Foal Play: A Mystery
Winner of the Malice Domestic Competition, Foal Play introduces fire chief Colleen McCabe, who lives on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where a mini crime wave is gripping the area. First a dead body washes ashore, and then the home of a local busybody is firebombed, with a body inside. Colleen tries to work with sheriff Bill Dorman, a friend and possibly more, who does not want her involved. A local developer with purported Mob connections has been known to start fires as an excuse to see Colleen, but she does not believe he is behind the murders. Meanwhile, she is concerned about the fate of some wild Spanish mustangs who have escaped from a local sanctuary. The setting, unusual occupation of the protagonist, and the supporting cast of small-town characters all mesh nicely in this humor-laden, thoroughly absorbing cozy. Colleen is a strong, smart woman, similar in style to Arly Hanks in Joan Hess’ series, and readers will look for more from her. --Amy Alessio