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Anty Boisjoly Mysteries #7
Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling
Anty Boisjoly is back with his reddest-of-herringed, twistiest-of-turned, locked-roomiest manor house mystery yet.
It’s a classic, manor house, mystery-within-a-locked-room-mystery for Anty Boisjoly, when a death is foretold by a mystic that Anty’s sure is a charlatan. But when an impossible murder follows the foretelling, Anty and his old ally and nemesis Inspector Wittersham must sift the connivance, contrivance, misguidance, and reliance on pseudoscience of the household and its haunted history before the killer strikes again.
Like all Anty Boisjoly locked-room puzzlers, Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling is a stand-alone farce for those who like a little crime with their comedy and vice-versa.
It’s a classic, manor house, mystery-within-a-locked-room-mystery for Anty Boisjoly, when a death is foretold by a mystic that Anty’s sure is a charlatan. But when an impossible murder follows the foretelling, Anty and his old ally and nemesis Inspector Wittersham must sift the connivance, contrivance, misguidance, and reliance on pseudoscience of the household and its haunted history before the killer strikes again.
Like all Anty Boisjoly locked-room puzzlers, Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling is a stand-alone farce for those who like a little crime with their comedy and vice-versa.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2023
168 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fitzsimmons
12 books274 followersI’m a freelance ghost for mainstream genres but when I’m my own man I write strictly for the laughs. I dream of an alternative reality in which PG Wodehouse wrote locked room mysteries, and in which I’m PG Wodehouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 18, 2024
This is clearly written by someone who loves language, right down to the musicality of the spoken word. This, of course, presents a problem to the reader like me who sails along from one sentence to the next, tacking only when a concept is particularly rough. But this, this is a light-hearted little craft that skims the surface of the waves, cheerful and sparkling. It probably even deserves to be read aloud, but that's not really my jam. No, the real mystery is how Fitzsimmons manages to get me chuckling throughout this entire book. Admittedly, it is shorter at 220 pages, and admittedly, I was looking for a break between a number of reads that were Very Serious. But how can you not chuckle at Anty Boisjoly's telegram to the Chief of Police, who confronts Anty with his particular word choice:
“Freak fatality at Ficklehouse Felling… Worrying want of Wittershams… Crucial come quickly (consider correspondence at Cleeve).”
“I was trying to strike a tone,” I said. “Sad business, after all.”
In this installment, Anty Beaujolais finds himself at a country estate to attend a seance held by the famous Professor Smudge, with not one but two personal valets in tow (one is in training). Also in attendance are his cousin, Ripley, the pair of siblings who currently run the estate, assorted children, a chambermaid, the house man-servant and a cook. It soon becomes clear that an accidental death is no accident, as he and Detective Ivor discuss:
"'The perfect locked-room murder.'
'It’s not a locked-room murder,” claimed Ivor.
“It’s very like a locked-room murder,' I countered.
'The room wasn’t even locked.'
'Impossible, then,” I conceded. 'The perfect impossible murder.'
'Clearly, Mister Boisjoly, it was not.'”
But the motive initially eludes them:
“'Has anyone motive for murder?'
'Aquinas would say not,” I recollected, 'but he’s probably never ordered the steak and kidney pie in the bar car of the Brighton Belle.'
'I refer to the specific murder in question.'”
How can you not chuckle at that sidestep, drawing as it does on philosophy and a commentary on the local food? We soon realize it's a classic country house mystery, which Anty sums up in his unique head-scratching manner:
“In a household population of nine we’ve managed to accumulate twenty-seven suspects.”
I mean, I'm chortling writing it. It's like a murder mystery handled by Monty Python, only the mystery actually works, more or less. Lots of commentary on food and drink, art, the daffiness of a particular maid, the learning curve of his apprentice valet, and a one-legged duck help round out the comedy. Oh, it also includes the best premise of an autobiography that I've yet heard:
"So, of course, I was distracted to double-vision by the widely-repeated rumour that you’re writing your memoirs. Is it true?”
'It is,” said Ogden with warmth. 'I call it, ‘A Volume in Two Lives’. I intend to write part two, you see, from beyond the grave.'
'Excellent,” I encouraged. “Readers love a cliffhanger.'"
I'd recommend it to people who enjoy Wodehouse style, the Golden Age of Mysteries, and Monty Python. I will look forward to checking out the other books in the series.
Thanks to Lawrence who pointed the way to this series.
“Freak fatality at Ficklehouse Felling… Worrying want of Wittershams… Crucial come quickly (consider correspondence at Cleeve).”
“I was trying to strike a tone,” I said. “Sad business, after all.”
In this installment, Anty Beaujolais finds himself at a country estate to attend a seance held by the famous Professor Smudge, with not one but two personal valets in tow (one is in training). Also in attendance are his cousin, Ripley, the pair of siblings who currently run the estate, assorted children, a chambermaid, the house man-servant and a cook. It soon becomes clear that an accidental death is no accident, as he and Detective Ivor discuss:
"'The perfect locked-room murder.'
'It’s not a locked-room murder,” claimed Ivor.
“It’s very like a locked-room murder,' I countered.
'The room wasn’t even locked.'
'Impossible, then,” I conceded. 'The perfect impossible murder.'
'Clearly, Mister Boisjoly, it was not.'”
But the motive initially eludes them:
“'Has anyone motive for murder?'
'Aquinas would say not,” I recollected, 'but he’s probably never ordered the steak and kidney pie in the bar car of the Brighton Belle.'
'I refer to the specific murder in question.'”
How can you not chuckle at that sidestep, drawing as it does on philosophy and a commentary on the local food? We soon realize it's a classic country house mystery, which Anty sums up in his unique head-scratching manner:
“In a household population of nine we’ve managed to accumulate twenty-seven suspects.”
I mean, I'm chortling writing it. It's like a murder mystery handled by Monty Python, only the mystery actually works, more or less. Lots of commentary on food and drink, art, the daffiness of a particular maid, the learning curve of his apprentice valet, and a one-legged duck help round out the comedy. Oh, it also includes the best premise of an autobiography that I've yet heard:
"So, of course, I was distracted to double-vision by the widely-repeated rumour that you’re writing your memoirs. Is it true?”
'It is,” said Ogden with warmth. 'I call it, ‘A Volume in Two Lives’. I intend to write part two, you see, from beyond the grave.'
'Excellent,” I encouraged. “Readers love a cliffhanger.'"
I'd recommend it to people who enjoy Wodehouse style, the Golden Age of Mysteries, and Monty Python. I will look forward to checking out the other books in the series.
Thanks to Lawrence who pointed the way to this series.
November 16, 2023
I adore Anty!
Anty Boisjoly and his creator PJ Fitzsimmons are the best. I wish someone would make the books into a movie or a TV mini series. Anty is Bertie Wooster if Bertie was actually clever and Vickers is Jeeves, if Jeeves was suffering from a slight case of dementia. I chuckle my way through the whole book and although the book is foremost humorous, the mystery aspect is pretty good, too. I hope the author writes these books for a long time to come.
Anty Boisjoly and his creator PJ Fitzsimmons are the best. I wish someone would make the books into a movie or a TV mini series. Anty is Bertie Wooster if Bertie was actually clever and Vickers is Jeeves, if Jeeves was suffering from a slight case of dementia. I chuckle my way through the whole book and although the book is foremost humorous, the mystery aspect is pretty good, too. I hope the author writes these books for a long time to come.
August 20, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Anty Boisjoly has come to Ficklehouse Felling to attend a seance with Professor Smudge, a supposed spirit medium. When Professor Smudge announces one among them will die, Anty calls his bluff and offers to pay to prevent a death but before they come to an agreement, someone ends up dead after all! Maude Ficklehouse, the sister of patriarch Ogden Ficklehouse, was found dead in the gallery under a chandelier. No one knew Maude was in the house as she was supposed to have left to avoid the very thing that happened to her. Who wanted Maude dead? How was the murder possible when everyone has an alibi? As Anty investigates with Inspector Wittersham, he comes to the realization that Maude may not have been the intended victim, in which case, they have 27 suspects! Then someone else ends up dead and Anty must come up with a clever solution before a third murder occurs. Aided by his valet, Vickers and his second valet, Pendurby and plenty of drinks, Anty sets out to uncover a murderer. The game is afoot! and whatnot!
This is the twistiest mystery yet! I didn't guess who or why but I did pick up on a clue Anty didn't quite pick up on right away. I love the humor in this series. This book is an homage to P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings Castle series with a gentleman who was into hobby farming and now is writing a memoir of his colorful youthful escapades. This is one of the funniest installments in the series. I laughed out loud a few times. I really enjoy Anty's stories about the Juniper Club and here we get stories about past Boisjoly ancestral exploits. Anty looks like a saint compared to his father and grandfather. Anty's father has more in common with Bertie Wooster than Anty does despite the similarities. I like that Anty's exploits are off page and only related as anecdotes. As much as I love Wodehouse, sometimes the stories of the idle rich get a little tiring. The stories are very reminiscent of Tales from the Drones Club. If you love Jeeves and Wooster, you need to read this series. The use of language in this story is more clever than Wodehouse and the alliterative jokes are very funny. Even the chapter headings are clever and witty.
What I didn't like were the unusual number of typos, especially in the beginning. I haven't noticed as many or any in the previous books.
As I have stated before, Anty is Bertie Wooster with a brain. Anty is far more clever than me and notices things others don't. His rambling stories always have a point and I think Ivor Wittersham has come to respect Anty's hidden intelligence even if he still doesn't appreciate Anty's wit! Anty's superannuated valet, Vickers, is suffering from dementia. He can remember everything from the past but and everything correct in respect to his duties as a gentleman's gentleman, but not always the small details like bringing the tea service and tea WITH the tea tray. Oh dear! However, his long term memory serves Anty well as Vickers recalls incidents from the past that may or may not have led to Maude's murder. He even becomes a suspect himself! Pendurby isn't exactly up to snuff on his duties either but he's still learning. Poor Vickers feels like he's being pushed out and replaced but something is off about this new apprentice valet. I think he might be an art thief! He's certainly curious about this priceless masterpiece of cubillage done by Jacques Staque before his untimely landing on the pavement below the Eiffel Tower. I suspect the painting is the motive for murder. It's supposedly priceless but sounds like trash to me. The only thing that would make it priceless is the drawing of a rooster on a napkin done by Pablo Picasso as payment for a restaurant meal! But in this Wodehousian world, this odd artwork is an original masterpiece worth millions of pounds.
Ogden Ficklehouse, the family patriarch, has the Midas touch. Everything he touches turns to gold. Not literally as in the story but he has made a number of lucky investments over the years purely by accident. His former hobby was farming and now he has a one-legged duck, Lefty, who only moves to the left. Lefty adds more zaniness to the story, especially at the end. I love Lefty and I hope he follows Anty back to London! His next hobby was art, especially this bizarre original cubbilage! The more the better, according to his art dealer. Grandpapa Ogden has invested in one grandson's business, gave the other a loan and educated his granddaughter at Oxford and now he intends to write his memoir -part 1 only. Part 2 will be written from beyond the grave. Enter Professor Smudge, to consult with Ogden's former friends in the beyond on certain details Ogden no longer remembers! His granddaughter, Fabricia Ficklehouse, is helping him with his memoir. She's a typical hard boiled Wodehousian heroine. She's highly intelligent and protective of her grandfather's memoir.
However, Ogden's sister Maude did not approve of his hobbies- ANY of them and doesn't approve of her brother's grandsons either. She's done her utmost to thwart every ambition. She's not well liked belowstairs either, being known as a "penny-wise, pinch-faced, tin-tongued ounce of alum." Maude ruled the family and household with an iron fist. She didn't like anyone and no one seemed to like her. Any of them could have and would have killed her. The only person she was nice to was the elderly butler, Thistletine, and she had her reasons. Either because he's been with the family forever or because she knew him better than an ordinary butler.
Maude certainly didn't approve of her brother's art dealer and Anty's cousin, Ripley Quillfeather. Ripley is Ogden's liason in the art world yet I get the impression Ripley isn't too bright. He IS Anty's cousin after all. His trust fund is dwindling and he needs the money. Maude's directive on having only ONE gallery in the massive house puts a damper on his enthusiastic trips to Paris. I doubt Ripley could have masterminded a murder but he's engaged to Fabricia who is very bright. Perhaps they were in it together or perhaps Ripley just got lucky?
The one nephew Maude tolerated was Tucker, the younger son and heir. His older brother Godfrey is an idle wastrel currently trying to make a fortune in America. His previous occupation was counting cards in Monte Carlo. Tucker is the solid, dependable one, the boring one. He's successful in business mainly because his grandfather helped him out. His company is on the verge of becoming public and he doesn't have a reason to kill his great aunt. Perhaps she wasn't the intended victim? I don't see a motive for killing anyone else though.
Did the butler do it? Probably not. Thistletine seems even older than Vickers and very deaf. He's not quite able to do his job effectively and doesn't question unusual changes in the written notes Ogden leaves him when he needs something done. Vickers has a motive but it's in the past. Why kill Maude? Was she going to reduce the household staff even farther? Perhaps get rid of Thistletine? He seems too old and confused to kill someone on purpose. Like Vickers though, the past is very much the present. Eppings, a maid, a new addition to the staff, certainly isn't cut out for the position. She's a dreamer, has an artist's, speaks well and complains loudly about all the work that is part of her job. Who is she really? She was recommended by Fabricia. Is she a friend having a lark? A friend down on her luck? Maybe an undercover private detective?
Mister Wiltshire Dibdin has come to Ficklehouse Felling supposedly to appraise Ogden's art collection but no one knows he's selling. He says he's not so why is an art appraiser coming to stay? Did Maude ask him to come? She wouldn't have hired THIS particular art appraiser had she known. He's another one who seems like he's inept. Professor Smudge is hilarious. All mediums are phonies but he really takes the cake. He doesn't even TRY! Anyone can see right through him. Yet he worries because he thinks he's the real deal. He predicted Maude's death after all! You would think that would make him more money but he's scared. He might be more scared he'll be pinched for Maude's murder. There's a story there and it's a doozy! Someone is going to want to kill him someday soon, probably before Ogden shuffles off this mortal coil and writes Part 2 of his memoir!
I can't think of anyone who had the motive, means, opportunity AND brains enough to murder anyone, let alone Maude who ran the household! This is not your average locked room mystery! No, it's an impossible murder!
This is a great series and I look forward to reading the next soon!
Anty Boisjoly has come to Ficklehouse Felling to attend a seance with Professor Smudge, a supposed spirit medium. When Professor Smudge announces one among them will die, Anty calls his bluff and offers to pay to prevent a death but before they come to an agreement, someone ends up dead after all! Maude Ficklehouse, the sister of patriarch Ogden Ficklehouse, was found dead in the gallery under a chandelier. No one knew Maude was in the house as she was supposed to have left to avoid the very thing that happened to her. Who wanted Maude dead? How was the murder possible when everyone has an alibi? As Anty investigates with Inspector Wittersham, he comes to the realization that Maude may not have been the intended victim, in which case, they have 27 suspects! Then someone else ends up dead and Anty must come up with a clever solution before a third murder occurs. Aided by his valet, Vickers and his second valet, Pendurby and plenty of drinks, Anty sets out to uncover a murderer. The game is afoot! and whatnot!
This is the twistiest mystery yet! I didn't guess who or why but I did pick up on a clue Anty didn't quite pick up on right away. I love the humor in this series. This book is an homage to P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings Castle series with a gentleman who was into hobby farming and now is writing a memoir of his colorful youthful escapades. This is one of the funniest installments in the series. I laughed out loud a few times. I really enjoy Anty's stories about the Juniper Club and here we get stories about past Boisjoly ancestral exploits. Anty looks like a saint compared to his father and grandfather. Anty's father has more in common with Bertie Wooster than Anty does despite the similarities. I like that Anty's exploits are off page and only related as anecdotes. As much as I love Wodehouse, sometimes the stories of the idle rich get a little tiring. The stories are very reminiscent of Tales from the Drones Club. If you love Jeeves and Wooster, you need to read this series. The use of language in this story is more clever than Wodehouse and the alliterative jokes are very funny. Even the chapter headings are clever and witty.
What I didn't like were the unusual number of typos, especially in the beginning. I haven't noticed as many or any in the previous books.
As I have stated before, Anty is Bertie Wooster with a brain. Anty is far more clever than me and notices things others don't. His rambling stories always have a point and I think Ivor Wittersham has come to respect Anty's hidden intelligence even if he still doesn't appreciate Anty's wit! Anty's superannuated valet, Vickers, is suffering from dementia. He can remember everything from the past but and everything correct in respect to his duties as a gentleman's gentleman, but not always the small details like bringing the tea service and tea WITH the tea tray. Oh dear! However, his long term memory serves Anty well as Vickers recalls incidents from the past that may or may not have led to Maude's murder. He even becomes a suspect himself! Pendurby isn't exactly up to snuff on his duties either but he's still learning. Poor Vickers feels like he's being pushed out and replaced but something is off about this new apprentice valet. I think he might be an art thief! He's certainly curious about this priceless masterpiece of cubillage done by Jacques Staque before his untimely landing on the pavement below the Eiffel Tower. I suspect the painting is the motive for murder. It's supposedly priceless but sounds like trash to me. The only thing that would make it priceless is the drawing of a rooster on a napkin done by Pablo Picasso as payment for a restaurant meal! But in this Wodehousian world, this odd artwork is an original masterpiece worth millions of pounds.
Ogden Ficklehouse, the family patriarch, has the Midas touch. Everything he touches turns to gold. Not literally as in the story but he has made a number of lucky investments over the years purely by accident. His former hobby was farming and now he has a one-legged duck, Lefty, who only moves to the left. Lefty adds more zaniness to the story, especially at the end. I love Lefty and I hope he follows Anty back to London! His next hobby was art, especially this bizarre original cubbilage! The more the better, according to his art dealer. Grandpapa Ogden has invested in one grandson's business, gave the other a loan and educated his granddaughter at Oxford and now he intends to write his memoir -part 1 only. Part 2 will be written from beyond the grave. Enter Professor Smudge, to consult with Ogden's former friends in the beyond on certain details Ogden no longer remembers! His granddaughter, Fabricia Ficklehouse, is helping him with his memoir. She's a typical hard boiled Wodehousian heroine. She's highly intelligent and protective of her grandfather's memoir.
However, Ogden's sister Maude did not approve of his hobbies- ANY of them and doesn't approve of her brother's grandsons either. She's done her utmost to thwart every ambition. She's not well liked belowstairs either, being known as a "penny-wise, pinch-faced, tin-tongued ounce of alum." Maude ruled the family and household with an iron fist. She didn't like anyone and no one seemed to like her. Any of them could have and would have killed her. The only person she was nice to was the elderly butler, Thistletine, and she had her reasons. Either because he's been with the family forever or because she knew him better than an ordinary butler.
Maude certainly didn't approve of her brother's art dealer and Anty's cousin, Ripley Quillfeather. Ripley is Ogden's liason in the art world yet I get the impression Ripley isn't too bright. He IS Anty's cousin after all. His trust fund is dwindling and he needs the money. Maude's directive on having only ONE gallery in the massive house puts a damper on his enthusiastic trips to Paris. I doubt Ripley could have masterminded a murder but he's engaged to Fabricia who is very bright. Perhaps they were in it together or perhaps Ripley just got lucky?
The one nephew Maude tolerated was Tucker, the younger son and heir. His older brother Godfrey is an idle wastrel currently trying to make a fortune in America. His previous occupation was counting cards in Monte Carlo. Tucker is the solid, dependable one, the boring one. He's successful in business mainly because his grandfather helped him out. His company is on the verge of becoming public and he doesn't have a reason to kill his great aunt. Perhaps she wasn't the intended victim? I don't see a motive for killing anyone else though.
Did the butler do it? Probably not. Thistletine seems even older than Vickers and very deaf. He's not quite able to do his job effectively and doesn't question unusual changes in the written notes Ogden leaves him when he needs something done. Vickers has a motive but it's in the past. Why kill Maude? Was she going to reduce the household staff even farther? Perhaps get rid of Thistletine? He seems too old and confused to kill someone on purpose. Like Vickers though, the past is very much the present. Eppings, a maid, a new addition to the staff, certainly isn't cut out for the position. She's a dreamer, has an artist's, speaks well and complains loudly about all the work that is part of her job. Who is she really? She was recommended by Fabricia. Is she a friend having a lark? A friend down on her luck? Maybe an undercover private detective?
Mister Wiltshire Dibdin has come to Ficklehouse Felling supposedly to appraise Ogden's art collection but no one knows he's selling. He says he's not so why is an art appraiser coming to stay? Did Maude ask him to come? She wouldn't have hired THIS particular art appraiser had she known. He's another one who seems like he's inept. Professor Smudge is hilarious. All mediums are phonies but he really takes the cake. He doesn't even TRY! Anyone can see right through him. Yet he worries because he thinks he's the real deal. He predicted Maude's death after all! You would think that would make him more money but he's scared. He might be more scared he'll be pinched for Maude's murder. There's a story there and it's a doozy! Someone is going to want to kill him someday soon, probably before Ogden shuffles off this mortal coil and writes Part 2 of his memoir!
I can't think of anyone who had the motive, means, opportunity AND brains enough to murder anyone, let alone Maude who ran the household! This is not your average locked room mystery! No, it's an impossible murder!
This is a great series and I look forward to reading the next soon!
Want to read
May 20, 2024Cozy Wodehousian manor-house mystery.
February 22, 2024
It's always a pleasure to read about Anty and Vickers on a case. It was yet another puzzling whodunit solved by the witty and clever Anty Boisjoly, of course good old inspector Wittersham is there too. As well as Antys relatives. It always provides a great and witty mystery story with wonderful characters. It will be interesting to see when Antys adventures takes him next.
November 20, 2023
Stepping into a story by PJ Fitzsimmons is like entering the fun house at the traveling carnival: it is not stop fun and chock full of surprises from beginning to end. I have never known another author who can play with language the way he does. It's like P.G. Wodehouse collaborating with Groucho Marx. The result is delightful, creative, clever and amusing. At times it is laugh out loud funny. FF at FF is the wildest book in this terrific series and I can't wait to see what is coming next!
November 15, 2023
Laughter thru and thru
Enjoy every Anty book. Thank you and look forward to next one. One of my favorites is the one with his Mom.
Enjoy every Anty book. Thank you and look forward to next one. One of my favorites is the one with his Mom.
December 8, 2023
Another adventure of Anty Boisjoly.. Funny, antic and ultimately a solution to a murder or two in the most convoluted manner possible. I really got lost during the detailing of who dunnit.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
“Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling” (2023) is set in the 1920s by PJ Fitzsimmons, While Anthony (Anty) Boisjoly is visiting the Ficklehouse, he attends a seance at which a fortuneteller whom Anty believes is a charlatan predicts the death of one of the participants. One of them dies the next morning. Can Anty and his old friend Inspector Wittersham of the Yard solve the locked-room mystery? This is the seventh book in the series. As is typical of the other books, the plot is a good one with numerous eccentric characters. The book is well-written. A butler is described as being “deaf as a portrait of Beethoven”. There were many points at which I laughed out loud.
1. “May I ask what this concerns?”
“I thought you were a psychic.”
“I’m a spirit medium.”
“You look about a 42 small, if you don’t mind my saying so,” I observed.
2 “What was he doing up a tree?”
“Like many of the Ficklehouse gentlemen, he was prone to a malady of the nerves,” reported Vickers. “In later years, he not only believed that he could communicate with squirrels, he began to rely on them exclusively for counsel in his business affairs.”
Someone has described one of the earlier books in the series as a cross between PJ Wodehouse and Agatha Christie. It’s an apt description. You can read this one without having read the first six, but all are great. It’s one of the most enjoyable series I have read in years. If you have Kindle unlimited, you can rent it for free. Highly recommended.
1. “May I ask what this concerns?”
“I thought you were a psychic.”
“I’m a spirit medium.”
“You look about a 42 small, if you don’t mind my saying so,” I observed.
2 “What was he doing up a tree?”
“Like many of the Ficklehouse gentlemen, he was prone to a malady of the nerves,” reported Vickers. “In later years, he not only believed that he could communicate with squirrels, he began to rely on them exclusively for counsel in his business affairs.”
Someone has described one of the earlier books in the series as a cross between PJ Wodehouse and Agatha Christie. It’s an apt description. You can read this one without having read the first six, but all are great. It’s one of the most enjoyable series I have read in years. If you have Kindle unlimited, you can rent it for free. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2023
Anty astonishes as to the manor born.
P J Fitzsimmons has an affinity for alliteration as you can tell from the title and the playful chapter titles too. This is possibly the best outing yet as there is a longer story arc and a couple of subplots to entertain and confuse the reader. The style and tone is set immediately with the manor house becoming a character and explaining the lengthy description of its development. There is also more than one murder to solve with motivations being unwrapped along the way. If you have had the undoubted pleasure of reading the previous books, the close co-operation of the detective with our hero may come as a surprise.
I must admit I thought I had worked out the culprit, only to be met with the sniff of red herring. There are plenty of twists and clever plot construction makes you realise that all the information is presented when Anty reveals the solution in an all suspects together setting. The epilogue ties the story up in a very satisfactory way.
Humour abounds and Anty is quite comfortable admitting his and his relative's antics whilst showing a fierce loyalty to his valet, Vickers. Adding a pet duck to the cast of characters gives more opportunities for comic as well as plot relief. Two locked room mysteries are explained by our hero. Eagerly looking forward to the next, but wondering how this one can be surpassed.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
P J Fitzsimmons has an affinity for alliteration as you can tell from the title and the playful chapter titles too. This is possibly the best outing yet as there is a longer story arc and a couple of subplots to entertain and confuse the reader. The style and tone is set immediately with the manor house becoming a character and explaining the lengthy description of its development. There is also more than one murder to solve with motivations being unwrapped along the way. If you have had the undoubted pleasure of reading the previous books, the close co-operation of the detective with our hero may come as a surprise.
I must admit I thought I had worked out the culprit, only to be met with the sniff of red herring. There are plenty of twists and clever plot construction makes you realise that all the information is presented when Anty reveals the solution in an all suspects together setting. The epilogue ties the story up in a very satisfactory way.
Humour abounds and Anty is quite comfortable admitting his and his relative's antics whilst showing a fierce loyalty to his valet, Vickers. Adding a pet duck to the cast of characters gives more opportunities for comic as well as plot relief. Two locked room mysteries are explained by our hero. Eagerly looking forward to the next, but wondering how this one can be surpassed.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
FOREBODING FORETELLING AT FICKLEHOUSE FELLING is a fantastic cozy edition of #mondaymurdermystery!
I have been reading some heavier and deep reads (that last one notwithstanding) and it has been a delight to dip into the alliterative fun of Anty Boisjoly once again! I appreciate the reminder in the beginning of each story as to the pronunciation of his name (Beaujolais) and the witty banter that comes with veiled insults to Anty's lessers!
This story finds another manor house locked room murder mystery surrounded by speculation, art, and more red herrings than AG could shake a stick at. There were plenty of motives and opportunities, questions and clues, and I was absolutely stumped.
I won't lie, I read the first half rapidly, had a family Christmas this weekend and had a bit of a hiccup trying to recapture my momentum. Once I did, it sped along nicely and I enjoyed all the dramatics at the end! Lefty, the duck (pictured on the cover) was quite the scene stealer.
This is a great read for fun! I know that it feels a bit silly, has a sense of the ridiculous, and yet I thoroughly enjoy the smart and snarky Anty with his brilliant valet, Vickers. It seems I have skipped one of the series, but I have read the previous 5, and they have all proved to be a perfectly light read.
Thank you to @booksirens for sharing this title with me and letting me share my thoughts! I believe this title is available now!
I have been reading some heavier and deep reads (that last one notwithstanding) and it has been a delight to dip into the alliterative fun of Anty Boisjoly once again! I appreciate the reminder in the beginning of each story as to the pronunciation of his name (Beaujolais) and the witty banter that comes with veiled insults to Anty's lessers!
This story finds another manor house locked room murder mystery surrounded by speculation, art, and more red herrings than AG could shake a stick at. There were plenty of motives and opportunities, questions and clues, and I was absolutely stumped.
I won't lie, I read the first half rapidly, had a family Christmas this weekend and had a bit of a hiccup trying to recapture my momentum. Once I did, it sped along nicely and I enjoyed all the dramatics at the end! Lefty, the duck (pictured on the cover) was quite the scene stealer.
This is a great read for fun! I know that it feels a bit silly, has a sense of the ridiculous, and yet I thoroughly enjoy the smart and snarky Anty with his brilliant valet, Vickers. It seems I have skipped one of the series, but I have read the previous 5, and they have all proved to be a perfectly light read.
Thank you to @booksirens for sharing this title with me and letting me share my thoughts! I believe this title is available now!
December 28, 2023
So, how should one characterize this series; comedic mystery or mysterious comedy? Frankly, I don't care how you characterize it as long as Mr. Fitzsimmons continues to write more Anty Boisjoly stories. They are wonderful. This one in particular reminded me of the movie (not the board game) Clue. I could just see the actors and actresses when I pictured the characters. It added an extra touch of enjoyment and realism to the story. As always, Anty's dry sarcastic humor, rakish attitude, and the obvious care exhibited between him and Vickers were my favorite parts of the book.
In addition to all of the above, I enjoyed the "tip of the hat" to Christie-style murder mysteries with the "not locked room murder" but impossible murders. (You'll have to read the book to catch the reference.) Plus, Mr. Fitzsimmons likes to play fast and loose with the cultural and societal norms of early 1900s England. It is all just delightful.
If you haven't read any of this series I suggest you correct that deficit in your life as quickly as possible. I promise they will brighten any day you may experience. I highly recommend them.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
In addition to all of the above, I enjoyed the "tip of the hat" to Christie-style murder mysteries with the "not locked room murder" but impossible murders. (You'll have to read the book to catch the reference.) Plus, Mr. Fitzsimmons likes to play fast and loose with the cultural and societal norms of early 1900s England. It is all just delightful.
If you haven't read any of this series I suggest you correct that deficit in your life as quickly as possible. I promise they will brighten any day you may experience. I highly recommend them.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
December 29, 2023
Absolutely LOVED this book!!! As a longtime fan of PG Wodehouse, I was both excited and nervous to read this book - the parallels noted between this author and Wodehouse set the bar very high - but I am very pleased to say those worries were for naught. A new-to-me author has joined my favorite authors list.
The cadence is spry, the humor spot on, the names and characters are wonderful. Super fun plotlines. I look forward to reading everything he has written - what a fantastic find!
I hope that the antics and adventures of Anty Boisjoly are filmed one day very soon and that they are as well done as Jeeves & Wooster from the 1990s although who could call up the right touch for such witty banter these days I do not know. At least we now have a writer who more than up to writing this snappy dialogue!
I very very heartily recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cadence is spry, the humor spot on, the names and characters are wonderful. Super fun plotlines. I look forward to reading everything he has written - what a fantastic find!
I hope that the antics and adventures of Anty Boisjoly are filmed one day very soon and that they are as well done as Jeeves & Wooster from the 1990s although who could call up the right touch for such witty banter these days I do not know. At least we now have a writer who more than up to writing this snappy dialogue!
I very very heartily recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2023
Sometimes you read a synopsis and think the book sounds great, but then when you read it, it turns out to be disappointing. This book, though, lives up to the description completely: “a stand-alone farce for those who like a little crime with their comedy and vice-versa.”
I was giggling through the pages. I started sipping hot tea throughout the day because everyone in the story was drinking tea all the time. Sometimes I almost snorted said tea out my nostrils because of a silly conversation or a string of ridiculous alliteration. This was a complex and very well-written mystery, with a lot of fun and silly silliness. I adored every word of it. I need more silliness and laughter in my life. I’m definitely going to pick up other books in the series. Highly recommended!
(I received a free review copy from BookSirens.)
I was giggling through the pages. I started sipping hot tea throughout the day because everyone in the story was drinking tea all the time. Sometimes I almost snorted said tea out my nostrils because of a silly conversation or a string of ridiculous alliteration. This was a complex and very well-written mystery, with a lot of fun and silly silliness. I adored every word of it. I need more silliness and laughter in my life. I’m definitely going to pick up other books in the series. Highly recommended!
(I received a free review copy from BookSirens.)
December 26, 2023
Another classic of Anty. In all the previous book there use to be 2 murders and anty finds the murderer. In this book as author has mentioned there are total 4 revelation. This story is about Ficklehouse house mystery both being locked room murders. Ficklehouse house people are in a fickle here. All are suspects and all have a motive to do the murders, but Anty is the person who finds out the truth and reveals it. This story starts with a foretelling of a murder which happens in real.
Ficklehouse members Ogden the head of the family, Maude the first deceased, tucker, gad and fab all his grandchildren. These type of book does not leave you with enough revelation as if revealed it feels that story is revealed. But Anty lovers this one is also a must read. Waiting for the further episodes as well. Overall would say a lovely awesome Goodreads....🙂
Ficklehouse members Ogden the head of the family, Maude the first deceased, tucker, gad and fab all his grandchildren. These type of book does not leave you with enough revelation as if revealed it feels that story is revealed. But Anty lovers this one is also a must read. Waiting for the further episodes as well. Overall would say a lovely awesome Goodreads....🙂
May 22, 2025
THE INSPECTOR IS BACK!! Thank goodness. I love Anty, but he needs a straight man to counterbalance his silly shenanigans. Vickers doesn't have the youthful energy, plus he's too much the perfect servant and valet to tell Anty to shut it... I love his character too, but he doesn't fulfill the same role.
The previous 3 books have been set in locales that are far from regular life, but this one is set in a big country manor, with Anty's cousin as one of the suspects. The animal friend in this book is a 1-legged duck, because why not. I enjoyed the setup as well as the denouement, which were both in the form of seances, something I always enjoy seeing debunked but also enjoy as entertainment. These were common enough at the time and always make a fun scene in a story.
Overall I felt like this book got back to form, and I look forward to the next!
The previous 3 books have been set in locales that are far from regular life, but this one is set in a big country manor, with Anty's cousin as one of the suspects. The animal friend in this book is a 1-legged duck, because why not. I enjoyed the setup as well as the denouement, which were both in the form of seances, something I always enjoy seeing debunked but also enjoy as entertainment. These were common enough at the time and always make a fun scene in a story.
Overall I felt like this book got back to form, and I look forward to the next!
December 11, 2023
If you like a good murder mystery with lots of red herrings and is so twisty you can't guess the outcome before the wonderful Anty Boisjoly a wonderful character who is adept at solving murders better than the local constabulary. A strange closed door murder once again has Anty on the case, especially where his aunt is involved. With so many twists and turns and so many laugh out loud moments, you are taken on a roller coaster ride until the terrific ending. I highly recommend this series with a unique character in Anty Boisjoly. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 18, 2023
Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling is book 7 in An Anty Bois Joly Mystery by P J Fitzsimmons. I completely enjoy this series and have read all of the books.. I found book 7 to be different because the death was a member of Anty's family. As a typical family, fingers were pointed at everyone. I felt that the author told the story that had many layers and family secrets. I believe that the turn of the century story us not to be missed. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 27, 2023
Good prose (actually, better than good), good characterization, good world building, no theme. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 just because I can.
A manor house murder mystery with more red herrings than the stomach of a humpback whale.
Anty's mother gets a mention, but doesn't appear. She's a brilliant character and I miss her.
There are no cute pets helping to solve the mystery, no wives, girlfriends or significant others. Just Vickers. And a rogues gallery of unhelpful relations and acquaintances. Just as it should be.
P.J. Fitzsimmons does a pretty fair P.G. Wodehouse.
A manor house murder mystery with more red herrings than the stomach of a humpback whale.
Anty's mother gets a mention, but doesn't appear. She's a brilliant character and I miss her.
There are no cute pets helping to solve the mystery, no wives, girlfriends or significant others. Just Vickers. And a rogues gallery of unhelpful relations and acquaintances. Just as it should be.
P.J. Fitzsimmons does a pretty fair P.G. Wodehouse.
March 27, 2024
It may be because I am on a deadline to finish this series before my kindle unlimited trial runs out, but this one wasn’t my favorite. The plot felt over complicated and relied too much on a single detail (who was where over the course of three minutes). In order to fit in so many red herrings and plot twists, there wasn’t as much character development, so I didn’t care much about solving the murders. Despite it being as long as the others, I kept thinking “get on with it already.” It wasn’t bad, just the best in the series.
December 1, 2023
Not worth reading
PJ Fitzsimmons, who likes to remind us that, if he had his druthers,
he would be the reincarnation of PG Wodehouse, has come to the
end of his stay.
That is to say, his narrative antics in this, his first book in four acts, with, as
he freely admits in the post script, many more red herrings than he needed, was
a waste of time for this reader.
I shall not be returning for book 8.
PJ Fitzsimmons, who likes to remind us that, if he had his druthers,
he would be the reincarnation of PG Wodehouse, has come to the
end of his stay.
That is to say, his narrative antics in this, his first book in four acts, with, as
he freely admits in the post script, many more red herrings than he needed, was
a waste of time for this reader.
I shall not be returning for book 8.
December 2, 2023
Another great Anty Boisjoly mystery from writer P.J. Fitzsimmons. Locked room murders, red herrings, quirky characters (Anty included), wacky humor and alliteration abound. I can usually zip thru a book of slightly more than 200 pages in a handful of days, but this one took a week. There is so much packed into every page that I had to slow down so as not to miss any clues. And they were all there so pay attention or you will miss something.
December 9, 2023
still amusing.
I do enjoy the Boisjoly mysteries, which aren’t quite as “easy” as many cozy mysteries, but still much less angst ridden than higher ranked best-sellers. Anty himself seems more personable in this one (more truly like a person and less a caricature than previously) a great step forward. The longer length worked out and the Ficklehouse family full of formidable foibles.
I do enjoy the Boisjoly mysteries, which aren’t quite as “easy” as many cozy mysteries, but still much less angst ridden than higher ranked best-sellers. Anty himself seems more personable in this one (more truly like a person and less a caricature than previously) a great step forward. The longer length worked out and the Ficklehouse family full of formidable foibles.
December 16, 2023
Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling is the seventh in a series of entertaining cosy mysteries featuring smart alec society scion, Anty Boisjoly. It is only the second that I have read, but it stands alone just fine. The language is the most amusing part of these books for me, along with a good who-done-it. Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read this review copy, I am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 2, 2023
The best of the lot, and a first rate story
A manor house, a mysterious second valet, a seance, and a locked room murder. All this and a bushel of red herrings plus Anty Boisjoly equals a fist rate story and laugh out loud wit. Highest recommendation, A must read. Also, I am glad this is on Kindle unlimited.
A manor house, a mysterious second valet, a seance, and a locked room murder. All this and a bushel of red herrings plus Anty Boisjoly equals a fist rate story and laugh out loud wit. Highest recommendation, A must read. Also, I am glad this is on Kindle unlimited.
October 17, 2024
What a wild jape
If you are new to this series, I urge you to begin with book 1. Once you enter the world of some-time sleuth, all the time, spoiled rich man- Anty Boisjoly, you will be enthralled.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough, and if you partake of the audiobooks you will have the added joy of Tim Bruce's fabulous and frankly hysterical narration.
If you are new to this series, I urge you to begin with book 1. Once you enter the world of some-time sleuth, all the time, spoiled rich man- Anty Boisjoly, you will be enthralled.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough, and if you partake of the audiobooks you will have the added joy of Tim Bruce's fabulous and frankly hysterical narration.
October 24, 2024
Sadly, this book doesn't come on audio and I had to take several days to read it. It's way more complex than the previous Anty books and was very hard for me to follow. The author includes a postscript about this. Anyway, it was harder for me to enjoy. Nonetheless, the wit is endless and I am still a big fan.
November 26, 2024
The first act was basically missing. If the author had done their usual amazing job at introducing the craziness, it would’ve been much more effective. I felt like they must’ve been at deadline and so just had to drop their plans for the beginning. Still an excellent book but not quite as good as previous..
December 1, 2024
Just when you think that all the oddballs are assembled, along hops the one-legged duck called Lefty. Constable Constable is at hand and Vickers not so fondly reminisces about his youthful fisticuffs in the bushes. I love P. J. Fitzsimmons' writing so much. His undying devotion to alliteration and rhymes is impeccable.
December 15, 2023
Brilliant as always. I really enjoy Anty, his unassuming yet charming sarcasm, sometimes even delivered in a blatantly outright manner, the outrages antics of his family reported in such a tongue-in-cheek manner you would almost think it was condoned or excusable at worst. This seemingly impossible locked room mystery is delicious and very clever. Looking forward to more from the author.
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