Instead of a proper second honeymoon, the newly remarried Harry and Fair Haristeen leave cozy Crozet, Virginia, for Shelbyville, Kentucky, site of the famous saddlebred horse show. There they’ll visit dear friends Joan Hamilton and Larry Hodge and enjoy a week among some of the finest horses, trainers, and riders in the country.

But soon after they arrive, events veer mysteriously–and murderously–off course. First, Joan’s ruby and sapphire horsehead heirloom pin is stolen from her private box at the fairgrounds. Next, a young film star’s prize three-gaited mare disappears into thin air. There is no lack of suspects, from hotheaded trainers and jealous rivals to vicious ex-spouses. Then a body is found flagrantly murdered and it’s obvious to Harry that someone at Shelbyville is sending a strong winning is only secondary–first prize is survival.

As Harry searches for clues, rediscovers life as a married woman, and deals with her upcoming fortieth birthday, her four-legged detective friends are already on the case. But is animal instinct any match for human depravity? Especially with two humans to protect and a killer on the prowl? Mrs. Murphy ( )

The usual twee story, but I learned all about gaited Saddlebred horses and that W. Shatner is an expert. A little too much political opinionating for a book this slender, but a soothing story nevertheless, with all put right in the end. ( )

Mary Minor "Harry" and Fair Haristeen have re-tied the knot. This time around, instead of a traditional honeymoon they choose to attend the saddlebred horse show in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Pretty much from the start, strange things happen. An heirloom pin goes missing from one of Harry's friends. Then a prize mare disappears into thin air. When a murder occurs things really become serious.

Ex-spouses, volatile trainers, jealousy, deception can be found among the suspects.

Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker and Pewter are on the prowl to solve these happenings. The question is whether their humans will see what the animals see and come to the same conclusion.

Told from the perspective of the animals, it is an enviable series. There is humour along with seriousness of solving the crimes. ( )

Since I came in late to the series it took a bit to get straight who was who, animal or people.
An enjoyable mystery. The monkey was like I've heard pet monkeys are. ( )

couldn't get into this at all ( )