Book Review-Dream Horse Mystery Series By Candace Carrabus
Three Book Series
The Dream Horse Mystery Series by Candace Carrabus is a three book series. I found it on my Amazon Kindle. My kindle knows I read pretty much only horse books, so these came up as recommended for me.
The three books in the series are On the buckle, Run Out and Wrong Lead. I never really thought of myself as someone who would enjoy reading mystery fiction. What I found out was that if there are horses involved, I love it!
Main Character And Plot
The main character, Vi is brought to life really well. The premise is that she was raised by her Aunt, and estranged from her parents. She then finds out that her parents have left her a trust fund. The stipulation of the trust fund is that she has to hold a job for a year. Then at the end of the year get a glowing recommendation from her boss. Vi has always struggled to keep a job, being super talented with horses, doesn't necessarily mean that you have the same skills when with people.
She ends up in Missouri, on a horse farm, but one much different than the New York show jumping farms that she is accustomed to. This is a working farm. They grow their own hay, give trail rides, and board. There is no indoor arena and no fancy horses.
She was hired to keep the farm owners horses fit for fox hunting season and be the barn manager. It was a one year contract, one that Vi was pretty sure she was going to complete and then head right back to her old life in New York.
Horses, Twists,Turns And Mystery
Over time she learns to appreciate the different speed of life in Missouri. Not to mention, getting into a romantic relationship with her boss. Even though she swore she wouldn't do that!
Each book contains many twists and turns and a mystery to be solved. The writer develops the characters, including the horses so well. It makes for great reading when you can really see the story in your mind's eye.
Vi's trust fund depends on the farm she works at being successful. There are people who have other plans and are willing to kill to keep the farm from succeeding.
From her estranged parents showing up unexpected and bringing trouble with them. To a barn fire that ends with Vi finding out her old trainer left her his farm in his will. Leaving her conflicted at the end of her year of work whether she wanted to go back to New York or stay in Missouri. She starts to feel like Missouri is almost more like home than New York. Even with all the crazy things that happened in the year she was there!
A Mystery That Won't Disappoint Horse Lovers
The horses and the equestrian lifestyle are just as important in this book as the mystery part. It is a great balance that I think any horse lover would enjoy. The mysteries are suspenseful and the ending of each book is quite surprising.
I would recommend these books for mature readers. They do contain some adult content.
I know I'm always looking for a good horse book to read, so I'm happy to share whenever I find one!
