Instead of a conventional second honeymoon, the newly remarried Mary Minor"Harry"and Fair Haristeen leave Crozet, Virginia, for Kentucky and Shelbyville's famous saddlebred horse show. But soon after they arrive, events veer mysteriously--and murderously--off course. First her friend's ruby and sapphire heirloom pin is stolen. Then a young film star's prize mare vanishes into thin air. By the time a body is found flagrantly murdered, the message is clear: winning is literally a matter of life and death.

Instead of a conventional second honeymoon, the newly remarried Mary Minor"Harry"and Fair Haristeen leave Crozet, Virginia, for Kentucky and Shelbyville's famous saddlebred horse show. But soon after they arrive, events veer mysteriously--and murderously--off course. First her friend's ruby and sapphire heirloom pin is stolen. Then a young film star's prize mare vanishes into thin air. By the time a body is found flagrantly murdered, the message is clear: winning is literally a matter of life and death.

As Harry searches for clues, rediscovers life as a married woman, and deals with her upcoming fortieth birthday,the sleuthing cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, along with corgi Tee Tucker, begin their investigation. There's no shortage of suspects, from hotheaded trainers and jealous rivals to vicious ex-spouses. But is animal instinct any match for a runaway killer of unbridled human depravity?