Time Will Tell by Rita Mae Brown is another in the "Sister" Jane Arnold series. After a very expensive watch is found lying on the ground and later a body is found not related to the watch, Sister and her friends try to find answers to both mysteries. As usual in these stories there is a lot of information about the Virginia countryside and no kill foxhunting. These are just chatty, interesting stories and the author obviously loves what she writes about.

Time Will Tell is the 16th "Sister" Jane mystery by Rita Mae Brown. Released 12th Nov 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a well paced, engaging cozy mystery in an episodic very-long-running series which will please current fans and pick up some new ones. Ms. Brown is a prolific, wide-ranging, versatile author with enough "serious" writing awards to do anything she sets her mind to, but happily, she seems to enjoy the cozy genre, especially the one with anthropomorphic animal characters. This series and her Mrs. Murphy series are -full- of opinionated animals, from cats and dogs to farm animals. For folks who loathe anthropomorphism and light paranormal elements, this probably isn't going to be a good fit.

It's the 16th book in the series, so readers who hop in mid-stream should expect some spoilers for developments from earlier books. The author/publisher have also helpfully included a glossary and list of characters with short descriptions to help readers stay in the story. That being said, the mystery itself is self-contained and resolved in this book, so picking through the series out of order isn't a deal-breaker.

The dialogue and writing are pitch perfect. Typically for Ms. Brown, the writing is solidly comfortable and engaging. Reading her books is almost like visiting with an old friend you haven't seen for a while; you just pick up where you left off the last time, even if you haven't seen them for ages.

Four stars, it's a well constructed cozy mystery full of characters from a world outside of the one most people inhabit (including many old-money wealthy FFVs who are crazy about American fox hunting). Bonus points for the author's managing to make her characters ethnically diverse, and not just pasted on, either. Many of the characters have faced and worked through part of their tragic shared traumatic past, from slave times onward and at this point there seems to be more good-natured camaraderie than any festering resentment.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Time Will Tell is book 16 in the "Sister" Jane series. I've read 5 books in this series and since there is a character list at the beginning of the book it is easy to just jump into the series. I really enjoyed this book.

I read a lot of cozy mysteries but this one is different. There isn't really an amateur sleuth or any of the characters who are actively investigating except for the sheriff. The murder mystery doesn't feel truly central to the story. The characters stumble across the bodies and talk about the events among themselves but they aren't seeking out people to interview or trying to gather clues.

The characters are great though so I don't mind hanging out with them. And reading this book really is like hanging out with them as we get ordinary conversations that anyone would have (the what's for dinner kind of talk) but it isn't boring as there are always history tidbits being sprinkled about.

Sometimes with this series, I'm put off by the fox-hunting especially when the foxes feature more (if you haven't read any of this series, the animals talk to each other so they are humanized in a sense and I feel bad about them being chased). While fox-hunting no longer ends with the fox being torn apart by the dogs, I still struggle with the fact that they are frightened by the chase and I don't think you should harass animals for sport.

Though there are several fox hunts and the dogs pick up a scent we don't have them actively chasing a fox as it is usually already in its den. So I was able to enjoy the descriptions of the landscape and the galloping of horses.

The book is set during Thanksgiving so it is the perfect time to pick it up to read this coming week.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Saturday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/11/a-time-will-tell-by-rita-mae-brown.html

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Rita Mae Brown’s latest installment in the “Sister" Jane series, Time Will Tell, is a delightful blend of mystery, charm, and the unique world of foxhunting. This novel, the sixteenth in the series, continues to showcase Brown’s talent for crafting engaging narratives with well-developed human and animal characters.

The story begins with the discovery of an expensive watch abandoned on an overgrown path, a seemingly trivial find that soon spirals into a complex mystery. Sister Jane Arnold, the seasoned Master of Foxhounds, is drawn into the investigation when a young man is found murdered. With her keen instincts and the help of her loyal hounds and horses, Sister unravels the intricate connections between the watch, the murder, and the hidden secrets of her community.

Brown’s writing shines in her vivid descriptions of the Virginia countryside and the detailed portrayal of foxhunting culture. The interactions between the human characters and their animal companions add a layer of warmth and humor to the narrative, making the reader feel deeply connected to Sister’s world. The animals, particularly the cunning foxes and sensible hounds, are given voices that contribute to the story in a charming and insightful way.

The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Brown expertly balances the suspense of the murder investigation with the everyday challenges and joys of running a hunt club. The novel touches on themes of community, loyalty, and the passage of time, adding depth to the engaging mystery.

Time Will Tell is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and those who appreciate a story where the setting and characters are as integral to the plot as the mystery itself. Rita Mae Brown once again proves her mastery in creating a world that is intriguing and heartwarming, making this book a delightful addition to the “Sister” Jane series.

For those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery with a touch of whimsy and a strong sense of place, Time Will Tell is a perfect choice. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.

"Sister" Jane is again leading the hunts in her territory with all her friends and family in the group. This time Jane will lead the hunt while trying to solve at least two murders. The murders upset the locals as well as two new neighborhood women who are renovating an old home with the help of woman who are trying to turn around their lives. I enjoy reading Brown's mysteries because she gives history lessons as well as political commentary on our country while weaving a good tale. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

Time Will Tell by Rita Mae Brown is the latest in her Sister Jane series. Sister Jane finds an expensive watch and a couple of days the body of a young man. Are they connected? Sister Jane is determined to find out. Good mystery.

Time Will Tell is a Sister Jane mystery by Rita Mae Brown. When Jane Arnold finds a Rolex in a field and a body shows up later, she feels they are somehow related and works to solve the mystery.

I wanted to read this mystery because I love Rita Mae Brown's books. I am also an avid mystery fan.

This is another wonderful entry in the Sister Jane series. I really like Jane as a detective and enjoy the horses and hounds in these books. I recommend Time Will Tell (and this entire series) for other mystery fans.

Time Will Tell is another great mystery in Brown's Sister Jane series. These novels take place in Virginia in the heart of fox hunting country. "Sister" Jane Arnold is the Master of Hounds in a fox hunting club and the action always takes place in and around the hunt territories. Brown, a Master of Foxhounds, herself, combines her knowledge and her imagination to accurately describe the Virginia settings, the Hunt action and a great murder mystery. Jane may be in her 70's but it doesn't slow her down. This time she finds a valuable Rolex watch in the middle of a field and cant resist the mystery of how it got there. When a body shows up later, she is sure that the two are somehow connected. The best thing about all of Brown's books is that many of the characters are the animals. The horses , hounds and foxes always have their own thoughts to express. One of the things that makes this series unique is the colorful passages describing the action of the hunt. The reader feels like they are on the hunt themselves. However, these passages can be a double edged sword because they take you out of the action of the mystery. If you like animals and mysteries, you should enjoy this newest novel in the series. I received an electronic reader's copy of this novel from the publishers. However all opinions are my own.

The latest in Brown’s long-running Sister Jane series continues to celebrate fox hunting, Virginias history and, of course, contains a murder. I enjoy the details of the hunt; horses, land, hounds, politics, and the people who join in Sister Jane’s passion. I would read this series for that alone. The history sprinkled throughout is also interesting. It’s always fun to follow Sister and her friends as they work out what is happening. This can be an entry point into the series, as there is a guide to characters in the beginning, though hunting terms may be unfamiliar. It will be richest for those who have read previous titles. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been reading Rita Mae Brown books for years. I love her characters and the animals. The Sister Jane books are a fox hunting series. I have learned a lot about humane fox hunting and the thrills for both the riders and the hounds. The human characters are people of intelligence and humanity. Their discussions filled with knowledge of history and politics without vitriol. This was a great time for me to read this book. I highly recommend for those looking for some calmness in their lives.

Welcome to a world where the animals talk as much as the people. This is a quirky cozy mystery. This is a murder mystery that takes place in a small town. The story is very interesting and informative. It has some fascinating characters. Readers will be entertained by the antics of the animals. This is an easy read that readers will enjoy.

Foxhunting and murder! This latest in the long running series-which to be honest might be most appreciated by those familiar with Sister Jane, her hounds and the sport-sees Sister Jane once again solving a murder with the help of well, animals. Know that humane fox hunting is key to the story and that Brown uses a lot of terms related to it. A found Rolex leads to the discovery of a body and we're off. The mystery isn't too twisty and almost takes a back seat to the Virginia hunt country atmospherics. There's a large cast of characters to keep track of (as well as suspects) but pay attention to the animals. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for her fans.

Time Will Tell by Rita Mae Brown is a captivating mystery that kept me engaged until the very last page.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jane is enjoying the peace and quiet until a man's murder is thrown into her lap. Jane is hoping to find clues that will lead her to the killer. This book kept me guessing.

In this continuation of Brown's "Sister Jane" series she finds a watch and then a murder happens that she is determined to solve.
I really enjoy Brown's writing style as she makes the characters, the setting, and the animals pop and come to life.

I have to say I am not big on fox-hunting although I really appreciate the fact that it is done humanely.
This is clearly a personal thing - but I did appreciate the realistic details that she uses to share this story.

Rita Mae Brown is always one of my favorite authors to read and this book doesn't disappoint.

This 16th book in the Sister Jane mystery series is yet another wonderful study in the finer points of humane fox hunting. The reader is proffered historic detail, descriptions of hunt practices, roles and manners of participants - all of which lays out the landscape of the fox hunt. One quickly discovers that there is a tremendous amount of effort and planning which goes into each hunt. The descriptions of the actual hunts are so beautifully detailed that one imagines that they're flying over fence and post alongside other riders. Add a a couple murders to the mix and you've got yourself a fun cozy mystery while hanging out with the hunting set. Kudos to Ms. Brown. If you are a fan of the traditional fox hunt, then this just might be the book for you.

I am grateful to author Rita Me Brown and publisher Ballantine Books for having provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher:‎ Bantam
Publication Date: November 12, 2024
Number of Pages:‎ 304
ISBN-13:‎ 978-0593873823

Another fun Sister mystery to add to the Rita Mae Brown collection! Set in the beautiful mountains of Virginia in fox hunting country, the latest book is full of hunting etiquette mixed with murder. Always an engaging read, the Sister books provide great entertainment plus an insight into another aspect of Southern culture.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Time Will Tell is an addition to the Rita Mae Brown Sister Jane Foxhunting series. I enjoyed it, like visiting with friends, and there is plenty of action as law enforcement, with the help of Sister, Aunt Daniella, Betty and other foxhunters, tries to unravel a mystery. There are a lot of clues from found items to three dead bodies but do any of them fit together to complete the puzzle? Surrounding the mystery we have the ongoing foxhunts and comments from the dogs and foxes. The main foxhunters all are speculating about what’s happening but no one really has a clue. The criminals are doing a wonderful job of staying under everyone’s radar. What will it take to bring them out? Are there only one or two of them or is this a widespread operation? More questions than answers right to the end.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Sister Jane Arnold is back again with another mystery to solve. This mystery includes stolen jewelry, an abandoned truck with blood inside and multiple dead people. Sister and her friends, human and animal have really stepped into a whirlwind of a mystery within a mystery.

Here is what I like about the Sister Jane books, the friendship of all the characters, the details included about fox hunting, and the conversations between the animals, hounds, horses and foxes. The author also included in this story some fascinating history about the area, the historic old homes and how the landscape of the area is changing fox hunting. Rita Mae Brown does an excellent job of telling a story, unraveling the mystery in a deliberate flow, clues unfold and the groundwork is revealed in a cunning manner. Smart, well-written, characters with depth, another thoroughly enjoyable read.

My sister told me about this author and I am very happy about that.

Full of wonderfully drawn characters and settings. I did not understand the hunt terms at all. But that did not stop me from enjoying the writing and the characters. Human and animal.

The words flow so well and I was captivated by all of it!


NetGalley/ RHPG November 12,2024