The Stalking Horse holds the reader's interest, satisfies the curiousity about history, and does it all with a style that is encouraging to women. After recently finishing the Cornwell novel, Redcoat, I couldn't help but compare it to The Stalking Horse. Although I loved the historical information, action, and descriptive prose in Redcoat, it wasn't very woman friendly. It could not seem to get away from portraying women as trashy warm bodies for the soldiers. I would like to have seen more in-depth strengths for the two main female characters. However, The Stalking Horse by Miriam Grace Monfredo, masterfully weaves historical aspects with an intriguing mystery plot based around a wonderful female novice detective, Bronwen Llyr. Being a Southern woman, I often times pick up rather quickly on authors who are notably biased against the South. I appreciate Ms. Monfredo's ability to write about the South during this sensitive era without being offensive. I will forgive the author's ignorance about red-eye gravy's consistency because I am so appreciative about her gracious attitude toward women and the South. Mr. Cornwell, on the other hand, offended in several areas. Thank you Ms. Monfredo!!!!