Dying To Ride

Her business card says it all: Margo Richards, Everything Equine. Thirty-four-year-old Margo owns a small western Colorado ranch with her 'almost' fiancee, who travels for business. When her beloved foster mother and business partner is found dead in a nearby wilderness, there is evidence that her torso was mauled by a cougar, leading to inconclusive autopsy results. The sheriff's investigation points to either an accidental fall or suicide and dismisses clues that Margo believes point to murder, compelling her to uncover the truth on her own. Pertinent aspects include recent deaths of three foals, a missing knife, an injury to the dead woman's horse, and a long list of the woman's past lovers. Five women and at least one man rise and fall from the suspect list as Margo discovers long-held secrets and the lengths some are driven to in the name of greed and emotional need. Included in these five women are two of the dead woman's nieces, a recently-hired seasonal helper, the co-owner of a local tack store business, and an aggressive real estate developer who aims to acquire local ranches. Four of these women, excluding the developer, join Margo on a horseback long journey to spread the dead woman's ashes in a remote wilderness location. The journey is hazardous, and complications occur not only on the way, but events culminate in camp as long-held secrets lead to a shocking finale.