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"Sister" Jane #10
Crazy Like a Fox
A mystery full of colorful characters (both two- and four-legged!), gorgeous country landscapes, timeless traditions, and the breathtaking thrill of the fox hunt.
The fox has made short work of the henhouse and is wreaking havoc across the once-peaceful Virgina hunt country, as Master of the Hunt “Sister” Jane Arnold, her gentleman friend Gray Lorillard, the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club, and their loyal, clever hounds confront a most challenging—and all-too-human—adversary.
The fox has made short work of the henhouse and is wreaking havoc across the once-peaceful Virgina hunt country, as Master of the Hunt “Sister” Jane Arnold, her gentleman friend Gray Lorillard, the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club, and their loyal, clever hounds confront a most challenging—and all-too-human—adversary.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
170 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
173 books2,232 followersRita Mae Brown is a prolific American writer, most known for her mysteries and other novels (Rubyfruit Jungle). She is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 7, 2017
When I saw Crazy Like a Fox offered on NetGalley, I leapt at the chance to read this new offering by one of my long-time favorite authors. I read Rita Mae’s first book, Rubyfruit Jungle, way back when. The book came out in 1973, and she’s been writing ever since. I’ve been reading her books ever since. I’ve become a fan of her Sneaky Pie Brown series, but this is the first time I’ve read anything in the “Sister” Jane series. Too bad, because this is number ten, and I think I’d have gleaned a lot more understanding of the characters if I’d started from the beginning. Granted, Ms. Brown lists a cast of characters, human and animal, but in this case, it is overwhelming. The index of animal characters includes hounds, horses, and foxes, reds and grays. Then there are birds, plus Sister’s house pets, followed by a list of useful terms, that is to say, fox hunting terminology. OVER. WHELMING.
Thank goodness I was using a digital device and could readily flip back and forth, because I found myself looking things up quite often. This broke up the flow and limited my enjoyment, at least until the story got rolling.
The plot is pretty basic. Back in 1954, a debonair ladies’ man named Wesley Carruthers, known as “Weevil,” disappeared. He was presumed to have been murdered, but his body was never recovered, and no culprit was ever arrested. Now, some sixty years later, Weevil – or his ghost – has returned to visit friends and foes from his past. To what end? It’s not too difficult to figure out, but Sister, Tootie, Tootie’s soon-to-be-divorced mother Yvonne, and their friends have quite a time gossiping and guessing as to what the “ghost” of Weevil is up too.
What I liked: The characters are rich and diverse. There is humor, caring, and community amongst them. While I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about fox hunting, I could see that to these folks, it’s serious fun. As in the Sneaky Pie books, the animals talk and have some entertaining comments. Happily, the foxes are not killed in the hunts. (I mean, who could kill a fox that talks – or any fox, for that matter – for sport?)
What I did not like: Despite the aid of the lists, I was quite confused as to how the characters were related to one another in terms of past relationships and so on. This is what happens when one comes into a series at book number ten. The author didn’t do much to fill in the back-stories. Also, while fox hunting was the scenario, for me it was too much. It was overly detailed and felt like filler, as there was not much of a plot as far as the mystery went. Yes, it’s a cozy, but the narrative was too long and drawn out. I almost did not finish, but at the 25% mark, I decided to push on. The story had moments of entertainment, mainly in the characters, but overall, I felt it was a disappointment.
Crazy Like A Fox? Rita Mae, Rita Mae...Maybe? Maybe not.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
2.5 stars
Thank goodness I was using a digital device and could readily flip back and forth, because I found myself looking things up quite often. This broke up the flow and limited my enjoyment, at least until the story got rolling.
The plot is pretty basic. Back in 1954, a debonair ladies’ man named Wesley Carruthers, known as “Weevil,” disappeared. He was presumed to have been murdered, but his body was never recovered, and no culprit was ever arrested. Now, some sixty years later, Weevil – or his ghost – has returned to visit friends and foes from his past. To what end? It’s not too difficult to figure out, but Sister, Tootie, Tootie’s soon-to-be-divorced mother Yvonne, and their friends have quite a time gossiping and guessing as to what the “ghost” of Weevil is up too.
What I liked: The characters are rich and diverse. There is humor, caring, and community amongst them. While I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about fox hunting, I could see that to these folks, it’s serious fun. As in the Sneaky Pie books, the animals talk and have some entertaining comments. Happily, the foxes are not killed in the hunts. (I mean, who could kill a fox that talks – or any fox, for that matter – for sport?)
What I did not like: Despite the aid of the lists, I was quite confused as to how the characters were related to one another in terms of past relationships and so on. This is what happens when one comes into a series at book number ten. The author didn’t do much to fill in the back-stories. Also, while fox hunting was the scenario, for me it was too much. It was overly detailed and felt like filler, as there was not much of a plot as far as the mystery went. Yes, it’s a cozy, but the narrative was too long and drawn out. I almost did not finish, but at the 25% mark, I decided to push on. The story had moments of entertainment, mainly in the characters, but overall, I felt it was a disappointment.
Crazy Like A Fox? Rita Mae, Rita Mae...Maybe? Maybe not.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
2.5 stars
October 20, 2017
When I opened this book on my Kindle, I was eager to start my first by this author even though it's not in the Sneaky Pie Brown cat series I've been wanting to sample for quite some time now. But when this one began with a lengthy list of character descriptions - not just of people, but hounds and foxes - my heart sank a little. I'm not young any more, and my short-term memory isn't even close to what it used to be. How on earth, I said to myself, will I ever keep all of them straight?
And at first, that really was an issue; flipping back and forth to the lists to jog my failing memory would have taken too much time and distracted me from the story (it probably would be easier on a "real" book, though I wouldn't have wanted to do it there, either) - so for the first several chapters I felt more than a bit lost. That the switch from people talking to animals talking isn't clearly delineated made it even more difficult; I'd be halfway down a page before realizing that the conversation I'd just read was between a couple of pooches or owls, not people.
The story, though, not only is well crafted but interesting to me because I know (make that knew) next to nothing about fox hunting. An extensive glossary of terms at the beginning was helpful enlightening, but then again, I forgot most of the definitions once the story got going. But I decided to forge ahead and not worry that I couldn't always remember who's who and what's what. And by golly, I'm glad I did. Not only did I learn that the state of Virginia is a hotbed of fox-hunting activity (I thought it to be a sport in which only the English partake), but the intricate plot caught me up in intrigue and the thrill of the chases as well as perspectives on topical issues such as race relations, politics and drugs. There was humor as well; consider, for instance, this description of a particularly talented cat:
"Her marvelous ears could hear a rat piss in cotton."
Now about that story: Around 1954 - the year I was 13, in case anyone thinks I was lying about being old - an accomplished fox huntsman and noted ladies man named Wesley Carruthers (better known as Weevil) disappeared, never to be found. Rumored to have stolen valuable jewelry from one of his also-rumored lovers, it was assumed that he'd been murdered even though his body never turned up. Fast forward 60 years to a museum near the Jefferson Hunt Club in rural Virginia, when an etched cow horn goes missing from a display case and someone "sees" Weevil at the scene. When his distinctive horn echoes at a hunt, all kinds of questions emerge - not the least of which is whether or not ghosts really exist.
Along the way, readers meet a cast of colorful characters like "Sister" Jane Arnold, master of the hunt club; Tootie, a young heiress who gave up on a prestigious college education (and was disowned by her richer-than-God father) to find her true calling working with hounds and horses at the club; and Yvonne, Tootie's former supermodel mother, who's in the midst of dumping her cheating husband and hoping to make a new life near her daughter.
But the overriding issue, so to speak, is Weevil: Who is he, really, and why has he come back? While I correctly guessed the who part fairly early on, the why eluded me until all the details were wrapped up cleverly at the conclusion. My own conclusion? Well done! And many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
And at first, that really was an issue; flipping back and forth to the lists to jog my failing memory would have taken too much time and distracted me from the story (it probably would be easier on a "real" book, though I wouldn't have wanted to do it there, either) - so for the first several chapters I felt more than a bit lost. That the switch from people talking to animals talking isn't clearly delineated made it even more difficult; I'd be halfway down a page before realizing that the conversation I'd just read was between a couple of pooches or owls, not people.
The story, though, not only is well crafted but interesting to me because I know (make that knew) next to nothing about fox hunting. An extensive glossary of terms at the beginning was helpful enlightening, but then again, I forgot most of the definitions once the story got going. But I decided to forge ahead and not worry that I couldn't always remember who's who and what's what. And by golly, I'm glad I did. Not only did I learn that the state of Virginia is a hotbed of fox-hunting activity (I thought it to be a sport in which only the English partake), but the intricate plot caught me up in intrigue and the thrill of the chases as well as perspectives on topical issues such as race relations, politics and drugs. There was humor as well; consider, for instance, this description of a particularly talented cat:
"Her marvelous ears could hear a rat piss in cotton."
Now about that story: Around 1954 - the year I was 13, in case anyone thinks I was lying about being old - an accomplished fox huntsman and noted ladies man named Wesley Carruthers (better known as Weevil) disappeared, never to be found. Rumored to have stolen valuable jewelry from one of his also-rumored lovers, it was assumed that he'd been murdered even though his body never turned up. Fast forward 60 years to a museum near the Jefferson Hunt Club in rural Virginia, when an etched cow horn goes missing from a display case and someone "sees" Weevil at the scene. When his distinctive horn echoes at a hunt, all kinds of questions emerge - not the least of which is whether or not ghosts really exist.
Along the way, readers meet a cast of colorful characters like "Sister" Jane Arnold, master of the hunt club; Tootie, a young heiress who gave up on a prestigious college education (and was disowned by her richer-than-God father) to find her true calling working with hounds and horses at the club; and Yvonne, Tootie's former supermodel mother, who's in the midst of dumping her cheating husband and hoping to make a new life near her daughter.
But the overriding issue, so to speak, is Weevil: Who is he, really, and why has he come back? While I correctly guessed the who part fairly early on, the why eluded me until all the details were wrapped up cleverly at the conclusion. My own conclusion? Well done! And many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2017
I would call this a cozy mystery, similar to Agatha Christie's Miss Marple stories. Its' the first book I've read by Rita Mae Brown and I liked it. The story immerses you in the world of fox-hunting in a small Virginia community - and when I say immersed you really were. There were in-depth descriptions of the fashions for the hunt, the genealogy of the hounds, training of the hounds and the positions of the hunters. Now I can recognize what a whipper-in does. There is a mystery, though, a horn disappears and a ghost of a fox-hunter who disappeared many years ago starts making appearances and playing that horn at the end of the hunts.
I enjoyed the way the animals talked to each other during the story. I also liked that no foxes were killed during fox hunting - they just 'go to ground' (go to their dens) and when that happens the fox hunt ends.
I would say this is a 3 1/2 star book - rounding up to 4 stars. The atmosphere and feeling of being there was prevalent throughout the book and that has to be difficult to achieve.
Thanks to Rita Mae Brown and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the way the animals talked to each other during the story. I also liked that no foxes were killed during fox hunting - they just 'go to ground' (go to their dens) and when that happens the fox hunt ends.
I would say this is a 3 1/2 star book - rounding up to 4 stars. The atmosphere and feeling of being there was prevalent throughout the book and that has to be difficult to achieve.
Thanks to Rita Mae Brown and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2018
I enjoyed this tale of American foxhunting, in which, unlike the original variety, the fox is allowed to run to ground and is left in peace. If you have not read the previous books in this series there may well be too many characters. This tale unites them in a puzzle over a ghostly huntsman, who apparently romanced most of the ladies in the district decades ago before his presumed murder, which was never resolved.
I did think the figure was in the circumstances self-explanatory, but I also wasn't sure if there would be a modern murder to ride alongside - there wasn't. Just the cold case.
If you enjoyed the Mrs Murphy books about Harry Harristeen and her cats and dog, this may strike you as less involved, as we get a wider cast, more points of view and more gossip about times past.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
I did think the figure was in the circumstances self-explanatory, but I also wasn't sure if there would be a modern murder to ride alongside - there wasn't. Just the cold case.
If you enjoyed the Mrs Murphy books about Harry Harristeen and her cats and dog, this may strike you as less involved, as we get a wider cast, more points of view and more gossip about times past.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
November 15, 2017
Crazy Like a Fox by Rita Mae Brown is the tenth book in the Sister Jane series. Jane Arnold and Marian Maggiolo are at Museum of Hound’s and Hunting in Morven Park. They talk about Wesley “Weevil” Carruthers. Wesley disappeared in 1954 and his body was never found. His horn is on display in the museum. After enjoying dinner, they return to the museum to retrieve Marion’s phone. They discover Wesley’s horn missing, but the thief left a selfie behind on Marion’s phone. It appears to be Wesley Carruthers on the phone holding his horn. Who is the man on the phone and why did he steal the horn? Jane sets out to get answers with the help of her trusty animal sidekicks and return the horn to the museum. Jane delves into Wesley’s past to discover what happened back in 1954. But someone does not appreciate Jane’s investigation and sets out to halt her progress.
Crazy Like a Fox is a confusing novel. I had not heard of this series prior to picking up a copy of Crazy Like a Fox. I quickly discovered that it is not a standalone novel. The book starts out with a long list of characters (including many animals) and terminology (not a promising start). Who wants to keep flipping to a list to figure out how this person knows that person? The author did not provide the backstory needed. I found the writing awkward and the dialogue between the human characters to be stilted. I felt the author tried to cram too much into one story. I believe it is supposed to be cute with all the various animals investigating and talking, but I did not find it appealing. It just lent to the confusion. I could not get interested in the storyline. I was bored and could not wait for the book to end. The information on fox hunting was confusing. I thought it was too technical for the average reader. The mystery was simple and can easily be solved (if you can stay interested). I am rating Crazy Like a Fox 2 out of 5 stars.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of the book. The opinions and comments are strictly my own.
Crazy Like a Fox is a confusing novel. I had not heard of this series prior to picking up a copy of Crazy Like a Fox. I quickly discovered that it is not a standalone novel. The book starts out with a long list of characters (including many animals) and terminology (not a promising start). Who wants to keep flipping to a list to figure out how this person knows that person? The author did not provide the backstory needed. I found the writing awkward and the dialogue between the human characters to be stilted. I felt the author tried to cram too much into one story. I believe it is supposed to be cute with all the various animals investigating and talking, but I did not find it appealing. It just lent to the confusion. I could not get interested in the storyline. I was bored and could not wait for the book to end. The information on fox hunting was confusing. I thought it was too technical for the average reader. The mystery was simple and can easily be solved (if you can stay interested). I am rating Crazy Like a Fox 2 out of 5 stars.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of the book. The opinions and comments are strictly my own.
November 9, 2017
What a slog to get to the very good end! I'm thinking the author's favorite word is EXPENSIVE, second only to her overuse of high end brand names. I'm not impressed. It doesn't help change the opinion of those who think Virginian can be rather snobby!
January 15, 2019
3.5 starts - This 10th book in the Sister Jane mystery series is yet another wonderful study in the finer details of fox hunting. The reader is proffered historic detail, descriptions of hunt practices, roles and manners of participants - all of which lays out the landscape of the fox hunt. One quickly discovers that there is a tremendous amount of effort and planning which goes into each hunt. The descriptions of the actual hunts are so beautifully detailed that one imagines that they're flying over fence and post alongside other riders. Add a haunting clarion call of a cowhorn and the sudden arrival of a ghost and you've got yourself quite a cozy mystery. Kudos to Ms. Brown. If you are a fan of the traditional fox hunt, then this just might be the book for you.
I am grateful to author Rita Me Brown, publisher Ballantine Books and LibraryThing Early Reviewers for having provided a free copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
I am grateful to author Rita Me Brown, publisher Ballantine Books and LibraryThing Early Reviewers for having provided a free copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
November 14, 2017
This was an interesting story. The ending was partially a surprise. Some of it I saw coming from early in this story. I liked the parts with fox hunting. It was something I hadn't read about before. The other parts involving animals were equally intriguing. It was nice to have their points of view. The humans were okay. No one really stood out, though.
September 5, 2017
Sister Jane is my favorite series from Rita Mae Brown. I really enjoyed Crazy like a Fox with lots of animal talk and fox hunting, just a little less mystery than some. I was happy that Ms. Brown didn't get too political or preachy as she sometimes does. This mystery is a murder that happened in the mid 1950's that was never solved. It's wonderful to catch up with all the hunters and friends of Sister Jane and it's especially fun to get re-aquainted with all the animals.
December 25, 2017
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Crazy Like a Fox is the 10th book in the "Sister Jane" series by Rita Mae Brown.
I've long been a fan of the author, and enjoyed her cozy Mrs. Murphy series as well as her more serious writing. The Sister Jane books are cozies and full of the American foxhunting traditions and culture. If you don't know anything about riding to hounds, you will after reading this book.
The dialogue and writing are pitch perfect (including such southernisms as 'carrying' someone when giving them a lift in your car). Typically for Ms. Brown, the writing is solidly comfortable and engaging. Reading her books is almost like visiting with an old friend you haven't seen for a while; you just pick up where you left off the last time, even if you haven't seen them for ages.
I had read the first couple of books in this series, then sort of lost track of it and hadn't read any of them for several years. I didn't have any trouble following the story or keeping the main characters straight in my head whilst reading. There is a comprehensive dramatis personae section at the beginning of the book in case the reader needs to sort of who is who. That being said, it is the 10th book in the series and would probably be best read in order.
I personally love anthropomorphic mysteries, but fair warning, if talking animals bug you, this probably isn't the series for you. The book also does a superlative job of giving a glimpse into Virginia hospitality and etiquette and the riding subculture.
Four stars (I've put books 3-9 on my TBR pile, that's pretty high praise from me).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Crazy Like a Fox is the 10th book in the "Sister Jane" series by Rita Mae Brown.
I've long been a fan of the author, and enjoyed her cozy Mrs. Murphy series as well as her more serious writing. The Sister Jane books are cozies and full of the American foxhunting traditions and culture. If you don't know anything about riding to hounds, you will after reading this book.
The dialogue and writing are pitch perfect (including such southernisms as 'carrying' someone when giving them a lift in your car). Typically for Ms. Brown, the writing is solidly comfortable and engaging. Reading her books is almost like visiting with an old friend you haven't seen for a while; you just pick up where you left off the last time, even if you haven't seen them for ages.
I had read the first couple of books in this series, then sort of lost track of it and hadn't read any of them for several years. I didn't have any trouble following the story or keeping the main characters straight in my head whilst reading. There is a comprehensive dramatis personae section at the beginning of the book in case the reader needs to sort of who is who. That being said, it is the 10th book in the series and would probably be best read in order.
I personally love anthropomorphic mysteries, but fair warning, if talking animals bug you, this probably isn't the series for you. The book also does a superlative job of giving a glimpse into Virginia hospitality and etiquette and the riding subculture.
Four stars (I've put books 3-9 on my TBR pile, that's pretty high praise from me).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
February 22, 2018
I don't understand how I can like a series by this author to the point I am buying them all for my library ( harry harristeen books ) and yet I cannot get into these. I tried reading 1 in this series and didn't like it but thought I would try one more. I cannot even get through it. Sigh.
May 4, 2018
Knew the author from former books.
Bit too focused on hunting which was hard to grasp as a non-native-speaker, non-hunting person.
Story picked up speed and I knew why I enjoyed her former (more general) books
So 3,5 stars and liked the second half
Bit too focused on hunting which was hard to grasp as a non-native-speaker, non-hunting person.
Story picked up speed and I knew why I enjoyed her former (more general) books
So 3,5 stars and liked the second half
November 13, 2017
2 stars = "it was ok" by GR's rating system. This is a neutral rating from me.
This is a book about fox hunting, which has been banned in Britain, and which I didn't know existed in the US until I read this book. The subject matter is why I chose this book. However I found the writing very awkward and hard to read. I had to force myself to continue reading it and in the end all I can give it is a 2.
I got this book as a free ARC.
This is a book about fox hunting, which has been banned in Britain, and which I didn't know existed in the US until I read this book. The subject matter is why I chose this book. However I found the writing very awkward and hard to read. I had to force myself to continue reading it and in the end all I can give it is a 2.
I got this book as a free ARC.
December 18, 2017
Have I mentioned how much I love this series?
As each book is released, it is like meeting up with old friends I haven ' t seen in a while. And meeting a few new ones.
If you have ever foxhunted, you will delight in the detail. If you ride, and are open-minded to other disciplines, you will appreciate learning from an expert. If you like animals, you will be enthralled with Rita Mae's deep understanding of all the animals' individual personalities.
And if you are curious about all sorts of things, you will find new knowledge in each book. On a variety of subjects.
As of the end of 2017, this is the latest book. Out foxed is the first. Start there. Bet you can't read just one!
As each book is released, it is like meeting up with old friends I haven ' t seen in a while. And meeting a few new ones.
If you have ever foxhunted, you will delight in the detail. If you ride, and are open-minded to other disciplines, you will appreciate learning from an expert. If you like animals, you will be enthralled with Rita Mae's deep understanding of all the animals' individual personalities.
And if you are curious about all sorts of things, you will find new knowledge in each book. On a variety of subjects.
As of the end of 2017, this is the latest book. Out foxed is the first. Start there. Bet you can't read just one!
May 5, 2018
Laboured my way to page 66. Can't stand it any more.
All the characters sound the same. A lot of redundant words that does not add to any descriptive quality or insight. Especially the dialogue of the animals. It's pointless.
This book bored me.
All the characters sound the same. A lot of redundant words that does not add to any descriptive quality or insight. Especially the dialogue of the animals. It's pointless.
This book bored me.
June 3, 2018
“Crazy Like A Fox”, by Rita Mae Brown, is part of the “Sister Jane” series. (Brown also writes the “Sneaky Pie Brown series, and has written several stand-alone books, including “Rubyfruit Jungle”.) As with Sister Jane, Brown is a Master of Foxhounds.
Sister finds herself in the middle of a very perplexing puzzle – a valuable cowhorn, belonging to Wesley Carruthers, has been stolen. Carruthers himself is an enigma, having disappeared in 1954 – presumed dead. However, someone looking and speaking very much like Carruthers (aka Weevil) let a video behind on the cell phone of one of Sister’s friends. (The ladies had been visiting the exhibit, and the phone was accidentally left behind.)
The stolen cowhorn brings up issues from the past, including Weevil’s history with women (single and married), and an argument that has two brothers not talking to each other for over twenty years. Then there is the issue of jewelry that seemed to have disappeared about the same time that Weevil did.
I loved that Brown brought Tootie back as part of the Jefferson Hunt, as well as bringing Tootie’s mother deeper into the series. Per usual, everyone has a voice, including the animals: the foxhounds (Cora, Asa, Diana and Dasher), the foxes (Aunt Netty, Earl, Comet, Inky, and Georgia), the horses (Keepsake, Rickyroo, Showboat and Iota), the birds (Athena, Bitsy, and St. Just), and the house pets (Raleigh (a Doberman), Rooster (a Harrier), and Golliwog (a long haired Calico cat).
I love reading about the background and history of the hunt, the culture of Virginia, and about the fact that to understand the present we need to understand the past. In this book, we are introduced to what may be a ghost – a ghost who blows the stolen horn during foxhunts, and does it in such a way that everyone who knew him thinks it is Weevil himself blowing the horn. Then there are the strange appearances of a young man (the age of Weevil when he disappeared) holding conversations with people from his time (and saving Tootie from a gun toting individual who is protecting his marijuana crop!).
Brown is one of two authors that immediately come to mind that cannot write a bad book (the second being Laurie R. King). Her characters are in depth, her background is well researched, and her books keep a strong pace.
This is one of those books that I will read over and over again!
Sister finds herself in the middle of a very perplexing puzzle – a valuable cowhorn, belonging to Wesley Carruthers, has been stolen. Carruthers himself is an enigma, having disappeared in 1954 – presumed dead. However, someone looking and speaking very much like Carruthers (aka Weevil) let a video behind on the cell phone of one of Sister’s friends. (The ladies had been visiting the exhibit, and the phone was accidentally left behind.)
The stolen cowhorn brings up issues from the past, including Weevil’s history with women (single and married), and an argument that has two brothers not talking to each other for over twenty years. Then there is the issue of jewelry that seemed to have disappeared about the same time that Weevil did.
I loved that Brown brought Tootie back as part of the Jefferson Hunt, as well as bringing Tootie’s mother deeper into the series. Per usual, everyone has a voice, including the animals: the foxhounds (Cora, Asa, Diana and Dasher), the foxes (Aunt Netty, Earl, Comet, Inky, and Georgia), the horses (Keepsake, Rickyroo, Showboat and Iota), the birds (Athena, Bitsy, and St. Just), and the house pets (Raleigh (a Doberman), Rooster (a Harrier), and Golliwog (a long haired Calico cat).
I love reading about the background and history of the hunt, the culture of Virginia, and about the fact that to understand the present we need to understand the past. In this book, we are introduced to what may be a ghost – a ghost who blows the stolen horn during foxhunts, and does it in such a way that everyone who knew him thinks it is Weevil himself blowing the horn. Then there are the strange appearances of a young man (the age of Weevil when he disappeared) holding conversations with people from his time (and saving Tootie from a gun toting individual who is protecting his marijuana crop!).
Brown is one of two authors that immediately come to mind that cannot write a bad book (the second being Laurie R. King). Her characters are in depth, her background is well researched, and her books keep a strong pace.
This is one of those books that I will read over and over again!
October 7, 2017
Before I begin this review, I want to say that in American Fox hunting, the fox is not hurt in any way. The hounds hunting the fox - if they find it - are trained not to physically harm it. (And it seems most foxes go into hiding, anyway, when being chased and are never confronted with the team of hunting dogs.) I'm writing this because I've been blasted on reviews of Rita Mae Brown's "Jane Arnold" series books by people concerned with the idea of animal harm to the foxes.
Anyway...Rita Mae Brown writes a few series of books, including her "Sneaky Pie" (a cat) series. I don't read that series - just never got into "cozies" even though I love cats - but have always enjoyed Brown's "Jane Arnold" and "Runneymede" books. In this latest, "Crazy Like a Fox", Brown returns to "Sister Jane"' and her family and friends in a central Virginia fox hunt group. These friends and family, which include both humans and animals (including fox and hounds) are portrayed wonderfully as creatures involved in the lives - and loves - of the others. There's often not a great plot in the "Sister Jane" books; this one has a "ghost" - who looks and talks awfully realistically in the present state - and a long ago death and theft of jewelry. Rather the books are character-based. Long-time readers return to the books to find out about their favorite characters - mine are the clever foxes - and how time is passing in central Virginia. The animals talk to each other - in italics - and those conversations are almost as entertaining as the ones between the humans.
I knew very little about fox hunting but have learned a bit through reading the "Sister Jane" series of books. Some in the series are better than others; I think some of the books which concentrated on rich girls from the local boarding school were kind of boring. But the past four or five have bounced back. Only one girl, "Tootie", seems to be a continuing character.
I'm not sure if "Crazy Like a Fox" would appeal to the new reader of the series, but Brown helps things along by giving a list in the front of all the main characters - both human and animal - as well as list of fox hunting terms. Those old readers, though, will thoroughly enjoy the return to "Sister Jane" and her "friends".
Anyway...Rita Mae Brown writes a few series of books, including her "Sneaky Pie" (a cat) series. I don't read that series - just never got into "cozies" even though I love cats - but have always enjoyed Brown's "Jane Arnold" and "Runneymede" books. In this latest, "Crazy Like a Fox", Brown returns to "Sister Jane"' and her family and friends in a central Virginia fox hunt group. These friends and family, which include both humans and animals (including fox and hounds) are portrayed wonderfully as creatures involved in the lives - and loves - of the others. There's often not a great plot in the "Sister Jane" books; this one has a "ghost" - who looks and talks awfully realistically in the present state - and a long ago death and theft of jewelry. Rather the books are character-based. Long-time readers return to the books to find out about their favorite characters - mine are the clever foxes - and how time is passing in central Virginia. The animals talk to each other - in italics - and those conversations are almost as entertaining as the ones between the humans.
I knew very little about fox hunting but have learned a bit through reading the "Sister Jane" series of books. Some in the series are better than others; I think some of the books which concentrated on rich girls from the local boarding school were kind of boring. But the past four or five have bounced back. Only one girl, "Tootie", seems to be a continuing character.
I'm not sure if "Crazy Like a Fox" would appeal to the new reader of the series, but Brown helps things along by giving a list in the front of all the main characters - both human and animal - as well as list of fox hunting terms. Those old readers, though, will thoroughly enjoy the return to "Sister Jane" and her "friends".
November 29, 2017
I received this from Library Thing to read and review. Since I have read the Mrs. Murphy series, I figured I would try this series to see if I liked this one as much. This is a bit like that series, in that it involves animals who engage with each other as part of the story, the same general area and an interesting story line. In this one, Sister Jane goes to the Museum of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting for a board meeting. Once again, she is thrust right into the mystery, when a beloved horn is stolen out of its case in the museum. The only clue to the thief is a selfie video of the horn’s owner, Wesley Carruthers, who died in 1954, and whose body was never found. Sister Jane begins her search to figure out what exactly is going on and ends up going back to a midcentury hunt, where she becomes confused about what she is really investigating, whether the missing horn, the death of Carruthers, or something else.
This book was interesting and shed a lot of light on fox hunting and what it is. In fact, the book devoted more time to that subject, in my opinion, than to the mystery of the missing horn and death of Carruthers. There were lots of characters, many of them animals as well as humans. There were characters from the other books in this book, though with little back story, which would have given me a better understand what was going on. In addition, there were a lot of other different characters, from other books, so back story would have helped those of us not familiar with the other books in the series. There were also a lot of characters discussing things and/or talking, which had me going back and forth to the list of characters included in the book. In short, I found it all a bit confusing and difficult to follow. Also, some of the discussion about fox hunting as well as the terminology was difficult to follow and understand, though the list included in the book did help. This is a good mystery, but not one of my favorites. I am not sure if I will enjoy the series as much as the one with which I am more familiar, though it was worth the effort giving it a try. This is a good book for those who enjoy the series and fox hunting or the character Sister Jane and her exploits.
This book was interesting and shed a lot of light on fox hunting and what it is. In fact, the book devoted more time to that subject, in my opinion, than to the mystery of the missing horn and death of Carruthers. There were lots of characters, many of them animals as well as humans. There were characters from the other books in this book, though with little back story, which would have given me a better understand what was going on. In addition, there were a lot of other different characters, from other books, so back story would have helped those of us not familiar with the other books in the series. There were also a lot of characters discussing things and/or talking, which had me going back and forth to the list of characters included in the book. In short, I found it all a bit confusing and difficult to follow. Also, some of the discussion about fox hunting as well as the terminology was difficult to follow and understand, though the list included in the book did help. This is a good mystery, but not one of my favorites. I am not sure if I will enjoy the series as much as the one with which I am more familiar, though it was worth the effort giving it a try. This is a good book for those who enjoy the series and fox hunting or the character Sister Jane and her exploits.
February 5, 2018
I haven't read any of the other books of this series but really enjoyed this one as a standalone.
The characters are helpfully all described in a separate list before the novel starts, which was great as I could flip back to it along the way and not get lost in the cast, which is extensive.
I learned a ton about American fox hunting, which I started out thinking was going to be violent and was pleasantly surprised to find that it isn't.
I loved the clever snippets of conversation among the animals. I wouldn't have minded more of that, especially from the arrogant cat.
The story concerns an old unsolved murder from the early 1950s that left no corpse, so no full investigation happened. The mystery unfolds as the "corpse" seems to have returned to life without aging the intervening 63 years. I didn't want this to become a paranormal story, and thankfully it didn't. The solution is a bit tricky but wholly believable and satisfying. The writing style is great, and the characters engaging. I would be happy to follow this series further.
The characters are helpfully all described in a separate list before the novel starts, which was great as I could flip back to it along the way and not get lost in the cast, which is extensive.
I learned a ton about American fox hunting, which I started out thinking was going to be violent and was pleasantly surprised to find that it isn't.
I loved the clever snippets of conversation among the animals. I wouldn't have minded more of that, especially from the arrogant cat.
The story concerns an old unsolved murder from the early 1950s that left no corpse, so no full investigation happened. The mystery unfolds as the "corpse" seems to have returned to life without aging the intervening 63 years. I didn't want this to become a paranormal story, and thankfully it didn't. The solution is a bit tricky but wholly believable and satisfying. The writing style is great, and the characters engaging. I would be happy to follow this series further.
January 3, 2018
Sister Jane, Rita Mae Brown's formidable protagonist finds herself in the midst of a generation old murder mystery. I kept waiting for a dead body to appear, none manifested. Per usual, the cast of characters turns to Sister for advice and counsel. There are a couple of side stories that seem to have been left unresolved. No matter, the personification of all the animals (domesticated and wild) kept up the hunter's pace (no pun intended) and outwitted even the most senior of hounds.
I've read other reviews where a reader deems the character list to be overwhelming. I think if the reader takes the time to study the list of descriptions well enough, your mind's eye creates an image and personality for each. After you've read a few books from this series, you begin to "know" the characters well. The author's character development, and personality consistency in personification roles are the largest appeal. Rita Mae could never be accused of being unimaginative. As well as her attention to great detail of the antiques that help establish a timeline. Most helpful, considering the story line actually begins threescore behind present day.
I've read other reviews where a reader deems the character list to be overwhelming. I think if the reader takes the time to study the list of descriptions well enough, your mind's eye creates an image and personality for each. After you've read a few books from this series, you begin to "know" the characters well. The author's character development, and personality consistency in personification roles are the largest appeal. Rita Mae could never be accused of being unimaginative. As well as her attention to great detail of the antiques that help establish a timeline. Most helpful, considering the story line actually begins threescore behind present day.
December 29, 2017
Ok, so I love reading about foxhunting. It's not something I know a lot about and I love learning. However these books are supposed to be mystery, and unfortunately most of the time they just don't feel like mystery. Her mysteries do usually involve a murder and Sister generally helps to solve them, but my issue with them is the fact that they are so obscure. This one for example, involves a long dead huntsman that supposedly came back to life to solve his murder. Now, we get little bits and pieces about this "Weevil" but really nothing about his murder. In the end he pulls two random characters that we just briefly met before, and says, "dig up my grandfather's body." Like wtf? I like mysteries, but I want to be well informed enough to make an educated guess and then be completely wrong about it with an unexpected plot twist. No such luck here. Three out of five stars to Crazy Like a Fox.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
I have been a fan of the Mrs. Murphy series but, to be honest, I have a hard time getting a grasp of the Sister Jane series. Maybe reading it as an ebook makes it harder for me to flip back and forth to the list of characters but, for whatever reason, I found Crazy Like a Fox hard to keep straight. The writing is very good and I do enjoy the ghostly element and the animals. Sister Jane is someone I would enjoy knowing. I think less of the hunting details would have made for a better story from my point of view. The mystery itself was good - I just had a hard time staying focused on it.
My thanks to the publisher Random House-Ballentine Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher Random House-Ballentine Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2018
Thanks, Rita Mae - Sister is such a satisfying protagonist! This story includes a ghost too - I do love a ghost story. Or is that a ghost after all? Whatever it is, it hasn't failed to notice Tootie whipping in on the left, and it hasn't stopped seeking justice.
And by far, my favorite part of this book is the very end, when the fox hunter, hound and horse breeder Rita Mae Brown discusses the maternal grandsire effect - the explanation for genetic traits that skip a generation. Brown talks about how she has successfully seen that in action with her hounds and horses, and understands it is also present in humans, "but I have assiduously avoided breeding same." She has a way with words, does Rita Mae Brown.
And by far, my favorite part of this book is the very end, when the fox hunter, hound and horse breeder Rita Mae Brown discusses the maternal grandsire effect - the explanation for genetic traits that skip a generation. Brown talks about how she has successfully seen that in action with her hounds and horses, and understands it is also present in humans, "but I have assiduously avoided breeding same." She has a way with words, does Rita Mae Brown.
November 14, 2019
Interesting characters (including a 70-yr-old protagonist and Master of the Hunt) and a fascinating world of fox-hunting - but predictable and somewhat contrived mystery and loads of characters who confuse. The story goes roughly like this: introduction, foxhunt, mystery, hunt, exposition, hunt, mystery, hunt, exposition exposition, hunt, mystery solved by someone, hunt, mystery solved, hunt hunt hunt, a little more mystery-related though solved, romance? hunt. Plus, ghosts-ish. But never believably ghostly. Very cozy.
I entered into the middle of this series; and yeah, I still could read another and enjoy it without having to be chased into my foxhole by a pack of hounds and a couple of whippers-in on a fine Virginia morning to do it.
I entered into the middle of this series; and yeah, I still could read another and enjoy it without having to be chased into my foxhole by a pack of hounds and a couple of whippers-in on a fine Virginia morning to do it.
January 4, 2020
After finishing this book, I find I have mixed feelings about it. This is the 10th book in the “Sister” Jane series. The series takes place in the horse country of Virginia and centers around the fox-hunting society of that area. The book is told in several different “voices” – the people involved, their horses, dogs, and cats, the foxes they are all chasing – and the birds that watch from above. I like the idea of the book (and the mystery in it) – but I found I have a lot of trouble keeping the characters straight! I found it very confusing – the dialogue shifts from people to animals regularly and I found it hard to follow. I doubt if I will read any more of the series because I found it so confusing. I won this book from Library Thing in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 24, 2022
This book has a different pacing than many cozy mysteries. The long passages about the hounds, foxes, and the hunt protocol might delight many readers, but I found the sheer amount of details became tedious after a while. I did enjoy the mystery - the question of who Weevil was kept me reading - and knowing the solution now, I can see the hints the author deftly weaves into the narrative.
I was also a little disappointed in the depiction of diversity. Characters of color were labeled as such in the text, while white characters never were. I think the writing was done with good intentions (and having characters of color that are not caricatures in a cozy mystery can be rare); it just didn’t feel up to par with twenty-first century writing about race.
I was also a little disappointed in the depiction of diversity. Characters of color were labeled as such in the text, while white characters never were. I think the writing was done with good intentions (and having characters of color that are not caricatures in a cozy mystery can be rare); it just didn’t feel up to par with twenty-first century writing about race.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
If you've read Rita Mae Brown before you know that there are going to be talking animals in the mix. That can be a tad confusing, as can the large cast of characters which is why I recommend reading this in hard copy vice on an e-reader so that you can more easily flip back and forth to the very helpful who's who list. As with all of her tales, no animals are harmed- only people. In this case Jane and her pals are trying to solve the mystery of Weevil, who disappeared 60 years ago but might be back as a ghost or ........This is as entertaining as are all Brown's books because of the sprightly dialogue and lightly complex mystery. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Recommend this to those who have read earlier installments of the Sister Jane series.
December 8, 2017
I really wanted to enjoy this story because it is a mystery and I love mysteries. The premise is that a huntsman and ladies’ man Wesley Carruthers disappears in 1954 having presumably stolen some jewelry. Was he murdered or did he run off? 60 years later, his ghost appears to visit those from his past (if they are still alive). All good, but it is inundated with so much detail on fox hunting and there are nonhuman characters (such as pets, foxes and the such), that it swayed me from enjoying the story or understating. The most interesting aspect was the climax/conclusion as it made sense then.
November 13, 2017
So sad I barreled right through this book, because now I will have to wait for the next in the Sister Jane series! Rita Mae Brown can cover the same territory in her books as they do on the Hunts and it never ever gets old for me. The writing and description of the land and people of the Jefferson Hunt is done so well it's like you're living it while reading in your favorite chair. Sometimes now walking my dogs down the lane I feel like I'm out walking the hounds. So that's good writing, enjoy this whole series if you've not read it yet!
February 16, 2021
I've read a couple of books in this series and while they're enjoyable I haven't rushed to read the others in the series. However, I decided to listen to this one and I think I like the series more as audiobooks. The things that usually kind of annoy me didn't annoy me as much. I think it was because I could half listen to those sections. I think I will try more in the series as audiobooks. As I've read books that came after this one I was a bit confused but in the end it was nice to get the back story on one of the characters.
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