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"Sister" Jane #11
Homeward Hound
A mystery full of colorful characters (both two- and four-legged!), gorgeous country landscapes, timeless traditions, and the breathtaking thrill of the fox hunt, from the
New York Times
bestselling author of
Crazy Like a Fox.
Amidst the revelry of the Christmas Hunt, mystery and intrigue abound...
When the fanfare is interrupted by the discovery of a body, "Sister" Jane Arnold and her company of loyal hounds find themselves faced with a pressing task--to uncover who has killed a beloved club faithful. It's no help that the meddling, loathsome Victor Harris lurks in the shadows, weaseling his way back into the life of his disinherited daughter...
As always, the gang must untangle the complex web of clues laid before them, and with Sister Jane at the helm, they will not rest until the truth is laid bare. Yet again, Rita Mae Brown shines, her signature flair sure to win over readers old and new.
Amidst the revelry of the Christmas Hunt, mystery and intrigue abound...
When the fanfare is interrupted by the discovery of a body, "Sister" Jane Arnold and her company of loyal hounds find themselves faced with a pressing task--to uncover who has killed a beloved club faithful. It's no help that the meddling, loathsome Victor Harris lurks in the shadows, weaseling his way back into the life of his disinherited daughter...
As always, the gang must untangle the complex web of clues laid before them, and with Sister Jane at the helm, they will not rest until the truth is laid bare. Yet again, Rita Mae Brown shines, her signature flair sure to win over readers old and new.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 20, 2018
178 people are currently reading
1551 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
180 books2,245 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 130 reviews
August 10, 2021
In this 11th book in the 'Sister Jane' series, a threatened assault to the lovely Virginia landscape results in 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.
The yearly Christmas Hunt is especially popular, and - despite warnings of snow - Sister decides to go ahead with it. One of the hunt members has invited a guest this year, a man called Gregory Luckham, who heads the huge energy company Soliden - based in Richmond, Virginia.
Soliden plans to build an oil pipeline through Jefferson County, a project that will destroy land and despoil the environment. This infuriates some local residents, especially estate owners whose property values will plummet and conservationists concerned about the flora and fauna.
Luckham's host, a lawyer called Ronnie Howard, hopes that a ride through beautiful, historic Jefferson County will convince Luckham to alter the pipeline's route. The majority of club members - though angry at Luckham - are polite to him during the hunt, but one man is openly hostile and makes threats.
The Christmas Hunt is proceeding splendidly when a sudden snowstorm hits, obscuring everyone's vision and making it impossible to continue. The participants slowly make their way back to their vehicles and horse trailers.....everyone except for Luckham.....whose horse returns without him.
The sheriff is called, but it's impossible to search for Luckham during the blizzard, and the next day - when the storm abates - Luckham can't be found anywhere....dead or alive. The continuing search does turn up a body, but it isn't the oil company magnate. It's a popular local who works for a wealthy landowner.
As the days pass, clues indicate that Luckham is dead. Sister and her friends - who comprise an interesting array of characters - realize that the killer is intimately familiar with the area and must belong to The Jefferson Hunt. Worse yet, other hunt members may be in danger if a psychopath is on the loose.
The sheriff continues to investigate the two deaths, and Sister and her friends help by nosing around and visiting sites where clues were found.
That's the mystery/detective part of the novel, which comprises roughly 20 percent of the narrative. The remainder of the book describes foxhunt after foxhunt, with detailed descriptions of the equipment, attire, landscape, jumps, people, foxes, hounds, horses, refreshments, etc. This is too much foxhunting for a mystery novel in my opinion.
On the upside, the story is accompanied by comments from - and conversations among - the hounds, foxes, horses, and even the barn owls.....all of whom are remarkably intelligent and well-informed. This adds a fun element to the tale.
Unfortunately, there's not much investigative work, and the case is solved in an incidental fashion -when the killer is observed with a suspicious object. If you're looking for a typical mystery, this isn't the book for you. But readers who enjoy foxhunting and other horse related activities would probably like the story.
In case you're squeamish, the Virginia foxhunts don't kill the foxes. The dogs and riders just chase the wily creatures until they 'go to ground' in a den. In fact the foxes are coddled, since local residents provide comfortable shelters as well as food like kibble, scraps, Milk Bone biscuits, Jolly Ranchers, and wrapped grape candies. (Foxes have a sweet tooth. Who knew? 😊)
The author provides an index of characters (human and animal) at the front of the book as well as a dictionary of terms related to foxhunting, all of which I found very helpful.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Rita Mae Brown), and the publisher (Ballantine Books) for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 20, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Rita Mae Brown (RMB) since the librarian had to pick me up off the floor after reading the first two paragraphs of her book Bingo over 18 years ago, Still one of the funniest, sweetest books I have ever read.
RMB in 200o started a series set in central Virginia centered around fox hunting, an activity that RMB knows well as she is a Master of the Foxhound (MFH) herself in central Virginia., no small honor.
RMB treats her foxhounds, house pets, foxes and horses as honored, thinking, verbal characters. Just the type of story I usually cannot stand. I make an exception of RMB who knows how to write a story and how to make you become invested in the characters. RMB is at her best when she writes about the foxhunting. I am like a kid with her nose squished against the plate glass window of a candy store when I read her books.
Jane Arnold, better known as Sister, is MFH of the Jefferson hunt, a position she has held for more than 40 years. An old and venerable hunt, the Jefferson is a sought after club.
At the Christmas Hunt, Gregory Luckham, president of an energy company and a member of another hunt is invited to ride with the Jefferson hunt as a guest. Luckham is president of an energy company that is planning on building a pipeline through central Virginia; virtually destroying historic properties and pristine wilderness. His host hopes Luckham will see the land his pipeline could despoil while also hoping the landowners could come to an accommodation and work for a new route.
Unfortunately he disappears during a sudden blizzard that comes up during the Christmas Hunt.
I never thought I would say this, but Homeward Hound seemed to consisted mostly of hunts. There are too many hunts, not enough of the mystery.
These hunts, and the properties they go through are lovingly described and the thrill of the hunt perfectly portrayed. This however does not make up for the lack of investigation or interest in the murders on the part of both the characters and the reader.
Still and all since I have been a fan since the beginning of the series, the book was like slipping on my robe and jimmy jams, enjoying the warmth and familiarity. I would invite any reader to join, at least for a few hours, this rarified life. RMB makes it easy to start anywhere with her dramatis personae and glossary at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
RMB in 200o started a series set in central Virginia centered around fox hunting, an activity that RMB knows well as she is a Master of the Foxhound (MFH) herself in central Virginia., no small honor.
RMB treats her foxhounds, house pets, foxes and horses as honored, thinking, verbal characters. Just the type of story I usually cannot stand. I make an exception of RMB who knows how to write a story and how to make you become invested in the characters. RMB is at her best when she writes about the foxhunting. I am like a kid with her nose squished against the plate glass window of a candy store when I read her books.
Jane Arnold, better known as Sister, is MFH of the Jefferson hunt, a position she has held for more than 40 years. An old and venerable hunt, the Jefferson is a sought after club.
At the Christmas Hunt, Gregory Luckham, president of an energy company and a member of another hunt is invited to ride with the Jefferson hunt as a guest. Luckham is president of an energy company that is planning on building a pipeline through central Virginia; virtually destroying historic properties and pristine wilderness. His host hopes Luckham will see the land his pipeline could despoil while also hoping the landowners could come to an accommodation and work for a new route.
Unfortunately he disappears during a sudden blizzard that comes up during the Christmas Hunt.
I never thought I would say this, but Homeward Hound seemed to consisted mostly of hunts. There are too many hunts, not enough of the mystery.
These hunts, and the properties they go through are lovingly described and the thrill of the hunt perfectly portrayed. This however does not make up for the lack of investigation or interest in the murders on the part of both the characters and the reader.
Still and all since I have been a fan since the beginning of the series, the book was like slipping on my robe and jimmy jams, enjoying the warmth and familiarity. I would invite any reader to join, at least for a few hours, this rarified life. RMB makes it easy to start anywhere with her dramatis personae and glossary at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 6, 2018
Homeward Hound, part of the Sister Jane series, has a great plot and wonderful characters. You get immersed in the fox hunting world of Virginia with all it's eccentricities and great characters, including the animals. There is a whole section before the story that introduces all the players - I love it! I am a big fan of Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie mysteries, and somehow have missed the Sister Jane stories. Now I have to go explore those books too - so excited to have more Rita Mae Brown to read! Highly recommend this one.
January 26, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars
This 11th book in the Sister Jane mystery series is yet another wonderful study in the finer details of fox hunting.
The story opens with details of preparations for tomorrow's much anticipated Christmas Hunt. Everyone's eyeing the weather channel carefully as there's a snowstorm coming in but it's not supposed to hit until afternoon, after the hunt concludes. Well there's your first clue. Sure enough, while out on the run, all hounds, steeds and riders are caught in an instant whiteout as snow suddenly dumps upon the region. Everyone gropes their way back to their trailers and gets their animals squared away and soon off to home. Pokerface arrived back at the trailer without his rider, Gregory Luckham, whose luck may have just run out. Gregory's head of Soliden, a huge energy company planning a pipeline across the region they just foxhunted. His attorney, a longstanding foxhunt rider, thought that bringing him on the hunt could show Gregory how important keeping the pristine beauty of the region is. That in turn would alter his plans and the pipeline would get rerouted. With Gregory not being the most well-liked guy on the hunt, the question arises, did Gregory have an accident or is foul play at hand.
Weather conditions prevented a prompt search and rescue and everyone prayed and hoped for the best. The next day, a body is found and the mystery begins.
Throughout this charming story, 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. Blood foxhunting is a thing of the past as far as Virginia is concerned and the humane treatment and care of fox, hound and steed is emphasized in this story. 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 suspicious death and you've got the makings of an enjoyable and educational cozy mystery. Kudos to Ms. Brown. If you are a fan of the traditional fox hunt, then this just might be a 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.
This 11th book in the Sister Jane mystery series is yet another wonderful study in the finer details of fox hunting.
The story opens with details of preparations for tomorrow's much anticipated Christmas Hunt. Everyone's eyeing the weather channel carefully as there's a snowstorm coming in but it's not supposed to hit until afternoon, after the hunt concludes. Well there's your first clue. Sure enough, while out on the run, all hounds, steeds and riders are caught in an instant whiteout as snow suddenly dumps upon the region. Everyone gropes their way back to their trailers and gets their animals squared away and soon off to home. Pokerface arrived back at the trailer without his rider, Gregory Luckham, whose luck may have just run out. Gregory's head of Soliden, a huge energy company planning a pipeline across the region they just foxhunted. His attorney, a longstanding foxhunt rider, thought that bringing him on the hunt could show Gregory how important keeping the pristine beauty of the region is. That in turn would alter his plans and the pipeline would get rerouted. With Gregory not being the most well-liked guy on the hunt, the question arises, did Gregory have an accident or is foul play at hand.
Weather conditions prevented a prompt search and rescue and everyone prayed and hoped for the best. The next day, a body is found and the mystery begins.
Throughout this charming story, 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. Blood foxhunting is a thing of the past as far as Virginia is concerned and the humane treatment and care of fox, hound and steed is emphasized in this story. 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 suspicious death and you've got the makings of an enjoyable and educational cozy mystery. Kudos to Ms. Brown. If you are a fan of the traditional fox hunt, then this just might be a 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.
January 6, 2019
Even you you knew nothing about the sport of fox hunting when you begin this tale, by the time you finish it, you’ll know something about it. Much of the story involves several hunts. The author has kindly included in the book various terms and their meaning. She also has included a list of important characters, both humans and animals. While there is a murder to solve, that part of the story seems to take a backseat to the real story, that of the characters and their devotion to proper hunting. And while they chase the foxes, they never harm them. In fact, these pampered wild animals are given places to stay, sometimes preferring a dog house to an underground den, as well as nourishing table scraps and sweets for dessert. If you are looking for a mystery where the protagonist searches high and low for the killer, this book may disappoint you. But if you are looking for an entertaining read that will enlighten you about fox hunting, you will enjoy this tale with the interplay between the characters. The discussions that the animals have are also quite delightful. Now it’s time for me to “go to ground” and take a snooze!
December 27, 2018
The Christmas hunt, shortened by the arrival of a monster snowstorm, ends with the disappearance of a man involved with an unpopular pipeline. He's missing and presumed dead when they are able to begin the search after the storm, but instead of his body, they find the body of another man. Slowly the missing man's body parts begin turning up. Pretty soon it becomes clear that someone quite familiar with the fox club's hunting grounds must be the murderer. I've only read about one other installment in this series and found it difficult to follow, even with the aid of the cast of characters and fox hunting vocabulary in the front of the volume. Because some animals had human-sounding names (and some people animal-sounding ones), I found it difficult to distinguish their voices even though the animals' speech was italicized. This one was similar, but I managed to stay afloat a bit better than in the previous one. What I really did enjoy about this was the frequent references to Virginia's history. If I read other installments, it will be because of the historical gems rather than the fox-hunting plot. I received a copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers' program with the expectation of an honest review.
November 3, 2018
Once again we are given an excellent murder mystery along with sentient animals and (for the foxes) bloodless hunting and marvelous horses. Fortunately for the reader, the book is prefaced by a dictionary of relevant terms and a comprehensive descriptive of all relevant characters both humans and animals. It's pretty easy from the opening chapters to see who is the kind of person who would be a target for murder, but from there on it is filled with suspects, twists, and red herrings! Altogether an excellent read whether you are into American fox hunting or not!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 18, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Rita Mae Brown (RMB) since the librarian had to pick me up off the floor after reading the first two paragraphs of her book Bingo over 18 years ago, Still one of the funniest, sweetest books I have ever read.
RMB in 200o started a series set in central Virginia centered around fox hunting, an activity that RMB knows well as she is a Master of the Foxhunt (MFH) herself in central Virginia., no small honor.
RMB treats her foxhounds, house pets, foxes and horses as honored, thinking, verbal characters. Just the type of story I usually cannot stand. I make an exception of RMB who knows how to write a story and how to make you become invested in the characters. RMB is at her best when she writes about the foxhunting. I am like a kid with her nose squished against the plate glass window of a candy store when I read her books.
Jane Arnold, better known as Sister, is MFH of the Jefferson hunt, a position she has held for more than 40 years. An old and venerable hunt, the Jefferson is a sought after club.
At the Christmas Hunt, Gregory Luckham, president of an energy company and a member of another hunt is invited to ride with the Jefferson hunt as a guest. Luckham is president of an energy company that is planning on building a pipeline through central Virginia; virtually destroying historic properties and pristine wilderness. His host hopes Luckham will see the land his pipeline could despoil while also hoping the landowners could come to an accommodation and work for a new route.
Unfortunately he disappears during a sudden blizzard that comes up during the Christmas Hunt.
I never thought I would say this, but Homeward Hound seemed to consisted mostly of hunts. There are too many hunts, not enough of the mystery.
These hunts, and the properties they go through are lovingly described and the thrill of the hunt perfectly portrayed. This however does not make up for the lack of investigation or interest in the murders on the part of both the characters and the reader.
Still and all since I have been a fan since the beginning of the series, the book was like slipping on my robe and jimmy jams, enjoying the warmth and familiarity. I would invite any reader to join, at least for a few hours, this rarified life. RMB makes it easy to start anywhere with her dramatis personae and glossary at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
RMB in 200o started a series set in central Virginia centered around fox hunting, an activity that RMB knows well as she is a Master of the Foxhunt (MFH) herself in central Virginia., no small honor.
RMB treats her foxhounds, house pets, foxes and horses as honored, thinking, verbal characters. Just the type of story I usually cannot stand. I make an exception of RMB who knows how to write a story and how to make you become invested in the characters. RMB is at her best when she writes about the foxhunting. I am like a kid with her nose squished against the plate glass window of a candy store when I read her books.
Jane Arnold, better known as Sister, is MFH of the Jefferson hunt, a position she has held for more than 40 years. An old and venerable hunt, the Jefferson is a sought after club.
At the Christmas Hunt, Gregory Luckham, president of an energy company and a member of another hunt is invited to ride with the Jefferson hunt as a guest. Luckham is president of an energy company that is planning on building a pipeline through central Virginia; virtually destroying historic properties and pristine wilderness. His host hopes Luckham will see the land his pipeline could despoil while also hoping the landowners could come to an accommodation and work for a new route.
Unfortunately he disappears during a sudden blizzard that comes up during the Christmas Hunt.
I never thought I would say this, but Homeward Hound seemed to consisted mostly of hunts. There are too many hunts, not enough of the mystery.
These hunts, and the properties they go through are lovingly described and the thrill of the hunt perfectly portrayed. This however does not make up for the lack of investigation or interest in the murders on the part of both the characters and the reader.
Still and all since I have been a fan since the beginning of the series, the book was like slipping on my robe and jimmy jams, enjoying the warmth and familiarity. I would invite any reader to join, at least for a few hours, this rarified life. RMB makes it easy to start anywhere with her dramatis personae and glossary at the beginning of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 4, 2018
4+ stars
I always enjoy Rita Mae Brown’s Sister Jane mysteries. This one is another great installment. The local area is being threatened by the development of gas and oil pipelines that are potentially going to be routed through the area. The CEO energy company, Gregory Luckham, looking to do the development is invited to join the Jefferson Hunt for their annual Christmas Hunt by one of the club members. Tensions are high since Gregory has had some heated words with several of the landowners in the area, namely Crawford, who is working to get his land conservation status to thwart the company’s plans.
While out on the hunt, a snowstorm descends the region making the humans and animals have to get back the start point and safety in near white out conditions. Once everyone gets back, its realized that Gregory didn’t make it back on his horse. Once the blizzard has past, law enforcement is out coming the area, but no signs of Gregory are found – either dead or alive.
Jane and her friends start digging into the disappearance to find out what happened to Gregory.
A great mystery with a lot of twists and turns. For those new to the series, be patient and use the list of characters up front as reference. Because of the number of characters and the sometimes difficult to follow hunt scenes, I do rate this a little more difficult a read and therefore only give it 4 stars. Otherwise I do enjoy the characters, the story and the community of Sister Jane’s.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I always enjoy Rita Mae Brown’s Sister Jane mysteries. This one is another great installment. The local area is being threatened by the development of gas and oil pipelines that are potentially going to be routed through the area. The CEO energy company, Gregory Luckham, looking to do the development is invited to join the Jefferson Hunt for their annual Christmas Hunt by one of the club members. Tensions are high since Gregory has had some heated words with several of the landowners in the area, namely Crawford, who is working to get his land conservation status to thwart the company’s plans.
While out on the hunt, a snowstorm descends the region making the humans and animals have to get back the start point and safety in near white out conditions. Once everyone gets back, its realized that Gregory didn’t make it back on his horse. Once the blizzard has past, law enforcement is out coming the area, but no signs of Gregory are found – either dead or alive.
Jane and her friends start digging into the disappearance to find out what happened to Gregory.
A great mystery with a lot of twists and turns. For those new to the series, be patient and use the list of characters up front as reference. Because of the number of characters and the sometimes difficult to follow hunt scenes, I do rate this a little more difficult a read and therefore only give it 4 stars. Otherwise I do enjoy the characters, the story and the community of Sister Jane’s.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 20, 2018
What a great group of friends more like family these characters are. Well, most of them anyway. I certainly learned more about chasing the elusive fox. They are quite smart creatures and well as being beautiful. I have to tell you my favorite part was the animals talking to each other. Love that!! This story shows what love can do and what greed can do. It could also make you wonder if you really know those folks you think you do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own and is freely given.
December 18, 2018
I had a horrible time trying to get this read but it was not the basic content of the story that caused the highest hurdle, so to speak. I hate long reviews that tend to tell me the whole story before I decide if I want to read it or not. That’s exactly what the “cast of characters” was in this book. Sixty-one Kindle pages of character description and terminology. Each character, be it human or a bird, or a horse, or a fox (well you get the point) had a description of either its personality or its purpose in life. When I finished reading all of these pages, I felt as if Ms. Brown might as well have put “killer” beside one of the names. How disappointing. Does this happen when a writer doesn’t have enough book material for their storyline?
I have only read two other Rita Mae Brown books and they were the “Mrs. Murphy” series. I will admit I had some trouble reading through them. They move a little slow for me, but this book was more animals and hunts than mystery to me. I know she has created some good characters over the years and they seem to be consistent.
Is it possible that the importance of adding a socially conscious issue, such as that of pipelines throughout our environment, threw off the author’s flow of writing? Readers more familiar with her might know this more than I do. I guess being such an avid reader, I am just having a difficult time trying to grasp not being fond of stories so many people crave. Then again, I suppose we all have different tastes.
I have only read two other Rita Mae Brown books and they were the “Mrs. Murphy” series. I will admit I had some trouble reading through them. They move a little slow for me, but this book was more animals and hunts than mystery to me. I know she has created some good characters over the years and they seem to be consistent.
Is it possible that the importance of adding a socially conscious issue, such as that of pipelines throughout our environment, threw off the author’s flow of writing? Readers more familiar with her might know this more than I do. I guess being such an avid reader, I am just having a difficult time trying to grasp not being fond of stories so many people crave. Then again, I suppose we all have different tastes.
October 6, 2018
Enjoyed the fox huning setting and "Sister". I haven't read this series before but will be adding it to my TBR pile. The murder is of someone no one liked so lots of suspects. It was interesting getting views from both the people and the foxes.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
February 3, 2019
I didn't finish, but I am so done with this book! I even took a break then tried again. Why can't I rate it 0 stars?! There are way too many characters, plot moves incredibly slow, animal conversations and way too much about the hunts that do nothing for the story, the writing is awkward and quite frankly I cannot believe how many 4 and 5 star reviews it got and that it is a best seller. It was actually painful reading this book.
September 19, 2025
I started this because of the mystery described on the jacket. Did not realize that the mystery took a back seat to the fox hunts. I quickly tired of the seemingly endless descriptions of the hunts that took place several times a week during the colder seasons. Nor did I realize that the animals -- foxes, hounds, horses, cats -- would have voices in the narrative, not understood by the humans, but by each other.
November 3, 2018
I have read other books by this author but not this series. I loved this book and and the setting . It is a sweet mystery
December 22, 2018
"Sister" Jane Arnold is starting another fox hunting season. As Master of Foxhounds for the Jefferson Hunt, she's responsible for running the Hunt Club itself, together with her co-Master Walter, but also for relations with local landowners, ensuring the club has permission to pursue foxes on the local estates, only some of whose owners are fox hunters themselves. The hunt season itself has started off well, but nevertheless there is potential trouble brewing. Soliden, a major energy company, wants to lay a pipeline right through the heart of the hunt country and across old and carefully tended estates. A dinner planned to let the Soliden CEO and the hunt community get to know each other turns explosive. Crawford, head of another local hunt club, storms out in fury.
All of which is disturbing, but not nearly as disturbing as when, at the end of the Christmas Hunt, cut short by the arrival of a blizzard, they find two things.
Gregory Luckham, the Soliden CEO, has vanished, apparently right off his horse as they were coming in through the blinding blizzard. And a dead body is found, hit on the back of the head, and left in a ditch. It's not Gregory Luckham. It's Rory, a valued regular of the hunt's support staff.
What follows is a frustrating and alarming mystery for the Sister and her hunting friends and rivals. Every piece of evidence found makes it clearer and clearer that the killer has to be one of them. Yet there is really no reason for anyone to have killed Rory. And where is Gregory Luckham?
Brown has built up an interesting, diverse, and often likable collection of characters over the coursee of the series, and friendships and conflicts add to the interest of the story. In addition, as in all of her books, the dogs, cats, and horses, as well as birds and foxes, observe things the humans can't,and have their own opinions which they aren't shy about expressing--even if mostly it's only the other animals that get the full benefit of those opinions.
No dogs, horses, or cats die--and since this is Virginia fox hunting, not English fox hunting, neither do any foxes. The point here is an exciting chase ending with the fox going to ground, not killing the fox and collecting the useless trophies of brush and mask.
It's as always a satisfying story, both as a mystery, and in the long-running interplay of the characters. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
All of which is disturbing, but not nearly as disturbing as when, at the end of the Christmas Hunt, cut short by the arrival of a blizzard, they find two things.
Gregory Luckham, the Soliden CEO, has vanished, apparently right off his horse as they were coming in through the blinding blizzard. And a dead body is found, hit on the back of the head, and left in a ditch. It's not Gregory Luckham. It's Rory, a valued regular of the hunt's support staff.
What follows is a frustrating and alarming mystery for the Sister and her hunting friends and rivals. Every piece of evidence found makes it clearer and clearer that the killer has to be one of them. Yet there is really no reason for anyone to have killed Rory. And where is Gregory Luckham?
Brown has built up an interesting, diverse, and often likable collection of characters over the coursee of the series, and friendships and conflicts add to the interest of the story. In addition, as in all of her books, the dogs, cats, and horses, as well as birds and foxes, observe things the humans can't,and have their own opinions which they aren't shy about expressing--even if mostly it's only the other animals that get the full benefit of those opinions.
No dogs, horses, or cats die--and since this is Virginia fox hunting, not English fox hunting, neither do any foxes. The point here is an exciting chase ending with the fox going to ground, not killing the fox and collecting the useless trophies of brush and mask.
It's as always a satisfying story, both as a mystery, and in the long-running interplay of the characters. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
November 28, 2018
I have little knowledge of fox hunting and it's intricacies. This is a fascinating book in that arena alone. It is also a good murder mystery swirling with greed, hints of politics and the environment. It could easily be a story in the news today. I enjoyed the addition of the voices of the characters in the book who have laws and hooves. That adds whimsy and interesting dimension to the book. I like that the members of the group were diverse in age and social standing, bound by their love of the life and activity of the sport.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. I think anyone who is interested or has a great understanding of fox hunting will enjoy this story. The characters are very 'human' and the plot captured my attention.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. I think anyone who is interested or has a great understanding of fox hunting will enjoy this story. The characters are very 'human' and the plot captured my attention.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
This is a good mystery, I didn't guess the killer until late in the story. It was a little confusing in some spots for me, but I really enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about fox hunting. Sister Jane and her crew are on the hunt when a big blizzard comes along. When it is over, one man is dead and another missing. As the group mourns one of their own and search for the other man, Sister is trying to figure out why it all happened. As the mystery deepens, they are wondering if they are all in danger.
May 10, 2019
This book takes place between Christmas and Valentine's Day. The mystery involves the environment, politics, and greed. There is a missing person and a murder, too. Also, there are several hunts in this book, which were interesting. I still like the animals and their perspectives. It's quite interesting. Also, the humans were more likeable in this book.
December 28, 2018
Another wonderful book about Sister Jane Arnold. A great way to get into the spirit of winter with fox hunting. How can someone disappear in a snowstorm during a fox hunt. No body is found and yet foul play is suspected. Who and why are the two questions that keep coming back to haunt Sister Jane?
January 24, 2019
Wonderful story of fox hunting, Virginia history and nursery. The story begins at Christmas time and ends on Valentines Day with as many twists and turns of a fox hunter in hot pursuit of a fiesta grey. An excellent book to cozy up with this time of year.
November 12, 2018
Gregory Luckham, who wants to built a pipeline, through Hunt Country, is murdered! Sister Jane and her band of dogs and horses (and yes, they do talk) must sort out what happened. There's lots of suspects, of course, a few red herrings, and a couple of twists. What sets this, and others in the series apart, in addition to the crime solving animals, is the fox hunting and horse information. If you've never read this series, you've missed some really fascinating stuff- I always learn something new. If you are a regular Brown reader, then know that you'll get a classic Sister Jane story. She, btw, is a hoot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ArC.
December 4, 2018
I love this series. As a MFH, the horse and fox hunting parts of the story are accurate. The main characters develop according to the plot.
November 1, 2018
As a long time fan of this series, it was fun to read the newest addition (an eARC from Edelweiss). It is almost Christmas and 'Sister' Jane, the Master of Foxhounds in her section of central Virginia is getting ready for the Christmas Hunt, the fox hunt which is taking place 2 days before Christmas. Most of the members of her club as well as some guests are there for what looks to be a good day. A snowstorm is forecast so they have put off the traditional hunt breakfast until the day after Christmas but Sister expects they can get in the actual hunt. One of the guests is Gregory Luckham, the president of an energy company trying to bring a pipeline through their county. The members of the club hope when he sees their beautiful county as he is on the hunt that he will reconsider. It is a good day for a fox hunt however the snowstorm arrives early and with great ferocity. As everyone makes their way back to their horse trailers and take off home, Gregory Luckham's horse arrives without him. What has happened to him?
Thus begins another excellent mystery where we get to know the various members of the hunt club and the surrounding area as well as a lot of information about fox hunting. These mysteries often remind me of those by Dick Francis because you always learned something new about horses and horse racing in his books and you always learn something about fox hunting and dogs and horses in these books.
Thus begins another excellent mystery where we get to know the various members of the hunt club and the surrounding area as well as a lot of information about fox hunting. These mysteries often remind me of those by Dick Francis because you always learned something new about horses and horse racing in his books and you always learn something about fox hunting and dogs and horses in these books.
November 22, 2018
I'm writing this review of Rita Mae Brown's newest novel in her "Sister Jane" series by comparing it to others in the 11 book series, NOT to other mystery novels.
I've been reading Rita Mae Brown's novels for thirty years. This series, the "Sister Jane", has been mostly good reading over the years. The reader gets a nice, comforting visit with the old friends from the Jefferson Hunt Club in central Virginia, in her once-a-year new books. If you're interested in fox hunting (here in the United States it is blood-less because the hounds are not allowed to hurt the fox) combined with a mystery combined with returning characters, the "Sister Jane" books are a treat. Usually, they're a treat...
This year's book, "Homeward Hound", is a bit of a disappointment. The mystery - a developer of oil pipelines scheduled to go through the pristine Virginia countryside is found...in body pieces - never quite gels. It's an after-thought and when Brown remembers it, another body part is found somewhere. The book seems to go on forever, which has never been a problem in Brown's writing. (Beside the execrable "Mags Rogers" series, of course). Sister Jane, Gray, Crawford, Tootie, and the others we've gotten to know over the years are present in the story, but most of the characters seem not to have much interest in the plot.
However, as lacking as the plot to "Homeward Hound" is apparent to the reader, the delightful interplay between the animal characters is there in full force for the reader to enjoy. If you read the "Sister Jane" series for the characters, I'd give the book 4 stars. If you're looking for the usual excellent all-around story, I'd give it three stars. I hope this year's entry in the series is a one-off and that we'll get another excellent book next November!
I've been reading Rita Mae Brown's novels for thirty years. This series, the "Sister Jane", has been mostly good reading over the years. The reader gets a nice, comforting visit with the old friends from the Jefferson Hunt Club in central Virginia, in her once-a-year new books. If you're interested in fox hunting (here in the United States it is blood-less because the hounds are not allowed to hurt the fox) combined with a mystery combined with returning characters, the "Sister Jane" books are a treat. Usually, they're a treat...
This year's book, "Homeward Hound", is a bit of a disappointment. The mystery - a developer of oil pipelines scheduled to go through the pristine Virginia countryside is found...in body pieces - never quite gels. It's an after-thought and when Brown remembers it, another body part is found somewhere. The book seems to go on forever, which has never been a problem in Brown's writing. (Beside the execrable "Mags Rogers" series, of course). Sister Jane, Gray, Crawford, Tootie, and the others we've gotten to know over the years are present in the story, but most of the characters seem not to have much interest in the plot.
However, as lacking as the plot to "Homeward Hound" is apparent to the reader, the delightful interplay between the animal characters is there in full force for the reader to enjoy. If you read the "Sister Jane" series for the characters, I'd give the book 4 stars. If you're looking for the usual excellent all-around story, I'd give it three stars. I hope this year's entry in the series is a one-off and that we'll get another excellent book next November!
August 26, 2018
I love the Sister Jane series. I’ve learned so much about fox hunting and the hounds. The mysteries are first rate and the characters have grown through out the series.
January 21, 2019
The many pages of list of characters (human and animal) turned me off. Too many details to remember.
January 9, 2024
I had no idea what was going on the entire time. But I also listened to the audio and couldn't tell between human and animal perspectives. Will give the author another chance.
July 22, 2024
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can find yours here: https://www.amazon.com/Homeward-Hound... Mae Brown's "Homeward Hound" invites readers into the charming world of Crozet, Virginia, where mysteries abound and furry friends play a pivotal role in solving them. As the 11th installment in the beloved "Mrs. Murphy Mystery" series, this novel once again showcases Brown's talent for crafting engaging stories filled with wit, warmth, and delightful characters.
At the heart of the story are Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her clever pets: Mrs. Murphy, the intuitive tiger cat, and Tee Tucker, the lovable corgi. When a series of mysterious incidents rattles the peaceful town of Crozet, Harry and her furry companions embark on a quest to uncover the truth. From missing pets to unsettling discoveries, each clue leads them closer to unraveling a web of secrets that threatens to disrupt the tranquility of their community.
Brown's writing is marked by its cozy atmosphere and keen attention to detail. She effortlessly immerses readers in the picturesque setting of Virginia's countryside, where rolling hills, quaint farms, and vibrant local traditions provide a backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Through vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Brown captures the essence of small-town life, creating a world that feels both familiar and inviting.
The strength of "Homeward Hound" lies not only in its captivating plot but also in its endearing characters. Harry Haristeen is portrayed as a resourceful and compassionate protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth is matched only by her unwavering loyalty to her friends and community. Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker, with their keen instincts and playful antics, add humor and heart to the story, making them memorable companions in Harry's sleuthing adventures.
Beyond its entertainment value, "Homeward Hound" explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bonds between humans and animals. Brown skillfully intertwines these elements with the central mystery, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. As Harry and her friends confront challenges and uncover secrets, readers are reminded of the importance of trust, empathy, and perseverance in navigating life's complexities.
In conclusion, "Homeward Hound" is a delightful addition to Rita Mae Brown's "Mrs. Murphy Mystery" series, offering readers a captivating blend of suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this novel promises an enjoyable escape into a world where mysteries are solved with the help of furry friends and the spirit of community prevails.
At the heart of the story are Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her clever pets: Mrs. Murphy, the intuitive tiger cat, and Tee Tucker, the lovable corgi. When a series of mysterious incidents rattles the peaceful town of Crozet, Harry and her furry companions embark on a quest to uncover the truth. From missing pets to unsettling discoveries, each clue leads them closer to unraveling a web of secrets that threatens to disrupt the tranquility of their community.
Brown's writing is marked by its cozy atmosphere and keen attention to detail. She effortlessly immerses readers in the picturesque setting of Virginia's countryside, where rolling hills, quaint farms, and vibrant local traditions provide a backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Through vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Brown captures the essence of small-town life, creating a world that feels both familiar and inviting.
The strength of "Homeward Hound" lies not only in its captivating plot but also in its endearing characters. Harry Haristeen is portrayed as a resourceful and compassionate protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth is matched only by her unwavering loyalty to her friends and community. Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker, with their keen instincts and playful antics, add humor and heart to the story, making them memorable companions in Harry's sleuthing adventures.
Beyond its entertainment value, "Homeward Hound" explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bonds between humans and animals. Brown skillfully intertwines these elements with the central mystery, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. As Harry and her friends confront challenges and uncover secrets, readers are reminded of the importance of trust, empathy, and perseverance in navigating life's complexities.
In conclusion, "Homeward Hound" is a delightful addition to Rita Mae Brown's "Mrs. Murphy Mystery" series, offering readers a captivating blend of suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, this novel promises an enjoyable escape into a world where mysteries are solved with the help of furry friends and the spirit of community prevails.
January 20, 2019
The Christmas Run is one of the highlights of fox hunting season and, while a snowstorm is predicted, “Sister” Jane Arnold, Master of Foxhounds, still thinks they can get a hunt in. Unfortunately, a blizzard starts during the hunt and, even more unfortunately, one horse returns without its rider. At first it seems to have been an accident, but when Gregory Luckham’s body doesn't turn up, Sister begins to wonder what is going on - especially because plenty of people wanted Gregory dead. Soon events prove that there is a murderer on the loose and Sister is afraid that the killer may be someone she knows.
While I have read most of Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries, “Homeward Hound” is only the second of her Sister Jane books that I have read. I have to say I liked this book a lot more than I liked “Crazy Like a Fox” which seemed filled with foxhunting scenes and little else. There is foxhunting for sure in this book and, while I don't quite get the attraction, I did enjoy the details of the hunt in this book. I also enjoyed the cast of characters - there is literally a cast of characters list at the front of the book which I really liked because there are a lot of characters and I did refer to the list more than once. Just like the Sneaky Pie Brown books, the animals talk to each other in this book but don't really help solve the mysteries like the animals do in the Sneaky Pie Brown books. The mystery itself is well done, full of surprises, tension, and suspects. I did try to figure out who the killer was but was still surprised when the killer was revealed - well done by Brown!
“Homeward Hound” is a nicely done mystery.
While I have read most of Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries, “Homeward Hound” is only the second of her Sister Jane books that I have read. I have to say I liked this book a lot more than I liked “Crazy Like a Fox” which seemed filled with foxhunting scenes and little else. There is foxhunting for sure in this book and, while I don't quite get the attraction, I did enjoy the details of the hunt in this book. I also enjoyed the cast of characters - there is literally a cast of characters list at the front of the book which I really liked because there are a lot of characters and I did refer to the list more than once. Just like the Sneaky Pie Brown books, the animals talk to each other in this book but don't really help solve the mysteries like the animals do in the Sneaky Pie Brown books. The mystery itself is well done, full of surprises, tension, and suspects. I did try to figure out who the killer was but was still surprised when the killer was revealed - well done by Brown!
“Homeward Hound” is a nicely done mystery.
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