What a unique story. I work at a mental health facility where we have equine therapy. We have two horses, two goats, and two donkeys and they participate with the patients in groups. When I first started attending these groups I was a bit afraid. Horses are large animals and while I am a huge animal lover, I have only ever interacted with dogs and cats and pet some animals at the zoo. It is so fascinating to see these animals interact with people and one another and this story gave me a whole new perspective. The patients often ask if the animals talk to one another or get along. I think I will think about this story every time I attend these groups or meet new animals and wonder those same things too.

I binged this one and loved the short chapters told from alternating perspectives of Penny and Pony. I know that sounds a little weird but it really worked for me. Think Homeward Bound or The Art of Racing in the Rain mixed with some crime and mystery. I don’t want to spoil anything but know that Penny is in jail and Pony is on a quest to find her. Pony and Penny have both gone through things that are surprisingly relatable. There are themes of mental health struggles, grief, and finding your happiness. I loved the gruff spunkiness turned tender (at times) Pony and the loving Penny.

Pony was by far my favorite. The adventure he goes on, the animals he meets along the way, and the growth he demonstrates really warmed my heart. He starts out the story very angry and I loved how this evolves. He learns that some emotions, like anger, make us feel justified and lose sight of the bigger picture. I think so many humans struggle with that and how the Pony handles those feelings really resonated. Again, I know that sounds a little weird to be relating to a Pony but you’ll get it when you read the story.

This is my first read by Lynch and she has some of the best one-liners I have ever read. The dialogue between the animals will give you pause and make you think. There is a nice blend of heartwarming and mysterious moments that will have you laughing out loud and also racing to see how it all turns out.

I was not sure what to expect when I started this one. This isn’t just for animal lovers. I enjoyed it so much and I think you will too!

This is a lovely story. It gives me Bruce Cameron vibes with a mystery mixed in. I love how Penny and her Pony’s story intertwine both in the past and the present, allowing both characters to find resolutions that they didn’t realize they were looking for. I adored the Pony’s voice. It just jumped off the pages and their cantankerous personality adds so much to the story telling. I also enjoyed all the animals he met along the way that help him. They also had such fun voices. This is just a lovely story and one I am truly excited to recommend.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

This pulled on my heartstrings much more than expected. Stronger in the adventure/roadtrip pony chapters than the murder mystery centered ones. A quirky little odyssey that made me miss my childhood pets gut-wrenchingly bad. 3.75 stars.

Wonderful story of life from an animal's perspective describing a pet's life as horrifying, sweet and funny. Our pony is abandoned by his owner and vows revenge. Then finds he is in the wrong and vows to save her from being wrongly imprisoned. The comparison of prison and animal ownership hits hard. Wonderful tale

Thank you @BerkleyPub for the free book and thank you @PRHAudio for the #gifted listening copy of Pony Confidential! #BerkleyBookstagram #berkleypub #BerkleyIG #berkley #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #PonyConfidential #ChristinaLynch

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐏𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐜𝐡
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝟓★

I grew up surround by ponies and horses. I started riding at the age of five and spent every single day at the barn with my horses. This book hit so close to home and gave me all the feels. The bond between a rider and their horse/pony is so real and I just loved the lengths Pony went to try to save Penny in this book. If you are a horse person, you are going to love this book. If you are not a horse person, I still think you are going to find so much joy and humor in this book!

Pony has been passed from owner to owner for years and he has had enough. He is determined to reunite with the only girl he has ever loved, Penny. Penny, now an adult, is in trouble. Accused of murder from an event that happened in her past. Hearing of Penny’s situation, and knowing she is anything but a murderer, Pony is determined to clear Penny’s name and together, wit some friends, goes on cross-country mission to clear Penny’s name and find the real killer.

This book had me laughing out loud and smiling so much. I cannot put into words how much joy this book brought me. If you love animals, I truly think you will love this book. This felt like a grown up version of a children’s book, and it felt so right. This book gets all the stars!

🎧I listened to the audiobook, and there is just something about a pony narrating a book that just feels right. Who would have thought? I mean this audiobook was just phenomenal. I found every excuse imaginable to keep my headphones on in order to keep listening or I ran extra errands to listen in the car. Erin Moon and Blair Young were outstanding. If you are on the fence about this book, please grab the audiobook. You will not regret it.

Posted on Goodreads on November 4, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around November 5, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on November 5, 2024
**-will post on designated date

This one is quirky friends. Christina boldly ventures where few authors dare by making a pony not just a protagonist but a determined amateur detective. I was intrigued by the premise and prepared for the ride, but I honestly didn't expect to like it as much as I did. 
I was pulled in right away by Penny's arrest, but what made me stay was Pony's character. I couldn't help but love him from the start. He's sassy and more than slightly angry (with good reason). Christina writes Pony from a non-human perspective without falling into cutesy anthropomorphization. Instead, she crafts a complex character whose understanding of human nature has been shaped by years of observing different owners – both kind and cruel.
The murder mystery element adds unexpected depth to what could have been a simple reunion story. Penny's adult life crashing down around her creates genuine tension, while her childhood memories of Pony provide much-needed touching moments. Christina cleverly uses these flashbacks to establish the deep bond that makes Pony's desperate quest to help her feel entirely believable, even while it is fantastical. There are parts that ran a little long for me, and there were a few timeline things that didn't quite line up, but overall, I enjoyed following Pony's epic journey.
While some readers might struggle with the premise of a pony-turned-detective, Christina's writing makes even the most improbable scenes work. The author's sharp insights into both equine and human psychology ground the story in emotional truth, even as the plot takes surprising turns. Animal lovers will rejoice in a variety of great animal characters, like a rat and a very memorable goat.
For her part Penny's character is also great. The story is mostly told in alternating chapters. She is arrested right in the prologue and then we follow her along as she attempts to navigate the justice system. Many readers may find her journey equally as improbable as Pony's, but the irony is hers is very honest and real. It's a great contrast in the overall narrative that I appreciated.
This unconventional story succeeds as both a heartwarming animal tale and a compelling mystery, proving that sometimes the most unlikely premises can yield the most memorable stories.

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch. Thanks to @berkleypub #berkleyig for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pony has been passed from owner to owner but still remembers Penny, the little girl he was separated from years ago. Now Penny is an adult and accused of murder, she fondly remembers Pony. Hearing about Penny, Pony knows she’s innocent and sets off on an adventure to prove it.

I was a little nervous to start this one because I wasn’t sure if I would like it, boy was I wrong. This is one of my favorites this year. A perfect example of benefiting from reading outside your comfort zone. Narrated by a disgruntled and grumpy pony, we meet many animals all with unique personalities along the way. Some are helpful; some cause trouble; and some will burrow into your heart. There is also a mystery to be solved and a few humans that pony needs to save.

“I can picture us galloping off to the rescue, our hair streaming behind us, a modern-day Alexander the Great and Bucephalus. A girl and a pony to save the day. A pony and a girl. I deserve top billing.”

Pony Confidential comes out 11/5.

I was encouraged and excited to read Pony Confidential because of my love for Shark Heart and Remarkably Bright Creatures. This one felt more middle grade/YA than it did adult fiction. There were clear messages about right vs. wrong, man's relationship with animals as well as the justice system that were smart and clever, but overall, this book fell flat for me.
Full review on website coming soon.

Thank you to Berkley, for the free copy for review.

"Pony Confidential" explores the enduring bond between humans and animals against a backdrop of mystery and personal growth.

The story unfolds through the intertwined perspectives of Penny and Pony, their past and present blending into a rich tapestry of experiences. Penny, arrested for a murder she allegedly committed at twelve, emerges as a complex character grappling with her past while navigating the challenges of motherhood.

Lynch crafts Penny with depth and nuance. As a mother supporting a daughter with anxiety, Penny's journey resonates with many readers. Her decision to send her child to camp, driven by a desire to help, weighs heavily on her conscience. This internal struggle adds layers to Penny's character, showcasing the often conflicting emotions parents face when making difficult choices for their children's well-being.

Penny's relationship with her pony serves as a constant thread throughout her life. The guilt of leaving her animal companion behind haunts her, intertwining with her present-day struggles and adding emotional depth to her character.

Pony brings a unique dimension to the story. His journey from initial resentment to a determined quest mirrors Penny's own path of self-discovery. The pony's dramatic personality and the challenges he faces inject heart and humor into the narrative, reminiscent of beloved animal adventure tales.

Lynch's storytelling keeps readers guessing, with the final reveal coming as a surprise. The resolution provides a satisfying conclusion to both the mystery and the characters' emotional arcs.

"Pony Confidential" explores the profound connections between humans and animals, highlighting both the joy of these relationships and the harsh reality of animal cruelty. This juxtaposition adds layers to the story, prompting reflection on the responsibilities that come with animal companionship.

It's one of the most original mystery I read in some time, a rollercoaster of emotions that made me smile, laughed, moved me to tears, and kept me turning pages
The story of Penny, accused of a murder that she never knew she commited is mixed with the one of her pony who has been looking for since he was sold.
There's twists, moment of tenderness and heartbreak. The mystery is well done and the solution is quite out of the box.
A lovely and very entertaining story. I would be happy to read more stories featuring the pony and Penny.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Does it sound too cutesy to you to have a horse solve a murder? Would it help if I tell you that Pony has a (well earned) bad attitude about humans? Still, he can’t stop thinking about Penny, who he was with way back, when she was just a little girl. Now, over 25 years later, Pony decides to find Penny. And good timing, too, because Penny has just been arrested on suspicion of having committed a murder way back when she disappeared from Pony’s life.

Penny and Pony alternate POV chapters. In Penny’s chapters, we read of her disheartening experience with the justice and prison systems—at least for people with no money—and of her worries for her neurodivergent teenage daughter, Tella. Pony tells of a picaresque journey criss-crossing the country, learning about the harsh world humans make for animals—though he also has plenty of entertaining adventures, including stealing caramel-and-cheese popcorn from Garrett’s Popcorn on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

This is a funny and heartwarming story, along with a murder to solve. Fans of Chet and Bernie are naturals for this book, but I think the audience is broader. Animal lovers and cozy mystery lovers will probably be fans too.

I loved this book and sobbed my way through it. I may not even be able to speak rationally to people who don’t love it as I did, even though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as the title indicates. As the book opens, our heroine, Penny, is being arrested – she’s not sure why and she’s not all that clear until her overworked public defender, who hasn’t yet passed the bar exam, arrives to take her through her options. As every lawyer does, she advises Penny to settle, but as Penny is sure she is innocent of what turns out to be a murder charge, she does not want to settle.

The other narrator is the Pony. He doesn’t have a name, though he’s given various names by various owners. He’s guided by hatred and revenge toward Penny, who he feels abandoned him long ago. So whenever he can, he bites or steps on feet. He is not accommodating. He’s like a grumpy old man. He also seems to think very much as we might imagine a pony would think. He can talk to any animal, whatever species, bat, rat, sparrow, goat, dog (he feels dogs are altogether too fond of humans), and the journey he takes to find Penny is a very, very long one.
We are with the Pony as he is part of a birthday party troop, part of a pony racing group, part of a fancy stable where the owners tart him up and try to sell him for lots of money, and he travels via truck, boat and even at one point a car. He lives through hurricanes and cold and periods where – horrors – he has no carrots. But he’s driven, as a private eye might be, to discover Penny’s whereabouts and creatures from sparrows to butterflies give him clues along the way.

As we go back in time, the reader realizes that the partnership between Penny and the Pony was a perfect one, one that was never replicated for either of them. While the end of it made Penny sad, she’s also grown up, gotten married, and become a teacher as well as the mother of a difficult daughter. Further into the story, the Pony realizes not only that Penny probably didn’t abandon him, but he’s certain she is not a murderer. So his mission changes: save Penny.

While this sounds a bit ridiculous and cutesy it’s actually a fairly profound and funny look at love, the nature of friendship, and a rather sobering look at the way humans treat animals. Each animal from the comfort chicken to Dr. Rat has a distinct personality, and various horses are able to give Pony advice and thoughts on the nature of love. None of them believe in it as a concept.

Meanwhile, Penny’s struggles in jail are another sobering look - at the justice system. She is confused by it and forced to rely on it’s slowly turning gears as she doesn’t have the money to hire the kind of lawyer who might have been able to get her out. She only meets her actual attorney in the courtroom; the entire time, she works with her law student lawyer who does what she can but who is incredibly overworked.

I really don’t want to give away any of the surprises in this book, and there are many. Halfway through, three quarters of the way through, I still wasn’t quite sure where things would end up. But the voice of the Pony and the agonies he and Penny go through as they try to find one another are not just funny, they are a universal story of thwarted love and friendship.

One part Black Beauty, one part The Incredible Journey, with a dash of Murder She Wrote.
Surprisingly heartfelt moments are scattered throughout what I had assumed would be an absurd romp. The mystery was a tad too easy to figure out, but that really wasn't the central focus of this tale anyways.
Enjoyable and unique.
3.5 stars.

This is a Pony that everyone needs to know. And, this pony has decided to find and confront Penny, the girl “who up and sold him.” But did she? Now an adult, Penny has been arrested for a long ago murder of the man she rode into the woods with, the very last time she rode the Pony.

This book was unexpectedly enjoyable. I found the mystery to be fun to read about. It was different having the POV of the pony. I did find the writing to come off as a bit childish though. The pony chapters also felt a bit filler at points.

Penny is having a normal afternoon at home after school when she answers the door; her friend, policeman Ed, announces that she is being arrested and extradited to New York for murder. Sure she’s being pranked, Penny learns that the murder in question happened twenty-five years ago. She remembers that, when she was twelve, some confusing and awful things happened, prompting her parents to pull up stakes and move the family to Chicago. She didn’t even get to say goodbye to her pony, who she remembers fondly.
Pony’s memory isn’t as fond as Penny’s. He has spent years hating all humans because the one time he let himself love a little girl, she deserted him; as he thinks about this, he impulsively decides to find Penny and make her pay. Pony has the unique gift of communicating wordlessly to other animals and even some humans, influencing or charming them to do his bidding. This gift comes in handy as he travels the country; however, one encounter with an owl reframes his view of Penny entirely. On that fateful day years ago, Pony and a horse played a prank on young Penny and the boy she was riding with, sneaking home and leaving their riders stranded in the woods. Pony now feels guilt in forsaking his person and his purpose in finding Penny becomes an urgent rescue. Can he find her in time?
I enjoyed the dual narration of Penny and Pony’s story, and the mystery had me guessing until the end. The publisher describes this as a “comic mystery,” and this fits perfectly. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Penny is a 37-year-old teacher, mom and wife trying to hold her marriage together while agonizing over the decision to place her teenaged daughter in a special boarding school. To make matters worse she answers the door one afternoon to find her friendly neighborhood policeman is there to arrest her for murder and extradite her to Ithaca, NY, where she grew up. Did she murder someone when she was 12? She doesn't think so but doesn't have clear memories of that time. The only person who can help her is the pony she owned at the time the murder happened and half of the story is told with his voive. A truly original page-turner that I loved and will be recommending to everyone.

A grumpy pony covers an unbelievable amount of territory to track down his person - Penny - who is accused of a murder that happened when she was a little girl. This book had funny parts, especially the pony, but the way he serendipitously moves from place to place was far-fetched and bogged down the mystery part.

I really loved Pony Confidential. It is indeed a murder mystery. The magic of the tale however comes in following the intrepid Pony, who, after living for years resenting Penny, the child who owned him and loved him and then sold him and disappeared from his life, comes to realize things were not as simple as he had thought. With the help of other animals he encounters along the way, he realizes that humans have very complicated lives and that emotions, especially love, are not easy to always understand. As pony sets off to find Penny and reevaluate their time together, he begins to realize that not only does he need this reunion, but that Penny may be in peril from something that happened long ago and that he may be the only one who can help save her.

I was brought up with ponies and horses, and my children were as well, so to me Christina Lynch's character development of the cantankerous old pony with a heart of gold is spot on. The story had humor and heart, and any animal lover will be moved by the trials and tribulations Pony goes through to reunite with the one human who truly made his life worthwhile. My one reservation is in finding a wide audience for this story. At some points it almost feels like a middle grade book, but then topics come to light that make it more YA or even adult. It never compromises it's sweet story by getting too upsetting, which I applaud as refreshing compared to most books I have read in recent times. I guess I would say I will enthusiastically recommend this book to some of my true animal loving high school students, as well as adults who once had a pony in their younger lives, and who would enjoy a real change of pace in the mystery genre. In fact, I can personally say that I would love to see Pony and friends join forces to solve another mystery in the future.

From the publisher: n this one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humor, a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit.

You ever wish there was a novel in which a pony solves the 25-year-old murder his old owner is accused of committing? No, me neither. But Pony Confidential is here for your reading pleasure, and I enjoyed it. Did you cry at the end of the movie Homeward Bound? Then you definitely need to check out Pony Confidential.

The narrators of chapters alternate between human Penny and the pony. Something terrible happened in the woods 25 years ago. Penny was attacked. A man was killed. Afterwards, Penny’s parents took her away, and she didn’t get to say good-bye to her beloved pony. The book opens with Penny being arrested for the murder. If you want to enjoy this book, I strongly recommend that you set aside your disbelief in specific plot points and just go with the story. (If you can’t believe an elderly pony can solve a cold case, this book is definitely not for you.)

The pony’s self-introduction alone kept me reading. “I am a pony. But not just any pony. I am a pony who is bent on revenge. I am the Iago of ponies, a furry Fury.” (p. 16 of the advance reader copy) But not to worry, the Pony learns to set aside his anger and learn to love. (Is that a spoiler? Maybe. But this book is being marketed as a Christmas pony mystery so I don’t really think it’s much of a spoiler. I hope a movie is in the works.)

The book could have been a little shorter, as it did take some chapters before I really got into the book. I also had difficulty following the timeline. This may have been intentional by the author but I found it confusing. Trigger warnings: animal abuse and depressing discussions of how we treat horses as a society. There are some sad and scary moments. Still, I found the payoff at the end well worth a bit of slogging and confusion. And we do treat horses terribly.

I read an advance reader copy of Pony Confidential. It is scheduled to be published on November 5, and the Galesburg Public Library will own it.