Sixty, Sassy, and Sleuthing

Colt Calling Horse Rescue #0.5

by Morgana Best

The world is determined to put 60 year old Cally Colt out to pasture, but she's no one-trick pony.

When Cally finds a dead body by a creek, she assumes it's an accidental drowning, that is, until the overbearing Detective Rick Bronco drives into town. Now a suspect in a murder, Cally must clear her name, keep the horse rescue financially stable, and stay alive.

Will she overcome this nightmare, or is she on a foal's errand?

The prequel novella to the Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery series, Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries, from USA Today Bestselling author, Morgana Best.

Previously in Seasoned Magic anthology

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

68 pages, ebook

First published April 30, 2021

About the author

USA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.

Reviews

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a prequel to her paranormal cozy mystery series, Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries. Ms. Best is an Australian writer so you may, if you are American, think she has typos. She does include a fun glossary of some Australian slang and terms which also includes an explanation of spelling differences.
With Sixty, Sassy and Sleuthing we are introduced to Calliope “Cally” Colt. I love this character. The older sleuths in cozy mysteries are a lot of fun. They have a load of life experience and wisdom and they just don’t really care anymore about trying to fit in to anyone’s picture of who they should be. What fun and amazing role models they make! Cally, who runs a horse shelter in Australia, is doing work that no one expects a sixty year old to do. She is strong, capable, smart and funny. When one of the horses takes off during a storm, Cally finds him by a stream...and a dead body! With a new detective in town suspicious of her, Cally is going to have to use all her smarts to discover what really happened. I really love the back and forth between Cally and Detective Bronco. He keeps hinting about her family secret and Cally has no idea what it is. To find out what happened and if Cally has a secret, you will need to read the story.

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about Cally, an older woman. She runs a horse rescue and one morning finds a drowned woman beside the creek. The detective on the case insists it is a murder and is looking at Cally as a prime suspect. I found the basic story interesting but the characters fell a bit flat for me. But the paranormal aspects didn't fit the story, in my opinion. I think this story is setting up a series but it seems a bit awkward. However, it is well-written and Cally could become an interesting character.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

Suspend belief and enjoy this cute cozy mystery. A short prequel to the series, Cally is sixty, active and devoted to her horses. If only people wouldn’t make such an issue of age in the book. Cally discovers a secret about herself and solves a murder.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty, Sassy, and Sleuthing is part of the Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries by Morgana Best in which Calliope Colt is trying to find Billy the Kid after he gets loose again and she finds the dead body of Jane Fairweather by the creek. Unfortunately the new Detective Rick Bronce thinks that Cally is the killer and she must prove to him that she didn't kill anyone. Rick Bronce informs Cally that her family was part of the famous Colt bloodline and she is a kelpie. What is a kelpie you ask? You will have to read the book to find out. This book had a very shocking ending!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella that introduces the author's newest series. It is a mixture of fantasy (do you believe in Kelpies?)and a clean cozy. There is a murder involved and it will shock you when it is revealed who done it!

Cally is in for a couple of shocks as well. Of course there is a really good looking detective who is on the case!

I have a feeling that I am going to enjoy this series.

[Frank Carver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started like a regular cozy mystery but then got weird

I have read plenty of cozy mysteries, and even some with witches or ghosts as characters, but this one confused me. The paranormal elements appeared with no warning into what seemed like a regular cozy mystery. I wouldn’t have minded if there had been some kind of foreshadowing or scene setting to give a clue that this story takes place in a world where mystical creatures are commonplace. Instead, we get a seemingly ordinary mystery which suddenly shifts to a different kind of story altogether.

Calliope “Cally” Colt runs a sanctuary for injured and abandoned horses. Cally shares the accommodation with her equally alliterative housemate (of indeterminate age) and best friend Harriet Hamilton. As you can guess from the title, Cally is sixty years old, and she certainly goes on about it. From the way Cally and everyone else in the story reacts, you would think that anyone who has dared to still be alive at such an age would be nearly dead. I don’t know how many sixty-year-olds the author knows, but almost all the ones I am familiar with are still working just like their fifty-year-old colleagues with the prospect of retirement some years in the future, if at all.. As for the “sassy” in the title, I failed to find any of that in the book.

The book is set in Australia. I know that because the author makes a big point of it at the start of the book. So much so that nearly twenty percent of this already short book is taken up with a glossary of Australian terms and copious warnings not to complain about the spelling. However, in the story itself there is hardly any sense of place. Sure, they eat some token vegemite, mention “the bush”,and drive to Brisbane. but there seemed to be hardly any description to give a real sense of where and when the story takes place. The description in this book is purely functional. A barn is just a barn, a car is just a car (although, for some reason the police, when they arrive, drive a “fancy black” car) and that’s as far as we get. I had really hoped that this book would have the feel of being set in the “wide brown land” but all we get is a generic horse farm, a generic small town, and some kind of social club in Brisbane.

Like the rest of the book, the mystery element was only sketchily described, and none of the characters had much depth. Cally discovers a body when one of her horses escapes during a storm, and for no obvious reason the cop (Rick Bronco) who turns up assumes Cally did it. Cally talks to a few local gossips but doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere towards clearing her name until Bronco goes off the deep end and accuses Cally of being a Kelpie - a human who can turn into a horse and likes drownings and (somewhat oddly) football. I guess this was the point of the story, but it comes out of nowhere and defeats the point of all the “sleuthing” which has so far taken place. All in all a somewhat disappointing mystery. Not bad, just unsatisfying.

[Monina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty, Sassy, and Sleuthing: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery (Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries)

I really loved this prequel! It showed us Calli Colt, a 60 year old wonderful woman, capable of running a horse shelter and taking care of the murder case that happened in a stream near her house when she went to look for her horse that took off that night after a really bad storm.

Its been so nice and left me wanting more... so I just went and pre-ordered the next book: Saddled with Murder: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery (Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries Book 1)

So this should tell you how smitten I am for this new serie of Ms. Morgana Best.

Go and grab this prequel and sign up for her next book! You won't regret it!

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun fast prequel novella that I listened to in just over an hour from Morgana Best's new series Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries. Calliope is a 60 year old woman who loves horses and is very good at calming them as she runs a Horse Rescue that's a good thing....When one of her rescues gets out she finds him down by the river and she also finds the body of a dead woman who had drowned soon the police are suspecting Callie and she has to figure out who murdered the woman and why...but there are other secrets in Callie's life as well ones she is not going to believe even though she must....a fun fast read about Scottish Kelpies talking cats and beautiful rescued horses a good series for the animal lover in all of us :)

[Kate Wells · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh goody I thought, an older Aussie woman - someone I can relate to. Except I cannot. It does not ring true at all. The whole plot, dialogue, characterisation is quite facile and reads like a novel geared to an American audience. The Aussie slang in the glossary is mid 20th century Hollywood stereotype. Even the woman on the cover looks American, not Australian. What 60 year old country woman running a horse rescue wears false eyelashes? Or even more ridiculously - the whole footy game, buy a coupla tickets to the executive boxes and meet up scene? The paranormal element was unsupported - just chucked in there. So disappointed.

[Juliet Minerva Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and short, a perfect introduction to a new series. I really like another series by this author and I really miss those characters, but I loved this new setting.
Maybe I am not the biggest fan of horses in general, but that side was minimal. I really appreciate how the main character is older, there is something about middle-aged women sleuths.
A magical element is also introduced and I can’t wait to see how that evolves.
The detective is quite annoying so far, but I get the feeling that will change soon.
All in all, it was an enjoyable novella and I am going to continue with the next.

[Jane McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty, Sassy, and Sleuthing -— a Review
(Colt Calling Horse Rescue #.5)
by Morgana Best
(my rating 4****)
This piece is a novella (47 p. or so) that serves as a prequel to a subsequent series featuring paranormal women. In this case, Cally Colt lives in Australia and steers a rescue shelter for horses; amid a murder investigation Cally is exposed to kelpies — humans who can shape-shift into horses.
Oh, let the pandemonium begin.
The series should be fun for those who appreciate animal fantasies.

[Angela Griffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

A waste

This is ridiculous from start to finish. The lead, Cally, is nowhere near the "sixty" in the title. The first several pages are wasted explaining Australian spelling and terms (most of which are not even used in the story). The other characters are obnoxious, childish, and/or idiotic. The author has apparently created another character with the sugar-fueled eating habits of a four-year-old. The mystery does not hold the reader's interest, and the big reveal at the end is no surprise. This prequel does not urge me to recommend the series.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calliope, or Cally, owns a stable and rescues horses and rehomes them. When one of her horses breaks out, she goes to find him and discovers a dead female. The new officer suspects her right off and keeps hinting strange things about her family. So, she goes around discovering clues about the dead woman and who the murderer could be! When she does discover the truth…she is frantic with the information and especially who the killer is and now they are after her! What will happen?

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I misread the title of the book and thought it was about supernatural Equine Therapy! But it's about the owner of a HORSE rescue sanctuary run by a woman who was unaware of part of her family's past. Because this series intro is more of a short story, I really don't want to even hint at a spoiler. But this is from Morgana Best so you know right away that it will be full of good fun! And it left me panting for book one!

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cally Colt runs a horse rescue and one of her horses keeps getting out to visit his girlfriends. When Cally tracks Billy The Kidd down, she finds a woman drowned in the creek. It's seems to be an accidental drowning. The Sheriff thinks it's murder and Cally is a suspect. When things start getting serious, Cally starts snooping to see if she can clear her name. This is an awesome prequel to what promises to be another great series. I'm definitely glad I read it!

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cally runs a horse rescue stable. When one of her horses is frightened by thunder and jumps out of his paddock, Cally finds him by the river. She also finds the body of Jane who was having affairs with Joel and Guy. Cally's BFF Harriet is aware of her husband's affair. Detective Rick Bronco investigates, and tells Cally she is a kelpie - a mythical horse who shape shifts between human and horse form. Can Cally believe this detective or is he delusional? And is the murderer finally caught?

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An escaped horse, a dead body and Callie is a suspect. What else can she do but work to clear her name? It looks like we are in for a fun series! I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a brand new series. I would call it a short story rather than a novella. She could have made it a tad longer and fleshed out some of the things going on in this book. Still, I did enjoy the story and it looks to be a fun and engaging series with lots of twists and turns to keep the interest high. I'm looking forward to reading future books in this series.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book in the "Seasoned Magic" anthology and loved it. I remember thinking "I hope there will be a series out soon based on these characters". And, I got my wish. I'm getting ready to read the ARC for Book 1. I'm confident this is just the beginning of a long and much a loved series. Start this series and you'll see what I mean.

[monacia williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kelpie?

The story started normally but then went on to become rather strange, A kelpie? I don't mind telling you that my imagination went into overdrive. A horse is a very large animal, how is changing into one, in a house, without causing damage going to be possible? Still can't picture it, even in fiction land. It would be interesting to see how future stories develop.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rainstorm causes a broken fence and a loose horse on a horse rescue farm in Australia. Unfortunately, while finding the horse a dead body is also found. While Cally investigates to clear herself, she learns a strange secret about her and her parents. Fun short story.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a new series of women over 50 trying to survive by the magic we all have inside that can manifest in strange ways. When Callie Colt finds a dead body she needs to find out how and why. But its not a great story. It falls flat and I'm sorry because it had potential. 1/5

[Doris Brase · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horse is a horse is a .....

This story is a bit strange, at least to me. An animal rescuer is a hero. Callie also seems to be an amateur sleuth after finding a body while chasing her rambunctious equines. Enter one hot detective and away we go.

[Andrea Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable because I love horses, dogs, cats and a lot of other animals. I always wondered how it would feel to be a horse running free and have an owner like me or a bird to fly way up in the air.

[Neeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Different in a Good Way

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the full length novels. I only wish this one were longer.Morgan a packed a lot of story in a short read!

[Patricia Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty,Sassy and Sleuthing

While hunting down one of her rescue horses, Cally discovers a dead woman.
The Police especially Detective Bronco suspects Cally of murder.
So into the fray jumps Cally, she has to find the killer before she's arrested.
A really enjoyable read.

[Manola Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixty Sassy and Sleuthing

This is an amazing book. With a lot of action and adventure. The characters are unique because they ate Kelpies. And the best part is a sixty year old women is the main character. How great is that! Loved the book..

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS! My new favorite series!
I had never heard of that kind of that kind of kelpie before, and found it interesting.
Loved the rescue horses, especially Greta Garbo, the horse who sits on people. She can come live with me and sit on my in laws.
The narrator was awesome as well!

[BookwormMomma7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This baby starts out the mystery and then jumps into an unexpected turn that makes it, stand out. A great Introduction to the series, my first book by this author but definitely will jot be the last.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the novella prequel to the Colt Calling Horse Rescue Mysteries.

I loved this story, it was so much fun!