Book Review - Laura Crum, "Going, Gone"

My book arrived in the mail Saturday afternoon. I tore the package open quite anxiously. Wonder how long it is, wonder what it looks like... I discovered it was a pretty good size, and long enough to hold my interest without being as long as "War & Peace".

Sunday afternoon my 2:00 haircut appointment was delayed. I didn't realize this until I arrived, but I took advantage of the opportunity. I sat & read for nearly two hours of waiting.

The book opens up with main character Gayle McCarthy and her family, apparently a recurring character for Ms Crum. I was unawares, having not read her previous works. Ms Gayle and her family are on their way for a camping trip with their horses. Ms Crum describes the characters, both human, equine, and canine, in decorative detail, all the way down to the details of the truck, camper & trailer that carried them all.

Things take a turn for the worse when they arrive at the campsite, home of an old flame of Gayle's, Lonny. Lonny is arrested, for murder. My gosh! All the evidence points right to him, but everyone in town insists it couldn't have been him. Lonny is illustrated as calm in demeanor and temper. Gayle begins indirectly investigating the murder with another old friend.

I found the book very colorful, descriptive, and super easy to read. In fact, it was hard to concentrate on every single word written, I was so anxious to find out "whodunit". Ms Crum kept the plot detailed enough, adding more crime as the story went, and involved her beloved horses at every turn. My favorite character in the book had to be her son Mac. Cute little kid, who, like kids do, asks all the right questions, at all the right times.

I was nearly finished with the book by Sunday end of day, and I used my break time lunch at work Monday to complete it. It was that attention-grabbing, not knowing where the story would lead was driving me n-v-t-s NUTS! I couldn't wait! What would happen? Would Gayle end up part of the criminal activity? Would the horse blogger end up being the murderer? What secrets would Gayle discover in Lonny's hometown? Where else would they end up?

If you're looking for a good read, this is it! Grab up a copy of Laura Crum's book just as soon as you can, give the ponies a riding day off, and snuggle up on the couch. You don't need to ride in the mud, or snow, I promise! Your horses will appreciate the vacation, and so will your mind. Ride along with Gayle McCarthy in this amazing murder mystery.