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Guy Fawkes is back and this time it's a toss up who's going to be blown up first - Parliament or Reginald Worcester, gentleman consulting detective.
But Guy might not be the only regicide to have been dug up and reanimated. He might be a mere pawn in a plan of diabolical twistiness.
Only a detective with a rare brain - and Reggie's is amongst the rarest - could possibly solve this 'five-cocktail problem.' With the aid of Reeves, his automaton valet, Emmeline, his suffragette fiancée, and Farquharson, a reconstituted dog with an issue with Anglicans, Reggie sets out to save both Queen Victoria and the Empire.
But Guy might not be the only regicide to have been dug up and reanimated. He might be a mere pawn in a plan of diabolical twistiness.
Only a detective with a rare brain - and Reggie's is amongst the rarest - could possibly solve this 'five-cocktail problem.' With the aid of Reeves, his automaton valet, Emmeline, his suffragette fiancée, and Farquharson, a reconstituted dog with an issue with Anglicans, Reggie sets out to save both Queen Victoria and the Empire.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2012
50 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Chris Dolley
21 books91 followersNew York Times bestselling author, pioneer computer game designer and teenage freedom fighter. That was back in 1974 when Chris was tasked with publicising Plymouth’s Student Rag Week. Some people might have arranged an interview with the local newspaper. Chris invaded the country next door, created the Free Cornish Army and persuaded the UK media that Cornwall had risen up and declared independence. This was later written up in Punch. As he told journalists at the time, ‘it was only a small country and I did give it back.’
In 1981, he created Randomberry Games and wrote Necromancer, one of the first 3D first person perspective D&D computer games. Not to mention writing the most aggressive chess program ever seen and inventing the most dangerous game ever played — the Giant Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum Cliff Top Relay.
He writes SF, fantasy, mystery and humour. His novel, Resonance, was the first book to be chosen from Baen’s electronic slush pile.
Now he lives a self-sufficient lifestyle in deepest France with his wife and a frightening number of animals. They grow their own food and solve their own crimes. The latter out of necessity when Chris’s identity was stolen along with their life savings. Abandoned by the police forces of four countries who all insisted the crime originated in someone else's jurisdiction, he had to solve the crime himself. Which he did, driving back and forth across the Pyrenees, tracking down bank accounts and faxes and interviewing bar staff. It was a mystery writer’s dream.
The resulting book, French Fried: one man's move to France with too many animals and an identity thief, is now an international bestseller.
In 1981, he created Randomberry Games and wrote Necromancer, one of the first 3D first person perspective D&D computer games. Not to mention writing the most aggressive chess program ever seen and inventing the most dangerous game ever played — the Giant Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum Cliff Top Relay.
He writes SF, fantasy, mystery and humour. His novel, Resonance, was the first book to be chosen from Baen’s electronic slush pile.
Now he lives a self-sufficient lifestyle in deepest France with his wife and a frightening number of animals. They grow their own food and solve their own crimes. The latter out of necessity when Chris’s identity was stolen along with their life savings. Abandoned by the police forces of four countries who all insisted the crime originated in someone else's jurisdiction, he had to solve the crime himself. Which he did, driving back and forth across the Pyrenees, tracking down bank accounts and faxes and interviewing bar staff. It was a mystery writer’s dream.
The resulting book, French Fried: one man's move to France with too many animals and an identity thief, is now an international bestseller.
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November 15, 2015Back around the turn of the century, Henry James wrote some interesting thoughts on what he perceived would be the future of the novel, including his predictions of who would be remembered by the end of the Twentieth Century.
James was a perceptive reader and a thoughtful analyst, but nobody has perfect foresight--one of his predictions was that P.G. Wodehouse would be forgotten within a decade or two.
Boy, was he wrong.
One of many effects of his genius was to make his clockwork-tight plotting look effortless, and his style of humor breezy and easy. Anyone attempting pastiche of Wodehouse discovers that neither are simple.
Chris Dolley was nominated for an award for his first steampunkish tale about Reeves and Bertie Worcester--well deserved. While Dolley's plots are more linear than Wodehouse at his pinnacle, he brings to each some imaginative touches that create a different London than that of Bertie and Jeeves. The thing that makes Dolley's stories work is the humor--he's got the voice, and makes it work.
I should do full disclosure by saying that I was a beta reader for this story, but all that means is that I enjoyed it so much I was willing to reread it several times through. Each time I found myself snickering over this tale of Prometheans resurrected to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and this time to get it right. Helped by Reeves?
Read it and find out--then settle down for a smiling cup of tea.
James was a perceptive reader and a thoughtful analyst, but nobody has perfect foresight--one of his predictions was that P.G. Wodehouse would be forgotten within a decade or two.
Boy, was he wrong.
One of many effects of his genius was to make his clockwork-tight plotting look effortless, and his style of humor breezy and easy. Anyone attempting pastiche of Wodehouse discovers that neither are simple.
Chris Dolley was nominated for an award for his first steampunkish tale about Reeves and Bertie Worcester--well deserved. While Dolley's plots are more linear than Wodehouse at his pinnacle, he brings to each some imaginative touches that create a different London than that of Bertie and Jeeves. The thing that makes Dolley's stories work is the humor--he's got the voice, and makes it work.
I should do full disclosure by saying that I was a beta reader for this story, but all that means is that I enjoyed it so much I was willing to reread it several times through. Each time I found myself snickering over this tale of Prometheans resurrected to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and this time to get it right. Helped by Reeves?
Read it and find out--then settle down for a smiling cup of tea.
June 8, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Steampunk mystery, humorous/Wodehouse parody
Reading Level: all ages (if able to read it)
Recommended for: people who enjoy steampunk stories, fans of Wodehouse's Jeeves novels, who like to laugh
My Thoughts: This is the sequel to What Ho, Automaton! (review linked here where formatting allowed), and a parody of the Wodehouse Jeeves books, set in a steampunk version of Victorian England (right after the turn of the 20th century; they are set in 1903).
Again, this was a very funny novella. It was a fast read, and like the first, full of all kinds of wonderful nonsense. The first book featured mostly automata, and only a few Prometheans (creatures sewn together of various parts and reanimated a la Frankenstein); in this book we mostly see Prometheans, with Reeves being the only automaton featured. I'm not certain if there will be any more of these, but if there are I'll be sure to search them out. Dolley has a dry absurdist sense of humor I find very appealing, and I will most likely be picking up more of his books if I am able. I have two more of his books available to me right now, which I plan to read over the weekend, so watch for those reviews coming up.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Guy Fawkes is back and this time it’s a toss up who’s going to be blown up first—Parliament or Reginald Worcester, gentleman consulting detective.
But Guy might not be the only regicide to have been dug up and reanimated. He might be a mere pawn in a plan of diabolical twistiness.
Only a detective with a rare brain—and Reggie’s is amongst the rarest—could possibly solve this ‘five-cocktail problem.’ With the aid of Reeves, his automaton valet, Emmeline, his suffragette fiancée, and Farquharson, a reconstituted dog with an issue with Anglicans, Reggie sets out to save both Queen Victoria and the Empire.
Reading Level: all ages (if able to read it)
Recommended for: people who enjoy steampunk stories, fans of Wodehouse's Jeeves novels, who like to laugh
My Thoughts: This is the sequel to What Ho, Automaton! (review linked here where formatting allowed), and a parody of the Wodehouse Jeeves books, set in a steampunk version of Victorian England (right after the turn of the 20th century; they are set in 1903).
Again, this was a very funny novella. It was a fast read, and like the first, full of all kinds of wonderful nonsense. The first book featured mostly automata, and only a few Prometheans (creatures sewn together of various parts and reanimated a la Frankenstein); in this book we mostly see Prometheans, with Reeves being the only automaton featured. I'm not certain if there will be any more of these, but if there are I'll be sure to search them out. Dolley has a dry absurdist sense of humor I find very appealing, and I will most likely be picking up more of his books if I am able. I have two more of his books available to me right now, which I plan to read over the weekend, so watch for those reviews coming up.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Guy Fawkes is back and this time it’s a toss up who’s going to be blown up first—Parliament or Reginald Worcester, gentleman consulting detective.
But Guy might not be the only regicide to have been dug up and reanimated. He might be a mere pawn in a plan of diabolical twistiness.
Only a detective with a rare brain—and Reggie’s is amongst the rarest—could possibly solve this ‘five-cocktail problem.’ With the aid of Reeves, his automaton valet, Emmeline, his suffragette fiancée, and Farquharson, a reconstituted dog with an issue with Anglicans, Reggie sets out to save both Queen Victoria and the Empire.
January 2, 2013
I fully have to admit that I did not read the first book in this series. With that being said I think the author did an amazing job of bringing the character Guy Fawkes back to life. The story as a whole reminded me a little bit of Sherlock Holmes with a brilliant character on the investigating scene. This book was a fast paced entertaining read. Towards the ending of the book it seemed as if the author lost his way and just wanted to get the story finished.
Note: I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviews.
Note: I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviews.
October 21, 2012
Yes! A new Reggie and Reeves steampunk detective story! Thanks to a clue about a substance that strongly resembles Coppertone tanning butter (only, you know, for zombies) Reggie and Reeves solve the mystery of whether, when, and how a resurrected Guy Fawkes will blow up Parliament...again. I highly recommend all Dolley's Wodehouse steampunk pastiches.
June 15, 2019
Not anywhere close to as good as the first of this series--What Ho! Automaton. Mostly because of the narrator. Given the homage to the Wodehouse Jeeves series which have spawned movies of the veddy upper class British butler with well rounded aristocratic tones to his speaking voice; and the proper upper crust pronunciation of Reeves in the first book, it was very disconcerting to hear a more earthy--- East End, Cockney, Liverpudlian?--(I'm not into British dialects enough to recognize which accent was used) accent used for Reeves. Made it difficult for me to differentiate characters.
October 5, 2019
The game is afoot! Reggie Worcester and his steam-driven automaton valet, Reeves, are out to stop a a plot to blow up Parliament a la Guy Faulks. (Or IS is Guy Faulks re-animated?)
This second in the Reeves & Worcester series follows gormless Reggie and super-intelligent Reeves as they solve another mystery (in spite of Reggie's lack of any talent as a Sherlock). It is a quick and fun read set in a steampunk London.
This second in the Reeves & Worcester series follows gormless Reggie and super-intelligent Reeves as they solve another mystery (in spite of Reggie's lack of any talent as a Sherlock). It is a quick and fun read set in a steampunk London.
August 15, 2020
So far, this is my favorite book in the series in terms of story. It could be read stand-alone, but does reference plot points from the first book: most notably, the existence of Prometheans (reanimated corpses). You can guess the identity of the most recently raised promethean from the cover. Hilarity ensues as Worcester tries to find out where Guy has run off to, what he might be planning, and just what is so menacing about Roger Mortimer with a poker…
I do NOT recommend listening to the Audible version of this narrated by Kieran Phoenix Chantrey. It is one of the worst audiobooks I have encountered. He gives the suave Reeves an uneducated cockney accent so that rather than sounding like the smartest, poshest person in the room he sounds like a London cabby. The narrator mispronounces words such as: apse (to the detriment of a funny joke), draught, misshapen, and Nebuchadnezzar (absolutely butchered it several different ways…clearly he’s never been to Sunday school). His female voice (for Worcester’s girlfriend: a suffragette who likes chaining herself to things) sounds exactly like Hugh Laurie doing an intentionally bad girl voice in Blackadder. Worst of all, he will start a phrase, realize that the voice or intonation isn’t quite right and repeat the whole thing…without it being edited out of the recording (once starting over multiple times in the course of a single sentence).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. The author continues his pitch-perfect imitation of P. G. Wodehouse’s style while crafting his own zany steampunk story. Just avoid the audiobook…
I do NOT recommend listening to the Audible version of this narrated by Kieran Phoenix Chantrey. It is one of the worst audiobooks I have encountered. He gives the suave Reeves an uneducated cockney accent so that rather than sounding like the smartest, poshest person in the room he sounds like a London cabby. The narrator mispronounces words such as: apse (to the detriment of a funny joke), draught, misshapen, and Nebuchadnezzar (absolutely butchered it several different ways…clearly he’s never been to Sunday school). His female voice (for Worcester’s girlfriend: a suffragette who likes chaining herself to things) sounds exactly like Hugh Laurie doing an intentionally bad girl voice in Blackadder. Worst of all, he will start a phrase, realize that the voice or intonation isn’t quite right and repeat the whole thing…without it being edited out of the recording (once starting over multiple times in the course of a single sentence).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. The author continues his pitch-perfect imitation of P. G. Wodehouse’s style while crafting his own zany steampunk story. Just avoid the audiobook…
November 21, 2018
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a chap in possession of a suffragette fiancée is in need of a pair of bolt cutters."
December 3, 2021
Another good book. This was more like a story, than a book because it was rather short. I did find it entertaining. I will continue with the series.
March 29, 2024
Very amusing!
November 16, 2021
Fun and a little silly, just what I wanted.
July 15, 2015
Before I buy a Kindle book, I usually read the whole sample. Then, if I'm in any doubt, I go to the Kindle Store, remind myself of the price, and maybe read some reviews. I very rarely use the "Buy this book now" option before I've finished the sample.
For this book, I made an exception, because of this sentence:
"Reeves had done it again! The man must bathe in fish oil. His brain was positively turbot-charged."
If you're the right audience for this book, I don't have to explain that.
As with the previous book, Dolley's Wodehouse voice is almost (but not quite) pitch-perfect. His problem is that his model, Bertie Wooster, never does anything remotely important in the greater scheme of things, whereas his character Reggie Worcester is exactly the same kind of idiot but is trying to prevent a reanimated Guy Fawkes from blowing up Parliament. Inevitably, there must be scenes for which he has no model, and they sound very slightly off.
Both as Wodehouse pastiche and as steampunk adventure, it still works. The ending perhaps worked less well than the beginning. Again, Reggie is an idiot and Reeves is a genius, and there's the inevitable temptation to have Reeves do all the work of resolving the situation, partly offstage - a temptation to which Dolley yields. The problem with that is that Reggie is the viewpoint character, so he needs to be the protagonist, not just an observer of Reeves, if the story is to be fully satisfying.
Like most short books, this one could also stand to be longer. I enjoyed it, though, and I'm looking forward to more.
For this book, I made an exception, because of this sentence:
"Reeves had done it again! The man must bathe in fish oil. His brain was positively turbot-charged."
If you're the right audience for this book, I don't have to explain that.
As with the previous book, Dolley's Wodehouse voice is almost (but not quite) pitch-perfect. His problem is that his model, Bertie Wooster, never does anything remotely important in the greater scheme of things, whereas his character Reggie Worcester is exactly the same kind of idiot but is trying to prevent a reanimated Guy Fawkes from blowing up Parliament. Inevitably, there must be scenes for which he has no model, and they sound very slightly off.
Both as Wodehouse pastiche and as steampunk adventure, it still works. The ending perhaps worked less well than the beginning. Again, Reggie is an idiot and Reeves is a genius, and there's the inevitable temptation to have Reeves do all the work of resolving the situation, partly offstage - a temptation to which Dolley yields. The problem with that is that Reggie is the viewpoint character, so he needs to be the protagonist, not just an observer of Reeves, if the story is to be fully satisfying.
Like most short books, this one could also stand to be longer. I enjoyed it, though, and I'm looking forward to more.
November 5, 2012
A Novella farce set in 1903 England. The principle characters are Mr. Worcester, the Gentleman's consulting detective, his man Reeves (an steam powered automaton subject to Babbages laws), Worcester's fiancee Miss Emmeline (a suffragette and protester at the gates of the Westminister's Palace), Snuggles a reanimator (one who revived Guy Fawkes and Sir Roger Mortimer - reanimated known as Prometheans who were orange from use of a French salve called ReVitaCorpse that kept old corpses from turning to dust). Their principal means of transportation was a Stanley Steamer which with the steam powered automaton, Reeves, lends to the description "Steam Punk" as a category for this book. The characters were very loosely modeled after Sherlock Holmes (Worcester) and Dr. Watson (Reeves) and use what Worcester terms logic to attempt to thwart another attempt to blow up the House of Parliament on the morning of the Queen's visit (the original crime that Guy Fawkes was hung, drawn and quartered for). This is a real tongue in the cheek corruption of history as well as Sherlock Holmes character as originally conceived but, the far ranging plot and ever suffering Man Reeves is amusing as they jump between obscure and mistaken conclusions as well as just plain funny situations and reactions. An enjoyable quick read to find out if the Prometheans and their modern coconspirators can succeed where their predecessors failed.
January 31, 2022
I thought this one was quite funny. I like quirky stories and this was so "Flashman" without the "Flashman smarmy". Guy fancies himself a detective but can't detect his way out of a paper bag but the situations he gets into make me laugh.
November 10, 2012
In this steam punk homage to PG Wodehouse (with a nod to Sherlock Holmes and a slight royal wave to Christie), it is 1903 and reanimating dead relatives has become something of a trend in England. Reginald Worcester, gentleman detective, and his steam operated automaton valet, Reeves have been hired to find Guy Fawkes who was reanimated by a relative to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, Guy has gone walk-about and may be planning to finish what he started in the 17th c., blow up Parliament while the Queen is visiting.
As you might guess from the title, Reggiecide is a humourous take on the steam punk genre which has been known to take itself way too seriously. This short novella is full of puns and corny jokes some of them so old, they were probably already past their tell-by date in 1903 and yet, somehow, at least for me, it worked. No, this isn't great literature but it is damnably funny. It is also short enough to absorb in an hour or two when the holiday spirit is starting to get you down and you need an antidote to annoying relatives who just decided to drop in unannounced for Thanksgiving or Christmas or even that most British of holidays, Guy Fawkes Day.
As you might guess from the title, Reggiecide is a humourous take on the steam punk genre which has been known to take itself way too seriously. This short novella is full of puns and corny jokes some of them so old, they were probably already past their tell-by date in 1903 and yet, somehow, at least for me, it worked. No, this isn't great literature but it is damnably funny. It is also short enough to absorb in an hour or two when the holiday spirit is starting to get you down and you need an antidote to annoying relatives who just decided to drop in unannounced for Thanksgiving or Christmas or even that most British of holidays, Guy Fawkes Day.
December 31, 2013
(Note: I received a free review copy of this through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.) An entertaining steampunk pastiche of Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster stories. It's one of a series of shortish stories about gentleman private detective and silly ass Reggie Worcester, his automaton valet Reeves, and his fiancee Emmeline, In this one, the chaps have to investigate the disappearance of Guy Fawkes, who has been revived as a Promethean by one of his descendents. Alas, Fawkes has but one thought left in his head... I found that it worked well even though I hadn't read the earlier stories. Good fun if you like speculative fiction and Wodehouse.
August 21, 2015
Cute and short. Dolley continues with his steampunk Wodehouse/Conan Doyle mash-up. Someone is reanimating famous regicides (or at least, alleged attempted regicides). A man asks for Reggie's help tracking down his reanimated ancestor, Guy Fawkes. A threatening note is speared to Reggie's door with a poker, charring the wood and the note. Oh, no! Could someone's bottom be about to wish it had never been born? In just a couple of days, Victoria Regina will open Parliament. Can Reggie, Reeves (the steam-powered gentleman's-automaton), and Emmeline (Reggie's putative fiancee but hard-core suffragette) save Her Most Royal Behind?
Silly fun! Totally worth reading for free from the Library.
Silly fun! Totally worth reading for free from the Library.
November 26, 2012
This short, steampunk novella was a treat to read. I enjoyed the light-hearted, humorous feel of the story. The detective aspect lent itself to a story-line that felt easily organized and timely. Although the story was brief, I thought the combination of character development, world-building and plot progression went really well together. The only thing I was left wanting in the end, was a longer book. This is a great contribution to the steampunk genre.
December 26, 2012
To save Queen and Empire for the re-awakened corpse of Guy Fawkes is the aim of Reginald Worcester.
That is alongside Reeves (his steampowered butler) and Emeliene (his fiance) as even after a few Cocktails Reginald is not the sharpest knife in the box (whatever he thinks to the contrary) and so needs all the help he can get.
But is Guy Fawkes the only Regicide brought back to life and by who and for what dastardly reason? Read on to find out it will be worth it I promise!
That is alongside Reeves (his steampowered butler) and Emeliene (his fiance) as even after a few Cocktails Reginald is not the sharpest knife in the box (whatever he thinks to the contrary) and so needs all the help he can get.
But is Guy Fawkes the only Regicide brought back to life and by who and for what dastardly reason? Read on to find out it will be worth it I promise!
January 8, 2013
I was delighted to receive this second instalment in the adventures of Worcester and Reeves. I thoroughly enjoyed What Ho, Automaton. This caper involved our heroes foiling a dastardly plot to destroy parliament by a reanimated Guy Fawkes. Tons of slapstick humour and mayhem ensue in this novella. A very funny book.
January 15, 2013
This is a fun read -- a clever detective story set in a fiction Victorian England. It's light entertainment -- laugh out loud humourous and easy to read in a couple of hours. There's a great send up of the pompous Edwardian gentleman and the Sherlock Holmes stories. In short it's enjoyable and entertaining - but don't take it too seriously!
August 23, 2014
I have become a fan of these stories! Admittedly the rise of Guy Fawkes and all other reanimated body(parts) is almost a bit too weird, however the language use and pace of the story fit perfectly and make for an entertaining read.
November 2, 2024
Another fun read. I'm still picturing Laurie and Fry as I read. Wish I could put a face to Emmeline!
may 2017 reread.
Dec 2019 reread
Oct 2024 reread. Reggie is grating on me this time around so I've dropped a star.
may 2017 reread.
Dec 2019 reread
Oct 2024 reread. Reggie is grating on me this time around so I've dropped a star.
April 7, 2016
Even better than the first book in the series (no, there is no need to read them in order really).
The perfect P.G. Wodehouse-pastiche with wonderful steampunk elements. Well written: compact, no fillers, good mix of humour and action.
Very much recommended.
The perfect P.G. Wodehouse-pastiche with wonderful steampunk elements. Well written: compact, no fillers, good mix of humour and action.
Very much recommended.
April 16, 2019
I love, love, LOVE this series. This book was fairly short compared to the other two I read, but just as funny and enjoyable. If you love the humor of P.G. Wodehouse, you'll love this series of steampunk mysteries. I'm pretty sad there's only one I haven't read yet. I wish there were more.
July 5, 2013
Quick, funny, hilarious read. A lot of beautiful lines in this story.
September 6, 2013
Reeves & Worcester Steampunk Mysteries #1
February 20, 2014
farce of a farce. humorous but not nearly as funny nor as well written as the books it's based on.
July 18, 2016
Just as funny and engrossing as the first. I love the characters and the storyline was first class.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews