outer Banks community between those that support the Wild horse habitat and the piping plover shore birds as well as those that would see all habitat taken up with new construction. Colleen has a fight with Denny Custis, a ruthless land developer about these subject not long before he turns up dead at one of Chief McCabe's fire scenes.
There's too many that have issues with Denny and the battle over land for wild habitat versus resorts to make solving the case easy but Colleen has a hunch that the long buried body and Denny's death are connected now all she has to find out is how.
This excerpt from"Neighing with Fire" demonstrates the compassion Chief McCabe feels for her firefighters:
"….She [McCabe] was anxious to find out how her men were doing - particularly Chip and Kenny, who had been inside the burning structure. …"
Chief McCabe shows how capable a woman is when making life and death decisions without hesitation. I hope strong women both young and old read the Colleen McCabe Series as an inspiration to aspire to the jobs that are in their heart to pursue.
Another great part of the story is the beautifully written scene depicting the picturesque setting of the Outer Banks Village of Corolla, where wild horses still roam free and fire fighters enforce no feeding laws as well as putting out engine fires for cars unfamiliar with driving on Carova Beach.
The message I take from the Colleen McCabe Series is follow your dreams, listen to the message of inner truth and strive to be the best you can be.
I'm looking forward to reading more books from the Colleen McCabe Series. I enjoy mysteries that have a message similar to the one underlying Elizabeth Peters work, highlighting Amelia Peabody's* books, women don't need a man to succeed they just need to believe in themselves. These books are also very well written with emphasis on the mystery.
I'm hopeful the writing of Kathryn O'Sullivan continues with many more rewarding reading experiences.
Where to find out more about the books and the author on GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Author's web page here:
www.kathrynosullivan.com
March 18, 2015
In the heat of the Corolla summer tempers are fraying, and Fire Chief Colleen McCabe has her hands full. Myrtle, the head of the group protecting Corolla’s wild horses suspects Denny Custis, a despised local developer, of endangering the horses. An arsonist is active on the mainland, setting fires to abandoned properties; and one of her team is getting married – and Colleen has to be a bridesmaid.
When a tropical storm passes through Corolla, a long dead body is discovered buried beneath a boardwalk. Soon after, Denny Custis is found dead in the aftermath of a suspicious fire. Is there a connection between the two? Suspicions fall on Pinky Salvatore, a rival developer, but Colleen doesn't believe him capable of murder. As Colleen and Sheriff Bill Dorman investigate, they uncover numerous possible suspects and motives, but few solid leads.
Neighing with Fire is a terrific cozy mystery with an interesting setting and an appealing heroine. Corolla is fascinating location, where sandy beaches are home to the endangered piping plover and wild horses are protected. The animals present play an important role in the story, particularly Sparky, Colleen's border collie. Animal lovers will enjoy this aspect of the novel. Neighing with Fire is a great choice for mystery lovers of all ages, particularly those who love animals.
Neighing with Fire is the third mystery featuring Fire Chief Colleen McCabe.
I received a copy of Neighing with Fire from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
When a tropical storm passes through Corolla, a long dead body is discovered buried beneath a boardwalk. Soon after, Denny Custis is found dead in the aftermath of a suspicious fire. Is there a connection between the two? Suspicions fall on Pinky Salvatore, a rival developer, but Colleen doesn't believe him capable of murder. As Colleen and Sheriff Bill Dorman investigate, they uncover numerous possible suspects and motives, but few solid leads.
Neighing with Fire is a terrific cozy mystery with an interesting setting and an appealing heroine. Corolla is fascinating location, where sandy beaches are home to the endangered piping plover and wild horses are protected. The animals present play an important role in the story, particularly Sparky, Colleen's border collie. Animal lovers will enjoy this aspect of the novel. Neighing with Fire is a great choice for mystery lovers of all ages, particularly those who love animals.
Neighing with Fire is the third mystery featuring Fire Chief Colleen McCabe.
I received a copy of Neighing with Fire from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
April 25, 2015
Scandal rocks the small town of Corolla and now its Colleen and Bills job to find out what in the heck is happening to there small and peaceful town. In the mean time they have a new "relationship" if you want to call it that, that they are working and discovering. Bill is trying to find out who killed Denny all the while keeping his jealousy intact. Colleen is just set out to figure out whats going on between her and Bill so she can put a name to it finally and all the while find out who is setting fires and killing people, all while putting her self in harms way or is she?
I have not read the other books in the series it didn't take long to follow the story though. I would not say there was a whole lot of romance in this book there was a little but what draws you into this book is the mystery, and trying to find out what happens next. This book took me less the a day to read as it was a real page turner and you find it hard to put down because you really want to know whats going to happen. I would say if you are looking for a good decent book with not a lot of "romance" but a well written story line then this is the book for you.
I was given a copy for my honest review.
I have not read the other books in the series it didn't take long to follow the story though. I would not say there was a whole lot of romance in this book there was a little but what draws you into this book is the mystery, and trying to find out what happens next. This book took me less the a day to read as it was a real page turner and you find it hard to put down because you really want to know whats going to happen. I would say if you are looking for a good decent book with not a lot of "romance" but a well written story line then this is the book for you.
I was given a copy for my honest review.
May 31, 2015
It isn’t summertime without a new installment from the Colleen McCabe mystery series! Set in a tranquil coastal town where wild horses run free and dead bodies pop up from underneath the sand, how could I ask for a better beach read?
In this much-anticipated third installment, the mystery begins when a hurricane swoops into town, unearthing a carefully buried dead man from underneath a boardwalk. Turns out, it’s just some random dude with no personal connections to anyone in town. When an arsonist starts running amok, Colleen—the local fire chief—must piece together the clues before the whole town goes up in smoke.
Can we just pause for a moment and reflect on how awesome it is that our leading lady is the head honcho of a firehouse? She’s not the queen of a quilting bee, or an owner of a scrapbook shop. Nope, this red-headed sleuth is out there saving lives and delegating orders to an all-male team of firefighters. You go girl!
Read my full review on Chick Lit Café! https://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/2...
In this much-anticipated third installment, the mystery begins when a hurricane swoops into town, unearthing a carefully buried dead man from underneath a boardwalk. Turns out, it’s just some random dude with no personal connections to anyone in town. When an arsonist starts running amok, Colleen—the local fire chief—must piece together the clues before the whole town goes up in smoke.
Can we just pause for a moment and reflect on how awesome it is that our leading lady is the head honcho of a firehouse? She’s not the queen of a quilting bee, or an owner of a scrapbook shop. Nope, this red-headed sleuth is out there saving lives and delegating orders to an all-male team of firefighters. You go girl!
Read my full review on Chick Lit Café! https://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/2...
December 30, 2015
Set in a small town in North Carolina, Fire Chief Colleen McCabe is involved in the investigation of a victim found buried in the sand under a boardwalk Then a developer who has big plans for the area is found dead—in a possible arson fire. She works with local law enforcement and is a special friend of Sheriff Bill Dorman.
Unfortunately there are too many people who had a grudge against Denny Custis, the latest victim. We see him in an opening scene when Colleen confronts him. The sheriff jails two long-time citizens of the town because of their suspicious activity. There’s evidence that one of them may have been the last to see Denny alive. Colleen knows that neither committed the crime and helps get them released. Which means—she has to find out who the murderer is.
The plot involves the possible development of land where wild horses roam (giving inspiration to the title), and where an endangered bird nests. Minotaur
Unfortunately there are too many people who had a grudge against Denny Custis, the latest victim. We see him in an opening scene when Colleen confronts him. The sheriff jails two long-time citizens of the town because of their suspicious activity. There’s evidence that one of them may have been the last to see Denny alive. Colleen knows that neither committed the crime and helps get them released. Which means—she has to find out who the murderer is.
The plot involves the possible development of land where wild horses roam (giving inspiration to the title), and where an endangered bird nests. Minotaur
March 29, 2015
A fire chief and a police officer - the perfect pair for some investigatory activities on the busy Carolina coast. I loved Chief Colleen - an engaging and savvy heroine who's busy keeping the local characters like Myrtle Crepe in line while also dealing with arson, murder and, worst of all, a wedding in the offing! (At least it's not her own. She and Bill are still just good friends. But a wedding of one of her firehouse crew at which Colleen has to play a supporting role, so it makes for great storytelling fun.)
There's murder and shenanigans galore, enough local colour to interest but no cringeworthy stereotypes to offend. I found the mystery well-developed, even if you really wanted to know a bit more about the victim, who really is underdeveloped. The focus is on Colleen and her many connections as well as how they all contribute to solving the crime.
There's murder and shenanigans galore, enough local colour to interest but no cringeworthy stereotypes to offend. I found the mystery well-developed, even if you really wanted to know a bit more about the victim, who really is underdeveloped. The focus is on Colleen and her many connections as well as how they all contribute to solving the crime.
March 5, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, and I enjoyed this one just as much. I was caught back up in the lives of the characters and the story line from the first pages. This one is another good mystery from Kathryn with lots of twists and turns that kept me reading and trying to figure out who the bad guy was until the final pages. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is another one from this author that I recommend to anyone who enjoys intriguing characters and a good mystery.
July 12, 2019
I read this book while on vacation on Corolla and it was truly like a book coming to life! I loved finishing out this trilogy and following the characters on their, unfortunately, last adventure. I hope Kathryn writes more books. I would love to follow Colleen and Bill on their new life along with Smokey and Sparky!! These books were well written and always kept you on your toes about the mystery!
May 17, 2015
It was a sheer joy to visit for a while on the Outer Banks of NC. Get ready for a tropical storm, murder, romance, the beautiful wild horses and the people who love and protect them.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
June 4, 2015
If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in a charming beach location with a woman at the center of the story, Kathryn O'Sullivan's "Neighing with Fire", the third in her series will make you smile and keep you guessing. Oh, and did I mention horses? Recommended.
June 16, 2015
A nice light mystery with a good set of characters. I loved recognizing some of the landmarks of Corolla from early family vacations. Miss Myrtle is to be loved and laughed at. Enough murder and mayhem to keep things interesting without getting gory.
August 30, 2015
A great cozy book. It has some humor, mystery and features a female fire chief on an outerbanks island. What more could you ask for?
June 24, 2015
Love the series and I think this is the best one yet !!!
May 16, 2015
excellent couldn't put it down
September 3, 2015
Great setting, strong characters that you can relate to. A cozy mystery that doesn't get ditzy or silly. Plenty of twists and false leads.
July 19, 2015
Another great summer read! Love her books and this one did not disappoint!
September 20, 2020
Had too much on my mind and couldn't get into this book too much. It was okay overall though.
December 30, 2023
A library find.
December 2023.
December 2023.
June 30, 2024
Sweet story with a touch of mystery and intrigue. Plus wild horses and driving on the beach.
December 12, 2016
In Katherine O'Sullivan's Neighing with Fire, the third installment in the Colleen McCabe mystery series, if you can't stand the heat, step away from the fire. For Colleen McCabe, a small town fire chief in Corona, North Carolina, it all started with finding a dead body being washed up by the shore. Then there was a series of arsons in the area that her small team had to help put out. Besides her budding romance with Bill Dorman, a police detective, and preparing for one of her fire fighter's wedding, she started snooping around to discover who wanted to set up her former teacher, Myrtle Crepe, and who had murdered Denny Custis in cold blood. The closer she asked around for answers, the fires became more frequent to scare the horses on the beach and with the piping plovers. If it wasn't for her Border Collie Sparky, she would've have figured out who was the arsonist and why, before he had a chance to escape from her dog's scent to catch the killer.
June 11, 2015
This is, on balance, an enjoyable mystery, but also a frustrating one for mystery readers. The cleverly plotted multiple murder storyline, by far its best asset, is too often sidetracked by several completely unrelated and tangential subplots that do little other than take up space in the book. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
November 16, 2016
Best of the series to date. Kathryn skilfully manages the romantic dance between Colleen and Bill while having them solve a pair of mysteries. Book ends with a beautiful sunrise wedding, perhaps foretelling things to come?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2015
Received digital ARC from Edelweiss.
June 20, 2015
More like 3.5 stars. All three books in this series are quick, enjoyable mysteries set in the Outer Banks, NC. They remind me of books by GA McKevett and Diane Mott Davidson.
October 28, 2015
A weak story--description of the Outer Banks good.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews