" Murder She Rode is smart, funny and sparklingly alive on every page. I devoured it." –Spencer Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of A Fistful of Collars "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." --Susan Wittig Albert, author of Cat's Claw A sharply observed and engaging debut introducing Tink Elledge, a compelling new amateur sleuth who takes readers behind the scenes into the rituals and intrigue of a three-day equestrian competition A former world-class rider and an adept horse trainer, Tink Elledge is a woman with a mission: to see her prized horse take home the victory at the prestigious Brandywine Three-Day Event. Tink is whip-smart, headstrong, and used to making her own way―so when an accident forces her onto the sidelines and causes her to forfeit the ride on what may be her last horse to a protégé, she struggles with the realization that her peak days as a horsewoman may be behind her. Then, before the event can begin, a truck accident kills a respected horseman and a talented colt. And when a young rider disappears, what began as a seemingly freak accident reveals sinister roots that lead directly to the tightly knit equestrian community and that Tink, in her newfound and uneasy role as a spectator, can't help trying to uncover. During the three-day event, horses will perform with inspiring grace. Their riders will navigate treacherous obstacles. And Tink will 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." But it is Murder, She Rode that showcases Holly's immense talent as a storyteller and introduces an irresistible new voice in an engaging read. 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. Over three days, the horses go through dressage, cross-country racing, and stadium jumping. The titles of the three parts of this novel—“The Test of Brilliant Obedience,” “The Test of Speed and Endurance,” and “The Test of Agility”—provide a perfect means of showcasing the trials that both competitors and the main character, Tink Elledge, confront in this three-day span. Elledge, a longtime, nationally ranked event rider, has been sidelined by a nerve injury. On the way to an event, he witnesses a horrific horse-trailer accident that kills one of the top horsemen in the East. Then a young rider disappears. Elledge is in prime position to solve these seeming accidents, uncovering much that is rank at the base of all this beauty. Menino’s work (at this point) lacks the taut suspense of Dick Francis, but this debut uncovers a fascinating subject and a promising writer. --Connie Fletcher “Menino, the author of four animal-centered works of nonfiction, brings her considerable knowledge of equine pursuits to this intriguing mystery, as well as a fully believable plot and particularly well-drawn characters, especially Tink. Murder, She Rode clears all the hurdles ― and then some.” ― Richmond Times-Dispatch “ Murder She Rode is smart, funny and sparklingly alive on every page. I devoured it.” ― Spencer Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of A Fistful of Collars “The suspense continues throughout the story, and it never drags. I couldn't put it down until I knew how the story ended… The friendly rivalries in the sport are perfectly portrayed. Naturally Tink wants her horse to win, but she's still willing to risk her own life and limb for her fellow competitors.” ― Chronicle of the Horse “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.” ― Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine “Gripping… [an] exciting insider's view of the elite horse world.” ― Publishers Weekly “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 b