Show Stopper: A Kori and Peter Brichter Mystery

The fifth Peter and Kori Brichter story, after Original Sin , features too little of Peter, who makes only a token appearance at the end, and too many technical explanations about Arabian show horses. Horse-farm owner Kori, her trainer Danny and new groom Britanny take five horses to the Lafite, Ill., All-Arab Show, and immediately become embroiled in gossip surrounding trainer Keith Bulward. Kori watches Bulward bash an owner's prize mare in the nose, and then learns that he has intimidated a rival trainer, threatened Brit and sold the show's manager, a state senator, a sterile colt as the foundation for his stud farm. ? easier to read this way When the trainer is found dead, his throat cut by his hoof knife, Brit is arrested for the crime. Kori calls Peter for help, but he is delayed at home, so she decides to do some sleuthing of her own, even though local police investigator Eleanor Ritter seems to have the situation under control. Routine question-and-answer sessions and vital clues reserved for the tale's end diminish this mystery's appeal. (May)