HORSE THIEVES by Cole Smith

"MESMERIZING FROM
BEGINNING TO END,"

-Barbara O'Connor
NYT bestselling author of Wish

Set in the wild countryside, this thrilling adventure follows three children--Cody, Misha, and Indy--as they race to deliver important legal papers to the county seat, miles downriver from their remote farm. Evans Ballard, a skilled and relentless tracker, has been hired to thwart their mission at any cost. They'll need all of their wits, woodcraft, and horseback riding skills to stay ahead of him in a journey that tests their courage and endurance.

HORSE THIEVES
By Cole Smith
Illus. by Alex Alford
Warren Publishing (242 pp.)
Published August 2025

“Smith delivers a fine coming-of-age story, set in a relatively new nation that’s full of contradictions and built on ancient lands.”
-- Kirkus Reviews

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“PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING ON US GETTING TO SOME LAW,” CODY SAID. “WE WILL,” MISHA SAID. “LET’S DO. LET’S OUTSMART THEM, OUTRIDE THEM, OUTLAST THEM. YOU KNOW WE CAN.”

Reviews for Horse Thieves

The author’s reverence for all life shines through this coming-of-age horseback adventure.
--Mandy Carter and Jay Kaiser

I loved this book! Horse Thieves and its well-written cast of characters took me on an adventure that I didn’t want to end. Cole Smith’s writing is witty, thoughtful and delightfully fun. This is a great read for all ages!

As a former middle school teacher, I think this is an excellent book for middle school students. Based in history with plenty of action. Horse crazy girls and boys will especially enjoy it.

Horse Thieves is a well-written story with a focus on the love and respect between brothers, friends and their animals—worth reading more than once.
--Molly McMillan

We got the book for my daughter and we haven’t stopped reading it yet! It’s a really engaging read and my daughter loves the illustrations as well.

I loved this action adventure story, featuring three tenacious kids on horseback! ! I found myself racing through the book along with Indy, Cody and Misha.
--A horse lover

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Available in paperback or hardcover directly from Warren Publishing. This is the fastest way to get your hands one or more copies. Clicking below will take you to their online ordering portal.

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Order a signed edition

Signed by the author, Cole Smith, and the illustrator, Alex Alford, this makes a wonderfully unique gift for the young reader in your family. Clicking below opens an email window so you can request ordering and payment instructions. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.