Customer Reviews

The Case of the Three Dead Horses

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THIS UNUSUAL TALE IS AN EXPERTLY CRAFTED MYSTERY THRILLER FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WELCOME A CLEVERLY DELIVERED PLOT, A SET OF FASCINATING CHARACTER STUDIES, REALISTIC AND COMPELLING DIALOG, HUMOR, SPOT-ON INSIGHT INTO THE HUMAN CONDITION, AND UNRELENTING TEASING SUSPENSE. TAKE THIS BOOK ON THE BEACH THIS SUMMER ALONG WITH PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN; YOU WON'T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN. Samuel J. Di Christina

The Case of the Three Dead Horses is a satisfying mystery, which I read in an evening. Especially gratifying is that I truly had no idea of the outcome or of the true villain of the piece. I learned a lot about the horse milieu and the beautifully described central Virginia setting. Fisher's characters are succinctly drawn and often funny. Central character Connie is likeable - something I wanted more of and look forward to discovering in future Connie Holt novels is additional backstory about her.

With a style reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell, Marilyn M Fisher introduces her characters-their dreams and disappointments, conflicts and resolutions-and stitches them into a skillfully woven tapestry. The clever story of THREE DEAD HORSES is straight out of today's headlines, exposing the dastardly practice of destroying valuable animals for their insurance value. Heroine, Connie Holt, an astute insurance investigator, uncovers truths that seem to implicate more than one of the colorful characters. As the plot unfolded, I found myself guessing until the final chapter. Fisher's knowledge of horses and her breath-taking, poetic description of Virginia countryside totally immerses the reader into the story and leaves them wanting more.

Equine insurance agent Connie Holt has a tough job on her hands when she's called out on what looks like the accidental death of a prize stallion. Before long, Connie is stumped by two more deaths, and the horrible suspicion that someone is murdering these animals for money.

Making her job more difficult is handsome veterinarian, Jase Tyree. Connie's emotions must be buried as she works side-by-side with her former love. Level-headed, detailed investigation takes her deeper and deeper into the intrigue of ruthless horse owners who play to win, and provides Connie with a heart-wrenching confrontation with the truth.

A hold-your-breath read from beginning to end.

Title and book cover fit the story; Ms. Fisher has developed the plot and structure well, drawn developed well-rounded, believable characters, and maintained the suspense throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, and especially anyone who loves horses.

Marilyn Fisher has contrived to produce a combination of effects on the reader. Initially, it serves to provide excellent detail and insight into the complexity of the horse breeding and racing aspects of the area surrounding Lynchburg, VA. The importance of veteranarians and trainers is clearly demonstrated. At the same time, an intriguing "whodunit" type plot is interwoven to capture the reader's interest. The unexpected ending serves to provide both an exciting climax and, also, a stepping stone to future inquiry into a possible sequel. To add to all this, the character developement serves to provide the fill-in interest, making the whole piece of cloth. Altogether, a well rounded work capturing the reader's interest to the end.

This is a real spellbinder. Combined with terrific research, Marilyn Fisher's knowledge and love of horses gives the reader an authentic insight into horse breeding and the insurance industry. The novel keeps the reader involved until the unexpected ending. Looking forward to a sequel. Gladys Funk

Not being a fan of horses (too flighty and much too expensive to keep as pets) I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this novel but being a mystery fan, the title grabbed me so I gave it a try. We follow Connie Holt, an investigator for a company that insures horses for horse breeders, as she investigates the mysterious deaths of expensive horses in rural Virginia. She grapples with other problems as well, a boorish state trooper with an interest in her that is decidedly outside the law, her feelings for a veterinarian who is caught up in a bad marriage and a wealthy arrogant breeder who bans her from his property but not his thoughts. Along the way to discovering "who done it" we learn a lot about horses and the people who breed, race and make them the center of their lives. The author's website (www.mmfisher.com) informs us that this is her first novel. Let's hope it isn't her last. You've probably guessed by now that I enjoyed and recommend this book. Good guess!

The Case of the Three Dead Horses is a brisk, script-like rendering of treachery, intrigue and cool investigation. Set in the rugged, enigmatic mountains of Lynchburg,VA, Connie Holt's tenacious instinct leads her into personal danger, ethical dilemmas, and quiet romance. Each character in the novel is both subtle and forthright, colorful and camouflaged. Fisher has served them like the holiday feasts she so vividly describes. The reader may observe, taste and enjoy the spice of the blend.