Customer Reviews

Breakaway: A Gail McCarthy Mystery

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Santa Cruz County, California, Veterinarian Dr. Gail McCarthy feels depressed about her personal life since her boyfriend Lonnie Peterson left town. Her work has not helped her mood and dating Clay Bishop fails to pick her out of her gloom. She does make a new friend, artist Nicole Deveraux, but the circumstances under which they first met are nasty. Someone tied up Nico's docile mare and apparently "raped" the horse, leaving behind a substance that looks like semen. Because the European Nico is an illegal alien, she rejects calling the police.

Gail's friend Kris Griffith becomes the owner of the second horse victim as her mare is sexually abused and her daughter knocked out. This time the police are called and verify the fluid left behind is semen. Apparently, the culprit is becoming more compulsive and the question is whether women will be next and if yes will he kill to remain hidden?

BREAKAWAY spends most of the plot following Gail as she battles with depression. The who-done-it does not form until two-thirds of the tale is finished. Thus, Laura Crum's novel is more of a character study with even the mystery tying back to Gailí's present psychological woes. If you prefer an Affirmed - Alyder horse race, this is not your Triple Crown winner. However, fans that enjoy a leisurely paced horse ride will want to read BREAKAWAY.

Harriet Klausner

While I found the basic premise of the book a little hard to believe (or maybe I just didn't WANT to believe it - to give the author credit, she says that it is loosely based on an incident that actually occurred at a barn where she boarded her horses), it offers Crum's usual mix of suspense, veterinary information and background in the world of horse people, along with a surprise culprit. I didn't figure this one out midway through the book.

Crum's books offer my favorite combination - horses and mystery. My only complaints are that her books are too short and there is too much time between releases!

This is the second book I've read by Laura Crum, after Chasing Cans, and my primary impression is that her protagonist sure whines a lot. I am attracted to the "horsey" subject and the veterinary profession but I can't say I've been thrilled by either of the books I've read. In Chasing Cans she whines because she can't be a stay-at-home mommy and a full time vet, and in this one she whines about being depressed.
So - in Breakaway, vet Gail McCarthy is battling depression apparently triggered by breaking up with a long-time boyfriend. We get pages of her fighting to get up and get going. She gets badmouthed by a client after a vet call, but we don't get much about horses she cures. No doubt the author meant this to show how depression can slant things, but as a new reader I'm not really sure if she's meant to be competent or not.
The mystery is interesting (although creepy), and sadly you know it could happen. The book is a nice fast read. I liked the mystery, the descriptions of her house and her friend's paintings, the rides she takes - but ultimately I'd rather read about characters that have more self-confidence and fewer problems.
I'll give her one more try, maybe I can find one of the earlier books.

Here is a woman leading a very interesting life. She loves her job as an equine vet She has a lovely little farm where she keeps horses, a dog, a cat, and assorted other animals. She has garden full of antique roses and a tiny house she lavishes much care upon. Just reading her observations about her daily routine was enjoyable. Then the mystery slowly unfolds--and a very unusual mystery it is. A really good read, don't miss it.

I really enjoyed this book, it was face-paced, well thought out and moving. If you like horses and mystery, try it.