Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace (Ruby Taylor Mystery Series #3)

By Sharon Dunn

Book Overview

This award-winning series continues with a mystery of Ruby Taylor proportions--complete with thieving ranchers, tangled romance, and the redheaded heroine who just doesn't know when to quit. A series of mysterious thefts leaves a small town wondering why someone would take what is most meaningful to them--a beloved cat, a prize bull, and a 1965 Mustang. Ruby Taylor thinks she knows who is behind it all and tries to prove it with Wesley's help. Unfortunately, he is so involved in the investigation that he has no time for her. The police force won't help either, so Ruby must solve the mystery alone. When an outsider turns up dead, the danger only increases for Ruby. As she uncovers painful town secrets and chases down thieves robbing ranches around Eagleton, she also tries to improve her domestically-challenged nature and enters a recipe in the Potato Festival contest. Will Ruby solve the mystery and even win the local cooking contest?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825424909
• ISBN13: 9780825424908
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 284 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.6" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

The third Ruby Taylor mystery

From the back cover: Investigating a series of bizarre ranch thefts, dealing with the expectations of a Betty Crocker mom, and entering a recipe in the Potato Festival cookoff, have Ruby Taylor in over her flaming red head. When an outsider turns up dead, it'll take more than a steaming mocha espresso-and her unpredictable yet intriguing Wesley-to save Ruby from the danger. Camy here: Once again, Ruby Taylor saves the day with her unique brand of strength and sass, flavored with the bittersweet of her inner fears and insecurities. It all makes for a very likable, sympathetic character. I thought that this book sparkled with more humor than the other two. Ruby's sarcasm knows no bounds, and some scenes border on slapstick. In contrast, this book also seemed to delve deeper into the intricacies of a relationship between a godly man and woman. Ruby faces her preconceived notions and the struggle to be authentic and vulnerable rather than hide behind her usual self-sufficiency. The ending is satisfying without being cheesy. The book entirely lived up to my expectations of an entertaining, engrossing read.

I loved this book

This is the first book by Sharon Dunn that I have had the pleasure of reading but it certainly won't be my last. You ask what genre is this book? I couldn't name just one. That would be doing it an injustice, for it spans many genres. This is the third book in The Ruby Taylor mystery series. Ruby is a smart and sassy red head, who is always finding herself in the middle of trouble. She, of course, can't help but try and solve the crimes that are happening on the nearby farms and ranches. At the same time, she struggles to come to terms with the Proverbs 31 woman. Throw in a cute infuriating deputy, a Potato Festival, and a murder of an outsider and you have yourself a wild ride. This is a fun tale that you won't regret reading. Sharon has written a wonderful collection of eclectic characters.

Rollicking Good Time!

Ruby Taylor is the Nancy Drew of today. More mature, sassier and smarter than ever. Cow Crimes is the first of Ms. Dunn's books for me to read and I will be sure to read more of her work. Ruby Taylor is a tall, red head with a sharp wit, a love for Wesley, few skills in the kitchen, and a talent for searching out trouble. I advise every mystery lover to curl up on the sofa and take a ride with Ruby Taylor! - Cynthia Hickey, author of Pursued By Evil and A Dream Fulfilled

Great fun!

Sharon Dunn combines just the right mix of sassy wit, precarious situations, inner angst, and spiritual struggle in Ruby Taylor's latest episode. Besides the heroine and hero, her ensemble of characters are a strange mix of quirks, but just real enough that you know you could find them hanging around the Montana towns they live in. Very satisfying story with an action-packed conclusion. You won't be disappointed. And you'll want to read the first two books.

Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace

What fun! Ruby is my secret alter ego, now exposed. I've longed to be Nancy Drew for decades. Now, through literary osmosis, I can fulfill my dream. What a ride! Or, rather, rides - in a classic Mustang, an SUV, an old beaten up Valiant, an ATV, and even an ancient Ferris wheel! Ruby rides on the edge. She even wears a pair of glittering shoes during her escapades. A veritable twinkle toes! Despite her wit and humorous view of life in general, and her stymied romance with Wesley, she keeps her wits about her. Smart as a cookie, she surmises who the culprit is. Sensitive as a new mother hen, she comforts confused and misplaced Starlight, wrapping her in arms of love, protection and affirmation. A heroine in the true sense of the word! Cow Crimes is not only a delightful escape, but a slice of life as many of us wish we could have. If you enjoy a fun read sprinkled with laughter and mystery, this is a book you must buy. In fact, buy several to share with friends. Bonnie Engstrom, Author