Death in Bloodhound Red (Jo Beth Sidden, No. 1) [Hardcover]

Virginia Lanier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

Jo Beth Sidden raises and trains bloodhounds for search-and-rescue missions in the Okeefenokee Swamp. She is used to dealing with lost kids, prison escapees, snakes, bugs, macho deputies, and her abusive ex-husband. But now she is suspected of murder and has to choose between betraying a friend and proving her innocence. The mysterious will of her late father, a famous artist, adds to the web of deceit and betrayal that Jo Beth must unravel to save her livelihood and her life. Winner of the Anthony Award for best first mystery.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lanier's anecdotal debut, melding good-old-boy humor and action-packed adventure, tracks the personal and professional life of Georgia bloodhound trainer Jo Beth Sidden. Working the three counties bordering the Okefenokee Swamp, Jo Beth conducts harrowing searches for missing persons, among them a retarded boy, two fishermen and an elderly man. In between, the outspoken, engaging heroine deals with a mysterious inheritance from her renowned painter father and the vengeful, murderous intentions of her former husband, Bubba. She also finds time to help old friends enmeshed in crime. The latter effort backfires, however, when Bubba is beaten nearly to death and Jo Beth can't give the police an alibi for fear of incriminating herself and a friend. Indicted for attempted murder, she must prove her innocence without divulging where she was or what she was doing. Lanier gives readers a thorough, insider's look at a unique occupation and a detailed view of Southern life near the swamp.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Not a police officer per se, rural Georgia's Jo Beth Sidden, a breeder and trainer of bloodhounds, collects clues in much the same way. Despite-or because of-her efficiency and resourcefulness in tracking missing persons for the police, she appears abrasive and outspoken, qualities that mask her fear of abusive ex-husband Bubba, who began stalking her the moment he left prison. Literate, well-modulated prose, satisfyingly detailed descriptions, elements of Southern decadence, and a leisurely pace punctuated by thrilling moments of action all characterize a very appealing first novel.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 462 pages
• Publisher: Pineapple Pr; 1st edition (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156164076X
• ISBN-13: 978-1561640768
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #471,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great character and unique setting, October 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Death in Bloodhound Red (Jo Beth Sidden, No. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

Just finished Death in Bloodhound Red after discovering it in a bag of unread books inadvertently packed away in my basement. Thank goodness I was on vacation, since I read until 3:30 in the morning and then resumed over a late breakfast. What a great read, fresh and unusual, a welcome change from the tired plots where I've guessed the outcome 20 pages into the book. I love strong female protagaonists and Jo Beth fits the bill. She's smart, feisty, caring and wary, comfortable with who she is and how she came to be that way. I enjoyed the look into the world of bloodhound training and rescue searches, gritty details and all, and I appreciated Ms. Lanier's evocation of her southern setting. I've just ordered everything else (except a puppy) in the series, thank-you Amazon, and can't wait to get them. I may have to take another week of vacation to hang out with Jo Beth!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic T(ail) In The Making, April 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Baton Rouge,LA;USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Death in Bloodhound Red (Jo Beth Sidden, No. 1) (Hardcover)

As an avid reader of mysteries,an avid breeder/exhibitor of show dogs,and a southern woman,I began reading this book with the idea that I would have to overlook dogs behaving in an un-doglike manner and the usual "magnolia" approach toward writing a southern female protagonist. Was I ever surprised,charmed,and spellbound by Ms. Lanier's DEATH IN BLOODHOUND RED! Her main character,Jo Beth Sidden,is a marvelous blend of toughness and vunerability. She is quirky,independent and,at times,walks a very thin line between law and lawlessness. I,also,particularly enjoyed the collection of friends,enemies,and townspeople..each character was a three-dimensional,well thought-out personality. Her dogs and her relationship with them was very well-done and will tug sympathetic strings in any reader who loves dogs. The suspense of the plot with it's unexpected twists kept me turning pages long into the night. An engrossing read for any lover of a good mystery.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A suspenseful, atmospheric Southern mystery, June 22, 2000

By 

Sheila L. Beaumont (South Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Death in Bloodhound Red (Jo Beth Sidden, No. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I enjoyed this intricately plotted, suspenseful, atmospheric mystery very much. The people are vividly portrayed, especially our heroine, Jo Beth Sidden, a "staunch but not militant feminist" and Georgia good ol' girl. The descriptions, particularly of the perilous treks through the Okefenokee Swamp, capture the imagination and transport you directly to the Deep South. The bloodhounds come to life too: These dogs are real, not mere background props. The bloodhound lore -- history, training, how these amazing animals do their tracking, their gentle and affectionate disposition -- is fascinating. And cat fanciers will be delighted to find a feline among all the canines. There's a good chance fans of Sue Grafton, Margaret Maron, Sara Paretsky, Susan Conant, B.J. Oliphant/A.J. Orde, and Nevada Barr will like this book, which is followed by four sequels so far.