Saddle up for a wild ride with the Horseshoer Mystery series, where small-town Oregon meets gritty western charm and pulse-pounding mysteries! Created by Lisa Preston, this captivating series follows Rainy Dale, a tough-as-nails horseshoer turned amateur sleuth, as she unravels murders while navigating her past and a budding romance. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson and William Kent Krueger, it’s a fresh take on the mystery genre with a hoof-stomping twist.
Rainy’s world is one of steel, sweat, and secrets, blending the rugged life of a farrier with the thrill of solving crimes. Her sassy voice and love for horses make her a standout protagonist, drawing readers into a land of cowboys, ranches, and unexpected danger.
How Horseshoer Mystery Began
Lisa Preston, a former paramedic and police officer, turned her love for horses and storytelling into the Horseshoer Mystery series. Inspired by her experiences on backcountry trails and her expertise in equine care, Preston crafted Rainy Dale as a unique heroine—a female farrier in a male-dominated trade. Launched in 2018 with The Clincher, the series reflects Preston’s knack for authentic settings and complex characters, drawing from her diverse career and passion for the obscure sport of Ride and Tie.
The Heart of Horseshoer Mystery
The series kicks off with The Clincher (2018), where Rainy, a high school dropout haunted by a secret, settles in Cowdry, Oregon, to shoe horses and find her childhood steed, Red. When a client is murdered, Rainy becomes a suspect and dives into the case, proving her grit. Dead Blow (2019) sees her tackling a suspicious death on a ranch, while Forging Fire (2020) takes her to a California bull sale, where a stolen truck and a hidden body raise the stakes.
Preston weaves themes of personal growth, resilience, and community into each book. Rainy’s journey from a guarded loner to a woman embracing love and friendship is as compelling as the mysteries. The rural Oregon setting, alive with equine lore and cowboy culture, grounds the stories in a vivid, authentic world. Her dry humor and bond with her dog, Charley, add warmth to the fast-paced plots, making each book a delightful mix of suspense and heart.
The series’ style is a unique blend of western, mystery, and thriller, with Rainy’s unconventional sleuthing—using her farrier skills like tracking hoofprints—setting it apart. Readers are immersed in the physicality of horseshoeing, from forging steel to clinching nails, making the trade a character in itself.
Why Horseshoer Mystery Resonates
The Horseshoer Mystery series has carved a niche among mystery fans, particularly those who love strong female leads and equine-themed stories. Rainy’s authenticity and Preston’s vivid prose have earned praise from authors like J.A. Jance and Margaret Coel, with reviews hailing the series as “fast-paced” and “quirky.” Its appeal lies in its blend of niche expertise and universal themes—overcoming past trauma, finding belonging, and standing up to injustice.
Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series has a dedicated following, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon praising Rainy’s sass and the immersive rural setting. Its focus on a lesser-known profession and small-town life offers a refreshing escape, proving that even niche stories can leave a lasting hoofprint.
- First Book: The Clincher (2018)
- Total Books: 3 (as of 2020)
- Setting: Cowdry, Oregon, and beyond
- Genres: Mystery, Western, Thriller
Ready to gallop into a mystery like no other? Grab The Clincher and join Rainy Dale in the thrilling, horse-filled world of the Horseshoer Mystery series!