In the Library Reviews - Carolyn Banks Reviews



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Reviewed Titles Death by Dressage Death on the Diagonal Groomed for Death A Horse to Die For Murder Well Bred	Carolyn Banks Reviews Page One Added December 13, 2004 Death by Dressage Author: Carolyn Banks Publisher: Amber Quill Press Available At: www.amberquill.com Publishing Date: Available Now Genre: Mystery: Comedy Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT Price: $13.50 paperback, $6.00 ebook ISBN: 1-59279-831-4 paperback, 1-59279-276-6 ebook Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Death by Dressage is a lively murder mystery, written with the characteristic wit of author Carolyn Banks. Nika Ballinger was murdered, but no one liked her anyway. She was accidentally kicked in the head by a horse, but fellow equestrian, Robin Vaughan, doesn't believe that. Although Robin never considered Nika a friend, she felt that a more thorough investigation of her death was in order. But what can an overweight, over thirty, physical education major do that the police haven't already done? Readers will have to turn the pages of this book to find out the hilarious results! Robin Vaughan is the type of character that most readers would love to have as a friend. She's fiercely loyal, somewhat fearless, and completely unpredictable. Her bumbling attempts to find Nika's murderer leads her into a bigger mess, and readers will wonder if her wits and quick thinking will be enough. This book was a delight to read from the first page to the last! Written in the first person, readers are treated to all of Robin's thoughts. That in itself makes for a hilarious story, but the author has also given the reader a clever mystery to solve. Robin's sharp eyes picked up a valuable clue that only another horse person could spot. Solving the mystery involves entering the world of horses and competition, but the author adequately explains all the necessary elements of this sport. It was in keeping with the humor of this book, that dressage was associated with murder. Dressage is the art of training a horse in precision movements and then competing against other riders. In other words, it's a very tame and quiet exhibition of horsemanship. Nika's brutal death contrasted sharply with this relatively low-key sport. This reviewer is a fan of Carolyn Banks and vows to read all of her books! With her quick wit and clever plots, her stories are fun and entertaining, even though one of the characters usually suffers a horrible death. But that's just the kind of humor that makes these books appealing in a quirky sort of way. Death by Dressage is another first-place winner by Carolyn Banks! Return to top of page. Added May 3, 2004 Murder Well Bred Author: Carolyn Banks Publisher: Amber Quill Press Available At: www.amberquill.com Publishing Date: Available Now Genre: Mystery: Comedic Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT Price: $12.50 paperback, $6.00 ebook ISBN: 1-59279-863-2 paperback, 1-59279-212-X ebook Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Murder Well Bred was so well done that it made this reviewer search out other books by this author! Robin Vaughan and her husband, Jeet, are in Mexico, courtesy of Jeet's employer, the "Austin Daily Progress". Jeet is sampling Mexican cuisine as part of his job as food critic. Not to be outdone, Robin decides to try some investigative journalism. With her passion for horses, she schedules an interview at a local horse farm. Although the interview flops, Robin picks up a lead on an even more interesting, albeit, deadly story. Robin runs into an old acquaintance, Marilee Hart, who had mysteriously left Texas with a bunch of Chihuahuas and the greatest piece of horseflesh Robin had ever seen. But why was Marilee on this secluded horse ranch with a secretive horse? Robin asks a few questions, but gets on the wrong end of a shotgun. Can she survive long enough to finish her equine inquisition? Carolyn Banks is an outstanding author! This book was a cross between Agatha Christie and Erma Bombeck. Written in the first person, readers get into the main character's head. Robin Vaughan is the type of character that will appeal to every reader. Her engaging style, coupled with a dry wit, makes this murder mystery more fun than a fiesta! This is a definite laugh-out-loud book. The author cleverly balances this terrific humor with an actual mystery. Incorporating the theme of horses makes the motive of the murder unique. Sprinkled throughout the story are references to horse breeding, training and selling. Yet, this is done to whet the appetite, and will be welcome to the reader who is an accomplished rider, as well as the "I've-been-on-a-pony-once" person. Be sure to read Murder Well Bred. In fact, get all of this author's books before the rest of the world finds out how great she is and the price skyrockets! Well done, Carolyn Banks! This page was last updated on January 1, 2008 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.