What do you think?
Rate this book
Anty Boisjoly Mysteries #9
Death Reports to a Health Resort
Death Reports to a Health Resort
or The case of the case of withdrawal
When his uncle is accused of an impossible crime by the wary and weary and ever leery Inspector Wittersham, Anty’s mum sends him to the wilds of Epping Forest to sort out who could have managed to murder the universally disliked taskmaster of a health resort dedicated to the repression and suppression of the best of the seven sins.
And things only get worse for Anty’s Uncle Pim when his nemesis dies in another murder that both eye-witnesses — Anty Boisjoly and Inspector Wittersham — swear was impossible.
or The case of the case of withdrawal
When his uncle is accused of an impossible crime by the wary and weary and ever leery Inspector Wittersham, Anty’s mum sends him to the wilds of Epping Forest to sort out who could have managed to murder the universally disliked taskmaster of a health resort dedicated to the repression and suppression of the best of the seven sins.
And things only get worse for Anty’s Uncle Pim when his nemesis dies in another murder that both eye-witnesses — Anty Boisjoly and Inspector Wittersham — swear was impossible.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
169 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fitzsimmons
13 books281 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 30, 2024
Anty Boisjoly (pronounced like the wine region) is ordered by his mother to go to Eden Bliss Paradise Health Resort in Epping Forest to rescue his uncle Pim who has been accused of murdering the sanctuary doctor. Anty is aware of Uncle Pim's predilection for gambling on everything, becoming angry and threatening people but murder? No! Anty and his trusty valet Vickers head off to the exclusive resort with a hamper full of necessaries (like Glen Glennie, tobacco, tea) to join Inspector Wittersham and save Uncle Pim. The health spa is far from the glamorous resort Anty expected. There's not only no library, no tea room, no golf course, no tennis courts, no en suite apartments - only a few huts in the woods. There's also no tobacco, alcohol, tea, rich food or any other vices allowed. The resort is policed by a doleful Basset Hound who makes everyone hand over their contraband before entering. How on earth can Anty survive, let alone save Uncle Pim!
I don't even pretend to try to figure these out any more. Even though the author THINKS it should be obvious, it wasn't at all. I could stop reading these when I'm tired, I could read the whole book in one sitting and then maybe I'd figure it out but I'm not as clever as Anty. Even sober he notices things no one else does and his stories about the Juniper Club always have a point. I adore P.G. Wodehouse's Tales from the Drones Club and Anty's Juniper seems to be the same thing. Pinching policemen's helmets, making stupid bets, idle young men from the aristocracy and gentry. Somehow, it seems charming to think of having nothing to do but get drunk and be stupid, to be arrested but not pay any real consequences for minor crimes. Lest you think there's no women's club equivalent, go visit with Anty's cousin Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall and the Bright Young Things she hangs out with. Anty's musings are most amusing and the witty wordplay is clever and fun. I just go along for the ride and know it will all come out right in the end.
Uncle Pim is actually Postlewick Pimsloe, Anty's mother's cousin by his great-aunt Mimi. Mama holds the purse strings and can cut Uncle Pim off at a word if she deems his behavior beyond the pale. She accepts his drunken escapades, tirades and betting failures but only just. She sends him off to Epping Forest to the health resort and he returns a changed man- or so she thinks. Uncle Pim is a wild one for sure. His antics put Anty's to shame. Uncle Pim has a gambling addiction. He'll bet on ANYTHING. He thinks he sees signs everywhere and makes a bet based on his interpretation of what he's seeing or hearing. His bet then turns out to be a financial failure but still he continues. He once bet the love of his life and lost her on a coin toss. This has made him angry and he has anger management problems. He's still mostly a mild mannered man. Really anyone would be pushed to the limit by the privations of this health spa. I don't think Uncle Pim is aware enough to murder anyone. He seems to be stuck in his own world and was never even out of sight of the other patients to murder someone.
Doctor Marvin Smick, mastermind and owner of the resort developed a special health system he uses to treat the idle rich suffering from the 7 deadly sins. Now he's dead, killed in a locked room essentially. He was in his treehouse, 20 feet above ground, in full view of everyone when he was killed. What killed him? Some kind of fast acting poison. Where did it come from? No one knows. Perhaps a poison dart? A-ha! So we have means. Which characters have the knowledge of poison, poison darts and could shoot one into a man 20 feet above ground while standing on the ground in full view of the other patients? This guy sounds like a charlatan to me. He charges celebrity rehab prices and gives them Survivor, to use a modern analogy. No one wants to be there and no one likes his system. Dr. Smick also seemed to have dirt on everyone in some sort of secret file locked away somewhere. He surely had spies in London and everywhere in order to get people to come to his resort. It sure sounds like any one of the patients had a motive to kill.
Except Nurse Destiny Dalimore. She's as fruity as cake and obviously infatuated with Dr. Smick. She reveals her feelings early on. It's obvious but did he feel the same way? Maybe she's more clever than she appears and "hell hath no fury" and all that? I think she knows more than she's letting on for sure. Another more likely femme fatale is Baroness Phyllida Garlic. She's no slouch in the brains department and is very formidable. While she comes from the chorus, she married way up and turned a mediocre fortune into an enormous fortune. She's a financial genius and widow looking to enhance her bank account. Baroness Garlic takes no prisoners. She's bossy, demanding and I have a feeling she always gets what she wants. She treats everyone like they're her subordinates and has big plans. The Baroness may also have been having a fling with Dr. Smick. She denies it and that would be against the rules of privation but I have a feeling if she wanted to, he would go for it. More money for his resort.
Col. Brimble is a dear man but perpetually drunk and lazy. The more he drinks, the lazier he becomes. His wife has sent him to the resort for the 8th time. He loves her even though she's a harpy and knows there will be problems at home if he doesn't comply. I quite like him but my favorite is Sir Melvin Otterwater. He is a glutton and therefore obese and has come to lose weight. He's miserable and every time he goes back home, he goes binge eating. Even though he's away from the resort, even hiding his expensive exclusive dinners, somehow Dr. Smick always knew about them. Well, yeah, I would think there would be a wife tattling to Dr. Smick just as Mrs. Brimble does. I was drooling over some of the same things Sir Melvin enjoyed. Some of his favorites enjoyed in moderation are quite healthy, more so than oats and starvation. I don't want him to be the killer. Henrietta Hackenit seems to be the female Anty. She's been there done that and doesn't remember all of it. She's also a champion at throwing darts. Hen is defensive and cranky and not very friendly. I think she somehow send the poison dart into Dr. Smick. She's very, very curious about that file and what it says about her. It makes her seem guilty.
Who actually did kill Dr. Smick? This is the toughest locked room mystery yet! As usual I laughed through the book and can't wait to see what Anty gets up to next.
Other characters include Ivor Wittersham and Mister Babbage, county coroner. Ivor is at his wit's end. His pipe is empty and he's not allowed to smoke. He had to leave tobacco behind and he's not even a patient! He seems stuck on pinning the crime on Uncle Pim and listens wearily to Anty's stories, even admitting he's heard some before. He is aware Anty's stories usually have a point and he brings that up too, even though he may be wrong. Babbage is still coroner, not growing mangle wurzels anywhere. He's bored and can't wait to get out of there. I don't blame him!
Diogenes, the contraband sniffing Basset Hound, is stuck in the forest sniffing out contraband even he can not have. The poor dog just has to look mournfully at someone and they feel the need to empty their pockets. Not even Anty is amused. Mister Livesy trained Diogenes and drives the wagon to transport everyone to the resort. He's cranky, rude and fully believes in this health stuff. His preferred meal consists of oats! Just oats. No milk or sugar or anything. He's not a likable person and disappears for much of the story. I think he may be the murderer. Dear Vickers can't remember how he got there or what year it is but he has some wild stories to tell about the past that help him in remembering something important. He's more aware than he thinks he is and a valuable resource. Vickers and Anty work well together.
I don't even pretend to try to figure these out any more. Even though the author THINKS it should be obvious, it wasn't at all. I could stop reading these when I'm tired, I could read the whole book in one sitting and then maybe I'd figure it out but I'm not as clever as Anty. Even sober he notices things no one else does and his stories about the Juniper Club always have a point. I adore P.G. Wodehouse's Tales from the Drones Club and Anty's Juniper seems to be the same thing. Pinching policemen's helmets, making stupid bets, idle young men from the aristocracy and gentry. Somehow, it seems charming to think of having nothing to do but get drunk and be stupid, to be arrested but not pay any real consequences for minor crimes. Lest you think there's no women's club equivalent, go visit with Anty's cousin Hardy Haul at Hardy Hall and the Bright Young Things she hangs out with. Anty's musings are most amusing and the witty wordplay is clever and fun. I just go along for the ride and know it will all come out right in the end.
Uncle Pim is actually Postlewick Pimsloe, Anty's mother's cousin by his great-aunt Mimi. Mama holds the purse strings and can cut Uncle Pim off at a word if she deems his behavior beyond the pale. She accepts his drunken escapades, tirades and betting failures but only just. She sends him off to Epping Forest to the health resort and he returns a changed man- or so she thinks. Uncle Pim is a wild one for sure. His antics put Anty's to shame. Uncle Pim has a gambling addiction. He'll bet on ANYTHING. He thinks he sees signs everywhere and makes a bet based on his interpretation of what he's seeing or hearing. His bet then turns out to be a financial failure but still he continues. He once bet the love of his life and lost her on a coin toss. This has made him angry and he has anger management problems. He's still mostly a mild mannered man. Really anyone would be pushed to the limit by the privations of this health spa. I don't think Uncle Pim is aware enough to murder anyone. He seems to be stuck in his own world and was never even out of sight of the other patients to murder someone.
Doctor Marvin Smick, mastermind and owner of the resort developed a special health system he uses to treat the idle rich suffering from the 7 deadly sins. Now he's dead, killed in a locked room essentially. He was in his treehouse, 20 feet above ground, in full view of everyone when he was killed. What killed him? Some kind of fast acting poison. Where did it come from? No one knows. Perhaps a poison dart? A-ha! So we have means. Which characters have the knowledge of poison, poison darts and could shoot one into a man 20 feet above ground while standing on the ground in full view of the other patients? This guy sounds like a charlatan to me. He charges celebrity rehab prices and gives them Survivor, to use a modern analogy. No one wants to be there and no one likes his system. Dr. Smick also seemed to have dirt on everyone in some sort of secret file locked away somewhere. He surely had spies in London and everywhere in order to get people to come to his resort. It sure sounds like any one of the patients had a motive to kill.
Except Nurse Destiny Dalimore. She's as fruity as cake and obviously infatuated with Dr. Smick. She reveals her feelings early on. It's obvious but did he feel the same way? Maybe she's more clever than she appears and "hell hath no fury" and all that? I think she knows more than she's letting on for sure. Another more likely femme fatale is Baroness Phyllida Garlic. She's no slouch in the brains department and is very formidable. While she comes from the chorus, she married way up and turned a mediocre fortune into an enormous fortune. She's a financial genius and widow looking to enhance her bank account. Baroness Garlic takes no prisoners. She's bossy, demanding and I have a feeling she always gets what she wants. She treats everyone like they're her subordinates and has big plans. The Baroness may also have been having a fling with Dr. Smick. She denies it and that would be against the rules of privation but I have a feeling if she wanted to, he would go for it. More money for his resort.
Col. Brimble is a dear man but perpetually drunk and lazy. The more he drinks, the lazier he becomes. His wife has sent him to the resort for the 8th time. He loves her even though she's a harpy and knows there will be problems at home if he doesn't comply. I quite like him but my favorite is Sir Melvin Otterwater. He is a glutton and therefore obese and has come to lose weight. He's miserable and every time he goes back home, he goes binge eating. Even though he's away from the resort, even hiding his expensive exclusive dinners, somehow Dr. Smick always knew about them. Well, yeah, I would think there would be a wife tattling to Dr. Smick just as Mrs. Brimble does. I was drooling over some of the same things Sir Melvin enjoyed. Some of his favorites enjoyed in moderation are quite healthy, more so than oats and starvation. I don't want him to be the killer. Henrietta Hackenit seems to be the female Anty. She's been there done that and doesn't remember all of it. She's also a champion at throwing darts. Hen is defensive and cranky and not very friendly. I think she somehow send the poison dart into Dr. Smick. She's very, very curious about that file and what it says about her. It makes her seem guilty.
Who actually did kill Dr. Smick? This is the toughest locked room mystery yet! As usual I laughed through the book and can't wait to see what Anty gets up to next.
Other characters include Ivor Wittersham and Mister Babbage, county coroner. Ivor is at his wit's end. His pipe is empty and he's not allowed to smoke. He had to leave tobacco behind and he's not even a patient! He seems stuck on pinning the crime on Uncle Pim and listens wearily to Anty's stories, even admitting he's heard some before. He is aware Anty's stories usually have a point and he brings that up too, even though he may be wrong. Babbage is still coroner, not growing mangle wurzels anywhere. He's bored and can't wait to get out of there. I don't blame him!
Diogenes, the contraband sniffing Basset Hound, is stuck in the forest sniffing out contraband even he can not have. The poor dog just has to look mournfully at someone and they feel the need to empty their pockets. Not even Anty is amused. Mister Livesy trained Diogenes and drives the wagon to transport everyone to the resort. He's cranky, rude and fully believes in this health stuff. His preferred meal consists of oats! Just oats. No milk or sugar or anything. He's not a likable person and disappears for much of the story. I think he may be the murderer. Dear Vickers can't remember how he got there or what year it is but he has some wild stories to tell about the past that help him in remembering something important. He's more aware than he thinks he is and a valuable resource. Vickers and Anty work well together.
September 7, 2024
Once again, I stand in awe of P.J. Fitzsimmons. He is such a wonderful wordsmith!
These mysteries are fun, light-hearted, mysterious, educational. What more could a reader want????
I can't imagine the depth and breadth of knowledge he has. His vocabulary is.... well, I don't have a vocabulary large enough to find the proper words. And all the things he brings in - like the Greek mythology (I learned about Erysichthon in this book)- and the phrases in other languages! How did one person ever gain so much mastery of languages and culture? I am so overwhelmed each time I read one of these books. And all I want at the end is MORE of the same!
And there are words of wisdom: "If you blame some man for your unhappiness then it means you're in his debt when you are happy." Just ponder that for awhile!
In this book I noticed, perhaps for the first time, a reference to Jeeves and Wooster. I can't believe that all this time I have missed the connection with Anty and Vickers! But there was a tell-take phrase (which, of course, I can't remember now) that rang a bell to a similar phrase I'd read in Jeeves and Wooster. I guess until a new Anty book comes out, I will just have to reread this one and my Jeeves collection.
Okay, enough of this. In this book Anty goes to rescue Uncle Pim who has been accused of murder at a health resort where everyone there hates the program and the director who was murdered. It could have been anyone and yet it couldn't be any one because everyone was accounted for at the time of the death. There are a few references to previous Anty stories which, for those of us who have read the series, only bring back pleasant thoughts and make us want to reread (unlike when other authors do this and all we want is for them to get on with the story because we already know all of that!) and hopefully entice others to pick them up and enjoy them as much as we fans have.
Read it. You won't be sorry!
These mysteries are fun, light-hearted, mysterious, educational. What more could a reader want????
I can't imagine the depth and breadth of knowledge he has. His vocabulary is.... well, I don't have a vocabulary large enough to find the proper words. And all the things he brings in - like the Greek mythology (I learned about Erysichthon in this book)- and the phrases in other languages! How did one person ever gain so much mastery of languages and culture? I am so overwhelmed each time I read one of these books. And all I want at the end is MORE of the same!
And there are words of wisdom: "If you blame some man for your unhappiness then it means you're in his debt when you are happy." Just ponder that for awhile!
In this book I noticed, perhaps for the first time, a reference to Jeeves and Wooster. I can't believe that all this time I have missed the connection with Anty and Vickers! But there was a tell-take phrase (which, of course, I can't remember now) that rang a bell to a similar phrase I'd read in Jeeves and Wooster. I guess until a new Anty book comes out, I will just have to reread this one and my Jeeves collection.
Okay, enough of this. In this book Anty goes to rescue Uncle Pim who has been accused of murder at a health resort where everyone there hates the program and the director who was murdered. It could have been anyone and yet it couldn't be any one because everyone was accounted for at the time of the death. There are a few references to previous Anty stories which, for those of us who have read the series, only bring back pleasant thoughts and make us want to reread (unlike when other authors do this and all we want is for them to get on with the story because we already know all of that!) and hopefully entice others to pick them up and enjoy them as much as we fans have.
Read it. You won't be sorry!
August 24, 2024
Anty, the toff's toff, goes soft in seven deadly sins swipe.
This is the ninth in the series featuring Anthony (Anty to friends and acquaintances) Boisjoly (pronounced to rhyme with Beaujolais wine) the clubman's clubman and toff's toff. I imagine this could work as a standalone and still be interesting and enjoyable. However, I have read all the previous outings and urge you to do likewise so you better appreciate Anty's approach to life and people and his relationships with other constant characters. There are also allusions to some of his previous escapades, so could be spoilers if read out of sequence.
The action is set in Epping forest where an health resort is located. It is patronised by the wealthy and witless whilst run by a wily wrangler of fortunes through native cunning and exploitation of human nature. We learn of him vicariously through the accounts of the other residents as he is the early victim. Mystery is piled upon mystery and motives abound so all seven suspects (the coroner, Anty and inspector arrived after the event) can be conveniently linked to the seven deadly sins. The victim's patented method is to deprive the residents of all pleasures and playthings by providing privation policed by a basset hound and staunch artisanal yeoman. There are several twists and a maguffin or two, but Anty solves the case documented by the dogged detective. The author contrives a very happy ending for those not culpable - which is why I say Anty has gone soft. The whole tale is leavened with droll humour and characterful personalities.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the ninth in the series featuring Anthony (Anty to friends and acquaintances) Boisjoly (pronounced to rhyme with Beaujolais wine) the clubman's clubman and toff's toff. I imagine this could work as a standalone and still be interesting and enjoyable. However, I have read all the previous outings and urge you to do likewise so you better appreciate Anty's approach to life and people and his relationships with other constant characters. There are also allusions to some of his previous escapades, so could be spoilers if read out of sequence.
The action is set in Epping forest where an health resort is located. It is patronised by the wealthy and witless whilst run by a wily wrangler of fortunes through native cunning and exploitation of human nature. We learn of him vicariously through the accounts of the other residents as he is the early victim. Mystery is piled upon mystery and motives abound so all seven suspects (the coroner, Anty and inspector arrived after the event) can be conveniently linked to the seven deadly sins. The victim's patented method is to deprive the residents of all pleasures and playthings by providing privation policed by a basset hound and staunch artisanal yeoman. There are several twists and a maguffin or two, but Anty solves the case documented by the dogged detective. The author contrives a very happy ending for those not culpable - which is why I say Anty has gone soft. The whole tale is leavened with droll humour and characterful personalities.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2024
Death Reports to a Health Resort is another Anty's classical mysteries. This time around his uncle who has been blamed for a murder in a health resort in the Epping forest. Anty comes into his rescue in suggestion of her mother. This story has a good humor as being a health resort nobody is allowed to drink or smoke. And if you are carrying the same it is barricaded by the dog in the health resort. There is a greatest twist in the end when as usual Anty finds out the real culprit and Ivor being the inspector of scotland yard. As usual the story narration is very intriguing and also there are humor created by author. These things comprise of a good story. Author has kept intrigued till the last section of the story. The humorous thing is when Ivor is devoided of his beloved smoke from his pipe which he keeps on playing in the start of the book. This book has given a lesson as well that its not easy to leave smoking and drinking. Overall I would say a awesome anty mystery and a awesome Goodread :)
If you want to read anty's all mysteries including this you can create account in booksiren and you will get the books. happy reading:)
If you want to read anty's all mysteries including this you can create account in booksiren and you will get the books. happy reading:)
September 12, 2024
I have become a die-hard fan of PJ Fitzsimmons' Anty Boisjoly and Teddy Qu9illfeather series. I honestly don't know how he does it. He manages to make fun of the 20th century (in this case the 1920's) British aristocracy while at the same time solving locked rooms, locked ships, and locked island mysteries. His prose is unbeatable. He can always make me laugh out loud. As I said in another review of his work, he must spend the majority of his time with a thesaurus because he has rhyming down to fine art. Yet he always manages to stop before it goes over the top. I always know when I open one of Mr. Fitzsimmons' books that I'm going to have a good time.
This time Mr. Fitizsimmons has created a new wrinkle for Anty and Ivor with their new case. Their victim was literally up a tree when he was killed. Check out the story to find out how they managed to solve this one. I highly recommend this series.
I received a review copy from the author via Booksirens and this review is my honest opinion.
This time Mr. Fitizsimmons has created a new wrinkle for Anty and Ivor with their new case. Their victim was literally up a tree when he was killed. Check out the story to find out how they managed to solve this one. I highly recommend this series.
I received a review copy from the author via Booksirens and this review is my honest opinion.
October 11, 2024
Still enjoying the banter. It was funnier, though, when only Anty and one other character chimed in than as a non-stop cross-talk act.
Also, the setting is historical, but Fitzsimmons has gradually switched from the original 1920s vocabulary to his own 21st century verbal tics. One thing I love about the earlier books is that though their humor is Wodehousian, the similes are original and the language is from the 1920s. We may think of Wodehouse as mid-Twentiesish because of the brilliant BBC series, but his literary world is Edwardian.
SPOILER
*
*
*
*
*
Finally, a gaping hole leaves the plotline senseless. OK, the dog is nasally impaired. But why can't Wickersham detect the odor of Scotch or its effect on Anty after he chugs half a bottle on an empty stomach? Why can't anyone smell tobacco in clothing? Without some reasonable explanation, such fifth dimensional creatures or extraterrestrial interference, the whole in narrative falls apart.
Also, the setting is historical, but Fitzsimmons has gradually switched from the original 1920s vocabulary to his own 21st century verbal tics. One thing I love about the earlier books is that though their humor is Wodehousian, the similes are original and the language is from the 1920s. We may think of Wodehouse as mid-Twentiesish because of the brilliant BBC series, but his literary world is Edwardian.
SPOILER
*
*
*
*
*
Finally, a gaping hole leaves the plotline senseless. OK, the dog is nasally impaired. But why can't Wickersham detect the odor of Scotch or its effect on Anty after he chugs half a bottle on an empty stomach? Why can't anyone smell tobacco in clothing? Without some reasonable explanation, such fifth dimensional creatures or extraterrestrial interference, the whole in narrative falls apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
This is the ninth book in the series that I've read and I think it is the first time that I've decided to write a review of the series; though it might not be since I suffer from a fading memory a bit like Vickers the elderly Gentleman's Man to the leading character Anty Boisjoly.
I'm only taking the unusual step (for me), of reviewing the book as I feel guilty for having read the funniest series I've ever read in my (quite) long life, while never making the effort of thanking the writer for the many hours of delight that he has given me.
As a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, I had never imagined that I would ever find anything as funny or indeed even funnier. In my humble estimation P.J. Fitzsimmons is a modern day literary genius. He is the equal of John Kennedy Toole who tragically only wrote a single book: A Confederacy of Dunces (1987), the funniest book ever written.
When I'm reading the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries, I feel as though time itself stands still.
I'm only taking the unusual step (for me), of reviewing the book as I feel guilty for having read the funniest series I've ever read in my (quite) long life, while never making the effort of thanking the writer for the many hours of delight that he has given me.
As a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, I had never imagined that I would ever find anything as funny or indeed even funnier. In my humble estimation P.J. Fitzsimmons is a modern day literary genius. He is the equal of John Kennedy Toole who tragically only wrote a single book: A Confederacy of Dunces (1987), the funniest book ever written.
When I'm reading the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries, I feel as though time itself stands still.
September 7, 2024
Another fun installment in the Anty Boisjoly series! I didn't personally find the resolution of this one to be as satisfying as some of the earlier books in the series, but I've always enjoyed Anty's antics as much for his witty repartee as for the mystery itself, and in that respect, the novel didn't disappoint. Fitzsimmons seems to have found the sweet spot that preserves enough of his characteristic wordplay and predilection for consonance to be true to his voice, without having these linguistic flourishes feel like a substitute for actual content.
I look forward to the next adventure!
*I received a review copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author for sharing!
I look forward to the next adventure!
*I received a review copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author for sharing!
September 15, 2024
The 9th book in the Anty Boisjoly Mystery series that keeps you laughing as you try to figure out the mystery. These mysteries are locked door type mysteries and in this case, a locked tree house mystery. Hitting close to home, Anty's mother told him to go to a health resort because his Uncle Pim is accused of murder of Doctor Mavin Smick the owner of the resort and Uncle Pim had an argument with him, so he is a suspect. Working with Inspector Wittersham with lots of suspects, twists and turns and red-herrings they have a tough nut to crack. This book is a page turner with lots of laughs as well as herrings. I really like this series and highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here is strictly my own.
September 16, 2024
Charming and funny, just like the rest of the series. This particular installment features the uniquely unpleasant setting of a rustic woodland health spa. And I do mean rustic. Fugitives from vice are forced to eat plain oatmeal and play billiards on a slanted table. One shudders at the thought.
I love the evolving bromance between Anty and Ivor. Meanwhile Vickers, Anty's erstwhile retainer, remains dreadfully senile but becomes more and more helpful with mystery solving.
This might be one of my favorites from the series, what with its locked-room style treehouse murder and Diogenes the disappointed pooch drooping about the place.
Best of all, the book kept me guessing and I turned out to be very wrong about the person I suspected.
Thank you to BookSirens for my review copy.
I love the evolving bromance between Anty and Ivor. Meanwhile Vickers, Anty's erstwhile retainer, remains dreadfully senile but becomes more and more helpful with mystery solving.
This might be one of my favorites from the series, what with its locked-room style treehouse murder and Diogenes the disappointed pooch drooping about the place.
Best of all, the book kept me guessing and I turned out to be very wrong about the person I suspected.
Thank you to BookSirens for my review copy.
August 24, 2024
Anty Boijoly is asked by his mother to help Postlewick Pimsloe his uncle who was arrested at the Eden Bliss Paradise Health Resort for the murder of Doctor Mavin Smick who was the owner of the resort. Then another murder follows which makes it worse for his uncle Pim. Anty and Inspector Wittersham are witnesses to this. This case has Anty in a twist as he goes about trying to solve the case with Inspector Wittersham. There is humour with Diogenes the Basset Hound and some characters in the book. A intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
August 25, 2024
Anty is asked by his mother to go to a health resort to come to the aid of a relative who is being accused of the murder of the manager of the resort. That alone had me chuckling! This resort is like one of a nightmare. No contraband of any sort is allowed, no alcohol, no tobacco etc and all are confiscated before entry. We have a locked room type of mystery as the body is found in a type of tree house with the ladder inside.
The witticisms abound throughout this book as expected, but the location and the various characters here make these even funnier. It's an easy read as it's so enjoyable. I can't believe we're at the ninth book already and I look forward to many more.
The witticisms abound throughout this book as expected, but the location and the various characters here make these even funnier. It's an easy read as it's so enjoyable. I can't believe we're at the ninth book already and I look forward to many more.
September 9, 2024
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this outdoorsy version of a locked-room murder as much as previous tales, but I soon found the puns and stories flew just as fast amongst swampy weeds as in stately London drawing rooms. It’s fun to see Anty and Ivor labor under the stress of withdrawal from their own favorite vices. And as always, Vickers is the perfect addition to any crisis! The ending of this mystery is unexpectedly romantic, and left me smiling even more than usual after spending my precious spare time with P. J. Fitzsimmons. I received a complimentary copy of this book via Book Sirens, and was not required to post a review.
September 14, 2024
Another fabulous whodunit by the master of hyperbole and alliteration, PJ Fitsimmons. This time Anty and inspector Wittersham are on the trail of a rather devious, if not typically eccentric, murderer. All the suspects are over-the-top and thoroughly enjoyable as usual. Anty's witticism is as sharp and funny as always. And there are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing until they very end (if you don't try too hard to figure it as you go - guilty!) These books are best read at a slow, casual pace so you don't miss any of the humor. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
January 12, 2026
Maybe my new favorite Anty story! This one hit the ground running with bangers like:
Audiobook narrator Tim Bruce is excellent as always, handling lines like, "He's as potty as a one-stop pot shop," with apparent ease. Five stars for Bruce.
"It's for hard cases, like Uncle Pim and that bloke, you know--wandering eye, always looks like he's about to tell Mistress."and:
"His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, sir."
"Is he always so testy?"The mystery was fun, the solution ridiculous, the characters outrageous.
"Not at all," I assured her. "Sometimes he must sleep."
Audiobook narrator Tim Bruce is excellent as always, handling lines like, "He's as potty as a one-stop pot shop," with apparent ease. Five stars for Bruce.
August 28, 2024
Death Reports to a Health Resort is book 9 in An Anty Bois Joly Mystery by P J Fitzsimmons. Anty is a wonderful character… smart, 29/30ish, plus an excellent investigator. Uncle Pim is accused of murder so his mother sends Anty to the health resort to figure things out. I think that this author writes wonderful turn of the century mysteries. I enjoy trying to figure out the murder before Anty. I found this book and truthfully the series s must read. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 10, 2024
Anty Boisjoly's Uncle Pim is at a "health" spa. When the doctor in charge dies, Uncle Pim is a prime suspect because of his recent threat to kill the man. Anty Boisjoly, pronounced Beaujolais, and Inspector Wittersham work together to solve the mystery.
There's a lot of focus on wit and wordplay far more than there is on the actual murder. I might try another book in the series and see if it suits me better.
There's a lot of focus on wit and wordplay far more than there is on the actual murder. I might try another book in the series and see if it suits me better.
September 26, 2024
Death Reports to a Health Resort is now the 9th book in this wonderful historical/golden age mystery series written recently. It features amatuer sleuth Anty Boisjoly and his family and friends as well as policeman ally Inspector Wittersham.
This one has Anty's mom asking him to help his uncle that's been accused of a crime. He heads tp him at this resort and there is a murder. Itwas great tp read as and a planned a mystery that wax executed brilliantly.
This one has Anty's mom asking him to help his uncle that's been accused of a crime. He heads tp him at this resort and there is a murder. Itwas great tp read as and a planned a mystery that wax executed brilliantly.
August 31, 2024
Clever and witty. Some interesting characters with my favourite being Vickers who has a most interesting memory span. The style of writing is an acquired taste. Excellent twists on the method of the murders as well as the closing scene with Uncle Pim. Diogenes provides a bit of humour. Overall, a relatively good read.
September 12, 2024
Anty, Vickers & Inspector Wittersham just get better and better. This book was a lot of fun and when I finished it I didn't feel sad because I can reread it immediately and find laughs missed the first time. This is always the case with P. J. Fitzsimmons.
I did not guess the method of murder although the clues were there, but I had the suspects narrowed down to two and one was correct!
I did not guess the method of murder although the clues were there, but I had the suspects narrowed down to two and one was correct!
January 25, 2025
A health club out in the sticks with mud shack accommodation, oatmeal dinners, and dubious infusions of questionable leaves served as tea, the murder of the man in charge is hardly surprising. Clever, witty and very very funny! But I guess that should apply to all the books written by P.J. Fitzsimmons. As always, if you enjoy this genre, you must not give this one a miss.
Read
November 20, 2025“Smoked right to the end,” he observed. “Almost no tobacco remaining.”
Vickers and I exchanged eyebrow alarms. “Inspector, you’re not thinking of putting the dregs into your pipe and smoking them, of course,” I gently encouraged. The career Scotland Yard inspector raised his eyes from the temptation with a yearning, pleading countenance,
Vickers and I exchanged eyebrow alarms. “Inspector, you’re not thinking of putting the dregs into your pipe and smoking them, of course,” I gently encouraged. The career Scotland Yard inspector raised his eyes from the temptation with a yearning, pleading countenance,
September 4, 2024
This is an easy reading cozy mystery; the ninth book in the Anty Boisjoly series. This is an interesting series with a unquie style of writing. The characters are a bit quirky. The plot is well thought out. Enjoyable read.
September 7, 2024
Wit. Humor. Word play. Clever mystery.
Anty Boisjoly is the bees knees!
I love how each chapter sets the tone.
“The Stress of An Address to an Undressed Baroness”……
This book series is pure joy!
Anty Boisjoly is the bees knees!
I love how each chapter sets the tone.
“The Stress of An Address to an Undressed Baroness”……
This book series is pure joy!
September 28, 2024
Love these books!
Andy is my absolute favourite series. They are just so different, fun and clever. The main characters come more and more alive with each book. Please keep them coming!
Andy is my absolute favourite series. They are just so different, fun and clever. The main characters come more and more alive with each book. Please keep them coming!
September 1, 2025
Had me fooled
All the evidence was there but I only caught one clue. Poor Vickers, always lost in time but clever in his own way. Ivor took the brunt of the action. Hope he has an easier time in the next mystery, with plenty of tobacco.
All the evidence was there but I only caught one clue. Poor Vickers, always lost in time but clever in his own way. Ivor took the brunt of the action. Hope he has an easier time in the next mystery, with plenty of tobacco.
September 6, 2024
This latest volume in the Anty Boisjoly series sees Anty out to save his Uncle Pim from being arrested for the murder of a health resort doctor. It's fun, clever, and as delightful as the rest.
September 7, 2024
Once again, the exceptional mind of PJ Fitzsimons has taken me on an exhausting and exhilarating romp of epic proportions! I am such a huge fan!
September 11, 2024
Another good one!!
I find these books just pure good entertainment!!! Just exactly what I need at times! I never miss one 🤗
I find these books just pure good entertainment!!! Just exactly what I need at times! I never miss one 🤗
September 19, 2024
another hit
Another finely crafted murder mystery. Full of humor intrigue and a couple of solid twists. I can’t wait for the next installment of either series.
Another finely crafted murder mystery. Full of humor intrigue and a couple of solid twists. I can’t wait for the next installment of either series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews