Forging Fire: A Horseshoer Mystery

Forging Fire by Lisa Preston Horseshoer Mystery Series #3 Rainy Day is back to solve another murder mystery. Thinking she can do a favor for a friend she heads off to the Black Bluff bull sales hoping to see the place and check off one item on her bucket list. Little does she know that she will face losing more than time on the road and away from home. What I liked: * Rainy: strong, independent, horseshoer working in what is usually considered a man’s jobtrade. Willing to help others, eager to solve mysteries, loves her Guy, and adores Charley, her herding dog. Sometimes I did question her choices, though. * Guy: Rainy’s fiancé doesn’t get much page time but is devoted to Rainy. He is more than capable in the kitchen and ready to do what it takes to keep Rainy safe. * Charley: rescued at the side of the road a couple years before, loves Rainy, is friendly, and loves to herd animals (and humans?). More of his backstory comes out in this book. * The plot and writing. * That I did not know who the culprits were till very near the end. * Being reminded that good people can also have a darker side. * Knowing that there is a book four to look forward to. * Also…going off to search for a “shoeless Joe” definition and finding myself reading about donkeys, mules, various hybrids and crosses and all the names they are given as well as how they vary. What I did not like: * The bad guys and just how bad they were * Having to say goodbye to the characters till the next book is ready to be read. Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4.5 Stars