Police, Ponies and Husbands In-Between

An optimistic memoir of one woman's unconventional life. Beginning on the day of her marriage to her second husband, Susie Merrill's story starts off with unexpected humour at an unbelievable ceremony that sets the tone for the book. Expertly weaving the life of her chestnut mare, Gemma, through her own life story, the narrative twists and turns between back story, hints about the future and a vivid account of the highlights (and lowlights) of her life. Now retired from the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch, her narrative recalls duties such as Changing of the Guard at the Palace, public disorder and unexpected misfortunes that shouldn't happen to anyone. Susie's voice is amusing, sincere and heartfelt at once. It draws readers into the story and is utterly engaging. There is a constant stream of humour that balances sad, difficult and often moving scenarios that the author handles without overdramatising the scenes. It's a perfect balance of emotion. The story reads quickly and lightly, even when reading about serious matters. Readers are pulled through the story with a desire to get to the next chapter where a clever chapter title is waiting to entice them to keep reading.