Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Categories
Crime & mystery fiction

MURDER, SHE RODE

Holly Menino

Holly Menino’s debut novel is a sharply observed and engaging mystery introducing Tink Elledge, a compelling new amateur sleuth who takes readers behind the scenes into the rituals and intrigue of an equestrian competition.

Although Tink Elledge's days as a rider are behind her, she remains a respected horse trainer and for the first time in her career, she will allow a protégé to ride her prized horse, Exit Laughing. She's on her third husband and possibly last horse, and yet Tink, who has found something close to happiness in this marriage, stills needs to prove she has a master's grasp on the sport. But before the event begins, a truck accident kills a respected horseman and talented colt. And when a young rider disappears, what began as a seemingly freak accident reveals sinister roots which lead directly to Tink and the tightly-knit equestrian community. During the three-day event, horses will follow the order of go and perform with inspiring grace. Their riders will navigate treacherous obstacles. And Tink must unravel a plot that threatens the reputations and lives of the very men and women she hopes to defeat on the course. Holly Menino has spent a lifetime living with and writing about horses. She is the acclaimed author of three nonfiction books who has been praised by The Washington Post for her "literate and lively style." A contributor to Smithsonian and National Geographic.

Available products
Book Published 2013-08-01 by Minotaur Books

Comments

Holly Menino takes the blue ribbon for a lively, literate first equestrian mystery strong in characterization and plotting, long on suspense, braided with vivid detail, and beautifully written. Menino not only understands riders, trainers, and horse people, she knows how horses think. Best of all, she knows how to put all this together in a compelling story that will keep you reading past your bedtime. Start to finish, a winner.

Gripping… [an] exciting insider’s view of the elite horse world.

The world of U.S. eventing, a type of triathlon for horses and their riders that is filled with athleticism and artistry, comes to life in Menino’s debut novel…. Elledge is in prime position to solve these seeming accidents, uncovering much that is rank at the base of all this beauty… This debut uncovers a fascinating subject and a promising writer.

Smart, funny and sparklingly alive on every page. I devoured it.

Menino’s accomplished debut includes detailed and fascinating information about the training, strategy, obstacle courses, and scoring involved in the equine competition… Tink makes a very appealing sleuth and Menino has populated her novel with a host of likely suspects and interesting secondary characters… A somewhat surprising villain and an exciting ending should leave readers eager to see more of Tink and the world of equestrian competitions.

With Murder She Rode, Holly Menino demonstrates both that she knows the eventing world, and that she knows how to write a well-crafted, compelling thriller full of action, intrigue, and suspense. This is a stellar first novel, and it offers the promise of many more to come.

Just as Dick Francis knew the horse racing scene from the inside, Holly Menino can’t be faulted in her three-day eventing, and you’re in sure hands from the start. An action-packed debut that clears all the obstacles with pace and style.