Hush Money: A Novel

By Caroline Craven July 1, 2012

At first read, the subject was a bit too close to home ―literally! Hush Money by Chuck Greaves is set in the equestrian world of Pasadena and my beloved Flintridge Riding Club, a few blocks away from where I live. But after all, this is fiction. I couldn’t wait to crack it open!

I’m glad I did. Because once my hackles settled the story read like a nicely-executed jumper ride.  The rhythm flowed from the steadiness of a well-paced triple combination to the accurately frantic fun of a jump off.  And let’s just say that Hush Money had a clean round with no time faults.

The lead character, Pasadena attorney Jack MacTaggert, is framed for one murder while investigating another― that of a fancy show horse.  Having grown up riding and hiking the trails that Jack speaks of and having the mystery take place at Cal Tech, JPL and the “Fieldstone Riding Club” and Hahamongna Watershed makes reading it feel like one is eavesdropping on some delicious gossip.

Greaves’ expertise in law and familiarity of local geography is backed up by credible research to make his fiction an intriguing read. His basic understanding of the horse world is combined with an intelligent murder mystery played by actors unique and strong in character that surely we will see them again in the near future.

Whatever the story that Greaves shares next, Jack will be welcome. The character’s combination of a gruff East L.A. childhood mixed with the height of Pasadena snobbery will make one laugh out loud.

Hush Money is a worthwhile ride. Maybe not an Olympic contender (or a Pulitzer Prize-winner!) but what one might call a “packer.” Solid on the trail. Get on, look pretty, ride, read and enjoy.

Hush Money, by Chuck Greaves
Release date: May 12

Greaves will do a signing at the Flintridge Riding Club on May 19. For details visit www.ChuckGreaves.com.

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