"In 1860, eleven-year-old Annie asks Pony Express rider Billy Cody to help her find the person responsible for sabotaging her favorite pony Magpie."
General Thoughts: I really liked this book. It is easily one of my favorite History Mystery books.
Plot: I liked how because Annie pays attention to the job she does and loves, she is able to figure out what is going on to save her families Waystop. And because she is a reliable and honest girl she gets the people around her to listen to her and save the day. I also really liked how they got Billy "Buffalo Bill" Cody to be present while he was a Pony Express Rider.
Theme: It seemed the theme that I recall was to stand up for yourself even if you are a small girl vs a large angry man. She let her voice be heard and solved the mystery because of it.
Setting: I really enjoy a good historical or fantasy setting. This story was more into the mystery side of things as opposed to the environment, but when you're surrounded by prairie grass, it's understandable that Holly Hughes didn't spend to much time on describing the barn, hills, or small house in the middle of no where. The setting that was given did it's job and wasn't jarring or cast me out of the story.
Characters: I particularly liked Annie Dawson and Billy Cody. They were kind and made a good team, her the brains and him the brawn in order to save the day. He was portrayed here as a nice guy who was willing to help a girl out, which seems to be the case Annie (haha) Oakley. They were fun and memorable characters.
Spice: 0/5 Spicy Chilis. It's a children's book. Why would you be looking for that here?
Writing Style: I recall it being fairly good. Nothing too spectacular for a modern child audience, but good enough that I enjoyed it as an adult realizing it's a children's book.
Overall: Like many of the other books in this series, I'd read it again. If you're a horse lover, wanting to step into the Wild West, or just wanting a simple but good mystery, give it a try.
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