Manes and Murder: Hayley Argent Horse Mysteries, #4

By Ruby Loren

The stables' horsey holiday accommodation has been booked by a group of hens and a bride-to-be, but when one of their number is murdered, it turns into the holiday from hell.

Detective Inspector Rouen is leading the investigation into the death, but when Hayley asks her new boyfriend to share the details, it's obvious that he doesn't want her help this time around. Hayley suspects it has something to do with the very rude, and very attractive female police officer, who follows Shaun like a shadow. 

That's why when Hayley overhears the owner of the stables having what sounds like a very incriminating telephone conversation, she decides that it will be her own little mystery to solve. 

Returning home late at night after a dreadful date, Hayley hears a horse neigh in the lane outside the stables. Fearing an escapee, she goes out to investigate, only to come face to face horse she's never seen before in her life. 

Who does the mystery horse belong to, and is it tied in with the unsolved murder?

Hayley needs to take the reins on this case and reveal the killer, or she risks losing a lot more than just her horse holiday clients!

If you like horses, fun mysteries, and romance, you will love this series! Start reading these short mysteries today.


*Please note, this book was previously published under a different title.* This is a rewritten and re-edited edition:

The Waxwing's Winter

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruby Loren
• Release date: Oct 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393291794

Book preview

Introduction

I know a winter wedding is meant to be romantic, but camping out in the woods is pushing it. I’m freezing my butt off! a laughing, bottle-dyed redhead said as she sashayed towards her friends. The group of women were already seated around the pine table, doling out a breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries. A wood burner heated the secluded outdoor eating area, and it wasn’t long before the bride-to-be stopped shivering.

We’ve got some questions for you, Kali! a blonde woman in her late twenties with a slim face and eyes that were always on the lookout for trouble said. We thought we’d better check how well you really know Chris, before you say ‘I do’!

Oh no, Becky. I’m so bad at things like this! Kali protested, covering her face with a pain aux raisin. A woman with a short, dark bob laughed and then covered her mouth, her eyes dancing between the other three women.

It’ll be fun! Just try it. Then we’ll go for our ride and hit the hot tub. Party all day, right girls? The third hen’s freckles scrunched up as she smiled at the bride to be, who gave up hiding behind her breakfast.

Fine, hit me, she said, and the other girls cheered.

Okay, who is the better rider… you or Chris? Becky asked.

Me, of course! The man barely knew one end of a horse from the other when I first met him, Kali said, and the bob-haired woman giggled again.

Kali extended her a smile. You've known Chris longer than any of us, Jude - you know I’m right!

Becky looked down at the list and shook her head. I’m afraid that’s not what Chris said when I asked him the same question. He reckons he could beat you and Snowflake cross country any day of the week.

Kali choked in mock outrage. We'll see about that! I’ll be letting him know I accept his challenge when I call him later tonight. The hens whooped at the bride’s fire.

Hey, Freya… you ask this one, Becky said, passing the tablet over to the woman with the freckles, who cleared her throat before speaking.

Right! This one should be easy. When was your first kiss with Chris?

Kali flapped her hands in the air. Oh, come on! Who really remembers a thing like that? I don't know. Was it at a party, or something?

Freya shook her head dolefully. Close… but not specific enough. Chris says it was at your birthday party on midsummer’s eve. Aww, that’s so romantic! she said, before frowning at the next line. Oh, he says you had too much to drink and practically threw yourself at him - so he found it hard to refuse.

A smile fluttered across Kali’s face. She wriggled her finger with the sparkling ring on it. "I think it’s pretty clear that his answer to that question is complete rubbish."

Ooh! The next one is rather naughty. Where did you first… you know… Freya blushed and Jude covered her mouth again.

Ew, no! This is my brother we're talking about! La la la… not listening! Jude protested.

Kali giggled with the rest of the girls. That one's easy… it was in the hay barn back at the stables, she said with Jude denying hearing it.

The rest of the day was passed with a long hack through the beautiful, albeit icy, November landscape. They returned to camp for hot mulled wine and a dip in the large, outdoor hot tub. It wasn’t long before the darkness drew in, and Kali started to yawn.

I don’t know about you girls, but I don't want to miss out on that amazing, wood-fired bath tub in my cabin.

Don't forget to use the candles we got you! Jude said.

Kali smiled at her. Aww, I love you girls so much! I couldn’t have wished for better friends or bridesmaids. This mini-break is already the best hen holiday ever! She reached out and grabbed a marshmallow from Freya’s skewer. One for the road, she explained with a tipsy smile, before she walked off towards her private cabin.

One more drink girls? Becky asked, and a fresh bottle of mulled wine was upended into the cauldron over the fire.

Kali! We’re meeting the boys this afternoon for a ride, remember? We’re going to be late if we don’t leave now! Freya knocked on the door of Kali’s wood cabin the next morning. The others had already tacked up their horses, but Kali had yet to put in an appearance.

She did drink a lot yesterday. She’s probably got her head in the loo, Becky said, taking her turn to knock on the door and try the handle.

Jude frowned at it, her hand going to her mouth as she bit her nails. I don’t know, girls… I think we should get someone to check on her.

It wasn’t long before Miles Onyx, the owner of the Onyx and Argent Stables and the mastermind behind Luxury Equine Adventures arrived in the woods on horseback, riding a magnificent black-pointed, dark brown mare. I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone. Ember here needed some exercise. I thought I’d give her a run on my way to give you the spare key. He dismounted and loosely tied his horse to the western style horse post. Miles walked up to the entrance of the lodge and banged on the door himself. She's not answering? Well, we’d better go and check she's okay.

I’m sure she’s just overslept, Jude fluttered as the key turned in the lock.

Miles and the three hens stepped inside. The smell of scented candles was still heavy in the air as they looked around the bedroom and living area of the luxury lodge and found it deserted. Freya walked over to the bathroom, shooting them all a knowing look before knocking.

Kali? Are you okay, love? she called, gently pushing the door open.

She screamed, over and over again.