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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For such a short read it definitely packs a punch. I enjoy every thing about this book. Fast paced full of intrigue, suspense, and lots of twist and turn to keep you hook from beginning to end. Overall a enjoyable and entertaining read. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no monetary compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are …
American fox hunting mystery with strong female lead.
fun, enjoyable read very informative on the subject, well researched
Just couldn’t get into it.
I like Rita Mae Brown, but I just couldn’t get into the talking foxes. If yo like that sort of book, you’ll probably enjoy it.
A highly entertaining account that is also very informative concerning fox-hunting (no foxes are harmed). Rita Mae is a master of her craft.
Enjoyed learning about fox hunting and love the thoughts of the animals.
boring
The story was interesting, but there was too much information about a sport I will never engage in. I expected some information, but this was overload. I love the Sneaky Pie series that Ms. Brown has written and have read almost all of them.
Rita Mae Brown needs to quit whining, get a life and go back to her original writing style
I don’t care for profanity in the books I read. This one has a lot of it. I’d never read this author before, and won’t in future.
Loved it! Entertaining as usual. Lots of info on the hunt.
Well done. Very British.
I love Rita Mae Brown. All her books are super. This one hits home with a 70-year old straight-forward heroine who is active, funny, and loves all animals. Love the way Rita Mae Brown gives us an animal-eye view of all the action. Ride Jane ride..
Boring. More than I ever wanted to know about fox hunting.
I enjoy all of her work – fun and easy to read. Love the animals.
I love Rita Mae Brown as a writer. (Yes I’ve read & own all the Sneaky Pie books). This one is a lovely mystery, still with talking animals & I love the Sister & Shaker characters. Highly recommend!!!
Sister Jane is one of my favorites.
This is my fourth book in the series ( read them out of order). Enjoyed them all. Really like the human/animal interaction. Refreshing locale and plot.
I like Rita Mae Brown’s books and hadn’t read this one in many years. It was fun to re-read it. I’m planning on reading all her books in this series again.