Horton Halfpott, or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor, or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset

Not resting on his (very comfortable) laurels from The Strange Case of Origami Yoda and with Darth Paper nearly ready to strike back, Tom Angleberger has cranked out another winner! On the day that M'Lady Luggertuck's corset is loosened, unusual things begin to occur at the usually starched and stately Smugwick Manor. From the Luggertucks themselves, right down to the lowly kitchenboy, Horton Halfpott, something is stirring in the air at Smugwick Manor. The "loosening" has begun.

In Horton Halfpott, or The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset, Angleberger unleashes a large cast of colorful characters in a mystery that includes the servants (including Loaf Burton, Old Crotty, the stable boys, show more and the spoon-wielding Miss Neversly), pirates, a certain desirable young maiden by the name of Celia Sylvan-Smythe, a pompous detective, the loathsome Luggertucks, members of the press (well, someone must tell the story of the theft!), Horton (of course), and Montgomery, but, as the ever-helpful narrator points out,

"Reader, I must warn you. Montgomery is such a dull character that, if he did not play such an important part in the story, I would have left him out. His mother is dull, too. In fact, you're welcome to forget her. There are enough characters for you to remember as it is."

However, you will remember Horton Halfpott! Against all odds, you will root for this charming, undernourished, kitchen lad and his never-ending pile of dirty dishes. A hilarious romp through the social mores of 19th century England.

Tom Angleberger once worked as a kitchenboy. Thankfully, he has found his true calling! Horton Halfpott is pure gold.

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As posted on Outside of a Dog:

Poor, hand working, scrappy young men can make for very boring heroes. Too good, too bland, etc. But in the right hands, they can make marvelous heroes, because the right hands can draw the thin lines between too good and just good enough. And thankfully, Tom Angleberger has an excellent pair of hands. He's already proven that with his origami skills, but he proves it again with Horton Halfpott; Or, the Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, the Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset. Which has, by the way, the longest and most fabulous title of the year (of which I am aware, that is).

Poor, hardworking, scrappy young Horton Halfpott works in the kitchens of Smugwick Manor, cleaning the dishes, working show more tirelessly for his one chance a week to go home and give his mother his solitary penny and ask her if they finally have enough money to send for a doctor for his ailing father. Except for these Sunday mornings, he is at the mercy of Miss Neversly and her trusty spoon, which is often used the flog the ears of poor, hardworking kitchen boys. The entire household is at the mercy of M'Lady Luggertuck, and her no good son Luther, who is plain evil, so to speak. One day, the family's precious Lump, possibly the world's largest and certainly the ugliest diamond it the world, goes missing and a mystery is soon afoot. In comes a famous detective to apprehend the criminal and find the lump, and with him comes three story seeking reporters, eager to catch the scoop. It's a wonder that through all this hubbub, Horton is able to meet the lovely and kind Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe, whose smile disarms are dear hero. Needless the say, there are more thefts, more beatings with spoons, some thrilling bravery and cunning thinking, some pirates and a plank and a happy ending for those that deserve one.

In the Acknowledgements, Angleberger writes that he was inspired by Charles Dickens, and it shows. The whole matter is very Dickensian, from characters names and situations to the occasionally slight but very sly humor. It reads like a 19th century novel, with it's omniscient narrator prone to addressing the "Reader" quite often (in my mind, every time I thought, "Reader, I married him"). There are some big laughs and little laughs, and even some social commentary thrown in for good measure, though it never beats you over the head with anything harsher than a feather. And Horton really is a strong character to build a narrative around, for he is good and kind and hardworking, but also clever and longs for knowledge and adventure. Miss Celia Sylvan-Smythe is a wonderful companion for Horton, because she is also clever and kind, and will accept no nonsense from her legion of suitors.

Horton Halfpott is a quick read, easily done in one sitting, but its virtues outlast its length. I know we have more origami to come from Mr. Angleberger, but I wouldn't mind more of Mr. Halfpott or even a spin-off detailing the mystery-solving adventures of the three stable boys. Basically, I just want more Tom Angleberger. And soon, if you please. :) show less

I don't get to read many books aimed at the 8-12 market (I wish we had a cool term for this age band like the Americans who use Middle Grade) but when I do I tend to find myself thinking that I ought to read more. Most of the titles I've read are fun and fast-paced, Horton Halfpott is certainly no exception.

The opening pages are devoted to a map of the area around Smugwick Manor and drawings of the cast of characters. Each chapter also starts with a drawing of one or more characters, I found these entertaining and endearing. The book has 48 short chapters, I was glad there were so many as it meant I got to see so many illustrations.

The book is narrated by an unnamed narrator who breaks the fourth wall time and time again, often with a show more witty aside. This works well for the plot, it keeps it moving and adds humour to an already entertaining story. I can imagine that this book would work very well if it was read aloud, the way it's written certainly feels like it would lend itself to this.

The plot is a bit like a child friendly version of an Agatha Christie story. Something mysterious happens, a famous detective is brought in to investigate, more mysterious things happen and then the mystery is solved. The addition of a potential love interest for Horton acts as an entertaining subplot, the two are woven together very well.

The cast of characters are brilliant, there are quite a few but I found I could keep track of who was who pretty easily. A lot of them are caricature-like, but this works well within the style of the book - they're often outlandish without becoming over written or silly. I couldn't begin to pick a favourite character, there were just too many that I loved.

Horton Halfpott is a thoroughly entertaining read, I enjoyed every minute of it. Throughout the book other stories about M'Lady Luggertuck are referenced, I do hope that Angleberger goes on to write them. show less

I don't get to read many books aimed at the 8-12 market (I wish we had a cool term for this age band like the Americans who use Middle Grade) but when I do I tend to find myself thinking that I ought to read more. Most of the titles I've read are fun and fast-paced, Horton Halfpott is certainly no exception.

The opening pages are devoted to a map of the area around Smugwick Manor and drawings of the cast of characters. Each chapter also starts with a drawing of one or more characters, I found these entertaining and endearing. The book has 48 short chapters, I was glad there were so many as it meant I got to see so many illustrations.

The book is narrated by an unnamed narrator who breaks the fourth wall time and time again, often with a show more witty aside. This works well for the plot, it keeps it moving and adds humour to an already entertaining story. I can imagine that this book would work very well if it was read aloud, the way it's written certainly feels like it would lend itself to this.

The plot is a bit like a child friendly version of an Agatha Christie story. Something mysterious happens, a famous detective is brought in to investigate, more mysterious things happen and then the mystery is solved. The addition of a potential love interest for Horton acts as an entertaining subplot, the two are woven together very well.

The cast of characters are brilliant, there are quite a few but I found I could keep track of who was who pretty easily. A lot of them are caricature-like, but this works well within the style of the book - they're often outlandish without becoming over written or silly. I couldn't begin to pick a favourite character, there were just too many that I loved.

Horton Halfpott is a thoroughly entertaining read, I enjoyed every minute of it. Throughout the book other stories about M'Lady Luggertuck are referenced, I do hope that Angleberger goes on to write them. show less

"There are so many exciting things in this book - a Stolen Diamond, snooping stable boys, a famous detective, the disappearance of a Valuable Wig, love, pickle eclairs, unbridled Evil, and the Black Deeds of the Shipless Pirates - that it really does seem a shame to begin with ladies' underwear."

But it was because of ladies' underwear - the corset of M'Lady Luggertuck - that the whole story begins.

This is the story of Horton Halfpott, the good and kind kitchen boy, who doesn't deserve the treatment that befalls him, but still manages to remain the kind person he is, while rescuing a damsel in distress, showing that kind manners pays off in the end, and thwarting an evil plan, while helping to solve a puzzling mystery of strange thefts show more with the help of his three friends.

Not only is this book funny and entertaining, it also paints a satirical picture of the social classes, especially between servants and owners/lords & ladies, while showing that not all is what it seems.

One of the things I will note however, just for future readers, is that the author is writing the tale as if to readers of the M'Lady Luggertuck series of adventures. This is a fictional series of books or accounts of M'Lady Luggertuck, hence the part of the title of "The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset". There are many events in which the author will refer to such as "M'Lady Lugertuck and the Yule Log" or "M'Lady Luggertuck and the Unlucky Cobbler". These are not real books, but refer to fictional books or stories, just to warn those who are curious and question where they might find these interesting "books".

On the whole, I would totally recommend this for any adult or child. The writing style is easy to understand without "dumbing" it down for younger children. It also has a nice flow to it, which makes reading it aloud quite pleasant, especially if done in a faux-British accent, though it does seem like a tongue-twister if you are not a pro with a faux-British accent. show less

A humorous cast of characters will endear readers to this story of Horton Halfpott, a lowly dishwasher in Smugwick Manor who is caught up in the mystery of the theft of the family jewel. After M’Lady Luggertuck has her corset loosened, a series of peculiar events unfold within the manor. Tongue-in-cheek descriptions of 19th century British customs lend an air of comedy to the plot. Young readers will root for Horton, the downtrodden-yet-personable main character, as he and his companions, Bump, Blight & Blemish, try to solve the crime without getting caught by the foul Luther Luggertuck. Horton’s unlikely love interest and constant obstacles will seem familiar, while the swift pace of the book and the trail of clues will encourage show more reluctant readers. For ages 9-12. Recommended. show less

Children's fiction; boy-friendly humor. I didn't have time to finish this but I wholeheartedly recommend anything from Tom Angleberger, especially where reluctant male readers are concerned. The protagonist here is Horton Halfpott, a lowly kitchen servant; most of the rest of the characters in the grand house where he works are treated irreverently and with great humor. Unlike "Origami Yoda" this book doesn't have the "easy reading" appeal of the "Wimpy Kid" books, but with any luck kids will get hooked and keep reading anyway. Stretch vocabulary words are sprinkled throughout: this gets a thumbs up from me.