Dr. Jessica Popper (yes, she's heard all of the Dr. Pepper jokes) is on the case again in this latest Reigning Cats and Dogs mystery. Called to the estate of Mac McKinnon to check on an injured horse, Jess is present when a popular polo player falls off his horse and is killed. What looks to be an unfortunate accident is classified a murder when it's discovered the rider has been poisoned.

There's no shortage of suspects in the murder, from the four friends who stood to make millions off the victim's image, to the teenaged daughter who had a crush on the man. Jess is reluctantly drawn into the investigation, much to the displeasure of homicide investigator Lieutenant Falcone, and is soon on the receiving end of some unpleasant threats. When an attempt is made on her life, Jess is even more determined to discover the killer's identity.

LEAD A HORSE TO MURDER is a well-written murder mystery. While the medical info is perhaps a bit involved for the casual reader, the storyline is nicely crafted and the characters well-rounded. I enjoyed the glimpses into Jess' personal life as she put the pieces together to solve the murder. Ms. Baxter has created a tale that will delight her fans.