Mallory Martin runs a non-profit rescue centre for horses and donkeys. TROTTING INTO TROUBLE is the second Horse Rescue Mystery.  One November day, a loose black horse is spotted moving around the wooded countryside with a saddle on his back, an ominous sign. Hillspring, Arkansas, is close to the Ozark Mountains. Sheriff Grady Sullivan is happy to call on Mallory and her helpers to take charge of a neglected elderly mare, and then join a search party. The sight of the loose horse is complicated by the mount’s running from those trying to catch him. When Mallory does get near the horse, he stops, having led her to a body, presumably his rider.

Mallory is a competent, middle-aged woman with a fond father and an independent college-age daughter. The deceased was formerly Mallory’s school sports coach, Douglas Griggs. He’d retired two years previously, but he was still hunting on horseback. As it’s hunting season an accidental shooting seems probable. Mallory has to wonder why the man wasn’t wearing his bright orange jacket. When she returns to the scene to search for it, she opens a can of worms.

I had not read the first in this crime series, CANTER WITH A KILLER, and while it looks good, there are spoilers for the mystery in this installment, so it might be better to read in order. Helping care for the horses are volunteers, Tanner and Ashley, who get basic pay and love animals. Tanner asks to become a manager and Ashley takes on digital marketing. I’m pleased that, with high school issues in the crime file, digital investigation occurs too. A lot of time is spent at the school, which seems odd if the coach had really retired.

The horses and dogs are each individuals, with no two acting alike. An animal lover will have a good time reading TROTTING INTO TROUBLE, which has a fair few twists, red herrings, and ongoing menace. Author Amber Camp lives in Northwest Arkansas and has a nursing background, plus she keeps an assortment of animals, no doubt providing material.