Murder, She Rode: A Tink Elledge Mystery

"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.

HOLLY MENINO grew up in a small Ohio college town, where her passionate interest in animals showed itself by age three, about ten years before she heard the call to be a writer. A graduate of Smith College, she has worked in both scholarly and popular publishing and in radio.