William ("Zen") operates in two worlds: as a champion horse rider who has found a steed that may propel him into the Olympics, and as an investigator whose team works closely with him to solve mysteries.

 

When their bid on a seemingly invaluable art piece turns into full-fledged danger and intrigue, Zen is called upon to solve an international smuggling mystery even as he faces a crisis on the show jumping circuit that melds both worlds into one big puzzle.

 

Zen's ability to operate in these two very different arenas, juxtaposing horse showing experiences with the fast pace of an investigation that turns deadly, may initially stymie those who look for a hastier, more casual pace, but Andrea Steele takes the time to carefully craft both worlds. This pays off big, with a sense of place, authenticity, and purpose that would have been lacking in a more cursory coverage of either atmosphere.

 

Readers receive a fine inspection of choices, purposes, and clashes of personalities, from Val and Trudie's involvement in schemes that ultimately thwart their own best interests to Zen's struggle to keep his meditative personality on track with his ability to both win in competition and solve puzzles that challenge those around him.

 

The steady progression of these special interests and their disparate milieus creates a full-bodied read that is delightfully mercurial and intriguing. Perhaps the story's greatest strength is to pull together the seemingly unrelated threads that wind through the hearts, minds, and motives of not just Zen, but those around him.

 

Thriller fans seeking a story that operates on many different levels, from career and life fulfillment to love and moral and ethical questions, will relish Zen's special ability to draw its reader into a series of events that solve and create problems simultaneously.

 

It's an excellent probe into the world of art smuggling that adds just enough history to be thoroughly absorbing without requiring any background in the art world. Likewise, no knowledge of horses is needed to appreciate the exciting world of international show jumping— the plot is grounded in an absorbing mystery that will captivate a broad audience.

 

With characters that are at once strong and vulnerable, wise and clueless, and mercurial in their purposes and perspectives, Zen offers a taste of something different. It will especially appeal to fans of Dick Francis, with its horse-related brand of intrigue.

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Jenny Rolfe (International Classical Trainer/author)

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ZEN-    

This book is a real page turner- offering mystery and intrigue with a plot that weaves its magic throughout the entire book.
I particularly enjoyed the history and fullness surrounding the plot which brought in such diverse characters all adding complexity with their own unique agenda
As a horse trainer myself I also felt so connected with the accuracy in describing the deep connection between man and horse – the unspoken word – the power of the breath and energy between them helped to bring this whole
story to life for me.  
Congratulations to the author Andrea Steele for such a captivating and unforgettable novel—with another in this series, already in the pipeline--
Jenny Rolfe (International Classical Trainer/author)

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FI Keane 

Reviewed 05/30/22 

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A very intriguing and engaging mystery by a local Connecticut author! Made for the perfect travel reading while on the train today. The mystery was fast-paced and well-plotted. 

 

Cheryl 

11/18/22 

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A compelling read and a great follow-up to the earlier published The Trap by the same author. I love reading and supporting local Connecticut authors, especially when the read captures the imagination and keeps one reading more. Look forward to Book 3 of the series! 

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