Dark Horse (Elena Estes)

Although I generally liked this book, it isn't of the caliber of Hoag's past books. The characters are very flat, especially the lead character, Elena. Hoag tries to write her as a strong character, but fails; she confuses emotional void with inner strength. The story and its development are impressive, but it lacks the depth and color one expects of her books.
I view Hoag's books as romantic suspense, as many do. Although this book is cleverly suspenseful, it isn't very romantic.

Hoag usually writes good novels but in Dark Horse it seems she tries to hard. There are almost too many twists and turns. The main character Estes suspects everyone and she should because there aren't really any nice characters in the novel. There is no one to care for, and the numerous twists and turns never allow the reader to settle into a comfort level.
This novel is set in the horsing world which really isn't that exciting. This is Hoag's worst novel that I've read, and I've read around five or so.

The setting is Florida's equestrian world where dejected ex-cop Elena Estes finds seclusion from a past mistake which costs some lives--including hers. She's thrown back in the midst of mayhem when 12 year old Molly Seabright hires her to find her missing sister. Armed with a new purpose, so begins the race to save lives, including her own.

I'm a huge Tami Hoag fan who was pleasantly surprised with this book. She weaved complex characters and plots masterfully. If you want a great thrill, bet on The Dark Horse!

I can't even finish listening to this. The narration is awful. The story is awful. I have read or listened to other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one is not even close.

I was so excited to read this book. My librarian turned me on to Tami Hoag at the age of fifteen, and 7 years later I still consider Tami as one of my favorites! There was something just not totally Tami in this book. I thought it was a a bit boring personally and did not identify with her characters as much. It just wasn't the same as the steamy bayou! You would think this would have been her easiest work, being that she is an equestrian, but her two passions do not appear to work well together. I do give four stars though, because I still think she is a top pick author, and much better than the rest on display at the stores!

I like mysteries and Tami Hoag writes good mysteries. The story flows, the characters seem to be real people not gross exaggerations and you enjoy the flow.

This is a good book, one that mystery readers will enjoy.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

Once again Tami Hoag gives you the mixture of mystery, suspense and love...and it works together just perfect. Love all books she has written. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys something that can get you from the first page.

Clever story and writing! Elena Estes is a wonderful witty character, I hope Tami Hoag brings her back--maybe as a PI officially? From what I've heard, Tami Hoag is an accomplished rider and I loved her descriptions of horses and the circle that follows them. A very quick read and you will fall in love with her client Molly.

It is interesting that reviews often tell more about the reader than the reviewed book. It is clear that many readers want a book that is one step above a comic book. An easy to understand story with cardboard characters. Books by the likes of James, George and Hoag, authors that take the time to create a highly develop plot and fleshed out characters, seem to leave some readers cold.

This is a good book for those who want more in the books they read.

I don't enjoy mysteries, but this book was passed on to me by a fellow boarder at my barn, so I gave it a go. While the plot was slow, (*cough* all mysteries *cough*) I loved the many references to my home State and home equestrian turf. She based a couple of these characters on real people, too, which gave it added grit in my book- good for you, Ms. Hoag.

Its refreshing to have a real horse person write a horse related novel; if you're seriously involved in the equestrian world, I recommend it if only for the horse action. Now, if only more people would write realistically about horses, and the horse world!

I LIKE the. Way the author describes the settings for each location. It give a vivid picture to the readers. The story was a delightful in that it describes CHARACTERS from local shows that I attend. And is of interest to me. Great book I enjoyed it near my Woodstove.

Elena Estes is a strong female character that is a good role model for all of us. This book is definitely a page-turning thriller that will keep you guessing about the kidnapper/murderer until the end. Estes such a well developed character that I believe Hoag will be crazy not to write another story about her and Landry! Great Book!

this book was not too great. Story is repeating itself in each chapter over and over again. Very disappointing. I read her others book such lucky lady, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,and guilty sins they were very good.

After the third story, Bill Shoemaker is still ahead of Dick Francis on my racetrack. He has had a lot of personal experience in the racing world and isn't a stranger to the things that happen behind the scenes of the track. In the stories, this quality shows and makes his stories really interesting to read.

While I do understand the need for "suspense" books to keep you guessing, it is hard not to do so while reading this book. There are many believable suspects in this book and everytime you think you might have it figured out the author steers you in a different direction, which leads me to ask did the author even know who she wanted to pin this on from the beginning or not?

..Otherwise I thought it was mediocre.
Fun to see our stomping grounds included in a novel, but generally not great reading. I will pass my copy on to an interested WEF participant, so they don't have to buy a copy.