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Debrianna O. (Costa Mesa, CA)
Pony Confidential is More than a Humorous Mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed Pony Confidential. It is promoted as a humorous mystery novel, but the novel is a lot more than that. Through the perspective of a once-beloved pony that has been passed around from owner to owner, Pony Confidential addresses the relationships humans have with animals, the disposable nature of society, environmental destruction and the need to feel safe and protected. Through the eyes of Penny, the book addresses childhood trauma, the burden of mental illness, and the classism of the penal system. In short, this book is more than meets the eye and I enjoyed the two perspectives, though the "
…more mystery" itself was not too difficult to figure out, I still enjoyed this playful but surprisingly deep book. The prose is deft, punchy and often laugh-out-loud funny, and the supporting characters (particularly in the animal world), flesh out the narrative. (less)Such an enjoyable read. Great characterization. Fun, yet thought-provoking. A unique story.
Regina G.
A Heartfelt Adventure
With a cast of memorable characters, cross-country escapades, and a mystery that wraps up neatly—if not without a few surprises—this story delivers joy. As a fan of cozy mysteries, I particularly enjoy the element of a clever animal leading the charge.
Our Pony embarks on a journey of self-reflection while traveling to reunite with Penny, the girl he once adored (and still does). Initially, he comes across as angry and somewhat self-centered, but through the connections he forms along the way—especially with Rat—he gains self-awareness and learns to empathize with others. Of course, you have to suspend disbelief,
…more but that's part of the fun. There are some poignant moments, but it’s heartwarming to see several of his companions find their true family, with Penny guiding them all.
This story reminded me of the deep bonds we share with our pets and the importance of respecting all creatures. You never know who might offer a helping hand—or hoof. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a mix of adventure, mystery, and heartfelt moments! (less)Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical before I started reading. I don't enjoy fantasy and no doubt this book has some of that! However, I am a lover of animals, especially horses, and I was rooting for Pony to be reunited with Penny. While on the surface Pony Confidential appears to be a simple book, there are serious issues. I had a beloved dog as a child and without going into it, the dog died tragically and I was heart-broken. I still think about that dog to this day. Some people under-estimate the bonds children can develop with pets. I believe it goes both ways. Read this book, enjoy your pets, and treat people
…more and animals with care. (less)If you like animals, and especially ponies, you will enjoy this book. The dialogue is very funny and brings out the humanity of each animal. The reader will need to suspend disbelief and enjoy the anthropomorphism. The mystery of the long ago murder is rather a stretch, but the love of the pony for his former owner is heart warming and enjoyable.
Caroline (Baltimore, MD)
A Hilariously Absurd Premise Drives a Winning Lightweight Mystery
Meet Pony. Once owned and beloved by Penny, Pony got sold without warning when Penny was twelve. More than two decades later, he's still bitter about it and one day runs away to find Penny and confront her.Christina Lynch's PONY CONFIDENTIAL is a funny and sometimes wry murder mystery told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of this likable pony and the equally likable Penny.
Although Lynch's book is cute, it avoids cutesiness thanks to its tone of occasional cynicism from Pony and plentiful sarcastic asides from a pessimistic goat friend. In Penny's chapters this fluff book loses a little fluff as
…more Lynch highlighted some of what's unfair about the criminal-justice system. She used Pony's chapters to (nongraphically) highlight animal mistreatment. Nevertheless, Lynch kept heavy observations minimal to ensure her light read stayed light, and here her definition of "light" means a winning combination of whimsy, charming animals, ridiculousness, and a dash of tang to prevent it all from becoming saccharine. Lynch created something strongly heartwarming and easy to like, even by readers who normally prefer deep, serious mysteries. (less)3.5
The opening was imaginative and caught my mind, but…
There kept being one more thing, one more wrinkle, one more trip, one more bending of chronology and imagination. I got tired by the end.
I learned some things, like a pony is not just a young horse and some philosophy. It was following the story of a 3rd-grade teacher in California arrested by a deputy she knew (and thought was pulling a prank) and subsequently extradited to New York for a murder she supposedly committed 25 years before when she was 12.
The story alternates voices, Penny (the woman) and the pony she had as a child. Magical conversations
…more between different species of animals as the pony tries to find Penny. The amount of time the pony's travels had to have taken were only one of the realities I had to forego.
Not sorry that I read it. It was a page turner until about the last 100 pages when I had to suspend many beliefs. (less)I enjoyed this book. It was a unique plot for a murder mystery. At times it felt the story was aimed at a young adult audience. However the first person narrating and character personalities were very enjoyable
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