Murder at Blue Falls: The Horse Found the Body

Jemma returns to her family's guest ranch in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in search of peace. Instead she becomes embroiled in the life of the area. First, it's dogs being poisoned, mail stolen, mysterious shots fired and finally, on a trail ride she's leading, her horse finds a body. Her interest in photography and passion for CSI TV shows lead her to become involved in the investigations beyond safety. Detective Tucker comes to the rescue, but not without a struggle. Like all of Bishop's books, this one contains photos of the NC High Country and locals in minor roles. But the murder is all made up - she claims. Perfect for Framing (An Appalachian Adventure Mystery)Appalachian ParadiseEmeralds in the Snow

I love reading stories about the NC mountains and capable women. Ms. Bishop give us both and much more in her detailed mysteries that keep you guessing right to the end. Her main character, Jemma Chase, being a photographer among many other accomplishments, is a woman after my own heart. I have read other books by Ms. Bishop and I like seeing her develop more of her mystery side with just a little romance thrown in. Looking forward to more of Jemma's adventures!

Maggie Bishop doesn't horse around with the plot in Murder at Blue Falls. Suspicion, greed, and murder are galvanized with plenty of red herrings and adventures on horseback. This book takes you to Bishop Country, where the hooves meet the crooks. I enjoyed it very much and want the next one. As an ECU alum myself, I'm proud of her achievements.Highly recommended.

This the third book I've read by Maggie Bishop. While I've enjoyed them all, I can see in this work the blossoming and maturing of this splendid writer. The story is a page turner which pulls the reader around an unexpected bend, seamlessly intergrating new events by building on the foundation she has laid before. She arouses reasonable suspicion of a number of suspects before allowing the true killer to reveal himself in the last pages of the book. I always am struck with the accuracy of Bishop's depiction of the territory in which her characters operate. I ride horses in the Appalachians myself, though on the Tennessee side, and as I read this book I feel myself back in the saddle negotiating the dangerous terrains of the mountains. The characters are interesting, even the poriferal characters. The heroine is strong and capable, yet quite feminine, and the hero is strong enough to appreciate her strengths and sensitive enough to accept her flaws. It is interesting how she has woven the lives of real people, and real writers, into her fictional tale. It is always an education reading books by Maggie Bishop. She gives little details about life in Appalachia that one would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. My only regret in reading Murder at Blue Falls is that it ended too soon. Perhaps there's a sequel in this one?

Jemma Chase works as a trail leader on her parents' ranch, the Blue Falls, where she is also an accomplished photographer, carpenter and fixer-upper. Jemma has returned home in an effort to find some stability in her life, but things become tumultuous when someone begins poisoning dogs in Watauga County. Jemma is called in for an interview with Detective Tucker and bristles at his subtly accusing manner. A forensics fan, Jemma sets out to try to solve the riddle herself and keep Detective Tucker at bay. But when she stumbles upon the dead body of a neighbor, Jemma finds herself involved in a much more serious investigation and at odds with Tucker once again. An established must-read romance author, Maggie Bishop has crossed into the mystery genre with finesse. Her latest novel is packed with suspense around a tightly-woven plot which begins with the poisoning of dogs and escalates to the murder of a local man. Throughout, she deliciously teases the reader with the bristly attraction between the investigating detective and the woman who found the man's body and who just might be a suspect. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Boone, North Carolina, with engaging characters, red herrings at every turn, and a galvanizing story line, this is a must-have, must-read. Highly recommended.