Houston releases romantic thriller Bad Horsey—set in the heart of Western Loudoun

By Valerie Cury

Acclaimed writer Charles Houston unveils his newest novel, Bad Horsey, a romantic thriller set against the rolling countryside and foxhunting culture of western Loudoun County. Since its recent publication, the book has already garnered outstanding early ratings and enthusiastic reader praise.

Bad Horsey follows Robert Rood, a 36-year-old Atlanta real estate success who decides to trade skyscrapers for open fields, horses, and a quieter life in Middleburg. Eager for a fresh start, Rood envisions a new existence filled with art, conservation, and rural charm. Instead, he steps into a world where passion collides with peril.

Upon arriving in Virginia, Rood meets real estate agent Anne Fisher, whose stunning sister Patricia “Tissie” Tanning accompanies them on a property tour. That afternoon, Rood not only discovers the farm that will become his home—but also meets the woman whose influence would lead him down a dark and unexpected path.

Everything changes when he encounters Byne Broygaal, a beautiful and enigmatic rider whose presence ignites a romance that becomes the beating heart of the story. Their relationship unfolds amid a tapestry of exhilarating foxhunts, rural personalities, deepening friendships, and unexpected betrayals. Readers will be swept along through literal explosions, sharp twists, and the unraveling of a massive financial fraud as Rood’s journey hurtles toward a dramatic and unforgettable climax.

“With Bad Horsey, I wanted to capture the unique spirit of western Loudoun—the beauty, the community, and the undercurrents of intrigue that make it such a compelling place,” said author Charles Houston. “It’s a story about reinvention, obsession, and how far people will go when love turns dangerous.”

Bad Horsey is now available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon. Simply search “Bad Horsey book” in the Amazon search bar to order your copy—you won’t want to put it down.

Charles Houston is a writer with a deep appreciation for the culture, landscape, and characters of Virginia’s horse country. His work blends romance, suspense, and the rich texture of rural life, earning him a devoted readership and strong critical reception.