Kathy K. (kkoe0801) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Major storyline of horses, didn't pique my interest. Probably only book of hers I wasn't crazy about.
Alyssa (lysstwrt) -
Helpful Score: 3
One of my favorite Tami Hoag books. Very quick, fast paced reading with real depth of character. The sequel, Alibi Man is a worthy successor that continues the story of Elena. I hope Hoag continues the series.
Adam P. (ajpratt48) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I have enjoyed several of Tami's books, and this is among her better books. I like the way that she ties the mistery into the horse world of Florida elites. She also has very good character development. If you like Tami Hoag, then read "Dark Horse".
Carolyn N. (WhenPigsFly) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 56 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Tami Hoag has been called the Queen of the Suspense Thriller. She writes with a razor-sharp pen and of characters that are alwaya a step and a half ahead of us. She's s darned-good writer and hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 2
I have yet to come across a book by Tami that does not suck me right into the story. Loved that it was in with the show horses and the dark side of that life. I did not know she was an avid rider so it neat to see her bring part of her real life right into the book. Every character you come across was so different and had so many sides to them. I could not put the book down. Loved it!!
A story of an ex-cop, a missing girl, and a killer locked in a race where there can only be one winner and the losers die trying. Centered around the wealthy world of the Palm Beach horse set. Lots of twists and turns. Good read!
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 1
Though this book revolves around an industry that I know nothing about, I rather enjoyed it. The horse training business is very cut-throat and peopled by snobby greedy rich people. Who knew that they actually killed horses for the insurance money. I would have thought that horses were the life blood of this industry and sacred - like cows in India. I guess greed works through all walks of life.
Elena Estes is sucked into being a PI by a twelve year old girl, Molly, searching for her missing 18 year old sister. This twisted debauched tale is certainly a mystery for all involved. Elena browbeats a detective from the Sheriff's Office into working with her when the going starts getting dangerous. Detective Landry is a gorgeous laid back kinda guy who resents the fact the Elena guilts him into this case which he feels isn't a case at all. After all, what does a 12 year old know anyway?
Elena is an amazing character - she's ballsy, bold and downright rude but she gets the job done. She's also extremely unstable and even suicidal at times. Landry is her perfect opposite and though the romance is very slight it does crop up. I recently started reading Tami Hoag and haven't been disappointed yet. She writes good stuff!
Elena Estes is sucked into being a PI by a twelve year old girl, Molly, searching for her missing 18 year old sister. This twisted debauched tale is certainly a mystery for all involved. Elena browbeats a detective from the Sheriff's Office into working with her when the going starts getting dangerous. Detective Landry is a gorgeous laid back kinda guy who resents the fact the Elena guilts him into this case which he feels isn't a case at all. After all, what does a 12 year old know anyway?
Elena is an amazing character - she's ballsy, bold and downright rude but she gets the job done. She's also extremely unstable and even suicidal at times. Landry is her perfect opposite and though the romance is very slight it does crop up. I recently started reading Tami Hoag and haven't been disappointed yet. She writes good stuff!
Susan (sapphire80) -
Helpful Score: 1
I've read just about all of Hoag's books and this is the first one that was pretty boring to me. Perhaps it was the change from her normal story-lines set in Louisiana? I don't know, the horse world was dull and it dragged. The ending was good and tied it all up, but it was a let down as a whole. I don't intend on continuing with the rest of the Estes' books, but I won't turn on Hoag just yet...my recommendation, read her other books (Cry Wolf, Dark Paradise, Ashes to Ashes...) pretty much anything else and steer clear of this one.
Helpful Score: 1
great mystery ,thriller. one of those books you just can't put down
Debra L. (countrylane) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another mystery by Tami Hoag and this one delivers more than some of her earlier books. This novel is about the dark side of horse racing. An ex-cop is trying to recover from from being shot, the wounds have healed but the psychological scars have not. She seeks refuge on a quite horse farm only to be asked to help a child find her missing older sister. This is a classic race against time to save lives but with unusual twists along the way. The author's writing is improving-this is her best I think, it is a great thriller with good character development and well researched on the racing side. This book will excite mystery fans and horse lovers alike!
Carl H. (maskedwriter) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great high-finance thriller. This one centers around murder, horse racing, and the very rich. I love this woman's style of writing. Fast paced and never boring. She has a knack for timing.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. There were many twists and turns. It had nice short chapters so when I didn't have much time to read I could stop at the chapter end.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good book and I give it 4 star rating.
Barbara G. (sahmbookworm) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Undercover detective took one risk too many and is hiding from her past in the wealthy horse world. Believing she doesn't deserve a future, her past returns with a vengeance and the future is a race between life and death.
Angie (aladdin) -
Helpful Score: 1
A taut mystery story of redemption by a disgraced cop, Ellie, who was indirectly responsible for the bust gone bad that resulted in the death of a cop colleague and for her own disfigured body and damaged psyche. She befriends a 12 yr old girl whose big sis has disappeared from the exclusive stables where she was a groom and trainer, and nobody seems to care except the little girl; not her social climber mom, her big stakes realtor step dad, nor the cops where Ellie used to work. Complex on many levels.
Very easy read. Always enjoy her books.
Wonderful writer, page turner !
Meghan and Steven M. (megm) - , reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 33 more book reviews
It took me a while to get into this book. I started listening to it three other times before it finally stuck. The third time I started it I decided to listen to it in my car while driving home from work. I am glad that I started it again because this was a good book. It has mystery, suspense, thrills....
There are several references to some really bad words, so don't let your kids read or listen to this. I love the twists in the story too.
There are several references to some really bad words, so don't let your kids read or listen to this. I love the twists in the story too.
Linda R. (LindaR77) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 39 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena EStes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida-- until she took one risk too many... self-imposed exile... search for a 12-year-old's older sister.
Another great book from the master of thrillers.
Lots of plots, twists and turns make this one of the best thrillers of all times. Hoag again gets the pace and level just right.
It is about trust, learning to like yourself, forgiveness and a hope in the future.
Lots of plots, twists and turns make this one of the best thrillers of all times. Hoag again gets the pace and level just right.
It is about trust, learning to like yourself, forgiveness and a hope in the future.
Freda L. (MomCat) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 31 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida - until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But tht's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into Which Erin Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world. . . but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deceit and murder. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake . . . and no one is betting on her to win. Not a bad read, I like the heroine Hoag has created.
Ex-cop Eleana Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered she lives in a self-imposed exile where on one can reach her. But that's about to change when a 12-year-old girl asks Enena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deciet and murder.
ex-cop with serious problems and isolation mode is tempted to come out into the world once again; complicated mystery.
I am a fan of Tami Hoag and this book combines a beautiful heroine with a thrilling story set in Florida's horse country.
Kimberly B. (mskimmyb) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 19 more book reviews
Interesting, twisty, nicely written. I enjoyed this book.
Jeff C. (MysteryMan) -
Attention Tami Hoag fans....this is her best to date.
Della A. (daughter2) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 91 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida--until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered,she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But that's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has dissapeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decandence and deceit and murder. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake..and no one is bettting on her to win.. book looks like new
A good thriller-mystery,
Elizabeth H. (book-haven2) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 6 more book reviews
enjoyable
Audrey A. (Arosea) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 391 more book reviews
This book is very well done, hard to put down until you reach the end. I enjoyed the characters. The location it takes place and the world it invites you into is intriguing. Loved the book, Tami Hoag at her best. If you are already a fan you will want to read this and if you haven't read her yet, you will want to start.
Genevieve B. (geni) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 39 more book reviews
This is a well written book that keeps you guessing. It was very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend it.
Wendy P. (wpoohd) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 34 more book reviews
The main character, an ex-cop, goes through some interesting self-discovery. The text drew me in, with a sneaky twist at the end.
Sd B. (tigerlilly664) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 26 more book reviews
I enjoy Tami Hagao but this book was darkerr then I like, To many broken pepole,It is not untill then end that it lighten a little.I feel that this is not ine of her better books.
Good book, especially if you like Tami Hoag.
Set in the wealthy Palm Beach, Florida, horsey set, this thriller pits an ex-cop who screwed up her career (naturally) against a unknown killer in a race against time and evil. Reviewers called it "her best yet" and "intense suspense."
THIS BOOK KEPT ME GUESSING WHO DID IT UNTIL THE END . I LOVED IT !!! GREAT READ, KEEPS YOU INTERESTED ENOUGH NOT TO WANT TO PUT IT DOWN.
Good book, even if you aren't a horse person. I liked the story line, even though I figured out who the bad guy was before the end.
Lisa R. (liamsgramma) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 25 more book reviews
Another tangled web of deceit, murder and page turning excitement. Not one of my favorite series. I think we get hooked on a certain hero or heroine and stay with them. when the characters change, just like in tv shows...it takes some adjustment.
Suzanne H. (DameEdna) -
Engaging thriller set in horse country.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Good story.
This was a very good mystery.
Excellent mystery involving horse shows.
Great mystery author - fast moving, intrigue....on the caliber of Patricia Cornwell.
Rebecca E. (megabyte) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 4 more book reviews
The best Tami Hoag I've read to date
Rebecca C. (angelize99) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 118 more book reviews
Couldnt put it down.. great book.
Rose Mary D. (smrose828) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 36 more book reviews
On the back cover of the book a quote from the Minneapolis Star Tribune says "This is her best to date...a tautly told thriller."
I agree.
I agree.
great mystery
Great book
EX-COP ELENA ESTES ONCE WROKED FOR THE MARCOTICS DIVISION IN FLORIDA-UNTIL SHE TOOK ONE RISK TOO MANY. HER LIFE SHATTERED, SHE LIVES IN A SELF-IMPOSED EXILE WHERE NO ONE CAN REACH HER. BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE WHEN A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL ASKS ELENA TO FIND HER OLDER SISTER. THE WEALTHY PALM BEACH HORSEY SET INTO WHICH ERIN SEABRIGHT HAS DISAPPEARED IS A LONG WAY FROM A COP'S WORLD, BUT MORE DANGEROUS.
A great thriller, good luck guessing who done it....
Helen R. (Skip) -
Great story, good characters.
this is about an excop that was disgraced and resigned from the police and finds herself pulled into a murder investigation
Raymond S. (smitty) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 39 more book reviews
This is a good mystery thriller and a nice insight into the world of people who own and train horses and competitive equestrian disciplines.
Calmia Y. (underwriter) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 219 more book reviews
THIS IS THE FIRST TAMI HOAG THAT I HAVE READ, IT WONT BE THE LAST GREAT READ
Vickie P. (VickieLynn) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 108 more book reviews
excellent!! Could not put it down!!
Great cop mystery, 557 pages of story!
Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Fast paced read.
Dorothy N. (DorothyXs) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 18 more book reviews
excellent reading
This novel is set in Palm Beach during the winter horseshow season.
Was a good book
a great thriller
Wanda C. (Nonnie) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 80 more book reviews
Liked the Book, good read
Sheila J. (bigshirl55) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 197 more book reviews
A terrific story that I never could quite figure out till the end. Superb writing.
it keeps you wanting more and more
Dawn M. (Harleygirl) -
A thriller that is an awesome read
This book starts out pretty slow. The main character,Elena, has issues and is pretty dark in the beginning. If you stick with it, the pace picks up and it is a enjoyable book. You find yourself rooting for Elena and by the end, you really like her.
Bobbye C. (mystri) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 232 more book reviews
Set in the world of the Palm Beach horsey set.
Lori S. (shooky) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 138 more book reviews
Great book!!
Bill M. (knight) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 683 more book reviews
Excop- and her name is Elena Estes onced worked for narcotics division in Florida-until she took one risk to many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self imposed excile where no one can reach her. Thats about to change when a twelve year old girl ask Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has disappeared a long way from a cop's world. Its ever more danageroug Elena will need all of her street to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of deceite murder. A race in once again Estes is once again the dark horse in which her life is at stake...and no one is betting on her to win. A thriller as tightly wound as its heroine.
Fast-paced thriller about a tough ex-narcotics cop, Elena Estes, helps a 12 year old girl find her missing older sister.
This was a very good mystery, but I asways like her books.
Hoag is always good - this is one of her very best.
Marcus N. (Handlebars) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 153 more book reviews
Elena Estes leaves the Palm Beach County sheriff's office in disgrace after causing the death of a fellow cop and gallops straight into trouble at an international riding competition in Florida's horse country.
A great read
A great read
keeps you reading on the edge of your seat
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 1439 more book reviews
Hoag's otherwise-fine suspense thriller about a kidnapped girl and dirty dealings among Florida's horsey set is flawed by the appearance of a hitherto-unmentioned distant relative to neatly tie up one of the dangling plot threads.
Alice E. (Alleykat) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 16 more book reviews
great author and great book.
Dawn K. (dawnjk) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 118 more book reviews
The professional horse world, as seen through Hoag's eyes, is full of intrigue, glitter and skullduggery. Elena Estes is a former cop whose bravado on the force resulted in a colleague's death; it also cost her her job and her self-esteem, not to mention the psychological and physical fallout from nearly being shot. She's been keeping a low profile at a friend's Florida ranch, but her world is disrupted when 12-year-old Molly Seabright, wise beyond her years, attempts to hire Elena to find her older sister, Erin, who has been missing for two days. As Elena digs deeper into Erin's disappearance, the dark side of the horse-show set is revealed.
interesting look into the wealthy world of horses and mystery
Denell W. (Chitimacha-Princess) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 586 more book reviews
Wonderful book! I reccommend this book to anyone!
PAUL C. (pabloguitarist) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 159 more book reviews
"A thriller as tightly wound as its heroine. Hoag has created a winning central figure in Elena. Bottom line: Great ride." -- People
"This is her best to date. A tautly told thriller." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Interesting characters and convoluted plot. Keeps you guessing right up to the end. Paul C.
"This is her best to date. A tautly told thriller." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
Interesting characters and convoluted plot. Keeps you guessing right up to the end. Paul C.
Marilynn L. (WildOrchid) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 222 more book reviews
I can't find the ISBN on my copy but this is 5 hours, 3 cassettes, and abridged. Read by Blair Brown
Julie G. (renegadespiritcat) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 198 more book reviews
Excellent kept me on the edge of my seat and reading well into the night. Great developed characters with just enough edge to them to keep one fascinated and wanting to digest more and more of the story.
Melanie P. (LaceRenee) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 8 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida--until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But that's about to change when a twelve year old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world..but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport.
Anna Marie U. (usry32571) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 4 more book reviews
Great read!
Hillary T. (pooht) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 25 more book reviews
Very good book. A real page turner. LOVED IT!!!
Crystal G. (lovetoread3) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 23 more book reviews
First time I read a book of Tami's,it was really good.
Kim H. (wildfl0wer) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 60 more book reviews
Good Hoag, based in the world of horse racing
Durene R. (Berit913) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 373 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida - until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But that's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deceit and murder. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake...and no one is betting on her to win.
Debbie E. (Debbieeohio) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 151 more book reviews
she never writes a bad book
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked narcotics in Fl., and took one risk to many. Her life shattered, she lives a self imposed exile where no one can reach her. Until a small little girl finally did. And Once again, Elena found herself in mystery,intrigue, and crime. Find out how she makes out this time.Story sourrounds the race track and many good things can be learned from this novel as well.
mystery thriller
Mae N. (Skippyfool) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 100 more book reviews
"A thriller as tightly wound as its heroine...Hoag has created a winning central figure in Elena...bottom line: reat ride." - People
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida - until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But that's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Ein Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deceit and murder. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake...and no one is betting on her to win.
"This is her best to date...(A) tautly told thriller." - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida - until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. But that's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Ein Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamorous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deceit and murder. A race against time and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake...and no one is betting on her to win.
"This is her best to date...(A) tautly told thriller." - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Patty S. (partysachs) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 15 more book reviews
Best-seller mystery. Did not get to read it.
Judy H. (hart2hart) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 711 more book reviews
Ex-cop Elena Estes once worked for the narcotics division in Florida---until she took one risk too many. Her life shattered, she lives in a self-imposed exile where no one can reach her. Buth that's about to change when a twelve-year-old girl asks Elena to find her older sister. The wealthy Palm Beach horsey set into which Erin Seabright has disappeared is a long way from a cop's world...but it's even more dangerous. Elena will need all her street smarts to survive the shadow side of a glamourous sport. Here a killer will lead Estes down a twisted trail of decadence and deceit and murder. A race against ime and evil. A race in which Estes is once again the dark horse, where more than just her own life is at stake...and no one if betting on her to win.
Love this book
Bought this book three times now and still have not read it LOL
Jennifer W. (haylemoon) reviewed Dark Horse (Elena Estes, Bk 1) (Audio Cassette) on + 11 more book reviews
Great book...I'm a Tami Hoag lover...in great shape
