Hounded to Death: A Novel Review

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(More customer reviews)Rita Mae Brown delivers a winner in this installment of her Sister Jane "Outfoxed Series". Where her last title seemed rushed to production and the plotline was not well-developed, "Hounded to Death" is a welcome return to a great read for Rita Mae fans.
The story begins in late Spring in Kentucky at the Mid-America Hound Show where evil quickly raises its ugly head and starts the novel on its "whodunit" path while simultaneously explaining hound shows and searching for a stolen hound. Then, a suicide of a friend occurs, but Sister is not willing to believe that it was a suicide. Hmmm. Intermingled are interesting discussions of Kentucky bourbon, human nature, descriptions of opening new hunt territory, carrion eating habits, graduation from Custis Hall by "the girls", moonshining, and animal cruelty allegations.
As usual with this series, Rita Mae gives great accounts that educate us on foxhunting and animals without the feeling that we are being educated. And yes, the animals have some great conversations--a Rita Mae device to give us more clues and education.
While the book moves through the summer, there are no accounts of actual hunts so the reader must wait until hunting season just as foxhunters must wait. As with real foxhunting, the wait is worthwhile, as several wonderful accounts finally take place. As often happens in this series, a body is discovered during a hunt, and similarly, the unmasking of the killer is discovered, and he is accounted for at the end of a hunt.
Several old friends from previous books play important parts, including Tootie, Shaker and Gray. New characters include the despicable Mo Schneider; a horse vet--Hope Rogers; retired Judge Barry Baker; pet food maker, Grant Fuller; and new landowners, Dr. and Mrs. Mitch Fisher.
The writing is entertaining and sometimes thought provoking. It is also quite poetic and descriptive as evidenced by the following passage:
"Red!" Dreamboat called out.
As this hound was only in his second year, Cora checked it.
Asa came over, put his nose down, then lifted his head along with Cora and the curtain was raised.
This is a fun read, and we are there with them. I'll recommend this one to all my friends.
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