Heatwave by Jenny Oldfield
It's August - a hot, dry month - and Carly and her father have been called out to attend to three neglected horses. They're thirsty and starving, in an overgrown field. Neighbours say the owners are on holiday, so Carly promises to look after the horses until they return. Her loving care pays off - until one day she finds the field empty. Have the owners returned early, removing the evidence of their neglect - or has someone else taken the horses Carly won't rest until she gets some answers...