Pony Confidential

Author Christina Lynch has managed to craft an engaging, entertaining mystery novel with a pony as the protagonist. Yes, a four-legged, adorable, rideable pony. Although he goes by many names depending on who owns him at the time, he is identified to readers as “Pony,” and his quest to find his previous owner during her darkest time is both fun and heartwarming.

Penny can’t remember a time when she was happier than when she was spending time with her beloved Pony. Even though it’s been twenty-five years, her times with Pony were some of the best of her life. Now, she is a teacher, a mother, and a wife, living a moderately satisfying and very normal existence—until the day a police officer shows up at her door and arrests her for the murder of a man who died over twenty-five years ago. Now, Penny is in jail, and the only thing getting her through the hard times is the memory of her beloved Pony. Pony himself is trying to find a home where he was as happy as he was with Penny. Finally deciding to seek out the only owner he ever truly loved, he sets off on a nationwide journey to reconnect with the only family he has, just at the time when she needs him the most.

Pony Confidential is a quirky and boundary-defying mystery unlike anything in the genre. Part Homeward Bound and part Toy Story, yet with a murder mystery component and a plot geared toward adults, Lynch has written a story that will attract horse lovers across the globe.

The story is narrated by both Penny and Pony, in alternating chapters. Pony is sarcastic, bitter (and a biter!), and has managed to turn on anyone who ever shows him affection, leaving him isolated and lonely. Penny is struggling to raise a daughter with mental health challenges while navigating the possibility of a separation from her husband. Both Penny and Pony’s stories run parallel to each other, as they both find themselves in situations beyond their control, often in confined spaces, wanting nothing more than to be reunited with each other.

Not to be outdone, the mystery component is full of unexpected twists and turns. There is plenty of potential in the characters that Lynch scatters throughout the plot, but the ending took me by complete surprise in a delightfully unexpected way.

Pony Confidential was a novel I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. Lynch’s writing flows, her plot is intriguing, and her characters—especially Pony—are sassy and lovable. Horse lovers, mystery lovers, or anyone looking for a delightfully unusual read should check out Christina Lynch’s Pony Confidential