Customer Reviews

Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace (Ruby Taylor Mystery Series #3)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the back cover:
Investigating a series of bizarre ranch thefts, dealing with the expectations of a Betty Crocker mom, and entering a recipe in the Potato Festival cookoff, have Ruby Taylor in over her flaming red head. When an outsider turns up dead, it'll take more than a steaming mocha espresso-and her unpredictable yet intriguing Wesley-to save Ruby from the danger.

Camy here:
Once again, Ruby Taylor saves the day with her unique brand of strength and sass, flavored with the bittersweet of her inner fears and insecurities. It all makes for a very likable, sympathetic character.

I thought that this book sparkled with more humor than the other two. Ruby's sarcasm knows no bounds, and some scenes border on slapstick.

In contrast, this book also seemed to delve deeper into the intricacies of a relationship between a godly man and woman. Ruby faces her preconceived notions and the struggle to be authentic and vulnerable rather than hide behind her usual self-sufficiency.

The ending is satisfying without being cheesy. The book entirely lived up to my expectations of an entertaining, engrossing read.

This is the first book by Sharon Dunn that I have had the pleasure of reading but it certainly won't be my last. You ask what genre is this book? I couldn't name just one. That would be doing it an injustice, for it spans many genres. This is the third book in The Ruby Taylor mystery series. Ruby is a smart and sassy red head, who is always finding herself in the middle of trouble. She, of course, can't help but try and solve the crimes that are happening on the nearby farms and ranches. At the same time, she struggles to come to terms with the Proverbs 31 woman. Throw in a cute infuriating deputy, a Potato Festival, and a murder of an outsider and you have yourself a wild ride. This is a fun tale that you won't regret reading. Sharon has written a wonderful collection of eclectic characters.

Review by Gigi Hoffman

The final installment of Sharon Dunn's A Ruby Taylor Mystery is just as entertaining as books one and two. If you've read the first two in the series, the third is a must!

Ruby, sassy and quick-witted as always, gets herself into even more crazy situations. Take a Potato Festival recipe contest, a murder, old town family secrets, and curious thefts. Throw in some quirky friends, a mocha, and her strong faith, and you've got Ruby's life. And don't forget about Wesley--her unpredictable, sometimes infuriating boyfriend. What can come from all this? Only time will tell. So, sit down with a cup of coffee and prepare to ride along with Ruby Taylor in one of her craziest adventures yet!

This was my first taste of writing by author Sharon Dunn and I must say I was impressed. In this tale I met spunky Ruby Taylor, a young woman who is a mix of childlike giggles and womanly flare.
We find there has been a series of bizarre ranch thefts plaguing her area and Ruby, more by circumstances than choice ,becomes involved in the investigation. Will this complicate her emotional development with deputy Wesley ;who is also desperately trying to uncover who is behind these thefts, or will it ultimately bring them closer.We are also introduced to some characters that allow Ms. Dunn to expand on Ruby's wealth of off-beat humor and outlook on life. Her mom who is desperately trying to domesticate Ruby; A savory Sheriff who has a past that influences his present and a man whose ancestry background has become the focal point of hatred and revenge.
The work is lively, upbeat and full of colorful characters. It is a mix of humor, Christian principals and emotional conflicts while satisfying the mystery lover in all of us.
Definitely one that is perfect to curl up with for a fun enjoyable read.

keep this short so you can read the book! Cow Crimes is more fun and a better read then the other two and it leaves you aching for more Ruby adventures!

The unpredictable and determined investigative sleuth is once again in the middle of an investigation that places her in more danger than she realizes. She digs up past secrets (and upsets the librarian in the process) that are somehow linked to the current day thefts from ranches, farms, a used car lot, and the feed store where she works as a clerk. Ride with Ruby in her attempts to rescue an aloof Siamese cat, recover a sporty stang, find her lost boyfriend, and head-off the attempts of a determined mother to domesticate her. Will she succeed in all the above without losing her sense of humor or life in the process?

Getting to know the domestically challenged Ruby through her spin on the Potato Festival Recipe Contest as well as her thoughts on the Proverbs 31 woman, is a funny witty read that will have you laughing out loud at times and shaking your head in wonder at others. Ruby's ability to laugh at herself, accept others as they are, and come to terms with her own faults makes her character one you want to spend time with and would love to meet in person.

Sharon Dunn has crafted a gem of a story in this book, the third of the Ruby Taylor Mystery series. For those of you who've yet to meet Ruby, you're in for a treat. For return fans, you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend this book as well as the first two in this series.

Ruby Taylor is no shrinking violet. So when she discovers that thieves are stealing from surrounding ranches and feed supply stores, she sets out to investigate. Before long things get goofy and complicated in true Ruby Taylor fashion. From a missing "royal" cat to the strange newcomers in the area, Ruby tries desperately to piece the clues together. Add to that a boyfriend gone seemingly awol and her mother's suggestion she enter a recipe in the Potato Festival cookoff and you've got a recipe for fun, adventure, and a little romance to boot! This is book 3 in the Ruby Taylor series, and a must read for sure. Never have I laughed so hard or been touched so deeply all within the pages of one book. "Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace" can easily be read alone or out of sequence from the other books in the series, but after reading this one, you'll be compelled to go out and get the others! A smart novel full of sass and clever wit, "Cow Crimes" will leave you eager for more of Miss Taylor and her madcap adventures.

This book is as unusual as its title--an unusual heroine, an unusual mystery, unusual characters, but set in an oh-so-usual small town in Montana. I enjoyed this book for all those unusual elements, but the best thing about this novel is the mystery. I was totally mystified right up to the surprise ending. I don't surprise easily, so this was an added treat. If you enjoy well written cozy mysteries that stray from the predictable and mundane, I highly recommend Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace.

Sharon Dunn just keeps spinning these yarns you see, about a red-headed gal who won't take no for an answer and keeps at it until justice is done. And along the way she prays for guidance and isn't afraid to admit that although she's a Christian she isn't perfect. If you've enjoyed Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone mysteries, you're gonna love Ruby Taylor.

I hope Sharon has another tale up her sleeve 'cuz I just gotta know if the guy is ever really gonna get the girl.

I LOVE Ruby Taylor. She's a rough-around-the edges heroine stumbling along as best she can. Her vulnerability and quirky humor make her totally likeable. Reading a Sharon Dunn novel is like spending a week visiting a best friend from college (who gets herself into all kinds of quirky trouble while you're staying with her). Perfect for summer reading.