The Review

I am not a horse girl. My dad grew up with horses on his family farm, but given the cost, it wasn’t something my parents wanted me to get into. Still, I was always envious when we would drive past the horse barns. If you know this feeling, “Girls and their Horses” is the perfect pick for you.

Heather Parker, part of the nouveau riche, moves her family to California with the hope of starting anew and providing her daughters, Piper and Maple, with the life she never had. Horseback riding becomes the new focus for the Parker family as they join the prestigious Rancho Santa Fe Equestrian, where horses are more than just pets – they’re a lifestyle. Heather immerses herself in the world of “Barn Moms,” a group of affluent women who sip wine, socialize, and prepare their daughters for fierce competition. The cost isn’t cheap, at $10,000 a month and a 1.5 million dollar horse, but Heather finds it worthwhile as Mabel has come out of her shell and is finally making friends. However, The Parkers’ newfound wealth attracts both admiration and jealousy, setting the stage for a series of gripping events leaving one member of Rancho Santa Fe dead.

Eliza Jane Brazier skillfully weaves a captivating tale, offering a unique perspective into the world of horses and riding competitions. The story unfolds through multiple main characters – Harper, Pamela, Piper, Vida, Mabel, and finally Detective Perez, each playing a pivotal role in the development of the mystery. I appreciated how Brazier chose to spread Detective Perez’s chapters throughout the novel. It allowed the narrative to progress with a steady pace, slowly building tension as the end-of-summer horse show approaches, when the body is found. As we listen to various recollections, we slowly learn about the rumors being spread in this tight-knit community, then flash back to see what really played out. It is only in the last possible minute is it revealed who our victim is, and if we were correct in our guesses.

The characters in this affluent world are far from perfect; their ambitions and motivations are multifaceted, and their likability shifts as secrets are revealed. As the story progresses, we witness the transformation of characters from likable to questionable, and vice versa. The impact of wealth and privilege on the characters is a prominent theme throughout the book. While money buys opportunities and success, it also exposes the darker side of human nature, particularly among the competitive mothers and their daughters. The characters’ obsession with winning and achieving social status often overshadows their genuine passion for the sport.

This novel really teeters on the edge between young adult and adult fiction. The tone of the writing feels closer to YA, given that half the characters are under the age of 18. Ultimately, it was probably given its adult fiction rating due to the sex scenes (which weren’t graphic; but were vividly described). I would state that if your child attends public school, this novel would be appropriate for anyone high school-aged or older – based on what I remember high schoolers talked about during my own adolescence.

In conclusion, “Girls and Their Horses” is a captivating summer read that transports readers into the glitzy and dramatic world of competitive horseback riding. With a murder mystery element and well-developed characters, the book offers a satisfying blend of family drama and suspense that will keep readers turning the pages until the end. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply enjoy tales of the rich behaving badly, this novel is worth adding to your reading list.

4 out of 5 Stars!!!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Girls and Their Horses” follows Heather Parker, a part of the nouveau riche, as she moves her family to California, immersing them in the world of competitive horseback riding at the prestigious Rancho Santa Fe Equestrian. Heather’s pursuit of a lavish lifestyle for her daughters leads them into the glitzy yet cutthroat world of “Barn Moms,” where admiration and jealousy intertwine, culminating in a gripping series of events that result in a mysterious death within the tight-knit community.

The novel skillfully unravels the perspectives of multiple characters, including Detective Perez, slowly building tension as the story unfolds through recollections and flashbacks. As the narrative progresses, characters’ ambitions, motivations, and likability shift, exposing the darker side of human nature influenced by wealth and privilege. When obsession with success and social status, overshadow a genuine passion for the sport. “Girls and Their Horses” offers a captivating blend of family drama, suspense, and murder mystery, making it an engaging summer read for both horse enthusiasts and those intrigued by the world of the affluent.