Picture an American storyteller who trades corporate desks for horse stables and crime scenes—meet Leigh Hearon! This private investigator turned mystery writer weaves her real-life sleuthing and equestrian passion into gripping crime novels. Her Carson Stables Mystery series, starting with Reining In Murder, captivates readers with thrilling plots and authentic equine details, proving Hearon’s knack for blending her worlds.
Now living on a 55-acre farm in Washington, Hearon crafts stories that gallop off the page. Her unique perspective as a seasoned PI and lifelong horse lover sets her apart in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a fresh take on amateur sleuthing. Ready to saddle up for her story?
The Making of Leigh Hearon
Born in Camas, Washington, Leigh Hearon’s adventurous spirit was evident early on. Her childhood was filled with treasure hunts and a love for horses, which she now shares with her Saddlebred mare, Jolie Jeune Femme, and rescue horses on her farm. Before writing mysteries, Hearon’s career took her from journalism school to Microsoft, where she penned copy for Excel and Flight Simulator. But the lure of real-life mysteries was too strong—she launched Leigh Hearon Investigative Services in 1992, tackling cases featured on Forensic Files, 48 Hours, and America’s Most Wanted.
This blend of writing savvy and investigative grit laid the foundation for her novels. Her move to a serene Olympic Peninsula farm gave her the space to channel her experiences into fiction, creating a world where horses and homicide collide.
Leigh Hearon’s Unforgettable Stories
Hearon’s Carson Stables Mystery series is a love letter to her dual passions: horses and detective work. The series kicks off with Reining In Murder (2016), where horse trainer Annie Carson rescues a thoroughbred from a deadly accident, only to stumble into a murder investigation. Critics praised its “thrilling, perfectly paced plot” and equine authenticity, with Mystery Scene Magazine calling it “remarkable.”
Next, Saddle Up For Murder (2016) keeps the stakes high as Annie faces a killing closer to home, blending small-town intrigue with Hearon’s PI expertise. Unbridled Murder (2018) takes Annie to Eastern Washington’s feedlots, tackling horse slaughter and a string of killings, while Runaway Murder immerses her in a dressage event rife with backstabbing and cold-blooded crime. Hearon’s style is cozy yet suspenseful, with vivid settings and a heroine whose wit and horse sense make her a fan favorite.
Her novels stand out for their realistic portrayal of equestrian life, informed by Hearon’s own time in the saddle, and her insider knowledge of criminal investigations. Readers are drawn to the seamless mix of pastoral charm and pulse-pounding danger, making each book a page-turner.
Why Leigh Hearon Matters
Leigh Hearon has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by bringing authenticity to every page. Her novels resonate with horse lovers and crime fiction fans alike, offering a refreshing twist on the amateur sleuth trope. Annie Carson, with her no-nonsense attitude and devotion to animals, feels like a friend you’d meet at the barn—yet one who can outsmart a killer. Hearon’s ability to draw from her PI cases adds a layer of grit that elevates her stories beyond typical cozies.
Her work also shines a light on the Olympic Peninsula’s rugged beauty and the equestrian community, fostering a deeper appreciation for both. As a woman who built a career in a male-dominated field and now thrives as an author, Hearon inspires readers to chase their passions, whether they involve horses, mysteries, or both.
- Birthplace: Camas, Washington
- Key Works: Reining In Murder, Saddle Up For Murder, Unbridled Murder, Runaway Murder
- Notable Career: Founded Leigh Hearon Investigative Services in 1992
- Fun Fact: Lives on a 55-acre farm with her husband and rescue horses
Ready to dive into a mystery where horses and heart-pounding suspense reign? Snag Reining In Murder and gallop into Leigh Hearon’s thrilling world!