Roped

Rating:
Summary: Quote from the San Jose Mercury News
Review: I thought this review captured the book nicely. The two reviewers (husband and wife) each make their own comments. Ben: "Peyton Place" in chaps. Julie: Yes, but I liked Gail. I liked the ranch setting. I liked the minor characters. Five minutes after finishing, I forgot who done it, but I didn't care. San Jose Mercury News, Sept 20, 1998

Rating:
Summary: Okay but the other books in this series are better
Review: Santa Cruz County, California veterinarian, Dr. Gail McCarthy watches, as tragedy strikes at Glen Bennett's roping arena when a horse, Streak, suffers a compound fracture. Even from her location behind the chute, Gail knows the best she can offer Streak is to put the gelding to sleep. Though the steed was owned by Glen's neighbor and a wrong decision can end up in a legal malpractice suit, he gives Gail permission to inject the steed with the kill shot.

Glen's daughter Lisa asks Gail to investigate who is responsible for a recent rash of near violent incidents, culminating with the death of Streak. A malicious individual dug a hole in the roping arena and disguised it so a horse would fall and probably break a leg. That same mean-spirited person previously poisoned another horse and has even tried to kill Glen. Though she suffers from some personal problems, Gail cannot resist making inquiries. She quickly realizes that Glen has several enemies with motives who want the rancher destroyed. P>The fourth entry in the McCarthy amateur sleuth series, ROPED, paints a vivid picture of life on a modern day ranch and what veterinarians must contend with when they service these spreads. The subplot dealing with Gail's personal life moves forward in a crisp manner, but the who-done-it is not on the level of the previous novels. Nor does the story line as a whole add any freshness to the series. Fans of McCarthy and ranch life will enjoy this tale, but for the casual reader, rather than be roped into this novel, try Laura Crum's previous novels, ROUGHSTOCK and HOOFPIRNTS, for a more exemplary female amateur sleuth story.

Harriet Klausner