As The Gift Horse's Mouth opens, Jimmy Flannery learns that he can finally move up from precinct captain to Democratic committeeman in Chicago's 27th ward. It's a job he's wanted all his adult life, and been groomed for by his Chinaman, Chips Devlin, who also steered him into a career walking and inspecting the sewers. Chips has had the job for decades and is now ready to pass it along to Jimmy. It's a moment filled with potential, for Jimmy's wife, Mary, is pregnant with their first child.

But to get the job, Jimmy has to ask the favor of the head of the party, Ray Carrigan. Carrigan says he'll think about it, and while leaving Jimmy finds his mongrel dog, Alfie, having his way with Carrigan's purebred, Mistinguette, who is being walked by Carrigan's receptionist.

The next thing Jimmy knows, he gets an early morning telephone call from Carrigan telling him to come to an equestrian trail in Saganashkee Slough out in the suburbs. Goldie Hanrahan, Carrigan's long-time assistant, has just been found dead there. Jimmy is assigned to look out for Carrigan's undefined interests in the case.

Although he's only supposed to observe, Jimmy is soon off detecting. Goldie has been keeping a horse in a nearby stable for three years, but doesn't usually leave this early in the morning. And her famous golden bridge set (which is the source of her name) is missing. Did she swallow it when she died?

In the investigation, Jimmy learns that Goldie has been "friendly" with many of the Democratic movers and shakers . . . and had a child out of wedlock. Jimmy senses that the death is somehow related to the child, and tries to track the boy down.

Soon, he's single-handedly solved the case . . . which would have remained unsolved otherwise. The resolution of the mystery is a little tricky. Pay close attention to the descriptions of all the characters as you go. The first time I read this book years ago, I had to go back and reread quite a section until I understood how the plot worked. Hopefully, you will be more careful!

The most interesting part of this story is examining the consequences of adult choices. You will get a clear sense that Goldie's life could have been and ended much differently, as you discover who her main admirers were.

As you think about that, you should consider also what choices you have made that have improved and possibly worsened your life. What lessons can you draw from those experiences when you face important choices in the future? How can you pass along those lessons to those you love?