If You Hear Hoofbeats - Paperback

Dr. Josie Harjo is used to cutting up dead bodies.

As a veterinary pathologist at a state diagnostic lab, it's her job to figure out the cause of death in a never-ending parade of various non-human species. Most cases are cut-and-dried, and rarely will a carcass roll in that gets her racking her brain.

When a rancher shows up with a dead horse, Josie thinks it's going to be a typical day at the office. She quickly learns that this is the third suspicious death in as many days, and the clock is ticking to figure out what's going on before any more lives are lost.

The necropsy is frustratingly unremarkable, and Josie is forced to follow all leads no matter how implausible. Tensions rise as the rancher starts pointing a finger at a disgruntled employee and an assault charge forces the cops to start asking questions. With a hefty insurance payout on the table, Josie realizes that she can't ignore the possibility that the rancher might be involved. As the pathologist leading the case, Josie has to wonder, is it just coincidence or is there something more nefarious killing horses at JW Ranch?