About the Author

Alison Hart is an avid horse rider who loves a good mystery. She has been reading and writing about animals since she was a girl. She has written more than sixty children's books and is well known as a writer of horse and adventure stories. Her novel Shadow Horse was nominated for an Edgar Award. Her most recent title, Gabriel's Horses (Peachtree), was nominated for the 2008-2009 Texas Bluebonnet, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Keystone State Awards. She appears year-round at reading and writing conferences. To find out more about Alison, her horses, and her books, visit her Web site at www.alisonhartbooks.com.

Reviews

Gr 5-8-Jas Schuler, 13, knows that attacking Hugh Robicheaux, owner of the High Meadows Farm, after the death of her favorite horse was a serious offense. However, she never expects for the courts to place her under house arrest in a foster home, not even allowed to visit her grandfather after his stroke. Slowly Jasmine finds herself returning to a reasonably normal life by helping to keep Second Chance Farm running and finding comfort in caring for Shadow, an ill-treated horse bought by her temporary guardian, Miss Hahn. As the horse improves, Jas grows suspicious about Mr. Robicheaux's secretive actions surrounding the death of several other horses on his farm and is determined to bring him to justice. The author does an agreeable job of weaving suspense and character growth into a fluidly written mystery. She incorporates information about horse care seamlessly throughout each chapter. Readers will enjoy the interaction between Jas and the other characters. They will identify with the realistic situations and will find satisfaction in Jasmine's discoveries. This book won't need much space, since it will be grabbed by young mystery enthusiasts and horse-story fans alike.-Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.