Barnstorming: A Gail McCarthy Mystery

Crum gently winds down her Gail McCarthy horse mystery series with the 12th and final volume (after 2010’s Going, Gone). Single mother Gail, now 50, contemplates middle age and whether she wants to return to work as a vet or retire for real now that her son, Mac, is approaching his teens. When Gail gets involved in investigating the shooting death of a neighbor on a quiet horse trail near her Santa Cruz, Calif., home, the net effect is lazy Nancy Drew–style sleuthing and exploration rather than suspense or fear of being the next victim. The pleasures lie in the incidentals: the warmth between Gail and her son will make parents smile, series fans will be interested in Gail’s thoughts about her future, and anyone who enjoys horses or the great outdoors will appreciate her obvious love for everything equine and her attention to detail. (Apr.)