A spine-tingling adventure with as many twists and turns as a steeplechase course. “ The Jagged Circle is full of suspense and a perfect book for horse lovers.” ― Amber Marshall, equestrian and star of CBC's Heartland It’s spring break and Evangeline Gibb is bored, stuck at her Gran Mary’s farm mucking stalls while her friends are away on vacation. She decides to spend the time training her horse, Kazzam, to ride cross-country to compete in the March Madness Steeplechase. But everything changes when Evie takes Kazzam for a gallop through the woods and makes a grisly discovery. In a hoof-pounding race against time, Evie and her heroic horse team up to solve a mystery that involves, murder and deception, her troubled stepsister, a circle of runaway teen girls, and long-hidden truths about her family. Growing up, Shelley’s books were always my favourite. As a horse lover they transported me into a magical world and this latest addition does not disappoint. The Jagged Circle is full of suspense and a perfect book for horse lovers ! ― Amber Marshall, equestrian and star of CBC's Heartland A propulsive plot that reads like the best Nancy Drew mystery, with a unique edge. Perfect for readers young and old! ― Karma Brown, bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife The Jagged Circle is a thrilling read and I really enjoyed it. The real places mixed with fiction make it extra exciting. I will definitely think of your book the next time I ride through those trails and woods! ― Selena O’Hanlon, Olympic equestrian Peterson’s depiction of the racing world is intriguing and comprehensive, and stories about girls and their horses will never go out of style. ― Booklist, for Jockey Girl This outing will thrill Peterson’s fans ― she has many in Canada ― and should win her some new ones. ― Kirkus Reviews, for Jockey Girl Peterson tackles the tough societal issues of addiction, abuse, and homelessness with compassion and the understanding that people are not always who we want them to be. ― The Rider, for Jockey Girl Shelley Peterson masterfully captures the allure of a cult, how they prey on people’s vulnerabilities, and how truly difficult they are to leave. The Jagged Circle is a riveting cautionary tale every young person should read. ― Josh Bloch, CBC producer and editor host of CBC Podcasts Uncover Escaping NXIVM A good read for late teen readers who have an interest in horses and stories that involve family struggles, strong female protagonists... Highly recommended. ― CM: Canadian Review of Materials The balance of mystery, horses, humor, and easy vocabulary makes this a perfect pick for readers who are looking for thrills but not ready to dive into traditional YA murder mysteries. ― School Library Journal A fast-paced mystery that deals with complex issues of addiction and cult-like behaviour in teens. ― In The Hills Peterson, who has ridden all her life, writes with knowledge and passion about the world of horses. ― London Free Press Shelley Peterson is the bestselling author of several novels for young readers, including Sundancer , Christmas at Saddle Creek , and Jockey Girl . She raises horses at Fox Ridge, her family’s stable in Caledon. Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. ― Vivien Greene Evangeline Gibb’s spirits were low. It was Monday of the spring break, and all her friends were away with family, either skiing down snowy slopes in faraway lands or sunbathing on romantic beaches. And here she was, mucking stalls in her grandmother Mary Parson’s four-stall wooden barn. Sixteen-year-old Evie envisioned a lonely week of boredom. The snow should have melted by now, she brooded. Flowers should be shooting up. Birds should be singing. Leaves should be sprouting. But no. The tree branches were stark and budless against the grey, unsettled sky, and she was bundled up in her old winter jacket with her blue knitted toque pulled over her long red hair. When she exhaled, she could see her breath. The water tap was stiff with frost, and she’d had to use the hairdryer on it to get the water running. At least the pipes weren’t frozen , she thought begrudgingly. She switched on the old barn radio beside the telephone. “ Good morning this Monday, March twelfth, at two minutes to eight. The current temperature is minus four, but good news, folks! By two this afternoon we’ll hit plus seven. You heard right! Our wintery weather will be moving down to New York. Might as well &8230; they blame us anyway. ” Dumb joke , Evie moped, as she put down her pitchfork to empty the wheelbarrow. The very idea of a spring thaw seemed like a distant dream. Followed by her tall black dog, Magpie, Evie pushed the heaped cart over icy ruts to the manure spreader. In her irritation, she shoved it harder than necessary up the slippery ramp, and the whole thing tipped over, spilling