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Dead on the Trail
In this cozy mystery, Molly and her husband, John, are professional horse trainers. They love living on a farm in rural North Carolina, they love caring for the horses, and they mostly love teaching others to ride. When John leaves to judge a horse show, Molly stays behind to take care of the horses and students. Her dog, Bingo, is by her side for everything, including finding a body in the woods...
Soon Molly and John are sorting through clues to help catch a killer, but they will have to work fast because this one is a little too close to home.
Soon Molly and John are sorting through clues to help catch a killer, but they will have to work fast because this one is a little too close to home.
- GenresMystery
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 1, 2015
Dead on the Trail is a fun whodunit that becomes a great read due to the fascinating details of its setting.
The novel takes place on a horse farm run by Molly Lewis and her husband John. Molly is exercising her horse, Kip, on a trail partially owned by the couple from whom they rent the farm and partially by their neighbor. Molly's dog, Bingo, is following her when he senses something off to the side of the trail. It turns out to be a dead body. Once the victim is identified, he turns out to be someone who was almost universally disliked, which means there are plenty of people with motives. The police show up, but they are fairly useless, so it falls on Molly to investigate. All the characters are interesting whether they are friends of Molly, suspects, or police.
For the first part of the book Molly's husband is out of town, judging a horse show. Molly needs to take care of their farm while she looks into the murder. She's spending time cleaning stalls, feeding and exercising horses, dealing with sick horses, giving riding lessons, working on ways to increase the farm's income, and playing nursemaid to her landlord's troubled daughter, Sarah. All these tasks increase the pressure on Molly and the tension in the plot. Here's a sample of the detail:
First up was Betsy in a walk, trot canter class for riders 14-17. The practice show started with the more advanced riders in hopes that the horses would be tired and slow by the time the little riders came along. The classes were judged on the rider, not the horse, but a good horse always made the rider look better. Betsy was showing Honey for the first time. Honey, a former show mare, would be up for the class, the challenge would be to make her walk. Molly gave her a leg up and they went to the make-up ring early. The mare looked around, but settled quickly to work.
Most people who know something about the horse industry know it from the side of the customers. These are people who love animals, love competition, and love being outdoors. It's a pricey hobby, but one that can provide an escape from day to day stress. Dead on the Trail shows the horse industry from the side of the farm managers. These are people who have to learn how to market their lessons, their horses for sale, and their boarding facilities. They have to work hard, physically. They have to be willing to give up a horse they care about if someone offers the right price. And they have to understand horse health enough to call the vet when necessary, but not to waste money on calls that aren't needed. This is a 24/7 occupation, but these people wouldn't be in the industry if they didn't love the animals. They make sacrifices for that love.
Dead on the Trail is a perfect book for readers who like mysteries and horses.
Steve Lindahl – author of Motherless Soul and White Horse Regressions
The novel takes place on a horse farm run by Molly Lewis and her husband John. Molly is exercising her horse, Kip, on a trail partially owned by the couple from whom they rent the farm and partially by their neighbor. Molly's dog, Bingo, is following her when he senses something off to the side of the trail. It turns out to be a dead body. Once the victim is identified, he turns out to be someone who was almost universally disliked, which means there are plenty of people with motives. The police show up, but they are fairly useless, so it falls on Molly to investigate. All the characters are interesting whether they are friends of Molly, suspects, or police.
For the first part of the book Molly's husband is out of town, judging a horse show. Molly needs to take care of their farm while she looks into the murder. She's spending time cleaning stalls, feeding and exercising horses, dealing with sick horses, giving riding lessons, working on ways to increase the farm's income, and playing nursemaid to her landlord's troubled daughter, Sarah. All these tasks increase the pressure on Molly and the tension in the plot. Here's a sample of the detail:
First up was Betsy in a walk, trot canter class for riders 14-17. The practice show started with the more advanced riders in hopes that the horses would be tired and slow by the time the little riders came along. The classes were judged on the rider, not the horse, but a good horse always made the rider look better. Betsy was showing Honey for the first time. Honey, a former show mare, would be up for the class, the challenge would be to make her walk. Molly gave her a leg up and they went to the make-up ring early. The mare looked around, but settled quickly to work.
Most people who know something about the horse industry know it from the side of the customers. These are people who love animals, love competition, and love being outdoors. It's a pricey hobby, but one that can provide an escape from day to day stress. Dead on the Trail shows the horse industry from the side of the farm managers. These are people who have to learn how to market their lessons, their horses for sale, and their boarding facilities. They have to work hard, physically. They have to be willing to give up a horse they care about if someone offers the right price. And they have to understand horse health enough to call the vet when necessary, but not to waste money on calls that aren't needed. This is a 24/7 occupation, but these people wouldn't be in the industry if they didn't love the animals. They make sacrifices for that love.
Dead on the Trail is a perfect book for readers who like mysteries and horses.
Steve Lindahl – author of Motherless Soul and White Horse Regressions
February 26, 2026
This book had me galloping through chapters like I was in the Kentucky Derby of Cozy Mysteries.
The rural North Carolina farm setting is so vividly written that I could practically hear the horses shifting in their stalls and feel the crisp air in the woods. It’s comforting and peaceful which makes the discovery of a body hit even harder. That contrast? Chef’s kiss.
Molly and John feel like real people. They’re not over the top dramatic or superhero-level detectives. They’re smart, steady, and determined which somehow makes the stakes feel even higher. The danger feels close. The urgency feels real.
And the suspects? I suspected everyone. The neighbors. The acquaintances. Possibly a tree at one point. The twists are subtle but effective no ridiculous plot gymnastics, just clever storytelling.
This is the kind of cozy mystery that wraps you in a blanket and then whispers, “By the way… someone’s lying.”
The rural North Carolina farm setting is so vividly written that I could practically hear the horses shifting in their stalls and feel the crisp air in the woods. It’s comforting and peaceful which makes the discovery of a body hit even harder. That contrast? Chef’s kiss.
Molly and John feel like real people. They’re not over the top dramatic or superhero-level detectives. They’re smart, steady, and determined which somehow makes the stakes feel even higher. The danger feels close. The urgency feels real.
And the suspects? I suspected everyone. The neighbors. The acquaintances. Possibly a tree at one point. The twists are subtle but effective no ridiculous plot gymnastics, just clever storytelling.
This is the kind of cozy mystery that wraps you in a blanket and then whispers, “By the way… someone’s lying.”
February 26, 2026
I love a cozy mystery, but add professional horse trainers as the central characters? Now we’re talking.
The horse training details are woven into the story in a way that feels authentic without overwhelming the mystery. It adds richness to the setting and makes the world feel lived in. You can tell the author knows what she’s writing about and that makes everything more immersive.
Molly isn’t reckless or foolish; she’s thoughtful and observant. She doesn’t chase danger for thrills she’s drawn into it because it hits close to home. That emotional connection raises the stakes in a way that makes you care deeply about the outcome.
The pacing is brisk without being rushed. The tension steadily climbs, and the final reveal? Completely satisfying. Not random. Not out of nowhere. Just smart.
I closed this book feeling that rare combination of cozy and impressed.
The horse training details are woven into the story in a way that feels authentic without overwhelming the mystery. It adds richness to the setting and makes the world feel lived in. You can tell the author knows what she’s writing about and that makes everything more immersive.
Molly isn’t reckless or foolish; she’s thoughtful and observant. She doesn’t chase danger for thrills she’s drawn into it because it hits close to home. That emotional connection raises the stakes in a way that makes you care deeply about the outcome.
The pacing is brisk without being rushed. The tension steadily climbs, and the final reveal? Completely satisfying. Not random. Not out of nowhere. Just smart.
I closed this book feeling that rare combination of cozy and impressed.
February 26, 2026
I was so confident I knew who the killer was. So confident. I would have bet imaginary money on it.
And then, plot twist.
What I love most about this book is how intelligent the mystery feels. The clues are there. The motives are believable. Nothing feels forced. When the reveal happens, you realize you were given the pieces, you just arranged them wrong.
Molly is refreshingly competent without being unrealistically fearless. Her reactions feel grounded, which makes the suspense hit harder. The dynamic between her and John adds warmth and balance to the story they truly feel like a team.
And can we talk about the pacing? No dragging middle. No filler chapters. Just steady momentum from start to finish.
I finished it with that deeply satisfying feeling of, “Yes. That was worth every page.”
And then, plot twist.
What I love most about this book is how intelligent the mystery feels. The clues are there. The motives are believable. Nothing feels forced. When the reveal happens, you realize you were given the pieces, you just arranged them wrong.
Molly is refreshingly competent without being unrealistically fearless. Her reactions feel grounded, which makes the suspense hit harder. The dynamic between her and John adds warmth and balance to the story they truly feel like a team.
And can we talk about the pacing? No dragging middle. No filler chapters. Just steady momentum from start to finish.
I finished it with that deeply satisfying feeling of, “Yes. That was worth every page.”
September 23, 2025
I loved the rural North Carolina setting and the behind-the-scenes look at life with horses. Molly is such a relatable, down-to-earth heroine, and her dog Bingo completely stole my heart. The mystery was well-paced with enough twists to keep me guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated. Perfect for fans of animal-friendly cozies.
February 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. The plot follows a murder investigation but focuses more on character narratives than gore or heavy suspense. The book's charm comes from its place and people, a cast of diverse and relatable personalities set in an honest and interesting spot.
I openly admit bias, as the setting is a real place familiar and dear from my late childhood, as are some of the characters under new names -- or not. I laughed aloud when my father walked into the story.
The book stands on its own as a page-turner suited for anyone who enjoys a good intrigue and a horse-world setting. The personal connection adds a warm layer of rosy glow.
I openly admit bias, as the setting is a real place familiar and dear from my late childhood, as are some of the characters under new names -- or not. I laughed aloud when my father walked into the story.
The book stands on its own as a page-turner suited for anyone who enjoys a good intrigue and a horse-world setting. The personal connection adds a warm layer of rosy glow.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews