Fox Tracks: A Novel ("Sister" Jane)

ISBN: 0345532996

Author: Brown, Rita Mae

Condition: New

[Rita Mae Brown] enlivens a timely tale with . . . amusing accounts of her four-legged creations and delightful descriptions of the central Virginia countryside.-Richmond Times-DispatchNew York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown bounds to the front of the pack with Fox Tracks, the thrilling new mystery in her beloved foxhunting series featuring the indomitable Sister Jane Arnold and, among others, the boisterous company of horses and hounds. Now, as a string of bizarre murders sweeps the East Coast, this unlikely alliance must smoke out a devious killer who may be closer than they first think.While outside on Manhattans Midtown streets a fierce snowstorm rages, nothing can dampen the excitement inside the elegant ballroom of Manhattans Pierre Hotel. Hunt clubs from all over North America have gathered for their annual gala, and nobody is in higher spirits than Sister Jane, Master of the Jefferson Hunt in Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains. Braving the foul weather, Sister and her young friend Tootie Harris pop out to purchase cigars for the celebration at a nearby tobacco shop, finding themselves regaled by the colorful stories of its eccentric proprietor, Adolfo Galdos.Yet the trips festive mood goes to ground later with the grisly discovery of Adolfos corpse. The tobacconist was shot in the head but found, oddly enough, with a cigarette pack of American Smokes laid carefully over his heart.When a similar murder occurs in Boston, Sisters horse sense tells her theres a nefarious plot afoot-one that seems to originate in the Souths aromatic tobacco farms. Meanwhile, Sisters nemesis, Crawford Howard, will stop at nothing to subvert the Jefferson Hunt Club. Theres more than one shadowy scheme in the works in Albemarle County, and some conspirators are unafraid of taking shots at those evidencing too keen an interest in other peoples business. When Sister voices her suspicions, she, too, becomes a target. Fortunately for her, the Master of the Jefferson Hunt may rely upon the wits and wiles of her four-legged friends-including horses Lafayette and Matador, the powerful hound, Dragon, and even the clever old red fox, Uncle Yancy!From Manhattans gritty streets to the pastoral beauty of Virginia horse country, Fox Tracks features the beloved characters from past Sister Jane novels in a fascinating new intrigue. This sly, fast-paced mystery gives chase from sizzling start to stunning finish!Praise for Rita Mae Browns Sister Jane novelsBrown is a keen plotter who advances her story with well-placed clues and showy suspects.-The New York Times Book Review[Brown] succeeds in conjuring a world in which prey are meant to survive the chase and foxes are knowing collaborators.-PeopleOne of the most entertaining amateur sleuths since those of Agatha Christie.-Booklist