A Master of Foxhounds finds that detecting is every bit as dangerous as the hunt is for the fox. Jane "Sister" Arnold has been Master of Foxhounds for northern Virginia's Jefferson Hunt for almost 40 years and still loves every minute of it. It doesn't bother her that fox hunting was fraught with controversy in the past, when hunts were used to kill vermin, and still is today, when hunts are almost entirely "drag" events with no foxes involved. Of course, a sport with rules that go back centuries is one that requires enough money to supply at least one good horse, tack, and proper attire, as well as stabling, feeding, vetting, and transporting the horses. Although Sister lost her first husband and her only child, she's happily remarried to retired accountant Gray Lorrilard, a Black man who's had to deal with a lifetime of racism. The hunt depends on the kindness of local landowners--some of them participate, while others just allow their land to be ridden over by the horses and hounds. While returning two escaped cows to their owner, Sister and another member of the hunt discover a valuable Rolex watch that ends up leading to danger. When a local man is found shot dead, and the hounds sniff out an old truck whose cab is covered in blood, Sheriff Ben Sidell, who also hunts, takes charge. More bodies, more robberies, and more voices from horses, hounds, and foxes (who see so much their humans miss) will lead to the truth. Another enjoyable entry in a series notable for its appealing characters--human and animal--and loving descriptions of fox hunting.
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Online Review)
October 15, 2024
When a discarded watch, a dead body, and an abandoned truck covered in blood are discovered in a span of days, "Sister" Jane Arnold knows they're all somehow connected. While generally content to spend her days planning foxhunts and seeing friends and family, Sister finds this mystery is too close to home to ignore. When another body shows up, she knows that time is of the essence. Can she find the culprit before another person is murdered? New readers will find it difficult to jump into the foxhunting world, and the mystery itself is thin, but Brown's many fans will welcome this return to the world of the Jefferson Hunt Club and will love catching up with the two-legged and four-legged characters. The appeal of this series is in its characters and world-building, which this book delivers. Sister's musings on life and how the world is changing around her bring emotional depth to the story. Curl up with a bourbon, preferably next to a fire, while reading this one.
COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.