Sonora by Jenni L Walsh

 Sonora sheds light on a fascinating true character - an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers.

Sonora Webster, after seeing the High-Diving Horse Act, is mesmerized and instantly knows what she wants to do in life: be part of the history created by Dr. W. F. Carver. But it comes with sacrifices. She must leave behind home and family to be on the road, performing.

At almost twenty, she begins practicing the dives intensely, both on her own and with the horse. The act gives her a thrilling sense of freedom. As someone who adores horses and craves adventure, her spirit quickly shines through her performances. As a result, she captures the attention of crowds and newspapermen alike.

The dimensions of the protagonist are beautifully explored - her grueling training, the tense relationship with her trainer Al (the owner’s son), and her belief that Al dislikes her and is begrudging training her. After learning about Al’s strained relationship with his father, she begins to soften toward him and question her own feelings. Her emotions are stirred.

Even though she’s completed the dive many times, nerves still flare - especially when she spots a man in the audience investigating alleged cruelty to the horses. Then she learns the real story: the man is after the owner himself, not the animals. These layered tensions are well presented.

When an accident leaves her blind, Sonora becomes bitter about life. Her sister, a straight shooter, shows her that she can still live a full, meaningful life. And when another threat emerges – a potential shut down the show - Sonora gathers the courage to dive again. Except now, she must learn to rely on her other senses to avoid being toppled by the horse in the water.

Sonora vividly captures the spirit of a woman who craved an extraordinary life. When life through a major challenge at her during her heyday, she faltered - but then got back up and regained her momentum. She became the epitome of what life is about: pursuing happiness and rising after a fall. Her story is an inspiration, not just for what she achieved, but for how she handled adversity and kept going, encouraging others to do the same.

The writing is captivating, with suspenseful scenes that take the reader on a rollercoaster ride alongside a character larger than life.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

Released in October 2025

Source: Harper Muse