Peg and Rose Play the Ponies
Senior Sleuths Mystery #3
By Laurien Berenson
ISBN 9781496746689
laurienberenson.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Murder, She Wrote meets The Odd Couple in award-winning author Laurien Berenson’s brand-new mystery series, spun off from her much-loved Melanie Travis Canine series and featuring Melanie’s elderly aunts—tough-as-nails Peg and soft-spoken Rose—who’ll put their differences aside to stop a killer, if they don’t throttle each other first. The latest installment will tickle all cozy lovers, especially fans of “senior” sleuths in the tradition of Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher.
From the moment Peg arrives in Kentucky, dragging level-headed Rose along for the week-long excursion proves a smart move. Because after she brings her canine expertise to prestigious conformation shows, next on the agenda is selling her Thoroughbred broodmare’s offspring at a high-stakes yearling sale. And when the ladies arrive to meet the young horse at Six Oaks farm, something seems off about the place—especially Jim Grable, the yearling manager with serious anger issues . . .
While Peg feels comfortable again judging pedigree pups over Labor Day Weekend, Rose judges a shocking new turn of events. Jim has been found dead on the farm and a young employee needs help convincing police she didn’t kill him. As disjointed clues lead to a list of misdeeds swirling around Six Oaks, everyone connected to Jim agrees on one thing—he had it coming . . .
It isn’t until Peg guides her colt’s journey to the auction ring that she grasps how much Jim had been manipulating the process behind the scenes. Now, unable to rely on her instincts alone, Peg must also trust in Rose’s talents to expose the real culprit. But the two need to have each other’s backs before tangling with a killer—a deadly criminal set on halting their dog and pony show for good!
Review:
Peg and Rose’s latest sleuthing adventure is delightful rollercoaster ride, beginning as a business trip to Kentucky. Dog business and horse business, to be exact. Peg had met her goal of becoming one of the best breeders of Standard Poodles. She and her late husband, Max, were known internationally for their Cedar Crest Standard Poodles, and their pups were in high demand. Peg is now a judge for major dog shows and despite being tough, she is very popular. She no longer breeds dogs, but has her favorite retired Champion, Hope, who is almost always with her, and two younger Poodles.
Rose was a cloistered nun for most of her adult life. Since leaving the convent, she married Peter, who adores her. They own and manage a women’s shelter. Peg’s late husband Max was also Rose’s brother. The two women spoke little for over fifty years, only recently building a relationship. Rose, who wasn’t a fan of dogs, attended several dog shows when Peg was judging.
Peg will be a judge at several dog shows in Lexington, Kentucky, over Labor Day weekend. Days later, her colt will be auctioned at Keeneland, known for Thoroughbred racing and auctions. She had inherited a Thoroughbred broodmare that was successfully bred each year. Lucky Luna’s prior owner boarded her at Six Oaks, and Peg continues to do so. While in Kentucky, Peg wants to visit her horses and attend the auction in person.
Lucia, a personable staff member at Six Oaks, took the ladies to see Peg’s colt, then to see Lucky Luna and this year’s foal. Jim, the manager at the colt’s barn, seemed like a hothead, especially when starting a spat with Lucia. Apparently, that was his typical attitude around staff and visitors.
The first day Peg judged at the dog show, Rose saw in the news that Jim died in an accident at Six Oaks and told Peg. The second day, Rose stayed at the hotel with Peg’s pup, Hope, and Lucia from Six Oaks came to see her.
Jim had been murdered, but Six Oaks didn’t want the public to know. Lucia was questioned by the police, who considered her their prime suspect. Another staff member told police that Lucia and Jim had altercations in the past and on the morning of his murder. Lucia hoped Peg and Rose would go to the police station and tell them about the disagreement they had witnessed. Rose said that Peg had helped solve several murders, and perhaps they could help with this one. Peg was more than willing to help, neither woman wanted to see young, hard-working Lucia railroaded.
Peg and Rose are engaging, active seniors, very well defined by their thoughts, conversations, and behaviors. I enjoyed getting to know them better, being a senior myself. Peg has business savvy and understands the world differently than Rose, who had been sheltered at the convent. Peg is pragmatic, while Rose is tender-hearted. Secondary characters are defined as necessary for their roles.
The case sounded straightforward at first, but there were layers of history between Jim and Lucia. He deemed himself worthy of favors from young women working there and didn’t like being refused. He also had deep gambling debts, including to the grooms who worked for him. When Rose and Peg began asking questions, they didn’t like much of what they heard. Their suspect list grew because most people at Six Oaks wished him harm. The police didn’t want to hear their defense of Lucia; they only wanted evidence to arrest her. I had a couple of pet suspects and even good motives, but was as stumped as Rose and Peg. I was surprised at who really did kill Jim, and the person’s motive! I will definitely read more from this series, especially since I enjoy older sleuths who are vital members of their community. I highly recommend this cozy mystery!
