From the bestselling author of the landmark work Rubyfruit Jungle comes an engaging, original new novel that only Rita Mae Brown could have written. In the pristine world of Virginia foxhunting, hunters, horses, hounds, and foxes form a lively community of conflicting loyalties, where the thrill of the chase and the intricacies of human-animal relationships are experienced firsthand–and murder … murder exposes a proud Southern community’s unsavory secrets. . . .
As Master of the prestigious Jefferson Hunt Club, Jane Arnold, known as Sister, is the most revered citizen in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain town where a rigid code of social conduct and deep-seated tradition carry more weight than money. Nearing seventy, Sister now must select a joint master to ensure a smooth transition of leadership after her death. It is an honor of the highest order–and one that any serious social climber would covet like the Holy Grail.
Virginian to the bone with a solid foxhunting history, Fontaine Buruss is an obvious candidate, but his penchant for philandering and squandering money has earned him a less than sparkling reputation. And not even Sister knows about his latest tawdry scandal. Then there is Crawford Howard, a Yankee in a small town where Rebel bloodlines are sacred. Still, Crawford has money–lots of it–and as Sister is well aware, maintaining a first-class hunt club is far from cheap.
With the competition flaring up, Southern gentility flies out the window. Fontaine and Crawford will stop at nothing to discredit each other. Soon the entire town is pulled into a rivalry that is spiraling dangerously out of control. Even the animals have strong opinions, and only Sister is able to maintain objectivity. But when opening hunt day ends in murder, she, too, is stunned.
Who was bold and skilled enough to commit murder on the field? It could only be someone who knew both the territory and the complex nature of the hunt inside out. Sister knows of three people who qualify–and only she, with the help of a few clever foxes and hounds, can lay the trap to catch the killer.
A colorful foray into an intriguing world, Outfoxed features a captivating cast of Southerners and their unforgettable animal counterparts. Rita Mae Brown has written a masterful novel that surprises, delights, and enchants.
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Did not finish it.
A good mystery. The story line moves at a good pace and the characters are likable and you want to see where this is going. Learning about fox hunting was enlightening and fun.
Interesting info on Fox hunting but murder plot was weak
I didn’t think I would like this book when the animals started to “talk” but not one to give up on a book so easily I kept reading and it grew on me. It’s a mystery set in a southern fox hunting community which in itself is different with characters that are amusing including the animals. I didn’t guess who the murderer was until near the very …
As an animal enthusiast, I very much enjoyed the “voices” of the animals: foxes, dogs and cat. They were spot on and very creative. I can just imagine that was exactly what they were thinking and saying. It was a humorous and very enjoyable read.
If Rita Mae Brown writes something, I’m pretty sure to enjoy it. I have enjoyed her stories of intelligent, witty animals and the people whose worlds they grace for decades. This series is an enjoyable read, almost as much as the Mrs. Murphy stories co-authored by Sneaky Pie. My only caveat would be that if you have no appreciation for horses, …
Rita Mae Brown never disappoints with her charming mysteries. Animal lovers appreciate her charming four-legged characters and Virginia equine aficionados will, as always, recognize people and locales in this book.
I don’t particularly like talking animals. And learned way more about fox and hound hunting than I needed to know
Enjoyed the Fox hunting education and the delightful dialog among the varied cast of characters.
Love Sister Jane.
I am having trouble reading this book. Her writing is good, but the storyline is very different. I have quit reading for now (which is very rare for me) and hopefully I will go back and finish it.
The main characters are “older” and have full lives and wonderful experiences. The animals opinions are a wonderful addition!
I loved this book and want to read all of Sister Janes books. Having know some horse people , the setting and dedication to the sport, horses, and dogs is true. The actions and plot are totally believable. Of course most people don’t believe foxes and hounds talk to each other.
Love her characters, especially the four-legged ones.
This is a great series of books that will keep you coming back for more. A must-have for the library as you will return to the series again and again.
Read series. Wish there were more!!!
The author strikes me as being a bit overboard about the pageantry of fox hunting. The talking animals were whimsical.