Crazy Like a Fox
Crazy Like a Fox
A Novel
by Rita Mae Brown
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Ballantine Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 31 Oct 2017
Review
Rita Mae Brown’s novels are always entertaining, and Crazy Like a Fox is no exception. The characters, both animal and human are fascinating, and the story is unique. There is a murder, which lies at the heart of the story - but that isn’t where the plot begins or ends. The dapper, charming horseman Wesley Carruthers disappeared in 1954. Rumors flew, but noone knew the truth. Now, a man who is the spitting image of Wesley, down to his carriage and voice has stolen Wesley’s hunting horn. “Sister” Jane Arnold doesn’t believe in ghosts, but someone very like Wesley is visiting those who were present at the time of his disappearance. It is an unusual mystery rich in Virginia history and fox hunting lore. Before I read Crazy Like a Fox, I did not realize that fox hunters didn’t seek to kill the fox and that some did all they could to maintain the wildlife living within the bounds of their hunting territory. As in all of Rita Mae Brown’s novels, the animals each have unique personalities and are able to communicate with each other. Their commentary, as well as the important role they play, make her novels particularly attractive to animal lovers. The novel is evenly paced and makes for a relaxing read. If you are looking for dramatic tension and fast paced action, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a well developed story filled with history, local color, and plenty of fascinating characters, Crazy Like a Fox is a superb choice.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Crazy Like a Fox from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Description
In this thrilling new foxhunting mystery from New York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown, an investigation into a missing and valuable object flushes out murder, ghosts, and old family rivalries. Now “Sister” Jane Arnold and a pack of four-legged friends must catch the scent of a killer and unearth a long-buried truth.
As the calendar turns, the crisp October winds bode well for this year’s hunting season. But before the bugle sounds, Sister Jane takes a scenic drive up the Blue Ridge Mountains for a board meeting at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. Brimming with colorful stories and mementos from hunts of yore, the mansion is plunged into mystery when a venerable hunting horn is stolen right out of its case. The only clue, on a left-behind cell phone, is what seems to be a “selfie” video of the horn’s original owner, Wesley Carruthers—deceased since 1954.
Odder still, Wesley’s body was never found. When Sister makes a discovery that may explain his unsolved disappearance, it leads her back to the Jefferson Hunt at midcentury, with her faithful hounds at her side. But as the clues quickly mount, Sister is no longer sure if she’s pursuing a priceless artifact, a thief, Wesley’s killer . . . or a ghost. The only certainty is that someone wants to put Sister off the chase—perhaps permanently.
Teeming with familiar and beloved characters, intrigue, and the rich local history of Virginia’s horse country, Crazy Like a Fox races toward its stunning conclusion in full cry and packed with plenty of surprises. Once again, Rita Mae Brown dazzles and delights in her irresistible style, with a novel readers are certain to be crazy about.
Praise for Crazy Like a Fox
“If you can pick up Crazy Like a Fox and recognize the voices of Comet, a wise old gray fox; Dasher, a hound at the top of his game; and Golliwog, a snippy calico cat, you qualify as a member of the pack that surrounds Sister Jane Arnold, Master of Jefferson Hunt and the sleuth in Rita Mae Brown’s enchanting novels set in the Virginia horse country. . . . Just the kind of story that adds to the charm of Brown’s whimsical mysteries, with their thrilling hunts and intelligent animals.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Brown’s animal characters, including horses, hounds, and foxes, have as much to say as the people, and Brown never misses an opportunity to interject her own social commentary. This will appeal . . . to fans of Brown’s Sneaky Pie novels.”—Publishers Weekly
