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"Sister" Jane #13
Out of Hounds
“Sister” Jane Arnold and her hounds must sniff out a thief with expensive taste when a string of missing paintings leads to murder in this exciting foxhunting mystery from New York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown.
“Cunning foxes, sensible hounds, and sweet-tempered horses are among the sparkling conversationalists in this charming series.”— The New York Times Book Review
Spring is peeking through the frost in Virginia, and though the hunting season is coming to a close, the foxes seem determined to put the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club through their paces. Sister and her friends are enjoying some of the best chases they’ve had all season when the fun is cut short by the theft of Crawford Howard’s treasured Sir Alfred Munnings painting of a woman in hunting attire riding sidesaddle. When another painting goes missing five days later—also a Munnings, also of a woman hunting sidesaddle—Sister Jane knows it’s no coincidence. Someone is stealing paintings of foxhunters from foxhunters. But why?
Perhaps it’s a form of protest against their sport. For the hunt club isn’t just under attack from the thief. Mysterious signs have started to appear outside their homes, decrying their way of life. stop a cruel sport reads one that appears outside Crawford’s house, not long after his painting goes missing. no hounds barking shows up on the telephone pole outside Sister’s driveway. Annoying, but relatively harmless.
Then Delores Buckingham, retired now but once a formidable foxhunter, is strangled to death after her own Munnings sidesaddle painting is stolen. Now Sister’s not just up against a thief and a few obnoxious signs—she’s on the hunt for a killer.
“Cunning foxes, sensible hounds, and sweet-tempered horses are among the sparkling conversationalists in this charming series.”— The New York Times Book Review
Spring is peeking through the frost in Virginia, and though the hunting season is coming to a close, the foxes seem determined to put the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club through their paces. Sister and her friends are enjoying some of the best chases they’ve had all season when the fun is cut short by the theft of Crawford Howard’s treasured Sir Alfred Munnings painting of a woman in hunting attire riding sidesaddle. When another painting goes missing five days later—also a Munnings, also of a woman hunting sidesaddle—Sister Jane knows it’s no coincidence. Someone is stealing paintings of foxhunters from foxhunters. But why?
Perhaps it’s a form of protest against their sport. For the hunt club isn’t just under attack from the thief. Mysterious signs have started to appear outside their homes, decrying their way of life. stop a cruel sport reads one that appears outside Crawford’s house, not long after his painting goes missing. no hounds barking shows up on the telephone pole outside Sister’s driveway. Annoying, but relatively harmless.
Then Delores Buckingham, retired now but once a formidable foxhunter, is strangled to death after her own Munnings sidesaddle painting is stolen. Now Sister’s not just up against a thief and a few obnoxious signs—she’s on the hunt for a killer.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
152 people are currently reading
4343 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
174 books2,231 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 113 reviews
March 22, 2022
In this 13th book in the 'Sister Jane' cozy mystery series, the amateur sleuth investigates art theft and murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Jane Arnold, called "Sister", has been Master of Foxhounds (MFH) of the Jefferson Hunt - a foxhunting club in Jefferson County, Virginia - for over forty years.
As MFH Sister hires and fires personnel; makes arrangements with landowners; develops the pack of hounds; organizes the hunts; and so on. The foxhunts are very popular, and Sister is aided by an array of personnel who command the hounds and make sure things run smoothly.
As the story opens, it's February 2020 - foxhunting season - and Sister is overseeing a morning hunt. After the hunt there's a breakfast with hot food, hot drinks, and a full bar where participants - most of whom are wealthy - socialize.
Foxhunters like Carter Nicewonder, who sells expensive vintage jewelry, and Kathleen Sixt Dunbar, who sells high-end antiques also take the opportunity to solicit business from their affluent acquaintances.
As the story unfolds valuable artworks that feature women riding sidesaddle, painted by Sir Alfred Munnings, are being stolen from the homes of rich people associated with foxhunting and/or horse breeding.
The thievery is soon followed by murders, the deceased being ex-convicts as well as a woman called Delores Buckingham, whose painting was stolen from her residence.
Sister and her friends, who greatly admire Munnings work, are distressed by the burglaries and fear the artworks will end up with rich collectors overseas. Thus the amateur sleuths embark on their own investigation, which largely consists of contacting museums and collectors that own Munnings' work, to see if anyone has been sniffing around, asking questions, etc.
This ends up putting Sister in danger, when the perpetrator(s) fear she's getting too close.
The 'Sister' cozies by Rita Mae Brown are much more about foxhunting than solving a mystery, and the story features one foxhunt after another, each of which is described in detail.
The hunts are seen not only from the POVs of the humans, but also of the dogs, horses, and foxes involved. There's also chatter from pet dogs and cats, all of which adds a fun element to the novel.
Like all hunting sports, foxhunting has its detractors, and protestors stage demonstrations, distribute fliers, and put up signs accusing foxhunters of being cruel and elitist.
Sister carefully explains that foxhunting is the state sport of Virginia, the foxes are chased but not killed, foxhunters are nature lovers and environmentalists, and the activity generates a billion dollars in revenue.
As usual in Rita Mae Brown books, the author takes the opportunity to share her interest in history, politics, and social issues in the guise of conversations among the characters.
Rita Mae Brown (left)
Thus Sister and her compatriots talk about changes in foxhunting over the years; the evolution of equine art; old money manners and breeding vs. new money superficiality and showiness; religion; marriage; social media; alcoholism; the coronavirus (origin in China; social distancing, masks, economic hardship, and profiteering); and more.
I'd recommend the book to fans of Rita Mae Brown and people interested in foxhunting.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rita Mae Brown, and Ballantine Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 17, 2021
If you’re a fan of fox hunting, Rita Mae Brown’s Out of Hounds may be just the ticket! Unfortunately, it doesn’t really grab me, and a little bit goes a long way. I do enjoy a good mystery, and this mystery isn’t bad, but the book seems to be more about the hunt for foxes than for an art thief and killer.
It’s the 13th book in the “Sister” Jane Arnold series. Sister is a Master of Foxhounds, which means that she is the individual who runs the hunt. She is an intelligent woman, respected by all. The hunts seem to be where a lot of socializing takes place, both among the humans and the animals, including hounds, horses, and fox, both gray and red. This is one of the author’s trademarks; she names all her critters and gives them voices, which the humans cannot understand, of course. Despite the Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book, I had quite a difficult time keeping track of everyone. Part of the problem was that my Kindle search feature did not include the Cast.
After the first painting went missing, and then a body is found, things began to get interesting. I always learn a thing or two about Virginia and the surrounding area, its history and geography. In this instance, the artwork that is stolen is by a real artist, Alfred Munnings, an English painter. I confess that I did learn a thing or two about fox hunting as well.
Ms Brown throws in a bit of politics and current events, as the characters must cope with the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is also a touch of romance here and there. All in all, I’d rate this one three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the creative Rita Mae Brown for this advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
3 stars
It’s the 13th book in the “Sister” Jane Arnold series. Sister is a Master of Foxhounds, which means that she is the individual who runs the hunt. She is an intelligent woman, respected by all. The hunts seem to be where a lot of socializing takes place, both among the humans and the animals, including hounds, horses, and fox, both gray and red. This is one of the author’s trademarks; she names all her critters and gives them voices, which the humans cannot understand, of course. Despite the Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book, I had quite a difficult time keeping track of everyone. Part of the problem was that my Kindle search feature did not include the Cast.
After the first painting went missing, and then a body is found, things began to get interesting. I always learn a thing or two about Virginia and the surrounding area, its history and geography. In this instance, the artwork that is stolen is by a real artist, Alfred Munnings, an English painter. I confess that I did learn a thing or two about fox hunting as well.
Ms Brown throws in a bit of politics and current events, as the characters must cope with the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is also a touch of romance here and there. All in all, I’d rate this one three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the creative Rita Mae Brown for this advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
3 stars
January 20, 2021
I have long been a fan of Rita Mae Brown’s work. I love the setting, the characters, the animals. Out of Hounds is no exception.
The book is set in present day, opening in February 2020. Sister Jane, as Master of the Jefferson Hunt, is starting to prepare for the closing of the fox hunt season. But soon there’s a new topic of interest – the theft of high-dollar artwork, paintings of women riding sidesaddle. At first, it appears to be simply a thief with exquisite taste. But then dead bodies start showing up, and when Delores Buckingham, a retired foxhunter, also ends up dead, Sister is on the hunt for a killer.
This is not a full-throttle, high-speed mystery. It’s a slow burn of a story. The characters are, for the most part, middle-aged and older, with the gentility of old Virginia society. They act with decorum even in difficult situations, and the story unfolds largely through dialogue. Sister is more a hunt master who happens to be inquiring about a crime than a private eye or homegrown sleuth.
There is also a lot of detail about foxhunting. I find it fascinating, because it is completely out of my realm of experience. Brown thoughtfully includes a cast of characters at the beginning, identifying all players, both human and animal. This is helpful, because there are a lot of characters. Maybe more human than animal. I enjoy reading about how the hounds pursue their prey (no prey is actually killed, in case you were wondering) and how the hunters care for their hounds and horses. If you aren’t big on that kind of specific detail, this may not be the best read for you. I loved it.
I also found it fascinating that Brown weaves very current events into her story. The COVID lockdowns started as she was writing, and she uses that as part of the story. This is the first book I’ve read that has done that, and I feel like she used it to good effect. It’s interesting to see how she wrote the characters’ perception of current happenings.
Five stars from me, and I’ll read just about anything Rita Mae Brown writes from now until forever.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
The book is set in present day, opening in February 2020. Sister Jane, as Master of the Jefferson Hunt, is starting to prepare for the closing of the fox hunt season. But soon there’s a new topic of interest – the theft of high-dollar artwork, paintings of women riding sidesaddle. At first, it appears to be simply a thief with exquisite taste. But then dead bodies start showing up, and when Delores Buckingham, a retired foxhunter, also ends up dead, Sister is on the hunt for a killer.
This is not a full-throttle, high-speed mystery. It’s a slow burn of a story. The characters are, for the most part, middle-aged and older, with the gentility of old Virginia society. They act with decorum even in difficult situations, and the story unfolds largely through dialogue. Sister is more a hunt master who happens to be inquiring about a crime than a private eye or homegrown sleuth.
There is also a lot of detail about foxhunting. I find it fascinating, because it is completely out of my realm of experience. Brown thoughtfully includes a cast of characters at the beginning, identifying all players, both human and animal. This is helpful, because there are a lot of characters. Maybe more human than animal. I enjoy reading about how the hounds pursue their prey (no prey is actually killed, in case you were wondering) and how the hunters care for their hounds and horses. If you aren’t big on that kind of specific detail, this may not be the best read for you. I loved it.
I also found it fascinating that Brown weaves very current events into her story. The COVID lockdowns started as she was writing, and she uses that as part of the story. This is the first book I’ve read that has done that, and I feel like she used it to good effect. It’s interesting to see how she wrote the characters’ perception of current happenings.
Five stars from me, and I’ll read just about anything Rita Mae Brown writes from now until forever.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance reader copy. All opinions expressed here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
February 2, 2021
Rita Mae Brown’s newest Sister Jane novel, “Out of Hounds” is only one of two novels I’ve read (the other is by Elinor Lipman) that addresses the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant political ramifications. Oh, most of the novel centers around “Sister” Jane Arnold and her cozy world of fox hunting in central Virginia, including other humans and the animals who make up that world.
I’ve been reading Rita Mae Brown’s books since I discovered “Six of One” and “Southern Discomfort” over 40 years ago. I read her books for the characters, not the plots. The plots for most of the “Sister Jane” books are nonsensical; this latest one was about, I think, paintings of women riders being stolen from peoples’ homes and murders of the men doing the actual stealing. The identity of the “bad guy” is rather telegraphed to the reader early on in the book. Throw in mutilated hands - I never did figure out what was about - and other plot vagueness, and I basically quit reading for plot midway through the book.
Concentrating on Brown’s characters, both human and not, make reading her “Sister” books so much fun. Over the years - maybe 20 - we have watched both humans and animals go through life experiences with charm and love. Brown writes dialogue for her animals - the foxes, horses, dogs, and even screech owls and other birds - as they go through both the special and the mundane parts of life. The “Sister Jane” books lack the sharp writing of her earlier work, but that’s probably true of many older writers (and readers like me).
As I wrote before, “Out of Hounds” is written as a contemporaneous look at the Covid epidemic, from its earliest days in February/March 2020 to whenever she had to turn her finished manuscript into her publisher. She was brave to add this plot point to her book. It does “date” the book, but it also gives the story an historical context.
Brown’s latest book is definitely worth reading, especially if you’re a long time reader of the “Sister Jane” series.
I’ve been reading Rita Mae Brown’s books since I discovered “Six of One” and “Southern Discomfort” over 40 years ago. I read her books for the characters, not the plots. The plots for most of the “Sister Jane” books are nonsensical; this latest one was about, I think, paintings of women riders being stolen from peoples’ homes and murders of the men doing the actual stealing. The identity of the “bad guy” is rather telegraphed to the reader early on in the book. Throw in mutilated hands - I never did figure out what was about - and other plot vagueness, and I basically quit reading for plot midway through the book.
Concentrating on Brown’s characters, both human and not, make reading her “Sister” books so much fun. Over the years - maybe 20 - we have watched both humans and animals go through life experiences with charm and love. Brown writes dialogue for her animals - the foxes, horses, dogs, and even screech owls and other birds - as they go through both the special and the mundane parts of life. The “Sister Jane” books lack the sharp writing of her earlier work, but that’s probably true of many older writers (and readers like me).
As I wrote before, “Out of Hounds” is written as a contemporaneous look at the Covid epidemic, from its earliest days in February/March 2020 to whenever she had to turn her finished manuscript into her publisher. She was brave to add this plot point to her book. It does “date” the book, but it also gives the story an historical context.
Brown’s latest book is definitely worth reading, especially if you’re a long time reader of the “Sister Jane” series.
December 6, 2020
February 2020 in Virginia where the state sport is Fox Hunting and the state dog is Foxhound. It's a good thing that there is an explanatory cast of characters at the beginning because there are so many animals as well as humans! If you come for wealthy humans and a good mystery with murders and art theft, you'll love it. I come for the animal conversations and antics, and I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley. Thank you
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley. Thank you
January 8, 2021
A interesting mystery set in the world of Virginian fox hunting.
While it would probably help a reader to know more about fox hunting jargon, the author provides a great glossary with key terms and an intuitive overview. The story doesn't suffer as a result of the reader's inexperience with "the hunt."
In the same way that she leverages her extensive knowledge of hunting, author Rita Mae Brown gives us a large, diverse, and well-established cast of characters with pre-existing relationships and personal histories. Their interactions are the novel's highlight. They debate, they joke around, and they share a passion that they approach in different ways. It's also particularly refreshing to see such a large number of characters over the age of fifty who still pursue interests and human relationships.
The mystery itself is interesting and gives the novel a great kick start, but ultimately falls short of expectations. The principal characters do not actively investigate the mounting pile of mysteries, at least not beyond some casual conversations and the odd internet search. It's hard to take a solid interest in the inciting incident when the characters don't seem particular invested in solving it.
Ultimately, this book is more about the characters hunting in Virginia (and discussing everything from politics, anti-hunting activism, and the global pandemic) than it is about solving a murder or two.
Recommended if you're curious about the world of Virginian fox hunting and the mystery genre, but it might be better to start with some of the earlier books.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While it would probably help a reader to know more about fox hunting jargon, the author provides a great glossary with key terms and an intuitive overview. The story doesn't suffer as a result of the reader's inexperience with "the hunt."
In the same way that she leverages her extensive knowledge of hunting, author Rita Mae Brown gives us a large, diverse, and well-established cast of characters with pre-existing relationships and personal histories. Their interactions are the novel's highlight. They debate, they joke around, and they share a passion that they approach in different ways. It's also particularly refreshing to see such a large number of characters over the age of fifty who still pursue interests and human relationships.
The mystery itself is interesting and gives the novel a great kick start, but ultimately falls short of expectations. The principal characters do not actively investigate the mounting pile of mysteries, at least not beyond some casual conversations and the odd internet search. It's hard to take a solid interest in the inciting incident when the characters don't seem particular invested in solving it.
Ultimately, this book is more about the characters hunting in Virginia (and discussing everything from politics, anti-hunting activism, and the global pandemic) than it is about solving a murder or two.
Recommended if you're curious about the world of Virginian fox hunting and the mystery genre, but it might be better to start with some of the earlier books.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2020
If you are a fox hunting fan, this book is for you! When you have to include 20 pages that outline the characters before even getting into the story, it might be a clue that you either need to have read the other books in the series or be a serious fox hunting fan. Since i am neither, it was a struggle to follow the story at times. Though the location is what captured me as I used to live in the area 20 years ago.
That said, I did like that the animals are represented and even speak up throughout the story. Sadly, I think I would need to read the first 12 books in this series to become fully engaged. Perhaps I will try the first book in the series one day and go from there.
That said, I did like that the animals are represented and even speak up throughout the story. Sadly, I think I would need to read the first 12 books in this series to become fully engaged. Perhaps I will try the first book in the series one day and go from there.
February 26, 2021
As a faithful reader of Sister Jane’s books, this was a real disappointment. Rita Mae needs to leave her political comments about current situation somewhere else instead of her books about fox hunting. It was so full of that. The real story of the thief of paintings was lost and boring. If this kind of writing continues I will not be reading her books anymore.
March 30, 2021
That's it. Not only was this entire plot a disaster, but she had to go and air her opinions on politics in this book. Believe it or not, Rita, but I enjoyed reading this series for the foxhunting, talking animals, and whodunit murder mysteries. I read to escape reality, and I am not interested in your opinions about Coronavirus or Trump. She got so wrapped up in that and this whole fight against foxhunting protesters, that the original mystery got shoved aside. A painting was stolen and somebody was murdered. She could have stopped there, but then more paintings were stolen and more people were murdered. It became a thing about riding sidesaddle and how it was oppressive (or not) to women. Then she got caught up in talking about coronavirus and I didn't read anymore of it. There were only about 30 pages left anyway, the ending couldn't have been very good. I am so disappointed in what this series has become... I'd give no stars if I could.
April 29, 2021
I always enjoy Sister Jane and the animals, this was particularly interesting because of the art described. I also read The Last Mona Lisa at the same time and was floored to turn a page in Hounds to a reference to THAT theft! I thought the coronavirus was cleverly introduced and handled. Sorry for the series writers who are gong to have to figure out how to work with it in their writing, hope they predict a swift end in 2021!
January 25, 2021
Reading Out of Hounds was like visiting with old friends and checking up on all of their news. A series that stays fresh and fun over many volumes.
February 2, 2021
Excellent book, and another year of waiting.
February 15, 2022
February 6-March 16, 2020
The mystery was about stolen paintings and murder. This wasn't the main plot, though. The story is mostly about hunting and the pandemic. I enjoyed the hunting, but I didn't like the real world stuff that was in this story. I was hoping to get away from that with this book. The animals were around and helpful like they usually are. I also enjoyed that part of the story.
The mystery was about stolen paintings and murder. This wasn't the main plot, though. The story is mostly about hunting and the pandemic. I enjoyed the hunting, but I didn't like the real world stuff that was in this story. I was hoping to get away from that with this book. The animals were around and helpful like they usually are. I also enjoyed that part of the story.
January 22, 2021
Horrible. Now I remember why I haven't read a Brown book in years.
February 17, 2021
Too much name dropping, too much politics, and not enough story.
January 23, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Out of Hounds is the 13th "Sister" Jane mystery by Rita Mae Brown. Released 19th Jan 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Like nearly all of Ms. Brown's oeuvre, this is a capably written, well told story that is character driven, neatly plotted, and finely paced. 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. 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 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 (mostly because even though American fox hunters just chase the foxes and don't kill them, it still distresses me and I'm always rooting for the foxes - the books are also *full* of upper class extremely wealthy people who often rub my proletariat heart the wrong way). Bonus points for the author's managing to make her characters ethnically diverse, and not just pasted on, either. Many of the characters have faced and worked through part of their tragic shared traumatic past, from slave times onward and at this point there seems to be more good natured camaraderie than any festering resentment.
The art theft and murder plots felt secondary to the fox hunting in this one, but still overall quite a solidly entertaining read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Out of Hounds is the 13th "Sister" Jane mystery by Rita Mae Brown. Released 19th Jan 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Like nearly all of Ms. Brown's oeuvre, this is a capably written, well told story that is character driven, neatly plotted, and finely paced. 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. 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 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 (mostly because even though American fox hunters just chase the foxes and don't kill them, it still distresses me and I'm always rooting for the foxes - the books are also *full* of upper class extremely wealthy people who often rub my proletariat heart the wrong way). Bonus points for the author's managing to make her characters ethnically diverse, and not just pasted on, either. Many of the characters have faced and worked through part of their tragic shared traumatic past, from slave times onward and at this point there seems to be more good natured camaraderie than any festering resentment.
The art theft and murder plots felt secondary to the fox hunting in this one, but still overall quite a solidly entertaining read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 20, 2021
Fox Hunting Mixed with Murder and Art Theft
It’s the end of fox hunting season, and Sister Jane, Master of the Jefferson Hunt, is preparing for closing the season. However, things are never dull for Sister Jane and her friends. Soon high dollar paintings by Alfred Munnings are stolen. Although Munnings painted many horse related paintings, the ones stolen are all of ladies riding sidesaddle.
Murder enters the mix when one of the owners of a Munnings painting is killed. This is followed by more murders as the police and private investigators try to locate the stolen paintings. The Covid virus also makes an appearance along with protesters who are against fox hunting even though they don’t understand it.
I always find the Sister Jane novels delightful. The fox hunting scenes are so well written you feel you’re there on a horse. The animals both foxes and horses not to mention the dogs make the story come to life.
The mystery is not the focus of the story. Sister tries to do some sleuthing but it’s not the main part of the story. I did enjoy the history surrounding Alfred Munnings and his art. The only negative is that there are a great many characters. If you follow the series, this isn’t a problem, but new readers may find it challenging to remember who everyone is.
I particularly enjoyed the discussions between Sister and her friends about the environment and how to preserve rural areas. If you love animals and rural life, you’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Random House for this review.
It’s the end of fox hunting season, and Sister Jane, Master of the Jefferson Hunt, is preparing for closing the season. However, things are never dull for Sister Jane and her friends. Soon high dollar paintings by Alfred Munnings are stolen. Although Munnings painted many horse related paintings, the ones stolen are all of ladies riding sidesaddle.
Murder enters the mix when one of the owners of a Munnings painting is killed. This is followed by more murders as the police and private investigators try to locate the stolen paintings. The Covid virus also makes an appearance along with protesters who are against fox hunting even though they don’t understand it.
I always find the Sister Jane novels delightful. The fox hunting scenes are so well written you feel you’re there on a horse. The animals both foxes and horses not to mention the dogs make the story come to life.
The mystery is not the focus of the story. Sister tries to do some sleuthing but it’s not the main part of the story. I did enjoy the history surrounding Alfred Munnings and his art. The only negative is that there are a great many characters. If you follow the series, this isn’t a problem, but new readers may find it challenging to remember who everyone is.
I particularly enjoyed the discussions between Sister and her friends about the environment and how to preserve rural areas. If you love animals and rural life, you’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Random House for this review.
June 5, 2021
Long, long ago, Six of One was one of my favorite reads. Since then, I have enjoyed many more of her books, but since Rita Mae started writing cozy mysteries, fewer and fewer have excited or entertained me. The Mrs. Murphy were a bit of light fun at the beginning, but I started to find them boring after about 15. The Sister Jane are even less appealing. This latest one kept losing me completely with all the name dropping of real people (in the equine jewelry and art world) mixed in with the fictional characters. These have become novels for people who fully support fox hunting. For the last 5 years or so, I eagerly pick up the latest only to find another book that I feel I am being lectured, preached at being spoken to in a condescending manner. I think it great that Rita has A passion for fox hunting and supporting industries like it in Virginia and tobacco in Kentucky etc. but I am unable to relate in any way. I also find myself unable to grasp the vast amounts of money spent in all the Sister Jane novels. Harry, in the Mrs Murphy novels at least had to struggle a bit to pay her bills , as did some of the other characters. On top of it all, I no longer find any of the relationships between characters believable, particularly the romances. I don't think I will be picking up any more of Rita Mae Brown's book. I am so disappointed. Bring back characters like Juts, Wheezy, Nickel and Fannie Jump, please.
January 19, 2021
I like this series more for the mystery and not as much for the fox hunting. Having said that, I do learn a lot in each book beyond the who done it and the why done it. My problem in almost all of Rita Mae Brown's mysteries is too many characters to keep straight - people and animals all have names and that is a bit hard to deal with when reading on a Kindle. It's not a deal breaker and I make lots of notes.
Here we are with the 13th in the series starring "Sister" Jane Arnold and it's almost Spring and the end of the season for foxhunting. Soon theft and murder enter their lives when various members of the hunt have paintings of women riding sidesaddle, all painted by real life artist Sir Alfred Munnings and one such theft leaves one of their own dead. Sister Jane has been a force to be reckoned with as the Master of Foxhounds for forty years so solving thefts and murder won't get the better of her.
The theme of art history and the various bits of Colonial Virginia history were perfectly blended into the mystery. The reader comes away with an understanding of the history of foxhunting, too. With a setting of early 2020, Covid is a feature, too. Overall a very enjoyable mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Here we are with the 13th in the series starring "Sister" Jane Arnold and it's almost Spring and the end of the season for foxhunting. Soon theft and murder enter their lives when various members of the hunt have paintings of women riding sidesaddle, all painted by real life artist Sir Alfred Munnings and one such theft leaves one of their own dead. Sister Jane has been a force to be reckoned with as the Master of Foxhounds for forty years so solving thefts and murder won't get the better of her.
The theme of art history and the various bits of Colonial Virginia history were perfectly blended into the mystery. The reader comes away with an understanding of the history of foxhunting, too. With a setting of early 2020, Covid is a feature, too. Overall a very enjoyable mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2022
Another Fun Foxhunting Mystery!
I love Sister Jane and the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club. They are such a loveable group of characters. Sister Jane especially is so wise, well-read and able to handle any crisis. It is no wonder so many people turn to her in time of trouble. As usual Rita Mae Brown's 13th Sister Virginia mystery has me wanting to move to Virginia and join the Jefferson Hunt. Even though I hate the cold, and can ride but never jump a horse to save my life, if Sister Jane was real , I might just try it for her! The mystery of stolen art work of beautiful women riders sidesaddle on equally beautiful horses, in true Rita May style keeps you guessing until the startling finale. And this novel has more than it's fair share of new and old love blossoming as well.
As usual, the foxes are smart and sassy(Aunt Netty the grumpy old Vixen, even saves the day!). The foxhounds have their own special personalities and even the horses show off. Rita Mae not only writes a great mystery she introduces you to the sport of American Foxhunting and art history at the same time. A day spent reading a Sister Jane book is a day spent romping over the fields and woods of Virginia. While you could read the novels as stand alone, they are best read in order to get the true flavor of the world that Rita Mae has created for Sister Jane and the Jefferson Hunt Club!
I love Sister Jane and the members of the Jefferson Hunt Club. They are such a loveable group of characters. Sister Jane especially is so wise, well-read and able to handle any crisis. It is no wonder so many people turn to her in time of trouble. As usual Rita Mae Brown's 13th Sister Virginia mystery has me wanting to move to Virginia and join the Jefferson Hunt. Even though I hate the cold, and can ride but never jump a horse to save my life, if Sister Jane was real , I might just try it for her! The mystery of stolen art work of beautiful women riders sidesaddle on equally beautiful horses, in true Rita May style keeps you guessing until the startling finale. And this novel has more than it's fair share of new and old love blossoming as well.
As usual, the foxes are smart and sassy(Aunt Netty the grumpy old Vixen, even saves the day!). The foxhounds have their own special personalities and even the horses show off. Rita Mae not only writes a great mystery she introduces you to the sport of American Foxhunting and art history at the same time. A day spent reading a Sister Jane book is a day spent romping over the fields and woods of Virginia. While you could read the novels as stand alone, they are best read in order to get the true flavor of the world that Rita Mae has created for Sister Jane and the Jefferson Hunt Club!
January 31, 2021
I have always loved Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries. This is the first of her other books that I have read. I am sorry to say that I had a really hard time getting into the story.
As with her other books, the settings are often real places and people familiar with the area around Charlottesville will have no trouble imagining the area. As in her other books, the animals "talk" with their dialogue shown in italics. There is a mystery, this time stolen paintings and then a murder or two. All that is fine.
But there was page after page of the fox hunt. The fox goes here, the dogs go there, the whippers in say this, want that. There's a fence, a den, a stream. Oh, my gosh, I thought it would never end. The social life of the hunt clubs, the endless chases. They took almost as long to read as a real hunt would last. I'm sorry, but I have no interest at all in the details of a fox hunt. I confess that I started skimming pages so that I wouldn't have to read all of that. I love to read, but I have a life to get back to and spending time on a fox hunt is not high on my list of priorities even during a pandemic.
The story itself is good. The characters are likable enough. But oh, my, it goes on forever. Perhaps the longes 320 pages I've ever read.
As with her other books, the settings are often real places and people familiar with the area around Charlottesville will have no trouble imagining the area. As in her other books, the animals "talk" with their dialogue shown in italics. There is a mystery, this time stolen paintings and then a murder or two. All that is fine.
But there was page after page of the fox hunt. The fox goes here, the dogs go there, the whippers in say this, want that. There's a fence, a den, a stream. Oh, my gosh, I thought it would never end. The social life of the hunt clubs, the endless chases. They took almost as long to read as a real hunt would last. I'm sorry, but I have no interest at all in the details of a fox hunt. I confess that I started skimming pages so that I wouldn't have to read all of that. I love to read, but I have a life to get back to and spending time on a fox hunt is not high on my list of priorities even during a pandemic.
The story itself is good. The characters are likable enough. But oh, my, it goes on forever. Perhaps the longes 320 pages I've ever read.
January 28, 2022
In the last couple of novels, I felt the spirit of the series was lost in pages of sermonizing on various social issues, mostly about how modern youth (etc) was lazy, misguided, selfish and generally lacking in moral fiber, manners and any qualities that made this country great. The past was not all that great for a lot of people in this country: it was great if you were white and rich. Still is. These last few books were only tangentially associated with foxhunting or the equine world and got distracted trying to follow the personal lives of way too many supporting characters. This book returns to what made the initial novels so much fun: lots of foxhunting descriptions, the wise observations of the hounds (except for Dragon), the even wiser observations of the horses, and a mystery that tied the art world with that of foxhunting and horses. Tootie finally was treated as a young woman, and not a little girl, as her romance with Weevil finally blooms. The ways of society in the South remains a curious study for those readers, like myself, from the North, but this returned to an entertaining story, focused on fewer supporting characters and gave us lots of time in the field.
January 20, 2021
Book 13 of Brown's "Sister" Jane series is more pastoral than usual. Gone are the long discourses on politics. Instead Brown offers us an in depth look at the joys of fox hunting. By offering the POV of the MFH and the fox, the event becomes exceptionally true to life. While some may argue that this sport is cruel, I am one who says contact sports cause more damage in today's world.
The mystery almost appears off camera. Art theft, where the paintings are by the same artist, (Munnings) pose a puzzle. Is this a subtle way to protest fox hunting? How are the thieves able to over come security systems? Why would some one kill for a painting? Will "Sister" Jane solve the problem before someone else is killed?
Days after finishing Out of Hounds, I am still drawn to the wonderful romance between Sister and her heart companion. It is not often that senior relationships are featured. I am glad that Brown now has the freedom to write stories that feature both nature and love.
Full disclosure: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.
The mystery almost appears off camera. Art theft, where the paintings are by the same artist, (Munnings) pose a puzzle. Is this a subtle way to protest fox hunting? How are the thieves able to over come security systems? Why would some one kill for a painting? Will "Sister" Jane solve the problem before someone else is killed?
Days after finishing Out of Hounds, I am still drawn to the wonderful romance between Sister and her heart companion. It is not often that senior relationships are featured. I am glad that Brown now has the freedom to write stories that feature both nature and love.
Full disclosure: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.
April 30, 2021
This is my first time reading a book by Rita Mae Brown. I'm not sure if I will read others in this "Sister" Jane series or another book by this author. Quite a lot of the story was about fox hunting and while I learned a lot I also learned it doesn't interest me. There are eight (8!) pages of Characters and useful terms in the beginning of the book. The explanation of the terms was helpful since I knew nothing about fox hunting, but it almost caused me to not read the book. I did enjoy reading about the friendships among Sister and her Jefferson Hunt Club group. I also skipped some of the hunting pages since they added nothing to the plot of the book.
The theft of the Munnings paintings and the murders in the story could and should have been developed more if they were supposed to be the main subject of the plot. Most of the story is about the Club group, the hunts and all the animals (yes they have speaking parts).
Political viewpoints, when expressed, are nicely presented. The Coronavirus had begun here in the US. and is also included in the story.
I didn't dislike the "Out of Hounds" but it could have been better, a lot better.
The theft of the Munnings paintings and the murders in the story could and should have been developed more if they were supposed to be the main subject of the plot. Most of the story is about the Club group, the hunts and all the animals (yes they have speaking parts).
Political viewpoints, when expressed, are nicely presented. The Coronavirus had begun here in the US. and is also included in the story.
I didn't dislike the "Out of Hounds" but it could have been better, a lot better.
June 8, 2021
I have always enjoyed the Sister Jane mysteries. Anything I know about fox hunting probably comes from reading these books and the fact that she includes the many animals’ point of view is always entertaining. But…
Perhaps I have outgrown them or the past pandemic year (which is actually acknowledged to be starting at the books end) have changed my point of view. This is a book that is peopled with whites and blacks but most of them are very privileged and the life of a rural Virginian is held up as the epitome of the good life. The ‘good old days’ are always covered with a slight acknowledgment that it’s that persons point of view while also coming across as the right point of view. Near the end the fox hunters ride past an old school house and it’s mentioned that it was such a good school until the 60s when they started busing everyone to ugly huge schools but no mention that (I’m sure) it was only a school for the white population around there. In any case I did finish the book and enjoyed it but probably not as much as I have previous books in this series.
Perhaps I have outgrown them or the past pandemic year (which is actually acknowledged to be starting at the books end) have changed my point of view. This is a book that is peopled with whites and blacks but most of them are very privileged and the life of a rural Virginian is held up as the epitome of the good life. The ‘good old days’ are always covered with a slight acknowledgment that it’s that persons point of view while also coming across as the right point of view. Near the end the fox hunters ride past an old school house and it’s mentioned that it was such a good school until the 60s when they started busing everyone to ugly huge schools but no mention that (I’m sure) it was only a school for the white population around there. In any case I did finish the book and enjoyed it but probably not as much as I have previous books in this series.
December 23, 2021
This is a mystery book about foxhunting, thefts of paintings, murder and early spring in Virginia. It starts out with a 9 page cast of characters including the humans, the American foxhounds, the horses, the foxes, the birds and Sister's house pets. The animals all talk though the humans don't understand them, and the animals and people have names and nicknames that could belong to anyone (not like Fido!).
Anyway most of the book takes place on foxhunts and most of this is in the month of February though we get to the first week in March before Covid-19 takes a place in forcing them to abandon the last planned foxhunt.
Paintings of women riding sidesaddle are stolen, and people are murdered. Sister tries to figure out the common theme and solve the mystery.
The whole book is well written if you are a fan of foxhunts, but not so interesting if you are not. I kept with it and enjoyed the parts I understood. But overall, this topic was not for me.
Anyway most of the book takes place on foxhunts and most of this is in the month of February though we get to the first week in March before Covid-19 takes a place in forcing them to abandon the last planned foxhunt.
Paintings of women riding sidesaddle are stolen, and people are murdered. Sister tries to figure out the common theme and solve the mystery.
The whole book is well written if you are a fan of foxhunts, but not so interesting if you are not. I kept with it and enjoyed the parts I understood. But overall, this topic was not for me.
February 6, 2022
An interesting look at how these familiar characters, human, canine, equine and vulpine (though foxes are actually canines too, but that’s a story for another place) spend the weeks leading up to the initial Covid-19 shutdown. I mean, there are the usual mysterious deaths, this time combined with some side saddle equine art theft - there’s an interesting niche - and the amateur sleuthing of Sister and her Fox hunting friends. All that seemed sidenotes to the characters observations as news of the corona outbreak seeps slowly out.
It’s not a huge part of the story - I just found it interesting. Rita Mae does a great job of presenting the ever so topical experiences. Rita Mae also reads this one - she’s not by any stretch the greatest reader - she sometimes falters in her timing (an extra pause mid sentence as she turns a page, a slip or stammer on a word) and it’s part of the charm, as is her somewhat gravely voice.
It’s not a huge part of the story - I just found it interesting. Rita Mae does a great job of presenting the ever so topical experiences. Rita Mae also reads this one - she’s not by any stretch the greatest reader - she sometimes falters in her timing (an extra pause mid sentence as she turns a page, a slip or stammer on a word) and it’s part of the charm, as is her somewhat gravely voice.
January 23, 2021
The 13th book in Brown's mystery series set in the foxhunting milieu of Virginia has generous doses of foxhound and horse lore along with a double shot of mystery: both murder and art theft.
I adore this series because it gives insight into a world I'd otherwise know nothing about: foxhunting. In this outing, readers also learn a bit about the painters who document that world as well, as the art thief focuses on paintings of women riding sidesaddle.
The one drawback to any Sister Jane mystery is that Brown does get didactic at times, and when characters begin lecturing about art history the action slows a little.
Still, as Brown says she wrote the book in real time as COVID-19 descended, she deserves props for writing one of the first novels out there with the virus woven into the story.
I adore this series because it gives insight into a world I'd otherwise know nothing about: foxhunting. In this outing, readers also learn a bit about the painters who document that world as well, as the art thief focuses on paintings of women riding sidesaddle.
The one drawback to any Sister Jane mystery is that Brown does get didactic at times, and when characters begin lecturing about art history the action slows a little.
Still, as Brown says she wrote the book in real time as COVID-19 descended, she deserves props for writing one of the first novels out there with the virus woven into the story.
February 8, 2021
Delightful.
The detail in this story is remarkable. The setting, plot, and characters grab you and pull you in until you think you might be a gentle born foxhunter as well. Do you have friends who own foxhounds and ride horses? You do now, they live inside this book. Have some tea and solve a perplexing art heist with them. The bad guy, like so many others, is smart enough to get away with thievery, even murder, but they just can’t keep their casual cool when the amateur detectives find clues. My advice to bad guys, keep cool, man. Never show your hand. Especially your right hand when you’re a card shark. Ouch.
I was a lucky ducky and got this free, free, freeeeeeeeee yeah baby, through a Goodreads giveaway. My thanks to Rita Mae Brown, Penguin Random House, and Ballantine Books.
P.S.
This was set in Virginia. 😄👍🏻 How righteous is that?
The detail in this story is remarkable. The setting, plot, and characters grab you and pull you in until you think you might be a gentle born foxhunter as well. Do you have friends who own foxhounds and ride horses? You do now, they live inside this book. Have some tea and solve a perplexing art heist with them. The bad guy, like so many others, is smart enough to get away with thievery, even murder, but they just can’t keep their casual cool when the amateur detectives find clues. My advice to bad guys, keep cool, man. Never show your hand. Especially your right hand when you’re a card shark. Ouch.
I was a lucky ducky and got this free, free, freeeeeeeeee yeah baby, through a Goodreads giveaway. My thanks to Rita Mae Brown, Penguin Random House, and Ballantine Books.
P.S.
This was set in Virginia. 😄👍🏻 How righteous is that?
April 14, 2021
I really like Rita Mae Brown's Sister Jane Foxhunting series. This was a quick fun read. It was interesting because she wrote this during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic of early 2020 and as you read along you start to see how COVID affected last year. First hearing that it was in China and then the confusion as little information was being released and then finally the shut downs. I thought having this current event woven in with the mystery was wonderfully done and accurately portrayed the experience. As always the hounds, foxes, horses and the cat were fun characters that added to the storytelling. Sister Jane is as curious as ever as she investigates the missing paintings and the interesting histories behind them. I always feel like I learn a little about a new topic when reading Rita Mae Brown's books. Looking forward to the next Sister Jane!
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