Pony Confidential
by Christina Lynch
Mystery
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Penny loved her pony more than anything else, but she is separated from him at the age of 12 when a murder causes her family to move across the country and she’s forced to sell him. The pony is super salty about his treatment afterwards and vows to find Penny and get revenge. But in the telling of the story of Penny’s ultimate betrayal, the pony realizes that he might actually be responsible for what happened, and Penny might even be in danger (even though it’s 20 years later). Events have also caught up with Penny and she’s now being charged with the murder that took place all those years ago. How can Penny find the real murderer while she’s behind bars, and how can her pony find her? A madcap romp back and forth across the country as pony and Penny cross paths multiple times – almost connecting – and finally uncovering the truth about what really happened that fateful night.
The pony is not an altogether likeable character when you first meet him. As a result, it may take a little while to get into this story. But, the short chapters and the building tension as more is revealed about the characters and the mystery will hook you. Penny’s anxious and neurodivergent daughter, Tella, gets to play a big role at the end, at bringing things full circle. Lots of heart and humor and snarky, trash-talking animals. Published for adults, but older teens may also enjoy.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
