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Teddy Quillfeather Mysteries #1
Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall
The theft of an immensely valuable, immensely ugly necklace is only the beginning of the intrigues and idiosyncrasies of a country weekend at Hardy Hall where Teddy Quillfeather’s mother has sent her with strict instructions to select an eligible bachelor from a shortlist of aristocrats, plutocrats, and copycats.
But when Teddy sets out to discourage the suitors and discover the looters with her natural knack for applied shenanigans she instead uncovers countless conspiracies, complicated by country house courtesies. It’s a comedy of manners and caper of manors and the only solution, if you’re Teddy Quillfeather, is obviously another heist…
This series starter is a clean, clever cosy that will appeal, obviously, to readers of Anty Boisjoly but also PG Wodehouse, Agatha Christie, and Dorothy L Sayers, and above all to those who like a little or, ideally, a lot of comedy in their cosies.
But when Teddy sets out to discourage the suitors and discover the looters with her natural knack for applied shenanigans she instead uncovers countless conspiracies, complicated by country house courtesies. It’s a comedy of manners and caper of manors and the only solution, if you’re Teddy Quillfeather, is obviously another heist…
This series starter is a clean, clever cosy that will appeal, obviously, to readers of Anty Boisjoly but also PG Wodehouse, Agatha Christie, and Dorothy L Sayers, and above all to those who like a little or, ideally, a lot of comedy in their cosies.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
161 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fitzsimmons
13 books282 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 66 reviews
June 13, 2025
Theodosia "Teddy" Quillfeather and Tuxedo Bird, who she liberated from the London Zoo, are off to Hardy Hall, the home of her mother's dear friend Lady Gladys ?"Glitz" Turville. Teddy's mother has lined up three eligible bachelors for her consideration. Teddy must pick one to marry by the end of the weekend -OR ELSE! Teddy can't live without her car or her flat but neither can she live with any of the gentlemen attending the house party. How she can avoid marriage and survive at the same time? When Glitz shows Teddy a hideous emerald necklace she designed herself and reveals she cancelled the insurance policy just last week and now her husband fears there will be a heist this weekend and her necklace stolen. Lord Turville locks the necklace up in his safe and the next morning, the safe is wide open and the necklace missing. Tommy wants to call the police but Glitz knows the police will call the insurance company and the jig will be up. She asks Teddy to investigate the missing necklace. Tommy is less upset about the necklace than he is about his top secret formula for a type of super glue which has also gone missing! He enlists Teddy's aid to find the formula. If she does, it may just be her salvation!
This is another fun, twisty mystery! This time there's no murder but there's plenty of hijinks and a couple of thefts to solve. I didn't guess who stole the necklace or why but in hindsight it seemed kind of obvious. There was too much going on to follow just one thread of the story at a time. Unlike Anty's stories, this one is told in third person. I didn't care for that as much because the formatting is odd on Kindle and there's too many italicized passages. Getting inside the head of a penguin is funny but I wish he was more of a sidekick with sharper thoughts.
I noted a couple of historical and possible geographical errors. Middle School was used for alliterative purposes but I don't think they would have used that term. Skunks are native to North America but POSSIBLY could have escaped from a skunk farm or been let loose and gone wild. Woozles are a cute imaginary creature from the Winnie the Pooh stories, first published in 1926. I don't know whether Teddy would know that word but perhaps it entered the vernacular or she made it up and it was just a little nod to classic literature from the period. The word play had me in absolute stitches! If you read this in public, you have been warned - rolling on the floor (ROTFLMAO) will ensue.
I really like Teddy. I don't approve of her flapper antics but she's incredibly smart, quick-witted, brave and independent. I admire and approve of her independence and lack of interest in marriage. Her mother doesn't understand her and Teddy doesn't explain herself to anyone, she just uses her quick brain to come up with a clever way of getting what she wants. I was in awe of how she manipulated everyone, especially her suitors. It was mean but not mean spirited, more cheeky. She tried to be kind to her friend and was wonderfully sensitive to the penguin's needs.
No one else can hold a candle to Teddy's lightning fast thought processes and intelligence. Glitz is lovely and kind to Teddy but as she has no children of her own, she delights in playing matchmaker for other people's children. Like Teddy's mother, Glitz simply doesn't understand a young woman's need for independence. Glitz is pretty silly cancelling the insurance policy on a rare Burmese emerald necklace. Sure the policy was for a paltry some and Glitz doesn't even like the necklace but her husband did pay a pretty penny for the gem. Her husband, Tommy, is affable and generous to his wife but paranoid and nervous about his business. If the police thought a drifter stole a friend's diamond necklace, why would you a)invite those people to your house and b)suspect a heist this very weekend? Something is going on.
Aunty Azalea, last seen in The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning, is back to her agoraphobic ways (or perhaps Teddy's story takes place before the murder of Aunty's neighbor). Aunty is in residence as chaperone for Teddy but spends all of her time hiding. She's paranoid, trusts no one and is easy to overlook. She must have observed some clues while hiding. Teddy is good with Aunty and doesn't mock her or dismiss the older woman because she's nervous. Teddy's friend Portia "Portion" Beanfield is here too. She's not wild like Teddy. She's respectable and more demure. She's off the market though and not there to split the suitors with Teddy. She has a young man in London but from what Teddy observes, the young man may be closer than London. The romantic drama was silly. Misunderstandings can be worked out by being honest with each other and sharing problems.
It's no wonder Teddy wants to run from marriage. These suitors are undesirable! Beauregard Pilewright, on the verge of thirty, must marry before he’s thirty to collect his inheritance. He's an arrogant, sexist, egotistical mansplainer. He's condescending to Teddy and so vain and selfish, he'll never make a good husband. I don't see him as a thief though. He was too busy looking at himself in the doors to notice the safe combination. If he had more brains, I'd think he was a hustler and a con artist. He's the one voted most likely to run a Ponzi scheme but probably would never realize it.
Tilden "Stilts" Stollery is devoted to Teddy. He's proposed to her dozens of times in Mayfair. Why is he here now? Poor Stilts. He's a lovely man but not too bright. He's earnest in his courtship but Teddy would run circles around him and he'd never know where he was or which end was up! However, Stilts is heir to a diamond mine and at a previous house party, a valuable diamond necklace went missing. Stilts will know the value of those diamonds. Algernon Brookbridge, son of Abernathy Brookbridge of Brookbridge Industrial Adhesives, a vital business associate of Tom's. Algie is big. He's a Rugby player and the game takes up 2/3 of his brain power. He's sweet though and enjoys poetry. Memorizing poetry IS how you get a degree in literature - it's not cheating, Stilts!
Sir Oswald and Lady Woolpit were the couple hosting a party when her diamond necklace was stolen. The police claim a drifter stole it while everyone was out hunting. Riiigghttt... If this pair were smarter I'd say insurance fraud but they're both so clueless! I hate to laugh at them but they're really, really hysterical. Teddy has a lot of jokes at their expense. Lady Woolpit is vapid and has memory lapses. She's also a devoted gossip. Funny how the one thing she CAN remember is salacious and private information. She may have blabbed a secret to everyone she knows! Major Lonegrave is the one character taken straight from the time period and NOT given more modern values. He spent his adult life in India and Burma and seems to be having some difficulty adjusting. He knows the history of the emerald in the necklace and of course it's not ethical or a good story by our standards. He was a thief and swindler but after a run of bad luck, he seems to be on a straighter path, or at least mooching off everyone he can, waiting for his luck to turn. Nonsense. We make our own luck. There's no such thing as curses and bad luck, right?
Instead of Vickers we have Midgeham, a member of staff at Hardy Hall for most of his life. He's very correct and considers all household problems his but a missing necklace and glue formula is beyond his knowledge.
I enjoyed this foray into 1920-never and hope to meet Teddy again when her second adventure comes out.
This is another fun, twisty mystery! This time there's no murder but there's plenty of hijinks and a couple of thefts to solve. I didn't guess who stole the necklace or why but in hindsight it seemed kind of obvious. There was too much going on to follow just one thread of the story at a time. Unlike Anty's stories, this one is told in third person. I didn't care for that as much because the formatting is odd on Kindle and there's too many italicized passages. Getting inside the head of a penguin is funny but I wish he was more of a sidekick with sharper thoughts.
I noted a couple of historical and possible geographical errors. Middle School was used for alliterative purposes but I don't think they would have used that term. Skunks are native to North America but POSSIBLY could have escaped from a skunk farm or been let loose and gone wild. Woozles are a cute imaginary creature from the Winnie the Pooh stories, first published in 1926. I don't know whether Teddy would know that word but perhaps it entered the vernacular or she made it up and it was just a little nod to classic literature from the period. The word play had me in absolute stitches! If you read this in public, you have been warned - rolling on the floor (ROTFLMAO) will ensue.
I really like Teddy. I don't approve of her flapper antics but she's incredibly smart, quick-witted, brave and independent. I admire and approve of her independence and lack of interest in marriage. Her mother doesn't understand her and Teddy doesn't explain herself to anyone, she just uses her quick brain to come up with a clever way of getting what she wants. I was in awe of how she manipulated everyone, especially her suitors. It was mean but not mean spirited, more cheeky. She tried to be kind to her friend and was wonderfully sensitive to the penguin's needs.
No one else can hold a candle to Teddy's lightning fast thought processes and intelligence. Glitz is lovely and kind to Teddy but as she has no children of her own, she delights in playing matchmaker for other people's children. Like Teddy's mother, Glitz simply doesn't understand a young woman's need for independence. Glitz is pretty silly cancelling the insurance policy on a rare Burmese emerald necklace. Sure the policy was for a paltry some and Glitz doesn't even like the necklace but her husband did pay a pretty penny for the gem. Her husband, Tommy, is affable and generous to his wife but paranoid and nervous about his business. If the police thought a drifter stole a friend's diamond necklace, why would you a)invite those people to your house and b)suspect a heist this very weekend? Something is going on.
Aunty Azalea, last seen in The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning, is back to her agoraphobic ways (or perhaps Teddy's story takes place before the murder of Aunty's neighbor). Aunty is in residence as chaperone for Teddy but spends all of her time hiding. She's paranoid, trusts no one and is easy to overlook. She must have observed some clues while hiding. Teddy is good with Aunty and doesn't mock her or dismiss the older woman because she's nervous. Teddy's friend Portia "Portion" Beanfield is here too. She's not wild like Teddy. She's respectable and more demure. She's off the market though and not there to split the suitors with Teddy. She has a young man in London but from what Teddy observes, the young man may be closer than London. The romantic drama was silly. Misunderstandings can be worked out by being honest with each other and sharing problems.
It's no wonder Teddy wants to run from marriage. These suitors are undesirable! Beauregard Pilewright, on the verge of thirty, must marry before he’s thirty to collect his inheritance. He's an arrogant, sexist, egotistical mansplainer. He's condescending to Teddy and so vain and selfish, he'll never make a good husband. I don't see him as a thief though. He was too busy looking at himself in the doors to notice the safe combination. If he had more brains, I'd think he was a hustler and a con artist. He's the one voted most likely to run a Ponzi scheme but probably would never realize it.
Tilden "Stilts" Stollery is devoted to Teddy. He's proposed to her dozens of times in Mayfair. Why is he here now? Poor Stilts. He's a lovely man but not too bright. He's earnest in his courtship but Teddy would run circles around him and he'd never know where he was or which end was up! However, Stilts is heir to a diamond mine and at a previous house party, a valuable diamond necklace went missing. Stilts will know the value of those diamonds. Algernon Brookbridge, son of Abernathy Brookbridge of Brookbridge Industrial Adhesives, a vital business associate of Tom's. Algie is big. He's a Rugby player and the game takes up 2/3 of his brain power. He's sweet though and enjoys poetry. Memorizing poetry IS how you get a degree in literature - it's not cheating, Stilts!
Sir Oswald and Lady Woolpit were the couple hosting a party when her diamond necklace was stolen. The police claim a drifter stole it while everyone was out hunting. Riiigghttt... If this pair were smarter I'd say insurance fraud but they're both so clueless! I hate to laugh at them but they're really, really hysterical. Teddy has a lot of jokes at their expense. Lady Woolpit is vapid and has memory lapses. She's also a devoted gossip. Funny how the one thing she CAN remember is salacious and private information. She may have blabbed a secret to everyone she knows! Major Lonegrave is the one character taken straight from the time period and NOT given more modern values. He spent his adult life in India and Burma and seems to be having some difficulty adjusting. He knows the history of the emerald in the necklace and of course it's not ethical or a good story by our standards. He was a thief and swindler but after a run of bad luck, he seems to be on a straighter path, or at least mooching off everyone he can, waiting for his luck to turn. Nonsense. We make our own luck. There's no such thing as curses and bad luck, right?
Instead of Vickers we have Midgeham, a member of staff at Hardy Hall for most of his life. He's very correct and considers all household problems his but a missing necklace and glue formula is beyond his knowledge.
I enjoyed this foray into 1920-never and hope to meet Teddy again when her second adventure comes out.
May 27, 2024
Very very funny, with a background knowledge of English history, poetry, literature, the english language and most importantly an intense liking for the word play of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, PG Wodehouse, the antics of Drone’s Club, drama of Cambridge, debate of Oxford, good old fashioned madness, manners and mayhem of too close bloodlines running amok on the spot in the aristocracy.
Marriage or your loss of London apartment, vehicle, allowance, freedom is the Mater’s ultimatum for Teddy Quillfeather presently at the Hardy Hall house party, as the winner of countless Scavenger Hunts for brilliant midnight skulduggery, this really should not one hopes not be a problem.
Hurry up PJ Fitzsimmons, you say Teddy has been waiting in the wings, bring her into the light pleeease, her baffling brilliance needs us.
Thank you for your words PJ Fitzsimmons, always so very much appreciated. :-)
Marriage or your loss of London apartment, vehicle, allowance, freedom is the Mater’s ultimatum for Teddy Quillfeather presently at the Hardy Hall house party, as the winner of countless Scavenger Hunts for brilliant midnight skulduggery, this really should not one hopes not be a problem.
Hurry up PJ Fitzsimmons, you say Teddy has been waiting in the wings, bring her into the light pleeease, her baffling brilliance needs us.
Thank you for your words PJ Fitzsimmons, always so very much appreciated. :-)
June 9, 2024
As always with Fitzsimmons, good prose (and banter), good characterization, good world building, good story, no theme. As I write this, I sit at the south facing windows staring at the tarn trying to think up reasons why I don't like it.
I thought stealing a penguin from the London Zoo was an unpromising start, but this is underestimating Fitzsimmons. Yes, its hour comes round at last. Be patient. And, mostly, Teddy uses her powers for good.
And what's a country house without a country house murder? It's a cozier cozy is what it is. I ask you, was the Cow Creamer ever involved with murder?
All of the characters were distinct and funny, but this is the usual for Fitzsimmons, so I won't bother to mention it. My favorite though was Aunt Azalea. She's a potential gold mine and it is my fervent hope that Fitzsimmons is proceeding with jacks and timbers (to the tune of Big John).
One last item of interest. Teddy and Aunt Azalea share a few (well more than a few) gimlets while reviewing suspects and motives. Teddy makes them with gin and lime liqueur (what? had Roses Lime yet to be invented?). Or has Fitzsimmons inadvertently revealed the secret of a superior gimlet? To unknot this knot I appealed to my trusty Google AI which asseverates that Roses Lime was invented by Evelyn Waugh upon his death in 1966, so the use of lime liqueur makes historical sense. However, Wikipedia quibbles that it was patented a century earlier, which implies the use of lime liqueur results in a superior gimlet. I wonder.
On the whole Hardy Haul might rate 4.5-gimlets, but I'm rounding down simply because I can (and I'm still bitter over Anty's mother not getting a series of her own).
I thought stealing a penguin from the London Zoo was an unpromising start, but this is underestimating Fitzsimmons. Yes, its hour comes round at last. Be patient. And, mostly, Teddy uses her powers for good.
And what's a country house without a country house murder? It's a cozier cozy is what it is. I ask you, was the Cow Creamer ever involved with murder?
All of the characters were distinct and funny, but this is the usual for Fitzsimmons, so I won't bother to mention it. My favorite though was Aunt Azalea. She's a potential gold mine and it is my fervent hope that Fitzsimmons is proceeding with jacks and timbers (to the tune of Big John).
One last item of interest. Teddy and Aunt Azalea share a few (well more than a few) gimlets while reviewing suspects and motives. Teddy makes them with gin and lime liqueur (what? had Roses Lime yet to be invented?). Or has Fitzsimmons inadvertently revealed the secret of a superior gimlet? To unknot this knot I appealed to my trusty Google AI which asseverates that Roses Lime was invented by Evelyn Waugh upon his death in 1966, so the use of lime liqueur makes historical sense. However, Wikipedia quibbles that it was patented a century earlier, which implies the use of lime liqueur results in a superior gimlet. I wonder.
On the whole Hardy Haul might rate 4.5-gimlets, but I'm rounding down simply because I can (and I'm still bitter over Anty's mother not getting a series of her own).
June 12, 2024
Fun mystery featuring Teddy (Theodora ) who is clearly the smartest of the bunch gathered at a country estate for a weekend of parties. When her Aunt's ugly but very expensive necklace is taken, it is up to Teddy to find the culprit. While she is investigating, without letting anyone know she is investigating, she is also tasked with picking a husband. Her mother has threatened to take away her apartment, car, freedom until she marries.
A quick-paced mystery with lots of red herrings, quirky characters, and a satisfying ending.
A quick-paced mystery with lots of red herrings, quirky characters, and a satisfying ending.
May 21, 2024
Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall is simply brilliant! Teddy Quillfeather is a hilarious, dry-witted 1920s flapper who is desperate NOT to be married, but to be free to lark about, have fun with her friends and solve mysteries. Plus there is the vexed question of what to do with the penguin from the London Zoo.
PJ Fitzsimmons has introduced us to a fiendishly fun character in Teddy, who is whip smart - able to hold three budding suitors at bay, whilst simultaneously figuring out who stole the necklace.
I finished this book in no time whatsoever and enjoyed it immensely.
If you like classic English 1920s country house mysteries (no murder) with a smart and funny lead woman, then this should be the next book to go on your TBR pile. Whatever you do - don't leave it there - jump in and meet Teddy and have a laugh. Maybe someone will figure out how to return a superfluous penguin to the Zoo without raising too many suspicions…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It is my honest opinion of this book.
PJ Fitzsimmons has introduced us to a fiendishly fun character in Teddy, who is whip smart - able to hold three budding suitors at bay, whilst simultaneously figuring out who stole the necklace.
I finished this book in no time whatsoever and enjoyed it immensely.
If you like classic English 1920s country house mysteries (no murder) with a smart and funny lead woman, then this should be the next book to go on your TBR pile. Whatever you do - don't leave it there - jump in and meet Teddy and have a laugh. Maybe someone will figure out how to return a superfluous penguin to the Zoo without raising too many suspicions…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It is my honest opinion of this book.
September 15, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons is the first book in a new series with a young, twenty-something flapper woman solving mysteries.
Will Teddy get back the necklace while dodging eligible suitors?
Theodosia "Teddy" Quillfeather
Teddy Quillfeather is a young aristocratic lady who likes to have some hijinks in her life. She loves her young, single life as it helps not to have someone ruin her fun. Well, until her mom decides that it is high time for Teddy to get married, she sends her off to find a husband on a country weekend trip.
I like Teddy a lot as she is a lot of fun. She can think on her toes to keep not only her eligible suitors jumping through hoops but to outwit a thief.
The Theft
The first night of the country weekend stay in Kent, the owners of the estate had their necklace stolen from their safe. The owners of the estate have tasked Teddy, who they both know has a knack for thinking like a thief, to bring back the necklace. Teddy, of course, does this while not letting anyone know that she is looking into the theft. I have to say that the way Teddy handled this investigation had me in awe, as I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Five Stars
My rating for Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons is five stars. Mr. Fitzsimmons had me laughing while writing down suspects and what they could gain while reading this book. I felt like I was on that estate helping Teddy solve the mystery while dodging the bachelors. Mr. Fitzsimmons did an excellent job of writing this mystery, and having it in the third person definitely helped the story, as it gave him leeway to shy away from Teddy to enhance the story better.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons is the first book in a new series with a young, twenty-something flapper woman solving mysteries.
Will Teddy get back the necklace while dodging eligible suitors?
Theodosia "Teddy" Quillfeather
Teddy Quillfeather is a young aristocratic lady who likes to have some hijinks in her life. She loves her young, single life as it helps not to have someone ruin her fun. Well, until her mom decides that it is high time for Teddy to get married, she sends her off to find a husband on a country weekend trip.
I like Teddy a lot as she is a lot of fun. She can think on her toes to keep not only her eligible suitors jumping through hoops but to outwit a thief.
The Theft
The first night of the country weekend stay in Kent, the owners of the estate had their necklace stolen from their safe. The owners of the estate have tasked Teddy, who they both know has a knack for thinking like a thief, to bring back the necklace. Teddy, of course, does this while not letting anyone know that she is looking into the theft. I have to say that the way Teddy handled this investigation had me in awe, as I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Five Stars
My rating for Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons is five stars. Mr. Fitzsimmons had me laughing while writing down suspects and what they could gain while reading this book. I felt like I was on that estate helping Teddy solve the mystery while dodging the bachelors. Mr. Fitzsimmons did an excellent job of writing this mystery, and having it in the third person definitely helped the story, as it gave him leeway to shy away from Teddy to enhance the story better.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall by PJ Fitzsimmons.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 17, 2024
From the first page, this cozy is full of snappy narrative and plenty of humour. It starts off with a prologue that sets the tone and explains how Theodora acquired her quirky sidekick Tuxedo Bird. The real mystery begins when Teddy arrives at the country manor Hardy Hall, to reconnect with some old friends and with instructions from her mother to choose one of the eligible bachelors present so she can settle down to a respectable marriage.
Teddy's goal for the weekend is to have a good time but to avoid a betrothal. Turns out she doesn't need to come up with her own distractions, because the hostess's distinctively ugly but valuable necklace is stolen sometime during dinner on the first evening. The manor is surrounded by a moat so clearly the thief is one of the guests and not a drifter, as was the case in a previous theft . . . and in that situation, almost all the same guests were present . . . so Teddy is presented with a fascinating conundrum to solve. She does so with a mischievous sense of humor, quick wit, and inventive theories.
As a lead character, Teddy is a delight. She has a razor-sharp wit and while she is cheerfully avoiding a marriage her defiance of her parents' wishes seems gentle and not disrespectful. She is a buoyant and light-hearted heroine, and even when challengiing the stories or actions of other characters, she does so with a surprising amount of kindness, grace, and good humour.
The characters are all so likeable and each one has hilarious quirks and mannerisms that continually add laugh-out-loud humour to the fast-paced narrative. There's no murder and everyone is polite and well-meaning, and the solution to the mystery brings wonderful satisfaction, especially after enjoying the witty repartee and comedy of errors along the way. The narrative is so clever and humorous in a very sophisticated way, while describing characters and situations that had me picturing the action as if in a crisp animation style. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure of Teddy Quillfeather!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Teddy's goal for the weekend is to have a good time but to avoid a betrothal. Turns out she doesn't need to come up with her own distractions, because the hostess's distinctively ugly but valuable necklace is stolen sometime during dinner on the first evening. The manor is surrounded by a moat so clearly the thief is one of the guests and not a drifter, as was the case in a previous theft . . . and in that situation, almost all the same guests were present . . . so Teddy is presented with a fascinating conundrum to solve. She does so with a mischievous sense of humor, quick wit, and inventive theories.
As a lead character, Teddy is a delight. She has a razor-sharp wit and while she is cheerfully avoiding a marriage her defiance of her parents' wishes seems gentle and not disrespectful. She is a buoyant and light-hearted heroine, and even when challengiing the stories or actions of other characters, she does so with a surprising amount of kindness, grace, and good humour.
The characters are all so likeable and each one has hilarious quirks and mannerisms that continually add laugh-out-loud humour to the fast-paced narrative. There's no murder and everyone is polite and well-meaning, and the solution to the mystery brings wonderful satisfaction, especially after enjoying the witty repartee and comedy of errors along the way. The narrative is so clever and humorous in a very sophisticated way, while describing characters and situations that had me picturing the action as if in a crisp animation style. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure of Teddy Quillfeather!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2024
I have briefly met Teddy - well, Theodora - Quillfeather in this author's Anty Boisjoly series where she was just an incidental character. Now she gets her due in this, the first of a new series featuring her and her zany approach to life.
Still in the tradition of country house parties immortalised by P.G. Wodehouse, things could hardly become more puzzling when the host's safe is opened and Glitz's extremely costly but ugly necklace, and the formula for a new universal adhesive are stolen. Teddy seems to have to take on solving both mysteries while also fending off the advances of the three young men, Bobo, Stilts and Algy, who have been invited solely to meet with her so she can choose a husband. Her mother is determined that she should marry, and has given an ultimatum. And, of course, she is also caring for a penguin called Tuxedo Bird. Well, sort of caring for the penguin.
Aside from the humour and the mystery of the story, I found the writing to be a delight. When Teddy arrives at Hardy Hall she meets the other people staying. She already knows most of them because they all inhabit the same society world that she does. But all the same the short descriptions are remarkable. You will not often come upon so economically written portraits delineating personality, place in society and usual activities of characters.
For instance:
"Portia 'Portion' Beanfield. Often compared favourably to a bug in a rug. Metallic-gold sack dress. Not wearing her glasses, which she needs to see. Wearing high heels, which she needs to see over things. Standing next to Stilts, creating unfortunate juxtaposition for both parties."
I can envision her perfectly. And just so with the other characters.
In all, I found this a hugely entertaining book and look forward to hours of happy reading in following books in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Still in the tradition of country house parties immortalised by P.G. Wodehouse, things could hardly become more puzzling when the host's safe is opened and Glitz's extremely costly but ugly necklace, and the formula for a new universal adhesive are stolen. Teddy seems to have to take on solving both mysteries while also fending off the advances of the three young men, Bobo, Stilts and Algy, who have been invited solely to meet with her so she can choose a husband. Her mother is determined that she should marry, and has given an ultimatum. And, of course, she is also caring for a penguin called Tuxedo Bird. Well, sort of caring for the penguin.
Aside from the humour and the mystery of the story, I found the writing to be a delight. When Teddy arrives at Hardy Hall she meets the other people staying. She already knows most of them because they all inhabit the same society world that she does. But all the same the short descriptions are remarkable. You will not often come upon so economically written portraits delineating personality, place in society and usual activities of characters.
For instance:
"Portia 'Portion' Beanfield. Often compared favourably to a bug in a rug. Metallic-gold sack dress. Not wearing her glasses, which she needs to see. Wearing high heels, which she needs to see over things. Standing next to Stilts, creating unfortunate juxtaposition for both parties."
I can envision her perfectly. And just so with the other characters.
In all, I found this a hugely entertaining book and look forward to hours of happy reading in following books in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2024
Teddy teases out solutions to cosy crimes in country castle.
Fans of P J Fitxsimmons' antics of Anty Boisjoly books will have already met his cousin, Teddy Quillfeather. Those who haven't are quickly introduced to her predeliction for pranks as a 1920s flapper girl in London society.
She is unlikely to answer to the name her mother calls her, Theodora, but is blackmailed into going to the country castle (complete with moat) of family friend's under threat of losing her car and London apartment if she doesn't become engaged to one of the bachelors on display at the weekend.
She has a poor pool of choice: smarmy, self-regarding swindler; oafish, rugby player of portly proportions and poetry proclaiming and beanpole buyer and seller of jewelery of such height he is fondly known as Stilts.
Throw: a purloined emperor penguin; a rival of diminuitive size seeking a fiance ; an ex-military man who stole a precious stone when in India; an aunt so shy she blends into furniture and the couple who own the castle and are robbed of some riches int the mix and you have a plethora of suspects, melange of motives and perplexing puzzle for our heroine to solve before the police are called in.
You are in safe hands with P J Fitzsimmons and can follow the twists, turns and trials along the way to resolving the crimes with humour, cunning and creativity. My main suspect chamged several times, yet I was satisfied with the resolutions.
I will be happy to hear more of Teddy's exploits as this is the first in a series.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fans of P J Fitxsimmons' antics of Anty Boisjoly books will have already met his cousin, Teddy Quillfeather. Those who haven't are quickly introduced to her predeliction for pranks as a 1920s flapper girl in London society.
She is unlikely to answer to the name her mother calls her, Theodora, but is blackmailed into going to the country castle (complete with moat) of family friend's under threat of losing her car and London apartment if she doesn't become engaged to one of the bachelors on display at the weekend.
She has a poor pool of choice: smarmy, self-regarding swindler; oafish, rugby player of portly proportions and poetry proclaiming and beanpole buyer and seller of jewelery of such height he is fondly known as Stilts.
Throw: a purloined emperor penguin; a rival of diminuitive size seeking a fiance ; an ex-military man who stole a precious stone when in India; an aunt so shy she blends into furniture and the couple who own the castle and are robbed of some riches int the mix and you have a plethora of suspects, melange of motives and perplexing puzzle for our heroine to solve before the police are called in.
You are in safe hands with P J Fitzsimmons and can follow the twists, turns and trials along the way to resolving the crimes with humour, cunning and creativity. My main suspect chamged several times, yet I was satisfied with the resolutions.
I will be happy to hear more of Teddy's exploits as this is the first in a series.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. This is the first of this author's work I've read. The book is a spin off of another series. It is set in the 1920s, in the world of rich flappers and equally rich, apparently air headed young men, all given silly nicknames. The main character, Teddy (Theodora Quillfeather) is obviously the most intelligent and quick thinking of the cast of characters gathered for a typically English country house weekend. She and the three young men present are there because she's been ordered by her mother to choose a husband from among them or lose the trappings of her free wheeling lifestyle - but there is mystery afoot!
For anyone who's read the PG Wodehouse books featuring Berty Wooster and his ever sensible valet, Jeeves in particular, will immediately recognise the style. Teddy Quillfeather has no valet - she doesn't need one, but in very other way, as far as I can remember, the story is the same kind of scatterbrained, "What ho!" style with plenty of gin, as those books. Good fun romp through 1920s high society
For anyone who's read the PG Wodehouse books featuring Berty Wooster and his ever sensible valet, Jeeves in particular, will immediately recognise the style. Teddy Quillfeather has no valet - she doesn't need one, but in very other way, as far as I can remember, the story is the same kind of scatterbrained, "What ho!" style with plenty of gin, as those books. Good fun romp through 1920s high society
June 8, 2024
Teddy Quillfeather is a hoot, the dialogue sparkles, and the intricate plot reminds me of P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings Castle novels. If not for two reservations, I'd give it 5 stars instead of 3½.
First, Fitzsimmons seems to be still getting the hang of third party narration. I see how it facilitates more convoluted plots than Anty Boisjoly's first person narration. Besides, I doubt that he could plausibly impersonate Teddy as narrator. At least not yet. But the narrator is not only omniscient but compelled to share that omniscience by blurting out not only what characters intend and think but whether their assumptions were correct, as if readers can't figure that out.
Second, he seems to have been overcome by an uncontrollable urge to verb adjectives and adverbs in almost every chapter. I found it distracted my attention from the plot and dialogue. A little of that goes a long way.
In short, I think Fitzsimmons needs to find the Delete key and learn to spell "said." Those annoyances aside, I'm delighted to see that the next installments of both the Teddy and the Anty series are on the way.
First, Fitzsimmons seems to be still getting the hang of third party narration. I see how it facilitates more convoluted plots than Anty Boisjoly's first person narration. Besides, I doubt that he could plausibly impersonate Teddy as narrator. At least not yet. But the narrator is not only omniscient but compelled to share that omniscience by blurting out not only what characters intend and think but whether their assumptions were correct, as if readers can't figure that out.
Second, he seems to have been overcome by an uncontrollable urge to verb adjectives and adverbs in almost every chapter. I found it distracted my attention from the plot and dialogue. A little of that goes a long way.
In short, I think Fitzsimmons needs to find the Delete key and learn to spell "said." Those annoyances aside, I'm delighted to see that the next installments of both the Teddy and the Anty series are on the way.
June 15, 2024
Teddy is a charming and welcome addition to the world of Anty Boisjoly. Having met her in the most recent Boisjoly murder mystery, I was delighted to learn she'd soon have a mystery-solving series of her own.
While Teddy's focus is on solving (and sometimes enacting) heists and capers, Teddy's mother is focused on marrying her off. In a hilarious tale full of eccentric houseguests, disappearing items, and a clumsy penguin, we follow Teddy as she fends off unsuitably suitable suitors and tracks down a jewel thief.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see more from Teddy. I will trust her to handle larcenous shenanigans while her cousin Anty continues to solve murders. They will both always have a place on my bookshelf for as long as P.J. Fitzsimmons chooses to bless us with more books.
I received my free copy from BookSirens for review purposes.
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Instagram: @athenanooneaskedyou
While Teddy's focus is on solving (and sometimes enacting) heists and capers, Teddy's mother is focused on marrying her off. In a hilarious tale full of eccentric houseguests, disappearing items, and a clumsy penguin, we follow Teddy as she fends off unsuitably suitable suitors and tracks down a jewel thief.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see more from Teddy. I will trust her to handle larcenous shenanigans while her cousin Anty continues to solve murders. They will both always have a place on my bookshelf for as long as P.J. Fitzsimmons chooses to bless us with more books.
I received my free copy from BookSirens for review purposes.
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Instagram: @athenanooneaskedyou
June 3, 2024
I have reached a point in my life where I only read murder mysteries. I love a good who-dun-it but it is a constant challenge to find authors who write within my "sweet spot" i.e plots that are not saccharine and silly on one end of the spectrum nor gruesome and hard boiled on the other. P.J. Fitzsimmons with his Anty series was a perfect match. The stories are intelligently written with a wonderful mix of humor and challenge. He has become my favorite modern author and I have loved every book. So, when he decided to branch off into a new character and stories that do not include a murder mystery, I had to give it a go. I'm so glad I did. Mr. Fitzsimmons has taken me on another wild romp that included laugh out loud moments. The dialogue is sparkling and keeps me on my toes to understand the fast paced exchanges. I love this new character (Teddy) and I will look forward to her escapades with as much enthusiasm as I do for Anty. Which, I guess means that I no longer am an exclusive murder mystery reader...
June 15, 2024
Theodora ‘Teddy’ Quillfeather will be familiar to readers of Anty Boisjoly Mysteries. Teddy is Anty’s cousin—an audacious and loquacious, stylish and coquettish stiletta of the golden age and very much a citizen in good standing of the Anty Boisjoly world of whimsy.
If you have not discovered the world of PJ Fitzsimmons and his wonderful character 'Anty Boisjoly', you are missing a bucket load of fun. His whimsical cousin Teddy is written with just as much affection, humour and laugh out loud antics that I can't help but love her. Where Anty solves 'locked room murders', Teddy is more an observer of humanity with some dodgy advice thrown in. For fans of Wodehouse both of these series will entertain hugely. By the way, the audio books of these books are well worth the purchase- the narrator absolutely nails the characters. I highly recommend them.
If you have not discovered the world of PJ Fitzsimmons and his wonderful character 'Anty Boisjoly', you are missing a bucket load of fun. His whimsical cousin Teddy is written with just as much affection, humour and laugh out loud antics that I can't help but love her. Where Anty solves 'locked room murders', Teddy is more an observer of humanity with some dodgy advice thrown in. For fans of Wodehouse both of these series will entertain hugely. By the way, the audio books of these books are well worth the purchase- the narrator absolutely nails the characters. I highly recommend them.
May 22, 2024
The word to describe this thoroughly delightful book is madcap. From the first page on, I felt like I was part of a Golden Age country house mystery peopled with a witty, urbane cast of characters who move through life with the ease of the very wealthy.
I haven’t read the series from which this is a spin-off, but protagonist Teddy Quillfeather 100% deserves her own series. She is one of the most entertaining sleuths I’ve come across, and the author truly comes through with hilarious and well-written dialog that totally fits the character. While the plot that becomes a bit convoluted at the end, the story hangs together well.
Add this to the subgenre of cozies that feature smart-alecky, intelligent, and fearless female protagonists and start recommending it to your friends. I will!
I haven’t read the series from which this is a spin-off, but protagonist Teddy Quillfeather 100% deserves her own series. She is one of the most entertaining sleuths I’ve come across, and the author truly comes through with hilarious and well-written dialog that totally fits the character. While the plot that becomes a bit convoluted at the end, the story hangs together well.
Add this to the subgenre of cozies that feature smart-alecky, intelligent, and fearless female protagonists and start recommending it to your friends. I will!
June 13, 2024
Fitzsimmons has produced yet another delightful read! I was excited to see a new protagonist, and did enjoy Teddy's spunky wit. I'll admit that one of my minor quibbles with the book was that the voice and style felt rather similar to the Anty Boisjoly series, and while I understand that Teddy and Anty are cousins and may share some family traits, I would have preferred for Teddy to feel more distinct. If you were to read me lines of dialogue from both Anty and Teddy without identifying them, I'm not sure I could easily distinguish which came from whom (assuming the topic of conversation didn't give it away, of course), and with Fitzsimmon's obvious talent for characterization, given the crazy cast of supporting characters he concocts for each of his novels, I would have loved for Teddy to feel less like a repeat of Anty.
That said, Hardy Haul is a fun read with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing. (Plus, there's a penguin, which alone makes the book worth reading!)
I'm grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with a free advance review copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily, and the opinions are fully my own.
That said, Hardy Haul is a fun read with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing. (Plus, there's a penguin, which alone makes the book worth reading!)
I'm grateful to BookSirens and to the author for providing me with a free advance review copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily, and the opinions are fully my own.
May 22, 2024
A book that a wonderdul, whimsical caper in an era of flapper times eccentric aristocracy.
Teddy ( Theodora) an educated, independent young lady is trying to elude the marriage lures of the young aristocrats her family has surrounded her with at a house party when there us a very puzzling theft of a hideous necklace.
Teddy investigates….
Oh….I forgot to mention Teddy has a real penguin in her entourage.
A lovely laugh out aloud book that I could not put down….sheer whimsical entertainment that is a well written paced story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Teddy ( Theodora) an educated, independent young lady is trying to elude the marriage lures of the young aristocrats her family has surrounded her with at a house party when there us a very puzzling theft of a hideous necklace.
Teddy investigates….
Oh….I forgot to mention Teddy has a real penguin in her entourage.
A lovely laugh out aloud book that I could not put down….sheer whimsical entertainment that is a well written paced story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2024
This is the first book in the Teddy Quillfeather mystery and she has rocked it in her first book. The author has first time narrated a story having a heist rather than a murder and in that too the author has excelled. Once again Teddy has been invited in Hardy Hall mansion by Lord Truville for the prospect arranged by her mother in the mansion. Then there is a hiest, Lady Truville's necklace stolen from the safe. Who and how one stole. To find this Teddy starts with the investigation of who and how it was stolen. Will Teddy find the culprit or there is more coup in the heist. How teddy finds the culprit is the book. I would say I enjoyed the book and it's a very very good Goodreads.... 🙂
May 31, 2024
For those of us familiar with the terrific Anty Boisjoly series, we have encountered Teddy Quillfeather before and it's great news that she gets a series of her own. It's another madcap tale full of mischief and mayhem , this time set in a country house full of equally hilarious characters.
This was a really enjoyable and fun read involving a penguin, stolen jewellery and an invention called Stickle. Teddy also is on a timeline to find a husband this weekend which just adds to the hilarity. This is a worthy spinoff to the Anty series and I'm delighted to see the next one is on the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a really enjoyable and fun read involving a penguin, stolen jewellery and an invention called Stickle. Teddy also is on a timeline to find a husband this weekend which just adds to the hilarity. This is a worthy spinoff to the Anty series and I'm delighted to see the next one is on the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2024
If you like Simon Brett's "Blotto and Twinks" series you will love this fun novel. In this book, the character of Teddy/Twinks is intact but role of blotto-the-buffoon is divided amongst her beaus. There is a smattering of the PD Wodehouse bumbling-romance fun stuff scattered hither and yon throughout the book as well as the prototypical british-country-house-hallway-door-hopping scene. The nonsense conversations are sheer genius and give new meaning to the word 'mansplaining': I reread them for the sheer joyous silliness of them. I HIGHLY recommend this for a fun light read. Two tuxedo bird fin-thumbs up.
May 19, 2024
This was an eclectic group of eccentric people gathered as possible marriage partners for Teddy by her mother. Then all kinds of crazy begins. Teddy is a master manipulator while her colleagues are just minor league. She is also very proficient in thinking on the spot and her falsehoods and provarications are top shelf in comparison to her companions. I think some of the British humor got past me as I'm American. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
May 20, 2024
I've been a fan of PJ Fitzsimmons and the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries series, so I was excited to read a new series in this same universe. The characters felt like they belonged in this historical setting and enjoyed that this was a fun opening chapter to the Teddy Quillfeather series. I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed the mystery element to this book. It had that writing style that I was hoping for and enjoyed from the previous series.
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.
May 23, 2024
Another book from PJ Fitzsimmons which takes us into a Wodehouse world of country houses with delightful characters. A world where things which would be unbelievable elsewhere seem almost normal, like taking a stolen penguin with you for the weekend. The lead character, Teddy Quillfeather, manages to solve the complexity of the situation and put all to right, despite there being a number of potential suspects, all with their own motives.
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.
June 5, 2024
An intriguing and entertaining story written in such a way that takes a while to understand what is trying to be said.
The characters are from an era of eccentricity and are hilariously outrageous, each more outlandish than the next. Its woven from one layer to the next, each layer becoming more complex. Throw into that a penguin, a jewel heist, a domineering parent and a daughter eager to have her own way without upsetting the other guests.
A good read to escape with
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are from an era of eccentricity and are hilariously outrageous, each more outlandish than the next. Its woven from one layer to the next, each layer becoming more complex. Throw into that a penguin, a jewel heist, a domineering parent and a daughter eager to have her own way without upsetting the other guests.
A good read to escape with
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
June 9, 2024Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall is book 1 in A Teddy Quillfeather Mystery by P J Fitzsimmons. This is set in 1920's Britain. Theodora Quillfeather- "Teddy" is Anty's cousin and a flapper. This series is a spin off of the Anty Boisjoly series.
This story is about a heist and is very well-written. This is full of twists and turns and is quite atmospheric. I enjoyed this read and am looking forward to more by this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is about a heist and is very well-written. This is full of twists and turns and is quite atmospheric. I enjoyed this read and am looking forward to more by this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 23, 2024
This historical cozy mystery is so well written so well established in its time. I can only imagine the hours spent in research. OH and the colorful, quirky and devilishly charming characters that will have you captivated from the very beginning along with a plot so convoluted in comedic betrayal ,heart rendering misdirection and a little indifference to those who have been conned all in the most charming of cons. Acquire. " Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall " book one in this new series Teddy Qillfeather for hours of enjoyable and intriguing entertainment. Kat
September 9, 2024
We meet Teddy Quillfeather who has gone to a Country Manor. Her Mother insists that she marry one of the bachelors or else her car and apartment will be taken away. While there her friend shows her a valuable necklace that she designed herself with a large gem from Burma as the center piece. The necklace is hideous but very expensive and is stolen from the safe at the dinner party. So Teddy decides to figure out which one of the guests stole the necklace. This was so fun the excitement of the crime and figuring out who did it. I loved this book and I recommend it.
March 30, 2025
What good luck that one of my favorite authors has started a new series!! Can’t wait until they get an audiobook started for these stories as well, but I couldn’t wait and decided to jump in with the Kindle books first. Absolutely hilarious and most enjoyable writing that kept me thoroughly entertained! It’s seriously like have PG Wodehouse come back to life and take on new characters and adventures. Can’t wait to read more of Teddy’s adventures and listen to more of Anty’s antics!! Love, love, love!!
May 29, 2024
A fun jazz age mystery with plenty of humor and shenanigans involving a country house party, the theft of a truly ugly necklace, marriage proposals and a penguin.
If you like P.G. Wodehouse and Dorothy Sayers, you’ll love this book. One thing to note, though, this is a delightful caper mystery with no murders. But it’s still a great mystery!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you like P.G. Wodehouse and Dorothy Sayers, you’ll love this book. One thing to note, though, this is a delightful caper mystery with no murders. But it’s still a great mystery!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
Almost as good as Anty Boisjoly!
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about a novel centered around Teddy Quilfeather, as I found her a bit annoying in Anty’s last mystery. I was pleasantly surprised! In this book she stays on the right side of endearingly mischievous. And most of the supporting characters are hilarious. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
P.S. Great minds: Just like Teddy, Marius Quin has cherry red Invicta named Vicky!
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about a novel centered around Teddy Quilfeather, as I found her a bit annoying in Anty’s last mystery. I was pleasantly surprised! In this book she stays on the right side of endearingly mischievous. And most of the supporting characters are hilarious. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
P.S. Great minds: Just like Teddy, Marius Quin has cherry red Invicta named Vicky!
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