The Hunt

Hunt Country Suspense #1

by Jan Neuharth

The complex and romanticized lifestyle of elite foxhunters is revealed in this thrilling murder mystery. An attractive and wealthy lawyer and horseman, Doug Cummings personifies the old money equine subculture of Middleburg, Virginia. Driven to succeed, Cummings's climb to the top is halted when he becomes the target of a twisted scheme to frame him for the murders of his former lover and horse groom. As Cummings attempts to find the true culprits, the conflicting forces of his community offer a revealing look at how vengeance, love, and envy obscure the search for truth and justice.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Suspense, Horses, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

368 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jan Neuharth, an attorney and horse lover, is a graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt Law School. She practiced law in Los Angeles before moving to the Virginia Hunt Country in 1985 to establish Paper Chase Farms, one of the premier equestrian facilities of its kind. She lives in Middleburg, Virginia, with her husband, who is a former Master of the Hunt, and their children. The third novel in her Hunt Country Suspense Series, "The Kill," was released May 27, 2010.

Reviews

[Vicki Jaeger · Rating 1 out of 5]

When will I learn my lesson about free ebooks? Where do I begin with this one...
Rich entitled tax lawyer who works/lives in D.C. and plays at the family equestrian estate in Virginia. Is set up by a lunatic brother of a client who died in prison (pro bono work as a young lawyer), AND some other lunatic going around killing women & framing him. For a lawyer, he isn't very smart about legal issues, as he wants to get involved with his criminal defense lawyer. Oh, and there's a redneck deputy with a chip on his shoulder about rich people who wants to see him rot in jail.
SPOILER ALERT: Though all ends well, the author sets up an automatic sequel when the SISTER of the two (now dead) lunatics shows up, determined to give him his comeuppance. Really???? Do you think I'm stupid enough to read the next one???

[Elizabeth Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This murder mystery set among the horsey elite of Virginia's fox hunting country is well enough plotted to be a page turner, despite some lumps in dialogue and rough spots in characterization (the protagonist seems to be always bringing his fist down on a table in frustration).

[Benjamin Sobieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the fox hunting that frames this whodunit story. The twists and turns weren't all that surprising, though. This had so much potential, I'm bummed it didn't turn out better. I look forward to reading more from the author, because I think Neuharth has talent. It just seems squandered with this work.

[Shannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book for free on Free Fridays at the Nook store. I can't believe it is still wasting space on my Nook today. I didn't get past chapter two because the writing was so poor and the storyline boring.

Find something else to read if you want to be entertained.

[nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this book was ok. I mean, kind of hard for a vegan to rate a book on fox hunting! The story was somewhat told in the beginning as you were clear that the main character was innocent of the crime he was charged with. Somewhat predictable but overall and easy read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an email from Barnes and Noble that they will no longer be supporting my old Nook so I'm trying to read the freebies I had accumulated on the nook before it stops on me. And this was one of them. I enjoyed it, although I don't much appreciate the idea of foxhunting. But it was a good mystery about Doug Cummings who is known as a rich playboy in the Hunt Country of Virginia. First his ex-girlfriend is murdered and Doug finds the body. Then his groom's body is found and finally a girl at the Hunt Ball is found raped and murdered. Doug is suspected of all these murders. So he hires a local attorney who he falls for and then the attorney's daughter and nanny are kidnapped. The nanny's body is found, but not the daughter's. Doug and his attorney go out on horseback to hunt for the girl but they are kidnapped! Not sure if I want to read more in the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely but I love Middleburg and horses and I'm incurable romantic. Easy beach type read not a mind expander

[Pamela Kaminski Wiacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a quick read and the story kept me interested.

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep reading these nook free Friday books because I'm really hoping to find another gem like Child 44. Ah that book! But anyways, this book is not a gem so much as it is just a mildly entertaining read. The writing is really stellar and it's obvious that the author knows about foxhunting and legal jargon. But the plot just didn't build up the way I had hoped it would. I mean, this had the potential to be a thriller, but it was more like a Sunday drive with the occasional pot hole along the way. It was an easy, breezy read, but not gripping by any means. I don't think I'll continue the series at this time.


Doug is supposed to be this heroic main character that is framed for all these murders he didn't commit. And yet the main descriptive word for him was "playboy". AND - he knew all the murder victims but he doesn't even grieve! I had a really hard sympathizing with him because of that. I'm sure he was supposed to be the elegant bachelor type, but it really just did not come off that way. I mean, I still liked his character well enough but I wasn't attached to him by any means.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the fox-hunting world of Middleburg, Virginia, The Hunt is a fun mystery for anyone with a love of horses and the hunt. This is the first of a three part Hunt Country series and I will definitely read the all three books. Neuharth knows her subject and weaves it into a murder/suspense tale that will keep you guessing to the end. There is a cliffhanger ending which leaves you chomping at the bit for book #2, "The Chase".

Lawyer Doug Cummings splits his time between his practice in DC and his farm in Middleburg. With a reputation as a ladies man, Doug and his latest partner have called it quits or at least Doug has. While riding in from a hunt, Doug comes across his exes’ body and tries everything her can, including carrying her out of the woods on his horse, to save her life, all to no avail. Suspicion quickly falls onto Doug, when the local police decide it's easier to blame Doug then do any real police work. When another hunt member and friend of Doug’s, turns up dead, he finds himself out of a job and in need of his own attorney.

Could the crazed killer be someone from Doug’s earlier years of practice or is there another madman on the hunt in Middleburg?

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. It is about Doug Cummings, a tax lawyer and wealthy man through inheritance. He likes to participate in fox hunts (which is a twist in a mystery that I was intrigued to see) and has recently broken up with his girlfriend Nancy. Nancy has an accident on a fox hunt and Doug moves her in order for the ambulance to get to her quicker... however, not everyone agrees that was a good idea. Doug becomes the unofficial suspect, and when other women around him get murdered (his stable girl Babs, Leslie, Ingrid the nanny) he ends up in a lot of trouble. Don't forget the kidnapping of Samantha and his attractive lawyer Anne to stir the pot.

The only thing I didn't like was that I thought it wrapped up too quickly. The epilogue 6 months later is very Harry Potter-esque (and I wasn't pleased about that one either). I like my happy endings drawn out... this however also sets up nicely for a sequel which I'm not sure there is. All in all, very, very please with this selection from Barnes and Noble.

[Marlena Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up as a free read on one of Barnes and Noble's Free Friday listings. First the good parts: the intrigue and the pacing. I liked both even though the writing itself was distracting, and the book kept me interested enough to read to the end. The dialogue frustrated me though. The child was obviously a way for the author to shuttle the characters around, and she's obnoxiously sweet. Her dialogue was also very unrealistic much like the main character. The characters as a whole were predictable and the final climax was a twist, but not one that could have been predicted. In the end I didn't feel any reward for sticking around to the end. I'll likely not be reading more of this series.

[Sherrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This tale of murder set in Virginia's fox hunting country had some good basic elements, with the potential for an interesting story. But the huge detracting factor was the lack of character development, along with implausible plot progression. For example, at the initial murder scene the investigating officer suspects foul play, but doesn't interview the suspect, and doesn't even go to the scene where the accident happened. The feeling throughout the book was that the author had a basic plot outline in mind, but then the detailed events and character behavior were simply contrived to try and move that plot forward. Actions of both protagonists were at times inconceivable, and the author did not elicit any empathy toward either one. This made the novel tedious to finish.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded this book as a Free Friday selection in 2011, and it is not longer free.
This murder mystery is an entertaining read up to the point when a child was kidnapped; and that is when I say to Neuharth, there was no more reason to use a child as a victim in this plot than to have the horses owned by this protagonist threatened. I found the behavior of the protagonist to be exasperating. The exasperating behvaior may make him more realistic, but it does not make him to be more likable to me.
I recommend it to readers who want a mystery set in the world of Virginia's landed gentry. Neuharth currently has 3 novels in Hunt Country Suspense series.

[The Mad Mad Madeline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had an internal debate to buy all three of the books in the series because I thought it would be a shoe-in: a horsie fox hunting mystery book written by a sorority sister? I'm totally in.

I am so glad that I didn't drop fifty bucks on a trio of poorly crafted books.

If I have to read how Doug hits the hard surface of something with his fist one more time, I'm gonna flip out.

Not enough horses (or humor for that matter), poorly crafted mystery, two-dimensional characters and ridiculous story line, this book was terrible.

Poorly constructed overall- I wouldn't recommend this one to anybody.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The past often comes back to haunt you, in the case of Doug Cummings Jr. it comes to hunt. People are dying around Cummings and things look bad for him, the local law seems out to prove he is at fault no matter the true proof or lack there of.

Set in Middleburg, VA - a place I have family this book made me want to travel to see them all that much more.

Neuharth takes you to a world set in fox hunting, money, love and revenge. In the end who will pay for the past of Cummings and will it ever end.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunt is not a literary masterpiece, but it is an entertaining read. It was a free download on the B&N Nook.

The plot is a bit predictable and along the story you will question some of the dumb decisions the main character makes, but the story is believable -despite some holes. Lots of detail on foxhunting and life in hunt county, very descriptive prose. Towards the end you'll have a hard time putting the book down. This would make a nice straight-to-TV movie (ie. the kind you see on LMN).

I plan to read the sequel, a book called The Chase.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another one of the Free Friday offerings by nook book. It was fairly entertaining, but I felt that the ending was weak. The main character was a multimillionaire tax lawyer who worked in DC, had an apt in the Watergate and also the family estate where he owned numerous horses. He could go on a fox hunt practically any time he wanted. Not yet 40, he had an active social life. Some other characters such as Nellie, his housekeeper, and Samantha, the little orphan girl were more likeable.

[Pat Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this mystery/thriller a tad hackneyed? Yeah. Is it a bit of a stretch that the good guy accused of being the bad guy, just happens to be gorgeously good looking, unbelieveably rich, and a tremendously talented tax attorney? Yeah. And was it even a greater stretch that when he needs a very good criminal attorney, that attorney just happens to be a slender, tall, blonde gal? Yes again. But oh what a great beach read page turner this book is. Lemonade and shade is all one needs to top off a fun freebie from B&N for Nook.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I mostly enjoyed this book, the ending felt too contrived. It made no sense - there was no reason given either for the murders or for why the murderer wanted to frame the person he was trying to frame. It seems like the author was definitely trying to cram too much into the book. She definitely left it with a cliff hanger for the next one, but I'll have to think for a while if I want to read that one.

[Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a little slow and clunky at the beginning, too much seemed forced into place to set up the plot. But it all came together and made for a decent story. One of my pet peeves is to see words spelled incorrectly in books. So when I saw lightning spelled as lightening in the book a few times, that got on my nerves. Other than that, it was a pretty good book that opened my eyes to fox hunting country.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was a good quick read. I didn't want to stop reading as I got farther along. I haven't read many murder mysteries, so not much to compare it. But it kept me hanging on, even though I actually figured who did it. I liked the main character and the stories about the hunts. Now I want to read the next one to see what happens to him next!

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, you knew right off who did it. So you thought. Even though the plots and the scenarios were so predictable, and seemed quite elementary,for some reason I could not put it down until I found out the ending. I agree with another poster, that this would have been a great movie to watch in the middle of the night.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, fun to read, I love mystery thrillers. My only complaint; to much unnecessary foul language. I learned about Fox Hunting and I thought the author did a great job in intertwining the story with the sport. I felt I got to know the main characters very well. Even though it was a mystery it was an easy book to read and written well enough to keep you interest all the way through.

[Amanda Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't been writing reviews to the most recent things I've read because I'm trying to make my goal of 100 books by January 1st, which I don't think I'll make but I'm close. Closer than I thought I'd get.

A nice little mystery with an interesting conceit (i.e. foxhunting) which I didn't know that much about. Very tense and cat-and-mouse-y.

[Marnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While horses are not really my thing, I did like the suspense thriller of the book. I can understand why someone would go after a lawyer for an unforeseen outcome of verdict, but to add the twist of another killer was pretty good. The reason for the other killer though, was not very thought out in my opinion. I might read more in the series down the road.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but not great. That being said, I was interested enough to finish it in 2 days, to see how it would end. The subject-Virginia fox hunt country- was interesting and novel and the author's descriptions and narrative were good. I thought her dialog was a little stiff. I am interested enough to read the sequel, the Chase, tho!

[Del Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 'must read' for everyone who loves a good mystery. The characters come alive in this book and you find yourself riding down the road wondering what they are up to next. Jan's ability to set a scene makes you think you are there.

[Del Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 'must read' for everyone who loves a good mystery. The characters come alive in this book and you find yourself riding down the road wondering what they are up to next. Jan's ability to set a scene makes you think you are there.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free Friday offering from Barnes and Noble on my Nook. This is a mystery that brings up the issue of circumstantial evidence, the power of the press and public opinion. How fickle are so many superficial friends. I enjoyed the fox hunting/horse world setting.