Frighten the Horses: A Rusty Coulter mystery

Because this book was published by a vanity press, I did not have high expectations of it. I was wrong. It is well-written, interesting, and suspenseful, and sustains these qualities throughout. Most of the characters--including the central character--are well-rounded and aptly portrayed. Very fine for an initial offering. I regret there will be no sequel, as sadly the author has passed away.

The author has two passions - horses and literature - and he manages to mix the two into an intriguing mystery. Scene is a thinly disguised Austin and University of Texas. The chairman of the English Department is murdered in the mail room. I labored there long ago, and the campus ambience is unmistakable; so is the politics of a big faculty. There are large doses of good literature, plus the inside info on training horses for show. Well-written, with interesting characters and subplots. We hope there is another Rusty Coulter mystery in the works.