“The Horse Doctor of Maine,” by Anne Marie Murphy; JKD Publishing, Ontario, Canada; 246 pages; $14

In 1903, Jack Murphy leaves Prince Edward Island in the bottom of a ferry, according to a blurb on the back jacket of “The Horse Doctor of Maine.” He then changes his name and launches his quest for a veterinarian degree, to become a “doctor with papers.” There is rumrunning due to the Maine Law of 1851 prohibiting the sale or consumption of liquor.

“The Horse Doctor of Maine” is loosely based on the life of Jack Murphy, who could be compared to the more modern Indiana Jones. “The state of Maine can take pride in this tribute to a man who never permitted his family to forget the good fortune found on American soil.”

Which came first – the publicity blurb about the book or the story? I read the blurb to get an idea of what the novel is about before I read it. I was puzzled and reached the conclusion that the novel was loosely based on the hype. I’m glad I took notes. Author Anne Marie Murphy’s narration rambles.

One Jack McConnell flees Prince Edward Island in the bottom of a ferry because he is shot in the leg while attempting to escape. The reader finds out why later on. He then changes his name to Jack Murphy. This is the beginning of his adventures in Lewiston, where he works in a stable. How he gets to Lewiston after the ferryman takes a knife and extracts a bullet from his leg is not revealed. He needs more money and gets back into rumrunning. His quest for veterinarian papers is rather vague. He catches pneumonia and is nursed back to health in a house of prostitution.

Meanwhile, in another slant to the main story, Mary Gertrude, a prim and proper girl, works as an au pair to a family of rich folks. She turns down marriage to a future physician due to a clash over religion. The reader then deduces the overly religious Gertrude will be courted by rascally Jack, and all will be well. Opposite personalities falling for each other is a favorite theme in literature and movies. Sounds good so far.

But there are blossoms (minor offshoots) along the way. Murphy’s stable boss runs for mayor and is forced to withdraw when his stable is burned down. That theme peters out. Gertrude drowns and sees a figure in a bright light. That theme peters out. (She recovers.) Near the end, the house of prostitution is raided, and it takes over the story as the novel nears its conclusion. Another vine in the garden.

There is no main theme once one gets into the novel, no smooth flow of events in building the story. There is no closure for each minor offshoot or at the end itself, where one would expect a resolution in the last chapter or the epilogue. Murphy doesn’t get his doctor’s papers. And as to defying the Maine Law of 1851, well, he does run rum on occasion.

The reader learns why Jack flees Prince Edward Island. At first it’s mentioned and explored, then seems to be dropped. Yet it reappears as an important segment to the plot. The reader will get adept at figuring out the ragged ends. I did, but as I’ve stated, I took notes.

One thing that stands out is the need for a more thorough job of proofing, for example, I can’t fid Jack!” and “Ellesworth” instead of Ellsworth.

All in all, I was disappointed with promises not kept. It’s sad because “The Horse Doctor of Maine” is interesting and did give me pleasure in reading it. This is Murphy’s first novel, and there will be a sequel. One hopes she learns by this effort, and the next offering will be much better.

Edward M. Turner is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. His novel, “Rogues Together,” won the Eppie Award for best in action/adventure.